Fate || BENNIFER

A Journey

Jennifer's P.O.V

Ben leaned against the counter, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. He watched me fumble with my coffee mug, my nerves making me more clumsy than usual. He couldn't help but find it amusing, the way my anxiety had turned me into a forgetful whirlwind throughout the week.

It felt like an eternity had passed since I had submitted "A Miracle In Disguise" for release. But now, finally, the day we had been waiting for had arrived, and with it, the worldwide release of the song I had poured my heart and soul into.

Normally, Ben and I would have shared a breakfast together, but not this morning. My impatience had taken over, and I found myself unable to focus on anything other than the time on my phone screen.

"You didn't sleep last night, did you?" He couldn't help but ask, as his eyes caught the tiredness in my face.

"I watched you do it instead." I let out a soft laugh.

"I would find that quite disturbing if it wasn't because coming from you, it is certainly adorable." He said as he leaned in closer, his lips grazing mine. "But next time, wake me up." He added playfully.

I playfully rolled my eyes, a smile tugging at my lips.

"And miss the chance to admire that view?" I teased.

Ben's playful grin widened, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

"Oh baby, I would've given you a better one." He whispered.

"In that case, if you're not busy later... maybe you could show me that view you're taking about." I suggested.

"I'm giving you front row." He replied.

"Well, I wouldn't want to miss out on that." A smile playing on my lips.

His playful banter didn't fail to momentarily withdraw my mind from the situation. But then, eventually, the clock struck 9am. My heart raced with excitement as I stared at my phone, waiting for the notification that would confirm my new song was finally out everywhere in the world.

"It's out." I whispered, my voice laced with disbelief and joy.

"Congratulations, little." He said.

Without hesitation, he thrust himself forward and embraced me tightly, spinning me around in his arms. As he gently placed me back on the floor, I felt a few tears escape the corners of my eyes. They were tears of pure happiness.

"Oh my god..." I chuckled, my voice slightly shaky. "It's been quite a journey."

Ben smiled tenderly, his fingers delicately brushing away the tears from my face.

"I'm glad I could be part of it." He replied.

"Part of it?" My voice held a hint of disbelief. "You were it. It all began with you. You came. You stayed. You gave me Grace." I said. "You've been my journey."

Ben brought me into his wide embrace, cradling me gently against his chest.

"I love you." He whispered.

"I love you more." My voice was muffled against his body.

"Well... now that you'll have more free time..." He said gently. "Maybe we can talk about the wedding."

My smile faltered for a split second, but before I could gather my thoughts and respond, my phone began to ring, interrupting a conversation I didn't feel ready to have.

"Give me a moment." I said, my voice tinged with a mix of apology and urgency. "I have to answer this."

I swiftly picked up my phone from the counter and walked out of the kitchen. As I turned my back on Ben and pressed the answer button, my initial smile faded, replaced by a more guarded expression. There was a knot forming in my stomach, a sense of unease that I couldn't quite shake.

"Congratulations." Benny exclaimed excitedly through the phone. "Your song is doing amazing! Are you happy?"

I took a deep breath, my voice catching slightly as I tried to muster up the same enthusiasm that Benny exuded.

"I'm ecstatic." I replied, my words sounding forced even to my own ears.

"We should celebrate." He said.

"Right." My response was simple.

"Are you free tonight?" He asked.

"Tonight is perfect." I responded.

"Great! Tonight then." He exclaimed

As I hung up the phone, a part of me yearned to go back to the kitchen, to Ben. I could almost see him there, his sleeves rolled up, a smudge of flour on his cheek as he focused on making his perfectly round pancakes.