Hey readers! I have a extra fast update for you and it's extra long too! I hope you enjoy and please, please, please review! It would mean a great deal to hear your thoughts on my story!
Enjoy!
July 26th, 1938
"Lottie, get up. It's nearly afternoon," said Matthew. I turned over and opened my eyes slightly.
"Go away," I grumbled and then turned back to my original position.
"C'mon Lottie. Everyone's here, we're waiting for you to get up so we can go to the fair," he said poking me.
"Liar," I said into my pillow. My brother Matthew kept prodding and poking until I eventually hit him with the pillow. It was hard to understand why after nearly eighteen years of living with me, he still didn't understand I'd never like mornings unless I woke up early on my own accord.
"We'll leave without you," he singsonged.
"Fine, leave. I don't care," I muttered in annoyance. That's when I heard steps of an elephant run up the corridor.
"Rise and shine Lotsoflove," bellowed Rafe using a nickname he'd given me when I was five and wouldn't let go of my teddies.
"Get out!" I screeched as I wrapped a pillow around my head.
"Come on Lottie, daylights a burning!" he replied.
"Fine!" I shouted and I rolled over and opened my eyes. The boys stared at me in anticipation for me to get out of bed.
"Unless you lot want to see my in my night dress, I suggest you leave so I can get ready." They scurried out of my room at lightening pace after that leaving me to chuckle by myself and I stepped out of bed and wondered over to my closet. I pulled out a capped sleeved white dress and put it on. I curled my hair slightly and applied a pink lip gloss and walked out of my room.
To my surprise everyone was seated in the kitchen. "Guess you weren't lying," I said nudging Matthew as he scoured the front page of the newspaper.
"When do I ever lie?" he retorted in a fake innocence.
"Like the time you told Melanie Smith she was the only girl for you and also told Sherry Wilson the same thing," said Ethan from the other side of the table, bringing his coffee to his lips.
"That a boy!" cheered Rafe.
"That's a disgrace," muttered Abbie as she placed some fruit toast in front of me.
"Lighten up Ab's, it's college. These boys were smart enough to get there so let them have some fun!" Rafe replied snatching a piece of my toast.
"Hey," I reprimanded him. Abbie only shot him a withering look.
"So, are we going?" asked Danny as he stepped out of the bathroom. "Morning Char."
"If Charlotte hurries up we will be," said Ethan as he placed his cup into the sink.
"Huash yew," I said with my mouth full. I swallowed my toast and then turned to Danny, "Morning Danny."
"I hardly think thats lady like Lotsoflove," Rafe said chuckling.
"We've all grown up basically swimming in mud. This includes Abbie and I, so I hardly think it should matter if we're lady like or not infront of you boys."
Matthew chuckled away and then stole my final piece of toast and shoved it down.
"We're ready to go," said Ethan enthusiastically as he picked up my plate and put it in the sink. I stood up and wiped my mouth. Abbie shot me a disgusted look.
"What?" I asked her smirking.
"Seriously, I don't want to be reminded of swimming in mud with them," she said as we followed the boys out of my house.
"Some girls would die to swim in mud with them," I joked.
"We're not some girls Lottie. We're their sisters," she reminded me as she faked a shiver of disgust. She hoped into Ethan's car and I into's Rafe's sitting in the back seat behind Danny.
We drove down the back roads listening to some of Rafe's music before I realised we were heading in the absolute opposite direction to where the fair usually was.
"Uh Rafe, the fair's the other way," I said popping my head in between his and Danny's.
"Not this year," Danny said smiling.
"So then where is it?" I asked.
"Down by the lake. Apparently they have water bikes now too," he said as he stared out the windscreen.
"That would make sense," I said as I settled back down into the seat.
"What doesn't make sense, is what you two were doing the other night when Ethan and Matthew found you and bought you home," said Rafe smirking towards Danny. I nearly choked on nothinn as his question took us both by surprise.
"We were dancing," said Danny catching my gaze through the side view mirror. I could see him grinning widely at the memory and I hoped to God he didn't notice me blushing.
"How'd you know anyway?" I ask Rafe.
"Benny Jackson heard someone yelling and when he looked out the window saw you too standing in the middle of the street," he said turning into the fair's parking spots.
"I told you not to sing so loud Daniel," I reprimanded him.
"Sorry for having fun," he joked. I could see Rafe roll his eyes at the exchange between us. I looked out the window to see half the town running around in giddy excitement. The fair was bigger and better this year. We hoped out the car excitedly and I ran straight for the Ferris Wheel line. It was as long as the Brooklyn Bridge but I didn't care. I was going on this ride, no matter what.
