Wes told her. Hally was still finding it difficult to speak in a normal voice and found herself nodding silently again. This time Clia nudged her and this seemed to bring her back to her senses.
“Ok, that sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
“Tomorrow at seven then…”
Hally didn’t let him finish, she was so nervous that she hurriedly mumbled a goodbye and hung up. Clia and Corrinne eagerly started talking at the same time wanting to know what Wes had said. Hally took a deep breath to begin relaying her conversation, at least Wes’ side of it since she had barely spoken when her mobile rang again. As she was still holding it, it startled her and she dropped it on the table. She grabbed it up and answered.
“Hi it’s me again. You didn’t give me your address.”
He spoke so calmly and gently that Hally knew he wasn’t teasing her or upset with her and at last she found the same confidence she had in the café.
“Oh, I am so sorry. Look you probably think I’m a right idiot I…I was just surprised that you called and was a bit nervous too.”
“It’s alright, I was nervous calling you too.”
This shocked Hally as he had not sounded in the least bit nervous. It also made her smile. She couldn’t imagine how she Hally Mackeller could make any boy nervous. This news boosted her confidence.
“Well at least you managed to speak to me normally.”
Wes laughed a deep resonant sound and Hally felt her insides wobble.
“So, let’s start again. Hally would you like to come out with me tomorrow evening?”
“Yes I would like that very much.”
She felt very proud of herself that she could now speak normally.
“Good. I will pick you up at seven so long as you tell me where you live.”
She could hear the humour in his voice and this made her smile too, it also gave her enough confidence to tease him a little.
“Well, you know my father might object to me giving out my address to a stranger.”
Both Clia and Corrinne frowned, not understanding what Hally was doing and wondering why she should be saying such a thing. They both knew Hally’s dad would not be like that. However their dismay turned to humour when they realised Hally was grinning widely.
“So should I call him and ask his permission then?”
Wes asked Hally, completely taking her by surprise. She then burst out laughing.
“No, I’m only teasing, my dad is well cool, my mum too. So, I live at twenty two Oak Road. Do you know where that is?”
Hally went on to give Wes directions on how to find her house. The conversation ended and her two friends both started speaking at the same time wanting to know what had been said.
Hally felt like she was walking on air as she bounced across the kitchen to put the kettle on. Corrinne and Clia were still rapidly asking questions.
“Come on Hal, tell all, stop keeping us in suspense.”
Clia finally managed to get across to her. Hally turned and looked at them whilst taking mugs out of the cupboard.
“Coffee?”
She asked, holding up the jar. Both girls sighed deeply.
“Oh come on MacKeller. Stop being so annoying.”
Corrinne exclaimed. Hally finally gave in and with a smile told her friends the whole conversation.
Handing each of them a mug and sitting at the table with her friends, Hally sipped her drink and smiled contentedly. The day could not have been more perfect. At least the outcome of the day couldn’t be more perfect. Her face flushed as she remembered all the embarrassing moments.
“Hey, what’s up sweetie?”
Clia asked. Hally put her mug down on the table and smiling told her friends why she was suddenly blushing, shortly after all three were giggling and retelling each other Hally’s moments in the café.
A few minutes later the giggles eased off and they sat quietly with their empty mugs in front of them. Hally stood up and switched the kettle on again. As she was spooning more coffee into their mugs Corrinne suddenly spoke.
“Oh yeah, what was going on with Dana and Penny in the Hotspot?”
Carrying fresh mugs of coffee to the table Hally relayed the events in the café toilet.
“Well what do you make of that?”
Corrinne asked.
“Sounds very weird to me.”
Clia said with a frown.
“I wonder what’s going on with her now? You know I still feel really bad about just leaving her that day and not telling anyone.”
Hally told the other two. The excitement of the day and the warmth she felt from her interaction with Wes was pushed to the back of her mind. Clia noticed her change of mood and quickly tried to ease her distress.
“Hey Hally, sweetie, Dana is not, absolutely not your problem. She and her little pet bitches have given you grief for a very long time. Whatever is going on in her life she has to deal with.”
Clia told her very firmly. Hally nodded and sipped her coffee but didn’t really feel any better. She tried to push Dana to the back of her mind as they chatted and since the other two were determined to chat about Wes, found it not too difficult.
“Well, home for dinner, I think.”
Corrinne announced a short while later.
“Yep, I’ll walk with you.”
Clia said. So Hally walked her friends to the door and arranged a time for them to come around the next day.
Later that evening mum had the usual battle with Nathan over his bath.
“But muuuum!”
“No buts Nathan. It won’t take long if you do it now and then you can have free time until bed.”
She told him in a firm but soft voice. Nathan turned to his father but before he opened is mouth Colin spoke.
“Don’t even try it son. Do as your mum tells you.”
Hally could see he wanted to smile and turned away so she wouldn’t giggle. It was the same every night, even worse in the holidays. Nathan simply hated having a bath or shower. He loved the swimming pool, the rain, puddles, in fact any other water except where he had to get clean. Putting on an exaggerated sulk and stomp Nathan headed for the stairs, mumbling and grumbling under his breath. As soon as he was out of hearing range mum turned to Hally.
