Memory Lane
Issue 1
kissed his soft delicate lips before departing from him. “… don’t do this… please…” he wimpered, tears threatening to fall down his cheeks like a forever flowing waterfall. She gulped the lump in her throat, “I have to… it’s my life we’re talking about…” she choked on a sob, “my future depends on this… fantastic… opportunity.” She burst out crying and quickly jumped into the taxi, her only escape route. “Stop it! If you don’t want to go then why don’t you just tell them! You can stay here as always…” he sniffed and gulped another lungful of air, “I never imagined this place without you.” She looked out of the darkened window as the taxi slowly drove away from him, she swallowed another outburst she could feel about to pour out and watched him finally giving into his sadness; tears rolling down his cheeks, tear after tear. He turned around and slowly started back up the street. She swivelled round properly in her seat and sighed as the vehicle drove her up to Bath, to her new boarding school.
“Here we are, Missie.” The cockney sounding cab-driver announced as he gently shook her shoulder, awakening her. “Wwherrr…? Oh…” She rubbed the side of her face drowsily and sat up, she must have dosed off. Her head ached from crying and the pain coming from deep inside her. “My parents paid you in advance for the journey didn’t they?” asked him as she grabbed her Dickies™ ruck-sack and slid out of the car, following the driver to the cab’s boot. He nodded and got out her suitcases, “There you go, darling.” He smiled convincingly and patted her shoulder, “Don’t worry about him. You know who I mean, you’re only eleven, well, you’re changing into high-school like my daughter and she’s eleven. So you must be eleven.” He chuckled and then looked at the time, “I better be getting back to work!” He waddled off to the cab before turning around and waving to her, “Don’t worry!” He got in the cab and drove off. smiled to herself, I’ll miss what people from my hometown are like…
“ ?” A woman called out as she ran across the gravel to , she was wearing jeans and a white shirt. At least the people in this place aren’t as old-fashioned as it looks, “Yeah, that’s me.” smiled to the woman. “Excellent!” The young lady grinned and picked up a suitcase, “Well c’mon then. These bags aren’t going to carry themselves!”
“Well, this is it. You’re room is here, you’re a little late I’m afraid so your room mates are in the dining hall. Follow the signs around this place; it’s easy enough to navigate around, even if it is very big!” The woman smiled as she placed ’s suitcase down on the floor. hobbled in with the other suitcase and her ruck-sack, “Right…” She replied as she dropped her bags onto the floor. “Uh…” she looked around the room, it was HUGE! It had a kitchen, a living area… one big bedroom where everyone slept… and a bathroom she presumed; “Wow…?” The woman chuckled, well, come down when you’re ready, the welcome speech is in ten minutes so try not to be late. It’s in the dining hall – see you then.” The woman left by herself in the dorm - and so manoeuvred her luggage onto the heap of others at the side of the door, good thing my new roomies are messy too…!
*Now in dining hall*
“Room number?” A sixth former asked her as she entered the dining hall. “Oh umm… 363.”
“363…” He flipped over a couple of pages on his clip-board and traced his finger down a list on a sheet of paper, “Room 363. OK, your room-mates are sat on that table right over there,” he pointed to a table in the middle of the hall where two girls were sat quietly, “See it?” nodded and proceeded over to the table, she sat down on one of the seats and looked up at the three others. “Hi!” She smiled cheerfully. They looked at her and said their hello’s shyly. followed suit and sat there quietly, looking around the hall. A bubbly girl with a scruffy pony-tail sat down at the same table, “Hi! My name’s ! That’s my brother over there! He’s the one with blonde hair – he’s in year nine!” the girl grinned to all of them. grinned back, feeling more at ease with this new girl; “I’m . I don’t actually know any one here, no brothers or anything.” smiled at her, “Neither do I. I mean, well obviously I have a brother, but that’s it…” She leaned in towards and whispered to her, “What’s up with the other two?” looked at them and shrugged, “Think they’re just shy.” nodded in agreement, “When are they going to get on with this welcoming speech-thingy?! I’m hungry! BRING ON THE FOOD!!” yelled before ducking her head down to the table and laughed cheekily. The other two girls laughed and from then on they all got to know each other very well.
