Enemies With Benefits

(22) I Choose You

I Choose You . . .

I sat on the edge of my bed, staring down at the phone in my hand. My finger hovered over the talk button beside his name. I didn't press it, just continued to stare, not sure if this was the right decision or not.

I tossed the phone beside me on the bed. I let out a groan, annoyed that I was chickening out again. I stood up and began pacing the length of my room, just like I had the other four times I attempted to call him.

"Just do it already," I mumbled out loud, running my hands down my face in frustration. Great, now I'm talking to myself.

I blew out a huge breath, trying to calm my jumbled nerves and walked back over to my bed. I picked up my phone and sat down again.

Just do it already.

I closed my eyes and allowed my finger to come in contact with the screen. I quickly opened my eyes, letting out a relieved sigh when I noticed that I hadn't clicked the call button, but his name, which brought up his contact info. I saved myself for a few more seconds.

I went back and then stared down at the screen again, placing my finger directly above it so that I wouldn't miss this time. It was now or never, and I had to stop being a wuss and just get it over with.

Inhaling deeply and then exhaling loudly, I tapped the phone button, feeling the panic rush through me in huge waves. My breathing started to pick up as I shakily pressed the phone to my ear. God, help me through this.

It rang once, then twice, and I slowly started to calm down when I realized that he probably wouldn't answer. It was after the fourth ring, and when I decided to pull the phone away from my ear, did he finally answer.

"Chloe," I heard him ask, the confusion evident in his voice, though he tried to mask it.

I let out a small gasp, pressing the phone back to my ear. I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out. It was silent on both ends.

I shook my head and pulled the phone away from my ear, preparing to hang up. I couldn't do it.

"Chloe, are you okay," his soothing voice asked, causing me to put the phone back to my ear.

"Yeah," I said, my voice coming out much smaller than I intended. I cleared my throat. "I'm fine."

"You sure? You're really quiet."

I let out a small laugh. "Yes, I'm sure."

"Okay," he said, a smile hinting in his voice. "So... Did you need me for anything?" I heard something shuffling in the background.

"Oh! I'm sorry if you're busy, I just wanted to talk. I'll go now," I said quickly, my words fumbling together.

"No, Chloe, wait," he said chuckling. "I'm not busy, we can talk. You don't have to hang up."

I smiled and looked down into my lap. "Okay, I won't then."

"Good, I don't want you to. I like talking to you."

My cheeks started to heat up and I began fumbling with the hem of my shirt. "You do?"

"Yes, actually, I do. You're very entertaining," he said and chuckled, causing chills to run down my spine.

"Whatever," I mumbled in a shy tone, laughing lightly.

"So, what are you doing on this very lovely day," he asked playfully.

I looked towards my window, watching as the heavy rain continued to fall outside. I laughed and said, "Oh, you know... Just enjoying the beautiful sunshine, what about you?"

"I'm just hanging out in my room, talking on the phone with a very beautiful girl."

My cheeks already a prominent red, I bit down on my bottom lip to try and stop the huge smile from getting any bigger. "Hmmm, that's kind of rude. I thought you were just on the phone with me."

He chuckled. "I am just talking to you. You're a very beautiful girl, Chloe."

"Stop it," I mumbled shyly, looking around my room to distract myself.

"What? I'm just being honest," he said, sounding sincere.

I fell silent, letting his words sink in.

"Was that too soon to say," he asked, sounding hesitant.

I shook my head, smiling at how adorable he was acting. "No, you're okay."

"So would it be too soon to ask if I could come over then?"

I laughed and put my face in my hands. "You move fast, don't you?"

"I have to, before someone else comes along and snatches you up," he teased in a playful voice.

I rolled my eyes, unable to keep the smile off my face. "Is that so?"

"Yep, it is so. I want you all to myself."

I seriously couldn't take this anymore. I put my phone down beside me and planted my face in my pillow, letting out a muffled scream. I quickly put the phone back to my ear.

"Would you just get over here already," I asked, biting down on my bottom lip.

"Yes ma'am," he said. I could practically see the giant smile on his face. "I'll be there in like 5 minutes."

"But it's almost a 15 minute drive from your house," I pointed out confused.

"I know," he said in an amused voice. "Better yet, make it 3. See you soon." Then he hung up, leaving me speechless and my face like a tomato.

I fell back on my bed, clutching the phone to my chest. I felt like screaming again and my cheeks were starting to hurt from smiling so hard.

I let out a gasp and sat straight up, my head snapping in the direction of the mirror hanging on the back of my door. I bet I looked horrible.

Scrambling from my bed I hurried over to the mirror, prepared for the absolute worst. I paused as I took myself in from head to toe.

I was wearing a plain blue Aeropostale shirt and faded skinny jeans, thinking today was just going to be a chill day I spent alone. I turned to the side, checking myself out. I guess this could work, I didn't want to give off the impression that I was trying too hard.

My hair was in a messy bun on the top of my head and I groaned as I took the hair tie out, letting my waves fall down my back. I ruffled my hair a little, deciding to leave it like that.

I walked into my bathroom and picked up the mascara that sat on my sink. A touch of makeup never hurt anyone.

I left the bathroom and then exited my room, wanting to wait for him downstairs. I began wringing my fingers as I descended the stairs, that nervousness taking its toll on me. I walked into the living room and sat down on the couch, bouncing my leg.

I sat there for about 30 seconds before the anxiety took over and I stood up. I went over to the window and peered out, seeing no sign of him. The driveway was empty, since I brought my car into the garage, and my parents were out doing whatever.

I sighed and moved away from the window. I began pacing the distance from one end of the couch  to the other, all the while continuing to wring my fingers. I don't know how long I did that but then I finally heard knocking at the door.

I practically skipped to the hallway and over to the door. I stopped by the door and closed my eyes, taking a deep breath and then slowly letting it out. I swung the door open and it was like the butterflies that were crowding my stomach disappeared once I laid eyes on him.

"Hey, Chloe-kins," he said, smiling down at me.

I stared up at him, unable to stop my breathing from hitching when he called me that. I grabbed his hand, pulling him in the house and into my arms. "Hey, Jeremiah."

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YAAAYYY! So, she chose Jeremiah. Jere-freaking-miah. I'm just going to let that sink in. I really hope you liked that chapter though! I can't wait to post the epilogue... I have no idea when that will be though hahaha. Love you all, peace xx