“Well?”
She asked. Dad stopped reading his paper and looked at his daughter and wife.
“Going to let me in on this?”
He asked with a smile.
“Hally’s met a lad.”
Dad raised his eyebrows but waited for Hally to speak.
“Well, his name is Wes and he’s eighteen…” She paused but her parents didn’t comment. “and he’s taking me out tomorrow.”
“Well, just be careful and keep your mobile switched on. Oh, and let us meet him before you go out.”
Dad said. Mum nodded in agreement and Hally knew her parents were giving her the go ahead to go out with Wes, but were still keen to see him and check out who he was. Hally didn’t mind this at all. She knew her parents loved her very much, and felt she was a lot better off with her parents taking an interest in her social life than not. This brought back thoughts of Dana and she opened her mouth to mention it when dad spoke again.
“So, how did you meet this lad then?”
Hally went on to explain and was soon deep in conversation about Wes with her parents, all thoughts of Dana gone from her head.
After spending the evening pretending to watch the television, when really she was day dreaming about Wes; Hally stood in her bedroom looking out of the window. It was still light but she could see the sun was beginning to go down. The sky was a beautiful red orange with streaks of tissue like cloud. She had always loved sunset even in the winter, she opened her window wide and breathed in the summer air.
There was a small tap on her door and mum came in. She had two glasses of iced fruit juice, she handed one to Hally and sat on the edge of the bed and sipped her own. Hally stayed by the open window but turned to her m
other.
“So, I expect you are excited about tomorrow are you?”
Mum asked gently.
“And nervous. I’ve never been on a proper date.”
Hally replied. Mum nodded but didn’t speak straight away. Then she asked.
“Is there anything in particular you are nervous about?”
“Well, I suppose ‘cos he’s so much older.”
Hally confided.
“And what if he? well you know, being older.”
She asked hurriedly. Mum smiled, put her glass down and put her arms out to her daughter. Hally crossed to her mum, sat down and let herself be comforted. Stroking her daughter’s hair mum spoke gently.
“Baby, if he is a nice boy he won’t even give you that worry. You will know quite quickly what he is hoping to get out of the date. Just remember, always, it is your choice and decision. Never allow yourself to be pressurised into anything. Only go with what you feel comfortable with, and remember, if things go wrong we can come and get you.”
They stayed like that for a short while, Hally letting her mother continue stroking her hair.
“I think he is a nice boy.”
Hally said matter of factly.
“He just seems open and honest.”
She sat up and sipped her juice. Mum smiled and sipped her own drink.
“Sometimes you can just tell can’t you?”
She asked her mum who nodded and kissed her daughter on the cheek.
“Yes, sometimes, but still be careful.”
Late into the night Hally awoke from a dream. She couldn’t quite remember all of it and the bits she could were fading quickly. She lay still concentrating on what she could remember. There was a vague recollection of Dana chanting something at her and of Wes laughing and pointing at her. When she turned to the mirror that seemed to be hanging in front of her, she saw the reflection of a heavily made up girl that didn’t look anything like her.
Hally threw off the cover and walked over to the window. It was a very hot night and everything outside was silent. As her eyes adjusted to the dark she saw the time was a quarter past three. She opened her window wide and breathed the summer air deeply. Standing still and quiet she let the remains of the dream flow from her, and as she stood quietly she heard a slight rustling in the shrubs below her window.
Carefully and as quietly as she could, she leaned out of the window and looked into the plants. At first she couldn’t see anything, the shrubs dark against the moonlight. Then she heard another rustle and a little snuffle and emerging from the shrubbery she saw a hedgehog. She watched with a smile on her face as the little animal quickly scurried across the lawn and disappeared into the darkness of the rear of the garden. Hally kept watching for several more minutes but she didn’t see the hedgehog again. However, the pleasure of seeing it completely wiped out the fear of the dream and Hally returned to bed and soon fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.
Chapter 7
Holiday Romance
At six thirty in the evening Hally sat at the kitchen table desperately trying to control her nerves. All day she had managed to contain her excitement and keep busy wishing the time away. Corrinne and Clia had spent most of the day with her and together they had decided on her outfit for the date. Now she sat waiting and wondering if Wes was going to enjoy her company or decide she was just too young to have as a girlfriend.
“Girlfriend”
She said out loud to the empty kitchen. Mum and dad were in the study, and Nathan was due home from his friend’s house at the same time Wes was due to arrive. That thought set her nerves jangling. Nathan was bound to cause chaos; he always did when he came home. She smiled to herself knowing she was thinking too harshly about her little brother. Nobody could dislike him; he was just a very active, normal little boy. She was just so unsure of herself and the confidence she had found yesterday had now deserted her.
Just before seven Nathan came running through the back door, diving for the fridge at the same time the front door bell rang. Hally tried to get up and get to the door first, but Nathan managed to whiz out of the kitchen clutching a carton of juice and opened the front door.
