His handsome smile and electric blue eyes. Those were worth tempting to me.

I stared at the corner, where Benjamin had just disappeared to, with his little sister Claudia in his arms. I couldn't find a reason to keep looking at that spot, but I did, somehow. I couldn't just believe I met a handsome boy who gave this butterfly feeling to me and invited me to join him in the youth meeting on upcoming Wednesday.

When I saw him earlier on stage whilst worship, –where he was playing guitar and singing along with the leading team– I never thought I'd ever get to talk with him, nor to see him outside of the stage.

Suddenly another person popped into my mind; Rilden. But this time, I didn't feel to sigh as I used to, and I knew the reason. He was the reason, Benjamin was the reason. I felt pretty sure that he must be that someone Rex was telling me. And for the first time, I was able to understand the whole thing why Rex and my brother was telling me to let go of Rilden; because there was someone else for me. I couldn't help but hope that Benjamin could be that someone.

I found myself smiling but that turned into a scowl as my cousin Archer began to tease me saying I'm in love. I almost forgot that he was beside me, laughing.

“Can you please stop laughing?” I sighed exaggerated. “You're gonna make people think you're mental or something.”

Archer managed to stop his laughter and waved a hand dismissively. “People knows I'm not mental; they know that Alecia Steaker won't choose those types.” he said.

I tilted my head at him, “Is your girlfriend that famous here?” I asked, motioning my hands to our surroundings. The church building was indeed large.

“Of course, didn't she tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

Archer snorted, “Allie, Benny and Cloudy are children of one of the main pastors here.” he said. “And of course she didn't tell you; because she's too modest.”

My lips parted in awe. Benjamin is a pastor's son?

I opened my mouth to ask my cousin if he's kidding me but then I saw Bonnie walking to us. “Come on you two. Pastor Andrew needs to see you.” she said as she reached to us. “What are you both doing here anyway?” she raised an eyebrow at us.

“Nothing.” I said before Archer spit something out. “Wait, Pastor Andrew? Who's that?”

“Our senior pastor.” Bonnie took my hand in hers and led the way, with a mumbling Archer behind us.

Bonnie led us all the way to upstairs where their pastor was waiting with our parents. It was nothing special, pastor Andrew just wanted to see me –that was to my big surprise– since I was new here along with my mom and was the bride's cousin. And while we were talking, I got the chance to meet Benjamin's dad, pastor Gale. A blonde tall man with golden eyes, dressed casually and looking gracious. I felt a bit nervous talking to him when he asked me questions like, where do I study, how's Colorado, how was the church service here and so like. Because it was his son, I'm finding myself falling for.

But am I really falling for him? Or just obsessed?

I was soon answered to that question that night when I received a follow request from Benjamin on Instagram. I was quite pleased, because months ago, it was I, who was going after to follow a boy I fancied and now, I feel like the boy I now fancies is after me. And the feeling to know it, was delightful.

It turned even more delightful when Archer dropped in at their church that Wednesday for the youth meeting, as Benjamin reminded me twice or thrice in the days that passed by, on Instagram. We had began chatting on Instagram since the next day we met and let's say, we became friends immediately.

“Are you sure you'll be okay alone?” Archer asked me when I closed the door of his car after getting out.

“Yes. Thanks for dropping me here.” I told my cousin, smiling.

“And are you sure you'll drive back home with Benjamin?” he asked with eyebrows scrunched up, reminding me of my brother.

Oh how much I miss my brother! But if he was here, I don't think he would've let me come here because a boy invited me. And so, I didn't tell him about this at all.

“Of course; he's your future brother in law after all.” I shrugged, smirking as I saw his face crack into a smile.

“Yes,” Archer smiled, looking at the small framed picture of him and Alecia over the dashboard. “Benjamin is trustworthy...” he muttered, “But that doesn't mean I'm not encouraging you to fall in love with him.” he said immediately as he caught me smiling at what he said about Benjamin.

“I'm not in love.” I lied and as I felt my cheeks burning, I turned away from him and walked towards the entrance, “I'll see you.” I waved at my smirking cousin.

“Just give me a call if you ever need!” he called out after me. I turned back, nodding and watched as he rode off.

I took in a deep breath, okay Hayline, it's time to be brave.

I looked up at the huge building, before taking a step forward. Just as I took a step forth, the entrance door, that was made of glass, opened and there stood Benjamin.

My heart accelerated. He was dressed in complete black today; black full sleeve T-shirt and jeans, that gave him an extra charming look with his blonde hair. He smiled and climbed down the steps to me as I returned the smile and walked up to him.

