I Choose You

CHAPTER 7

Defining our relationship

Allison was quiet as Benjamin drove to a special spot where they could talk. "Where are you taking me? I have to be home soon," Allison said trying to avoid keeping her promise to him. "You agreed Allison," he said pulling up near one of the town's lakes. "You forced me to make that decision. Honestly, I was simply trying to get rid of you," she admitted. Benjamin laughed, "So blunt. Are you trying to hurt my feelings?" he asked.

Allison looked up at him conflicted about how she should feel about all of this. This tall and handsome young man had her talking more to him than she anticipated. In addition, she was starting to like him and the attention he was showing her.

"You're in your head again. I could tell," Benjamin said escorting her out of the car. "Who is the shrink here?" she teased. "Please close your eyes," he asked. Allison agreed to get it over with. He held her hands and a picnic basket from out of the car. Benjamin directed her to a quiet spot with the lake in view. "Benjamin, how long do I have to close my eyes?" Allison asked. 

"One second," he said spreading a blanket and leading her to sit comfortably on it. "Open your eyes," he said. Allison was shocked to see the blanket with a basket of fruit, drinks, and sandwiches. "What is this?" she asked looking around her surroundings.

"Our special date," he grinned. "Boy, what are you talking about? I never agreed to a date," Allison giggled. "That was before me," he said. "So you lured me here for what I thought was a talk but you planned a date?" Allison studied him closely.

"Correct," Benjamin laughed. "Benjamin, this is too much," she said. "Try the food. You will like it," he encouraged. Allison reluctantly took a bite of one of the sandwiches and homemade lemonade.

"I hate how you manipulated this," she said between bites. "But this is good," Allison said savoring the delicious taste and closing her eyes. Benjamin kept watching her with keen interest. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she said taking another bite.

"You are just so beautiful," he said. "Thank you," Allison smiled ignoring his eyes. "Look at the lake. It is so gorgeous. This place is one of my favorite places to come to. I decided to bring my favorite person to my favorite place," he said.  

"More like tricked me into coming," Allison teased. "Well, I just set things in motion," Benjamin laughed. Allison looked at him closely. Benjamin was so sweet and warm. His sense of humor, attitude, and personality was so inviting. There was a bit of silence between both of them as they started to think about each other. 

"Benjamin Grey, what's your memo? What do you really want with me?" Allison asked.

"No games and no gimmicks. I want you in my life, to know you better, to date if possible. I want to know the real Allison Sinclair. 

Allison smiled, "Firstly, I never said I wanted a boyfriend. I don't date. You will have to take this up with my father," she said.

Benjamin took her hand and kissed it gently, "Are you asking to be my girlfriend?"

"No........ you said you want to date," Allison pulled her hand away and playfully spanked him on the shoulder. "Are you calling me delusional? Do you want something different?" Allison asked confused.

Benjamin giggled, "I am only kidding. Of course, I want something special with you. I would be honored to be your boyfriend. But I am not putting any pressure on you. We can move at your pace," he said looking directly into her eyes and caressing her hands. 

"Smooth. Has this line worked on other girls?" Allison giggled. "I don't know. I haven't tried it on other girls," he said.

Allison folded her arms. "So you are telling me you never had a girlfriend. One back home in Cincinnati for a year until we both agreed we wanted different things. No girlfriends for the last three years," he said. 

"What about dating?" Allison asked. "I haven't found anyone who interests me until now. With the basketball team, studies, and preparation for college, I was pretty busy since moving to Charleston," Benjamin admitted.

"Are you pulling my leg? You are such a handsome guy. I thought you would have the girls eating out of your hands," Allison stated looking at the lake.

"Do you think I am handsome?" Benjamin smiled. 

"That's all you got from what I said," Allison said. "I am not a player and my choices are different from other guys. I am attracted to deeper things," Benjamin said touching her face gently so she would look at him. "What about you Allison Sinclair? Have you ever had a boyfriend?" Benjamin asked. "No boyfriends," Allison said. 

"The boys at Charleston must be blind to miss out on connecting with a lovely gem like you," Benjamin confessed.  Allison blushed at how he was sincere with his words.

"Okay, Mr. Different, I am not like other girls. Most of your peers consider me a nerd or outcast. However, I am a Christian and don't compromise my standards. I am not at all into the fun and experimental things my peers like. Do you want to be with boring old me? If you are looking for something else nothing is happening," Allison said.

"I choose you, Allison Sinclair. Live with it. I know you are different and I am all in for your difference. However, I don't think you take the time to know yourself. There is so much to you than meets the eye. You are absolutely beautiful inside and out. Allison, you are far from boring. You hide your light and downplay your beauty but it's there and can't be hidden. Forgive me for recognizing the diamond before me that the world is yet to see," Benjamin said.

Okay, this boy is so fine and powerful with his words, Allison thought. She could just kiss him right now. His intense but soft look and the chemistry between them were surreal.  

Allison heard her phone buzz taking her out of her thoughts. She answered the call. "I'll be home soon Dad," she said.

"Benjamin, I have to go," Allison said. Benjamin helped her up. "Do you want to date me?" he asked trying not to lose the special moment. " I don't know. I have to think about this or even talk with my dad," Allison said. "I am going to talk to your Dad and ask for his permission to date you," Benjamin said. 

"Yeah right," Allison said thinking he was joking. "Are you sure you are not a little bit intimidated to approach my dad, the preacher?" Allison warned him. "Not at all," Benjamin said. Allison looked at him dumbfounded finally realizing he was actually serious about talking to her father.