UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER (EDITED VERSION)

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE: A surprise visit

-Shelley-

My schedule at the hospital has been incredibly busy for the past two weeks, and Dr. Blackson's persistent prodding has only made it worse. Lately, he has been acting very anxious, and I can't help but wonder what's going on.

On top of that, I have not heard from Ben in two weeks. I know that I should be happy; after all, that is what I want. "So why then am I not happy about that?"

I've been made aware of his recent busyness by Miriam. He frequently travels in and out of the nation's capital for necessary business trips that require his skills. Most of the time, he returns the same day, but sometimes he has to stay overnight. I really hope he finds time to rest.

I let out a sigh as I made my way to the refrigerator and took out a container of ice cream. It had been a slow day, and I found myself with a lot of free time and nothing to fill it with. I sighed again as I pulled out a stool by the kitchen counter and sat down, taking a moment to open some cans of chips.

Struggling to pry open the can of chips, I was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door. Making my way to answer it, I swung the door open to find a fatigued-looking Ben, his tie hanging loosely around his neck and his coat draped over his arm.

"Ben! When did you get here?"

He says, "Just now."

"Then why are you here? You should be at home, taking a relaxing bath and resting up," I say as I follow him into the room.

"I prefer sorting your presence than that of my bed. I miss you. It has been weeks since I set eyes on you or even spoke to you." I was about to say something when Ben cut me off. "I recognise that I ought not to be saying these things to you, but I must. Christ."

He drops into the sofa, dejected, as he leans back against it. Running his palm along his tired face.

"Can I get you something to drink or eat, perhaps?"

"The ice cream over there will do. He said with a smirk, pointing to the ice cream on the kitchen counter.

"Right, ice cream. Anything else?"

"Nope, that will do."

As I emerged from the kitchen with the ice cream and two spoons in hand, I caught sight of Ben tossing his shoes off and laying his legs comfortably on the table in front of him.

"I see you have made yourself comfortable."

He looks up at me. "Please bear with me for today." He says while making puppy eyes at me. I couldn't help but giggle at his attempt to look adorable.

"Well, if you ask that way, it makes it very hard to refuse you," I say with a smirk. We couldn't help but break into laughter.

After settling down on the couch with a bowl of ice cream, we shared stories about our lives during the weeks we hadn't seen each other. Our conversation lasted for hours until I finally got up to wash the dishes.

Perched on the couch by himself, Ben couldn't shake the weight that had settled into his eyes. He gave in to exhaustion after a long day on the job and fell asleep on the couch.

"Would you like to take a bath?" I asked as I walked into the room and found a rather sleepy Ben on the couch. I smirked and said, "He's sleeping." Then I went into my room and returned with a blanket, which I placed firmly on him.

Later in the afternoon, Ben wakes up in an awfully quiet room. He could feel my absence. "Shelley! Where are you?"

Just then, the front door swings open, and I step into the room with a bag in hand. Lifting my head to meet his gaze, I say, "Sorry, I went out for some groceries."

"How was your sleep?"

With a fixed gaze on me, as he sits on the couch, legs spread, he says, "'Good.' With your presence here, I slept like a baby."

Pretending not to have heard, I move further into the kitchen, placing the bag on the counter as I put away the groceries.

"Would you like to bathe? I have some new towels stashed away somewhere in my closet. Unfortunately, I do not have men's wear here."

"I have some spare clothes in my car," he says flashing me a smile. "I could get them. Thank you so much for the hospitality."

"Don't get too excited. You are not spending a night here."

He laughs at my remark, shaking his head as he makes his way to the parking lot.

***

Sometime later, Ben emerges from the bathroom bare-chested, wearing new pants and a towel on his head, drying out his hair.

As I looked up at him, I couldn't help but notice the defined muscles of his abdomen as they caught my eye. I quickly looked away, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks as I realized I had been discreetly appreciating his physique.

"It smells good in here," he says.

"Are you hungry?" I ask.

"Very!"

"Good. I made dinner, and you are eating."

"Whoa! Aren't you demanding?" Ben smirked. "If you say it like that, it's very hard to refuse."

As Ben approached from behind, he loomed over me, eyeing the spread of food on the table. I could sense his warmth enveloping me. I pivoted to confront him. "You're getting a little too close. And seriously, put on a shirt, for heaven's sake."

He throws his hands in surrender, barks back, and says, "Fine." "Whatever you say," before dashing out to put a shirt on.

Moving to the table. We sat opposite each other in silence, relishing our meals and occasionally engaging in light conversation.

Right after dinner, Ben helps out by washing the dishes. Glancing in my direction, he says...

"I meant to ask you. Will you be free this weekend?"

"Yes, Why?"

"I was wondering if we could go to the movies together. I can pick you up, so we go to the theatre to stream some movies. What do you think?"

"I don't think so. I really don't like going to the theatre."

"Oh, I see." Feeling disappointed, he decided to let it go.

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, studying his expression. I could see the disappointment in his eyes, and I appreciated that he did not press the idea further. "How about this? Why don't we bring the theatre here?" I suggested.

"Really!" Smiling widely he says, "We can definitely do that."

With a smile on the corner of my lips, I resume putting the dishes away.

-

A/N : Hey everyone, I apologize for the short length of this chapter. I'll make sure the next one is as long as possible. I really hope you like this chapter, and I'd appreciate it if you could leave a comment or vote.