Ben’s POV
I couldn’t believe it was actually Ali. After those two years of not hearing anything from or about her, here she was, running into me in a Thrift Shop in North Cali. I was more than happy to see her again, but I was slightly sad that she had been sleeping on benches and in alleyways for the past week.
“Are you done talking to random girls now?” Ryan asked as Ali and I walked over to him.
“She is not just some random girl Ryan.” I said, a hint of anger in my voice.
“Well who is she then?” Ryan asked as he crossed his arms across his chest, obviously not believing me.
“This is Alison, my little sister.” I said as I smiled down at her.
“You said she ran away like two years ago though.” Ryan said confused.
“She did, but luckily I just ran into her.” I said.
“Well I kind of ran into you.” She said, amusement clear in her voice.
“True.” I said chuckling.
“Well, I do hate to break up your reunion, but we have a video to shoot.” Ryan said.
“A video? For what?” Ali asked.
“A music video for our song “Thrift Shop.” I answered.
“Right, I forgot you did stuff like that.” Ali said as she nodded her head in understanding.
“Yeah, and we really need to get this stuff filmed so…” Ryan said.
“Right, I’ll just sit over there while you guys film then.” Alison said as she pointed to a corner with a couch.
“If you leave, I will come find you. You’ve been warned.” I said as I looked at her with a stern look.
“I won’t leave.” She said. “However, does one of you happen to have an iPhone charger? Mine broke and my phone has been dead for days.”
Ryan walked over to his things and pulled his phone charger out of his bag before walking to Ali to give it to her. She thanked him before finding an outlet to plug it in. She sat peacefully playing games on her phone as Ryan and I recorded the parts of “Thrift Shop” we need to.
A few hours later, we were finished filming the scenes in the store and it was time to leave. We were done all filming for the day which meant we could go back to the hotel. I glanced over to where Alison was still sat to find her half asleep and trying to stay awake. I chuckled at her failed attempts as she kept dozing off.
“How are you going to get her back to the hotel?” Ryan asked, amused by the fact Ali couldn’t stay awake and it was only 4 in the afternoon.
“If I have to carry her I guess I will.” I said chuckling.
“I’ll grab my stuff and her things. You just worry about her.” Ryan said as he grabbed his bag first, and then headed over towards Alison’s things.
I walked over as well and shook Alison lightly trying to wake her up. She stirred a little before opening her eyes and looking up at me. Her crystal blue eyes hadn’t changed over the years, and I loved that I got to see them again. She stretched and let out a yawn before standing up and stretching some more.
“You guys done filming?” She questioned.
“Yeah, for the day anyways.” I answered.
“So what now?” She asked.
“Now we go back to the hotel and eat and sleep.” I said smiling.
“Food?” She asked her eyes widening with joy.
“How long has it been since you’ve eaten?” Ryan asked her.
“A few days.” She said as she looked at her feet, something she did when she was nervous or scared of the way someone will react.
I pulled her into another hug. I never wanted to let go. She hugged me back softly and I could feel her start to shake and my shirt got slightly wet as I realized she was crying.
“Let’s go and get you something to eat.” I said as I pulled away from her slowly and pulled her out the door of the shop and to the car that Ryan had driven us here in.
Ryan was close behind with his things and Ali’s. He opened the trunk and put everything in before getting in the driver’s seat. I sat in the passenger seat and Alison sat in the back. It was a 20 minute drive back to the hotel and by the time we got there, Alison was asleep once again. When we pulled up to the hotel, I got out and opened the back door, picking up Alison and carrying her inside, Ryan at my side with all of our things. We got in the elevator and made it to our floor, getting out and going to our room. Ryan unlocked the door and we walked in to find the room not so empty.
“Ben.” Tricia said as she noticed the girl in my arms.
Tricia stood up off the couch and looked at me long and hard before storming out of the room.
I laid Ali down on the couch before turning around and running out the door to catch Tricia. Luckily she had only made it a few feet away from the door by the time I reached the door.
“Tricia! It’s not what it looks like!” I yelled after her.
“Well what is it then Ben?” She questioned angrily as she turned around to face me.
“That’s Alison, my sister.” I said calmly.
“You told me she ran away.” She said crossing her arms, obviously not believing me.
“Why is it so hard for people to believe that I ran into her?” I said sighing.
“Well she ran into you.” Ryan said from behind me trying to support me.
“Really?” Tricia asked, unfolding her arms and walking back towards me.
“I swear.” I said as I pulled her into a hug.
“Okay. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you.” She said into my chest.
“It’s alright, just don’t scare me like that. I thought you were going to leave. You’ve got to give me a chance to explain.” I said.
“I know, I’m sorry.” She said still hugging me.
“Not that I don’t want you here, but what are you doing here? I thought you were staying at home?” I questioned.
“I got bored and missed you.” She said smiling up at me.
“Well I have no problem with that then.” I said smiling back at her.
“Good.” She said.
“Hate to break you two up, but I’m hungry and I think it’s a good idea to wake up Ali and get her some food too.” Ryan said from inside the room.
“Agreed.” I said as I pulled away from Tricia and walked inside the room, her right behind me.
“Ali wake up.” Ryan said lightly as he shook Alison awake.
Her eyes opened and she looked up at Ryan and then over at Tricia and I. A look of confusion crossed her face.
“Alison, this is my girlfriend Tricia.” I said to her.
“Hi.” Alison said sleepily.
“Nice to meet you.” Tricia said from beside me.
Alison nodded her head in agreement before looking back at Ryan. “Can we get food now?” She asked.
“Yeah, sure.” Ryan said smiling at her.
I stood and looked between the two of them. They looked at each other with admiration and Alison looked like she enjoyed his company. They would be great friends, I could see it now.
