Purpose ❆ Benny Rodriguez

29 | miracle

04/25/2016

chapter twenty-nine ;
MIRACLE

♡

THE STEADY SWELL and fall of Benny's chest was comforting against my hand. Three weeks had passed since our reunion. And I felt happier than I had in months.

　It scared me that my happiness depended upon this boy so heavily. How I would survive moving away from him, I had no idea. The only thought that pained me further was that I may not ever see him again – but I shoved away any sliver of the thought. It seemed impossible, to love someone so much and then never find your way back to them.

　As these thoughts swam through my mind, I traced Benny's every aspect with my eyes. The shape of his nose; the delicate curl of his dark eyelashes; the smooth olive tone of his skin; the decent bulge of his tanned arms, lined with veins; the arch of his dark eyebrows; every curve and line of his lips, so perfect and plump. Being with him for so long, I did not notice his looks the way I used to. But when I really took the time to look at him, his features simply amazed me.

　Downstairs a knock sounded on the door. If my bedroom door had not been left ajar, I would not have heard it. The sound of a shower running told me that Luke would not be answering the door. With a sigh, I slipped out of my bed, careful not to wake Benny.

　There were several possibilities. Most of my friends felt comfortable enough to show up at my house without invitation – especially now that Benny and I were back together. Not only had he abandoned me, but he had abandoned the boys as well. Only Bertram, who occasionally went out to "have a good time," spent time with him. Now that Benny was ready to heal, everyone felt comfortable in his presence again.

　When I pulled the door open, I could only freeze – and then a scream ripped from my throat. Pure elation rushed through my veins, mingled with numbing shock, to find the girl before me.

　"Miracle!"

　The first best friend I had ever had, the one I would carry with me always, no matter how far apart. There she stood, wearing her world-brightening smile, oozing excitement. Of course, I'd spent all of my time on Thanksgiving Break in Tennessee with her, but it had been entirely too long ago.

　Miracle had no chance to say a word before I attacked her with a staggering hug. Laughing, she hugged back tightly. Even the smell of her was familiar; I would recognize it anywhere.

　"What the hell?" I breathed, still holding her tightly, a grin plastered to my face. "How did you get here? Am I dreaming?"

　She laughed. "My uncle lives about three hours away, in Visalia, remember? I had to come!"

　All of a sudden, the pounding of footsteps caught our attention. Finally I pulled away from the hug, only to turn and find Benny racing downstairs. He slowed when he saw me, some realization dawning over his face.

　Miracle caught her breath. "Is that – ?"

　A moment later, Luke followed, struggling to keep the towel around his waist. Luckily for him, the floor was carpeted upstairs, considering he was dripping wet and definitely would have slipped otherwise. Similar to Benny, his eyes were wide with concern.

　"Luke!" I laughed. "Get back in the shower!"

　Miracle gasped. "Lukey-Poo!" Still standing at the door, grinning, she spread her arms like a bird. Luke's eyes brightened, but he did not seem surprised.

　"Finally, you're here!" Luke grinned, descending the staircase. Benny stopped at the floor, eyes flickering between everyone else, clearly confused.