It's been nearly a week since the Halloween party and I have more or less recovered from trying to keep a secret from my friends. Trying to balance my time between Asher, Seth and the girls, all while trying to come up with ways to say what was really going on has proven to be quite a challenge and the guilt is eating me alive. Unfortunately, I haven't come up with a solution yet, but something else has come up to distract myself with.
Today is Friday the 5th of November and it's bonfire night. It feels like all the action has been packed into these first four months, especially as first years because we have the chance to go to the firework display happening in a field not far from the school, and naturally we are all going. No one is giving up a chance to do something in the evening other than homework or revision.
Saffi checks the weather forecast for this evening, "Make sure to layer up, it's not forecast to rain, but it's going to be a chilly three degrees..."
"I hope they'll be serving hot chocolate this year then," Aimee chimes in, "I heard that the first years did last year."
I keep my blue skinny jeans on but change from my white t-shirt into my oversized knit white jumper, and I decide on my maxi white puffer coat and white scarf to layer.
"Do you think it'll be muddy?" I ask Saffi,
"Probably. Thankfully, this evening will be dry, but since it's been raining all week, it will probably be disgusting."
"Yeah, good point..." So I put on my black wellies, and we head back downstairs. A crowd of sixth formers are waiting in the hall when we get down, and we make our way through to meet the others.
*
It takes us just around ten minutes to reach the field where the firework display is happening, but, it isn't just an empty muddy field; it's transformed so it's scattered with hay bales where we can sit and watch the display. There's also a hot chocolate stand, a caramel apple stand, a doughnut stand and a table with sparklers. At the far end of the field, firefighters are preparing the final fireworks, waiting to be set off and by the look of it this is going to be a long evening but honestly, that's perfectly fine with me and everyone else seems to share the same sentiment.
"Wow, this is so incredible!" Connor exclaims, and we all nod in agreement, our jaws dropping as we take in the scene.
From the midst of the crowd comes a shout, Helen Bramble, our head of year, trying to get everyone's attention. "Quiet down, please, everyone! Alright, before you rush to claim a hay bale, let's kick things off with some sparklers. There should be three for each of you, but remember, only use one at a time, and please, no setting each other on fire..." she says with a pointed look at Asher and Nick, who respond with mischievously innocent expressions.
Asher chuckles, watching my face light up as I twirl the sparkler in front of me. "That's the look of pure and utter joy,"
"This is just the best thing ever," I reply, drawing a heart with the sparkler. I look around at everyone else, including Nick, who's pretending his sparkler is a wand and attempts to cast a spell on Saffi until she gets annoyed and scolds him.
The whole scene looks enchanting, immersed in complete darkness,illuminated only by the gentle sparks of gentle light. It feels as if we're surrounded by a galaxy of exploding stars. After the sparklers, we are instructed to find a hay bale to sit on to watch the fireworks. If anyone wants to buy a hot drink and a doughnut or caramel apple, they can grab one beforehand.
Asher turns to me while we're waiting in line for the hot chocolates and asks, "Want me to find us a good spot?"
"Yeah, that's a good idea. I'll grab your drink for you." I reply. So I order two hot chocolates, with whipped cream and marshmallows and two cinnamon sugar doughnuts.
Asher had found a secluded hay bale right at the back and spread a blanket he had brought along for extra comfort. I hand him his hot chocolate and settle down beside him.
"Sorry, it's right at the back. Everyone else wanted to be closer to the front, so it was a bit crowded, and well, you don't even need to be at the front to see fireworks..."
"Hey. Don't worry, it's perfect," I reassure him.
There's a rare moment of silence between that feel unusual... we've never had a silence that feels awkward like this, we've always had something to say to each other. "Everything ok?" I finally broke the silence.
He's staring at the starry sky lost in thought, "Oh," he turns his gaze to me, and the usual sparkle returns to his eyes, "Yeah, sorry, I'm fine. Just admiring the stars, such a clear night... probably why it's so cold." He shivers and makes eye contact once more. "Why? is everything ok with you?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just wondering why you're so quiet. It's actually kind of nice to get some peace...."
He nudges me gently and smiles, "Oi, says you. Hey, look, I think they're lighting the first one." He points to the front, where a firefighter is igniting the first firework. The tail sparked up instantly, and there are a few seconds before the firework shoots up into the sky, exploding into a display of red and gold sparks. I watch in amazement; I've never been this close to fireworks before. It is definitely something to remember.
After the first couple of fireworks, I suddenly feel my head lower itself onto Asher's shoulder, he flinches as they connect, neither of us expecting it but neither of us minding that it did. After a few seconds, he rests his head on mine, and we sit there in silent awe. The school has certainly gone out of its way to ensure this night is special for us. There are purple and gold fireworks, green and red, blue and gold, blue and red, pinwheels, golden shower fireworks, and so many more. They explode and explode and as I gaze around I see everyone else in as much awe as I am.
"You enjoying yourself?" I hear Asher ask, without lifting his head.
"I'm honestly having the time of my life. I can't believe how many there are."
We watch the fireworks in silence, but filled with joy. But the night had to come to an end. Asher wraps the blanket around me as we stand to leave and suddenly reaches for my hand, which takes me by surprise. I look up to him with a questionable look, but he just smiles and starts the walk back. He keeps a hold of it all the way back to the building and to the door of my room. He steps in front of me at this point and squeezes it, making butterflies erupt once again. "Best night so far," he whispers, looking into my eyes and smiling.
"I totally agree."
He bends down slightly and hugs me, wrapping his arm around my waist, lifting me slightly. His other hand reaches up and curves around the back of my neck, his thumb gently stroking the skin. The hug is prolonged yet still soft and caring.
He eventually pulls away and whispers in my ear, "Goodnight, Miyah."
"Goodnight, Asher." I reply.
His hand slides down my arm, briefly squeezing my hand before letting go. I turn to face the door but stand there staring at it with a smile. What just happened? Did it really just happen? Maybe it was just a dream? No, it couldn't have been... even dreams can't be that good. I finally open the door and enter the room, where Saffi is sitting on her bed, removing her make-up.
*
"AHHHHH!!" Saffi screams as I flop onto my bed, hugging my pillow tightly. "Oh my goodness, Oh. my. GOODNESS!" Tell me again, please tell me again and leave nothing out, nothing!!"
I laugh and sit up, looking at her, "Saf, seriously? Again?"
"Miyah. This is essential best friend intel. It's happening with Asher!" I blush and stare down at my hands.
I have to explain the evening a few more times and promise to account it again tomorrow morning before Saffi finally agrees to go to bed. That night, it takes me a little while to fall asleep, I feel simply content.
YOU ARE READING
Lost and Found
Romance"I wasn't looking for anything when I met you, I wasn't planning on falling for someone so soon. But then I met you. And that was it... I found you and I found myself slowly wanting to spend time with you. It was simple. It was easy. And I think tha...
