Bring Me To Life

Colorblind

Several days had passed since Jenn had that serious conversation with Benny. She found herself grappling with the challenge of being reasonable with Ben, trying to explain to him why she still communicated with Alex, despite his alleged abusive behavior and a troubled history with her. Questions lingered in her mind: Why lie? Why "protect" him?

Bens  Perspective:

Exhausted from a long day at work, I sank into my car seat, glancing at my phone in the hope of a message from Jennifer. Alas, there was none. With a sigh, I headed to Ralph's grocery store, then decided to pick up a large bouquet of flowers and some ruffled chips.

"Ben?"

I looked up, hearing my name. To my surprise, it was my ex, Ana. A soft smile played on my lips as she approached. "Hey, how are you?" I greeted her.

"I'm doing great, and you? I've missed you!" Ana giggled.

"Missed you too," I chuckled, reciprocating the warmth."So, I heard you're with Jennifer?" Ana asked, glancing at the flowers and chips.

"Yeah, she's my girl," I replied, feeling a flutter in my stomach at the mention of her name.

"It's sweet that you're getting her flowers. I remember when you used to bring me flowers," Ana said softly, her smile lingering.

"Alright, well, I've got to go. Nice seeing you," I smiled, trying to navigate the awkward encounter as I headed to self-checkout.

After paying, I embarked on the 45-minute drive to Jennifer's house. It felt like an eternity, but the anticipation of seeing her made it worthwhile.

Finally arriving, I gathered the flowers and chips and rang the doorbell. Jennifer opened the door, stunning in a black silk robe with feathered lining, heels, and impeccable makeup.

"What the...? I was just about to do a photo shoot..." she said, smiling softly, glancing at the gifts, then up at me.

"Oh, I just wanted to come by, give you these, and maybe spend some time with you. But if you're not free, it's okay, really," I said, hesitating, admiring her beauty.

"Uh, okay. Can you come back in like maybe 2 hours...?" Jenn asked, smiling softly.

"I have to pick up the kids in three hours... but okay, that's fine," I forced a smile, handing her the flowers and chips.

"Thank you so much, babe. You're so sweet and thoughtful," Jenn said, appreciating the gesture.

"No problem," I smiled, attempting a kiss, but she turned her cheek. "Sorry, lip gloss," she giggled.

"Well, see you soon, and thank you for the flowers," Jen said, closing the door.

Standing at the doorway, I sighed, then walked back to my car. What is happening? She's acting strange, mentioning a photo shoot, and there's another unfamiliar car. But I guess her photographer drives a red Porsche...

I drove to a café near the kids' school and waited.

Jennifer's Perspective

"God, that was close," I whispered, turning to face Alex standing at the door in his boxers.

"Those are some cheap flowers. I could get you a whole field of flowers, and they would look better than those," Alex commented, pulling me close.

"You're just jealous that he actually thinks of me, unlike you. You never did throughout our relationship, only on holidays," I retorted as he aggressively kissed my neck.

"But he doesn't fuck you like I do," Alex mumbled, tossing the flowers aside, undressing me, and kissing down my body.

His touch was both gentle and rough, stirring conflicting thoughts. Wait, Ben is also delicate... what am I thinking? Alex was about to proceed when I halted him.

"Papi, wait... I can't do this. Ben went out of his way to see me, and I blew him off for a guy I keep around just for a good time?" I said, pulling away.

"Come on, Jen, just one last time," Alex pleaded, flipping me onto my stomach and kissing my back.

"Fine, but only one ti—" I gasped as he entered, and he proceeded to thrust slow then slowly pick up the pace. 

Bens Perspective

Three hours passed, and still nothing from Jenn. I sighed, went to pick up the kids from school, took them home, and made them dinner.

To be continued...