The Dog Beside Her

Chapter 13☆

Alexis’s POV

Benjamin led me to this grassy patch.

You must be wondering why I brought you here,” Benjamin smirked as I looked around. The grassy patch was really grassy, I observed. There were wild flowers dotting the grass and overall, it looks so…peaceful.  A cool breeze was flowing and making my hair messy. Ugh. I grabbed my hair in an attempt to not look so much like a fool. “This place looks so much like a fairytale… Anyway, what are we doing here?” I asked, before looking at Benjamin. His hair was in a messy fashion from the breeze, covering his eyes. Unconsciously, I reached out, brushing is hair away lightly. A few seconds later, I realised what I had just done. Oh shit. My hand froze and I could feel my cheeks heating up. My fingers were slightly touching his forehead and I could feel it heating up as well. It really sucks when you get into awkward situations and your body forgets to move. Only when his eyes, that were in the most awesome shade of brown, softened and looked at me than I snapped awake. I jerked back my hand and I bet my face must have been red like a tomato now. Ugh.

“Anyway, I come here to relax. This is my area, my second home.” He spread his arms and closed in his eyes and then ran towards a shade of a nearby tree. Puzzled, I followed. He stopped under the tree and I could see a big wooden box. Just sitting there. To my surprise, Benjamin opened it. Looks like it belongs to him. Inside the box it revealed a huge picnic mat, a few cushions, food, water and a few storybooks, including a sketchbook. I saw him laying out the huge picnic mat and was ordering me to sit, before throwing cushions at my face. “Hey!” I yelled.

After things have settled a bit, I sat with my back facing the tree and admired the scenery. It was just so peaceful. I munched on the remains of my food. Suddenly, I could sense the presence of someone behind me. Benjamin. He was really close, and although I forced myself to direct my focus on the hotdog to no avail. In fact, I wanted to just get closer to him. Not physically but mentally. I wanted to know more about him. I gobbled my last bite and cautiously turned back. Benjamin was lying on a cushion, eyes gazing at the wide blue sky. The occasional bird flew past by as a comforting silence enveloped between us.

“Hey.”

I looked over to see him already sitting cross legged and facing me. I adjusted myself and he continued, ”So ypu must be wondering why we’re her. I don’t bring people here. In fact, you are the first.” He ended the sentence scratching his neck and I could see the pinkish blush on his cheeks. I grinned internally. Me. The first. I don’t know what he did, but he just made me feel happy. A weird sort of happy, happy that I was the first.

What is he doing to my head?

Benjamin’s POV

“Anyway, do you still remember the person just now? At my house?” I asked cautiously. Looking up at Alexis, I felt as if some heavy thing hit me. That is how beautiful she is. Her hazel brown hair, matching eyes and cute little button nose were just a perfect match. Today he was wearing a panda shirt and shorts matching her sneakers. She was looking at me with her huge eyes and I longed for her to be in my arms where I can call her mine Sadly, I know this is just some one-sided crush.

“You know that person…he’s not related to me. In fact he is the one who adopted me. But no, he’s not my father and in my eyes I have no father. My parents were in a car accident and… I love them , and they are my heroes. Not him. According to him he was my parents’ closest friend so that was why they entrusted me with him. But I don’t believe it. He’s such a bitch, that guy.” I didn’t realise that I was clenching my fists in anger. Alexis suddenly held my hands and like coaxing a baby, my grip slowly loosened. Warmth was spreading throughout and it was so comforting. Alexis wasn’t looking at me but smiling sadly on the ground. I didn’t really intend to spill out so much of my past, but still, since I trust her enough to have started I shall just tell everything.

“I was so-called adopted at the age of 9. I have no siblings so it was just me. He verbally abuses me and I have gotten used to it. Luckily he doesn’t physically abuse me but trust me, it was hell back then. I had to take care of the household chores, all of them since he rarely comes back. I have grown independent. And do you know what he does outside? He sleeps with women. Of all kinds, and what’s more he has HIV. Positive. And he still goes around infecting the virus. I have once persuaded him but he just slapped me. So I live my own life and he lives his. This type of a person, made me learn a few life lessons. Oh and in fact, he brought home a woman today.” I growled in anger. “He’s such a womanizer. That’s why I was alarmed when I saw him answer the door. If it weren’t for him being drunk, I can’t imagine what the outcome would be…” I released a breath of relief. Other than my best-est friends, I revealed my past to no one except for this girl that I don’t know why, but trust so deeply.

Alexis looked at me in the eye and smiling a little, said, ”I really didn’t know you enough. You have such an eventful past. Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me.” She squeezed my hands and her tone was full of sincerity.

We looked at each other. It seemed like forever.

"And since you have revealed your past, I shall tell you my past too." Alexis broke the silence and I just looked at her, not expecting what she said. Curiosity engulfed me and then, I craved to know more. But there is still he feelings to take note of. "Are you sure? It's okay if you don't trust me," I replied softly, bracing myself for her answer.

"It's okay. I trust you too."