a/n: FINALLY A NEW CHAPTER! I know I'm late, don't yell at me. I've been really caught up with exams and all, that I completely forgot about this fic. Thanks to GloriousMuser for her kind message asking about the future of this fanfic, which is scheduled to continue with a new chapter (hopefully) once a week. I hope you all like this chapter!
Contents: happiness, more lovey-dovey madness, major character death, angst, pool sex, swimming, longing, and goodbyes.
The next morning was marvellous. We spent the morning in bed, and the rest of the day we watching movies on Netflix. We ordered pizza and we stayed indoors cuddling on the big white couch in the middle of Benedict's gorgeous living area. Soon to be your gorgeous living area! My subconscious laid on the floor and squealed, marvelling at the thought. Truth be told, I wanted to do the same thing. I was excited to be moving in with the man of my dreams.
I thought of a lot about last night, oh how romantic it was. Dancing in the moonlight on a candlelight bridge as we held each for warmth from the cool night. It was the picture perfect moment in a perfect relationship; the definition of love in the very moment. I was so in love with this man, that it began to scare me. I mean I scared myself when I feel head over heels for him as an actor in my favourite TV show, but being right here in his arms watching The Notebook at 1AM, I felt as if I couldn't love anything or anyone more than Benedict Cumberbatch.
All of a sudden, I started to feel scared about the moving in situation. Who knows what might happen? Maybe he might see me for the real me, the real insecure, lazy, and boring Salma I am! He's going to hate me! I mean, I practically live here, I sleepover with Benedict almost everyday, so it's not like anything is going to change! I just need to stop worrying.
I began to think about what it might be like to take a vacation for all this, sort of take a break from the whole "celebrity couple" scene. It would be nice taking a couple days off from the world, possibly visit a small remote island with Lily that would take us off the map for a couple of days. I missed Lily. I haven't been away from her for this long. I want to go home tomorrow. Talk to Lily, see how things are going with her and Tom. Hmm, that would be nice. Maybe I should talk to Ben, I'm sure he'll understand. I looked up at him, and he seemed really focused in the movie, whereas I have seen the movie far too many times. I'll just wait until the end of the movie.
When the movie ended, I got up, feeling a bit scared to ask Benedict the question that has been running through my mind for the past 2 hours. I raced to the kitchen and I splashed water on my face. Man up, Salma. You are allowed to go home. Everything is going to be fine. I walked back into the living area, and Benedict looked at me with a smile that soon faded as he noticed my worried expression.
"Salma, are you okay?" Benedict asked standing slowly.
"Yeah...erm... Benedict, can I ask you something?" I asked with a soft voice. Benedict stopped what he was doing and almost ran over to me with a concerned look.
"Of course you can, baby. What's on your mind?" Benedict said sitting beside me.
"Well... is it okay if I went home tomorrow?" I whispered looking down at my hands.
"You don't have to ask me if you want to go home, Salma." Benedict said putting one hand in mine.
"Really?" I asked, still looking down at my hands, too shy to look up at him.
"Of course, darling. You are your own woman, and I can't force you to stay, no matter how much I want you to." Benedict said with a small smile. I looked up at him, and his smile faded. He looked sad. "May I ask why you want to leave?"
"I... I just... I just need some time alone, I guess. Time to understand everything that is going on, everything that happened." I said standing, pacing around the room.
"What is there to understand?" Benedict said, almost whispering.
"Everything. This is all too much to take in!" I said putting my head in my hands. "It feels like it was just yesterday when I was just a fan, one who had t-shirts and would cry over Sherlock and I would worship everything you did, and now look! I'm moving in with the Benedict Cumberbatch, the man who I could only dream of meeting, or seeing him anywhere other than on my TV screen. Your ex-girlfriend tried to kill me, and I've become a worldwide sensation in the blink of an eye for doing nothing other than being your girlfriend. How do you think I'm supposed to handle all this, Ben?"
