Chapter 8

Dana’s Note

The summer holidays slowly moved on with a combination of days and evenings spent with Clia and Corrinne, Wes and sometimes all four of them together. Hally always treasured her time with her friends and never put them off to go out with Wes. He told her one evening that he would never expect her to choose between seeing him or her girlfriends and his maturity was something she found very attractive. Most boys her own age would be peeved that they didn’t get their own way.

Clia and Corrinne loved spending time with Hally and always pressed her about how things were between herself and Wes. She always told them everything about their dates and found it very comforting to confide in her friends.

One evening the three girls were sitting on the deck in Hally’s garden sipping lemonade. It was another really hot night following a very hot and humid day; storm clouds were slowly building up and the air was heavy with the impending storm. The girls were gossiping about some of their school friends, who was dating whom; who had recently broken up and more importantly which girls had gone all the way with their boyfriends. The conversation lapsed into a comfortable silence for a few minutes. Then Hally spoke.

“You know, there’s just one thing bothering me about Wes.”

Corrinne and Clia immediately sat up straight in their loungers all ears and interest.

“Hals, what do you mean?”

Clia asked gently and with a frown. Up until now, all they had heard about Wesley was how gorgeous he was; how mature he was and how he never tried it on with her.

“Well, I find it strange that he’s never taken me to his house. In fact he hardly ever mentions his family at all”

“Mmm…maybe he’s a bit nervous of you meeting his parents.”

Clia offered as a way of explanation.

“Have you asked him about it?”

Corrinne said matter-of-factly.

“Nooo…to tell you the truth I’m a bit nervous.”

“Mackeller, you dipstick.”

Corrinne announced with a grin. Then all three girls were laughing. At that moment Hally’s mobile rang. She reached for it and saw it was Wes calling; all thoughts of his parents gone from her mind.

“Hi.” She said breathlessly. “How are you?”

“I’m good thanks. You sound out of breath.”

“Oh, we were just laughing about something.”

Hally felt herself blush, glad he couldn’t see her since the topic of their laughter had been him; although not in a nasty way she told herself.

“Ok…anyway I called ‘cos I wondered what you were doing tomorrow. I know we arranged to see each other on Thursday; but my boss just called and told me I don’t have to work tomorrow now.”

Hally’s heart gave a flutter. It did that every time he rang her. She was still surprised that a guy like Wesley would be interested in her, and still felt the relationship was fragile. Her mum and friends had told her it was her confidence, or rather lack of it that made her feel this way; but she couldn’t help it. However, whenever they were together she felt both secure and confident.

“Hally, you there?”

Wes asked. She realised she hadn’t answered him.

“Sorry Wes. Uh…we, that is Corrinne, Clia and me, we planned the pool and then a picnic in the park.”

“Oh, Ok no problem…”

Hally noticed Clia making hand signals to her.

“Just a sec Wes, Clia is doing some sort of sign language.”

She looked to her friend who was now silently wording “Invite him.” She nodded her understanding and turned back to her phone.

“You could come with us, the girls don’t mind.”

She told him.

“That’s great, and listen, leave the picnic up to me. I’m a whizz when it comes to organising al fresco.”

They arranged the time and Wes said he would meet them at her house.

“Well I’ll see you tomorrow. Enjoy your evening with the girls. L…night night.”

He hung up before she had the chance to reply. Her excitement was palpable and her friends caught it quickly.

“Hally?”

Said Corrinne.

“Oh, um, crikey.”

Was all she could get out.

“Hally what is it?”

Corrine demanded.

“I’m not really sure, b..but he..he was about to say something and quickly changed his mind. Then he said “night night” and hung up.”

Hally stammered.

“Well what do you reckon he was going to say?”

Clia asked gently.

“He started to say something beginning with el.”

She replied in little more than a whisper.

“What you mean something like elegant.”

Clia asked without really thinking. Hally shook her head.

“No, I mean the letter L, like at the beginning of love.”

As soon as the words were out, Hally blushed to the roots of her blonde hair. Both her friends were speechless. Clia recovered first.

“Wow Hally, that boy is smitten.”

This comment brought all three out of their shock and they burst into laughter. Only, very quickly Hally’s turned to tears as well.

“No, look; I probably got it all wrong. I mean he’s like a grown man, he wouldn’t just fall for me like that so soon. It’s only been a few weeks.”

“Stranger things have happened.”

Stated Corrinne.

‘Stranger things had happened.’ This thought kept intruding on Hally’s mind as she got herself ready for bed. Her friends had left after a lot more deliberation on Wes’ words, or rather lack of them; so Hally kept telling herself. Surely, no way was he going to say what she had thought. But, stranger things had happened. “Like what?” Hally asked her reflection, as she examined her face in the mirror. So far she had been lucky not to break out in a multitude of teenage acne like some of the girls her age. But still, she kept checking expecting an imminent eruption. However, for now her skin remained smooth and tanned.

