"LET ME BE YOUR ANGEL"

Ben stood in his room looking at himself in the mirror straightening his tie. As he stared at himself he began to remember how far his life had come, and how much it had changed in the past four years. He had fallen in love with Amy Jeurgens and had tried to make a life with her and her unborn son, only to realize to little way too late that she did not love him. Amy may have cared about him he could never be sure, but he knew she didn't love him. He remembered how no matter how much he did for her it was never enough for her.

He thought he had found the right woman, when he and Adrian discovered they were having a baby and she was going to keep it. He thought that maybe it was a twist of fate. Adrian was the one person he thought he could trust and turn too, not even Henry and Alice it seemed were as honest with him as she was. He really was happy when he was with her, and he treasured the time they spent together and it made sense to him that he should marry her. She was the girl who took his virginity. She was the first girl he ever thought truly knew him. She was pregnant with his child. But, life was cruel and that was a lesson he seemed to be doomed to learn when after they were only married for three days, and their child died before it was born.

He thought he could move on with Dylan, but that was a disaster beyond words. Not only did he almost go to prison, and ruined his reputation he almost died. He thought back to the place he went too while he was in acoma, and wondered was it real or was it just some vivid dream created by his subconscious. It was hard for him to know, but one thing he did know and that was he was going to be late for his final prom. He looked at his hair one last time, and grabbed his wallet before heading downstairs.

"Ben, are you gonna be up there all day or are you going to come down." Leo yelled up to his son from the bottom of the stairs. "I'm coming Dad, I just want to look my best", Ben replied as he began to descend the staircase. "So, how do I look?" he asked as he stood before his family. "Big Brother, I have never seen any man look more handsome," Chloe said. "She's right Ben you look so terrific." Camille replied. "Well, what do you expect he is my son, and a Boykewich after all." Leo joined in. "You tell em Dad." Ben chimed in as he smiled as they all began to take pictures with their cell phones.

"So are you sure you're ready to go out on your own tonight, I mean its not too late for Chloe to put on a dress, or for you to call one of your friends and have them go with you." Leo askd. "Dad, I'm fine going to the prom by myself." Ben replied. "I know Ben, but this is your senior prom, your last dance at Grant High, and after everything you have been through, I just don't want you to go there and look." Leo hesitated his last comment. "Look like a loser, because of everything that has happened." Ben added.

"Dad, I am a Boykewich, and I am part Irish, and part Italian and neither of those blood lines make me part punk, wimp, or loser." "If that is what others think of me then let them, I'm proud of having been able to go through what I did, and still hold my head up tall. It doesn't matter to me if I don't have, Amy, Adrian, or Dylan on my arm tonight. I finally got the respect I lost, and that is better than any girl. I'm not going to prom to impress anyone, I'm going to show them I fell down, but I still got back up." Ben said proudly. "Besides I would look like a total loser if I took my sister to the prom." Ben said with a mocking tone. "Hey, you would be lucky to take a girl like me to the prom, Ben." Chloe replied. "Yeah, probably Chloe but the only thing I find I am lucky about is having you for a sister." Ben said not wanting to hurt her feelings. "Nice save." Chloe replied as she hugged Ben and kissed his cheek.

"Let me get a picture of that," Camille said. "Mom, I have to go Mike is waiting" Ben said. As he moved the vase by the door fell over and hit the floor, but shockingly it didn't break. "Well that was another nice save, Camille said happy the vase was okay. "That vase is worth a lot of money. "Guys before I go I've been meaning to ask did mom ever break any dishes, or anything?" Ben asked as he picked his keys up off the dish by the door. "Yeah, she did that all the time. Ben that used to happen when you were still very young, how did you know." Leo said shocked Ben would remember that at this time.

"Yes, I remember she always use to drop or break something whenever Leo and I were alone in a room for too long." Camille added. "I think she was worried, that your Dad, and I were having an affair." Camille joked. "She did, but I think she is sorry for it and she is happy you two are together, and happy. Ben said looking at them with a smile. "How do you know that." Leo asked. "Mom, told me. Ben said as he left out the door leaving Camille, Leo, and Chloe in a state of shock at his last statement.