"I... I don't know what to tell you." Benedict said, his face on his hands. "I was afraid this would happen, I knew it would be too much. I'm so sorry. You can leave if you please, you won't ever have to see me again. I'll be fine with that, but if you do leave, I want you to know that I will never stop loving you, and I will never forget all the fun we had and all the time we spent together. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"
"It means the world to me, Benedict. I'm not leaving, I'm never going to leave. I... I just need some time to wrap my finger around the situation. This is all a dream come true to me, and I would never want to give it up. I, as well, will never stop loving you because you taught me the meaning of love. I never knew what it was like to be in love. I never thought I would ever fall in love! But you proved me wrong, and I thank you so much for everything." I walked over to Benedict, and I sat beside him. I saw he was crying, and I wiped the tears away from his face. "I love you, Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch, and I won't ever leave you. I solely wanted to go home to see Lily again, and tell her everything that has been going on, but don't you think for one second I won't be coming back. Then again, I do have to start packing, if I'm still welcome here." I said smiling.
Benedict looked up at me, and I noticed a small smile creep onto his lips.
"Of course you are." Benedict said hugging me. "I thought you were going to leave me." He whispered.
"Never. I'll always be right by your side through anything and everything." I said hugging him tighter.
"Pick a country you'd like to visit." Benedict said once he let me go.
"Hawaii. Why?" I asked looking confused.
"You said you needed some time away, to understand", correct?" Benedict said taking out his iPhone. I nodded, still not understanding what was going on. "Well, you can do that, in Hawaii." Benedict dialed a number and walked out of the room. I sat there, still trying to understand what he was talking about, until it hit me. He wants to take you to Hawaii. My subconscious was narrowing her eyes at me. I couldn't believe it. I got up and started to walk to the kitchen, where Benedict was talking on the phone.
"...Yes... Thank you." Benedict said hanging up the phone. He looked at me and smiled. "You and Lily are both going to Hawaii for the week."
"What?" I asked confused.
"Call Lily and tell her to pack her bags because I just bought you both tickets to go to Hawaii. My treat. Your flight is scheduled for tomorrow night." Benedict said walking out of the room, owing well enough I wouldn't accept. "Call your sister as well. Make it a girls week."
"Oh no no no no no. If I'm going to Hawaii, you are sure as hell not going to pay for it." I said walking behind.
"Why not?" Benedict said, his eyes dancing with humor.
"Because! When I said I wanted some time alone, I meant a couple days, in my own flat, not Hawaii!" I said exasperated. Benedict walked over to me and smiled.
"Why can't you just say thank you?" Benedict said laughing. I tried to lighten up a bit, letting out a deep sigh. It is a nice gesture. I thought to myself.
"Thank you." I said finally giving up. "I'm going to pay you back for this, don't think I won't." I said reassuring him.
"Fine." Benedict said sarcastically, hugging me.
"But if I go, what are you going to do?" I said. It did sound a bit clingy, but I didn't want him to be alone.
"I have to travel to Malaysia for this award show I have to present and do some sponsoring." Benedict said looking at me blankly. "I wanted you to come but you want your time alone, and I respect that."
"When were you planning on telling me this? This is great news! Not the you leaving part the you presenting an award show." I said hugging him.
"I wanted it to be a surprise, I guess. But that's okay." Benedict said looking a bit sad. He walked over to the living area and he handed me my phone. "Call Lily."
"Ben, haven't you seen the time?" I said raising my eyebrows.
"Call her. I'm sure she's awake with Tom."
i sighed again and I dialed Lily's number and she answered on the 3rd ring.
"Hello?" Lily answered in her usual tone.
"Hey Lily! I have some good news!" I said trying to hide my nervousness.
"I like good news!"
"Pack your bags, because we are going to Hawaii tomorrow night!" I said with a voice that was much more high pitched than usual.
"What?" Lily said, sounding puzzled.
"You heard me, Benedict said he wants us to take a little girls week. In Hawaii!" I said almost jumping up and down.
"SERIOUSLY?" Lily said with an excited voice.
"Yeah, our flight is going to be tomorrow night, so you should start picking out a bikini to wear." I said smiling at her reaction.
"Oh my god, Salma! You know I've always wanted to visit Hawaii! Put me speaker if Benedict is with you." Lily said. I quickly put her on speaker.
"Hello Lily." Benedict said bringing himself closer to the phone.
"Hawaii? You really know how to impress a girl." Lily said laughing.
"It's the least I could do. Salma said she wanted some time alone, and I was planning on taking her somewhere, but I though it would be better for you three to go together. A Girls Week, as you girls would call it." Benedict said in his Sherlock tone.
"Time alone? Salma, you have some explaining to do." Lily said. I could feel the frown on her face from her voice. "Who's the third person?"
