I love you. Forever.

Chapter 28: Empty House

Becs’ POV

I come home to an empty house. Everything was dark. Ben walked in with my suitcase as I switched the foyer light on.

“Hey, I’m home.” I call out not getting any response. “Huh.” I sighed. I really wanted to tell mom about the ball and show her the video of Mr. Wilder and I’s dance. Just then I hear the pitter patter of tiny steps coming from the kitchen and a cute little meow. “Hi my precious girl.” I coo picking up Maya. She snuggles into me as I hold her and kiss her head.

 “Did your mom try calling you?” Ben asked hugging me from behind. “Good question, let’s check.” I pulled my phone out of my handbag and unlocked the screen with my free hand. My screen saver was a candid photo of Ben on the football field. I feel him smile as he kisses my head. It’s a nice view of his ass in his uniform. “Oh, it was on silent. I missed a call.” I said as I tapped the voicemail icon. I put it on speaker.

“Hi my beautiful daughter. I was hoping to catch you. Tim planned a surprise cruise trip and just told us about it this morning. We are due at the port within 2 hours so he had us out the door early this morning. I’m sorry baby you couldn’t come with us. Tim forgot you were away this weekend and already had everything paid in full. We will be out of reach all week since there will be no cell service. Please get Zach’s school work from his teachers this week. Tim asked that you stay at home to housesit as well. He is expecting some packages to be delivered. Just put them in his office. I can’t wait to come home and see you sweetie. I miss you and I love you. I’ll call as soon as I can. Bye now.” Mom said in the message.

I leave out a small sigh. He’s always taking her away from me. “Want me to stay with you?” Ben asked softly. I felt him hugging me tighter. “Please.” I respond sinking into him. “I’ll let you unpack and get settled in. I will go home and pack what I need for the week and be back as soon as I can. Okay sweetheart?” Ben cooed in my ear. He could feel the fragile state I am in. Its not that I want be there on the cruise. It’s the point that Tim keeps going out of his way to make sure I rarely see my mom. I can deal with all his bullshit and them going away occasionally. But I had no warning this time. And this is the longest I would be without contact with my mom. I am doing better but I don’t think I could handle no contact for a week just yet. I finally shake my head no. I don’t want to be alone right now. “Baby doll, would you rather come with me?” He sensed my anxiety. I turn in his arms and rest my head on his chest. “Yes.” I whisper trying not to cry. I don’t want to cry. I know Tim is doing this to break me even more. But I won’t let him win. Ben just stood them holding me for as long as I needed. Poor Maya is almost squished between us but she doesn’t seem to mind as she purrs like a motorboat.

Ben’s POV

Becs is just one big ball of nerves in my arms. I’ve learned the times when she needs comforting words spoken to her and the times she needs a warm embrace. This moment she definitely needs my embrace. So I will stand here as long as it takes for her to feel better. After several minutes, I feel her move her head to look up me. “You okay?” I whisper. She nods her head and gives me a small smile. “Thank you.” She whispered back. “Anything for you my precious gem.” I smile warmly at her. I slowly lean in and kiss her lips softly. She kisses me back just as softly before we part ways. “Come on, my love. I have an idea. You can bring Maya too.” I say as I lead Becs out the door with Maya still in her arms.

We walked into my house. Mom was in the kitchen making a sandwich for dad. “Hey guys, can I make you anything?” Mom asked surprised to see Becs with me. She knew right away to keep the mood light after seeing my girl. “No thanks mom, we’re good.” I answer before Becs could. She looked up me and I winked at her. I have something up my sleeve and she knows it. “Sit with me Rebecca. I was just sent the proofs of our pictures. We can pick out our favorites together.” Mom smiled brightly. Her offer lighting up Becs’ face. “There’s my girl.” I whisper sweetly to Becs as I gently cup her cheek with my hand. I caress her rosy cheekbone with my thumb as she leans into my touch. I slowly pull away after a few moments so she can see the pictures. I head to my bedroom meeting my dad on the staircase. He turns and follows me as I tell him what is going on.

“That sweet girl can’t catch a break.” Dad sighed heavily. “I know dad. All she wanted was to show Lily the video of you and her dancing. That bastard does everything in his power to keep her away from her mother.” I say through gritted teeth. “I know son. I wish there was more we could do.” Dad said softly. “That’s the frustrating part, dad. He’s torturing her emotionally. How the hell do you protect someone from that type of abuse when she’s stuck in that f*****g household. Why can’t Lily see what Tim does to Rebecca. I know a part of that is Becs trying her best to hide the ugliness from her mom but can’t she just see the bastard that Tim really is?  She forgave so easily when he hit her daughter. I swear I will get to the point where I won’t be able to control the monster inside of me and go after that f*****g asshole.” I state in a low tone trying to keep calm. “Ben, I wish I had the answers. Rebecca has to be the one to speak up. All we can do is love, support and protect her to the best of our abilities.” Dad said in a soothing tone while resting his hands on my shoulders.