Ben left outside, and entered into the limo with Mike holding the door for him. "So, Ben who should I pick up first tonight? Your date or your friends" he asked. "Sorry, Mike I'm going stag tonight. "Really, I would think you would want to have a pretty girl on your arm at your last high school dance, or at least with Henry and Alice. "That's because the old me needed to have those luxuries, the new me, likes being a bit independant." Ben said as he sat down inside the limo. "Okay, its your night and your car, but I must warn you I'm here to drive, and drive only. So if you go to a hotel room or a make out spot, you are on your own." he said with a laugh. "Don't worry Mike, your're safe." Ben replied with a smile as he leaned back into the seat.

The car made it to the prom in under fifteen minutes, while Ben sat in the back he was now certain that his time in that place wasn't a dream, and he smiled to himself. "You look cheerful tonight Ben, are you suppose to be meeting someone at the prom?" Mike asked. "No, I'm just happy that I made it this far, and thinking about the future." Ben replied. "Well you know what they say Ben. Leave the past behind you, live in the present, and the rest. Well the rest is unwritten." Mike replied. "Listening to to many old songs, Mike?" Ben asked. "Maybe, but some songs make a lot of sense, for certain occassions." Mike replied. "What do you mean?" Ben asked. "You'll find out. Mike said with a sly smile.

Ben walked into the hotel where the prom was being held with pride, and no shame for being by himself. As he stepped through the door no one was looking at him, and everyone was in their own groups talking, dancing and having a good time. As he moved toward the table to check in Ben noticed that Katelyn was sitting at the table and checking off everyone's name. "Hi, Ben I see you decided to show up." she said with a smile. "Yeah, had nothing else better to do on a Saturday night, and I'm hoping being here won't get me into trouble." he said with a smile. 'No, we definitely don't want that for you." she said smiling."So are you meeting someone, or are you waiting on your date to arrive?" she asked. "No, tonight I decided that I needed to be alone, and have a good time like that. "Well, that is good for you, and who knows you might have a better time than you expected." she replied. "Who knows." he said and walked into the ballroom.

As Ben looked around he saw Henry and Alice on the dance floor dancing or at least attempting to dance since neither Henry or Alice had any real rythm. He saw Jack, Grace, Ricky, and Amy sitting at a table and talking and laughing with one another. What he saw next shocked him and others, as he saw Lauren making out with Grant, as her brother danced with Madison on the dance floor. Ben thought it pleasant to see Jason finally having fun instead of analyzing everything like he usually did.

Ben decided to move over to the refreshment table, and get a view of the entire prom from a far. In some instances Ben remembered that he used to do this a lot when he was in middle school. He was the shy kid with braces and glasses a bigger dork than he was now. He remembered how he swore he would never do that again hide in the shadow of everyone else, and be afraid to take chances. He began to think that perhaps there was a reason for people being wall flowers, and not the the centerpieces. If he had known then what he knew now would he have stayed a wall flower.

Wall flowers don't get hurt, they stand in the back ground and don't get noticed. They don't get humiliated, they don't fall in love with the wrong woman. They don't get women pregnant in a night for revenge. They don't doubt their friends and their loyalty to them. They don't get married at seventeen and suffer the loss of a child they had grown to love. They don't hook up with girls who not only like trouble, but love creating it. They dont' burn down schools, and take the wrap for other people's messes. They also don't nearly die in car accidents caused by yet another girl breaking their heart. Maybe being close to the wall was better for me he thought as he drank a third glass of punch lost in his own mind until Amy touched him on his shoulder.

"Hi, Ben its nice to see that you made it." Amy said. "Yeah, nice to be here how are you Amy? You guys look like you are having a good time." Ben said as he turned to speak to her. "Yeah, I am." she said I was wondering if you would like to dance for a minute?" she asked. "No, thanks Amy I don't like pity, you know that. Besides I am having a nice refreshing drink of watered down punch." Ben responded. "Ben, please I would like to talk to you too." she pleaded. Ben looked at Amy and he looked over at Ricky who seemed to be watching them as they talked. "Amy maybe we shouldn't Ricky looks uncomfortable, and I really don't want to ruin tonight for anyone." he said. "Ben, its alright Ricky knows I was coming over here, he's the one who pointed you out to me. So please Ben one last dance, for old times sake."

Ben looked at Amy, then at Ricky who looked to have very pleading eyes, almost as if he was hoping for them to dance. "Alright Amy, for old times sakes. Amy took Ben by the hand and led him to the dance floor where a few of the students watched them, but others gave no notice to them. "So Amy, what did you drag me out to the dance floor for? Are you and Ricky having problems and want to make each other jealous? or Are you trying to get me to make up with him to relieve his guilt over our fallout?" he asked. "No, Ben this is me trying to relieve my guilt." she said with sincerity. "Ben, I want to say thank you, and that I'm sorry.

