Chapter Seven: Ella

Over the past weeks, Ben and I have really gotten to know each other. Ever since, we ran into each other at Pet's Love and I found out he was the boy who helped Mrs. Pat out I just felt something in my heart.. it aches when he smiles and I just can't think when he questions me, jokingly. Oh no, I can't function all the way, but I don't let him see me hesitate, even though i'm the most vulnerable when he talks to me. Things at home have calmed down.
However, Ana's death still stalks me. But I don't ever mention anything to Ben about it, he just makes me smile all the time and why ruin a good moment? Kenzy is never home, she mostly hangs out with her boyfriend, Stew Patton, his dad owns the local car dealership, Patton's Cars and Trucks, it has grown a lot! She is always out with him.
Liam is at a medical camp for Future Doctors of America in Wichita Falls, so basically it's just me in the house.
My mom picked up a hobby with painting, her and Ben's mom, Priscilla, have really hit it off and they are always gone.
My dad is always at work, he usually comes home during the weekend. Jimmy Lee, is out of the Iraq and now going to Italy... Lucky Buck.
Lately, I have been really busy with work, and going to Dr. Jaysey's office. Meanwhile, Ben offered to take me out to dinner so that's basically making my stomach turn. The butterflies get the best of me, especially when he smiles. Mrs. Pat usually just leaves us alone; I think she knows that we are digging each other more and more each and every work day.
Hope, Ben's sister, comes to my house sometimes and we talk for a bit. Mostly about our insecurities, she makes me laugh though I didn't think we would end up friends. His brother, Mark, just moved his pregnant girlfriend in Ben's house. Her name is Theresa she is very pretty and sweet. Mark seems very macho, but he has a sweet nature about him; which is very positive. It had gotten alot colder outside. The freezing whipper winds were heartless and angry. Just like Kenzy.
I was feeling very nervous about tonight, because it was Ben and I's first date and he looked amazing.
"Ella, are you ready?"
"Just a sec." I rummaged through my make up bag and grabbed my mascara and quickly combed it through my eye lashes.
"Ella Grace hurry up!" I heard my mom yell.
"Mom really? I mean come on now, I said I was coming."
I ran down the stairs in my warm brown boots and I ran into Kenzy who was not happy to see me at all, what's new?
"Ow." She said but didn't seem as angry as usual. Why did she saw Ow? I just barely bumped her, what a drama queen.
"You look beautiful." Ben said. I blushed and then kept on walking til I got out of the door.
"Bye you too. Benjamin Peirce Dodged your curfew is midnight." His mom yelled from the island.
"Thanks mom, again for telling me." He rolled his eyes and then put his jacket on and we escaped out of the door.
"So, how old are you I mean.. I have no curfew and I am eighteen.. what's with the limtitation there?"
"I'll tell you later. So, since I have lived here for I mean a few weeks or more, I have looked at all of my options where we could go tonight and well.. I think Jenner's Grill would be amazing. I saved up all of my paychecks minus Finn's annoying food but I have enough for whatever you want." I couldn't stop smiling and it wasn't because he saved all of his money for me. It was because, he was so sweet and thoughtful and he didn't make me guess where I wanted to go. He was totally prepared and that made me blush again.
"Sounds great! You're really thoughtful, you know that?"
"Well thank you miss lady."
All was quiet the whole time we were in his car. Turns out the white Buick was his.. the one with Dr. Jaysey's parking sticker. Maybe we had more in common then just silly jokes, and good advice.
He opened my door for me and we walked in to the warm restaurant.
Dinner went well, and he was all smiles as I. We ordered dessert and then headed for the strip mall. It was only ten thirty so we had some time. By now we were holding hands and he was humming songs in my ear. It was the perfect date.
"Wow, you're pretty amazing Mr. Benjamin Peirce Dodger."
He chuckled and I thought I saw him turn red.
"Thanks, you're not that bad. Even if Mrs. Love talks all kinds of smack about you."
"What? No she doesn't!"
"Yeah she does, yapp."
"You're such a liar." I chuckled out. As we walked the cold sidewalk it began to snow, but only in small flurries. Still, it was pretty rare that it just started to snow, in Texas.
"You really are amazing, Ella, you are."
I couldn't say anything I just looked up at him as he hugged me, and before I knew it he kissed me. It's cheesy to think, but it was magical. I didn't want to stop. But I knew in my heart that we could no longer just be friends.