Dear Benjamin

Chapter Fourteen

My heart was thumping in my ear, Benjamin. Far out, I was terrified.

My footsteps were the only audible sound as I walked down the abandoned alleyway. I remember the cool night air nipping at my hands so I shoved them in my jacket's pocket.

There was a single light shining at the end of the alleyway, though very dimly. A silhouette radiated from underneath the light as they stood slumped against the wall, a hood hanging over their head.

I sucked in a breath, a single moment to help gather my courage.

My God, Benjamin. I was so freaking scared. I just wanted to be in your arms.

'Hello?' I said, just loudly enough so the person could hear me.

They looked up and stared at me, then lowly removed their hood.

'Danielle...' a lady's voice said. I was so utterly confused at this point.

She looked roughly my age, red flowing hair, bright green eyes, pale skin.

Beautiful.

'Um, you wanted to see me... Lexi?'

'Yes, I do.'

She began advancing towards me, her walk slow and... proud.

'I think there's something you should know,' she said, our proximity making me extremely uncomfortable.

'You will NEVER replace me, Danielle,' she whispered. She pushed my shoulders, sending me flying back into the alleyways wall.

'He is too good for you,' she said, poking my chest with her finger.

'Always remember that. You will never deserve anyone like Benjamin.'

Then she ran. Away from me, out of the alleyway. She disappeared into the darkness.

I stood there, body quivering. Quivering from the cold or from the truth she just spoke, who could tell.

My hands fumbled to find my phone.

I dialled your number.

'Hello, Danielle? Is everything okay?!'

'Benjamin,' my voice shook. 'Can you please come get me? I-I walked here b-but I don't think I can walk home.'

'Of course, where are you? I'm coming right now...'

And that is how we ended up on the beach, late at night, with your arm slung around me and your lips pressed against my temple.

'What happened?' you whispered, your warm breath fanning my face.

'A girl named Lexi, she told me to meet me in the alleyway because we needed to talk -' I stopped, looking up into your eyes.

'Lexi...' I heard you murmur.

'Hmm?'

'She's my ex, but from a long time ago,' you watched me carefully with a worried expression. 'What did she say?'

'Sh-she told me that I'm not good enough for you,' I said, tears brimming my eyes.

My voice cracked. 'And she said that I will never replace her.'

A single tear slid down my cheek, and you gently brushed it away, leaving a fiery trail where you touched me.

'Oh, Ellie... can't you tell? There are over seven billion people on this planet and you're the only one I want. I only want you, Ellie. What she said isn't true. I am the luckiest man on this planet to be able to kiss you.'

You kissed my lips lightly.

'I love you, Ellie. You and only you.'