"Amy, I think you and I have already had this conversation, on more than one occasion, I don't think we should have it again." Ben replied. "No, Ben we should, because not everything was said, and I didn't really tell you everything." Amy said remorsefully. "So, what is it you have to say. Are you sorry for how my life got all shitty. Are you sorry for me nearly killing myself in a car accident, because I got into yet another dumb relationship. Are you thankful for me surviving, or for me finally realizing how stupid I have been. He asked. "No, Ben I'm thankful for the fact that men like you exist to help selfish, stupid, girls like me. And I'm sorry I never appreciated you while we were dating, and I'm sorry for how I used you.". Amy replied almost crying.

"I don't get it, Amy how did you use me." Ben asked surprised at this statement. "Ben when we first started dating, I did like you but I didn't really date you for the right reason. When I found out I was pregnant, I told Ricky and he was nowhere near the man he is now." She said. "He told me to get the abortion, and that we were too young to take on such a big responsibility. Then he told me the best thing for me to do was too sleep with you, and convince you that the baby was yours." she said looking at Ben with guilt. Ben looked at Amy surprised that she was telling him this, not knowing he already knew. "Ben when you first told me, that you loved me I was shocked and shamed. The only reason I said that I loved you back was because, I was going to sleep with you, and do exactly what Ricky had suggested." Amy said this in a rush in order to get it out. But, Ben wasn't surprised, he had a feeling that this was the reason Amy was with him. But, hearing it from her and confirming it still hurt, as he felt a twinge of pain go through his heart.

"I know what I was considering and decided to do was wrong, but I thought overtime I really could fall in love with you. And I thought that I did, but the fact that Ricky was changing for John made it hard for me to develop real feelings for you." she said now crying. "So, you just made me feel like crap while Ricky slept around, and started this little change. Then made me feel guilty for breaking up with you, and believing it was my fault every time because I thought I did something wrong." Ben said getting mad, and remembering the guilt he felt after he visited Amy in New York.

"Then you made me feel like shit, for sleeping with Adrian, and getting her pregnant. Making me feel like it was wrong, to have feelings for Adrian and my daughter because I thought I had hurt, and betrayed you and Ricky. All the while you used me. Amy for the past year and half I have blamed my daughters death on me and Adrian because I thought she died to pay for how we hurt you and Ricky. When all along she was just an excuse for you and Ricky to break up with Adrian and I guilt free." Ben said now getting angry. "Why didn't you just break up with me, and tell me all of this the first time Amy!" Ben yelled causing a scene.

"Ben, I'm sorry you don't need to cause a scene here." Amy said trying not to draw more attention toward them. "Amy I really don't give a damn about who hears, me, or about causing a scene. Of all the times, you have made your life public knowledge to this school, now the one time when you are finally being honest you don't want to make a scene." Ben said aloud. At that moment Ricky, Jack, Grace, along with Henry and Alice came to see what was going on. "Ben, what's going on?" Ricky asked ready to defend Amy. "Just finding out the truth about you, and your wife, or fiancee, Ricky" Ben said aloud. "Hearing the truth about how she planned on sleeping with me to pretend that the child she was carrying was mine and not yours. Which was the original reason she dated me in the first place." Ben said letting everyone hear.

"Ben, you should calm down." Grace asked trying to alleviate the situation. "Calming down, when you find out the woman I have been supposedly madly in love with, sacrificed my life for, and lost my daughter because of is a liar, a user, and a horrible person doesn't calm me Grace. It was then that Ben looked around at all the people in the room staring at him, and the spectacle he was making of himself. Ben then took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and envisioned his little girl that was back at the meadow. He opened his eyes and let out the breath held in, then looked at Amy. "I forgive you Amy." he said as honestly and sincerely as he could. "This shocked everyone at the prom, who most believed that Amy was using Ben.

Many thought that Ben should berate Amy for all the embarrassment he had endured throughout high school. Others thought he should throw punch at her to humiliate her the way she did him. Others thought he should call his dad, and have Ricky and Amy kicked out of their apartment, and take away all the assistance he had afforded them. But, to see Ben Bokykewich, the School Idiot, and fool give up his only opportunity to get revenge impressed them more. This caused many to remember that Ben was suppose to be the school prince, had he not associated himself with Amy, Ricky, and Adrian.

