In My Life

Chapter 7:

The lingering light took over by the rapidly falling night. The once salmon and purple sky had transformed into an immense space of jet-black that engulfed the city. A canopy of luminous stars materialized amongst the city that lingered in silence.

Three hours later, they found themselves back in Liverpool, just stepping off the final bus at the end of Menlove Avenue.

Wandering down the quiet, dimly lit street, their fingers laced together, a soothing silence wrapped around them, offering a serene moment in their otherwise busy evening.

John internally fidgeted, becoming incredibly nervous as they approached their homes, anxiety bubbling within him. Deep down, he craved to kiss her, and it seemed like the perfect moment to do it. He tilted his head back, taking in the stars that sparkled and danced in the night sky, the heavens above like the most exquisite jewels.

When he glanced at her, he saw a beauty that captivated him. Her eyes, a deep chocolate brown, seemed to peer into his soul, leaving him breathless. Her hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of obsidian, thick and alluring. Her hands possessed a strength that was tempered by a gentle touch. And then there was her mouth - oh, how he longed to press his lips against hers.

'But what will happen tomorrow?' he pondered, anxiously. 'What will this mean to Liv?'' 'Does this mean I want her to be me bird?' He shook his head strenuously, wishing he could shake loose the thoughts that clung stubbornly to his mind. John wanted to get rid of these worries, yet he found himself wanting to hold onto the, buried deep within. A flicker of hope sparked in him, wondering if she might feel the same way he did.

"Your dad's not gonna be happy with me tomorrow knowin' I brought ya home after midnight," he broke the silence, offering her a half-smile and a casual shrug, attempting to lighten the mood.

Olivia returned a smile, playfully nudging his shoulder, "He won't even find out. Dad's usually in bed by 8:30 pm or so, and he's a heavy sleeper, so you'll still be on his good side tomorrow," she said, winking at him. Then, with a bit of concern, she added, "You've been awfully quiet over there. Is somethin' bothering you?"

"Just been thinkin' 'bout this night, ya know?" he said, biting his lip as he stopped just before the gate to her house, taking a deep breath. Suddenly, words left him. Heat rushed through his cheeks, and a weight settled in his stomach. His heart raced, pounding so loudly it felt like it might leap from his chest. He glanced at her, and her curious brown eyes held his gaze, drawing him in with an intensity that made looking away impossible. The truth weighed heavily on him; he was scared to voice what he felt, but deep down, he knew it - he was falling for her. Hard.

He nervously licked his lips and took a step closer to her. "I fancy ya, I hope you've caught onto it by now," John admitted, giving a slight shrug of his shoulders. "I've never really treated a bird the way I have with you tonight." He paused a moment, taking her hands in his and intertwining their fingers. "I'm not one to talk' 'bout feelin's and such and bein' all sentimental - it's not bloody like me. But somehow, you bring this side out of me that I can't ignore."

Olivia felt her heart race so intensely that she thought it might echo into the air. Their gazes locked, smiles exchanged, and the connection between them was enough to leave her feeling weak in the knees. "It's been different, but in a good way. I'd love to see ya like this all the time, ya know," she confessed.

John raised an eyebrow, teasing her, "Ya would, wouldn't ya?" A smile spread across his face as he looked toward the empty street, an idea sparking in his mind. "How 'bout we dance?"