"Not the Ferris Wheel again Lottie," said Matthew catching up to me.
"But it's tradition," I whined.
"Yeah, a tradition of waiting for two hours for one ride that lasts five minutes," Abbie said rolling her eyes.
"Well fine, I'll go by myself," I told them. They stood together looking at me like I was a five year old and that I should know better.
"Well if that's how you want to spend your day at the fair, then that's fine. We'll be at the roller coaster," teased Danny.
"You know I don't like them," I whined helplessly.
"Well, we're going. Bye," said Ethan as he began to walk off with everyone.
"Fine," I said huffing and following them. "As long as we get to go on the Ferris Wheel later and I get to hold someones hand on the roller coaster."
"Whatever you want Lotsoflove," Rafe said putting his arm around my shoulders. I cringed at the thought of having to hold Rafe's hand on the ride. Danny smiled sweetly at my expression and then gave a nod as if to say everything would be fine.
We got to the line which was moving faster and I could feel my body start to shake out of nerves. Ever since I took a ride on a roller coaster with my Dad when I was five, I'd hated them. All I did was scream and then bump my tooth on the safety bar and start bleeding. It wasn't the most fun I'd had in the world.
"You're not still scared from all those years ago?" asked Matthew nudging me.
"No," I said scoffing.
"Yeah you are," Abbie said laughing. I rolled my eyes and stood in the line quietly listening to the banter go on between the group. As much as I loved them, they teased me way too much sometimes.
"It's not that bad," whispered Danny. He was standing so close that I could feel his breath tickle the tips of my ears. I didn't move and continued to stand in front of him, with him standing behind me, very closely.
"You promise?" I asked him, not turning to meet his gaze.
"Promise with all my heart," he whispered once again. We were so quiet, this little exchange between us went unnoticed by our friends and family. The line moved once more and the closeness Danny and I once held moved with it as he stood behind Rafe and I moved towards Abbie. We were now at the front of the line and our turn was next. I looked around nervously and was met with Danny's calming smile.
The ride before seemed to start and finish within a minute and not even five minutes later I was seated between Ethan and Danny.
"Here we go," said Ethan excitedly to me.
"I hope you all fall off," I said grimly. He only chcukled and then we were jolted quickly as the carts took off.
"I'm going to die!" I wailed as we neared the first drop. Danny grabbed my hand and soon enough we were plummeting at a fast speed towards the ground. I squeezed onto his hand tightly as I let out a yell. Soon enough we levelled out and Ethan was doubled over in laughter.
"How's the hand?" he asked Danny.
"Numb," he said looking at me. I felt sick. We were level for a while before the cart started twisting and turning in every direction.
"Now I feel like I'm going to hurl," sputtered Ethan from next to me.
"You and me both bud," I told him. We then made the descend into the sky once again, this time higher than the one before.
"This is the best bit," grinned Danny. We then flew down once more, I was screaming again and clutching to Danny's side for dear life. Ethan threw his hands in the air, forgetting that he felt sick a few minutes ago. The ride finally ended and when the safety bar came up, I jumped over Danny and ran to the gate to get out.
"Why so fast little sis?" chuckled Matthew.
"Never again. Never, ever, ever again!" I yelled at him and stormed off towards the Ferris Wheel line. I could hear the rest of them laugh at me as I lined up once more. I stood there by myself as I knew they'd all go off for another ride on the roller coaster. That's when Danny came and waited in line with me.
"You lied," I said not bothering to look at him.
"I did not. It was fine, you just overreacted," he told me smriking.
"For your information, my reaction was completely normal."
"Normal for a six year old maybe, but you're seventeen Char," he said pulling me in for a sideways hug. I melted into his embrace and hugged him back.
"Thanks for waiting with me," I told him dropping my previous harsh tone.
"Couldn't have you sit next to a stranger on the ride could I?" he said laughing. Just then we heard the laughs of the other's coming over to us. I suddenly pulled away from Danny not wanting to be questioned by my brother or Abbie. Or anyone else for that matter.
"So, looks like we're going on this hunk of junk next huh?" asked Rafe unpleased.
"That was the deal," I pointed out to him.
"At least the line's shorter," Ethan pointed out.
We lined up altogether and waited for our turn. I was talking to Abbie about our English books for the upcoming year when she stopped, grabbed my arm and looked over my shoulder.