"Ben, you don't have to say that. I don't deserve it, and after all that's happened between us I deserve your anger." Amy said guiltily. "Yes, you probably do, and someone else probably would take this opportunity to get back at you and everyone else. But, I am not that person, and I hope to God for the sake of my, daughter, and mother I never will be. Ben said remembering them in that place once again. "You used me, you lied to me, and you hurt me, for loving you. But, I forgive you." Because if I didn't I wouldn't be worthy of the little girl I never got the opportunity to really know, and the mother who taught me why its important to love, and to forgive." Ben then hugged Amy kissed her on the cheek, shook Ricky's hand and said congratulations on you upcoming marriage.

"Ben, Ricky said grasping to Ben's hand. "I'm sorry we both are. Amy and I both owe a lot to you and your dad for all that you've done for us. And if Amy and I did play apart, in you daughters death we are truly sorry and ashamed. We both should have talked to you, and been honest about everything, instead of worrying about how other people would see us." Ricky said. "I owe my son's life, and my own life to you, and I am... No we Amy, Me, and John are sorry. Ricky said praying Ben would believe him. "Yeah, Ricky I know, and like I said you're forgiven." Ben said that then turned and left the prom.

As Ben headed to the doors he was followed by Henry, Alice, along with Grace and Jack who wanted to make sure Ben was okay after what had just happened. "Ben, are you okay after hearing that. Alice asked holding tightly to Henry's hand. "Yeah, I mean Ricky and Amy aren't the only ones who owe you an apology, Alice, and I both owe you one for how we acted. "I'm okay Henry, and I owe you two an apology as well for how I acted. "I should have never slept with you Alice, you and Henry were my friends, and I should have treated you better.

"Ben that works both ways." Henry said. "I should have never slept with Adrian, or broken up with Alice, and definitely should have never taken advantage of my friendship with you. "Since we were little, you have always done so much for me. You were my friend, and like a brother to me. You never cared about my families economic situation, or how I wasn't as smart as everyone else. he said. "I guess in a way I envied you, and was jealous, because you didn't have to be my friend, or do any of that stuff, but you did it anyway. I just hope we can still be friends after this. Henry responded. "That goes double for me," Alice replied. I hope we can too." Ben said.

"Wait, you and Alice." Jack asked looking at Ben and Alice. "Man, I did not see that coming." he replied. "Ben, I'm sorry too. Grace said. "Grace, what would you have to be sorry for?" Ben asked. "For being a bad friend, and even worse a bad Christian," Grace admitted. "When you and Adrian lost your daughter instead of trying to help my two best friends, who were married overcome that, I turned tale and ran away. "When I lost my dad, you both tried to be there for me and help me deal with it." she said with shame.

"When I saw how you and Adrian were hurting, I guess it reminded me of how much I missed my dad." "But, that was still no excuse for just abandoning you, and leaving you all alone, and dealing with ADRIAN the way she was. Then when she decided to divorce you, instead of trying to help her, I turn around and pimp her out to guys I know. Some friend" she said to herself. "I guess in a way I was jealous of her, for having you. When I found out she slept with you, I got mad. Because she took you away from me, before I even got a chance to have you. I guess I liked the way, you saw me, and treated me unlike some other guys I know." Grace said referring to Jack.

"I should have, tried to help both of you deal with the death of your daughter, instead of acting like some saved Christian, when I obviously need to start reading the bible again. she said. "But, thanks for being there for my best friend, and for seeing me the way you did." she responded remembering her first date with Ben and how he told her about his crush on her. I really do understand and believe that Amy, Adrian, and even Dylan loved you. Because you see the best in all of us, even when we can't see it in ourselves. I guess you are an angel yourself, Ben Boykewich." Grace said. "No, Grace I'm just human. And I hope you and Jack make it. Before I go someone wanted me to tell you that they are sorry." Ben said. "Sorry for what?" Grace asked.

"He wanted me to tell you "He was sorry he turned out to be the wolf who ate the Knight in Shining Armor." Ben replied remembering Marshall Bowman's words for made Grace start crying, and caused Jack to worry as she did. "Grace, are you okay baby what's going on? he asked looking at Ben and back at Grace. "Nothing, its just what Ben said is something my dad and I only knew about." Grace replied. "It was a story about how Goldilocks was princess, and she was in the woods. She was off in the woods looking for a prince when she was chased into their cottage by a wolf. When the bears discovered her and saw what she did, they chased her out.

