'I Wanna Make You My Business'- Van Mccann

11

After a long night of partying at Benji's house, Van and I decided to call it a night and we walked back to his house. We got into the front door and Mary came running through with Bernard.

"Sweetie how was it?" Mary asked.

"Yeah it was great! We still smashed it even though Billy wasn't there!" Van said extremely enthusiastically.

"Oh thats great to hear son. Kate, are you staying for the night?" Bernard said, while I looked over at Van.

"Yeah. I don't want her home when her mam might kick off even more." Van explained.

"Yes, thats what we thought wasn't it Mary," he said looking over to his wife, "Our home is your home for as long as you need it."

I thanked them both and then Van and I disappeared off upstairs. He got the blanket and pillows out of the wardrobe again and tossed them onto the floor.  He pulled out a t-shirt for me to wear again and I got changed into it and got into bed.

I wouldn't say I particularly had much to drink throughout the night but I knew I was going to be waking up with a really bad hangover in the morning.

"Van.." I slurred, "Thanks for tonight and that. It was great."

"No problem Kay," he said, taking his top and trousers off leaving him in only his boxers. He got into his bed he made on the floor and went to sleep.

-

"Knock knock sweethearts. Time to get up." Said a gentle voice from the door. I slowly opened my eyes, feeling very confused. Mary left from the door as she saw us waking up.

"Shit. Van I got to be at home now. If Liz finds out I snuck out she will murder me. COME ON GET UP"

"Well good morning to you," he said sarcastically, getting up and putting his clothes on.  We both got ready as fast as we could and ran downstairs. I thanked Mary and Bernard and we left, running back round to my house. Van must have known if I wasn't back at home, there would be no way I would make it to our date. 

We eventually got to my house and Van gave me a leg up to my window.  Suddenly the front door opened and Liz came out. I crouched by the window to watch what was happening.

"Hello Mrs Octon." Van said, "Is Kate okay? I haven't seen or heard from her in a few days. I was worried abou-"

Liz cut in saying, "I don't want you coming here anymore"

"I've only been here once? Is Kate okay?"

"She is fine. Get lost now"

Van said something quietly to Liz and she soon changed her tone. She let him in the house and brought him upstairs. I heard the key turn in my door and Van pushed it open.

"Hey," he said with a smirk on his face. Liz followed him upstairs, watching what we were doing. Van and I sat on the bed talking for about 5 minutes until Liz moved him on.

I watched him walk down the street heading back round to his house.

"Kate. I know I'm a shit mam already and I know this wont make much difference, but I'm sorry," Liz exclaimed.

I didn't care for her apology. I grabbed my jacket and headed out the front door and slammed it in her face. I was only in the house for 10 minutes but it was long enough. I walked around aimlessly for a bit until my phone buzzed.

*One new message from Van: 'Hey, hows it going? Still up for tonight? I'll come and pick you up at 7? X'*

I immediately sent a text back: 'Yes, I can't wait. See you then X'

I actually couldn't wait. This would be my first proper date and honestly I was so excited. I wanted to make it something special, so I headed into town.

-

I spent about an hour looking around the shops searching for something to wear. I don't particularly like shopping at the best of times but I was really enjoying this. Knowing Van wouldn't care what I wore made things more relaxed for me.

Finally, I came across a perfect outfit. A black bodycon dress. It was beautiful. It was made from a black silky material with lace sleeves. I knew from the moment I saw it I had to try it on so I raced to the changing rooms.

It felt beautiful on my body. Staring into the mirror I knew it was the one. Hesitantly, I took the dress off and headed over to the tills.

"Gorgeous dress isn't it sweetie?" The lady at the till said.

"Yes, its sooo beautiful!!" I exclaimed.

"Is it for something special?"

"Erm sort of. I'm going out on a date tonight"

"Well, whoever that boy is he is very lucky!! That will be £48 sweetie."

I gave the lady the money and she wished me the best of luck tonight and I practically ran home with excitement. Honestly, I couldn't wait to put the dress back on.

When I got in I noticed Liz wasn't home. I presumed she had just gone out to the pub. So,
I jumped into the shower and washed my hair.

Even though it was several hours until I was going out I couldn't help getting ready. Sitting on the floor next to the mirror, I started put my makeup on. Although I never usually wore much makeup, I wanted Van to feel as if I made an effort tonight. I wanted to show him it was special to me.  I then curled my the ends of my hair.

Now I was ready, all except the dress. I pulled it out the bag and admired it one last time before putting it on.

I stood in front of the full length mirror in the hallway looking at myself.  Fuck, I scrub up alright!!

I heard my phone buzz from the other room and ran through.

*One new message from Larry*

Larry? Why was he texting me? I kind of didn't want to open it. Was Van ok? Was something wrong?

*Larry:  Hey Kate. I know Van probs wont admit it tonight but he like has been going on about you none stop today. *

Aww how cute is Van? Bless him. My phone continued to buzz.

*Two new messages from Larry*

*Larry: Kate I'm actually serious. He wont fucking shut up, haha*

*Larry: He really loves you Kate. Like really loves you. Dont tell him I told you otherwise he will kill me*

I smiled throughout the entirety of reading the messages. I looked over at the clock and saw how long I had to wait. Another 45 minutes. This is going to drag painfully, so I put on some tunes and waited.

Finally the doorbell rang and I pulled some black heels from the wardrobe and ran downstairs. I squeezed my feet into my shoes and opened the door.

"Ello beautiful," Van said from the doorway. He was wearing a pair of skinny black jeans, and a black long sleeved jumper. He looked amazing. He looked like a complete different person to what he usually does. I was in complete awe at how good he looked. I pulled the door shut and went to hug him.

"God Kate. You look absolutely stunning. So beautiful! You're a different league and I'm nothing much" he said laughing but looking into my eyes.

"Don't be silly, handsome" I said, maintaining eye contact.

"How the fuck did I manage to wind up with a date with the prettiest girl in school, eh?" He said pulling me towards the car, opening the door for me to climb in.