“I'm glad you came.” he said as we practically hugged each other for a brief moment, with that butterfly feeling in my stomach again. “I saw you from upstairs window.” he said after pulling away from me, looking into my eyes.

“Thanks for inviting me.” I said, suddenly feeling nervous, because I was alone with him and we just shared an unexpected hug.

“It's always a pleasure.” Benjamin smiled, “Come in,” he placed his hand on the small of my back and led me inside.

As he led our way upstairs, in each step I took, I began to shake with nervousness, with the feeling of his hand on my back overwhelming me. But it soon disappeared into the thin air as we entered into a mini worship center where it was filled with all strangers, older and younger than me, and felt thankful for Benjamin's close company because he was the only one I know here.

Some people who stood there, turned their heads to our direction as we entered. Some looked away, going back to their conversations but some others, who were girls, who were huddled in a group, gave us a weird look, looking between me and Benjamin.

“Just ignore them.” Benjamin muttered above my head, dropping his hand from my back. “And try not to hangout with that group of girls; they're a bit... not good... for you.”

I turned to look at him, “Are you supposed to say that being a pastor's son?” I asked.

He rolled his eyes with a small smile tugging on the corner of his lips, “Trust me, I know what I'm saying. Now, let's get you a seat.” he took my hand, “Save a seat for me beside you if that's ok.”

“Are you kidding?” I chuckled, trying to act cool before the watchful eyes of the group of girls Benjamin mentioned as I found myself growing nervous. “I don't think I want you to leave my side. I'm feeling a bit anxious, being a stranger here.” I confessed honestly.

Benjamin raised his eyebrow at me, amused. “Stranger? Anxious? Come on, I don't see such thing in your eyes.” taking his seat next to me.

I rolled my eyes amused, “As if you can read my feelings.”

“I wish I could.” he said, with a shrug of his eyebrows. “I should go now.” he said, standing up.

“To where?” I frowned.

“I'm the guitarist for the youth worships.” Benjamin shrugged and furrowed his eyebrows, “You'll be fine, Hailey. We're going to be face to face anyway.” he said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice as he jerked his chin towards the small stage.

I chuckled and shrugged, “Alright then.” I said, leaning back on my seat.

“I'm sorry–”

“Oh come on,” I groaned, cutting his words off, “I'm fine.” I assured him.

Benjamin chuckled, running his hand through his hair, leaving it messy that looks good on him and hesitated before he turned back and left my side.

I sucked in a deep breath and took out my phone, to read my Bible, since I was sitting simply and had nothing to do or no one to talk, other than just staring into the space.

More people, teenagers I mean, joined into the room and within less than ten minutes later, the worship team came onto the stage. Benjamin shot me a smile as he caught my eyes and I watched him as he set up his guitar and systems. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone coming to take the seats in the row I was sitting. Only when I saw Benjamin's gaze harden on that person, did I turned to look.

It was a girl, a dark girl, around my age or so, tall and slim-fitted with curly black hair that reminded me of the dark girl from Harry Potter and The Half-blood Prince, who came and flirted with Harry in the begining of the movie. She was looking nice in person but I don't understand why Benjamin was glaring at her. Then I remembered, I think I saw her in that group of huddling girls he mentioned.

The dark girl came towards me, followed by some others I saw with her earlier and when I realized that she's going to take the seat I've been saving for Benjamin, I spoke up. “I'm sorry, I'm saving this seat for a friend of mine.” I smiled apologetically, trying to sound polite as possible.

“Oh, okay.” the girl smiled and looked past me, “Can I take that seat then?” she asked, referring to the seat on my other side.

“Oh yes, sure.” I smiled and squeezed my legs to a side to let her pass through.

“I'm Diana, by the way. Diana Howder.” the dark girl introduced herself to me as she took her seat on my side. She had a thick African accent.

I smiled at her, “And I'm–”

I cut of my own words as Diana opened her mouth, looking past me, “She's saving that seat for a friend of hers, girl. C'mere and sit.” Diana was telling a friend of hers who was going to take Benjamin's place. Her friend obeyed her words and moved to her, passing me, and sat next to her as others who were with her did the same.

“Okay so, you were saying?” Diana turned to me with a smile as all her friends were settled down in their seats.

“Oh yes. I'm Hayline Huston, by the way. It's so nice to meet you.” I smiled back at her, somehow managing to ease from the nervousness. But honestly, it wasn't nice meeting with Diana as I just told her, since I could feel Benjamin's eyes on me from the stage. Gosh, he told me not to hangout with these girls!