The wolf who was trying to get to Goldilocks found the Prince in shining armor instead. The prince was in the water bathing when the wolf gobbled him up and put on his shining armor, to trick Goldilocks. When he found her being chased by the three bears he chased them away then tried to trick Goldilocks into coming away with him. But her father the king was looking for her and noticed the truth behind the wolf when he looked past the shining armor into the wolf's eyes. He then slew the wolf and opened a hole in his stomach so the prince could escape.

When the prince saw Goldilocks he immediately fell in love with her and asked to marry her promising to love and protect her for all time. But Goldilocks said no to him because she realized the only person who would love and protect her for all time was her father the king. They went home back to the home of the three bears. They cleaned the bear's home, cooked them a new dinner, and made all the bed's to apologize for for Goldilocks. They then went back to their castle where they lived happily ever after. " Grace said then began to cry.

"Ben, is my dad okay. I mean he didn't go to hell or anything, did he?" Grace asked fearing for her father's soul. "No Grace, he's not in hell, but he's not exactly in heaven either." Ben began to explain. "I think its somewhere inbetween where people like he and I are allowed to see our mistakes, and in some way find redemption for those mistakes." he said trying his best to help her understand. "I believe the guilt of the pain he caused to you and all of his family weighed him down, and the love that all of you had for him kept him from going to hell." Ben said trying to ease Grace's mind about her father.

"Your dad wanted you and everyone to know that he is truly sorry for the mistake he made, by not being able to let go of Jacob's mom, and be with your mom. He cared for all of you, your mom, and Jacob's mom and all of his children. But, when he was supposed to let go of one of you he couldn't do it. Mainly I guess because for him to let go of one of them, the other would be in pain. Your dad loved both of them so much he couldn't bare for one of them to experience that type of pain. So instead he let both of his families have as much happiness as he could without trying to cause either of them pain, and he was selfish he wanted to keep you all. But in the end he lost you all, and caused you that pain anyway.

"Your dad wanted me to tell you, its alright for you to hate him for what he did. He knows that he deserves it, but your brother doesn't. He and his mom are innocent just like you, your mom, and Tom. He was also sorry that he failed to live up to your expectations of him, but he guessed he was more like Jack and Ricky than he thought." Ben said. He also wants you to know his death was not the fault of you and Jack sleeping together. His death was just his destiny, and his fate as well as his punishment for being so vein. He wants your forgiveness, as well as the forgiveness of you mom, Jacob's mom, and your brothers. He also wishes for all of you to really get to know one another and understand each other, because like it or not you are all family, and Jacob, really needs both of you right now." Ben said letting Grace know of all her fathers feelings toward her.

"Thank you Ben, for telling me this. I always wondered what happened to my dad, when we found out about Jacob, and now I really do think i can start learning to forgive my dad. I think I can also start to truly get to know my little brother now." Grace said smiling at Ben happy to know of her fathers thoughts to her. "Ben, how did you find out all this stuff?" Jack asked. "My accident, it took me to a place that I guess kept me alive while the doctors worked on me." Ben replied. "So you mean all that time you were in surgery, and asleep you were there?" Alice asked. "Yeah, I was. I think it wasn't my time to go, and part of me really wanted it to be." Ben said. "Well what about now, are you still thinking about, you know." Henry asked. Alice punched him in the arm as soon as he did. "No, don't worry Alice, you guys are stuck with me a little longer." Ben replied.

"Man, Ben that was some story. All I did when I was in the hospital, was dream of eating cookies with Joe Nameth surrounded by Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders." Jack said. "Jack stop being silly" Grace said punching him in the arm mimicking Alice. "Well, I think I better get home" Ben said as he walked toward the limo. "Ben, you don't have to go you could stay for the prom, and hang out with us." Henry said trying not see his friend leave. "Nah, I'm tired, and I have had enough excitement for one night." Ben responded as he opened up the limo door, and got in. "Goodbye guys, I'll see you at the graduation. As Henry and Alice watched their friend leave, they both had the eerie feeling that this was an omen of their friend leaving them behind, which was something neither wanted to accept.

