Michelle

There's A Place

Paul guided me through the streets of Liverpool, his palms covering my eyes; quite the pair we must have looked.

For what felt like twenty minutes worth of walking, Paul finally stopped.

"Surprise!" He chirped, removing his hands from my eyes.

In front of me lay an elegant, placid lake, surrounded by the vibrant greens of natural wildlife. Freshly cut grass, the tall and spacious evergreen trees, the blooming flowers of multiple colours and types.

"What is this place?" I asked, unable to stop smiling.

"It's called Greenbank Park." Said Paul. "Not too far from Penny Lane."

"It's beautiful." I said, tears welling in my eyes.

"I thought you might like it." He beamed, taking my hands in his. "You seemed like you needed some cheering up."

"Thank you Paul." I smiled. "This means a lot to me."

"I know." He said, stroking my cheek. "It was the first thing that came to mind after you mentioned how much you missed the north."

We sat down on a small white bench overlooking the lake.

"I just love the serenity and peace that it has to offer, you know?" I whispered. "It's nice to get away from all the city noise."

***

Paul and I didn't say much during our time at the park. We preferred to embrace the peace and quiet, which was a rare thing in such a place as Liverpool.

Before long we agreed it was time to head back home. Paul wouldn't stand for me to walk home alone, and so argued his way into me agreeing to let him escort me.

By the time we made it back to my front gate, my mother was hanging the washing in the front garden.

Mother had a very youthful face; the years had been kind to her. She had wavy, dark hair like myself, though her's barely passed her ear, and her eyes were a striking, electric blue. She was a very bubbly, yet wise character, always knew right from wrong. Nothing could get past her though; somehow, she knew all, much like John.

"Oh hello darling." She greeted us.

"Hey mum." I replied. "This is Paul."

She paused from her crucial duties of hanging the washing only to observe Paul.

"Hi there, it's nice to meet you Mrs-?" Began Paul.

"Just call me Hollie." She smiled sweetly.

"Alright Hollie." Said Paul. "Would you like any assistance there?"

"That would be lovely, thank you dear." She said jubilantly, giving me an impressive look.

I couldn't quite understand how Paul was being so casual about it all. I knew that if it were the other way around, and I were to meet his parents, I'd be trembling.

After hanging the last of the washing, mother retrieved the washing basket, ready to take it inside.

"Would either of you like a cuppa?" She asked us.

"We've just been out for one." I snapped back immediately, feeling a burning pressure building up inside.

"Well are you sure you don't want another?" She questioned. "Paul?"

"That's very kind of you Hollie, but I'd best be off." He replied with much politeness and charm. "I really only came here to make sure Michelle got home okay."

"Thanks again Paul." I blushed.

"No problem." He winked. "See you Monday Michelle."

"See you then." I called, waving him off as he made his way back out the gate.

Mother stared at him, quite baffled from what she'd just witnessed. Perhaps he'd wooed her with his magnetism, being someone of such appeal and friendliness.

"Well isn't he quite the charmer." Grinned mother, as Paul faded further out of sight.