Summer lovin’

Summer lovin’

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I caught a hint of exasperation in his rugged voice.

“I was going to, I swear. I just…” His face twisted into a scowl.

“Tell me why you did it, Mel. You’ve all you want from me.” He hesitated, his grey eyes locking with mine.

“Not all,” I hissed back, my fists balling up beside me.

“Mel, we’ve discussed this. I just want you to tell me why you did it.”

“You know why I did it, Charlie.” He shook his head, his ruffled brown hair catching in the summer breeze. Near us, the park swings groaned as they began to sway.

“Mel. Why the hell did you run away? Your mum’s in hysterics-”

“Yeah? And what about her boyfriend, Kevin?” I spat.

“He’s not all that bad, Mel. You’re overreacting. He’s never…hurt you, has he?”

“No…” A triumphant grin curved his frowning lips upwards. He pulled an old-looking phone out of his trouser pocket, flipping it open with his thumb. Horrified, I stepped away. His hand jerked forwards and he grabbed me by the wrist. I stumbled, falling into his chest.

“Mel, get off me.” I looked up at him, angry.

“What’re you talking about? You’re the one who pulled me forwards! And don’t even think about calling mum. I’ll-”

“Just get off me, Mel.” I folded my arms stubbornly. He sighed, finally tucking his phone back into his pocket. “You know why. You know that I think that you’re…great, but your mum…”

“Hates you, I know. But who’s she to talk? She’s had her fair amount of guys in the past, Kevin for one, and when I bring you over to meet her, she freaks!”

“Mel. Come home.” But I was too far gone.

“Why can’t she just accept that I have my needs as well? I really...like you, Charlie. You know that, right?” He nodded wearily.

“You’ve made it obvious,” he muttered. I pulled back stray strands of my soft brown curls.

“And do you like me?” I asked, peering into his eyes, searching, searching for some emotion. There was none. “Oh…” I turned away, smiling in my effort to hide the onslaught of tears that would come at any second. “Bye, Charl.” The tips of my fingers brushed his shoulders as I leant upwards to lightly kiss his lips.

Then I twisted around on my heel, and, kicking up gravel, I ran as fast as I could, away from the wretched park. As I ran, an old memory suddenly sprang to mind. I saw the scene clearly in the same park, standing still by the swings.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Charlie had asked.

“Why didn’t I tell you what?” I had replied in perplexity.

“That you liked me,” he answered with that familiar, teasing grin. And that was the first time he had kissed me- just by the swings. Just where we shared our first and last kiss.