"So, Ben are you sure you don't want to stay a little longer? It is your last dance as a high school student." Mike asked as he turned out of the hotel parking lot. "Mike, I think I have had enough of high school." Ben replied. "Well tell me do you mind if I stop and get something to eat?" Mike asked. "Sure, I owe you for driving me here." Ben replied. Ben took out his phone and realized it was still early only 10:12 pm perhaps he could get home and catch a movie. He hoped "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" was still on his DVR. Adrian always did love Brad and Angelina, she always liked how that movie is what brought them together.

As Ben felt the car turn he noticed that Mike had stopped by "PAPI'S TACO'S". "Mike, did you have to stop by here couldn't you get some burgers, a pizza, or some Italian we are are both Italian's you know." Ben said sarcastically. "Hey what can I say I like Mexican and spicy food, you used to as well, if I can remember." Mike responded. "Yeah, that was a long time ago, Mike." Ben said sarcastically. "It wasn't so long ago, Ben. Who knows maybe you still have a fondness for Mexican." Mike replied. "I doubt that Mike." Ben replied back. "Well come in, and share a taco with me for old times sakes." Mike asked. "Okay, I do owe you for years of service." Ben said as he opened the door.

As Ben got out of the limo he closed the door just in time to hear the cars tires spin and drive away. Ben was in shock as he saw the limo take off leaving him in what looked like the deserted parking lot of the taco place which appeared to be closed. As Ben stood dumbfounded by Mike's departure he noticed that he also didn't have his phone which he left on the seat of the limo. He was wondering what to do when he saw another car pull into the parking lot with the lights on. As he peered past the lights which were on highbeam and peered past their bright lights he realized the car belonged to Adrian Lee.

Adrian got out of the car wearing a very stunning red dress that accenuated every curve of her body. Her hair and make up was done in a very precise, and beautiful manner which only rivaled the way she looked the day they were married. "Adrian what the hell are you doing here." Ben asked still in shock at what was happening. "Its prom night and I want my dance ." she said looking at him. "Adrian this isn't funny. This is not the prom, and you aren't even in high school anymore." Ben responded. "That still doesn't mean, that I can't have one last dance with you she said looking at him intently.

"Adrian we have already danced at prom together, remember." Ben said. "We danced at your prom, together last year." Ben said trying not to hurt her, but still angry at the situation. "Ben I'm not talking about that dance. I'm talking about the dance you owe me from our wedding. The dance that we never got to have." She said still being totally serious with him. "We're no longer married Adrian." Ben said now becoming stern. "I know, and I know that its my fault, because I gave up on you and our marriage too soon for the wrong reason. But, I still want to dance one last time with you." she said becoming sad.

"Adrian our marriage is over because of both of us. It was a mistake, when we got married." Ben replied calming down. "Don't say that Ben. Don't you dare say that." she said pointing and warning finger at him and becoming strict. "The reason we got married was wrong. The reason we got divorced was wrong, but I married you because I loved you, and you married me because you loved me." she said shedding tears ruining her make up. "I'm sorry Adrian, but I'm just not in the mood, okay." I will dance with you some other time, but not tonight." Ben said trying to compromise. "I don't want any other night. I can't afford it. I bought this dress, and I rented out Papi's for just tonight, so its now or never." She said.

"You did this, but how did you know I was done at the dance?" he asked. "Henry and Alice, they figured they both owed us one." she replied. "I asked Mike to help too. I would have been here and set up something special, but you left the dance way earlier than I suspected, so I only had enough time to do my hair and make up." she said looking at him and wiping the tears, and mascara from her face. "But, that was a waste of time, because look at me I look really romantic don't I." she replied laughing at her now ruined make up. Ben walked toward her, and took out his handkerchief, and began to wipe away the make up she had on. "Adrian Lee, how many times have I told you that you are beautiful on your own, and you don't need any of this to get my attention." he said.

"So, you did all of this just for one last dance with me?" he asked surprised she would go to such trouble. "Yes, because I want to have the dance I never got to have with you." She replied. "You know we have danced together before what makes this one so special?" he asked in earnest. "This is the dance you gave to Amy, but never gave to me." she responded looking at him with." sad and hooded eyes. "My dance with Amy. You mean the one we just had at the prom?" he asked bewildered. "No, I mean your first dance with Amy. The one you both had four years ago at the "Back to School Pep Rally." she replied. "The one where I went to with Ricky, and got caught by Tom making out with Jack." she said. "Yeah, I remember. But how do you now about that. When I danced with Amy the only people there were me, Amy, and the school janitor." he asked.

