Heartlines

10: Fingertips

Slowly, I walk back to the car first and try to calm my heavy breathing, I was hurt more than anything. A lot just happened in our first fight, and I was trying to process it. All I needed was confirmation that I was more than his bed buddy. I want to hear that I was different from all the other girls he's been with.

I need to know that he is feeling exactly what I am feeling.

The air around me shifts and I feel him standing behind me. This isn't how I expected this morning to go. Fighting right before we meet his family is the worst thing that could happen now.

"Ally, I'm sorry." He whispers behind me.

I feel a large tear slide down my cheek as I turn to look at him. His expression softens, and he brings his hand to my chin. His thumb pushes the tear from my cheek. I move my head into his palm and look at him. Regret was evident on his expression.

"Ben, I need more. I don't want to be the girl that you're just screwing and letting stay over a couple time during the week. I need to know that something is bigger than just our physical connection. I know how clingy and needy this sounds, but you are the first guy that I've let myself love. If you can't be that guy, then you should turn us around and bring me back to Boston."

I'm not sure who is more surprised with my honesty. I've never been able to express my feelings like this, and I knew it was because I felt safe with him.

"Ally, I don't know how to be that guy."

I take a deep breath and more tears fall. I don't want to lose him.

"I've never been that guy, but I want to be for you. I'm very sorry about what I said back there, and I'm even sorrier that I made you cry. I don't ever want to be the guy that hurts you. Please come and have dinner with my family. If you still want to go back to Boston, I'll take you back tonight."

Ben reaches behind me and opens the car door. I look at him before climbing into the passenger seat. We pull away from the marina and I close my eyes.

When I open them, Ben is pulling into the driveway of a cute two-story gray house. I don't wait for him to open my car door, I let myself out and walk towards the house. The house is located right on the shoreline, and Boston's skyline was in the distance.

"Just wait until you see the inside." Ben tells me softly standing next to me.

"It's beautiful." I smile at him.

"Ready?" He asks.

"No." I lace my fingers with his.

He leads me into the house, his grandparents are standing in the middle of the living room with huge grins. Ben places our suitcases at the edge of the staircase and pulls me towards the couple.

"Grandma. Grandpa. This is my girlfriend, Allyson." Ben introduces me.

I look at him with wide eyes, Ben gives me a title to the two most important people in his life. I smile at him. We are going to be okay.

Edward hugs me, I blush thinking about our first meeting. "This is my wife, Lily." He hands me over to the excited grandma.

"Ben has never brought anyone home. You are beautiful." Lily hugs me tight.

"Are you okay with Ally and I sharing my old room?" Ben asks behind me.

Lily releases me and looks at her grandson. "Of course, but the rules from high school still apply. Your bed has fresh sheets, and the guest bathroom is squeaky clean with new towels."

"Thanks. I'm going to bring Ally upstairs so we can freshen up."

I follow Ben up the stairs to the tiny room at the end of the hall. The walls and bedding are white. The only color in the room was a rug on the floor and the sea green colored dresser and matching nightstand.