Thanks be to EBT.
I'm still floating when Ben pulls away.
His hands are holding my face, tender and sweet.
And I know that telling him about what we did is the right thing to do.
Whether he'll still be around when the truth is out is a risk, but it's one I have to take.
Clean slate.
Because he deserves it.
He smiles as he pulls back and immediately takes my hand, laughing a little.
And we sit there quietly for a few moments before I speak.
"Ben, I... I have to tell you something."
"Yeah?"
But I can't say anything, not just yet, because I know that part of this process, of getting out of this situation and moving forward, of making things right, involves telling Bella the truth, too.
I have to tell Bella, be honest with her.
And I owe it to her to tell her first.
Before I can begin explaining all of this, the night begins to unravel.