"I was there too, and so was Ricky." she said. "I saw how you took her in those scrawny arms of yours and held her, and danced without music. I saw how she really appreciated it, because she was pregnant with another man's child, and there you were taking care of her, like you always do. I saw her cry into your shoulder, and how you didn't mind. You just wanted to hold her, and let her know everything would be alright, because you were there for her." she said sad and jealous. "I had left my purse and went back to get it when I saw you two like that, and that is the day when I started to hate, Amy Jeurgens." she said with anger.

"Because here she was all geeky and sad. She already had Ricky and then she had you this great guy, who didn't want anything from her accept to make her feel okay. You didn't want to have sex with her, or cop a feel. You didn't want her to even fall in love with you yet, but there you were doing everything in your power to let her know that even though you didn't know her you cared about her." she said crying. "I watched you two, and I was angry, and jealous because I wished that it was me in your arms like that. I wanted a guy like you too be there for me, and hold me and make me feel like that, just once." she said. "But, guys like you never go for girls like me. So I tried to create that with Ricky, but even now I know you were one of a kind, because Ricky could never make me feel like that, Max couldn't make me feel like that. Jack couldn't and not even Omar." she said revealing all of her feelings to Ben.

"The only person who has ever made me feel safe when they held me was you. The only person who I know will always be there when I need them is you. The only person who I have ever felt I needed was you, Ben." she said now crying. "And I know I shouldn't still want to need you but I do. Because no matter how much I hate to need you, I do because I love you. That is why I went to you in the car that night. I didn't give a damn about Ricky and Amy kissing, I used that to be with you. Because I wanted to be your first, I wanted to feel you next to me, and have you for myself, because Amy didn't deserve it. Neither did Grace, Maria, Dylan, or any other girl. Because I saw who you really were, and you didn't need to be Ricky, or a hero to make me happy, or feel safe. You are more of a man than any guy I have ever been with, and I think that is why I got pregnant by you that night. Because deep down I wanted to have part of you with me, and because I never let you know how you really meant to me, our daughter died. Ben you have no idea how much I really do love you, and it scares me.

Because no matter how much I try, and deny it you are the one I want." she said crying. Ben then wrapped his arms around Adrian, and held her closely to him letting her feel close to his warmth, and protection. "You see Ben, this is what I am talking about." she replied. She stared up at him with hooded eyes, and he stared back at her with his doe colored warm eyes. "Mrs. Adrian Lee would you give me the honor of this dance." Ben asked as he let go of Adrian and bowed in front of her. Adrian laughed at Ben's geeky corniness, stepped back and curtsied, and said. "Mr. Boykewich I would be delighted. "They then entangled their fingers in one another and began dancing together in the parking lot with no music playing.

As they danced Adrian looked at Ben and asked, "What was she like?" "Who?" Ben asked confused at the question. "Mercy, you said that when we were on the roof you saw her. What was she like Ben." Adrian asked wondering about their child together. "I was hoping, you would ask that." Ben said smiling. "She was wonderful, and everything that you and I hoped she would be, and everything we hoped she wouldn't be." Ben said. "What do you mean? she asked. "She was a complete mash up of you and me of your beauty, my innocence. Your common sense and my kindness. She had your flare and courage, but she had my desire to ask questions, and need to understand. he said happily. "But she also had both of our tempers, and unfortunately she had my weakness to be hurt." Ben said.

Did she have your eyes? Adrian asked staring up at him. "Yes, how did you know that?" Ben asked surprised at Adrian's assumption of Mercy. "Because I wished for that." she replied. "When I would look at you Ben, I would always look at your eyes because I can literally get lost in them. They are so beautiful, because they are so kind, and honest. When I talk to you I know everything you say is true and honest. Your eyes can never keep a secret, the reveal everything about you even your feelings. They even show me when you are thinking something naughty. So when I decided to keep the baby, and you came to me at the clinic, I saw how surprised and scared you were that I was going to keep her. For a minute I was scared that you would abandon me, then I saw your eyes, and when you told me how we should make the best of it, I knew you were being sincere with me. It was at that moment that I wished if she got anything from you it would be your eyes." she responded.

