I Choose You

CHAPTER 3

Getting to know each other

"Thank you," Allison said a bit flustered and embarrassed. Brian smiled and helped her brush off the dirt from her clothes. "Are you alright?" he said searching her eyes realizing she was crying. Alisson tensed up a little soon reminding herself that this boy was a stranger. Then she remembered her mother's words about her overthinking things. 

"I'm sorry it's none of my business. I didn't mean to intrude," he said watching her closely. The entire time his heart raced rapidly as he took in every feature, movement, and mannerism. Benjamin knew he was lost in her presence and totally enamored by her.

"I'm..............It's okay," Allison said warming up to him. "I was visiting my mother's grave. She died four years ago and I was reading a letter from her. I got a little emotional. I'm sorry, I'm rambling," Allison said. "It's fine, I get it," Benjamin smiled. Allison was feeling the butterflies in her stomach do summersaults. This boy was so fine and he smelled amazing. Boys never piqued her interest but there was something special about Benjamin. 

He saw her questioning in her mind perhaps wondering what he was doing here. "Well, I was visiting my grandfather's grave. He died two years ago. We were very close," Benjamin said answering her curious look. "I happened to see you and just came over to say hi," he further explained.

Allison smiled feeling like a dork for overthinking. She saw a twinkle in his blue eyes when he talked to her making her feel all mushy inside. Okay get a grip she told herself. You hang out with Amber way too much and listen to her talk about boys. They both stood in awkward silence for a minute. 

"I'm leaving but it was nice running into you," Allison said beginning to walk away. Benjamin was not going to let this opportunity slip away from him. "Do you need a ride?" he asked not wanting to leave her presence so soon.

"I'll be okay thanks for the offer," Allison said. She did not know him that well. He seemed harmless but she just was cautious.

"Well, I will walk with you. I know you don't know me well but one day I hope you will be willing to take that ride," he smiled.

Allison giggled sending goosebumps and shivers over Benjamin. Dang, he thought. Everything was sweet about this girl. He was so intrigued by her, he had to find a way to get to know her better.

"Why are you all up in my head?" Allison teased. "No, just observant," he said watching her closely. Allison did not know if to run or melt. When he studied her with his blue eyes it made her feel all sorts of ways. It was as if he was really seeing her and that was different for Allison.

"You don't have to walk me. I will be okay," Allison said. "I don't mind," Benjamin said already walking along with her. 

Allison watched him from the corner of his eyes. Okay, this boy was actually walking her home. Amber would flip over this, Allison thought. "I have to make a quick stop at the food store," Allison said remembering that she promised her dad she was cooking. 

"That's fine," he said. Allison saw that she wasn't going to get rid of him so easily. As she shopped for a few items, Benjamin continued to wait for her lead to start a conversation.

"So, who is the mysterious Benjamin Grey? Allison asked. Benjamin said, "No mysyery. Just a simple young man with big hopes and dreams like everyone else. I live with my parents and two sisters. I am the oldest," he continued. "And I love walks, going to the park and beach. I really love places where I can enjoy nature," Benjamin continued. 

"What about you? Who is the lovely Allison Sinclair?" he beamed with much excitement. "Quiet, Loyal to my friends, committed to my relationship with God, an aspiring child psychologist, I love children," Alisson said enthusiastically. The fact that he was there and listening made Allison enjoy his company.

"An aspiring Photographer and Artist," Brian shared hoping one day he would be able to take a few pictures of Allison. "That's so cool you have giftings with your hands," Allison smiled.

"I can see that you do too. This lasagne is going to be delicious," Benjamin said looking at all the ingredients Alisson got. She was impressed that he appeared to even know his way around the kitchen.

"I'm okay at cooking but my dad rules in our house," Alisson confessed. "Hope one day to find out for me," Benjamin said locking eyes with hers.

Alisson felt weird as he carried her bags. This special attention was new to her. She was not that naive not to recognize he liked her.

"Well, this is my stop," Allison said when she arrived in front of the gate to her home. "It was my pleasure," Benjamin said handing over the bags and gently brushing her hands. 

Benjamin knew that something was there as soon as they touched hands. Of course, he was attracted to her but the slightest touch and eye contact was electrifying. He was tempted to ask her out, or for her number but his gut told him to move slowly. Allison needed to become comfortable with him. He was looking forward to learning more about her. Since coming to Charleston know other girl had him feeling this way. He choose Allison and knew his heart would eventually show him why.