Scraps of Affection
Written by: Juana
Story Summary: Felicity, Ben and Bliss are all back in Palo Alto for the wedding. Bliss begins to fully realize how much Felicity will always be in Ben’s heart and it starts to cause some stress in the relationship. Felicity tries to distance herself from Ben and accepts a date with a high school rival of his…which doesn’t sit too well with Ben.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in my story. They belong to the brilliant writers and creators of the hit WB show.
INT: FELICITY’S ROOM. FELICITY IS FOLDING CLOTHES AND PUTTING THEM INTO HER SUITCASE.
FELICITY: (VO) Dear Sally…Well this is it…I’m headed home to Palo Alto for Christy and Steve’s wedding…after one last RA meeting to let my residents know I’ll be out of town. I’m appointing Elena my temporary replacement…which she reluctantly agreed to do…but she did owe me a huge favor after getting Noel out of her dorm and into Ben’s loft.
INT: MAIN MEETING ROOM-DAY
FELICITY HAS GATHERED HER RESIDENTS TO INTRODUCE THEM TO ELENA.
FELICITY: Everyone please settle down…Let’s make this quick…I’ve got a plane to catch.
EVERYONE QUIETS DOWN.
FELICITY: (cont.) I wanted to let you all know that I am going to be gone for the next twelve days, and in my absence I’ve asked my friend Elena here (points to Elena) to take over for me. She will be available to answer any questions you might have while I’m gone. So are there any questions before I end this meeting?
MAX: Yeah…can we have a party while your gone?
ELENA: (to Felicity) I’ll get this one…in answer to your question (harsh)…No. Any more questions? Okay…great…I can see we will get along just fine.
FELICITY: (smothering a laugh) Ok…well everyone have a great time while I’m gone and I’ll see you when I get back.
EVERYONE GETS UP AND STARTS LEAVING THE MEETING. ELENA TURNS TO FELICITY.
ELENA: I think that went quite well.
FELICITY: I think they will be afraid to ask you for anything.
ELENA: Like I said…quite well.
INT: AIRPORT-DAY
FELICITY IS SITTING IN THE AIRPORT LOUNGE WAITING FOR HER FLIGHT TO BE CALLED. BEN AND BLISS COMES WALKING DOWN THE HALLWAY. BEN AND FELICITY SEE EACH OTHER AT THE SAME TIME. BEN COMES WALKING OVER TO HER WITH BLISS TRAILING GRUDGINGLY BEHIND HIM.
BEN: (to Felicity) Hey…I didn’t know you were going to be on this flight.
FELICITY: Yeah…definitely a weird coincidence.
BLISS: (agitated) I’m sure.
FELICITY: (VO) I couldn’t believe my incredible bad luck Sally. I was going to be forced to share a flight with Ben and Bliss. I kept trying to figure out what I must have done in a former life to deserve such bad karma.
FELICITY IS SITTING IN HER SEAT READING A MAGAZINE DURING THE FLIGHT. BEN COMES UP AND SITS IN THE EMPTY SEAT BESIDE HER.
BEN: Hey.
FELICITY: (uncomfortable) Hi.
BEN: I guess this is kind of awkward…huh?
FELICITY: Yeah…just a little.
BEN: I really didn’t know you were going to be on this flight…or I
FELICITY: What? You would have…taken a later flight? That’s ridiculous Ben.
BEN: I just don’t like making you uncomfortable like this.
FELICITY: It’s okay…really. I’m fine. I think…well I think maybe you should be worrying about Bliss…not me.
BEN: I can’t be concerned about you too?
FELICITY: Actually…I would appreciate it…if you wouldn’t be…it just confuses things.
BEN: I thought we were okay.
FELICITY: We are. But I’m not you’re concern any longer…you have to realize that.
BEN: (relents) I know you’re right…I do…(puts hand out for her to take) friends?
FELICITY: (looks at hand and reluctantly shakes it) Absolutely…friends.
BLISS WHO HAS BEEN SLEEPING IN HER SEAT. WAKES UP AND NOTICES BEN IS GONE. SHE SPOTS HIM UP TALKING TO FELICITY AND A SINGLE TEAR ESCAPES DOWN HER CHEEK WHICH SHE QUICKLY WIPES AWAY AS SHE WATCHES BEN SAY SOMETHNG TO FELICITY AND THEN LAUGH.