"Well you got your wish, but my wish was that she would get your spirit, and she has it down to the letter." Ben replied. "Was that a good thing." she asked. "Yes, it was because she was perfect Adrian. She was everything you and I could ever hope her to be and then some." he said. "Is she happy, Ben?" Adrian asked. "Yes she is happy, and she is being looked after by two very good angels." Ben replied. "Your mom, and who else?" she answered. "Dr. Bowman, and just for good measure, your friend Antonio." he replied. "Antonio, is watching over her?" she said surprised and happy. "Yes, he is. Just like he is still watching over you. Just like my mom watches over me. Just like Mercy watches over both of us." he replied looking at her intently. "Like you look over me." she replied. "Like we look after each other, Adrian." Ben said back. They both continued to dance not caring how long they would stay swaying in one anothers' arms. Both Adrian and Ben were content to just dance there until the sun came up.

It was then that the song A. N. G. E. L. by Natasha Bedingfield began to play from some far away radio. But was actually being played by Henry and Alice who had snuck into the back with a speaker and an ipod.

I guess this is our song Ben said. "I think it suits us perfectly Benny." Adrian said and laid her head against his chest and listened to his heart beat.

A.n.g.e.l
A.n.g.e.l

Just like a shadow
I'll be beside you
I'll be your comfort
I'm there to guide you home
I will provide you a place of shelter
I wanna be your zone
I'll act as if you do
Tell me what you wanted me to do
I'll make you great to be a man
With a woman who can stand
With every promise given
Making vows to please her man

[Chorus:]
If I could be your angel (your angel, your angel)
Protect you from the pain (from the pain, oh)
I'll keep you safe from danger (from danger, from danger)
You'll never hurt again (no more)
I'll be your
A-N-G-E-L
A-N-G-E-L
I'm gonna be your A-N-G-E-L
A-N-G-E-L
I'll be your angel

"So Benny, do you think that there might be another chance for the two of us?" she asked hoping. I think we should give that last kiss scenario a try." Ben replied. "What if we don't feel anything? Adrian asked scared that she would feel something and Ben wouldn't. "Adrian, if we don't, or you don't, or I don't it won't matter. Because it won't change what I promised you, or how we meant to each other. So lets just, see what happens." He assured her. Ben and Adrian then kissed. Soon their lips crashed into one another rushed and heated
Just like the moon
I'll step beside
And let your sun shine
While I follow behind
Cause baby what ya got
It deserves all the props
You're everything I'm not

Their breaths joined as Ben would let out air from his lungs and into Adrian's as they breathe one another's air. Both now understood the meaning of the song "No Air" by Jordan Sparks and Chris Brown. When you kiss someone you breathe into them your air and you breathe in theirs. Now both could breathe so easily into each other like they could with no one else. This kiss gave both a feeling that neither knew they had with the other, and didn't have without the air. Ben felt a tingling he thought Amy could only ever give him. A sense of completeness that he had been missing for so long.

I'll act as if you do
Tell me what you wanted me to do
I'll make you great to be a man
With a woman who can stand
With every promise given
Making vows to please her man

[Chorus]

Tell me why there's so many good men
left in the world misunderstood
He's a dog, he's no good
I wish somebody would
Disrespect my man
You're gonna have to come see me
I work hard for my baby
He's all that I need

Unlike her kiss with Ricky Adrian felt the need, the yearning that she had for someone filled as Ben's lips and hers crushed against each others. Soon Ben parted his mouth, and their tongues intermingled, wrapping themselves in passion. This kiss was unlike the heat and fire that Adrian felt for Ricky, a fire that was burning her alive. This wasn't a cool rush of air that she got from Omar which satisfied her for a while. This was a breeze that warmed Adrian all over and made her feel as if she was standing on a tropical beach as the rays of the sun warmed her all over.

So if you got a good one
Put your hands up,
Come on girl and stand up
Go ahead lift your man up
Get up
If you got a good one, put your hands up
Go ahead lift your man up
Get up
If you got a good one, stand up
Come on girl, and stand up.

For Ben it was the missing piece of a puzzle he could never finish. An ending to a race he never thought he could win. To him it was the taste of forever. As they parted from their kiss Adrian and Ben leaned their heads against one another and continued to move in motion to the song as their hearts beat together in union.

I WILL BE UPLOADING ANOTHER CHAPTER TO TIE UP THE LOOSE ENDS STAY TUNED...