You Really Got A Hold On Me

If I Fell

The Sun fought through my curtains and I got up to look outside – a crisp September Morning. I smiled, feeling more positive and got ready for the day.

“Nice day”, my Dad said as I walked into the kitchen.

“Dad have you seen my scarf anywhere?”

“Yes I think its in the front room.”

“Thanks.”

I wrapped it around my neck and pulled on my boots.

“I think I’ll leave early today” I told Dad.

“Okay sure, don’t want to be late eh?” He asked.

“Yeah” I replied, although that wasn’t the real reason. I wanted to take a longer route to the busstop and walk through Strawberry Fields seeing as it was a nice day. I wanted a change, to show myself that I was indeed over what happened yesterday. I was determined not to think about Paul at all, not to dwell on such a fleeting feeling.

I had forgotten how beautiful Strawberry Fields was in the autumn. The brass and copper coloured leaves crunching below my feet. The oranges and reds like flames, but comforting and not dangerous. I felt like I was in a daydream, the tip of my nose cold, my toes curled up inside my woolly socks. Suddenly my thoughts were interrupted and I was shot back down to reality. I had collided with something or someone – I suppose it was hardly surprising since I wasn’t paying much attention to where I was going.                                                                    

“Oh, sorry love” a voice said as two strong hands steadied me. I looked up to see who it was and my eyes were met by two soft brown ones. It was Paul.

I just stood startled for a moment by the surprise, then remembered the events of yesterday and how Paul didn’t show at the Casbah.

“Sorry, it was my fault” I said convincingly, “excuse me”. I walked round him and was going to continue on my way before I heard Paul’s voice once again.

“Michelle, wait.”

I turned around, unable to look at his face.

“About yesterday. I didn’t mean to, y’know, not be there. I’m sorry, I just had an idea for a song and I had to write it down. I was inspired.”
I looked up at him, his eyes fixed on mine.

“It’s fine” I said, acting like it was, “it’s not a big deal, we just met one time in a coffee place it’s not like we’re dating.”

“Michelle, can I walk you to wherever you’re going?”

“What?” I said confused, “I’m err going to the busstop.”

“Well then, can I walk you to the busstop?”

“Um, I dunno I mean-“

“Please?” He said, his eyes pleading with me.

“Okay” I said, figuring it was no harm, however I didn’t intend to make a great deal of conversation and if I didn’t day yes he’d probably follow me until I did.

We walked along together for a couple of minutes before Paul spoke up.

“I love coming here to walk” he said, looking around.

“Me too” I said, silently cursing myself for replying to him.

“Listen Michelle, what I said, I meant it.” Paul stopped, touching my arm.

“About what?” I said.

“I was inspired.” By this time we had reached the end of Strawberry Fields and arrived at the gate. “By you.” Paul finished.