If Only She Knew – Chapter 5

**Quite a long chapter this! Hope ya’ll enjoy! Please r+r!!! Luv Ya d0oD!! –Sam xoxo**

Saturday morning soon arrived, and I woke up early, already raring to go. Walking over to my wardrobe, I picked out a black shirt, and my dark blue jeans. After getting dressed, I gelled my hair into tiny spikes, and finished getting ready. As I walked past my mirror, I sighed.

’This is as good as it’s gonna get.’ I told myself.

All of a sudden, the shrill ring of my mobile echoed in my bedroom. Turning away from the mirror, I picked it up, and hit “Answer”.

’Hey-lo, what do you know?’ I said cheerfully.
’That I’m a boy and you’re a girl.’ A guy replied, laughing.
’Ben!! Isn’t that getting slightly old now?’ I asked, annoyed.
’Umm…let me think…no!’ he answered, still laughing.
’Very funny.’ I said dryly, ‘Anyway, what’s up?’
’Well, I know you’re just about to leave for Taz’s house, and I just wanted to wish you good luck.’ Ben told me.
’Oh. Well, thanks mate.’
’Yeah – ‘cuz God knows you’re gonna need it. I mean, with Mark there too…it’s gonna be some hell of an afternoon!’ he continued.
’THANKS BEN!’ I repeated through gritted teeth.
’Um, yeah – so…that’s all I rang for.’ He finished, now speaking rather quietly.
’Cool…I’d better go then.’ I said, calming down somewhat.
’Yeah – see ya mate!’
’Bye!’

I hung up the phone, and glanced at my watch. 11:30…

I walked downstairs, and out of the front door. Tara only lived 2 streets down, and I thought it’d be easier – and cheaper – to walk. Within 10 minutes, I was knocking on her front door. A middle-aged woman answered it, and smiled down at me.

’Hello! How may I help you?’ she asked.
’Hi, I’m Paul. I’m here for Tara’s…umm…party thing.’ I stuttered.
’Oh! Of course!! Gee, you’re the first one here…’ she commented, letting me past.
’I am?’ I asked, astounded.
’Yes, you are.’ She smiled, ‘well, apart from Mark of course. But he’s nearly always here!’

My smile vanished.
’Oh…you’re obviously all close then.’
’Very!’ she agreed, ‘One big family!’

After directing me to the backyard, Tara’s mum walked away, leaving me alone. I opened the sliding door, and stepped onto the back porch. Colourful balloons and streamers decorated the large area, and a round table in the middle was full of food and drinks. I frowned as I shifted my gaze to the back of the yard, and saw Mark and Tara tying streamers to a tree.

’Hey!’ I called out to them, ‘Sorry I’m so early!’
Tara looked over at me, and waved.
’Oh – hi Mazza! It’s ok…we could use some help!!’

No sooner had I walked over to them, than Mark had stuffed some balloons and a ball of string in my hands.
’We need them tied up over there.’ He ordered, pointing to the tree to my right.

Sighing inwardly, I walked over, and started to tie the numerous balloons on various branches. I heard Tara squeal slightly, and I glanced behind me. Mark was lifting her up onto his shoulders, whilst she tied something onto the highest branch.

Turning away, I instead fixed my gaze onto the door, just as a young girl walked through.

’Katrina!!’ Tara squealed, running over to her.
’Hey Taz!’ the girl smiled, hugging Tara.

She looked at me, and smiled. I smiled back politely, before continuing my job.
’I’m so glad I’m not the first one here!’ I heard Katrina comment.
’Yeah – that was me!’ Mark laughed.

’So – who’s the guy over there?’ Katrina asked.
’Oh – that’s Mazza.’ Tara replied, glancing over at me.

‘Hmm…quite cute isn’t he?’ Katrina giggled.