"My sister. It would be nice for her to come with us. It would be rude if I didn't invite her." I said looking up at Benedict. "If that's okay with you two."
"You can bring as many people as you want." Benedict said smiling, his stern Sherlock tone fading as he walked slowly towards me, hugging me from behind.
"It's fine with me." Lily said.
"Great. I'll be home tomorrow so we can pack together. I have a ton of things to tell you." I told Lily, a sly smile creeping onto my face.
"Aw, why tomorrow? Are you really going to keep me anxiously curious?" Lily whined, making me laugh. I managed to stifle a moan as Benedict started kissing my neck
"I have some... unfinished business to attend to." I said moving my neck to the side, giving him more room.
"Of course you do. Have fun with your "unfinished business", see you tomorrow!" Lily said laughing, fully aware of what I meant. Benedict took the phone from my hand and he threw it on the floor, turning me around, his hands with a tight grip on my wrists.
"Time alone, eh?" Benedict said, his eyes darkening with lust. "Think about all the things you'll miss..."
"Oh yeah? Like what?" I said narrowing my eyes, purposely challenging him. Benedict then spun me around again, my back against him, a hand gripping my hair, pulling my head back onto his shoulder.
"Do you really want to challenge me?" Benedict whispered, his hot breath tickling my exposed neck.
"I might..." I said, my hand travelling down his chest, down to his growing length, cupping it through his sweatpants, causing him to gasp. ""
"Is that so?" Benedict said through a raspy voice. "I'll show you what you'll miss during your time alone." Benedict said in a deep, sultry voice. He then spun me around again, and threw me against the wall. He pinned me onto the wall with his hips on mine, his hands on either side of my head. I half expected him to kiss me, but he didn't, he just laughed. "You know what? Consider this a punishment." Benedict said moving away from me, leaving me wanting.
"Oh come on!" I said whining. I needed him. Especially since we weren't going to see each other for a week.
"No. You're going to see what it's going to feel like during your time alone." Benedict said walking over to the couch, laying down on it, closing his eyes.
"Fine." I said crossing my arms. A wicked smile crept on my face as an idea came to mind. 2 can play at this game.
I walked into the bedroom, and I undressed myself completely. I stood looking at myself stark naked through the mirror. I'm going to make him want it. I smiled at myself and I walked out of the room with confidence, despite the fact that I felt overexposed. I walked over to the kitchen, strutting my stuff and grabbing a glass of water. I made sure it was a big cup of water, and I walked out again, sitting on the couch next to Benedict. I picked up the remote, and I crossed my legs, flipping though channels. I found one with Doctor Who, and I made myself comfortable, smiling at Benedict's gaping mouth.
I continued watching, ignoring Benedict's occasional stares at my exposed body. And of course, Angels Take Manhattan was on, and I couldn't control the occasional tears, ruining my plan. I managed to fight as hard as I could until the end of the episode, fighting away every tear with the exception of 1 or 2 tears that I managed to hide. At the end, Benedict's eyes were on me again. I stood up again, and I picked up glass of water and I started walking around the room, drinking my water. At one point, I purposely spilled some water over myself, the drops of water going over my breasts and down my stomach. I looked at Benedict, and his jaw was to the floor. Looks like it's working.
"Oh crap, I've gotten myself all wet!" I said slowly running my free hand down my body, my eyes locked on Benedict. He started to laugh, which scared me a bit. Was it working? It has to be working! Didn't you see the looks he was giving you?
"I know what you're doing, and it's not working." Benedict said narrowing his eyes, smiling.
"I'm not doing anything! I was just in the mood to walk around naked." I said innocently with a smile. Benedict smiled, shaking his head. He picked up a book, and when I noticed what book he was reading, I almost died of laughter. "Really? Fifty Shades of Grey?"
"Yeah, it's a pretty good read, there's a lot a man can learn for the works of Christian Grey. I might actually put these to good use." Benedict said laughing, not taking his eyes of the book.
"I remember when I first read it. I would love to try the things they did, it seems very entertaining." I said smiling, walking away. I felt Benedict's eyes bore through my back as he took in the unexpected comment.
