I Choose You

CHAPTER 2

Forming Connections

"Allison, are you coming to Lance's birthday party?" Amber asked enthusiastically. "I'm not sure," Allison admitted getting her books from her locker. Amber looked at her best friend puzzled. "You knew this party would take place a month back. Did you even ask your dad?" Amber folded her arms displeased. Alisson looked at her friend with few words to say. "What?" Allison asked puzzled about Amber's reaction.

"Allison," Amber took a deep breath. "You did not ask him," she said seeing the truth in her friend's eyes. "You know that my dad is really strict when it comes to parties," Allison reminded her. Amber shook her head. "Allison, you are seventeen. In a few months, you will be eighteen and off to college. When are you going to stand up and live a little?" Amber said frustrated. "I want to live and see another day," Allison joked. "And it's not only my dad influencing my decisions. I have standards and those parties are not the best examples," she reminded her. "But we would be together making no compromise," Amber reminded her still disappointed that her best friend would not be there.

"Please tell me that you will try and talk to your father," Amber suggested. "I will try," Allison said. "I really want you there with me," Amber continued. "Why Amber? I don't hang out, I'm an introvert and prefer to be by myself," Allison reminded her. " You are my best friend and I need you in my corner," Amber explained. Allison sighed and hope Amber would drop her obsession with the party.

"Okay, I will drop it for now," Amber said sensing Allison was not fully on board with the party. "Thank you," Allison said giving Amber a hug. "You preacher kids are strange," Amber teased. "Stop with the generalizations," Allison informed her as they headed to class. Amber giggled as they sat down in Math class. "But I love you PK," Amber teased.

Benjamin sat at the back of the class and watched Allison Sinclair closely. Over the past few weeks, he noticed her from a distance admiring what he saw. Allison kept it simple yet was extremely beautiful and breathtaking in every possible way. She kept her long black hair always in one most of the time and wore lip gloss still managing to look simply irresistible. However, she was always glowing with an inner beauty that radiate from her. Her dark brown eyes, pretty smile, gorgeous dimples and glow made her shine brighter than she realized. Allison was a very pretty girl and did not have to work hard to show it. Benjamin never thought he would be so attracted to the preacher's daughter. Perhaps, it was because she was off limits, rare or different. Everything about her pulled him in and he was enamored by her beauty. Would she even consider giving me a chance? he thought. 

Benjamin watched as both girls left Math class. Allison left one of her books on the desk by mistake. Benjamin smiled and saw his opening. He was more than ready to get to know the lovely Allison Sinclair. 

"I think I left one of my books," Allison said suddenly searching her bags. "Let's go back and get it," Amber encouraged her. As they headed back to Math they met Benjamin Grey walking towards them. 

"Hi Allison and Amber," he said warmly. His blue eyes quickly settled on Allison. "I believe you forgot this," he said giving her back the book. "Thank you," Allison said reaching for her book and briefly brushing his hands. They both looked up at each other until Allison broke the eye connection. "Thanks again but we don't want to be late for class," she said pulling gently on Amber so they could leave. "Enjoy the rest of your day," he said nodding and turning away.

After he was gone Amber's eyes beamed and she gave Allison a questioning look. "What?!" Allison said. "What was that? That boy could not keep his eyes off you," Amber said. Allison laughed. "You're reaching. Don't get carried away the boy only gave me my book," Allison said.

"Trust me on this I am good at picking up signals. There is something there," Amber continued. "Benjamin Grey came to our school two years ago and was inducted into the popular crowd immediately. That boy is far from interested in me. He is popular and handsome. There is no way he would be interested in one of the less popular girls, "Allison said thinking Amber was completely lost in her assumptions.

Amber began to laugh. "Opposites do attract. He has kept a low profile. The girls at Charleston can't help to fall for such a cute face. That boy has not gone out with too many girls since coming here. Girls would love to date him. He is extremely cute with those alluring blue eyes, curly brown hair, and a handsome physique. I approve," Amber giggled. "Firstly, how do you know all of this? Secondly, I look beyond looks in a guy and thirdly I think I need to pray for you because you seem to be boy crazy," Allison laughed.

"This is high school. Trust me everyone knows who is dating,  and who is going steady. Teenagers talk a lot," Amber pointed out. "Class," Allison spoke one word to help her friend focus. Benjamin Grey could never be interested in me, Allison thought. 

After school, Allison went to the graveside to visit her mother's grave alone. She took out the letter from Amber and held it close. She closed her eyes remembering her mother's smile. Allison opened up the letter and was stunned to discover it was not written by Amber's mom. The letter was in her mother's handwriting with a note from Amber's mom saying " gift from your mom''

Dear Allison,

My beautiful and dearest daughter, my gem, and baby. I  will always love you. If you are reading this I am no longer with you but sleeping in peace. God has a plan for your life and never forget it. I  may not be there to experience your first dance, discuss your first crush or watch you fall in love. I may not be there physically but I am with you in spirit. Every time you smile and enjoy something I am with you in spirit basking in your joy. Remember everything I taught you and do not be afraid to lean on your father. 

Be sure to discover yourself and learn things that make you unique. You are young, beautiful, and energetic. Use it to explore the world around you. Furthermore, always communicate with your father and share your feelings. He is in your corner and you may be surprised by his point of view. Your daddy was once a teenager so he knows what goes on at high school. Never deal with issues on your own. 

Sweetie, you have the whole world ahead of you. But of course, don't forget God and the values we taught you. Be yourself, and never compromise or be different.

You are such a pretty girl. When guys start asking you out use your discernment. Always listen to that inner voice and be wise. You are seventeen now, getting ready for college and formulating new goals and the future you want. Take your time, don't overthink, and allow the holy spirit to help you make the right decisions concerning your life.

I love you and I am proud of all that you will accomplish. 

Love Mom

After reading the letter Allison got emotional and closed her eyes. She reminisced about the days when her mother was alive. As she stood to get up, an unlikely stranger broke her fall before she stumbled back to the ground. Surprisingly, Benjamin Grey helped her up back to her feet.