INT: FELICITY’S PARENTS HOUSE-NIGHT
FELICITY: (VO) It was nice Sally…knowing that even through it all we had somehow managed to remain friends. It wasn’t exactly the way I wanted things…but it was good. I’ll talk to you more about that later though…right now I need to get ready for Christy and Steve’s party tonight. It will undoubtedly be awkward but I have decided no matter what…I am going to have a good time. I’m tired of gauging my fun by what will make Ben comfortable…after all he is here with Bliss.
STEVE’S HOUSE: NIGHT
CHRISTY AND FELICITY ARE AT THE DRINK TABLE GETTING A BEER.
CHRISTY: (to Felicity) I can’t believe you didn’t say anything…you should have warned me. I almost fell over when he showed up to the house with her.
FELICITY: I know…I’m sorry. I guess I should have. I just figured you knew. I thought for sure Ben would have told Steve.
CHRISTY: No…Steve had no clue either. I’m dying to know what happened with the two of you. So enlighten me.
FELICITY: (VO) So I spent the next hour or so filling Christy in on *everything* having to do with the rise and fall of Ben and Felicity.
CHRISTY: Wow…that’s quite a story.
FELICITY: And that was the abridged version. But the end result is always the same…He has Bliss and all I have left are…memories.
CHRISTY: I just…I can’t believe it…I thought the two of you were so *perfect* for each other.
FELICITY: (wistful) Yeah…so did I.
INTERCUT TO:
BEN AND STEVE WHO ARE STANDING ACROSS THE ROOM TALKING. BLISS IS LOOMING IN THE BACKGROUND JUST BEHIND THEM. NEITHER ONE REALIZES SHE IS THAT CLOSE.
STEVE: So give it up Covington. What happened with you and Felicity?
BEN: It’s a long story.
STEVE: And you’re happy about the way things are?
BEN: What?
STEVE: You’re okay with this?…you and Felicity being apart.
BEN: I’m dealing with it.
STEVE: Don’t get me wrong man. I like Bliss…she definitely defies the hot meter…but last time you and Felicity were here…you were pretty attached.
BEN: Things change.
STEVE: Do they?
BEN: What are you getting at Steve, cause you’re starting to tick me off.
STEVE: I’m just saying that maybe things aren’t always what they seem.
BEN: Meaning?
STEVE: (turning a little he sees Bliss and realizes she has heard everything) Never mind…it’s none of my business. I’m gonna go find my bride to be.
BLISS WALKS UP AS STEVE WALKS AWAY.
BEN: How much of that did you hear?
BLISS: Pretty much the whole thing. Why did you bring me here Ben?
BEN: Because…I…I…wanted you to meet my friends.
BLISS: I think it’s pretty obvious you’re friends don’t like me.
BEN: They don’t really know you.
BLISS: And they never will. This may as well be a reunion party for you and Felicity…because obviously that’s what is going to happen here.
BEN: I think you’re being paranoid Bliss.
BLISS: (angry) And I think you’re being…ignorant.
BLISS STARTS TO WALK AWAY AND BEN GRABS HER ARM.
BEN: Come on Bliss…don’t do this.
BLISS: Let go of my arm Ben…I don’t want to talk about this.
BEN LETS GO OF BLISS ARM AND SHE WALKS AWAY INTO ANOTHER PART OF THE PARTY.
FELICITY AND CHRISTY HAVE WATCHED THE WHOLE INTERACTION.
CHRISTY: What do you think that was about?
FELICITY: I don’t know.
CHRISTY: You should go talk to him.
FELICITY: No…I shouldn’t. I should stay as far out of it as I can.
FELICITY WALKS AWAY TO FIND A BATHROOM. SHE WALKS INTO CHRISTY AND STEVE’S BEDROOM BLISS IS SITTING ON THE BED CRYING. FELICITY TRIES TO MAKE A QUIET EXIT BUT BLISS LOOKS UP AND SEE’S HER.
FELICITY: I’m sorry. I was just looking for a restroom.
BLISS: (wiping her eyes) I was just getting ready to leave…I was looking for my coat.
