Chapter 3

Dear Sally, I know it has only been a few days since I sent you a tape but there is so much going on here that I couldn't wait to tell you all about it. You are going to be surprised that for once my news isn't all about Ben, although I could talk to you all day about him. Things are going great between us. We really seem to be getting closer every day. But not "that close" just in case you are wondering. Any way, we are really talking now. To be honest I'm doing most of the talking but he's listening instead of running away. So that's progress.

I haven't seen Julie since the first day I got back. Her father had a heart attack right after she got back to school and she had to go home to be with her mother. I'm not sure when she will be coming back to school. Things are still terrible with Noel. Did I tell you that he and Elena are sharing an apartment this semester? I went over there to help Elena with her things and when Noel came in it was really uncomfortable. Elena made an excuse and left to give us a chance to talk but Noel couldn't even stand to be in the same room with me. He said that he wishes he would never have to see me again and then walked out. I actually cried as I was walking home because of all of the hurt I saw in his face.

Now for the big news, I dropped pre-med and changed my major to art history. I can't even believe it myself it all happened so fast. You know how much I always loved art but from the beginning, the plan for me was to become a doctor like my father so I was in the pre-med track. And as much as I liked the science courses and was doing well, I always felt there was something missing. Then when I was helping my advisee who is an art major with her schedule I saw all of these amazing art classes in the catalogue. Sally, I just went crazy. I kept trying to fit one of the classes in my schedule but I couldn't and I was getting more frustrated by the minute. The closer I looked into each one of the classes the more I realized that I was really more interested and excited by art than medicine. So I went to the registrar's office and changed my major. I haven't told my parents yet because I know how they are going to react. I want to have a little time to enjoy my decision before I have to face the firing squad back home. So far everything has been working out perfectly and I was even been able to sign up for one class with Ben. It is going to be so much fun studying with him the way we did first semester. Noel is in one of the art classes I signed up for and although it is a little uncomfortable I'm hoping this will give us a chance to start talking and maybe become friends again. Keep your fingers crossed.

Well that's all my news for now. Send me a tape soon because I want to hear what you think about what I did. I miss talking to you. Love, Felicity

"Ben, what are you doing?" Felicity asked as Ben got up from the desk and threw himself on the bed.

"Aren't you ready for a break? We've been at this for almost 2 hours."

"But we're not half done with this chapter. We still have to cover the Akkadian Period."

"Did anyone ever tell you that you were a slave driver?"

Felicity got up and walked over to sit on the edge of the bed. "But we only have until Thursday to cover all of this material and I head Professor Bebak always gives a really hard first test."

Ben reached over and took hold of her arm pulling him down beside him. "You know I've got so many dead Egyptians floating around in my brain now that I'll never keep them straight. I think what we need is a little distraction to give all this stuff time to sink in," he mumbled. He buried his face in her neck and started nipping at the soft flesh.

"I think you are too easily distracted," she protested weakly as she moved closer to mold her body with his.

"Um, hummm," he murmured softly as he began sucking gently on her ear lobe.

Felicity ran her hands through his short hair with her eyes closed enjoying the feel of him next to her. A shiver ran through her as she felt his tongue dart into her ear. He straightened up and smiled as he moved to kiss her gently on the lips. His tongue began to move across her lips softly forcing her mouth open. He began to explore her tongue with his causing her to respond with a loud moan into his mouth. Her arms tightened around him and she began to react with all of the passion that was in her soul. Her hands started to move down his rib cage until she reached the bottom of his shirt. She began to tug at the shirt until he realized that she was pulling it up his back. He moved back and pulled the shirt over his head. Felicity looked up at him dreamily before she reached up and pulled him back to her and began kissing him passionately.

Ben slowly undid the buttons on her blouse and pushed it open. His hand began to roam over her neck and chest until he met with the smooth satin of her bra. He raised his head and looked into her eyes seeking permission to go further. Her small smile was the assent that he needed and he unclasped the bra releasing her small firm breasts to his eager touch. She began to move her hands down his back until she reached the waistband of his jeans. After a few moments she slid her hands underneath the jeans and boxers until she could feel the warm skin of his butt, which she grabbed firmly, pulling him closer to her. She could feel his arousal pressing against her thigh and she began to move her body against him. His breath quickened and he pulled back slightly so he could see her face. "Are you sure?" he asked huskily. She pulled him back into her arms as she whispered "Yes".

