The Baker

Chapter 33

"No." Ben looked a little brought back by how quick she answered him. HIghly confused, he asked, "S-Sorry? No?" Cassie bit her bottom lip and repeated, "No. I'm sorry, Ben." He didn't know what to say. He was sure she'd say yes. He didn't mentally prepare himself for her saying no. Talk about a blow to the ego, he thought. She answered that rather quickly.

"But, Cass," he squeezed her hands tightly, "don't...don't I make you happy here? Am I doing something wrong?" Cassie took her hands from his and cupped his face. "Of course you do," she assured him. "I'm just...I don't know. I guess I'm just not ready to move on so quickly. I mean, this relationship has been moving rather quickly, don't you think? And I've been taking every single thing being thrown my way in hopes that it wasn't a mistake." Ben looked a little hurt. "You...you think moving in would be a mistake?" Sighing, she told him, "No, that's not--." He moved her hands from his face and walked out of the kitchen.

"Ben," she called, while walking after him. She followed him into the living room, where he was standing and looking at the Christmas tree. "Ben," she said softly. She went up behind him and smoothed her hands down his back, but he sighed in annoyance and maneuvered her hands off. Before she could say anymore, he turned to her with red-rimmed eyes and said rather harshly, "We practically live at each other's places, Cass! You have clothes here, just as I do yours, so what's the difference if we move in?"

"The difference," she answered, "is that I would be leaving my place, Ben. We've been going out for four months, who's to say something doesn't go wrong? What if something happens and I have to move out and I won't have a place because I decided to move in with you?"

Ben was a little brought back by her reason. Does she think we'll break-up soon? "Baby," he said softly, while taking her hands in his, "nothing will happen. Yes, we will have our rows, but your insane if you think I'm going to ever let you go. I wouldn't go down without a fight." She nodded, taking in all his words, but that still didn't change her mind about her answer.

"I appreciate the assurance, but--" Ben sighed and interrupted, "But your answer is still no. Figures." Cassie opened her mouth to say something, but he started walking to the bedroom, while gloomily saying, "I'm going to get ready." When he shut the door, it didn't just shut, it slammed. He was angry.

Cassie bit down on her quivering bottom lip and grabbed her phone. Her first instinct would be to call Jess, but she was back home in the States. Cassie would have gone back, but she couldn't afford it. The only reason Jess could was because her parents paid her way. Cassie tried not to think about it too much, but it kind of upset her that Jess got to go home for Chirstmas and she couldn't. She was glad to be spending it with Ben's friends and family, though. At least she had them. 

After a few moments of gathering herself, she decided to get ready as well. She heard the shower running when she opened the recently slammed door, thankful she wouldn't have to face Ben at the moment. She went into the closet and took out the dress she had gotten especially for tonight and set it down on the bed. She rummaged through some drawers and found her underwear and bra, but then, she suddenly stopped. Holy shit, she thought. It really is like we already live together. Am I making a mistake? Should I move in? But look what happened with Jamie. That could end up being Ben and I.

"I left hot water for you," Ben grimly announced as he walked into the bedroom with a towel on his waist and a sad look on his face. He didn't look at her as he went past her and to the drawers, getting out his boxers. Sighing, Cassie went into the bathroom and took a quick shower. When she came out, Ben was already dressed and putting on his shoes. "I'll be downstairs," he told her after he finished. Usually, if he saw her in a towel, he'd jump her. This time, he just went downstairs to get a drink.

***

Ben pulled up in front of Adam and Kate's house. It had been a silent car ride, not even music was played to defuse the tension, and it was killing Cassie. The silence between them was highly unusual and extremely painful, especially since it was Christmas Eve. She was used to a bunch of drunk Italians around the table, eating ham and pasta, telling stories, and laughing so hard that alcohol was coming out of their noses. Wow, she missed them.

Ben opened the car door and stuck one foot out the door when he heard sniffling. With furrowed eyebrows, he turned his head around and saw Cassie wiping away a few loose tears. "Hey," he said softly, turning his body to her. She had her head down, her hair covering most of her face, and was clutching on to the presents for dear life. "Cass," he whispered, while brushing her hair behind her ears to see her face. She was definately crying. "Cassie, look at me." Cassie looked up and was greeted by a gentle kiss on her cheek. Ben's soft lips remained there, as he said, "I'm sorry. God, I am so sorry! I'm such an idiot, I shouldn't be mad at you for something like this. And on Christmas Eve of all bloody days." 

Cassie shook her head and told him, "No, no I can understand why you're mad, I just...I just really miss my family. That's all." Ben gave her a warm smile before saying, "I really shouldn't be mad, actually. I do understand your reasoning and I do agree that we have been moving rather quick, but I guess that's what just made me think you'd say yes. And as for you family, I can't bring them down here or send you there in such little time, but I can try and give you the best of many Christmas' to come. And we can skype them tomorrow after we come back from mum and dad's. Yes?" She nodded with a smile. Ben wiped away her tears with his thumbs and gave her a sweet kiss. 

They both got out of the car and walked up to the house hand-in-hand, feeling much better than they did just a few short hours ago.