I Choose You

CHAPTER 15

Clearing the air

"How romantic," Amber beamed when Allison told her about her date with Benjamin. "This is so beautiful," Samantha said. "Yeah, we all have someone special in our lives," Michael pointed out.

"But Allison's relationship is a whole lot deeper," Amber explained. "Yes, true love, high school sweethearts, so lovely," Samantha cheered. "I guess we know who will be the first to get married among us," Michael teased.

"You guys it will be a while before we cross that finish line," Allison admitted. "Time will tell but you two seem real serious. We are rooting for you," Samantha smiled.

"Prom is going to be great for us all," Michael indicated. "Looking forward to it," Amber declared.

Everyone looked up and saw Mariah Edwards enter the restaurant. She was all alone and appeared more reserved than before. Allison felt sorry for her because she knew how it was to feel on the outside. After the party, everyone seemed to distance themself from her. Allison did not feel vindicated or happy this was happening. She hoped Allison would have seen how mean she was and tried to turn over a new leaf. 

"Wow, it's amazing how the tables have turned," Samantha said watching closely. "Yes, it's really ironic," Amber said. "Come on guys don't be mean," Allison said. Everyone was quiet and realized how forgiveness was important to Allison.

Allison got up and headed to Mariah's table. "Allison, what are you doing?" Amber said watching her friend sitting with Mariah.

Mariah was silent as she watched Allison sit next to her. "What do you want?" Mariah said as she folded her arms. "Just checking on you. How are you?" Allison said warmly. "Allison, why are you here? Stop the small talk. Are you hear to mock me or make fun of me? You should be happy I am reaping what I sewed. I was mean to you for years. I guess you are here to gloat," Mariah said angrily.

Allison asked God at that moment to give her the right words to say to Mariah. "Mariah, I will never gloat about this. I never wanted to see you hurt or devastated. I forgive you a long time ago. I have no animosity towards you. I apologize if I said or did anything to hurt you that led to all of this," Allison said compassionately.

Mariah looked up at Allison and she calmed down. She heard the sincerity in her voice. Surprisingly, Mariah's eyes started to water and she turned away quickly. Allison reached over and held her hand gently. They both met each other eyes and shared a moment. "Allison, you are a bigger person. I don't deserve your kindness. I don't know if it would be the same way if I was in your position," Mariah admitted.

"Give yourself some credit. I believe deep down inside of you is a good heart. God loves us all despite all our flaws. If he forgives us we ought to forgive each other," Allison pointed out. "For what it's worth, I am thankful for your genuine words. The incident between us forced me to look at myself and evaluate what I was doing wrong. I am sorry for bullying you, and talking down to you all these years. You didn't deserve it. I guess I was secretly jealous of you," Mariah admitted quietly.

"Why? You had so much going for you," Allison reminded her. "Remember looks can be deceiving. Man looks at the outside but God looks at the heart. It might have appeared I had everything but it all was a front. I did not have genuine friends or a happy home. It was all about image and popularity. But you Allison Sinclair don't sell yourself too short. You are a natural beauty. You are smart, talented, and warm. You have a wonderful father, friends, and a community who stick close to you like sisters and brothers. Not to mention one of the hottest guys in school is in love with you," Mariah smiled. 

Allison blushed wondering how Mariah picked up on this. Mariah giggled, "Your secret is safe with me. I see it in the way he looks at you," Mariah said. 

Allison smiled and was quiet about the last comment. "Are you coming out to church again?" Allison asked. "I just might. Things were so bad at home and I guess when we should have been praying we were fighting. My parents separated. I am praying my home is mended," Mariah admitted.

Allison squeezed her hands feeling her pain. "Would you like to pray about it together?" Allison asked. "I would love that," Mariah said. 

"I have to confess this," Mariah started. "I was mean because of all the stuff happening at home. It had nothing to do with you. When we were younger we started out as friends and then you stop being around me. I guess I held on to it for too long. You are beautiful and I am sorry again if I said anything to bring down your self-esteem. And by the way, the new look is spectacular. You deserve it," Mariah said feeling peace for letting it all out. 

Allison was shocked and humbled. "Mariah, I am sorry. I thought you did not want to be my friend anymore. We both started hanging out in different circles so I assumed you did not want to hang out at all, " Allison said recalling when they were friends in junior high for a year.

"I was much to blame. I did not communicate what I was feeling. It is my fault I let our friendship go," Mariah admitted. "No more regrets. Let's pray about your family and ask God to mend broken relationships," Allison suggested shedding tears. 

You're Amazing 

Benjamin sat next to Allison amazed by her story about Mariah. Allison had such a kind heart he knew from day one he had met a gem and had no intentions of letting her go. "I  am in awe of your kindness Allison. You really did a nice thing," he acknowledged. "It's not me but the God that lives inside me. You can not profess him as Lord and do not have a heart of forgiveness," Allison said. Benjamin nodded feeling too convinced about God's love and forgiveness. Lately, he to wanted a deeper relationship with God.

  "Thank you for being you, not compromising, or allowing anyone or anything to change your character," He encouraged. Allison smiled and was truly grateful to God. She slipped her hands in his and said.

"I know he's working on your heart as well. I am praying for you and know you will eventually get there too," she said leaning next to him.   "I agree," Benjamin nodded as they looked at the night sky. They both loved things of nature and basked delightfully in the night sky. Benjamin held her hands tightly. He was so happy to be in this moment and place right now. He did not realize he could be this happy and thanked God as he prayed  appreciating what they shared.