I felt my cheeks burning as I tied up the last balloon. Suddenly, someone tapped my shoulder. Spinning around, my eyes met with Katrina’s. The pretty blonde smiled.
’Hey – I’m Katrina. Mazza, isn’t it?’
’Paul, actually. Mazza is my nickname.’ I corrected her, grinning.
’Oh – cool! So, you staying the whole time?’ she asked.
’Yeah, I am…have nothing better to do!’ I laughed.

She giggled again, and I blushed.

~*~

As the afternoon progressed, and more people arrived, my mood lightened somewhat. Mark and Tara always stayed close to each other…but I didn’t overly mind, as Katrina and I were quite close ourselves. I was standing near the food and drink table, chatting to Katrina and some guy called Ronnie, when a slow song came on.

’I love this song!’ Katrina squealed, grabbing my hand and dragging me over to an empty spot on the grass.

Putting my arms around her waist, we started to sway to the music. She rested her head on my shoulder, and put her arms around my neck. Looking around, I noticed other people getting up to dance as well. But Tara and Mark weren’t among them. Searching the crowd, I finally spotted them.

They were standing near the table, chatting happily. Suddenly, Tara’s eyes locked onto mine, and for a split second, she frowned. But that frown was soon turned into a smile, and she gave me the thumbs up. I smiled back weakly, and looked away.

What was that? Tara…frowning? Why? She was with Mark – so why would me dancing with Katrina upset her?
I kept trying to think of answers to my questions whilst dancing. And by the end of the song, I’d come to a conclusion. Tara hadn’t frowned. It was all in my head…wasn’t it?

~*~

Around 11pm that night, everyone was starting to leave. Katrina and I were standing near the door, saying our goodbyes.

’So, here’s my number…you should call me sometime!’ Katrina commented, handing me her mobile phone number.
’It’s a possibility!’ I winked, grinning cheekily.

She waved goodbye, and walked through the door, leaving me alone. I quickly shoved the piece of paper of paper in my pocket, not even bothering to look at it. Now if it was Tara’s number…

I grinned at the thought, and turned around. Now, it was only Mark, Tara and myself left…just like it had been that afternoon.
I walked over to the table, and started to pick up the dirty plates.

’You don’t have to do that.’ Tara assured me, taking the plates out of my hand.
’But I want to help!’ I told her firmly, taking the plates back. She laughed.
’Thanks. I’d appreciate it.’

We stood there in silence for a moment, cleaning up the mess.
’So – did you have a good time?’ Tara asked, looking at me briefly.
’Yeah! I had a great time!’ I said enthusiastically.
’Gee, I wonder why!’ she said sarcastically, ‘You and Kat seemed to be getting along well.’
’Yeah, she’s alright.’ I admitted, looking down.
’Just alright? You two were getting very cosy on the dance floor!’ she laughed.
’Yeah, I guess…but I don’t fancy her if that’s what you think.’ I exclaimed.

’Why? Do you fancy someone else?’ she asked, a cheeky glint in her eye.
’Maybe.’ I said coyly, my cheeks turning slightly red.’
’Ooh! Who?’ she asked immediately, dropping the plates back on the table.
’None of your beeswax!’ I laughed, turning even redder.
’Is too! You have to tell me! It’s like, a rule! You can’t tell me one half without the other!’ she exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips.

I opened my mouth to reply, when Mark walked over, hugging Tara from behind.
’Hey Marazzi…’ he greeted me.
’Oh, hi Mark.’
’Listen, you don’t have to stick around, we’ve got it covered.’ He told me.
’Oh, I don’t mi-‘ I began.
’We’ve got it covered.’ Mark repeated, cutting me off.

Sighing, I put the plates and cups I was holding on the table, and smiled half-heartedly.
’Alright then – if you insist. I had a great time Tara – thanks for inviting me.’
’No problem! See you Monday?’
I nodded, turned around, and left…

~*~

When I got home, I changed into my boxers and an old t-shirt, and hopped into bed. Switching off the lamp, I rolled over, and shut my eyes. That conversation was going so well! I was about to admit my feelings to Tara! But then Mark had to come and spoil it all didn’t he?

Was anything good ever going to happen to good ol’ Paul Marazzi?