FELICITY COMES OVER AND HELPS HER START GOING THROUGH THE COATS ON THE BED.
FELICITY: I’m sure it’s here somewhere…what does it look like?
BLISS LOOKS AT FELICITY AND SITS DOWN ON THE BED AGAIN AND STARTS CRYING.
FELICITY: (cont.) Are you okay?
BLISS: (looks at her through tear filled eyes) I want so much to hate you.
FELICITY: I’m sorry…what?
BLISS: You heard me. I want so much to make this all your fault. To blame you.
FELICITY: Blame me for what…exactly?
BLISS: For the fight that Ben and I just had…for the fights we keep having.
FELICITY: I don’t understand.
BLISS: Yes you do. You see that’s the problem…you and Ben both know what’s going on…but you refuse to see it.
FELICITY: Okay…you know you’re not making any sense right now…don’t you?
BLISS: I can’t compete with you.
FELICITY: I’m not asking you to.
BLISS: But you want me to.
FELICITY: What? That’s ridiculous. I don’t want…anything like that.
BLISS: Then what is it you do want?
FELICITY: What do you mean?
BLISS: From Ben…what do you want from Ben?
FELICITY: (caught off guard) I…I want things exactly the way they are…friends.
BLISS: And you can live with that?
FELICITY: Yes…Bliss… I assure you…I’m not a threat to you and Ben.
BLISS: Actually…you are. Whether you acknowledge it or not…Ben is not over you.
FELICITY: Yes…he is. Your relationship with him is proof of that.
BLISS: I don’t understand how you can be so sure?
FELICITY: And I don’t understand how you can’t?
BLISS: Because…he’s never given me any reason to believe…that it’s me he wants to be with.
FELICITY: How can you say that? You’re the one he comes home to at night. You’re the one he gives himself fully and completely to.
BLISS: I know that’s what you believe…what he wants you to believe…but maybe it’s time you knew the real truth about me and Ben.
FELICITY: The truth? What are you talking about?
BEN COMES WALKING INTO THE ROOM.
BEN: Bliss…I’ve been looking all over for you.
BLISS: (to Ben) Why?
FELICITY: I’m just gonna go now.
BLISS: (to Felicity) Aren’t you the least bit curious about the secret I wanted to share with you?
BEN: What are you doing Bliss?
BLISS: I’m telling her the long over due truth Ben…it’s time she knew.
FELICITY: I think this is probably something between the two of you…
BLISS: (interrupts) Ben has been keeping a secret from you.
FELICITY WHO WAS TRYING TO MAKE A GRACEFUL EXIT. STOPS SHORT.
FELICITY: What?
BLISS: That’s right…tell her our little secret Ben.
FELICITY: Ben?
BEN: I don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish here Bliss…but know is not the time for this. I think we should just get back to the party.
FELICITY: What’s going on?
BEN: (to Felicity) I think you should go back downstairs. Bliss and I have some things we need to work out.
FELICITY: Yeah…that sounds like a good idea.
FELICITY WALKS OUT OF THE ROOM AND BEN TURNS ON BLISS.
BEN: Dammit Bliss…why can’t you just let this go?
BLISS: Because I’m tired Ben. I’ve been running this same scenario with you for months now. Nothing changes and all roads lead back to Felicity.
BEN: What exactly is it that you want from me?
BLISS: I want what Felicity has.
BEN: And what do you think that is?
BLISS: Your heart. Your passion…your *love*
BEN STANDS SILENT IN FRONT OF BLISS.
BLISS: (cont.) Why can’t you give me those things?
BEN: I want to…but…
BLISS: But what? What will your excuse be this time?
BEN: You’re asking me for something I don’t have to give.
BLISS: Then what is the point of *this* Ben?
BEN: I thought you understood…that I had things I was trying to let go of…that it was going to take some time.
BLISS: How much time Ben?
BEN: I don’t know.
BLISS: Well I do. I hate facing this…but the truth is…you will never be able to give me what I want…as long as Felicity is around.
BLISS WALKS OUT OF THE ROOM LEAVING BEN STANDING THERE. SHE WALKS DOWNSTAIRS LOOKING FOR FELICITY. SHE RUNS INTO STEVE.