Diana nodded, “So, is your friend coming sooner or... I mean, the worship is about to start.”

I chuckled, “Thanks for your concern, Diana. But I was referring to Benjamin, actually.” I said, glancing briefly at Benjamin as the same time Diana's eyes went to him.

“Oh.” she was silent for a brief moment, glancing over at the stage, where the lights were on and the singers were standing. I noticed a caramel haired girl standing there with a mike in her hands; she was one of the girls I saw huddled together, as if to say, she looked like the boss girl among them. I couldn't find an answer why Benjamin told me not to hangout with them. I can't wait to ask him.

“But I've only seen Ben sitting in the front row.” I heard Diana speak after a brief moment, as if muttering to herself. But I knew, she talking to me.

“I dunno, I'm new here. And, Ben told me to save a seat for him.” I shrugged my shoulders, daring myself to use his nickname I haven't used before because I felt a hint of jealous when I heard Diana saying it.

Diana turned her dark eyes on me, “And so I noticed.” she nodded to herself, “Where are you from? Your accent is a bit different from the other americans.”

“I'm from Chicago, although I grew up here. And my accent...” I paused to let out a chuckle because I was surprised she noticed; no one asked me about such or noticed before. “I'm a Hebrew, that's why my accent is different.”

Something flashed in her black eyes, “A Hebrew?” she whispered slowly, “I mean, a real Hebrew?” she asked, in normal voice at last.

“Yes,”

“What are you doing here?”

Excuse me? What kind of question is that?

“Er...” I began and stopped myself as I heard the sound of guitar strings, being slowly stricken. I catched eyes with Benjamin and he gave me a meaningful look with a furrow of his eyebrows. I nodded to myself, maybe there is a reason behind why Benjamin warned me.

But, I couldn't believe I've found such people inside a church!

I didn't had time to think more as the worship started by a young man and woman who told us all to stand on our feet and give our hearts into the Lord's hands before we start the worship.

The rest of the moments on worship was a blessing. I thanked God that I wasn't distracted by Benjamin's charm this time since.. I don't know, maybe it's because since we've become close now.

As it was time for Bible teachings, everyone who were in the stage, except for the youth pastor, got down and took their seats in the front row. Maybe that row is for them and maybe that's why Diana told me she's only seen Benjamin sitting on front row. But, Benjamin walked in to where I sat, and took the seat I was saving for him, as he told me.

I felt my heart warming up as I understand the reason why he's not taking the front seat today. He was doing it for me.

“Thanks for saving the seat.” Benjamin graced me with his handsome smile and he sat down next to me, briefly sparing a glance at the girls past me.

“No problem.” I shrugged, opening the Bible in my phone.

Once when the whole meeting was over and when it was snacks time, Benjamin took me for a tour in the huge church building as he promised me last day when we chatted on Instagram.

He showed me various places where various events were taking place, then took me some floors above to his favorite place to stay alone, when nobody is around. I asked him if it's possible that nobody is around, and he told me that, most of the times he has been here, there were none and so he took his place as his property. We both then laughed at the joke.

We exchange our phone numbers and spent sometime together, talking. But in all things we talked, I totally forgot to ask him about why he told me not to hangout with Diana and her team.

The chance to remember and ask him of it only came when we both arrived back down and he left me to the worship room where he has forgotten his phone, and I was waiting for him outside, in a balcony-like platform, glancing down at the ground floor view below, with my arms folded over the handrails.

“Excuse me?” I heard a female voice near me from behind.

I turned aside and saw the caramel haired girl I saw earlier during the worship on stage, now before me, looking at me. I only got to see her properly now; she was about my height but not my age, maybe she's sixteen or something as Benjamin. She had pale blue eyes, olive-skin, dark brown sharp eyebrows, high cheekbones and her face was glowing with her make-up. “Yes?” I asked, a but surprised to see her.

“Are you new here?” she inquired friendly, “I don't remember seeing you before.”

I smiled, “Oh yes, I am new. I came here for my cousin's wedding.”

The girl's eyebrows scrunched up as she realized what I'm saying. “Oh, the wedding.” she mumbled to herself, “You are... the cousin of the bride..or the groom?”

“The bride; Bonnie Livingston.” I said, “You know her?”

She smiled, “'Course I do.”

We smiled at each other for a moment, probably not knowing what else to say. “I'm Hayline Huston, by the way.” I decided to introduce myself first since she hasn't yet and held out my hand towards her.

She gave a brief look at my hand before taking it. “Meghan Heise.” she shook our hands, still smiling. “Benjamin's girlfriend.”

