Chapter "Trip To Park"

Next day, Hamlyn stood before his room's mirror, seeming ready for his day out with friends, he carefully peeled away the last of the bandages from his face.

"Still looks rough." he mused to himself, "but at least the pain is gone."

"Hmm, fresh bandages might help," With careful hands, he applied new, smaller bandages, then turned his attention to his arm.

"I wonder how long until it's fully healed," he pondered, flexing his arm experimentally. "Thank goodness I can move it freely, it still hurts a bit but It's manageable.”

As Hamlyn turned his hand to his palm’s side, he caught sight of Sheryl's signature, igniting a flashback from their terrace encounter. With a slight smile, he closed his hand into a fist.

Suddenly, Ullmar entered the room, announcing. "Hey, Fredy's here.”

Fredy entered the room, asking, "Hamlyn, are you ready?”

"Yeah, let's go," Hamlyn replied with a nod. As he and Fredy started to leave.

"Hold on, Hamlyn.” Ullmar interjected.

“Are you seriously going out with that hairstyle?"

"What's wrong with the hairstyle?" Hamlyn asked.

Ullmar sighed in dismay, shaking his head. "You have no sense of style," he lamented. "Come here, let me fix it.”

After Ullmar had worked his magic on Hamlyn's hair, he stepped back, admiring his handiwork. "There, now you look perfect. This style suits you better" he declared with satisfaction.

"Wow, he's right. You look completely different now," Fredy chimed in, agreeing with Ullmar's assessment.

Ullmar then handed Hamlyn his watch, insisting, "Here, wear this." Ullmar continued, making another suggestion. "And don't wear your dreadful shoes, wear mine instead."

Seeming surprised, Hamlyn responded, "Um, thanks." He accepted the watch gratefully.

"Now you're all set for your first date," Ullmar proclaimed with a final touch.

"No, it's not a date.” Hamlyn interjected hastily.

"Well, technically it is.” Fredy chimed in “It's the first time you'll both be meeting outside, so..."

"Whatever, let's go. We're running late," Hamlyn conceded with a resigned sigh.

Fredy nodded in agreement, saying "Yeah, let's hit the road." As they walk to leave.

"Hold on a moment," Ullmar interjected once again, halting Hamlyn and Fredy in their tracks.

Hamlyn turned around to see Ullmar withdraw some cash from his pocket and offer it to him. "Here, take this," Ullmar urged.

“Thank you.” Hamlyn said with a smile as he accepted the money.

Ullmar nodded in response, saying “Enjoy yourselves.”

Hamlyn and Fredy acknowledged with a nod as they left the room…

Upon arriving at Rurina's house, they were greeted by Hamond, Ruby, Sheryl, and Rurina already waiting outside.

Spotting Hamlyn, Hamond greeted him with playful enthusiasm. "Ah, look who's here, the dashing one!"

With a smile Hamlyn and Hamond then shared a warm embrace, their smiles reflecting genuine bond.

"Wow, this new hairstyle suits you perfectly. You look fantastic, and Fredy, you're looking sharp too," Hamond complimented warmly.

Ruby chimed in, "Absolutely, Hamlyn, that hairstyle suits you perfectly."

"Yeah, please keep it that way. It really suits you." Rurina added with a smile.

Grateful for the compliments, Hamlyn nodded and replied, "Thank you, I appreciate it. And yes, I think I will stick with this style."

As Hamlyn's gaze met Sheryl's, he couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty.

She looked stunning in her casual attire, her hair flowing freely down her shoulders.

"Sheryl” Hamlyn began his voice wam and polite, “You're looking as beautiful as an angel, especially with your hair down. I never realized just how stunning and long your hair is"

"Thank you. And you look great too, actually, more than great." Sheryl responded graciously. Their eyes met, sharing a smile filled with warmth and affection.

"Hey, Hamlyn, do you know where Henry is?" Hamond interjected, breaking the moment.

Hamlyn shook his head "No idea. Isn't he here yet?" he asked.

"Here he comes," Ruby's voice cut through the conversation.

As Henry approached, he greeted Hamond, Fredy, and Hamlyn with hugs.

"Hey there, infamous Romeo, Hamlyn, you look great with that new look," Henry remarked.

"Thanks, but let's get moving. We're already behind schedule," Hamlyn urged swiftly.

Spotting Hamond's car, he couldn't help but remark, "Wow, you've got an eight-seater?”

Hamond chuckled softly, "Actually, I have a four-seater. This car belongs to my cousin, I borrowed it for our outing," he explained.

