Ben Hallowell

**Ben Hollowell** is a recurring character in the *Freeform* series *Cruel Summer*.

He is Jamie's best friend, the kind of guy who tries to see everyone’s point of view, which frequently leaves him stuck in the middle.

## Early History

Ben was twelve when his mother was diagnosed with a fatal form of cancer. He worried everyday after her diagnosis that would be the day she'd die, but it wasn't for another year when he was thirteen that she died. He had a lot of time to think about what he wanted to say to her, which included a personal truth that he was gay. When it came time to say goodbye, he couldn't tell her and instead, shared that he loved her.

## Biography

### 1993

Ben helped cater the Garden Club Party on June 26th, 1993. He gave drinks to Rod Wallis and his football groupies. The group of men began to talk about how great of a quarterback Ben is, though the conversation eventually turned back to themselves. He went to the grocery store to pick up supplies and overheard a group of younger students who planned to fill up water balloons. He saw the trio and greeted them, learning that he’s a grade above them. He recommended they use shaving cream instead of water. The trio giggled happily over it and thanked him for the suggestion.

### 1994

Ben joined his best friend Jamie Henson at the roller rink to celebrate Jamie's girlfriend, Jeanette Turner's, birthday on June 21st. He sat by his friend on the side of the rink. Ben remarked that the girls, who had gone to the center of the rink, were discussing last Saturday night when Jeanette and Jamie had sex. Jamie laughed it off so Ben asked if he really liked Jeanette, to which Jamie assured him that he does. Ben asked if he still thought about Kate, to which Jamie admitted that he doesn't. Ben asked if Jamie thought she ran away, which Jamie remarked is better than the alternative.

A few days later, the police found Kate alive in the basement of assistant principal Martin Harris's house. Jeanette and her friends Tennille Peterson and Renee Talbot rushed to Jamie's house to talk with him. Ben ran out of the home to tell Jeanette she had to leave, but she assured him that she just wanted to talk with Jamie, confused as to what was going on. Jamie rushed out just then and without a word, punched Jeanette in the face which caused her to keel over. Her friends struggled to support her while Jamie screamed at her to leave. Ben intercepted Jamie seconds after the punch and wrestled him into the home.

Around June 26th, Ben held punching targets for Jamie to hit, while Jamie complained about Kate's weird behavior. Ben reluctantly told Jamie that Jeanette wants to talk with him, and even though Ben doesn’t know what’s going on, he thinks it’s a good idea since the pair have a history together. Jamie initially shot down the ideas as he’s with Kate now, but eventually agreed to meet with her. Ben worried Jamie might hit Jeanette again, but Jamie promised that his words will hurt a lot more and returned to punching the targets.

On July 4th, Vince left work early to meet a friend, and told his friend Mallory Higgins not to worry about where he's going. He left and climbed into a van where Ben waited. Ben asked if Mallory knew what they’re doing and where they’re going, but Vince assured him that she didn't. As they drive, they talk about Jeanette, and Ben asked if Vince really thought Jeanette was innocent. Vince didn't have to lie for Jeanette because he believed her, so Ben noted that if Vince believed her, then so does he - no matter what.

Ben and Vince pulled into the driveway of a house. Vince couldn't believe they were actually doing this, but Ben remarked that a forum said it was the place. They know they're ready because they're with one another. They entered the house which was decorated in string lights where romantic music played, and same-sex couples danced together. Ben held Vince’s hand and they walked onto the dance floor together. Ben remarked that he knew anything he said would sound like a bad line, so Vince told him he didn't have to say anything. Vince slowly put his arms around Ben’s neck and they began to slow dance. Across the room, the bouncer remarked that the boys were underage and wondered if they should escort the boys out, but the bartender, Minna, stated the house is a safe space for everyone and to let them dance - she just won’t serve them. Ben and Vince continued to dance together on the floor.

### 1995

On June 26th, Ben spoke with Jeanette's attorney Denise. He admitted to being confused over what is going on, but Denise can’t discuss the case. He worried about what them talking meant, but she assured him they’re just talking for now. She asked him about Kate and Jeanette and what the thought happened. He admitted that he thought Kate was lying but after she was rescued he didn’t know who to believe. Denise asked if he in anyway blamed Jeanette for what happened to him. He worked through the idea by describing a domino effect, which ultimately led him to admit that he does blame Jeanette partly for what happened.

On July 4th, Vince worked late at a movie store when he decided to make a call. Ben answered and when Vince spoke, Ben quipped that he wanted his father to invest in a caller ID for this very reason. Vince opened up about being freaked out over talking with Jeanette's lawyers, and since Ben had talked to Denise already, he thought Ben could help. Ben told him not to call anymore and that he had to understand that every time he called it brought him pain, and hung up.

## Physical Appearance

Ben is a young teenager with short blonde hair, blue-green eyes, and a stocky build.

## Notes and Trivia

* After suffering a severe compound fracture in his shoulder, Ben was forced to retire his football career.
* His jersey number was number 5.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.02 A Smashing Good Time
2. ↑ 1.01 Happy Birthday, Jeanette Turner
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 1.03 Off With A Bang