Revision (Sequel to Whirlwind)

Chapter 14

"These are really great, I'm going to miss having you as our photographer. You're actually way better at this than he is. You've been really great kid," Ben said, looking over the pictures I had taken in the past two weeks.

"Thanks Bruce I try. I'm going to miss taking pictures for you guys too, but I'm with Neck Deep," I laughed.

"That sucks. Now I'm not going to be able to see you as much anymore," he said.

"I know. You guys are a lot of fun to hang out with. I'm gonna miss your loudness and stupidity," I smirked.

He opened his mouth to protest, but then stopped. "Fair point."

I laughed, "Alright well I'm going to try to see some bands since I'm finally going to have some free time now."

"Oh wait before you go. How'd the thing with Adam go the other day?"

"It went great. I got to meet a lot of cool people and everyone seemed to like my work. It was a lot of fun," I smiled at the memory. "And the Think TEI workshop was amazing. It felt great to talk to all those kids about photography. I still can't believe Ben was able to get me that opportunity."

"Sounds like you had a lot of fun."

"I really did," I pushed a piece of hair out of my eyes.

"Alright well I'll see you around kid."

"See ya Bruce," I said walking off.

I really liked how things had been going for me lately. I hadn't even thought about Dennis that much in the past week. Maybe things were starting to finally go back to normal.

"Allison!"

I turned around, but didn't see anyone that I knew so I just shrugged it off and continued walking.

"Al!"

I sighed and turned around again only to see the same thing as before. Maybe my head was just playing on tricks on me. It was probably just the heat, right?

I was almost back to my bus, when I felt someone touch my arm. I turned just in time to be pulled behind one of the buses. I looked at who was in front of me, surprised to see that it was Dennis.

I shifted uncomfortably, "Dennis?"

"Hey, I'm sorry okay," he looked into my eyes.

"It's okay," I didn't even have a chance to think over those words, they just slipped right out. I hated that he still had that kind of hold on me and my life.

He put my hand in his, "Listen I know I've been an idiot, and I'm really sorry about that. If we're meant to be together, then we'll find a way to be together again. I just wanted to tell you that I will wait for you."

I didn't know how to respond, I wanted so badly to tell him to just give up on me. But my heart wouldn't let me do that, "Den, please don't."

"I will be your friend if that's what it takes to get you back in my life again. But I need you to be in my life. I still love you and I've never stopped loving you."

"Dennis please," I felt my eyes watering. "Can we not do this now?"

"Please, I just want to at least be your friend, you said we could be friends again," his hand was still holding onto mine, and I couldn't bring myself to pull it away.

"Den I know I said that we could be friends, but I can't do that anymore," I said quietly.

He dropped my hand, and I felt myself get colder without the warmth of his hand in mine. "Den?" my voice cracked.

"Did Barlow say you couldn't be friends with me?" his voice was cold.

"No, I- Ben didn't say anything about you and me being friends. He's not the jealous type," I was shaking as I said these words.

"Then why can't we?" he asked.

"Because—" I was about to burst into tears, "Because I just can't do that to myself!"

I covered my mouth. I didn't mean to say that out loud. I looked at Dennis, and he was completely unreadable. I regretted all of this. I should've just gone straight to the bus, I shouldn't have stopped for this.

"What do you mean you can't do that to yourself?"

"I-I don't mean anything by it. I should go," I turned to leave, but I felt him grab my arm to stop me.

"Alli please," he saw right through me, I hated that.

"I mean that I can't go through that again. I've finally built myself up and I've made a life for myself. I can't give that all up just for a second chance at what could have been if I had never ended it," I felt a tear run down my cheek.

He wiped it away with his thumb, holding my face in his hands. "Just give me a chance..."

"I can't. I can't do that to Ben, and I can't do that to myself."

He seemed to be getting closer and closer to me, and I just couldn't bring myself to move away. I was stuck in place, and I knew what was going to happen next.

He brought my face into his, kissing me gently. I felt myself relax into him for a second, the familiar feel of his lips on mine. I had missed this so much. But no, this was wrong, I was with Ben now and I loved him, right?

I pulled away and looked at him, completely stunned. He smiled at me, and I, being the person that I am, turned and ran before he could get another word in.

A/N: A day late, but i hope you like it.  Things are starting to happen.  Leave feedback below.  <3