I walked around the flat a bit and I noticed Benedict had a pool. A pool? Why haven't I noticed this before? I walked back to the living area to find Benedict was nowhere to be found. I didn't really care much for his whereabouts at the moment, I just really wanted to go for a swim. I'm sure Benedict wouldn't mind! I left the living area and I went into the bedroom, our bedroom. The thought of Benedict and I living together made me smile as I looked for a towel. I found a cupboard with a pink fluffy towel, and I ran over to the pool.
The blue water glistened as the city lights reflected over the water, painting a beautiful picture of the water. I smiled as I dipped my toes in the water. The water was warm. I threw my towel on a chair, and I dived straight into the heated pool. The water felt so good on my skin, so invigorating, relaxing every muscle in my body. It was at a perfect temperature, not too hot, not too cold.
I swam from one end to the pool all the way to the other. I felt like I was the only person in the world. The pool was gigantic, about half the size of an Olympic sized pool. I felt so calm, and at ease - there was nothing better than this. I have never been in a pool so beautiful, one that felt so nice before. The water felt like silk on my skin.
I took the time to think about my situation. I was complicating everything on myself. There is nothing for me to worry about, and yet I worried about everything. Life with Benedict was good, and I never felt happier What's the problem? Despite the crazy ex girlfriend and all the paparazzi, everything was splendid, like one of those romance movies.
Look at me! I'm a growing sensation, I have a perfect boyfriend, I'm going to Hawaii for a week with my best friend and my sister, I'm going to be moving into a beautiful house with my beautiful boyfriend, where is the problem? Oh, I remember. SOMEONE. TRIED. TO. KILL. YOU. I slapped my subconscious down, but when I thought about it, she was right. Someone did try to kill me.
I knew that people would do anything for Benedict, but I couldn't believe someone actually went so far as to try to kill me to have him. What makes you think someone wont try again? My subconscious was right! I needed to take my precautions when getting close to people or I could end up getting hurt, or worse - dead. But I can't back out now. I love Benedict, and I don't want to lose him, or have him lose me, again. He needs me, and I need him. I would be nothing without him. He makes me complete. There is nothing I wouldn't do for him. Hell, I would take another bullet for him. No matter how cliché this all sounds, it's the truth, and I didn't need to go all the way to Hawaii to realize it. I've ever felt this way for anyone, let alone a man.
This man is my everything, and he is all I need.
I kept swimming for what felt like a lifetime, reminiscing in the way the water beautifully flows across my skin. When I finally came out, I wrapped the soft fluffy towel around me, drying myself off. The cool spring night breeze gave me goosebumps, so I quickly walked back inside. When I arrived at the living area, Benedict was on the phone, crying. I stopped in my tracks, surprised. I slowly moved forward, trying to figure out what was going on.
Benedict's eyes kept filling with tears, his pointy nose turning red. I watched him, moving closer to him until I was half way, when Benedict threw his phone at the wall, trying to fight away his sobs. I got so scared I almost screamed. Benedict paced around the room, still fighting away his tears. I stood there speechless, not knowing what I should do. His pacing quickened, like he was angry. He then kicked the love seat, knocking it on the floor, then the small little table beside it before he slumped down onto a wall, punching the floor. I ran over to him, trying to calm him down.
"Benedict!" I said grabbing his hands, his knuckles starting to bruise. He ignored me and brought his knees up to his face. "Baby what's wrong?"
It took a couple seconds before he answered. "O-Olivia... Sh- she's dead. She's dead." Benedict said, finally letting his tears run free. Olivia? Was dead? But, how?
"Oh my goodness." I said, in complete shock. I couldn't believe it. I probably shouldn't really care about the fact that she's dead since she tried to kill me, and I honestly didn't care much for it, but the only thing that got to me was Benedict. They were together for 11 years! Met in Uni, been together since. He has been in love with this woman for 11 years, maybe even longer, and now she's dead. "How?"
"She killed herself. They found her body an hour ago." Benedict said. I got up, and I pushed his knees down so I could sit on his lap. Once I was on him, he looked at me, raw sadness and regret in his eyes. I opened my arms out to him, and he threw himself into them, lying his head on my chest. I caressed his crazy ringlets, rocking him back and forward like a child, trying to calm him down.
"It's okay, baby. She's in a better place now. A place where she will be happy for the rest of eternity." I whispered, kissing the top of his head.