“Dana and her crew leaving me alone. That’s really strange.”

She again spoke to her reflection. With everything going on with Wes, she hadn’t thought about Dana for a while. Now, a small pang of guilt invaded her thoughts. She had worried so much about Dana’s situation at first; but that seemed such a long time ago. She had seen her briefly during the holidays, but Dana kept her distance and didn’t even seem to be that interested in her own friends. Even in the Hotspot, she sat slumped alongside Penny and the usual lads, but had little to say. Hally even remembered one afternoon, Dana simply got up and walked out without a word to anyone. Hally’s mobile beeped indicating a message, and bringing her out of her reverie. Picking up the phone she saw it was from Wes. Quickly she opened the message and holding her breath read it.

hi just wanted to say goodnight and very much looking forward to tomorrow. x x x x x.

Hally read the message several times then quickly tapped in a reply.

me too night night x x x x.

All thoughts of Dana went out of her mind as she pressed the send button. She then settled into bed and let her mind drift into fantasies of Wes telling her he loved her in a variety of settings, all extremely romantic.

The storm that threatened arrived through the night fierce and furious, but had completely passed over by morning. Hally woke to bright sunshine casting tiger stripes across her bedroom walls as the sun filtered through the partially open blinds. After showering and dressing (she spent a long time choosing an outfit) Hally made her way downstairs. The house was strangely quiet. Normally mum would be busy in the kitchen; usually trying to keep Nathan in his seat at the table to eat his breakfast. However, this morning Hally found a very empty kitchen and a note on the fridge.

Hally sweetheart. Have taken Nathan to the summer play scheme and then going straight to your grandparents. Don’t panic, all’s ok.

Love you and see you later mum xxxxxxx.

Hally slowly released the breath she hadn’t realised she was holding. Mum went to see her grandparents every day; but she didn’t rush off first thing in the morning. So for today to be different Hally had immediately thought something must be wrong. Her grandmother’s cancer was rapidly getting worse and the family were sure it would not be long before she had to be cared for professionally. However at the moment, mum and her granddad were doing it between them, but it was getting much harder.

As she made herself tea and cereal, Hally pondered over why her mother had gone out so early. As she ate her breakfast she kept telling herself the note had said all was ok, but she was becoming more and more unconvinced as she ate. Eventually she put down her spoon, took out her mobile and rang mum’s number.

At first, there was no answer; just ringing then the messaging service. Hally shakily rang again and this time mum answered.

“Hello darling.”

“Mum is everything alright. I know your note said so, but I’m worried.”

Hally gabbled quickly to her mother.

“Everything is alright angel. Your gran had a rough night so I came early so granddad could get a bit of rest.”

“What sort of rough night?”

Hally asked suspiciously. Mum sounded a little too bright.

“Oh, she got out of bed a few times but couldn’t get back in again. So, granddad had very little sleep.”

“Shall I come over and help?”

Hally asked, not even considering how it would affect her plans; but mum told her it wasn’t necessary and that she should enjoy her day.

“You don’t have much of your summer holiday left, so have as much fun as you can. We’ll be alright, I’ll see you later. Ok darling?”

Her mum told her. Reluctantly Hally agreed and said goodbye.

She still worried as she got her things ready for the day and when Clia and Corrinne arrived they sensed something was awry.

“Is it Wes?”

Asked Clia after seeing her friend’s distress.

“Oh no, it’s just gran. She’s getting worse really quickly. Mum’s over there already.”

She went on to explain to them what her mother had told her. When she finished Clia spread her arms, palms up and said.

“Well your mum is always really open with you Hals, so when she says everything is fine, then that is exactly what she means. I mean, if it was serious, she would have definitely told you. She’s never kept your Gran’s illness from you in any way.”

Hally realised her friend was quite right and smiling said.

“Well I think I have everything, bikini, towel, shower gel and moisturiser. Have I forgotten anything Corrinne?”

“Um, extra undies, spare top…”

Hally and Clia burst into giggles.

“What?”

Corrinne asked innocently.

“You just have to be prepared for any event.”

She told them matter-of-factly.

Wes arrived around eleven and the four set off for the swimming pool. They planned to spend a couple of hours in the water then the rest of the day in the park.

“I will have to call in at the Hotspot because I stored the picnic there.”

Wes told them as they strolled to the leisure centre.

“What delights have you prepared for us?”

Clia asked.

“Now that’s a surprise.”

He told them grinning.

