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8. Ben

I woke to my 9 am alarm going off. It was one of the days where I had no work meaning I could do whatever I wanted. Grayson was still on my mind but I knew I should follow his advice and think about it for a bit before moving onto things too fast.

I got out of bed and went downstairs to find something to eat. I decided on lucky charms, of course, and made me a big bowl. After I ate about half of it, I got full and put the bowl in the refrigerator for later. I knew I shouldn't have made more than I could eat, but Lucky Charms is just so delicious.

I went back upstairs and took a quick shower, putting on some cute tan legging stockings and a white mini-skirt. I then put on a tank top and layered a cute lavender cardigan over it. After doing a couple of spins and poses in the mirror, I put on my Ugg boots with the bow on the back and proceeded to do my hair and makeup.

I didn't do much, just 2 ponytails with a purple ribbon on each and my normal makeup. I checked the time and it was now 9:48. This was good. I was getting better at getting ready in under an hour and I loved it. I decided I wanted to go out for a quick walk and maybe grab some hot chocolate. I put on my earmuffs and headed out.

Once I got to the coffee shop, which was so adorable, I stood in line so I could order. After I got my hot chocolate (and some donut holes) I ate just a bit before heading back to my apartment. It was so cold outside so I wanted to get there quickly. I started to put my bag of donuts in my purse when I felt someone start tugging on it. I looked up and an old woman pushed me, causing me to fall and lose grip on the strap. It broke but the lady succeeded in stealing the purse. She started to run off and I started screaming insanely loud.

A couple of seconds later there was a gunshot. I stopped screaming, frightened, and the lady dropped the purse and ran off. I looked to my left and there was a bunch of people outside watching, some had their phones out I assume recording. To my right, there was a man. He was tall, at least I could tell from me sitting, and had on a white button-down that had some of the top buttons open and black slack with clean black oxfords. He had a beautiful brown complexion and curly hair with a low taper. He was breathtaking. The strongest nose I had ever seen, built like he was sent from the heavens, and a face I didn't want to take my eyes off of.

"Are you okay?" he asked, bending down to my level. He reached his hand for me to grab and helped me up.
"Yes, thank you so much," I said with my head down.
"Why are you walking out here alone? It's cold and you have a little ass skirt on." He asked concerned but strictly. I looked up at him, feeling obligated to, and tried to form words.

"I..um, I thought it was cute. I just wanted to take a walk and get some hot chocolate and donuts. Plus your shirt is unbuttoned a little so my skirt doesn't matter." I said, getting a little upset.
"My shirt is not covered in hot chocolate little girl, and I can tell you're cold, look at your hands." He said.
He looked at me with a face that meant I should stop talking. I did, and he picked up my purse from the ground along with my hot chocolate. He handed me my purse and threw the cup in a nearby trash can.

"Would you like for me to buy you another hot chocolate?" he offered. I nodded quietly, watching as people started to walk away chatting.
"Words." He demanded, wiping off the dirt from my shoes. It caught me off guard. This was the second time a man had called me a little girl and told me to use my words. Is it that obvious?

"Yes please.." I said. I tried putting the purse on my shoulder but remembered it was broken when it fell off.
"Oh no! This is so stupid." I said, stomping my foot, upset. I picked up the purse and pouted for a bit, forgetting the man was still there.
"Ehem." he coughed. I looked up embarrassed and put my arms behind my back.

"Is that how you express yourself daily, young lady?" he asked.
"Um.." I said quietly. I was giving myself away the more I spoke so I chose not to.
"Um isn't an answer. And that isn't how you behave in public or even at home," he said.

"I'll replace the purse for you if you can clean up your act, yeah?" he said. The same stern face remained.
"Thank you, yes please." He led me back into the shop, bought me a new cup of hot chocolate, and then made sure I got home safe.

"Here's my number, I'll buy the purse and bring it to you later today. Is that fine with you, lovely?" he asked with a smile. I couldn't help but smile back.
"Yes, that would be great, um," I said, realizing I didn't know his name. I looked at the contact he put in my phone.
"Benjamin," I said.

"What's your name, doll?" I blushed a bit and smiled.
"Janelle, but my friends call me Nella."
"Beautiful. Text me now so I can save your number. I'll be back in a couple of hours."

"Ok, thanks again," I said. I walked through the door and closed it behind me, making my way to my room. I texted him Nella with a teddy bear emoji. He responded quickly by hearting the message. I finished eating my food and decided to take a quick nap to recover from everything that happened. That was the plan until I got a text from Grayson.

Hey princess, I found a flower shop with a great variety. I picked you up a special bunch. I'll bring it to you in a couple of hours. 💐🧸

What. The. F***.