I Never Planned On You

37- Tuck

Even though I was only gone for a few days, it feels so good to be back. I walk into the theatre after a busy day of traveling and getting settled in at the hotel.

"Merry Christmas!" I yell, waking into the boys dressing room.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS!" Josh screams.

"Hellooo." I say, walking over to Ben's chair and patting my hands on his head like a drum, then setting my hands on his shoulders.

"Hiya." He smiles at me through the mirror as he smudges dirt on his face.

"Well, it was lovely seeing you boys, but I really have to go get ready." I say in a British accent as they all absentmindedly wave at me.

A few minutes later, I am sitting at my chair, applying my stage makeup, when someone knocks on my door.

"Come in!" I say and the door opens to reveal Ben, looking ready for the show.

"Hey," I smile, continuing to do my makeup as he closes the door, "What's up?"

"I'm leaving." Ben states.

"You kinda can't, the show is starting soon." I tell him, swiveling my chair to face him.

"No, Andie," he chuckles, pulling me up from my seat and holding my hands, his smile going away, "I'm leaving the show."

"What?" I ask, quietly, looking up at him.

"I auditioned for a show called Tuck Everlasting a little while ago, and I got the part." He says softly.

"Oh, well, congratulations." I sadly smile up at him.

"You're not mad?"

"How could I be? This is an incredible opportunity for you and your career. I say, "Besides, it isn't really my place to be upset, I mean, it's your life."

"You're so amazing." He says, holding my waist and I stand on my toes to wrap my arms around his neck.

"I'm so proud of you." I quietly say, holding him closer.

"Thank you." Ben sincerely replies, kissing the top of my head.

"Okay, let's end the little sap fest." I laugh, pulling away and sitting back down.

Ben laughs, agreeing, "Yeah, that was pretty weird."

"You gotta leave, I need to get changed." I say, pushing him out of the room before he can say another word.

Ben is leaving.