EDGE OF GREAT! ben beast²

CHAPTER FOUR!

As the day continues, Elisa begins to feel better and calmer. She had time in between classes to call her mother to get some advice, which was helpful. Her mother, despite being busy helping taking care of the Enchanted Forrest, took time to help her daughter out and reassure her. She reminded Elisa that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and scared sometimes, and that she doesn't have to have all the answers right away. She encouraged Elisa to take things one step at a time, to not put too much pressure on herself, and to reach out for help when she needs it.

By the time Elisa got off the phone with her mother, she was feeling much better. She still had a lot to think about and figure out, but she knew that she could handle it. And, most importantly, she wasn't alone. She had her friends, she had Ben, and she had her family. And that was enough. She was currently at her locker after class, switching her books and supplies out. She jumped, startled when she suddenly saw Ben leaning against the locker by hers once she closed her locker.

"Ben, you scared me!" She exclaimed, placing a hand over her fast beating heart. She had been lost in her thoughts and didn't notice him there.

Ben chuckles, smiling softly. "Sorry, my love. I didn't mean to startle you." He apologizes. "I just wanted to check on you, make sure you're okay." He was concerned about her, and had been thinking about her ever since he found her in the gardens earlier that morning.

"Yeah, I'm okay." Elisa smiles softly, her heart fluttering at the nickname. "I talked to my mom, and she helped me feel a little better. I mean, I'm still overwhelmed and kind of scared, but I think I'll be okay."

"I know you'll be okay, Elisa. You're the strongest person I know." Ben says, his voice filled with admiration and love. He truly believed that, and he wanted her to believe it, too. He gently brushes a lock of her hair behind her ear, his hand lingering on her cheek. "You're amazing, Ellie. Don't ever forget that."

Elisa blushes at his words, her heart skipping a beat. "You're amazing, too, Benny." She says softly. "And thank you, for being there for me earlier. I really appreciate it."

"Of course, Ellie. I'll always be here for you." Ben assures her, his voice filled with sincerity. "We're in this together, remember?"

Elisa nods, leaning into his touch as he cups her cheek. "I remember." She says softly, a smile tugging at her lips. "And I'm glad, because I don't know what I'd do without you, babe. I love you."

"I love you too, my love. More than anything." Ben's voice was soft, filled with adoration and love. He leans down, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss, a promise to be by her side, no matter what. When they pull away to breathe, he grins at her and intertwines his hand with hers. "Come here, there's something I wanna show you. I got you something."

Elisa's eyes widen with surprise and her heart flutters. "Something else? Sweetheart, I feel like you've been giving me gifts every day."

"Only the even days." Ben argues, earning an eye roll and a chuckle from Elisa. "Because you're even more perfect than I thought." He added as he squeezed her hand.

Elisa scoffs at that, but she had an amused glint in her eyes. "Ben, you don't have to keep getting me gifts. I mean, it's sweet, but I don't want you to go overboard."

"It's not going overboard, not for you." Ben shakes his head, and Elisa can tell he means it. He was always so sincere, and that's what she loved about him. "Let me spoil you, please." He added with a grin.

"You're lucky you're so cute." Elisa sighs, shaking her head. "Okay, Casanova, what is it this time?" She asked, a teasing tone in her voice.

Ben only smirks at her and tugs her along with him as they made their way down the hallway. They stop at the end of the lockers that were outside where a blue moped was parked. Elisa gasped, staring at the ride with shock and excitement. "A moped?" She exclaims, turning to look at him. "No freaking way! Really?" She was beaming now, her eyes lighting up. She had always wanted one of these ever since she was a kid. "You remembered I always wanted one of these." She added, her heart bursting with love for him.