Smile Like You Mean It (One)

Chapter Eight

Brian pulled into the side of the road outside of Sal's house, cutting the engine, before turning back to face both Sal and Bryony in the backseat of his car.

"Thank you." They both thanked, as they clambered out of the vehicle. Sal leant against the frame of the car, peering into the vehicle.

"Don't worry about tomorrow morning, we'll walk." He glanced back at Bryony, before returning to both Brian and Beth sat in the front of the car. "I want to have some time alone with her."

"With your girlfriend, eh?" Brian smirked, causing Sal to roll his eyes.

"Shut up." He commented, as he stepped up onto the curb, joining Bryony on the pathway. They waved them off, Sal soon turning his attention back to the girl. He held his hand out for her, as a smile pulled at his lips. "Shall we?"

"We shall." Bryony laughed, as she let his palm curl around hers, walking her down to her house.

As they were strolling along the path, Sal peered down to their hands interlinked, squeezing her palm in his gently. He looked up, being met by her glance, as she blushed, a sweet smile playing on her lips. Sal pulled at her hand, bringing her knuckles up to his face, as he softly kissed at her fingers, his smile printing against her. He let their hands drop back down, sighing contently to himself.

"What's on your mind, Sal?" Bryony asked, as he tilted his head, his eyes scavenging over her. He let a small chuckle escape, as he shook his head.

"I just...I can't believe that you're finally mine." He expressed, his cheeks blushing wildly. Sal gripped tighter onto her hand, swinging their arms back and forth, continuing on with their walk.

As her house came into view, their pace slowed, not wanting their time together to end so soon. Bryony stepped up onto her porch, as Sal stood opposite her. He took hold of both of her hands, running his thumbs over her knuckles, as they stared mindlessly at one another, transfixed by the other, the one who made their hearts skip a beat. Sal opened his mouth to talk, before stopping himself. He didn't want to ruin the silent moment that they shared together. Bryony glanced towards her front door, clearing her throat.

"I'd, er...I'd better get inside." She announced, as Sal nodded his head, knocking himself out of his daze.

"Yeah..." He replied, his mind racing, debating on how to properly bid her goodbye. He was conflicted over whether he should be confident, and kiss her, or whether he should remain conceited, and let Bryony decide. He didn't want to force her into anything that she didn't want to do.

Bryony leant into him, allowing Sal to wrap his arms around her, as she pressed a single kiss to his cheek. She pulled away, their eyes locking onto one another, before her gaze shifted down to his lips. Bryony wanted to take things to the next level, but seeing the hidden fear in Sal's eyes, she decided against it. His arms removed from around her, as he watched Bryony step through her front door. She turned to face him, smiling small, as she bit down at her lower lip, her nerves evident across her features.

"I'll see you in the morning." Her voice quiet, as Sal nodded his head.

"I'll be here at 8 on the dot." He responded, as she waved him goodbye.

Sal stepped his way down the path, making his way home, as he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his hoodie, his fingers coming into contact with a crumpled up ball of paper. He knew instantly that it was her note for him, answering yes. A smile played on his lips, as he continued his stroll back home.

Entering through his front door, Sal bumped into his mother, as she carried a basket of laundry. She smiled at him, as Sal kicked his shoes off, and hung his hoodie up on a spare coat hook.