"What is it Abs?" I asked her trying to turn around to see what she was staring at. But her arm kept me in place.
"Don't make it look obvious, but Billy is standing behind you," she muttered and then looked at me again. At the mention of a boys name, her brothers, Matthew and Danny turned their attention towards us.
"It that the one you had a double date with Char," asked Danny.
"How'd you know," Rafe asked annoyed that he missed this piece of information.
"I walked Char home that night," he told Rafe. My brother stared between the both of us and Ethan stood there looking quite amused.
"He walked you home?" Matthew said raising an eyebrow.
"What do I do?" asked Abbie.
"Firstly, go up and talk to him Abbie. And secondly, he never got the chnace because you two showed up," I said pointing to Matthew and Ethan.
"We thought you were just dancing," smirked Ethan.
"Shut up you," I said pointing my finger at Ethan and then turned towards Abbie and pushed her towards Billy. We all turned and watch her walk up to her guy of the moment.
"Why'd you do that?" Matthew asked, a hint of jealously in his voice.
"Jealous are we?" I asked him.
"No, I just don't like the look of that kid," he muttered.
"Shouldn't we be the ones saying that?" asked Rafe mischievously pointing between Ethan and himself. Matthew turned and then struck up a conversation with Danny.
"So, you walked my sister home?" he asked. I rolled my eyes.
"Never got the chance too," Danny replied cooly.
"Well next time don't stop in the middle of the street. I want her to be alive next time I come back from college."
"Yes, sir," Danny replied as he sucked in his cheeks trying not to laugh at my brothers lousy attempt of reprimanding him. We heard a squeal behind us and turned around to see Billy swinging Abbie around in a hug. Things had obviously gone well.
"That's it," Matthew muttered and walked over to the two.
"S'he sweet on Abbie?" Danny asked me. I shrugged in reply. If Matthew was sweet on anyone he wouldn't of told me.
"They've been exchanging letters oddly enough. Since he receive his first one from her he stopped going on dates at school," Ethan told us.
"Whoa, hold up. You're okay with this?" Rafe asked suddenly shocked.
"It's Matthew, he won't hurt her. Besides, they're just sending letters," Ethan said and he moved as the line did.
"Well all the evidence definitely leads to the fact he's got feelings towards her," I said smiling. We turned to look at the two and saw Abbie frowning tremendously as Matthew seemed to be scaring Billy off. Five minutes later, they returned to the line.
"What is wrong with you?" Abbie muttered.
"Just trying to look out for little Abbie, that's all," Matthew smiled triumphantly.
"I'm 17 Matthew. I can take care of myself."
"Sure," said Ethan. We stood in silence after this until it was our turn on the Ferris Wheel. Once we were up there, it was rather anti-climatic. I sort of wished it was as scary and exciting like the roller coaster but I wouldn't tell the others that.
We got off and walked over to the fairy floss cart. Matthew shelled out five dollars and we all got a stick of fairy floss. We were deciding what ride to go on next when we came across as sign.
"When the light's go out," read Rafe in a deep voice, "The teenage dancers come out."
"They're having a dance!?" asked Abbie excitedly.
"Seems like it Abs," said Ethan sneaking some of her fairy floss and popping it into his mouth quickly.
"Can we go?" she pleaded.
"I don't see why not. We know Danny loves to dance," Ethan joked. Danny blushed and I looked down at my feet in embarrassment. We were never going to live that down.
"We have to go home now. Lottie and I need to get ready!" she exclaimed. Then she grabbed my hand and dragged me all the way to the car. The boys sighed defeatedly and followed us, unlocking the two cars, ready to head home.
"So," Abbie paused as she pulled out some dresses for us to wear tonight. "What's all this I here about Danny walking you home?".
"Just exactly that. After you went dancing with Billy, he saw me and offered to walk me home."
"And that's all there is between you guys?" she asked holding a dress us to my body. I looked down at it. It was one we'd both put in money for as were most of our dancing dresses so we could share them.
"I guess so," I told her.
"That's not what I saw at the roller coaster line," she singsonged. "He was awfully close."
"I dunno okay. We're just, sort of, being friendlier," I told her. It was the truth. I didn't really know what Danny and I were. I mean yes, that night at dinner we'd flirted, but then we also had the argument when I returned his gloves. Then he walked me home and we danced but it seemed as it was only friendly. He didn't try to kiss me or anything.
"My bet, is that he likes you Lottie," she said holding up a dress against her body, surveying how it would look on her.
