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Chapter VIII: Dreams
The night is quiet, the stars twinkling faintly in the inky sky. Liz sleeps soundly, her breathing even as a serene smile graces her lips.
In her dream, she finds herself standing inside the Catedral Metropolitana de San Pablo. The grand arches stretch high above her, and the warm golden light of the chandeliers dances across the polished marble floors. The familiar scent of burning incense lingers in the air, calming and comforting.
"Liz."
The voice is soft, warm, and unmistakably his. She turns around and sees Bennett standing a few feet away, his figure bathed in the soft glow of the cathedral's light. He's wearing his usual server's attire, looking as serene and confident as she remembers.
"Bennett?" Liz whispers, her voice trembling.
He smiles, stepping closer.
"It's me."
Liz blinks, trying to make sense of the scene.
"Am I dreaming?"
Bennett chuckles softly, the sound wrapping around her like a warm embrace.
"Does it matter? I'm here, and so are you."
They walk side by side through the cathedral, their footsteps echoing lightly. Bennett pauses near the altar, gesturing toward the golden chalice.
"Do you remember what I taught you about the sacraments?" he asks, his tone teasing yet earnest.
Liz tilts her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Some of it. But I'm sure you're dying to give me another lecture."
Bennett grins.
"Well, there are seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, marriage, and holy orders. Each one represents a significant part of our faith and journey with God."
Liz crosses her arms, pretending to be unimpressed.
"Wow, you really know your stuff, don't you? Maybe you should become a priest."
Bennett bursts out laughing, shaking his head.
"A priest? Me? No way. I'm an only child, Liz. My parents would have a heart attack if I told them I wasn't going to give them grandkids."
Liz laughs along with him, her heart feeling lighter than it has in days.
The laughter fades, and Bennett turns to face Liz fully. His eyes soften, filled with a warmth that takes her breath away. He reaches out, gently taking her hands in his.
"I already have a love," he says, his voice steady and sincere.
"And a generation will be passed down to carry on."
Liz blinks, her cheeks warming under his gaze.
"Oh? And who's this great love of yours?" she teases, though her voice wavers slightly.
Bennett's smile deepens as he squeezes her hands.
"She's the one I'm holding right now."
Liz's face turns a brilliant shade of red, her heart pounding in her chest. She tries to form a response, but no words come out.
Finally, she lets out a small, nervous laugh and shakes her head.
"You're so cheesy, Bennett."
"And you love it," he counters, grinning.
Without thinking, Liz steps forward and wraps her arms around him, burying her face in his shoulder. Her hold is firm, almost desperate, as if she's afraid he might disappear.
"I love you, Bennett," she whispers, her voice muffled against his shirt.
Bennett's arms encircle her, pulling her closer.
"I love you too, Liz. Always."
They stay like that for a moment, the world around them fading away.
After a while, Bennett pulls back slightly, his hands resting on her shoulders.
"Come on. Let's go grab some empanaditas. I know you've been craving them."
Liz laughs, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.
"You really do know everything about me."
He winks.
"That's my job."
They step out of the cathedral, the cool night air brushing against their faces. The bustling sounds of the food court greet them, the aroma of freshly baked empanaditas wafting through the air.
Bennett orders for both of them, handing Liz a plate piled high with the golden pastries. They sit at a small table, the laughter and chatter of other diners creating a lively atmosphere.
Liz takes a bite of her empanadita, the flaky crust and savory filling melting in her mouth.
"This is perfect," she says, grinning.
Bennett watches her with a soft smile.
"You're perfect," he murmurs.
Liz rolls her eyes but can't help the smile that spreads across her face.
"You really don't stop, do you?"
"Not when it comes to you."
Liz and Bennett, still basking in the warmth of their shared moment at the food court, step out into the bustling streets. The late morning sun bathes the plaza in golden light, and the faint sounds of a nearby street performer fill the air. Bennett tugs gently at Liz's hand, pointing toward a familiar sign.
"Let's head to Plaza de Regalos," he suggests with a grin.
"It's been a while since we've gone there together."
Liz beams, her eyes lighting up.
"You always have the best ideas, Bennett."
As they enter the grand mall, the cool air-conditioning provides a welcome reprieve from the heat outside. Plaza de Regalos is alive with activity—shoppers weaving in and out of stores, the smell of freshly baked pretzels wafting through the air, and the hum of conversation echoing off the polished floors.
Bennett leads Liz into a bookstore first, his eyes scanning the shelves with an eager glint.
"You still owe me that book recommendation," he teases, pulling a novel off the shelf.
Liz laughs, grabbing another book and holding it up.
"How about this one? It's about two people who get stuck in an elevator and fall in love."
Bennett arches an eyebrow, smirking.
"Sounds cheesy. Perfect for you."
They both laugh, their easy camaraderie filling the small corner of the store. After browsing for a while, they head to the checkout counter, where Bennett insists on buying the books despite Liz's protests.
Their next stop is a jewelry shop. Liz marvels at the glittering displays, her eyes lingering on a delicate silver bracelet with tiny heart charms.
Bennett notices her gaze and nudges her playfully.
"It suits you," he says.
Liz blushes, shaking her head.
"I'm just looking. It's not like I need more accessories."
He chuckles, stepping closer.
"Maybe not, but it's nice to admire the little things."
They move on to a clothing store, where Liz's playful side takes over. She grabs a bright red scarf and wraps it around Bennett's neck.
"Very dashing," she declares with mock seriousness.
Bennett rolls his eyes but smiles, grabbing a hat and placing it on Liz's head.
"And you look like you're ready for a Parisian adventure."
They both dissolve into laughter, the world around them fading as they enjoy each other's company.
As the afternoon sunlight filters through the mall's glass ceiling, Liz's grandmother appears, her warm smile a welcome sight.
"There you are, Liz," her grandma says, approaching with a light chuckle.
"It's time to go home."
Liz turns to Bennett, her heart sinking slightly at the thought of parting ways.
"Guess this is it," she says softly.
Bennett smiles, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
"For now. But we'll see each other soon."
They share a tender hug, and Bennett presses a gentle kiss to her cheek. Liz returns the gesture, her cheeks flushed but her heart full.
"Take care," he says, his voice soft yet steady.
"You too," she replies, her eyes lingering on his as her grandmother gently guides her away.
Later that evening, Liz sits in her room, her phone buzzing with a video call notification. It's Bennett.
"Hey, you," she greets, her face lighting up as his familiar smile fills the screen.
"Hey," he replies, leaning back in his chair.
"How's everything at home?"
They talk about their day, reminiscing about their time at the mall and laughing over silly moments. As the night deepens, their conversation turns quieter, more introspective.
"Before we sleep," Bennett says, his tone gentle,
"let's pray together."
Liz nods, closing her eyes as he begins, his voice steady and filled with sincerity. They take turns, offering thanks and prayers for each other and their families.
When they finish, there's a moment of silence, their connection deeper than words.
"Goodnight, Liz," Bennett says softly.
"Goodnight, Bennett," she replies, her heart full.
The dream ends, and Liz's eyes flutter open as the first rays of sunlight peek through her curtains. She feels the dampness of tears on her cheeks and reaches up to wipe them away, a bittersweet smile on her lips.
"Bennett," she whispers, her voice trembling.
"It felt so real."
Though her heart aches, she feels a renewed sense of strength and love, carrying the memory of the dream with her as she begins her day.
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