"I-I can't believe she's gone. 11 years went by so quickly, it's unbelievable." Benedict said pulling me closer. "I remember when I first met her, in Uni. She was beautiful, and so kind. I loved her. Deep inside me, I still do..." Benedict said nuzzling closer to me. Did he just say what I thought he said? He just said he still loved her. I don't know how I'm supposed to feel about this. I mean, I'm not surprised that he still does but, she did try to kill me. I'm sure that's why he said "deep inside him". Benedict soon realized his mistake, and looked up at me with big, red eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for yo-"
"It's okay. It's normal. You were with her for 11 years. If I was with someone for that long, I would still feel something for that person." I said, trying to not show my jealously. I really did understand the situation, but I couldn't help but feel somewhat jealous. He still loves her. That's something that is never going to change. Deal with it, Salma. I slapped my subconscious down again, ignoring her statement, despite the fact that she was right.
"I'm so sorry, Salma. You know that I love you." Benedict said looking worried.
"I know. Don't worry, I'm a therapist. This is normal. You don't have to apologize, I completely understand." I said running my thumb over his cheek. "Come on, get up." I said getting up, sticking my hand out to him. He looked at me, then took my hand and got up, wiping the tears from his eyes.
"Where are we going?" Benedict asked with an anxious look.
"We are going swimming. I found your pool, and I went for a quick swim, I hope you don't mind." I said, looking down at my hands.
"Not at all. Why are we going to swim?" Benedict said with a half smile.
"The water is very relaxing. Swimming will help you stay calm through this very tough time." I said, sounding like the therapist I have always wanted to be.
"I like Therapist Salma." Benedict said, a full smile on his face now. "Thank you for caring. It surprises me that you actually care for someone who tried to kill you."
"I don't really care, but she is a person, and it wouldn't be fair if I just laughed at the fact that she's passed away. It's just sad seeing a woman like her kill herself, wasting all those years ahead of her. Shes a very talented actress, and she died too soon." I said, walking with Benedict over to the pool.
"You're right. Thank you for understanding, I half expected you to yell at me when I said I still loved her." Benedict said stopping right before the pool.
"Why would I yell at you? You have every right to love her. You've been with her for 11 years! I can't expect you to lose all feeling for her after that! I'm not that bad of a person." I said looking at my feet.
"You aren't a bad person. You are an amazing person, one who is loving and caring, one whom I will love for as long as I shall live." Benedict said picking my chin up, bringing me to eye level.
"You're not so bad, either." I said smiling. "Come on, swim with me." I said, entwining my fingers with his. Benedict quickly undressed himself, leaving solely his boxers on. I smirked when I noticed he was leaving a piece of clothing on, and I unwrapped the towel from around me, standing stark naked before him. All feeling over overexposure has disappeared, and I felt surprisingly good about my body.
"Oh what the heck." Benedict said, stripping off his boxers, standing naked before me. "I love you, Salma."
"And I, you, Ben." I took his hand, and we jumped into the pool together, letting the blue water consume us. The water was a bit cooler than before, but it still felt amazing, all of my senses relaxing.
We swam the night away, forgetting everything and everyone around us, it was just the two of us under the starry night sky. Benedict went out of the pool and brought his music player and he plugged his iPod in and we swam to the beautifully relaxing sound of James Blunt. The water was so pure and soft on my skin, and it was good enough for me to open my eyes underwater. We acted like a bunch of teenagers, doing tricks underwater, playing games, splashing each other. It was official. This is the best night of my life.
After a while, I floated over water, gazing at the stars. The night sky was so beautiful, and the stars shined brighter than ever. Benedict was floating beside me, holding my hand, and we were in complete silence, allowing the sounds of Coldplay to engulf us. We came out of our floating positions, and we leaned over on the pool wall in each others arms. "Yellow" starting playing, and Benedict started singing, making me smile.
"Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and everything you do, they were all yellow." Benedict sang, placing a kiss on my cheek, humming the rest of the song. I closed my eyes again, and I leaned my head over Benedict's chest, soaking in the sweet serenity. I felt calm, relaxed, in my own world; one where only Benedict and I existed, and we were happy.
"This is nice." I said breaking the silence between us, my eyes still closed.
"Indeed this is. You really do know how to make a guy feel better." Benedict said. I could feel him looking at me with a smile.
"Do I?" I asked, turning around to face him, finally opening my eyes.