*Night-time in room 363*
“So… any of you seen any lads that take your fancy?” whispered as she kneeled on the end of her bed, “?” She asked one of the girls that had been shy to start off with. “Well I… maybe…”
“Ooooh! Don’t worry! I won’t ask who because I won’t have a clue who’s who. I don’t know anyone apart from you guys here! Anyway, ?” pulled a face as if she was about to puke - “Not into boys yet then, eh?” lowered her voice, “Don’t worry – you will be soon, deary!” looked to who had wrapped herself up in her duvet, “?” sighed, “I wasn’t looking.” , and cast each other inquisitive looks; “…?” was cradling her head in her hands, a tear dropped onto the duvet which they all noticed. jumped onto her bed beside her and draped an arm around her shoulders, “? Do you want to talk to us about it? We’re all friends for life from now on; you should let your feelings out otherwise you’ll just feel worse.”
“She’s right.” nodded and moved to the end of her own bed. looked at them, “It’s my… well he was… he was my best friend. Only about a month ago he admitted that he had feelings for me. It was frightening at first – you know? We had had sleepovers. Sleepovers.” The girls gasped mockingly and grinned and wiped her tears away. “Yeah, well anyway. I know we’re only eleven and he has taken this whole boarding school thing way too over-dramatically.” sighed, “But hey. That’s in the past now, right?” The girls nodded and smiled and all crowded round her in a group hug.
*Last day of school for the girls*
“I can’t believe this is it…” smiled as she and the girls hugged their friends and said their goodbyes, “I’m going home…”
“Shut-up! You’ve been going home every half term and on your birthday weekends!” laughed. “Yeah but… it’s like… for real…” smiled, her eyes glazed over. The other girls looked at her and gave her a big hug, “Yeah, for real.” smiled. “… I hope you don’t mind me asking but… you know that guy who was your best friend back home? Yeah well… why didn’t you both keep in touch with each other when you came here?” asked cautiously. frowned, “I don’t know. But you know - all of that’s in the past now, right? Nothing to worry about!”
“You still keep a photo of him though – you take it everywhere you go, don’t think we haven’t noticed you sneaking a peek at it when you think we not looking.” Said and the others nodded. “Yeah,” joined in, “You’ve turned down all the relationship deals that have been offered to you by the platter-full and we all know why.” looked at them all, disheartened. “Sorry, babe… but it is true. Look, we’re just saying don’t expect too much when you get back home for good. Things change.” smiled sympathetically and they all had a group hug.
“Mum… Dad…?” queried as she walked through the door with her bags, “Anybody…?” she dumped her bags down in the hall and walked into the living room. A chorus of “Welcome home, !” sounded as various family and friends jumped up from behind objects they had hidden behind. laughed and the party began.
“Right everybody, I am gonna get some shut-eye OK?” smiled sleepily at her Mum, Dad and brother as they were watching telly. “OK then, love.” Her Dad smiled up at her from his newspaper. “Sweet dreams.” Her mother smiled as well before went upstairs to bed.
*Next morning*
sat down at the bottom of the docks, her legs crossed as she looked out to sea. She looked down at the photo in her hands; a little boy of about five years old holding a blue bucket grinning at the camera, his eyes scrunched up against the sun and a sun-soaked beach set out behind him. followed his arm which snaked around a little girl’s waist who was holding a little yellow spade and had her arms around his shoulders, also smiling at the camera with her usual cheeky look. All of a sudden felt a hand rest on her shoulder, it aroused her to her senses and she slowly looked round to see who it was. Expecting it to be him – the little boy in the picture, she sighed and smiled half-heartedly when she noticed it wasn’t who she had hoped it would be. smiled down at her and sat beside her on the planked boards, dangling his feet off the edge above the sea-water. “Sorry… that … moved…” said so that only she could hear as he put his arm around her shoulders, rubbing her arm with his thumb. “When did he move?” sighed. “Around about a month ago?” nodded at what had said. “Look… it’s not the end of the world. He’s only left home that’s all-”
“You mean…” looked to him, “His parents still live down the street?”