The smile on my lips froze as her words fell in my ears. It took me a moment for her words to blend in together, and when it did, I blinked, my hand that held onto hers, stiffened. “Benjamin? Benjamin Steaker?” I inquired, not believing what I heard.

Meghan let go of my hand and chuckled, “Of course girl, Benjamin Steaker. I know you know him, or else I shouldn't have had to say it.”

No, it can't be.

I felt my knees trembling. Get a grip Hayline, I told myself. “Really?” I asked, trying to sound normal.

“Yes. And that's why I'm here.” Meghan said, taking a step closer before looking around us. The friendly face of hers has disappeared and I understood, it was just a mask. “I want you to do me a favor.”

I raised my eyebrow, “What kind of?” I sounded exactly serious like how she was.

“You'll have to promise me.”

“I don't make promises.” I said suddenly feeling irritated and tried to walk past her. “Now, if you'll excuse me.”

“Not until we're done here.” Meghan said, raising her voice that was lower before.

I turned to her impatiently, “What do you want?” my tone was almost like a spat.

“I want you to keep your distance from him.” her pale eyes bored into mine threateningly, “He's mine and you will not come in between us.” Meghan gritted through her teeth.

I turned to face her completely, the ego inside me rising. I wanted to laugh at her face because I felt her words really silly; but I was too serious to do that. “Oh yeah?” I challenged her, lifting up my chin. “If you do claim to be his girlfriend, then why aren't you with him? Why isn't he with you?”

Meghan clenched her fists, “It's none of your business.”

Aha?

“If you say it that way, my friendship with Benjamin isn't your business either.” I spat, advancing a step further.

Anger flashed in her eyes and her gaze turned harder on me. But as her eyes briefly shifted to my back twice in a blink of an eye, they turned normal. Finely masked as earlier, if I must say.

I turned, following her gaze and saw Benjamin walking to us, suspiciously looking from me to his... girlfriend. I felt like betrayed when I looked at his face even though there was nothing going on between us other than in my mind. Why didn't he tell me about his girlfriend in the first place? Then I wouldn't have been so obsessed with him.

Still, there was something in my mind that was telling, if she's his girlfriend, will he tell me not to hangout with her as a warning? She was in that huddling group of girls.

Benjamin held eye contact with me as he walked up to us and stood beside me, before turning his eyes on Meghan. “What is she doing here?” he asked her, jerking his chin to his back, towards the way he walked up from.

“She who?” Meghan raised an eyebrow.

“Diana, of course.” Benjamin rolled his eyes, annoyed.

I watched them as they talked.

“What's your problem with her, Ben?” Meghan asked him.

“I think I've answered to that question over million times.” Benjamin said. “She's not good.”

Now I raised an eyebrow at him, but he didn't notice.

“She wants to know our God!” Meghan defended her friend from whatever Benjamin was saying.

“But that's not how I feel it.” Benjamin spoke sternly, “I'm warning you, she's up to something.”

“Your stupid feelings.” Meghan rolled her eyes.

This is definitely not how I've seen or imagined a couple to talk with each other.

“This is final, Meghan.” Benjamin took a step forward to her, “I'm warning you, if she ever cause a mess here, you'll be responsible for it.”

I stared at the both of them baffled. Can someone please tell me, what's going on here?

Benjamin turned to me, “Come on, Hailey.” he grabbed my hand and led the way, all the way down to where his car was parked in, leaving a frozen Meghan behind.

I wanted to tear away my hand from his hold but controlled my rising anger towards him by silently gritting my teeth because I didn't want to give Meghan a triumph scene in from of her eyes. I was angry that he was making me have drawn to him with my feelings even though he has a girlfriend, as Meghan claims herself to be.

When we reached at the parking lot on the church ground, I tore my hand away from his. “Why didn't you tell me?” I wanted to sound firm but my voice shook.

Benjamin, who had already turned to me when I tore my hand from his hold, looked taken back at my sudden outburst. “Hailey?”

“Yes it's me.” I said with a hint of unpleasant sarcasm. “And I'm asking you, why didn't you tell me?”

“I don't understand, what are you talking about?” Benjamin asked confused.

I closed my eyes for a brief moment and took a deep breath to calm myself. “That, she is your girlfriend.” I said, looking into his eyes.

If Benjamin's face was a screen that shows his emotions and thoughts visibly written, I'm probably sure, those writings will be running faster on the screen before anyone can get a closer look to read as I now can see him drenched in thoughts. He had a shocked expression on his face, yes, but that shock didn't had a panick in it as I expected.