“Hello, who are you?”
Nathan asked nonchalantly. Wes looked down at him and was about to speak as Hally arrived behind her brother.
“He’s my little, (rubbing the top of his head) very annoying brother.”
Hally managed before Nathan could utter a word.
“Hey…”
Nathan sputtered, as Hally gently turned him away from the door and pushed him back down the hallway. Nathan turned and walking backwards called out.
“I’m telling mum.”
Hally giggled, the nerves melting away.
“Hello, please come in.”
She stood back as Wes stepped into the house.
“Come through to the lounge, or we can go into the kitchen. Would you like a drink?”
Hally gabbled as she led the way. Suddenly she stopped and Wes bumped into her. He put his arms out to steady her just as she jumped out of the way and ended up sprawling down the hallway. Completely red faced and embarrassed her one thought was that her decision to wear jeans was absolutely right. Her face became an even darker shade of red when she imagined the scene if she had chosen the denim mini instead. Oh what a sight then; with her knickers displayed thirty seconds after he had arrived. However, sighing deeply and trying to regain some composure; Hally got to her knees. As she was about to stand up, strong arms were lifting her to her feet.
“Are you alright?”
Wes asked her gently. He had a very small smile on his lips but his face was all concern. Hally felt herself melt and started blushing all over again.
“Uh, yes, I’m fine, thank you. Oh crikey, you must think I’m a right klutz. First the café now…”
She didn’t finish the sentence. Wes was fully smiling now and still holding her.
“No Hally, I don’t think that. Believe it or not I’m just as nervous. But still, it’s a great ego boost when a girl throws herself at your feet.”
She could see he was trying not to laugh and this made her giggle; then they were both laughing. Hally’s nerves again disappeared and she very lightly tapped him on the arm with her fist.
“Excuse me Wesley…”
she began, which made him laugh even louder.
“Oh telling me off now are you?”
They were interrupted from continuing by Nathan charging back into the hall, heading for the stairs.
“Hah, you two are gonna kiss aren’t you.”
He announced bluntly. Mum was following behind him.
“Nathan.”
She said in a warning tone. Nathan looked at his mother with downcast eyes.
“Whaaaat…”
He began, but mum’s look quieted him as she pointed up the stairs. Without another word he trudged up the stairs as slowly as he could.
“Why don’t you two go into the kitchen; your dad is just making some drinks.”
Twenty minutes later Hally and Wes were on their way into town. Hally found herself chatting happily as they strolled along, and when Wes took her hand in his it seemed the natural thing to do. Her dad had been friendly towards Wes, and when mum came back downstairs with a slightly subdued Nathan, they sipped coffee and chatted. Now they were walking hand in hand and Hally felt completely at ease and very happy.
“So, what would you like to do?”
Wes asked, swinging her arm gently.
“Well, it’s a really warm evening, so…”
Hally didn’t know what else to suggest and felt herself getting embarrassed at her lack of decision making. However Wes didn’t seem to notice; instead he chipped in.
“OK, how about a drink at the Hotspot and then maybe go to the park. I could get some left over bread and we could feed the ducks.”
He suggested. This seemed like a really good idea to Hally, although the thought of being at the Hotspot with a boy in the evening w
as a little daunting. There was bound to be people there who would not be happy that Wes had chosen her.
The café was as Hally expected quite full. Surprisingly though there were very few people she recognised. She spotted a few girls from the year above her and they gave her curious, but not unkind looks. There were a few boys from her year and a couple from her form. She said a small hello to them and then Wes was asking what she would like to drink. Quite a few people spoke to him as he went behind the counter and got their drinks himself. Some laughingly joked about bringing his date to work, but he made it clear he wasn’t working and would not be serving them.
They sat by the window sipping their drinks and chatting comfortably. Hally had no attack of nerves, nor did she spill or choke on her drink. She had a small moment when the door opened and Penny Cuthbert walked in with a boy Hally didn’t recognise. Hally was surprised Dana wasn’t with her, they always hung out together. Penny gave her an evil look; then without a word she walked to the counter and started chatting to some other older boys. The boy she was with seemed to know these boys and before long they were all laughing loudly.
Wes looked at the group with a frown. Hally was about to ask why when he spoke.
“That group are heading for trouble.”
“What do you mean?”
Hally asked.
“From what I’ve heard they were all part of that thing with Martin Cob. Somehow though they managed to get away with it. Gave each other alibis or something; just goes to show there’s no loyalty among thieves since they didn’t help out their mate Martin.”
“You must hear a load of gossip in this place.”
Hally replied. She hoped he hadn’t heard any about her. He smiled at her warmly and said.
“Yes I do, for instance, I know about the trouble you had at your party. I had only just started working here and a few guys came in and I overheard them talking about this really cool party that a couple of girls tried to ruin. I sort of asked a bit about it and they told me who you were. I got the impression that they sort of fancied you.”
Hally felt the blush spreading up her face. She felt a mixture of shock and embarrassment. None of the boys she 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.
Fifteen Going on Grown Up Page 7