This Year

Chapter Four

I found the key and opened up. It wasn't too hot inside either. The fireplace was probably necessary. We took of our soaking wet outerwear and went inside the livingroom. Paul looked around and I went straight to to the fireplace to make it up. I crouched down and began to pile up the cubes in it. Just when I was about to put in one cube, Paul grabbed my hand. I looked at him a bit startled, his hazel eyes meeting my blue eyes. His eyes were incredible pretty with those long lashes he had.

While he held my hand with one hand, he took the cube from me with the other. He was still looking at me. I began to blush a bit.

"I'll do it." he smiled and let go of my hand and continued with making up a fire. 

I stood up awkwardly, brushing off some dust of my skirt.

"I um- I'll go take a quick shower and change my clothes, if that's okay with you?"

"Of course." he smiled.

So I did. I quickly went upstairs, took a quick shower and changed into a pair of jeans and a soft white jumper. I usually wore skirts and dresses, but I figured I should spare that for the Cavern tonight. I checked myself in the mirror. I wiped the mascara that were smudged under my eyes after the rain, and went downstairs. When I was halfway in the staircase I heard guitarstrumming. I stopped for a second to listen and went to the kitchen to make some tea. He was quite good on the guitar. With a tray with the kettle and two cups, I entered the room. I walked towards him and he stopped playing.

"I'm sorry. I should've asked you first to use it." 

"It's okay." I smiled.

"It's a really nice guitar. Is it yours?" he asked me.

"Yes. It belonged to my dad. He gave it to me on my 13th birthday. He used to play on it almost everyday, and he had it for a long time, so it's pretty worn out though.. But I'm surprised you play so well on it even though it's a left-handed guitar."

I gave him a cup and poured some tea for him.

"Thanks Love." he said and took a sip. "Well, I'm left-handed myself you see." he continued.

"Just like me and my dad then." I smiled and looked down at my cup, while leaning against the wall.

"Do you live with your mum and dad?"

"Just my mum. My dad passed away when I was fourteen." I said while I sat myself down in the sofa beside Paul.

"I'm so sorry. I should'nt have asked. I know it's no fun to talk about such a touchy subject. My mum died from cancer when I was fourteen as well, so I kind of know how it feels.."

"Oh Paul, I'm so sorry to hear. And don't worry, it's okay. I'm totally fine with talking about it. The worst thing for me was hearing my mum cry. I'd never heard her cry before. You grow up real quick, because you never expect to hear your parents crying. You expect to see other people cry or even yourself. But when it's your mum, then you know something's really wrong and it shakes your faith in everything. But I was determined not to let it affect me. I carried on. I learnt to put a shell around me. And I still do."

Wow. Why am I telling him all this, and how can I be so calm. I don't know. What I did know was that Paul was looking me in the eyes again. But this time it was different. It was a look I haven't seen on him before. He looked so sincere and totally off-guard on his usual teddy boy-looks.

"It's the exact same way for me." he said, not breaking the gaze. 

The moment broke when the clock striked on the wall. Paul and I was a bit startled and we both let out a small laugh. He looked at it and turned to me again.

"I forgot to tell you when we were going to the Cavern. Again." he laughed. "We should be there in an hour though. I'll have to head home first and I'll let you get ready. Do you know where the Cavern is, Love?" he said while standing up to get his coat and belongings.

"Um- Not really."

"I figured you didn't. John and I can pick you up." he smiled.

"Thanks Paul."

"No problem Love." he said while he winked. "See you in a hour then!"

"Yeah. See you." I smiled back.

And away he went on his bicycle. 

I locked the door behind me and leaned my back towards it. I slowly slid down and sat on the floor while I leaned myself against the door. I touched my cheeks. I was blushing like mad. What is with you Laura? Am I really falling for this boy?

I remembered I had to get ready for tonight, so I stood up.

I was actually beginning to look forward to go out tonight.

It was going to be good to go out for once to have fun again. 

Or at least I thought it would.