The library

June 6th 2003

Me and Alex had messaged each other a lot on MSN over the past few days after we had exchanged details on the 5th and had agreed to meet at The Boardwalk bar. I was still going strong after five minutes. After ten I was still expecting him but after half an hour of him not showing up my hopes had began to falter.

I redid my lipstick for what seemed the hundredth time in a compact mirror. Sighing heavily, I stood up from the booth I had claimed as mine and smoothed out my black mini skirt as well as my white top which clung to me loosely.

I headed for the exit and let out another sigh as I jogged down the steps outside the iconic building.

"Charlotte! Charlotte wait!" I snapped my head around to the source of the out of breath shout. Running over to me was Alex, red, covered in a sheen of sweat, clutching a single rose which made me blush slightly upon noticing it. He slowed down as he reached me. "Charlotte I'm so sorry..." he sucked in a few deep breaths, "The rehearsal dragged on a bit please don't leave." He said quickly.

I smile softly and felt my cheeks go a bright shade of red. "It's fine Alex. I've got nothing to do today anyway."

Relief quickly flooded his face and an cute grin replaced his worried frown. "Oh that's great. Uhh...here, have this." He thrust the rose in his right hand towards me making me smile more.

I took the red flower and closed my eyes as I smelt it. "Thank you very much Alex. This is really sweet."

He nodded and looked down for a moment before smiling and looking back up to me. "Let's go then." And with that he jogged up the steps of The Boardwalk and forced me to follow him.

*****

We had sat and talked by the bar in the boardwalk for a couple hours. I had learnt that Alex was an only child and that both his parents were teachers along with a whole lot of information about his band. I was told that Alex was the lead singer and guitarist, Matt was the drummer and two guys that I hadn't met yet called Andy and Jamie played the bass and second guitar respectively.

"So where do you come from then? You don't sound like you're from 'round 'ere." Alex watched me with a small smile.

"I'm living here for a couple years with my aunt and uncle while my parents travel the world. I'm actually from London. Born and bred." I smile while Alex nods thoughtfully. I watch him with an interested smile before leaning forward to get closer to him. "You know...you're not as much of a dickhead as I thought you were when we met." I said quietly and analysed his face for a response.

"You're not as much of a bitch as I thought you were." Alex grinned at me before laughing. I tried my best to pretend I was angry but his laugh completely disarmed me and I found myself laughing along with him too.

*****

Alex had insisted on escorting me back to my house even after extensive protesting from me. We walked up my road, talking and laughing loudly. Eventually, we reached my front door and stood still facing each other.

"It really is fookin hot isn't it?" Alex said looking up at the sky. It was currently 7pm but it was still as bright and as blue as ever.

I smiled as I watched him and nodded in agreement. "It's terrible isn't it?"

Alex smiled at me and nodded before looking down.

"Well I'm gonna go then..." I said slowly, "Thank you for a great day Alex."

He nodded and smiled sadly, shuffling his feet awkwardly.

I nodded awkwardly again before quickly jogging up the steps towards my front door and fishing in my handbag for my keys. Finding them, I opened the door but not before glancing back down the steps to find an empty street. I frowned slightly before continuing into the house.

"Auntie! Uncle! I'm home!" I called as I shut the front door. I walked into the living room and smiled at my carers as they sat together on the sofa, watching what seemed like a game show.

"How was it then?" My aunt, Alice, smiled at me. She had dirty blonde hair with dark blue eyes reminiscent of mine. Her face had deep wrinkles but she was still beautiful. I had told her about Alex and how I was going to meet him today.

Next to her was Craig, a balding man with an immortal stubble. He had dark brown eyes and spoke with a deep and rough voice.

"It was alright," I smiled, "He's a bit of a weirdo... but in a good way. Like, the best way imaginable." I started to blush just talking about him. What had gotten into me?

Alice and Craig stared at me with confused expressions for a couple seconds until she broke the silence. "Right... dinner's in half an hour."

Getting giddy, I nodded with grin and ran upstairs to my room, opened the door quickly and slammed it shut loudly before jumping onto my bed and sighing loudly.

*****

I was on the computer until midnight that evening, up late talking to Alex. We had messaged about everything from music to sport to crushes and everything in between.

CharlotteCakeZ
I'm gonna go to sleep now Al x

AlexMonkeys
Already?

CharlotteCakeZ
Alex it's 12:13

AlexMonkeys
Oh yeah. Goodnight then x

CharlotteCakeZ
Gn Al xxx