“You meant to say... that Meghan–” here he pointed his index finger towards the church building and continued, “is my girlfriend?”

“Don't play games with me, Benjamin.” I warned him.

He raised his both hands and held them in front of him, as if in surrender, taking a step closer. “Whoa whoa whoa, you have a misunderstanding there.” he said, calmly.

I tried to calm myself too, “Do I?” I asked, “Cause I'm only saying what she told me.”

Benjamin's gazed hardened, not on me, but probably on that Meghan. “I knew it.” he muttered, looking past me to the church building and then turned his eyes on me, his gaze softening as our eyes met. “What did she tell you?”

I looked away from him, to aside, “She introduced herself as your girlfriend and asked me for a favor. She asked me to promise her something but I denied, and then she told me to keep my distance from you, saying, you are hers.” I paused for a moment before continuing, “I think that's what the favor was.”

“What the heck?!” he ran his hand through his hair in disbelief.

“Excuse me, isn't she your girlfriend?” I inquired, casting him a baffled look at his reaction.

He turned his gaze on me, “What else did she tell you?”

“I asked first.” I demanded, folding my arms across my chest. Whoa, chill out.

“Hailey, this isn't the time for–” he cut of his words as I raised my eyebrow at him. He sighed, “She was... once. Not now.”

I stared at him, dumbfounded. A lot of questions flooded through my mind but I didn't dare to ask him if it's true or not. There was something about him that made me believe in his words in a heartbeat. “But why did she tell me she's your... girlfriend?” I asked after some moments of thinking.

“Honestly, I have no idea.” Benjamin sighed exaggerated and took several steps to walk past me, to inside the church.

Oh dear Jesus, I can't believe all these things are happening inside a building that's called for your people's communion!

“Where are you going?” I asked, grabbing his arm before he passed me.

“You don't deserve to be treated like how she treated you.” he said.

“And you're going to talk with her about it?” I inquired and he nodded. “No.” I protested.

Benjamin raised an eyebrow.

“Just leave her alone.”

“But–”

“No buts, I'm completely fine.” I said. I felt indeed beyond fine when he said she's not his girlfriend now, even though she was once.

Benjamin tried to argue but gave up, as I pressed him, repeating, I'm fine with whatever she said. We then got into his car and rode off to my uncle's house, where he's supposed to drop me.

“I think she still loves you.” I told Benjamin after a long moment of silence, ever since he shared his story about him and Meghan with me.

They had been in love for two years but within these two years, they had broke up four or five times, I mean, Meghan broke up. It would be only a silly matter and if Meghan get her feelings hurt, the first thing she do is, breaking up with Benjamin, even though it might be hers fault more than his. The last time they broke up was last month, after Benjamin's sixteenth birthday on January. And since then, they haven't made it up yet.

I was listening to Benjamin's love story with my wide eyes. What I couldn't believe is, how can someone ever breakup with a boy like him? Because the more I was getting know Benjamin, the more I felt like drawn to him, because he was not just handsome outside but inside too.

He also told me why he spoke to Meghan about Diana like that. He says, she's creepy and he's been having bad feelings when she's around anywhere in the church. And about that group of girls which included Meghan and Diana, he said, they're not the best of people to hangout with.

I heard Benjamin chuckle, “She? Loves? Me? Still? That's the hilarious thing I've heard in ages!”

That made me laugh as well, “Why, I'm only saying that because, maybe she has realized her mistake and now seeing me with you might've made her totally misunderstand things. She wants you back or else she wouldn't have spoken to me like that. I don't find any answers than that to her that kind of outburst at me.” I said, side-glancing at him.

Benjamin kept his eyes focused on the road, “I don't want her back. I'm totally fed up with her attitude, honestly. She's like... a fragile China doll and holding her heart in my hands carefully without falling is like I'm holding the weight of all the world. You have no idea how she's like. She's very sensitive and like a crybaby; I thought I could change her but I was wrong there to think like that. Only God can change people.”

I nodded, “So if God changes her...”

“No, I won't fall for her again, I had promised myself I wouldn't fool me anymore. It's not her, whom I like.” he said sighing. “But you're so unlike her.” Benjamin chuckled.

I turned my head to him, “And what made you say that?” I asked, smiling.

“Oy, that argument we had back at the church about Meghan, you remember?” he asked, amusement in his eyes.

“I don't have any memory problems though.” I rolled my eyes at him, “Of course, but I don't think it was any argument.”

“Now that's the difference I'm talking about.” Benjamin chuckled.