BLISS: Have you seen Felicity?
STEVE: Uh…yeah. I think I saw her with Craig in the other room.
BLISS: Thanks.
STEVE: Is everything okay?
BLISS: It’s about to be.
BEN IS STANDING AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS. AFTER HEARING BLISS HE GOES AFTER HERE AND CATCHES UP TO HER RIGHT BEFORE SHE GETS TO FELICITY.
BEN: (grabbing Bliss around the waist) Stop!
BLISS: Are you crazy? Let go of me.
BEN: No.
BEN TAKES BLISS HAND AND PULLS HER OUT OF THE ROOM. EVERYONE IS STARING…INCLUDING FELICITY.
BLISS: (angry) What are you doing?
BEN: Trying to keep you from compounding this…problem. You can’t tell her Bliss. No matter what you think of me right now…I beg you not to tell her the truth.
BLISS: Why?
BEN: Because…it’s irrelevant. It has no bearing on what’s happening with us. I know you think it does…but it’s just an insignificant piece of information.
BLISS: If it’s so insignificant…then why don’t you want her to know?
BEN: I have my reasons. Can’t we leave it at that?
BLISS: I hate you…for turning my life upside down like this.
BEN: I know…and I can’t say it’s unjustified…but try and remember the reason we are here this weekend…for a wedding. Can’t we just enjoy ourselves while we’re here and hash this out at home? Do we have to make this so…*public*?
BLISS: (remorseful) It’s just that…it’s driving me crazy Ben…I am so jealous of her…of what she means to you. But you’re right…this is a happy occasion…so lets just enjoy what may very well be our last weekend together.
BLISS WALKS BACK INTO THE OTHER ROOM. BEN FOLLOWS HER…BUT HIS GAZE INSTANTLY SEEKS OUT FELICITY. FELICITY IS SEATED ON A COUCH WITH A GUY. STEVE COMES WALKING UP TO BEN.
STEVE: Bliss seems pretty steamed…did you two have a fight?
BEN: (preoccupied watching Felicity) Something like that. Is that Craig Hart over there on the couch with Felicity?
STEVE: Yeah.
BEN: I didn’t know he still lived here.
STEVE: He doesn’t. He’s here for the wedding…in fact he’s in the wedding.
BEN: Oh.
CHRISTY WALKS UP TO STEVE AND BEN.
CHRISTY: (kisses Steve) Hey sweetie.
STEVE: And hello to you too. (hugs Christy) Are you having a good time?
CHRISTY: Yes…hi Ben.
BEN: Hey…(hugs Christy) You look great.
CHRISTY: Thanks.
CRAIG COMES WALKING UP TO THE GROUP. FELICITY HAS REMAINED ON THE COUCH.
CRAIG: (hugs Christy) Christy darling…Steve is a lucky man. You look absolutely gorgeous tonight.
CHRISTY: (blushing) Thanks. (to Steve) I um…I’m just going to go see how Felicity is doing.
STEVE: All right…(kisses her again)
CRAIG: Well…you know I never would have believed it in a million years if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.
STEVE: What’s that?
CRAIG: You and Christy man…I mean she wouldn’t exactly have been your first choice in high school…but she’s definitely…changed.
STEVE: Careful Hart…that’s my future wife you’re getting ready to bag on.
CRAIG: Oh no…I mean no harm…I was just saying how weird it is…the way things change. Take Felicity for instance.
BEN WHO HAD BEEN STARING AT FELICITY ONLY HALF INTERESTED IN THE CONVERSATION IS SUDDENLY LISTENING VERY ATTENTIVELY AS CRAIG MENTIONS HER NAME.
CRAIG: (cont.) I mean…who would ever have imagined how completely delectable she would become. Not me…that’s for sure.
STEVE: Yeah…she’s really great.
CRAIG: Sure yeah…there’s that too…but I’m talking about how *hot* she has become. You can’t tell me you didn’t notice that she’s very do-able.
BEN: (shocked by Craig’s candor) What?
CRAIG: Did I say something wrong?
BEN: Try more like…offensive.
CRAIG: What’s the matter…steamed I got there first Covington?
BEN: Why don’t you just back off of Felicity and find someone who has low morals…someone… more like you.
