I Choose You

CHAPTER 13

The Party

"The last few weeks were different in so many ways," Allison admitted. Amber smiled, "Is it because you turned heads with your new look or it is because you and Benjamin are getting closer?"  

"I have no comment," Allison laughed. "I'm so glad you came to the party," Amber smiled pulling her closer. "I'm glad I came too," Alisson said looking around the room for Benjamin who said he was coming just because of her. 

Samantha and Michael showed up with their dates Langston and Sydney. They met up with Allison and Amber. Kristen also showed up with flowers asking Amber to dance. Allison encouraged Amber to dance with him. Allison smiled and was happy her friends were having a good time. 

Mariah managed to worm herself next to Allison who was shocked by her presence and boldness. 

"Are you trying to upgrade your status? I see the hair, new wardrobe, and the boy on your shoulder who should be mine.  You are really Ms. Popular these days. But let me remind you who you are. Lame, outdated, and unfashionable. Your new wardrobe does not change your lame fashion choices over the years. You are still that same insecure and unfashionable preacher's kid you always were" Mariah said. 

Okay speak up for yourself, Allison heard her inner voice demanded. You have gone through her ridicule far too long, she thought. 

"You are completely mistaken Ms. Want to be Fashionista. Let me correct you and tell you who I am. I am fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. I am beautiful and simply me. I do not need clothes or make-up to define who I am. My purpose is in Christ Jesus. The mere fact that my clothes are bothering you is telling me I look really good. The boy on my arm liked me before all the clothes so he is a keeper for me. If he wanted to be with you he would never have noticed little old plain Jane," Allison said firmly.

"I don't know why you choose to be mean to me but that is on you. If I have ever done anything to offend you please forgive me. I am sorry that your self-esteem is so low that you feel justified in attacking me over the years. I forgive you for your bullying and hope you find peace," Allison explained.

"I am happy to be a Christian and Preacher's kid. I have nothing to be ashamed of.  I embrace who I am and pray that you will find yourself too," Allison said 

Mariah looked at Allison in awe. She did not have the words to give back. She was in awe of Allison standing up to her for the first time. She felt embarrassed and walked away.

"I can't believe you did that?" Samantha cheered. "It was long overdue," Michael replied. "I am so proud of you for standing up for yourself," Amber stated. 

"I hope I was not too rough," Allison said starting to wonder if she was too direct in her response. 

"Well, many of your peers are supporting you. Someone recorded everything and the school body is viewing how you stood up for yourself," Amber stated looking at her phone.

Allison groaned. The last thing she wanted was to have their talk recorded, "Don't beat yourself up about this. You did nothing wrong," Samantha reminded her. "I am sure that she will not bully you anymore. Popular students hate for their popularity to go down," Samantha continued. 

Despite everything that happened between them Allison still felt she needed to pray for Mariah.

Benjamin smiled when he approached  Allison. "So, I am the boy on your arm and I am a keeper," he smiled. Allison's friends laughed trying to lighten the mood.

Allison glared at him and smiled slightly. Leave it to Benjamin only to concentrate on those words and nothing else. "Can I borrow the girl of my dreams for a moment?" Benjamin said keeping his eyes on her. "Of course," Samantha, Amber, and Michael said in unison. 

Allison walked silently with him to a quiet area all alone. They sat down on a gazebo viewing everyone from a distance. Lance had a huge backyard and leaving the crowd behind was exactly what Allison needed. 

Benjamin sat next to her trying to get his heart to calm down from beating so rapidly.  Allison had him feeling in a daze of happiness, warmth, and excitement. "Are you okay after talking with Mariah?" he asked. Allison smiled and was appreciative that he always put her needs first.

"I'm good," she smiled.

He slipped his hands in hers and knew he was gone after experiencing the intensity of the touch. 

They sat together and he could not believe that she did not refuse his hands. "You do not have to feel bad about the conversation with Mariah. You spoke your heart. You were direct, confident, and spoke your truth," Benjamin said. 

"Thanks," Allison said feeling conflicted with it all. But for now, she just was happy to bask in the moment that she let it all out. 

"Well, I am overjoyed to be on your arm and I am happy I have found a keeper too," he smiled. 

"Shut up. You are never going to let me forget it," Allison giggled. "Maybe if you agree that I am officially your boyfriend," he said,

"Maybe I might consider it," Allison giggled at his suggestion. Benjamin held her hand and kissed it gently.

"Allison Sinclair you mean so much to me. More than you ever know," he said locking eyes with her once again.

Benjamin's eyes nestled on her lips. "Allison, can I kiss you?" he said. Allison felt the hammering of her heartbeat beating rapidly in her chest. Could she really kiss him?  She had joked about wanting to kiss him but now could she really do it?

"I've never you know and I may be bad at it," Allison admitted. Allison bit her lips feeling she was rambling. 

"I doubt that tremendously," Benjamin said. He continued to wait for her approval. When she nodded yes, he quickly and gently kissed her and pulled her close. 

Allison was all in her head telling herself this was her first kiss and she felt nervous. When she exhaled Benjamin captured her lips again and kissed her lovingly.