"Yes, and I love how you do it involuntarily. Someone could tell me the world was going to explode and you would know the exact way to make me feel better about it." Benedict said, his arms finding the way to my back.
"That's good, I guess. That means I didn't forget the things I learned in Uni. I always liked being the shoulder to cry on for the people I meet. It makes me feel like a better person that I really am." I said, drawing small circles on Benedict's bare chest.
"You are a good person, Salma. The best person I know." Benedict said smiling.
"Really?" I asked in disbelief.
"Of course. It's one of the reasons why I love you." Benedict said. I smiled and I laid my head on his chest. A week without Benedict would be hard, but taking a vacation would be nice, especially with my sister and Lily, it wouldn't hurt anyone to have a good time. Benedict had work to do, so I wouldn't be able to see him anyway. It would be better to be somewhere where I can have a bit of fun rather than stay in boring old London.
"Hm... you're comfortable." I said closing my eyes, nuzzling his chest.
"Am I?" Benedict asked laughing.
"Mhmm." I said laughing as well. I took a moment to breathe him in. He smelled of chlorine and Benedict, an intoxicating mix. "I like this, just me and you, naked in a pool together, this is nice."
"I like everything we do together. I'm honestly surprised I was able to control myself for this long." Benedict said with a sly smile.
"Control yourself?" I asked, confused.
"Yes, control myself. Your nudity is very intimidating." Benedict said nonchalantly. I smiled a wicked smile, planning my next move: tip him off the edge. I pressed my breasts against his chest, and my hips against his.
"I wasn't aware of that until now. It seems my attempts at revoking my punishment have been working after all." I said making an attempt at being nonchalant as well.
"That, they are. Now that you are aware of my attempts at hiding my need for you, I'd like to do something about that." Benedict said wide-eyed with lust.
"You're going to have to catch me first." I whispered, turning around and swimming away. Benedict was quick in the water, but I managed to escape him for a good amount of time until he finally caught me by my arm, and turned me around to kiss him underwater, like those couples I'd see on Tumblr.
The kiss had passion written all over it. We surfaced over water, but that didn't stop us. We were all over each, our need for each other radiating towards one another. I kept him wanting for so long, and he did the same for me, and when the time finally came for us to let it out, we weren't shy about it. His hands were all over my bare body, mine were locked onto his hair, slightly pulling and playing with it as our tongues explored each other's mouths.
I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him closer to me as Benedict started kissing my neck- more like biting. I yelled out in pain and pleasure after each bite, my nails digging into his back causing him to yell out as well. I moved my hand down to position him, and once it was done, he pushed inside me- hard. I yelled out again, my head rolling back onto the stone pavement as I absorbed the beautiful mixture of pain and pleasure.
"This. Is. What. Happens. When. You. Tease. Me. With. That. Beautiful. Little. Body. Of. Yours." Benedict said, each word said between every thrust. I dig my nails into his back, biting his neck as he did to me. Benedict would pick up the pace after every bite, making me scream in delight. The vibrations from his thrusts massaged my clit, increasing the pleasure. I bit my way up to his lips, taking them hostage, our tongues battling for dominance, moaning in each other's mouth. His hands moved to my breasts, kneading and massaging them, the pleasure building up, making my insides quicken, I was close.
"Let go." Benedict whispered, and his words were my undoing as my orgasm ripped through me, making me scream his name. A couple thrusts later Benedict found his release as well. I could feel the hot white liquid pour out of him and into me. Good thing you remembered to take your birth control pills. My inner Irene Adler was on the floor, still reeling from one of the best orgasms she's ever had.
"Sex in the pool, definitely something I want to do again." I said finally catching my breath. My knees felt like jello so I leaned on the wall to keep my balance. "Remind me to tease you more often."
"That was fun. Another first for the both of us." Benedict said laughing. "You know, I have never been so taken by a woman before. What are you doing to me?"
"Only good things, I hope. I should be asking you the same question, ." I said smiling.
"We aim to please." Benedict said in a seductive voice.
"Did you just quote Christian Grey?" I said laughing.
"That, I did. I like that you read Fifty Shades of Grey. Now we can try some new things." Benedict said in all seriousness.
"Sounds good to me." I said in an equally seductive voice.
"Come on, lets get you cleaned up so we can get some sleep. We have a very big day tomorrow." Benedict said offering me his hand. I took it with a smile on my face and we walked out of the pool and into the shower, then off to bed.