“Excuse me?”

“Of course it wasn't an argument for you and me. But it would've been for Meghan if she was in your place.” Benjamin shook his head, chuckling.

“I don't believe it.”

“You can't, because you don't know her yet.” he said and gave me a side glance, “Hailey, I know we just met a few days ago but I think I've seen something in you that I failed to find in Meghan. That's what I'm trying to tell you.” he paused as he took a brief glance on road to make sure there's nothing in the way and then turned to me, “I like you.”

My mouth fell open slightly as I stared at him in disbelief. I then looked away as my cheeks began to burn up and hugged myself. My heart was pounding in my chest and a wide smile tugged on the corner of my lips, which I was managing to hold back. He likes me. Benjamin Steaker likes me.

For the rest of the drive, we both sat in silence. Since the atmosphere between us was a bit awkward, I wished if he had turned on the music, but he didn't. I felt his eyes on me sometimes and pretended I didn't see it, because I was already overwhelmed.

When we reached in front of my uncle's house and Benjamin stopped his car in front of the gate, I turned to him, to thank him for the ride. I saw his electric blue eyes already on me and before I opened my mouth, he did.

“My dad's hosting a Bible study in our home on Saturdays. Would you... like to come?”

Surprised at his another invitation, I nodded. “Oh yeah, sure. I'll just have to ask my mom.” I said.

He nodded, “Bonnie and Archer used to join us on every Saturdays but since the beginning on this month, they have been busy with the wedding plans and stuffs. Just let me know if your mom allows.”

“I will.” I said, getting out of the car and shut the door behind me, “And thank you so much.”

“For what?”

“For everything.”

“It's nothing really.” Benjamin smiled, shrugging. “I'll... see you soon then.”

“See you again.” I smiled back.

He nodded and started the engine, and my heart was accelerating with my overwhelming feelings.

“And by the way,” Benjamin turned his gaze on me when I spoke, “I like you too.”

That handsome smile I love, now broke into his handsome face which made me to smile as well. We held our eye contact for a few seconds until Benjamin said, “Goodbye Hailey.”

“Goodbye Ben.” I used his nickname for the first time in him and waved at him as he rode off.

I stood there, staring at his car, until it disappeared from my eyes. I wrapped my arms around myself and inhaled deeply.

Then I realized, I'm not just obsessed; but I'm in love. Again.

In the days that passed –even though there weren't much of days we could have because of the short stay I was having in Colorado– Benjamin and I became close friends as we got to hangout together. When mom allowed me to attend the Bible study in Ben's home, it was a way for us both to get extra more time to spend with each other. When we couldn't hangout together, we both used to chat endlessly on WhatsApp and on Wednesdays and Sundays at church, no threatening Meghan was there to stand in our way other than to stay by a corner as we both pass, to glare at me and mumble something to her friend Diana.

The closer we got, the more I was falling for him. Since the day we told each other about our liking, our awkwardness slowly started to disappear and we hugged each other whenever we met, walked in hand in hand intertwined, spend time together alone in Benjamin's favorite place in the Church building and I couldn't wish to br more happier.

But everytime I look into those eyes of him, I could tell that there's something still missing in our closeness; something we both are secretly longing for but hesitant about.

I wanted him as mine and to give myself to him. And that day I've been waiting for, was nearer than I thought.

It was only few days before the wedding and our uncle and his family were getting busier and busier. Bonnie and I were at Benjamin's mom's beauty salon on the seventh floor of a huge multistoried building with the rest of the bridesmaids, including Alecia. We arrived there in the morning for our dressing tryouts and beauty spas. I wanted to do the spa as the rest of the girls who were elder than me, but Benjamin's mom and one of her assistants said, I don't need to do such things on me; and to my greatest disappointment, my dear cousin too agreed with them. So instead, to make me happy, Alecia made a bridesmaids hairstyle tryout on my hair.

“Only the flowercrown is what that's missing.” Alecia stood in front of me and examined her work. “Bons, when will we get those crowns done?” she asked my cousin.

“Saturday.” Bonnie moved the cucumber slices from her eyelids and looked over at us from the spa bed she was laying on. “Hailey...you look..whoa!” Bonnie said and shifted her gaze to Alecia, “You've really got such a talent on this!”

Alecia waved a hand in the air dismissively, “Stop it, girl.” she snorted and walked over to a shelf, searching for a flowercrown. “Now, there it goes, perfect!” she said after setting the crown on my head.

