Smile Like You Mean It (One)

Chapter Seven

Before the girl had chance to respond to his question, the entire class bombarded into the room, getting into their seats in time for their form tutor session. Sal sighed frustratingly, shaking his head, as he walked with Bryony to their desks at the back of the room. He sat down at his desk, catching Joe's gaze, as he made his way to his seat.

"Did you ask her?" Joe mouthed, as Sal nodded his head. "What did she say?"

"I'll tell you later, Joey." Sal spoke in a hushed tone, gaining the attention of Bryony sat next to him. He smiled small at her, feeling the embarrassment rise to his cheeks.

Their attention was averted to the front of the class, as their teacher, Mrs. Wentz, welcomed the class back for another day of school. She went through the basic targets for the week, with only half of the class even listening to her as she spoke. Sal was in a world of his own, when he heard the rustling of paper come from his side. He felt something hit at his arm resting across the desk, as he peered down to find a ball of paper in front of him. He looked to his right, seeing James hard at work, taking the notes that he needed. Sal then turned to his left, finding Bryony smiling at him. She nodded her head to the paper, gesturing for him to open it and read what was written inside.

Sal carefully pulled open the ball of paper, smoothing out the crumples, as his eyes scanned over her writing. He studied the neatly written lettering upon the page, feeling as though his heart could burst through his chest in excitement.

'My answer is yes.'

He read it over and over again, before glancing up to the girl. She smiled at him, her cheeks a rosy red at how he couldn't hold back the grin pulling at his lips.

"Really?" He mouthed to her, as she nodded her head in response. Sal held the note close to his heart, as he looked around the room. Beth looked up from her book, noticing the expression across Sal's face. She tapped at Brian's shoulder, as he looked up from the essay that he needed to get finished.

"What's up?" He whispered, the small murmur around the classroom being enough to cover his words.

"Looks like Sal's got a girlfriend." Beth smiled, her voice quiet, as she nodded her head in the direction of Sal. Brian turned back, seeing the shy glances being thrown back and forth between Sal and Bryony, both of their cheeks flushed bright red. A smile pulled at his lips, as he turned back to face Beth.

"About bloody time." He chuckled.

**

As lunchtime came about, Sal walked from his History class, making his way to the canteen to meet up with everyone else. He stepped through the crowds of students, when he suddenly felt a tap to his shoulder. Turning back, he found Bryony smiling at him, as she brushed a fallen strand of hair behind her ear.

"Hey...you." She hummed, her voice small and diffident.

"Hey," Sal greeted. He swallowed nervously, as his eyes met with her stare. "Would you like to, I don't know...perhaps, hold my hand?"

Bryony let a light laugh slip passed her lips, watching, as the nerves overwhelmed him, causing his voice to crack slightly. She held her hand out for him, as his glance shifted down to her hand.

"I would like to, I don't know...perhaps, hold your hand." She mocked playfully, as Sal felt the heat rise to his cheeks. He took hold of her hand in his, guiding her through the corridors, until they finally reached the canteen. They both scanned the area, Sal's eyes eventually coming to land on Joe's spike of hair.

"There they are." Sal announced, as he walked with Bryony through the maze of tables. The pair of them arrived at the table, as all eyes fell onto them and their hands interlocked.