This story is my plea to the big deals at Freeform. The ending of Season Three is a well done and surprising one. However, when you establish such a couple as Ben and Ryn, you must keep that hook continuing. If this is the end of the Series, which I hope not, there must be some kind of closure. And, if this is the introduction to Series 4…you better have that couple reunited.
To the reader: This is a single piece. I am testing the waters to see if there is interest in following the story. Feel free to comment on the work and where you think it is going, or where you would want it to go. Also, tell me to get lost (in so many words) if you wish. I have a thick skin and may listen.
I feel his heartbeat.
Two months after the defeat of Tia and her minions, Ryn begins to start a new life. Ben's fate still undecided, others have stepped up to usher her into a new phase of her life. As Bristol Cove and most of the world try to mourn and rebuild, an unlikely pair try to help the still grieving young woman.
Elaine Pownall walks around the dinner table. This dinner party is different than any other she has hosted. Her shoulder length hairstyle fits the new color it possesses. The stem cells did more than give her the gift of walking. Black velvet-like hair matches youthful looking clear skin. Wrinkles around her face and eyes have vanished. Those eyes have also changed. Clear as a blue sky, even the weeks of sorrow over Ben's disappearance could not wither their crystal radiance.
"You look wonderful." Mr. Pownall goes to embrace his wife, but a stiffness answers the attempt. A dark blue suit with a matching silk tie finishes the ensemble. For Ted to wear a jacket and tie is a unique occurrence. Seeing the new dress his wife had purchased for the occasion, he promptly went out and bought this outfit. His station in the house has drastically changed since Ben's loss.
"I know, in some way, you blame me." He whispers, blinking several times. Even at this volume, it is hard for his voice not to break.
"No, Ted." Snapping her head, black hair twirls about her. Falling back to place, resting on her bare shoulders. "I blame you in everyway possible." Elaine stiffens her form, as his hand stops inches from her hip.
Leaving for the kitchen, she presses red polished nails against her chest. The scoop neckline of the black dress shows off skin, soft and clear. An occasional slight itch as she describes it, a small price to pay for her incredible transformation.
"I'll get it." Happy to leave the room, Ted rushes to the door.
Standing, solemn and silent Ryn looks at him.
"Hello, you know Hope." She states.
Hope has become more verbal but is still before the man at the door.
"Please, let me take your coat." Ted's voice is soft and full of compassion. Not quite what Ryn grew accustomed to.
After returning from the downstairs closet, he turns to the pair.
"You are beautiful, in every way."
Ryn does look stunning in a V-neck floral pattern. The spaghetti straps hold the blue material against her white skin. Though Ted's comments are not about the outfit.
"Mama," Hope wears the exact style dress in pale rose. The young girl hissed several times during the shopping spree before Helen intervened. Explaining the little girl's love of anything pink. Ryn agreed but was not above a stern expression. A taut cheek and furrowed brow made her opinion on this attempt at rebellion known.
"Mama," the young girl repeats. "Ben is love, father?"
Before her mother can answer, Ted stoops down silent. Dark brown eyes begin to flicker as he holds back the tears.
Staring into his face, Hope hugs the trembling man as she whispers.
"Ben father is love."
With this declaration, Ryn kneels to embrace the two of them.
"Dinner is served." Elaine walks into the dining room. Her grimaced expression tells Ryn, she has heard and does not agree with Hope.
As the meal progresses, Elaine interrupts her husband at every opportunity. Ryn's exposure to Mr. Pownall has been filled with hostility. His feelings grew more intense as the couple's love affair flourished.
"I disagree, Mr. Pownall has been very helpful." Ryn is still Ryn, speaking the truth in all situations. Several times during dinner, her husband's shortcomings concerning this whole episode are rehashed.
"Of course, now he thinks..." Elaine braces herself against the dining room chair. The black tufted material causes her dress to cling to the back of the chair. "Oh, no! Why did you get these chairs?"
"I guess, I'm to blame for the upholstering." A resigned grin takes over his expression.
"Mrs. Pownall, your husband has done so much. So much." Ryn's eyes travel to the woman and then to Ted.
"He's trying to purge his soul." Elaine's voice is strong, as she turns to her husband.
"Elaine, please?" He glances at his wife, taking a deep breath before casting a smile at Hope.
"I'm glad you are living in Ben's old apartment." Elaine comments. "In a way his memory is still alive."
"Ben is alive." Whispers Hope. "Ben is alive, mama," shaking in her chair, " Ben is alive."
"Yes, I know. I think of him always." Ryn points to her temple.
"No, mama!" Louder, the young girl begins to sob.
"What's wrong with her?" Asks Elaine, taken aback by the child's behavior.
Ted holds her, hoping to stop the escalating jolts from the little girl.
In an instant, Hope falls backward, dragging Ted to the ground. Shoulder length blond hair flies about the pair.
"Hope!" Both women scream.
Clutching the trembling girl in his arms, she begins to beat on her chest.
"Hope, mama is here. Hope? Hope?" Ryn begs to know the child's distress.
Secured in Ted's arms, the child's gyrations ebb. She slides into Ryn's grasp.
"What happened? Hope, what happened?" She asks.
Taking a deep breath as Ryn wipes her tearful face, the young girl speaks.
"Mama, I feel Ben heart." Placing her slender fingers on the left side of her chest. "I feel his heartbeat."