"Really?" I asked her. It was hard to believe as Danny had never really paid much attention to me besides friendly. I was always the one with the crush growing up, not him. Why has it changed all of a sudden?
"Of course! For one, he's given you a completely different nickname. I mean who else calls you 'Char'?" she said rolling her eyes. "He might as well call you 'scar'."
"It's endearing he has his own nickname for me," I told her playing with the pleat of my dress.
She turned around suddenly. "See, there you go. You like that he calls you something different."
"That's doesn't mean anything," I told her.
"We'll see what happens tonight then," she said. "Now go put this on." She shoved a dress in my face and sent me off towards the bathroom.
I struggled as I pulled the dress on realising there was buttons and straps to be undone. I huffed in annoyance and began to undo the things. I stood there undoing button after button thinking about all the recent conversations and exchanges with Danny. I began to get giddy inside just by thinking of them. I finally slipped on the dress and walked out for Abbie to button me up.
"Oh my, Danny'll have trouble keeping his eyes off you."
"Why, is it too much?" I asked suddenly self-conscious.
"Have a look for yourself," she said nodding towards the mirror. I walked over and gasped. I hadn't worn this dress before, but it fit me like a glove and made me stand out. It was a deep red, floor length gown that hugged every inch of my body. It's straps were off the shoulder and suddenly I felt over dressed.
"Abbie, this is just a dance. The poster said nothing about looking like this," I responded.
"Luckily you for you, I read it properly."
"You ran off five minutes after you saw it," I pointed out.
"Yes, five minutes after I read the poster in full. The boys have to were suits as well."
"Alright, you go get changed, I'll do my hair."
"Wear it down!" she yelled as she walked away into the bathroom. I started curling my hair and pinning some of it up. I then applied a coat of natural eyeshadow and a barely there red lip. I put on my black shoes and sat on Abbie's bed waiting for her to finish putting her dress on.
To my surprise, when she returned she'd already done her hair and makeup to match her slinky, floor length black dress.
"Done," she said as she winked to me and slipped on her red heels.
"Alright then, let's go," I muttered. We walked down the stairs and into the kitchen where the boys we already suited up and ready to go. At our appearance Rafe let out a long whistle.
"We better keep you girls under close watch," he said winking at us. I rolled my eyes and saw Abbie mentally pray that they didn't.
"Let's go," frowned Matthew as he looked at me.
"What?" I asked him.
"You just look so grown up," he said smiling sadly. I returned the smile and was about to follow them out of the house when I forgot a coat. I raced upstairs, picked up the closest coat and rushed down again. I was going so fast, I tripped over my heels and nearly fell fast first onto the flor when I felt a pair of strong hands around my waist. I pushed my hair back and turned around to see my saviour. It was Danny.
"Thanks," I mumbled and gave him a smile. He didn't reply for a few minutes and he seemed to be looking me up and down.
"You look beautiful," he said genuinely.
"Thanks," I said again blushing. Just then the door swung open and Matthew walked in.
"Alright you two, that's enough," he paused as I walked out quickly to the cars, "Watch yourself Walker," he finished in a joking manner as Danny walked out two.
By the time we arrived at hall where the dance was, people were already twirling themselves and there partners around the floor as they did the jitterbug. It was beyond me how these girls could dance in such long dresses and not trip. We hadn't even found a seat before Ethan grabbed Abbie and dragged her out to the floor. They were always brilliant together when it came to the jitterbug.
The rest of us found a table and sat down until a dance we could actually do began. We watched on as Abbie kicked out her legs and Ethan twirled her around; they were both grinning from ear to ear. The song ended and the dancers clapped the musicians as did we. The next song that played was a song for the jive and Matthew stood up eagerly. It was his favourite dance.
"Lottie," he exclaimed, "Let's go."
I took his hand and followed him to the floor. At once, we fell into a usual rhythm of back steps and skips. I'd always loved dancing with Matthew as he was the only one who could twirl me as fast enough as I liked in these kind of dances. I grabbed his hands, knelt down and he kicked a leg over the top of me and pulled me through his legs and up into the air as I twisted around so I faced him once more. From the side, I could here Rafe and Danny whoop as we where the only couple who did it. I beamed a my brother.
"I need to ask you something," I told him, panting slightly.
"Shoot," he said as he twirled me.
"Why were you so jealous when Abbie talked to Billy?".
"No doubt that Ethan has told you about the letters," he paused and I nodded. He twirled me for the second time.
"Well, then you know that it's been going on for a while and that I thought there was something between us," he embarrassed.