Hamlyn nodded in agreement, saying "Perfect."

Henry took charge, declaring, "Alright, let's hit the road." With unanimous agreement, everyone swiftly settled into the car…

Excitement filled the air as they arrived at the amusement park.

"Roller coaster, here we come! Let's do this, everyone!" Fredy exclaimed, taking the lead with enthusiasm.

Smiles spread across their faces as they headed towards the towering roller coaster…

Standing in line, Rurina suggested, "Alright, let's pair up: Hamond and I will ride together, Fredy and Ruby, and Hamlyn and Sheryl.”

All eyes turned to Henry, who waved them off, stating, "I'm fine riding solo.”

Boarding the roller coaster, Sheryl settled in next to Hamlyn. Hamlyn noticed her unease and gently asked, "Feeling nervous about the ride?”

"Yes, a little, but I'll manage. Thanks for asking.” Sheryl admitted.

Hamlyn offered his hand reassuringly. "You can hold onto my hand if it helps." he said warmly, meeting Sheryl's eyes.

"Are you sure?" Sheryl hesitated, seeking confirmation.

With unwavering confidence, Hamlyn nodded. This prompted Sheryl to grasp his hand tightly.

In his thoughts, Hamlyn vowed, “I'll never let go of this hand. Never.” They exchanged smiles as they embarked on the exhilarating roller coaster ride, thoroughly enjoying every twist and turn…..

As the ride concluded, everyone exited the roller coaster. Henry emerging with a grin he quickly gestured towards Hamlyn and Sheryl, saying, "Hey, check them out!" All eyes turned towards them.

Hamlyn and Sheryl remained seated, holding each other's hands tightly.

Hamlyn's affectionate smile conveyed love as he kept his eyes locked on Sheryl, whose eyes were still tightly shut in fear.

"Hey, Sheryl, the ride's over," Rurina's gentle voice broke the spell, startling Sheryl into opening her eyes and realizing the ride had ended.

"Oh, right," she murmured, before turning to Hamlyn. "Ready to go?" she asked.

Hamlyn nodded in agreement and stood up, keeping a firm hold on Sheryl's hand, he stepped out of the ride, keeping his firm hold on her hand.

Hamlyn then carefully guided Sheryl out of the ride, and once outside, they faced the group, still hand in hand.

"Hey, you two are still holding hands!" Hamond playfully teased, prompting Hamlyn and Sheryl to quickly release each other's hands, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"She was a bit scared, so I was just trying to help her stay calm," Hamlyn explained.

Sheryl nodded in agreement, confirming, "Yes, that's right.”

"Don't worry, it's totally understandable," Ruby reassured with a knowing smile.

"Ooh, now I wanna fall in love!" Henry jokes.

Ruby playfully leaned on him, "Shut up." she whispered. Henry looked at her with a puzzled expression. They all then began walking together…

As they were walking, Fredy's eyes lit up with excitement, saying. "Hey, check it out, guys! There's an arcade over there. We should go there!"

Enthusiastic nods from everyone signalled their agreement as they made their way to the arcade.

Inside, they dispersed to explore different games.

Sheryl was drawn to the claw game, her eyes fixed on the assortment of stuffed animals.

Suddenly Hamlyn appeared next to her, "You want some?" he asked.

Sheryl flashed a smile in response. "Do you think you can win some?” she teased.

"I can win anything for you," Hamlyn declared, exuding confidence.

Sheryl was taken aback, her cheeks flushing at his bold statement.

"Just point out the one you want." Hamlyn pressed further, keeping his gaze on her.

Sheryl was meeting his gaze in silence, her eyes widened, cheeks flushed, while Hamlyn kept smiling warmly.

"Sheryl, which one do you want?" Hamlyn sought confirmation as their eyes locked in a silent exchange.

Sheryl quickly shifted her gaze to the stuffed animals and pointed at the stuffed panda. "I'd love to have that panda," she replied softly.

A smile spreads across Hamlyn's face.

"Watch me snag it for you," he assured her.

"I'm cheering for you." Sheryl smiled, offering encouragement.

A smile remained on Hamlyn's face as he delicately maneuvered the claw to grasp the panda toy.

With care, Hamlyn lifted the panda, but fate intervened, causing it to slip from the claw's grip and tumble down.

Sheryl burst into laughter, prompting a gentle smile from Hamlyn as he readied himself for another try.

Again, the panda toy slipped, setting off another round of Sheryl's infectious laughter. Hamlyn quickly shot her a sharp glance.

Noticing Hamlyn's gaze she playfully pressed a finger to her lips, though her smile remained.

