Fifteen Going on Grown Up by Stephanie M. Turner

knew fancied her, or at least she didn’t think they did. She was a bit lost for words. Before she could work out what to say, he spoke again.
    “So, when I gave you back your jumper I asked some of the customers in the café if they knew who you were. A girl said your name was Hally and it clicked you were the girl whose party the boys had spoken about before. I knew then I wanted to get to know you; and luckily for me you came in here yesterday.”
    Hally sat for a few seconds unable to speak. To cover this up she sipped her drink slowly. Finally she felt able to speak normally.
    “So, you knew my name already when I saw you yesterday. Why didn’t you tell me?”
    She wasn’t annoyed, just curious.
    “Well I didn’t want to freak you out. You know you might have found it a bit weird; a complete stranger calling you by name. Then, you seemed so nervous, I didn’t want to scare you off, so I let you introduce yourself. Actually, I liked that because you got your confidence back really quickly and I …”
    Wes stopped as Hally began giggling.
    “Now you’re the one who’s gabbling.”
    She told him confidently. Then they were both laughing. When their laughter subsided to a comfortable silence, Hally spoke shyly.
    “Actually I fancied you the moment I saw you. I just didn’t have a clue what to do about it. Then Clia called a friend of her brother’s and she told her who you were. So we sort of planned to come in here yesterday so I could see if you were here and somehow get you to notice me.”
    Hally couldn’t bring herself to look up, instead she studied the drink in her glass. Then she felt Wes’ warm hand cover hers. She finally looked up and was thrilled to see he was smiling warmly.
    “What are we like?”
    He asked. Then they were laughing again. Hally felt like she had known him for months rather than a few days, and it felt so right being with him.
    Later, armed with a large bag of bread they strolled through the park; chatting and feeding the ducks. Wes explained that his dad had moved jobs and since he had to re-sit his A levels anyway was quite happy to move to a new town. Hally didn’t think she should ask why he failed his exams this soon into their relationship, but made a mental note to ask about it sometime. She did however tell him all the details of her party and the full story behind it. She even felt comfortable telling him about her past problems with Dana and her gang; blushing furiously when she told him about the name calling. Wes stopped walking, turned and looked down at her and took her hand squeezing it gently.
    “Well you certainly don’t have to worry about any of that now.”
    He gently told her as he looked into her eyes. For a panicky few seconds she thought he was going to kiss her then and there; but he just smiled as if he could read her mind, and still holding her hand carried on strolling around the lake. She didn’t know whether to feel relieved or disappointed, but it felt nice to have him holding her hand.
    At just after ten thirty they arrived back at Hally’s house. Now the nerves came back strong. Should she ask him in, would he expect that? She had no idea. However once again Wes seemed to know the inner turmoil she was feeling and saved her any embarrassment.
    “Well Hally, I have to get home now. It’s been a really wonderful evening. Can I see you again?”
    She was both shocked and excited. She actually hadn’t thought beyond this evening, and now he was asking to see her again. It just hadn’t crossed her mind that there would be more dates. She didn’t know why, it just hadn’t entered her head. Now she smiled and nodded. He leaned down towards her and gently took her face in both his hands. He then slowly kissed her on the lips. It was soft and brief and when he lifted his head and looked at her he was smiling.
    “Goodnight Hally. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
    He waited until she opened her door, then turned and walked down the path. He looked