He began to place warm, wet kisses on her neck and shoulder while he reached down and opened the button of her jeans and slid down the zipper. His kisses slowly traveled downward past the valley between her breasts until he reached the top of the open jeans. He glanced up to see Felicity watching him through half-closed eyes. He straightened up, placed his hands under the top of her jeans and panties, and began to push them down while she raised her hips allowing the clothing to move down her legs and fall freely to the floor. He stood up and removed his jeans and boxers. Her eyes followed his every movement as he reached into the nightstand and took a condom out of the drawer and put it on. His breath caught in his throat when he turned and saw her lying there naked with her hair spread all around her like a halo. He sat on the bed and reached out to pull her into his arms. "God, you are so beautiful," he whispered and began kissing her hungrily. His kisses were met with equal passion. He laid her back on the bed and raised him self above her. He entered her and their bodies molded as if they were one. Her legs went instinctively around him and they began to move slowly in unison. She could feel the sweat on his back as she clung to him never wanting to let him go. Their breathing became rapid and erratic as their movements grew more rapid until Ben took them over the edge with one final thrust releasing an explosion of pure pleasure. They remained locked together until their breathing became easier. Finally Ben rolled over and pulled her into his arms. "Are you okay?" he whispered huskily.

Felicity snuggled deeper in his embrace before she answered quietly, "I've never been so happy in my life."

They lay quietly in each other arms basking in their happiness until Ben asked anxiously, "You're not going to go back to the dorm tonight are you?"

"Do you want me to stay?"

"Yes I don't want you to go. I want to wake up with you here tomorrow." When Ben noticed that Felicity had become very quiet he placed his fingers under her chin and raised her face to him. He became alarmed when he noticed that she had tears running down her cheeks. "Felicity, what's the matter?"

She shook her head vigorously. "No, no. Nothing's wrong. I'm just… I'm just… I can't even… It's like, like, all of my dreams have come true. It's scary and it's wonderful and… and…"

Ben pulled her back into his arms and whispered softly. "Shhhh. You don't have to say anything. I know exactly what you mean. Just go to sleep."

Felicity soon felt herself drifting off to sleep when she heard Ben whisper softly, "I love you." She smile and nestled closer to him. "I love you too," was the last thing she said before sleep overtook her.

Felicity opened her eyes slowly. It took her a few seconds to realize where she was. At first she thought it had all been a dream but then she looked over and saw Ben sleeping beside her and her heart soared as she realized that this was no dream. This was the person that she had loved for so long and now he said that he loved her too. A small frown crossed her face as she began to wonder if he would remember what he said last night before they went to sleep. Would he feel the same way this morning or would it all vanish? She looked over at Ben sleeping on his stomach with his arm under his head. She marveled at the way the light coming through the window accentuated the strong, smooth muscles of his back. She blushed inwardly when she noticed some thin red streaks on his shoulder where she must have scratched him last night.

Suddenly the shrill sound of the alarm brought her back to reality. Ben reached over and slammed his hand down on the clock stopping the alarm before he rose up on his arms to turn and look at her with a big grin on his face. "Hey," he murmured with sleep in his voice as he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Felicity smiled shyly and whispered, "Hey."

Ben rolled onto his back sliding his arm under Felicity's waist and pulling her into his embrace. They lay quietly both enjoying their closeness. "You know what I really missed when I was in Mexico?" Ben asked breaking the silence.

"What?" Felicity asked moving so she could see his face.

"Waking up and finding you next to me." Felicity looked at him in wonder. Ben gave her a shy grin. "I, I mean, I uh… I guess I just got use to having you there when we were on the trip" Ben stammered.

"You missed me?" she said in wonder. A wide smile crossed Felicity's face and she tightened her hold on him burying her face in his chest. Ben gave a huge sigh and planted a kiss on the top of her head.

"Last night uh, did, did you mean what you said?" Felicity asked in a timid voice.

"Hmm, I don't know. Uh, what exactly did I say," Ben teased.

Felicity became flustered as she tried to get the words out. "You said you loved me and I said it back and now I'm wondering if you meant it because I did," she finally said in a flurry of words.

Ben broke out with a loud laugh and began to plant kisses all over her face. "You never stop amazing me. I think that's one the things that I love most about you. You're able to say whatever is on your mind. I wish I could do that."

"I guess I'm just afraid that all of this is just too good to be true. I, I mean when you've held onto a dream like this for so long it's kinda hard to believe that your dream could actually be coming true."