"Baby? It's time to wake up." Benedict said, slowly taking the hair from my face. I was in no mood to get up. I was still sore but last night's "fun". and I had a terrible headache. I groaned, pushing his hand away and I pulled the covers over my head. Benedict laughed as he jumped onto of me, taking the blanket off and bringing me into his arms in one swift move. "Come on, snuggle puff. It's time to wake up, we have a big day ahead of us." He took me in for a kiss; one that was deep yet gentle. I quickly looked up at him, the surprise showing on my face as a laughed at his childish name for me.
"Snuggle puff?" I asked with a grin.
"What? I saw it in a movie." Benedict said laughing, smiling a toothy grin, the smile that warmed my heart time and time again. "You don't like it?"
"I do, I've never been called someone's snuggle puff." I said with a soft chuckle.
"Good. I like being the first to do things with you. It makes me feel special." Benedict said putting his forehead on mine, our noses rubbing together. "Looks like today is the big day. Your time alone." Benedict said, his tone changing completely.
"You make me feel guilty when you say it like that." I said pouting.
"It makes me sad to know that you want time away from me." Benedict said with a sorrowful voice.
"Everyone has stuff, Ben. I just need a bit of time to process it." I explained, my thumb caressing his sharp cheekbones.
"Stuff?" Benedict said in a confused voice.
"It's an american saying, it's like when you have a complicated history." I said explaining myself.
"But the fact that you are running away from me and my "stuff" saddens me, especially since I'm not going to be seeing you for a week." Benedict said looking away.
"Hey." I said taking his head in my hands, turning it towards me. "I just need a bit of time to understand everything. Everyone has "stuff", it's completely normal. Sometimes it just takes longer for some people to accept it all. Don't you think for one second that I'm running away. I will never leave you. All because I love you, and only you." I noticed a tear in his eye, and a small smile crept onto his lips. I brought him in for a soft kiss, one where he could taste my love for him, for our love is what bounds us together.
"Salma Avery, you are my everything. You always know how to bring me up when I'm down, make me high when I'm low, and you send me to heaven with your soft and tender kisses. I don't know who I would be without you. You make me the happiest man in the world." Benedict said taking my hands in his. I couldn't believe I was actually starting to cry. His speech was beautiful, it went straight to the heart. I couldn't help but think that maybe taking this little break was a bad idea, because I couldn't bare to be away from him. Just the thought of being away from him would make me tear up a bit. I didn't think it was possible to love someone this much.
"You know, I'm starting to think my declaration for some time off was a bad idea." I said laughing, fighting back anymore tears. Benedict hugged me tight before he got up and get me up with him.
"Let's have breakfast, and after I'll help you pack."
Once I was done packing, I slumped onto the tattered white couch in the center of my old living area, boxes surrounding me as I gulped down a glass of wine. I looked at the now empty glass. This is going to be my last glass of wine as a resident of this flat. I dreaded on the thought. I was honestly going to miss it here. Living in this flat with Lily for 6 years takes a lot out of you when you finally decide to leave. I am finally moving in with Benedict. The thought scared me for a reason I couldn't comprehend.
"All set?" Benedict asked, interrupting my thoughts.
"Yeah. Is Lily finished?" I asked getting up.
"Sure am!" Lily said walking into the room with her 3 suitcases.
"You do know we are only staying for a week, right?" I asked Lily, observing her humongous suitcases.
"You never know what you're going to need in Hawaii!" Lily said defending herself, making Benedict and I laugh. "What?" Lily asked.
We ignored her question and we set for the door. The movers started taking the boxes into a big truck, with Williams, where they are going to be sent to Benedict's flat. Benedict gave Williams a nod, sending him almost running to the big Escalade outside, taking our luggage and putting them in the back. I thanked Williams as he opened the door for me and I climbed into the luxurious car, making myself comfortable, as it was a long drive to the airport. Benedict came in after, sitting beside me in the back as Lily and Suraya sat in the middle row.
The drive to the airport took 2 hours, and the second we arrived, I felt a sense of regret. I didn't want to leave Benedict, and I knew he couldn't come with me. Suck it up, Salma. You wanted this remember ? I got out of the car, and I grabbed my small suitcase, and Benedict and I made our way to the ticket service hand in hand. A fairly beautiful woman was sitting at the desk, and when she looked up at us, her face almost became tomato red.