After a very enjoyable and amusing (Clia’s bikini top came undone in the pool) session swimming, the four set off for the hotspot to collect the picnic. As they were not eating at the café and since it was lunchtime and busy; the girls waited outside. Wes soon appeared carrying a real wicker hamper. All three girls were surprised, they had simply expected a plastic bag with wrapped sandwiches.

Before any of them spoke however Wes held out an envelope for Hally.

“What’s this?”

She asked. The envelope simply had her name on it.

“No idea. Apparently someone left it behind the counter yesterday.”

Wes told her.

Hally was very curious and wanted to open it immediately, but decided to wait until they were at the park. Besides, there was something about the writing that seemed strange. It was very child like in style and Hally had a feeling she had seen it before, but couldn’t remember where. So she put it in her bag and turned to Wes instead.

“Where did you get that from?”

She asked, indicating the hamper.

“It’s mum and dad’s. They’ve had it for years. Mum said I could borrow it.”

This was one of the few times Wes had actually mentioned his family. Hally felt that strange sensation again that she was missing something but could not figure out what. She pushed it to the back of her mind and smiling said.

“So to the park.”

The others burst out laughing and joined her as she pretended to power walk towards the town park.

Unsurprisingly, there were a lot of people the girls knew at the park. Some were in large groups laying and sitting on various rugs and jackets. Some had phones and iPods playing, with the result that as they strolled towards the lake it was impossible to work out exactly what music was what. They found a spot of sunny grass and Wes pulled out two rugs from the side of the hamper. He spread them on the ground and Clia and Corrinne quickly dropped their bags next to one and sat down. Hally settled herself onto the second rug, and Wes kneeled next to her. The hamper had old fashioned leather straps and for some reason this brought a small lump to the back of Hally’s throat. For a few seconds she visualised her Gran’s face but swallowed hard and pushed it to the back of her mind. Now was not the time to dwell on why mum had really gone there so early.

The hamper opened to reveal one side with crockery, cutlery and glasses strapped neatly in and the other side with food.

“It used to have real linen napkins, but they disappeared years ago; so we will have to make do with paper.”

Wes told them as he began to unwrap various packages. This reminded Hally about the envelope. She took it out of her bag and turned it over; but there was nothing else on it. She gently slit it open and pulled out a single sheet of lined paper, which looked torn from a pad like they used in school. It was untidily folded several times as though it had been stuffed in the envelope in a hurry.

Corrinne and Clia were happily chatting to Wes as he began to lay food out and at first didn’t notice Hally holding the note.

“Look at this yummy picnic Hals.”

Said Corrinne. When Hally didn’t answer her friend became concerned.

“What is it Hally?”

She asked. Clia and Wes then both looked up and saw the frown on Hally’s face.

“Hally, what’s the matter?”

Wes asked her, gently putting his hand on her shoulder.

“It’s from Dana.”

Hally replied. Corrinne and Clia both audibly took a breathe and though it was obvious by his expression that Wes had no idea what this meant, he did not ask any questions.

“Hally, what does it say?”

Clia asked, deep concern in her voice. Hally handed the note over for her friend to read out. It was poorly written in a very childish hand writing.

‘HalY i aM reely sorrY for wot I done to You i no wot i got to do noW

Dana ’

“What is that supposed to mean?”

Corrinne asked, as she took the note from Clia and read it herself. Hally shrugged, she had no idea.

“Well it’s about time she realised what she’s put you through all these years; now her own life is in a mess.”

Clia stated without much sympathy in her voice.

“I suppose so.”

Hally replied, taking the note back and putting it away.

“Come on girls, lets eat before it dries up in this lovely sunshine.”

Wes chipped in lightening the mood. The girls laughed, but Hally felt somewhat unnerved by the note. However, when Wes handed her a plate it looked so delicious and his smile was so warm and comforting that she put everything except him out of her mind.

The rest of the day was truly wonderful. They fed the scraps of the picnic to the ducks and Wes surprised them again by pulling some old board games out of his backpack; which they had enormous fun playing. Several times throughout the day people passed and spoke to Wes casually. Much to Hally’s joy when he politely introduced them he referred to the girls as “My girlfriend Hally, and her two friends Clia and Corrinne.”

As the day turned to evening they mutually agreed to go back to Hally’s.

“Have you sampled Hally’s homemade lemonade yet?”

Corrinnne asked Wes. Hally gave her a wicked look, but her friend chose to ignore it.

“You make lemonade Hally?”

He asked her. For some reason this made her blush. It was such a small thing, but it sounded so domestic and to Hally really uncool.

“Uh, well, my mum does and …”

Before she had the chance to decide what to say both her friends chimed in with “You do too Hals, and it’s gorgeous.” Wes laughed and put his arm around Hally’s shoulder.