CRAIG: Clearly I’ve hit a nerve. I’m curious Covington…why do you care what I say about little Miss Porter?
BEN: Because she’s my friend.
CRAIG: Well that’s touching…really. But not enough to keep me away from her…sorry.
BEN: (grabs front of Craig’s shirt) I mean it Craig…leave her alone.
CRAIG: Okay…first of all. (pull’s Ben’s hands off his shirt) I don’t take to idle threats…secondly she has already decided for herself to go out with me…so whatever this *jones* is that you have for her…too bad.
CRAIG WALKS AWAY FROM THE BEN AND STEVE AND BACK OVER TO FELICITY. CHRISTY GETS UP OFF THE COUCH AND GIVES HIM BACK HIS SEAT.
BEN LOOKS AT STEVE…HE IS CLEARLY UPSET.
BEN: I can’t believe it…he hasn’t changed at all. He’s still the same arrogant…
STEVE: (interrupting) What the hell was that?
BEN: What?
STEVE: You need to get a grip Ben. Get yourself in check here.
BEN: What are you talking about?
STEVE: You were way out of line just now.
BEN: I was out of line? He was the one making the comments.
STEVE: He may have a semi-Neanderthal way of expressing himself…but I don’t think that’s what this is really about.
BEN: This should be interesting.
STEVE: I think you’re upset because…well because…he asked Felicity out.
BEN: Nothing could be further from the truth. Felicity is free to date whoever she wants.
STEVE: And that’s what she is doing…so why did you just jump down Craig’s throat?
BEN: Because…you and I both know why he asked her out.
STEVE: We do?
BEN: Yes…because she used to be my girlfriend…and he has always gone after people I was interested in.
STEVE: I hate to be the one to break it to you buddy but…Craig isn’t competing with you this time. He doesn’t even know about you and Felicity.
BEN: You didn’t tell him?
STEVE: No.
BEN: Then…why did he ask her out?
STEVE: Maybe…because he is attracted to her…who knows. You have to face some facts here Ben…Felicity is beautiful…and charming…and a lot of fun to know. Guys are going to want to date her. And rumor is that…she is single now.
BEN: Very funny.
STEVE: I’m not trying to be funny Ben. I’m trying to make you see the truth.
BEN: Okay…I get it. She’s beautiful…charming…
STEVE: Not that truth.
BEN: Then what truth are you talking about?
STEVE: Look…we’ve known each other for a really long time, and for the majority of that time…I have envied you.
BEN: What?
STEVE: It’s true. You were always more athletic, a lot more popular…and well you won best looking…so I guess I would have to say better looking. I honestly believed you had everything. I was pretty sure you were destined for a great life.
BEN: And now?
STEVE: After this past summer…watching you and Felicity fall in love …I would have bet that I had been right about you all those years. You were one charmed son of a bitch…But now…you’re like this whole different person. You’re angry…and unhappy…and…
BEN: (edgy) What’s your point?
STEVE: My point is that you keep pretending that everything is okay with you…but you’re miserable.
BEN: Let’s just pretend for a second…that maybe you’re right. Maybe I am miserable. What’s the point of admitting that to you or anyone else?
STEVE: Because…maybe…I can help.
BEN: How?
STEVE: By helping you get Felicity back.
BEN: I already have a girlfriend Steve.
STEVE: But that’s not making you happy…so maybe you need to rethink it.
BEN: I’m not leaving Bliss for Felicity…so let’s just drop this.
STEVE: And that’s your final word on this?
BEN: Yes.
BEN LOOKS OVER AT FELICITY AND CRAIG SITTING ON THE COUCH AND THEN BACK AT STEVE.
BEN: (cont.) It’s just better this way…I know it is.
STEVE: Whatever you say.
NEXT NIGHT: BEN IS STANDING ON FELICITY’S DOORSTEP GETTING READY TO RING THE DOORBELL…HE STARTS TO BUT THEN HESITATES. AS HE GETS READY TO WALK AWAY THE FRONT DOOR OPENS AND FELICITY’S MOM COMES WALKING OUTSIDE.
MRS. PORTER: Benjamin?
BEN: Yeah…hi Mrs. Porter.
MRS. PORTER: How have you been?
BEN: Um…good thanks.