"Hello sir, how are you doing?" The lady stuttered.
"Fine, thank you. I have 3 tickets reserved for a flight to Hawaii."
"Ah yes, here they are." The lady said after a moment of typing on her computer. "May I see the passports of Suraya Avery, Salma Avery, and Lily George please?" We handed her our passports and she printed out our tickets and helped us through baggage check. "All set! Anything else you will be needing?" The lady asked politely, her crimson blush simmering down to Rose red.
"No, thank you for your help." Benedict said and we walked off to our terminal.
Once we arrived at the Terminal for our flight, this was goodbye. I really didn't want him to leave, but I ignored my sudden feeling of sadness as I hugged Benedict, his body heat warming me against the harsh air conditioning of the airport.
"I'll miss you." Benedict said with a sad smile. I entwined my fingers with his, and I smiled.
"I'll miss you too, honey." I said, holding back tears.
"Call me as soon as you get to the hotel. I'm sure you girls will like the place I picked out for you." Benedict said with a protective, yet proud voice.
"I can't thank you enough, Ben. I promise I will make it up to you." I promised.
"You don't need to, it's my pleasure." Benedict said reassuringly. I smiled again and I brought him in for a kiss, purposely making it linger on his lips.
"Think about me?" Benedict asked smiling.
"Always." I replied kissing him again.
"FLIGHT 352 FOR HAWAII IS NOW BOARDING, PLEASE PROCEED TO TERMINAL 4B"
"Looks like that's me." I said sadly.
"I guess so." Benedict said, not wanting to let go of my hands. "I love you."
"I love you too. Always and forever." I said smiling. Benedict kissed me one last time, the kiss expressing his love for me through his tongue.
"Come on lovebirds, we have to go if we want to get our seat in FIRST CLASS!" Lily said with excitement.
Benedict let me of me finally, and he watched as I walked into the airport terminal, waving each other goodbye until I couldn't see him anymore. I heard people in back of me mention my name, they obviously saw Benedict and I's little love scene back there, making me smile. Someone then tapped me on the back, surprising me. I turned my head around, wondering who it was.
"Hi, sorry to bother you. I just wanted to wish you a good flight. I saw you and Benedict back there, and you make the cutest couple in Hollywood in my opinion." A girl of at least 17 years old said.
"Oh, thank you. I hope you have a good flight as well. What's your name?" I asked kindly.
"Janelle, ma'am. It's really nice to meet you." Janelle said, almost shaking.
"It's nice to meet you too, Janelle. I love your dress." I said looking down at a beautiful turquoise sundress she was wearing.
"Oh my goodness thank you. May I bother you for a photo?" Janelle asked sweetly.
"Of course, sweetie." I took a quick photo with the anxious teenager, and she thanked me repeatedly and went back to her spot in line.
The line moved quickly, and Lily, Suraya and I made our way to our seats. it was the first time I ever flew in first class, and I liked it. As soon as we took off, the airplane bliss of first class started. The hostess was a lot nicer, and we were served first, so the food we received was still warm. The foot space in between helped with my acute claustrophobia, and we get given complementary blankets and fluffy pillows if we wanted to sleep.
Lily was excited, and couldn't stop moving in her seat. Hawaii was a dream of hers, and I'm glad Benedict was able to fulfill it for her, because I know she needed it. Being Valedictorain, leader of the mathletes, and captain of the yearbook team takes a lot out of you. I looked over at Suraya and she was already fast asleep, which doesn't surprise me. She is a big sleeper, and as soon as she is on the road to go somewhere and ahe isn't driving, she falls asleep as soon as she leaves.
All of a sudden, my eyes stattes to droop. Wow i'm tired. I just noticed how much today's packing took out if me. I'm excited to be moving in with Benedict. I've never lived with a man on my own before, but there wasn't an ounce of fear in me. I thought about what it would be like living with me. Waking up to him, sharing his enormous closet, cooking for each other, we could play video games all day, just act like dumb teenagers in love, with some responsibility.
"Salma, get some rest. We have a long flight, and whatever you're thinking about is just going to ruin your vacation. You asked for this, remember ? Just stop thinking, and relaaax." Lily said before falling asleep next to Suraya. I smiled at her consideration, and I tried to clear my head, falling asleep suite.