“Alright, may I look myself in the mirror now?” I asked for the hundredth time since she started styling my hair. She wasn't allowing me to even hold a mirror in front to keep up with the results.

“Of course!”

I sat up from the chair and went over to the spacious mirror and gasped at my own appearance. I didn't know what Bonnie was telling me about Alecia's talent on stylings all these days until now. Just one hairstyle changed my entire appearance, if I must say. If I was alone here, I bet, I wouldn't move from the mirror's sight, admiring the work.

Alecia didn't let me take off the flowercrown until the time we'll have to leave –that'll definitely by the evening–, and I agreed with her. Once Bonnie had washed off her face mask, Benjamin's mom was choosing bridal hairstyles for her. Somehow managing to choose one out of all gorgeous styles, she started styling my cousin's hair, that was now colored in dark brown and blonde hints, as I saw her two months ago when she dropped her engagement new to us.

I, having nothing else to do, stood there, watching how my cousin's hair was getting done. If I have any luck, maybe I could memorize it and do it on my hair one day.

A few minutes later, there was a calling bell ringing on the main door of the apartment. One of the assistants, who was Alecia's friend, went to answer the door and I could hear her voice, ringing sarcastically.

“You're not welcomed here, Benny.”

My heart jumped at the mention of Benjamin's name. But wait a sec, how can you be so sure it's Benjamin while there are a million of Benjamins in the world, moreover this is a beauty salon too. Anyone will be coming–

But I soon took those words back as I saw the door to the room where we were open and Benjamin stood at the entrance. He was in his school uniform, light blue shirt, dark blue tie and dark pants with unusually messy hair and sticking blue eyes.

“I heard the bride and her maids are here.”

I smiled like an idiot when his eyes found me. I wanted to go and hug him but I knew this is not the right place or time. A smile tugged the corner of his lips as he walked up to where I stood with his busy mom, styling Bonnie's hair.

“And how did you heard that, little brother?” Alecia asked him.

“From you, of course, big sister.” he winked at his sister as she gave him a baffled look, and I hid a smile. Actually, it was I, who told him but he was trying to cover it, to avoid any suspiciousness about us.

“Good afternoon, Bens, how was your day?” Mrs. Steaker asked her son, briefly looking up at him.

“Brilliant.” Benjamin said to his mom, not taking his eyes from me. “You look beautiful.” he whispered, as he reached me.

I blushed, “Thanks; you too.”

“Me?” Benjamin snorted in amusement, “I look like a trash.” he said, running his both hands through his hair, making it even more messier. Though it suited him the best.

“Trust me, I like it.” I whispered to him, making him chuckled silently.

“Benny, why don't you take her upstairs and show her Claudia's Eiffel Tower?” I heard Alecia ask her brother, “She's been in a boredom here.”

I wasn't bored at all. But I didn't say it aloud; any chance to spend with Benjamin was now the world to me. But one question,

“Claudia's Eiffel Tower?”

A laughter echoed in the spacious room we where in, it was not just of Benjamin, Alecia and their mom; but my cousin and her friends laughed too, along with some assistants who were present there.

“What's it?” I asked them confused.

When Alecia opened her mouth to reply me, Benjamin held up his hand to her, motioning, not to. “I think it's better if you find out when we reach there.” He turned to me and said, the amusement never leaving his eyes.

“That's exactly what I was going to say, you little twat.” Alecia narrowed her eyes playfully at her brother.

Benjamin shrugged, “Didn't knew.” he said and motioned me to follow him.

I turned to the mirror to look at my reflection and saw the flowercrown is still on my head. I took it off, before following Benjamin out, heart racing like crazy.

Benjamin and I intertwined our hands as we got out of the apartment and made our way to a nearby lifter. Less than five minutes later, we reached to the top of the building. We had to climb the staircase up to our destination after we got out of the lifter, and when we reached there, my jaw fell open.

We were in the very top of the building, which's ceiling was made of light shade-blue glass, and the the view of the sky and the surroundings were breathtaking! “Ben, this is beautiful!” I almost exclaimed, examining my surroundings in highspirit.

I heard Benjamin laugh from behind me, “What were you expecting to see, actually?” he asked amusedly.

“I have no idea!” I laughed and wrapped my arms around his neck when he neared me and whispered, “Thank you.”

“But I'm not the one who designed this or made this or–”

“Thanks for the surprise, I mean.” I cut him off, rolling my eyes at him, “So, where's your sister's Eiffel Tower?” I asked, pulling back from the hug.

Benjamin laughed, “It's silly honestly. That building you see?” he asked, pointing his index finger towards a far away building top and continued, “Claudia thinks that's the Eiffel Tower in Paris. That's all.”