MRS. PORTER: I was just on my out to meet Mr. Porter…but Felicity is upstairs in her room…you’re welcome to go on up.
BEN: Thanks. But…I think I’m just gonna go home.
MRS. PORTER: I’m sure she would be upset if she knew you came by but didn’t stop in to see her.
BEN: It’s just that…I’m not really sure I should be here.
MRS. PORTER: I think she would be glad that you are. Why don’t you go on up and see her?
INT: PORTER HOUSE-NIGHT
BEN CLIMBS THE STAIRS TO FELICITY’S ROOM. HER DOOR IS SLIGHTLY AJAR AND SHE IS SITTING AT HER DRESSER BRUSHING HER HAIR. CAUTIOUSLY HE STEPS IN BUT HE STILL CATCHES HER BY SURPRISE.
FELICITY: (jumps) Jesus Ben…you scared me.
BEN: I’m sorry. I ran into your mom downstairs and she told me to go ahead and come up. I didn’t mean to scare you.
FELICITY: What are you doing here?
BEN: That’s a really good question.
FELICITY: And what’s the answer?
BEN: (pauses) I needed to see you.
FELICITY: Why?
BEN: I’ve been thinking about some things.
FELICITY: What things?
BEN: Us.
FELICITY: You’ve been thinking about…us?
BEN: Yeah. I don’t know…maybe it’s being back here…but I can’t help…reminiscing. I uh..I drove up to the point today.
FELICITY: You did?
BEN: Yeah. I know it’s stupid…but we have a lot of good memories connected to it.
FELICITY: I don’t think it’s stupid. I think…well I think it’s kind of…sweet.
BEN: Really?
FELICITY: Yeah…I do.
BEN: I’m actually glad to hear that…you see I’ve been thinking about the way things are between you and me…and I was thinking maybe we…well maybe I…I was hoping…
AS BEN IS STRUGGLING WITH WHAT TO SAY THE DOORBELL RINGS.
BEN: (cont.) You probably need to get that.
FELICITY: I’ll be right back. Please don’t go anywhere.
FELICITY WALKS DOWNSTAIRS AND ANSWERS THE DOOR. CRAIG HART IS STANDING THERE.
CRAIG: Wow…you look great. Are you ready?
FELICITY: Um…almost. Why don’t you come in and have a seat. I’ll be right back.
CRAIG WALKS IN AND FELICITY FRANTIC GOES BACK UPSTAIRS TO HER ROOM. BEN IS SITTING ON HER BED.
BEN: I uh…I can see this is probably a bad time. I didn’t know you had plans.
FELICITY: I made them yesterday. But if you want me to…I’ll ask him to leave.
BEN: I’m not gonna ask you to do that.
FELICITY: You uh…you were saying something before the doorbell rang…what was it?
BEN: Nothing…it was nothing.
FELICITY: Ben?
BEN: You should probably get going on your date. I’ll just let myself out.
BEN HEADS TOWARD HER BEDROOM DOOR AND STARTS TO WALK OUT. HE HESITATES AND THEN TURNS BACK AROUND.
BEN: I hope you have a good time tonight.
BEN WALKS DOWN THE STAIRS AND OUT THE FRONT DOOR WITHOUT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGING CRAIG. FELICITY GOES TO HER WINDOW AND WATCHES BEN GET INTO HIS CAR AND DRIVE AWAY.
SALLY: (VO) Dear Felicity…So I guess by the time you get this tape you will have arrived back in Palo Alto for Christy’s wedding. I hope everything goes well for you there. I’m not normally the type of person to tell someone to pull out all the stops, but this time in Palo Alto may just provide you with an opportunity to convince Ben that things were once really good between you…and that they can be again. I look forward to hearing about your adventures while you’re there. The fact that Ben is bringing Bliss with him shouldn’t concern you. And if anything it may be the one place that will help Bliss see…that maybe what she has right now…isn’t exactly what she wants. Bliss strikes me as the kind of woman that needs to be fully appreciated…having just scraps of Ben’s affection will never be enough for her…there will come a point where she will make the demand of all or nothing. And my money is on Ben being unable to give all…which leaves her with nothing. Take Care…Love to Ben. Love Always…Sally.