“Sounds like you have a fan club.” Then in a mock posh voice. “Come then, to Hally’s for lemonade.”

Even Hally couldn’t help but laugh at this, so forgiving her friends they made their way back to her house.

The house was quiet when they got back. At first Hally’s heart skipped a beat thinking something was wrong; then she remembered her parents had promised to take Nathan to the cinema. Relaxing, she sent the girls and Wes out into the garden whilst she put together the lemonade.

“Well I can’t have any of you recording my secret recipe.”

She told them playfully. Wes patted her gently on her behind and said.

“One day I will know.”

Then with a laugh he joined Clia and Corrinne.

Hally tried not to mull over what that meant as she took the already cooked and cooled lemons out of the fridge. Luckily for her, her mum kept a stock.

As they sipped their drinks, Wes asked Hally what Clia had meant about Dana; so the three girls recounted many tales of the bullying Hally had had to endure over the years.

“Most of the time it was just bitchiness.”

Hally told him, but there had been times when it had got bad enough for Hally’s parents to visit Mr Hopkins the head teacher. On these occasions, Dana and her friends had been subjected to detentions, calls to their parents and even temporary exclusions. However, the situation was never truly resolved. “Until now, Dana seems to have stopped by herself, for whatever reason.” Hally finished.

“My poor baby.”

Wes said, wrapping his arms around Hally, and though it shocked her to hear him call her this she felt like she was in heaven.

“Mmm, look at the time Corrinne. Think we should get going.”

Said Clia, standing and pulling her friend from the other sun lounger.

“It’s not that late…”

Hally began, but Clia put up a hand to stop her and obviously faked a yawn.

“All that swimming, delicious food and fresh air has totally worn me out”

She claimed.

“Me too”

Announced Corrinne, faking her own yawn. Hally laughed as she stood up too.

“Ok, I’ll see you out.”

The three girls walked down the garden to the back gate.

“I know what you two are up to.”

Hally told them.

“What?”

They both exclaimed innocently. Hally shook her head lightly and the three girls gave each other a hug as they said goodnight.

Hally then nervously made her way back up the garden. She had spent evenings alone with Wes quite often over the holidays, but she still got wobbles in her tummy each time. She always wondered when Wes, being so much older would expect their relationship to move on, but as yet he had not tried to push her at all. Most of the time she was very relieved by this, she was, she kept telling herself only fifteen. However, there were times, and naturally, she told herself; when he was holding her and kissing her; that she felt a fiery sensation deep inside her. It was then that she wished he would just move his hands to somewhere else on her body, like her breasts, she would say in her mind, or even somewhere else.

These thoughts always brought heat to her face, and she dreaded Wes seeing this. But he seemed to understand and sense her feelings because he would back off a bit as though he knew she wanted more; but also knew she wasn’t really ready. She would then feel disappointed and worse, her body felt bereft, but relieved at the same time. These feelings created a great deal of confusion within her and she knew at some point she would be having a long chat with her mum.

Now though, she was going to enjoy the rest of the evening and try not to get herself into a state about what may or may not happen.

Wes was leaning back on a sun lounger with his hands behind his head and his eyes closed. Hally crept over to him and tickled him in the ribs. He grabbed her so quickly and pulled her onto his lap that she believed he had only been pretending to have his eyes shut. They both laughed. As Wes tickled her back, his fingers just brushed over the lower part of her breast. Hally felt a sensation so strong in her lower body that she could hardly breathe; her heart began to beat very fast and she leaned into him waiting to be kissed. Wes obliged and took her face between his hands, kissing her deeply. Too soon, the kiss ended and as Wes pulled away from her she saw a slight frown on his face.

“Hally, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for that to happen. I really was just tickling you.”

He looked so miserable that her first reaction which had been to tell him not to be stupid, was rapidly replaced with concern.

“Wes, it’s alright.”

She put a hand on his arm, but he still seemed unhappy.

“No, it’s not. I should know better.”

“But…”

Hally began, but Wes moved so she had no choice but to stand up, as he stood also and moved away from her a little. He stuffed his hands in his pocket and looked at the ground.

“I have to go.”

He told her and moved towards the door. With tears beginning in her eyes, Hally followed him into the house. At the front door he turned to her.

“Goodnight Hally.”

Then seeing the glistening on her cheeks he pulled her into a hug.

“It’s alright baby, don’t cry. I will call you tomorrow, but I must go now.”

Hally buried her face in his shoulder and in a muffled voice that shook when she spoke said.

“You, you’re nnot bbbreaking up with me?”

She felt him shake his head and relief spread through her when he said.

“No, definitely not. I just need to go home now. Ok.”

He leaned back and planted a small kiss on her lips; then he let go and turned to walk down the path.