"I'm sure there is, but you can't expect her to not go on dates while you're so far away," I told him on the third twirl.
"I know, but I thought she might've. I mean I did," he said.
"But did she know?" I asked him on the fourth and final twirl. He shrugged as I bobbed down again and he swung his leg over me. He pulled me up and we started again.
"Well, make use of the time you have here with us," I told him as we back stepped.
He nodded. "My turn to ask you about Danny," he smirked.
"What?" I asked rolling my eyes.
"Is he sweet on you?" he asked seriously.
"I-I don't really know," I told him honestly.
"Do you like him?" he asked.
"I really don't want to be talking about my love affairs with you Matthew."
"Answer me Lottie," was his reply. I thought about it for a second. Every time I was near Danny and though about him, I was giddy. I was always happy and always loved being hugged by him or held by him. I smiled, I guess I had more than a crush on Danny now.
"I-I do," I told Matthew a little embarrassed.
"I guessed as much," he said smiling genuinely. "Well then, I guess I should be talking to Danny soon."
"Please don't," I grumbled as the song finished. He laughed at me as we clapped the musicians. We rejoined as the next song started, this time it was a waltz. Matthew suddenly turned around to someone behind him and I realised it was Danny asking for me to dance with him. Matthew bowed as he left the two off us to dance.
"You don't like the faster dances?" I asked him as we stepped around the dance floor.
"I'm afraid I'll step on my partner's feet when it come's to those ones," he said smiling.
"Don't worry, I have strong toes," I told him returning the smile. We were silent for a while as Cole Porter's, Every Time We Say Goodbye filled the air.
"I think our dance on the street was better," said Danny as he turned me around. My hand landed on his shoulder again and we kept moving. Slowly, my arm made it's way around his neck as he right hand made it down to the bottom of my back as he pulled me closer. We danced lazily like this for the rest of the song. I caught Abbie's gaze as she was dancing with Rafe and she gave me a wink.
"This is nice too," I whispered into his ear.
"Yes, I like dancing with you this close," he replied and I giggled at his words. The song finished and we clapped the musicians who played a wonderful rendition of the song. We then changed partners and danced and danced as much as we could. As we waited for the next song a rather old, chubby man made his way on stage.
"As it is nearly 10 o'clock we would like to invite everyone down to the lake to watch the fireworks. This signals the end of the evening. We'd like to thank everyone for coming and hope they had a wonderful time."
"I didn't realise we'd been here for so long," I whispered to Rafe who was my last partner.
"Well we have danced about twenty dances since we arrived," he smirked. I smiled. Everyone began to grab their things and head out to door and down to the bank of the lake. As I got my coat Danny grabbed my hand and pulled me in the completely opposite direction of everyone else.
"Danny, what are you doing?" I asked him curiously.
"Hurry up, we don't want to miss the fireworks," he said as he continued to drag me.
"Hang on, let me take of my shoes," I said stopping and sliding of the heels. I sighed in relief, I felt no more pain. We then continued running away from the mass of people and onto the pier.
"What are we doing?" I asked laughing at the spontaneity of our actions.
"We're having our own private viewing," he said as he sat down on the edge of the pier. I followed suit and sat beside him, huddling closer to him for extra warmth even though I had my jacket. He put an arm around me a pulled me close. I looked at him and smiled, content with being in this exact position. Then we heard big bangs and different coloured sparks appeared in the sky.
"It's beautiful," I breathed. I could see Danny turn to face me out of the corner of his eye.
"Yes it is." I laughed a little and then continued to watch.
"Char?" he asked. I turned up to look at him.
"Yes."
"Do you remember that day we had that mud fight and then you and I went to clean up in the bathroom?" he asked. I nodded and then continued, "Did you know I really wanted to kiss you?".
I shook my head and thanked God it was dark so he couldn't see my blush. Above us, the fireworks were still going and the ones between Danny and I only got bigger.
"Well, I've wanted to kiss you ever since," he replied.
I finally dug up the courage to say something rather than nod. "Well then, why didn't you?".
"I've never had a better time than now," he said still looking at me.
"Then why are you still talking?" I asked flirtatiously. I was suddenly shocked at this new found confidence.
He smiled and then leaned in, I followed suit and soon enough his lips were lightly pressed to his. The kiss started out soft both soon turned passionate as his hands come up to cup my face. I smiled into the kiss. I forgot everything going around us and the moment, because for me, all there was in that second was Danny and that kiss.
REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!
love always, allycat23
x