Ben became very serious, "Listen. Listen to me. I never told anybody that I loved them before. Never! I never said it because I never meant it before but I mean it now. I love you. I don't want you to worry abut that."

A smile spread across Felicity's face and her eyes sparkled with happiness. "I love you," she answered as she moved up and kissed him. "And I've never been this happy." He hugged her tightly and the sun seemed to shine a little brighter for both of them.

Felicity smiled at her reflection in the bathroom mirror as she tied her hair back from her face. She examined her image closely to see if she looked any different. She was sure that the happiness she was feeling had to show for the whole world to see. She sighed deeply as the only thing she saw on her face was a silly grin. Suddenly she realized that she had been standing there daydreaming for too long and that if she did not hurry she was going to be late for class. She quickly finished getting dressed wondering if anyone would notice that she was wearing the same clothes as yesterday.

Felicity gathered up her purse and Ben's shirt which had worn into the bathroom and opened the door to find Julie standing there reaching for the knob. "Oh, hey," Felicity said in a startled voice.

Julie mumbled, "Hey" and stepped aside to let her pass avoiding her eyes.

"I didn't… When did you get back?" Felicity stammered.

"Late last night."

"How, how's your dad doing?"

"He's better."

"I'm glad to hear that. I mean that he's good enough for you to come back to school."

"Thanks," Julie said with a sigh as a look of impatience crossed her face.

"Yeah, well, um, I guess I better hurry up or I'll be late. Good to see you back," Felicity said as she started to walk down the short hallway.

"Hey," Julie called softly. Felicity turned to find her still standing in the bathroom doorway. "You know you'll never be able to hold onto him," she said before she entered the room and shut the door behind her.

Felicity stood frozen with her hand on the doorknob to Ben's room as Julie's words echo through her brain. She could feel the doubts and fears begin to creep back into her mind. Finally she shook her head and straightened her shoulders determined not to let Julie upset her but as she entered the room she could still hear those awful words "You'll never be able to hold onto him" and her euphoric mood had disappeared.

Everyone looked up as Felicity rushed into the classroom. Professor Sherman stopped talking to the class and turned to Felicity saying sarcastically, "Nice of you to finally decide to join us."

"Sorry," Felicity mumbled and looked around for an empty seat. She hesitated when she realized that the only available seat with next to Noel.

"Miss Porter, will you please be seated so the rest of the people who got here on time can get back to work?"

"Sorry," Felicity mumbled again as she hurried to the empty stool beside Noel and began to set up her work. She stole a glance at him and noticed that he was staring straight ahead with a scowl on his face. Heaving a small sigh, she tried to focus on the class material.

"As I was saying before I was interrupted, you will have two weeks to complete this project. The entire class will have a chance to judge your work and then I will critique it from my perspective. Art is subjective to each viewer and it is important for the artist to hear many different opinions and criticisms of their work. Well you will all be glad to hear that I'm going to dismiss class now because I have a very important meeting to attend. See you next week" Everyone started to gather their things when Professor Sherman suddenly called out, "Oh by the way I forgot to assign your partners for the project. Um, just, just pair up with the person on your left."

Felicity glanced over at Noel who looked very angry and was shaking his head 'no'. "Noel, I'm sorry but…"

"This is a nightmare," he interrupted.

"Maybe we can talk to Professor Sherman and ask her if we can switch partners. I'm sure if we explain the situation it wouldn't be a problem."

Noel just shrugged without speaking and gathered up his things. Together they approached the professor and tried to explain their situation. Before they could finish Professor Sherman stopped them. "Listen you two; this is college not high school. I don't have time for your adolescent romantic nonsense. I expect you to work this out as adults. Now I really have to go." Felicity and Noel stared after her as she got up and left the room.

The silence between them was deafening. Finally Noel broke the silence, "Okay if we have to do this, let's just do it and get it over with. When do you want to get together?"

"I'm working at Dean & Deluca tonight but I'm off tomorrow night."

"Okay, that works for me. Do you want to work at the apartment?"

"Sure that would be great. I mean I'm sharing a room with…."

"Fine. Then I'll see you tomorrow about 7:00," Noel interrupted as he turned and walked away not giving her a chance to answer.

Felicity stared after the retreating figure with a hundred thoughts and emotions whirling around in her brain. She was happy that she and Noel would at least have an opportunity to talk and work together again. But she wasn't sure what it would mean or if it would help to repair their friendship. And what would Ben say about her working so closely with Noel or would he even care? Finally she collected her things and walked out of the classroom wishing that things did not have to be so complicated.