A/N: Just a little something from Ben's point-of-veiw. Reviews are highly appreciated!
I stared through Annie's window with my binoculars. She was swaying to the beat of some music. Slow music, by the looks of it. God, she is just as beautiful as when we were in Sri Lanka. I watched as Annie pulled out a bottle of wine and two glasses. Two wine glasses? She turned her head in the direction of the living room and called something out. She must have company. Filling the glasses, she walked out the doorway of the kitchen and out of my sight.
I sighed as I opened my laptop to watch the camera's I set up. I felt guilty about breaking into her house and bugging it but I couldn't help it. Annie was sitting on the couch with the blind guy she works with. August. I didn't like him. Of course, why would I? I didn't like any guy Annie talked to. I have no right to be jealous, I know; I left her in the middle of the night with nothing more than a note on the pillow. But I still love her. And she must have some feelings for me. I saw the bracelet on the nightstand and the scrapbook of us. Why would she hold on to that if she didn't? I focused back on the computer.
August said something and they laughed. Then he stood up and turned to her. They spoke for a moment and then she stood up. Annie led him around the couch and into the small rectangle of space behind it. He put a hand on her waist and clasped the other while she set her other hand on his shoulder. They danced in a small circle, twirling around as they went. Annie looked so happy. Blissfully so. I felt my heart crack as she danced. They stopped and spoke again, his hands still on her waist. After a minute, August took his hands of her waist and hesitantly laid them on her cheeks. He slowly moved them around her face. I've heard of blind people doing that to get an idea of what someone looks like.
I couldn't help feeling jealous again as he caressed her face. I saw her shiver under his touch, fueling the anger even more. Then he kissed her.
His arm wrapped around her waist and his other hand knotted in her hair. Annie slithered her hands up he chest and linked them around his neck. They continued to sway and twirl as he kissed her tenderly. I could tell by the way she stumbled slightly that Annie was somewhat drunken. They made their way through the bedroom door and tumbled onto the bed. My fist clenched tightly, knowing he would take advantage of her. I hated being unable to do anything to stop it.
Annie began to reach for his shirt and tried to pull it off but he stopped her. I could see her protest and try to take the shirt again but he still stopped her. She sighed and just rested he head against his chest and drifted off to sleep. Smiling, he tugged the sheets and comforter from under them and pulled them around the two. He kissed her head and fell asleep himself.
My anger drained and I was began to have a new appreciation for August Anderson: he had the perfect opportunity to take advantage of her impaired judgment but didn't. Instead, he let her sleep.
I looked at the screen I realized that the bracelet and book no longer sat on the table. I closed my laptop and sighed. I was wrong: she had gotten over me.
And it was time to do the same.
As I drove away, I saw a small dirt mound in the front yard. Annie told me that she buried all the memories and photos in the yard when she moved. It was how she coped as an army brat. I suddenly knew where those items from her table were.
I continued to drive until I was sure I was far enough away that I wouldn't jeopardize her happiness any longer.