“I know dad. But she loves her mom too much too speak up.” I say defeated. “She’s stubborn just as she’s fierce.” I sighed. “Just like someone I know.” Dad smiled mildly referring to me. “Continue to be present Ben. That is what she needs right now.” We both nodded in agreement as I carry on with packing. “I’m proud of you son. Before you know it the day will come when you and Rebecca will be able to build your own lives together. Your futures are bright.” Dad said firmly. “Thanks dad.” I said calmly trying to get my emotions in check before facing my girl again. “Looks like you have a visitor.” Dad chirped as he was about to leave my room. Maya walked right passed dad and rubbed against my leg. “I don’t know who loves me more, Becs or Maya.” I chuckle as I pick up the pretty cat. “You know exactly who loves you more.” Dad’s laughs as he leaves. I throw my bookbag over my shoulder and pick up my duffle bag with my free hand. Maya is completely content cuddled against  me. “You’re just like your pretty red headed owner, you know that?” I mumble to Maya. She meows softly in response.  “Yup, just like her.” I smile to myself heading out the  bedroom door. I stopped at the hallway closet where mom keeps extra blankets and random things. I grabbed a blanket and a big picnic basket I remembered she stored in there. 

...

I set Maya down in the foyer before I snuck out the door to put my things in the car. I quickly ordered take out before heading back in the house. Maya was waiting patiently by the door for me. Before I knew it, she launched herself from the floor and into my arms. “Exactly like her.” I whisper scratching her little head and walking into the kitchen.

Mom and Becs were all smiles picking out their favorite pictures as dad happily ate his sandwich. “You about ready babe?” I ask interrupting their giggles. “Yea, sure.” She smiled at me. She hugged mom and dad goodbye for the second time today. I was out the door with Maya curled up in one arm and my baby doll in the other resting her head on my shoulder as we walked making me smile.

“Now for your surprise.” I say with a cheesy smile before pecking Becs’ lips and pulling out of the driveway. I parked around the corner from the diner and asked Becs to stay in the car since she had Maya. I picked up our dinner and quickly placed it in the basket in my trunk.

We pull up to the park and get out. “You and Maya pick a spot baby doll. I’ll be right behind you.” I say patting her ass lightly. “Okay, Benny.” She smiles. Her mood has gotten better as the day went on thankfully. I pray this week goes smoothly for her.

She found a nice grassy spot under a tree next to the lake. Luckily the park wasn’t too busy today.  A few kids were in the playground and some older people were walking the trails. It was peaceful. Becs set Maya down and spread the blanket across the ground Maya didn’t waste a second before she curled right in the middle as Becs sat alongside her petting her back. I knelt down and opened the picnic basket. “My favorites.” She beamed stealing a kiss from me. “Yes ma’am, we have cheeseburgers, fries and one chocolate milkshake with 2 straws.” I wink at her. “Oh and a slice of hot cherry pie.” I said with a big toothy grin. “Thank you love.” She said cheerfully as we both dug in. I even had little treats for Maya to enjoy. I never knew a cat who would just hang out like Maya does. She stayed right there with us the whole time. We ate quietly taking in our surroundings and stealing sweet glances. We finished saving the pie for a little later. I laid on my side propping myself up my with elbow. “Come here gorgeous.” I call Becs over patting my thighs. Before she made her way over to me she spoke up. “First, how are you hanging there handsome?” She asked with a hint of playfulness. I raise my brow at her. “And yes, pun intended.” She added. “Oh he and the boys are hanging sore sweetheart.”  I answer truthfully. She really did a number on me that’s for sure. She gave me the sad puffy lips look. The guilt still in her eyes. “I’ll be fine beautiful. Don’t worry about me.” She crawled over  for a kiss before resting against my lap as I wrapped my arm around her shoulder. “Thank you Benny, for all of this. You really turned my day around.” She said softly. “I’m so glad Becs.” I coo admiring her beauty. A ray of sunshine peeking through the leaves lit up her face like an angel. “You’re the best thing to happen to me Becs. I would truly do anything for you.” She gave me the most loving smile and sat up to kiss me. We shared a few minutes of sweet passionate kisses, only exploring each other’s lips. “So sweet.” I whisper still tasting her on my lips. “You heal me Ben. Every single day. You saved me from going deeper down a dark path when you came into my life. You are the best thing to happen in my life as well. I love you. Forever.” She declared softly. Her voice was so smooth and silky. I felt every word she spoke into existence. “I love you. Forever.” I said running my fingers through her hair and gently bringing her lips back to mine.