Raven Saga 01 - Raven

asked, “What do you think of the Canadian hospitality?”
    I laughed, “That's a funny question! But now that you ask, I never realised people could be so nice. I haven't met a single person here who has been unfriendly or rude. Everyone I've met – even just briefly – has been wonderful. That's probably another reason why I'm falling for Canada.”
    He smiled again and was silent for a few moments while he came up with another question.
    “How are you enjoying school here?”
    “Honestly? I love it. I always liked school because it was so good to get out of our flat... I mean apartment. I didn't feel as restricted there, and here... well it's a whole new ball game. For the first time in my life, I have more than one friend at school. Respect from everybody, if you know what I mean,” I said as I looked at Oliver's confused expression.
    “You don't really understand what I'm talking about, do you?” He shook his head.
    “Let's just say I lived a very lonely life in England. I was naïve. I didn't know anything about life. Yes I learned a lot in school, but school doesn't necessarily teach you about life, it just teaches you facts about life. I'm sorry, I'm rambling now.”
    “Don't be sorry, Lilly. I think I understand what you mean. I'm just sorry that you had such a lonely upbringing. If you had grown up here, it wouldn't have been like that at all. I would have made sure of that,” he added shyly, “I would have liked to have known you before now,” he said, colour creeping up to his cheeks.
    “I'd better go,” he said suddenly as he stood up. “Thanks for the Coke. Maybe we can see each other again soon?”
    I nodded and smiled and before I knew it, he was gone.
    As I went to sleep that night, I still had butterflies. Oliver liked me. And he thought I was cute!

CHAPTER TWELVE

    The following evening, Oliver unexpectedly turned up again. It was almost a re-enactment of the previous night. I was sitting on the couch comfortably reading a book, full from eating a hearty dinner, when in walked Oliver wearing a shy grin.
    “Hey Lilly. I hope you don't mind be popping in to say hi again.”
    “Of course not,” I answered, as I made a mental note to make more of an effort with myself in future.
    I offered him a Coke and he said yes. I ran into the kitchen, via the bedroom again, brushed my hair and put on some lip gloss before rushing back in.
    But this time, as I handed him the can and we both sat down, he said, “You know what. Why don't we take a walk instead?” Standing up he placed the can on the coffee table almost as soon as he'd sat down.
    Relieved to have something else to do, I jumped up and grabbed my coat, gloves, hat and scarf.
    He laughed at me as I wrapped myself up and we stepped outdoors after I yelled to Meredith that we were going for a walk. She appeared briefly with a cheeky smile and winked at me before closing the front door.
    “So...” I said.
    “So...”
    “Here we are again.”
    “Yup,” he answered as we walked slowly down the road.
    I waited for him to say something to break the ice. We walked for a few minutes until he finally said, “Lilly?”
    “Yes?” I answered hopefully.
    “Last night when we spoke, you mentioned that you were falling for Canada... well, I wanted to ask you if... if it is just Canada that you're falling for? Or whether there might be something, or someone, that you're falling for too,” he asked. But before I could answer, he blushed and added, “Sorry, you don't have to answer that if you don't want to.”
    I wanted to answer his question; after all, I knew the answer. I was falling for him, without a doubt. I felt like we had a connection.
    “Can I ask you a question?” I asked hesitantly.
    “Shoot.”
    “Why did you really come to see me tonight?” I asked bravely.
    This time, his face turned pink before he replied.
    “Honestly... I was hooked the second I laid eyes on you, Lilly. It's weird really, because I've always hung out with girls my age, but I almost feel like you've put a spell on me. Not that I'm calling you a witch or anything,” he laughed, “but I've never been bewitched before.”
    During the silence that followed, I swear I could hear his, and my own, hearts beating.
    I was so glad that I'd wrapped my scarf around my face... because I was blushing so much and grinning like a Cheshire Cat.
    “And even though I barely even know you, I feel like I've always known you,” he laughed, breaking the silence,