Page 130 of How We Began

Big Baz was so thrilled with his increase in profits he slipped us a hundred this time.

Pub.

Beer.

Crisps.

Sex.

No Library.

5th April

(8.00 p.m.)

“Are you guys on a honeymoon or something?” Meredith shouted through the door.

“Go away,” I called. We were snuggled in Ben’s bed at the halls and Meredith’s voice was the last thing I wanted to hear.

“No, come out with us,” Meredith persisted. “Beth’s here, too.”

“Where?” I called back.

“Fez! Come on! You know you want to.”

Ben and I looked at each other, scrunching our faces up. It was clear neither of us ‘wants to,’ but we are both too soft to say ‘No’.

“Okay. Give us fifteen minutes,” I shouted back.

“No. Say, ‘Half an hour’,” Ben whispered.

“Why?” I whispered back.

“I have something I want to show you.” He chuckled against my ear as he rolled me on top of him.

“Half an hour, guys!” I shouted through the door.

“That’s disgusting,” Meredith and Beth muttered in unison.

(8:45 p.m.)

No need for makeup. I’m flushed to the max.

“Can you wear those high heels?” asked Ben, coming up behind me and buttoning his shirt.

“Why? Oh, my God! You are insatiable,” I screeched with giggles as he attempted to pull me back over onto the rumpled bed sheets.

(Midnight)

We walked home, hands swinging between us. Ben on the side of the traffic, of course. The rain lashed down on us, but we didn’t care, happy together, just casually walking along. His dark hair, flattened by the water, dripped onto his shoulders, while a raindrop slid down his nose. He turned and caught me looking, giving me a wink and a squeeze of my hand.

I don’t want this to end.

6th April

(4.00 p.m.)

The band is back, and Ben has gone to see them. I am at work, drinking Budweiser.