When they arrived back at the house Shaliene invited Ben in while she grabbed somethings before they left for dinner.
"My room's this way." she said, bouncing off up the stairs. Ben grinned to himself, and followed her up the stairs, amused by her childlike-energy.
Ben took his time ascending to the second-story, and spent a moment taking in his surroundings as Shaliene went ahead. The Lewises lived in a regular suburban home, not too small, but not too big either. He determined from the photos lining the wall on the stairs, that Shaliene wasn't an only child, like himself, and was quite taken by how realistic, candid, and loving their family photos looked. They looked nothing like his own, which were always extremely stiff and business-like. This family had something his own didn't, but he just couldn't quite figure it out.
While Ben had been scrutinizing their family portraits, a few minutes had passed and Shaliene had already grabbed all she needed for dinner.
"You ready to go?" Shaliene asked Ben, appearing at the top of the stairs.
"Definitely." Ben replied as they descended the stairs, and headed toward the front door.
They took his parents's car, which was still sitting outside the house.
The drive to the restaurant was short and filled with more random question about each other.
"Favorite movie?" asked Shay.
"Uh, that's a hard one. But I'd have to say 'Forest Gump.'" replied Ben.
"Really, Forest Gump?" retorted Shaliene, "Though, I guess that's a pretty good movie."
"What about you? What's your favorite movie?" Ben asked.
"Hmm. I'd have to say Anne of Green Gables."
"Never heard of it." replied Ben as they pulled into the Tony's parking lot.
"Oh My Goodness!!! You have to see it." Shaliene said with great urgency.
"What is it anyway?" Ben said, pulling the keys out if the ignition.
"Only the greatest movie series EVER!" Shaliene said as Ben hopped out of the car, and she reached for the handle.
"No, no." said Ben in a playfully scolding voice, "Allow me."
And before Shay knew it he was outside her door opening it for her.
"Why, thank you sir." she said, playing along with the chivalrous act.
"My pleasure, Madam." Ben said as he helped her out and held out his arm. Shaliene giggled at this, but gladly took her new friend's outstretched arm. And they both walked into Tony's, completely oblivious as to what was about to transpire, only enjoying the company of their new kindred spirits.
YOU ARE READING
My Past, Your Past, Our Future (arranged marriage)
RomanceI knew the moment he walked through that door, and into my life, everything was about to change. For better or worse, I didn't know. But one thing I do know is that I'll never forget him and all we went through. This is our story. (Christian Romance)