"Let's give it another go," Hamlyn declared confidently. Sheryl playfully nodded in assent.

With determination, Hamlyn made another attempt, but alas, the panda fell once more, eliciting more laughter from Sheryl.

With a playful tone, Hamlyn addressed the stubborn panda, "Alright, buddy, what's your problem? Show yourself!” Sheryl kept on laughing,

With a determined fury, he made another attempt, and this time, triumph was his.

Standing tall, a proud grin adorned his face as he glanced at Sheryl. "Did you see that?" he asked with a hint of pride.

Sheryl beamed, offering a thumbs-up in approval. "Absolutely awesome," she replied.

"Here, it's all yours," Hamlyn said as he handed the panda over to Sheryl.

"Thank you very much," Sheryl gracefully replied as she accepted the stuffed panda, casting a smile upon it before enveloping it in a warm embrace.

Caught off guard by Sheryl's affectionate embrace of the panda, Hamlyn's eyes widened, and a flush of colour spread across his cheeks, struck by her adorable charm.

Sensing Hamlyn's gaze on her, Sheryl delicately inquired, "Is everything alright?" Hamlyn quickly averted his gaze, murmuring, "It's nothing, really.”

An infectious smile spread across Sheryl's face as she kept her gaze fixed on Hamlyn. Suddenly, Fredy burst onto the scene with excitement. "Guess what, guys? I found this famous ice cream parlour. Who's up for a treat?"

As the group started gathering, Hamlyn caught Sheryl's eye, "Craving some ice cream?” he asked. Sheryl responded with a slight nod,

"Alright, let's head over there.” Hamlyn remarked.

With a smile, Sheryl took the lead, and Hamlyn followed behind, joining her as they made their way…

As the group walked towards the ice cream shop, excitement filled the air. Upon reaching the shop, they joined the queue, eagerly anticipating their turn to select their favourite flavours.

"So, what flavour do you want?" Hamlyn inquired, turning to Sheryl.

Sheryl's eyes lit up with a hint of delight after a brief pause. "Chocolate," she declared with a satisfied smile.

Observing her choice, Hamlyn's smile widened. "You're a chocolate fan, huh?”

Sheryl nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely, I love it,"

With a smile, Hamlyn set off to place their order, ensuring Sheryl's sweet craving would be fulfilled.

After a short while, Hamlyn returned, holding two chocolate ice creams. Sheryl couldn't help but notice and quizzically asked, "Are you a chocolate fan too?”

With a nonchalant shrug, Hamlyn responded, "It's alright."

Sheryl's smile widened, as they indulged in their frozen treats side by side.

"What's next?" Hamond asked Hamlyn midway through their enjoyment.

Gesturing towards the girls. Hamlyn said with a smile, "You should ask them, they're in charge."

"Exactly. Let us think," Ruby nodded in agreement.

Hamlyn simply nodded, saying"Sure thing. Take your time.”

After enjoying their ice cream, Sheryl and Hamlyn were walking together when Ruby approached and gently held Sheryl's arm. "Hey, Sheryl, come with me," she beckoned.

"Where to?" Curious, Sheryl inquired,

"Just come," Ruby urged, her response enigmatic yet inviting, as they departed together.

Watching them go, Hamlyn stood by with a smile gracing his face.

Some time later, the group reunited, finding Hamlyn seated alone on a bench, his gaze fixed upon the dancing water of the fountain.

"Hey, where were you? We've been looking everywhere." Hamond inquired, concern evident in his voice.

Standing up, Hamlyn apologized, "Sorry about that. What's our next plan?” he asked

"I'm feeling a bit hungry. How about lunch?" Hamond suggested.

"Sounds good. Let's go," Hamlyn readily agreed.

As the group started walking towards the restaurant, Sheryl waited behind, her gaze fixed on Hamlyn. Approaching him, she spoke softly, "Shall we?"

With a silent nod, Hamlyn and Sheryl began walking together side by side, their steps aligned.

Upon arrival at the restaurant, they quickly placed their orders. While waiting for their meals, laughter and conversation filled the air, and they took the opportunity to capture some snapshots.

Shortly after, their delicious lunch arrived, and everyone savoured their meals with delight.

As Sheryl ate the spoonful of pudding, her eyes widened in delight, "This is incredible." she murmured.

With a smile, she scooped up another spoonful and held it out to Hamlyn, insisting, "You've got to try this.”

Hamlyn's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected gesture, causing a brief pause in the lively chatter around them.

Curious gazes from their friends fell upon them, adding a hint of intrigue to the moment.