Very busy indeed, Dick added unnecessarily, winking at me.
Sorry guys, uh, we were just Lily smiled, looking up at me with a look that screamed, ‘Help me explain Noah !’
Getting the message, I nodded vigorously and cleared my throat. Yeah, I was just giving Lily the payback that we joked about, remember !? I looked at Jackie, desperately hoping she would just drop it and not make me the butt of the joke as usual.
But to my surprise, she smiled at me and winked again, that same understanding passing between us like earlier. Releasing a breath, I squeezed Lily’s hand and we walked over to them. So, uh, looks like the Italian is out of the question, I said, hoping to change the topic. We’ll have to find somewhere else. There’s another Italian two blocks away.
I suppose, Dick mumbled, looking longingly at the couple eating spaghetti in the window.
You know what ? Lily smiled, holding her hands out to the side, It’s a beautiful night, we’re in great company. So who needs a fancy restaurant. There’s a place where you can get great hotdogs right in the park nearby, and we can just sit out. Whaddya think ?
That sounds perfect ! I smiled, kissing her on the forehead. You, my beautiful girlfriend are a genius.
Hell yeah, I could definitely go for some hotdogs under the city lights, Dick practically yelled in delight. I watched amused as he held up his hand to Lily for yet another high five.
Lily laughed and high-fived him again, turning back to me as she did so, the same happy look on her face that I loved to see. It pained me to realise that the look on her face now, was one that any child should have, but was new to Lily. Although as I watched Jackie throw her arm around Lily’s shoulder and laugh with her, I knew that Lily was finally breaking free of those memories that had been holding her back since she was just a child.
Smiling to myself, I walked behind as Dick, Jackie and Lily walked together in front of me, heading for the park. I watched as Dick said something that caused Lily to throw back her head in laughter and as she did so, she looked back at me and smiled. And it caused my heart to soar.
*Twenty Minutes Later*
We were sat in the park, not on benches, but on the ege of the field. It was getting late, so the sun was going down and most of the families were leaving. The sound of the fountain nearby echoed through the small line of trees, and the stars were coming out. With Lily sitting next to me, our hips just touching, and my sister and future brother in front of me, I couldn’t have wished for anything else.
So, how’s this for going out ? Better than a restaurant right ? I smiled, taking the last bite of my hotdog.
This is this is really great, Jackie nodded, tilting her head up and closing her eyes. Reminds me of home a little.
I was just thinking the same thing, Dick smiled, scooting closer to Jackie and wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
Glancing at Lily, I could see that she was shivering slightly, so I took off my jacket and placed it on her shoulders. OK gorgeous ? I asked, taking hold of her hand and entwining our fingers.
I’m wonderful, she nodded, leaning in to me. So tell me about home, what’s it like ?
Home ? Jackie smiled, It’s the place that always draws me back, wherever I am. We live close to the lakehouse where my parents and other brother JJ live, but Rich and I spend most of our time there, don’t we honey ?
We do, he nodded, That place just feels like home, even to me. I mean, we started dating when we were fifteen and I’ve spent so much of my life there.
It sounds wonderful, Lily whispered in a small voice.
Looking down at her, I could see a single tear running down her cheek, that she quickly wiped away before anyone could see. Seeing that single tear made me feel sad, knowing that her childhood hadn’t consisted of happy memories, or even a family. I knew she wouldn’t want me to say anything in front of my sister, so I just untangled my hand from hers and placed it around her shoulders, bringing her closer to me.
So, hows JJ doing ? I asked, stroking Lily’s shoulder as she looked up at me gratefully for the change of conversation. Is he still the same ?
Is your brother sick ? Lily asked, sounding concerned.
No he’s not sick honey, he just worries us, that’s all, I smiled, looking over at Jackie.
He gets bullied a lot by other kids, Jackie sighed, a look of pain crossing her face. I mean, he’s only seven, but he’s too shy to make friends so he spends a lot of time alone.
It was hard to leave him, I whispered, I try and talk to him on the phone every couple of days but I can tell he’s not the same boy I left, which is why I’m happy to be going home for the wedding. I can spend some time with him too.
I’m sorry that’s happening to him, Lily said, But with a family like you guys, he’ll be ok. I’m sure he will.
Yeah, and if any bullies go near him, Dick yelled rather forcefully, I’ll cram my size ten feet up their asses.
I laughed when Dick waved his fist to no-one in particular and glanced at Jackie. She was looking at her fiance with so much love in her eyes that I hoped Lily would look at me like that one day. So, about the wedding… Jackie said suddenly, snapping me from my thoughts.
Yeah, what about it ? I asked, hoping everything was still okay. I thought you two had organised pretty much everything ?
We have, Jackie nodded, But that’s not what we wanted to talk to you about.
Oh, um, okay. Well what then ? I wondered, still stroking Lily’s shoulder.
Well, uh, is Lily going to be coming to the wedding ? She blurted out in one breathless sentence, grimacing at me because she knew she had just put me on the spot.
Oh no, I heard Lily mutter beside me, bringing her hand up to shield her face.
Jackie, I shouted, throwing my hands in the air. Why the hell would you bring that up now when I told you not to !
I’m sorry ! She cried, But you looked like you were going to bottle it, so I thought I’d help you out.
Wait ! Lily said, her head snapping up in confusion. What ? Bottle it ? What does Jackie mean ?
Just come walk with me, I whispered, getting up off the floor and pulling Lily up before she had a chance to ask any more questions.
Looking back, I threw a dirty look to Jackie who smiled at me and waved. Dick had an amused look on his face and he shot me a thumbs up. Sighing, I guided Lily over to the fountain that ran along one of the paths through the park. It was one of those that was on the floor, with jets of water shooting up. Spotting a bench facing it, I walked over and sat down with Lily. Taking a deep breath, I stared at the fountain, willing myself to speak.
Lily, there was something I was going to ask you before my sister effectively beat me to it, I whispered nervously, my palms starting to sweat.
Risking a glance at her, I could see that she was staring at me with wide eyes. Taking another breath, I nodded to myself and turned to face her. Reaching over, I took hold of her hand and smiled. I want you to come home with me and meet the rest of my family. I want them to see the girl that’s stolen my heart.
Lily looked at me and I saw her eyes go misty, like she was about to cry. Thinking I had done something wrong, I went to say sorry, but to my surprise she smiled and threw her arms around me. Laughing, I lifted my arms and circled them around her waist, pulling her close.
So, I’m guessing that’s a yes then ? I smiled, smelling her strawberry shampoo.
I felt Lily lean back and she looked up at me. And it was that moment that she looked at me just like Jackie had looked at Rich, a look that totally knocked me for six. She may not be able to say it yet, but I knew that she loved me. Of course I’ll go with you, she whispered, I’d go with you anywhere.
My heart soared and happiness flooded through me that I had never felt before. Something took over and I couldn’t help myself. Standing up from the bench, I scooped Lily in to my arms and held her close.
What are you doing ? Lily laughed, wrapping her arms around my neck.
You know what ? I grinned, I don’t even know.
With my heart beating fast, and the girl I felt so much for in my arms, I ran to the edge of the fountain and looked down at Lily. I hope you’ll forgive me for getting your dress wet !
And as her eyes widened, I ran straight in to the middle of the lit up fountain and felt the water falling over us both. Laughing uncontrollably, I released her and took a deep breath. But to my surprise, she didn’t run, or try to dodge the water. She just stood there with her arms out, letting the water fall over her. And it was at that moment I knew.