The beach was already crowded with people when Piper arrived. She stood at the top, watching the drama unfold beneath her. Tall, tan boys were playing volleyball in a corner, observed by a large crowd which appeared to consist mainly of teenage girl in brightly coloured bikinis. The surf was calm, dotted with people swimming under the glisten of the sun. Families set up camp in the sand, planting their umbrellas and chairs in firmly, marking their territory with eskies and picnic blankets.

Everywhere she looked, there were people. Old and young. Rebellious and conservative. Short and tall. Lost and found. A huge sea of bodies, crashing and churning. She had no idea where to begin looking for Jason. Part of her was tempted to forget this whole thing and crawl back into bed with a good book and whole heart. After all, he may not even have meant for her to meet him, right?

She was just about to leave when the sun went out. It took her a moment to realise that it was simply blocked by a boy. Jason.

'Hey' he said with a friendly smile.

'Hi.' She replied quietly.

He gave her a wide grin that warmed her heart. 'I was beginning to think you weren't going to show. Thought I'd have to track you down myself'

'You mean... like a bear?'

'A cute bear'

Were they flirting? Piper was pretty sure they were flirting. Not that she had had many opportunities but, it felt like flirting. It felt sweet and nice. Like ice cream on a hot day.

Jason glanced around. 'It's really busy huh? You want to get out of here?'

'Yeah', she said. 'Why not?'

She found herself sitting in small cafe down the road, sitting opposite Jason. He had insisted on buying her a large strawberry milkshake, regardless of how much she protested. It felt so date like, yet she knew it couldn't be a date.

'Do you have a girlfriend?' She blurted out suddenly. Her cheeks flushed as what she said sunk in. Gods.

He smiled, an amused expression on his beautiful features. 'No... Do you?' He paused. 'I mean... with a boyfriend that is. I don't think you're gay. Not that I have a problem with gays! They're great! I just...' He shook his head. 'I'm going to shut up now'

Piper laughed. 'No' she told him. 'I don't have a boyfriend.'

'Oh yeah? Cute bear like you?'

'Are you calling me a bear?'

'Must you ignore the cute part?'

'Yes. Yes I must'

'Ah I see'

'Jason...?'

'Yeah?'

Piper bit her lip. 'Is this a date..?'

He smirked. 'Do you want it to be...bear?'

She looked up at him shyly, and took a deep breath. Right then, it felt like the deepest of all deep breaths. 'Yes.'

Fortunately, he looked relieved. 'Then yes. It's most definitely a date.'

When she looked up at him again, their eyes met and he shot her an award winning smile. She had never liked someone quite like this before, and how did it feel? It felt like what heaven should be. Like two worlds colliding. Like fireworks, only way, way better.

He walked her home. They stood together on the crumbling path. He took her hand softly, his thumb running across her palm. Piper McLean. Will you give me the pleasure of being my girlfriend?

She glanced down. His shoes were faded and worn. 'I thought you never even knew who I was.'

'Oh Piper...' he murmured. 'I always knew.'

'Why me?'

His eyes were clear and shining. He spoke as though every word was cinnamon on his lips.

'Because you're beautiful, Piper. In every possible way.' And then. 'You always intrigued me. You made me want to know more. Always more.'

She nodded slowly.

'Yes' she whispered.

Then she went inside, and shut the door.

She couldn't get him out of her head.

And she didn't want to.

Fireworks.

Everywhere.