Ben Simmons: When Two Worlds Become One

H20BD BENNY!

Today was the day I'd been waiting nearly a year for; it was finally Ben's birthday. We started dating in September, so this was my first time spending the occasion with him. I have always been the type of person to take birthday's to a whole new level, so Ben knew he was in for a good one.

Because we had been traveling for the summer league, I didn't have a large amount of time to plan. On the morning of July 20, I woke up at 5am to start preparing the perfect breakfast - waffles and a breakfast casserole. My phone rang, and I walked over to pick it up. "Hello?" I said, while multi-tasking and trying to plate the perfect meal. "Hello, Ms. Jones. Are you still looking for a 8pm delivery time?" Oh right, Ben's present. This is probably what I was most excited for out of everything. "Yes ma'am." I said before she confirmed the order and hung up the phone. Walking over the refrigerator, I grabbed a glass of orange juice that had been chilled.  

I walked down the hall and tapped on the door with my forehead because my hand's were full (sometimes life doesn't always look good). A few seconds later, my naked boy opened the door. He looked sleepy, and rubbed his eyes. "Thank you, babe." He said, sliding back under the covers as I handed him his plate. Ben's morning voice was the best, because not only was it deep and raspy, but he also had the Australian accent. I turned on cartoons for him and closed the door, leaving him to wake up. The fact that he still watched, and enjoyed, cartoons made me excited for when our baby would get to watch cartoons with daddy.

Unfortunately, Ben still had work outs and practice, so he rolled out of the door in athletic clothes and a duffle bag over his shoulder around noon. "Are you sure you're not too sore to practice?" I said, winking as he rolled his eyes and closed the door. 

I had the next four hours to finish planning for his party tonight, but a wave of pregnancy exhaustion fell over me. So, I did what any pregnant fiancé would do, I posted a birthday picture on Instagram and then crawled back into bed and quickly dozed off.

The picture was a selfie of Ben and I do weird faces with his tongue out and me looking like a monkey. I knew there were so many more sophisticated photos of us to post, but this one was more us. We weren't the typical snooty, boring people. We were young, wild, and in love. I captioned the picture in the sweetest way possible while half asleep: Happy 20th birthday to the love of my life! You are the greatest person I have ever known, and I can't wait for all the future holds for us. Love you baby!"

Out of all the meals he could have on his birthday, Ben wanted philly cheesesteaks. So, Liv ran over to Geno's and picked up a dozen cheesesteaks, and brought them back to the apartment. By now, his family had all arrived, and we spent the next hour eating and telling stories about Ben's childhood. No one knew that I was pregnant yet, so when his mom asked us what we were most looking forward to for Ben's twentieth year on this planet, we just smiled and said, "New beginnings." Of course, everyone thought this new beginning was our engagement and life in Philadelphia, but we knew there was much more coming.

That night, was when the real party began. Everyone did their makeup, hair, and put on the best club outfits. I chose to leave my hair down and squeezed into a little black dress, feeling thankful the pregnancy weight had not hit me yet. I got a text as I finished applying lip gloss and looked at my phone, 'It's outside'. I walked into the living room where Ben was sitting, dressed the nines, and waiting for me. 

I walked over and stopped as he looked me up and down. "Holy shit, how did I get so lucky?" He said, pulling me into his lap. He kissed me softly, "I have a surprise for you." This perked his interest. "And what's that?" He said, smirking. We walked out of the apartment, downstairs, to entrance of the building.

"No way." He said, as we approached the doors. He opened it for me, and stood in shock. "Are you serious?" I giggled at his childlike excitement, as he walked over and admired his new black Aston Martin V12 Vantage. He opened the door and got inside and started messing with the buttons and readjusting the seat far back, because you know he's 6'10. After he pressed nearly every button, he hopped out, walked over, and picked me up and spun me around in a hug. He put his hands on my waist and kissed me, "Thank you."

We got in his new car and drove to Club 21, which was hosting a party for him. His family, friends, and teammates were in attendance. Everyone had a great time celebrating the birthday boy, and people pulled him every which direction to talk to him. I sat at the bar, drinking a soda, with his mom. Sure, clubs were fun, but I was sober and trying to remain responsible for Ben's sake because that boy was all over the place, and I knew wouldn't be driving home. 

"Wow, no Cuba Libre?" Ben's mom said, looking at my drink. "Not tonight," I said smiling. She just smiled and let it pass off, while looking at the dozens of people going wild on the dance floor. Her son was leading the dance party in the middle of the floor. Suddenly, it hit her. 

She gasped, and looked at me. I didn't even have to say it, I just nodded and she went into total fangirl mood and hugged me. "Oh my gosh! I can't believe it! This is so exciting." And I thought she was excited for our engagement; this was a new level of excitement. "How far along are you?" She asked. "I don't know yet, we've only known for a few days. I have an appointment later in the week." She just smiled and acted all giddy. "I can't believe my Benny baby is going to be a father." She said with excitement but amazement. "Ben and I don't want anyone knowing yet, so please keep this between us." I said as she put a finger over her lips. "Our secret." 

As I watched Ben, I couldn't help but laugh. He was doing every possible dance and leading the crowd. He was having the time of his life. I rested my hand on my stomach; his twenties are going to be so sweet. Well, after tomorrow, because he will be throwing up and complaining all day.