I laughed, I don't think I can blame the cute little girl; that building's top structure indeed looks like the top edge of the official Eiffel Tower.

“Little munchkin; she wouldn't give up on saying it over and over again. She's too stubborn to do that.” Benjamin said, shaking his head at his little sister.

We stood there for a long time, agreeing on staying there until it's time for me to go back. Leaning on the handrails, we both talked and watched the view above and below us and sometimes, I could feel his eyes on me.

Benjamin was telling me about his friends when I asked him about his schoollife, and when he asked me about mine, I told him about Harry and Emmy from school and about Rex too. I saw showing him their pictures in my phone when he told me to paused swiping.

“Is it my eyes, or does he really look familiar to me?” Benjamin asked, glancing carefully at Harry's picture.

“From where?”

“I don't recall it right.” he said, thinking. “What's his name... oh, Harry right?”

“Harry Canfield, yes.” I said.

“Canfield? Like... the Canfield..., wait, real Canfield? No–” I literally laughed when Benjamin stumbled on his words.

“Yes it is,” I cut him off, “That's Rob Canfield's youngest son, Harry Canfield.”

The look on Benjamin's face was priceless, “You're joking.”

“Come on!” I laughed, “Harry Canfield is my top best friend.”

“And are you his top best friend?” he asked, teasingly.

“Do you want me to call him? He will answer to that question, if you want.” I said, still chuckling.

“No, no, no, I think I'll take your words.” Benjamin finally believed and laughed at himself with me joining in. We only came to a pause when Benjamin's phone rang in his pocket. He took out his phone, “It's dad. Sorry I have to take this.” he said.

I shrugged and he answered the call, walking past me. I turned my head to the view below me again but my ear was pointing out to Benjamin's call when I heard him say, “I'm at the glass roof with Hailey.”

“Now?” I heard him say, “But dad........ Is that important?...... Okay Okay.......... I will come....... Yeah,  I'll be on my way.”

He's been called to his dad maybe, I told myself.

I stood still, pretending I haven't listened anything, not even that he has hung up the call already.

“Hailey,” Benjamin called my name from behind me.

“Yes,” I turned to him, to see no laughter in his eyes anymore.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, “I'm sorry we decided to stay up here until it's time for you to go.... I.... my dad wants me back home... now.” he said, looking at me with full of apology.

I reached for his hand, “Hey, hey, hey, it's alright. I know you have important things, I'm–”

“Nothing is more important to me than you.” Benjamin took my other hand in his free hand, to which I wasn't holding. “I hope you know that.” he whispered, looking deep into my eyes.

I smiled at him, after glancing down at our hands, “I do.” I said, “Now.”

Benjamin let go his hand from mine and placed it on the side of my face, taking a long step closer. He smiled down softly at me before leaning down. I stared at his lips, holding my breath and when his lips touched mine, my eyes shut close.

I stood frozen like a statue as he kissed me; the shock of being kissed and the feeling on his lips on mine and not knowing how to react to it.

But before I could pull myself together to kiss him back, he pulled his lips away from mine. My eyes flung open and stared at him, dizzied from his kiss. My eyes trailed down to his wet red lips unconsciously and then to his elegant blue eyes again. I wanted to kiss him, I wanted him to kiss me again, I wanted to feel his lips on mine, and I could see his eyes filled with the same emotions.

Not wasting another moment, Benjamin crashed his lips into mine again, and this time I kissed him back. Butterflies danced in my stomach at this overwhelming feeling I've never had before and I wrapped my arms around him, pressing myself against him.

When he pulled back, leaving me breathless from our first kiss, I could feel all the awkwardness, nervousness, tensions and the lack of closeness has disappeared from our midst.

Creating an new atmosphere; the atmosphere of love.

A/N: I'm so sorry if I messed up this chapter. To be completely honest, I'm not at all experienced with writing romantic events; this is the first one I've ever written. I've been begging Jesus for His help to give you a good chapter and I hope He helped me enough for you to like it😉

I just wanna tell you that the next chapter won't be updated till the last week of this month. I kind of promised my cousins to write a one shot story for them about us, and since the cousin's day is on the next Saturday, I'll be occupied with it for the entire next week. And they seem to be head over heels excited than I am, so I can't let them down. Sorry 😅

A question to you all, Do you ship Hailey and Benjamin?

I know some of you ships Hailey and Rilden and some ships Hailey and Harry. So anyone shipping Hailey and Benjamin?😏

Answer me guys!