“Yup.”
stood up and hurried down the docks back home.
“…? Is that wee stood before me at my door?! My, haven’t you grown!” ’s mother greeted her with open arms and hugged her. “Come in, come in!” ’s mum led her in and shut the door behind her.
sat on what would have been ’s bed and touched the mattress, this would be the closest to that she had been in a long time. His musty scent teased at her senses, his scent may have changed into a manlier one over the years but… she knew it was never-the-less. She felt a nauseous sensation growing in her stomach and clutched it as she became forever growing queasy. It was weird, like the home-sickness feeling she first had when she had started her boarding school. She looked around his room. It was stripped bare; he had obviously taken everything with him. Not one thing in the room resembled to her, he had changed the layout of furniture in his room – he hadn’t taken the bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers with him obviously. His walls were a different colour and his once carpeted floor was now replaced by floorboards from IKEA™. She stood up and advanced to the window to take in some fresh air instead of smelling everywhere. looked out the window as she stood alone in ’s room. She looked out at the view; the sea was calm and peaceful, each wave rolling in one after the next rhythmically. She and used to sit on the window ledge together when they were younger – they were too young to appreciate the view back then but it was nice to feel the sea breeze engulf you as they both chatted about random stuff that kids talk about. She sighed and turned around so her back was to the window. Her foot kicked something beside her and she looked down at a wicker rubbish bin. She saw a piece of crumpled up card in the bottom of it and so stooped over and picked it up, (she wouldn’t normally do this, she’s not exactly a person who goes through other people’s trash. But you know how the saying goes; ‘One man’s rubbish is another man’s gold.’ …or something like that…) she un-crumpled it revealing watermarks on the back reading Kodak Gold. She had realised it was a photo as she had un-creased it, she flipped the photo over as she thought that this was something that might have last touched. She gasped in shock as she looked at the photo – it was ’s copy of the photo she had been looking at the docks earlier. “Knock-knock!” Mrs walked in with two mugs, “I made tea.” She smiled.
Issue 2
smiled and looked around the front room. Nothing had changed; it was just how she remembered… except there wasn’t a Sky+ box, DVD player or a wide-screen TV before now. Her gaze rested on a photo in a silver metal frame that sat on top of the TV screen. She let go of Mrs ’s hands and stood up, walking over to the photo. She picked it up and looked at the image, it was… him. He was everything that she had imagined him to be… perfect… But she had also imagined him to always be hers. Not belong to the girl in the photo that was holding hands beside him. “Ah yes, that’s Kat, ’s long-term girlfriend. That was at the school prom a few months ago.” ’s Mum smiled at from behind as studied the photo, her back to Mrs . “Uh-huh…” replied through gritted teeth, her grip forever tightening on the frame. She looked at the handsome smiling to his smiley prom date who was attached to his hand, it should be my hand that he’s holding…
“Yes… I’ve always told that Kat looks like what I expected you to look like when you grew up. And look at you. You’re practically her sister!” Mrs widened her eyes knowingly. looked at Kat in the photo. Now Mrs had said it… she did look a lot like . spun around with the photo still in her hands to look at Mrs who was looking at her mysteriously. Mrs had always done this – she was a very clever lady. nodded at her and looked to the floor whilst doing so. “Well, .” Mrs smiled and clapped her hands together, “It’s been so nice having a chat with you but I’m afraid I really must get dinner started for the big man of the house.” grinned back at her, had always called his father the ‘big man’ as a joke. She placed the photo back on top of the TV monitor and proceeded out of the living room followed by Mrs . “Well… I better go then. Speak to you soon, yeah?” hugged Mrs goodbye and quickly walked out of the ’s home.
What… an… idiot. said not to expect too much. stopped as she walked down the street, enwrapped in the cool evening breeze that came from the sea’s draft. “…Things change…” quoted aloud. She clutched her arms across her chest and walked home.
*Next morning*
“Hey… look…” , ’s brother, muttered to his family as he read carefully through an advert in his NME magazine. and her parents looked up from their bowls of cereal and plates of toast at the boy. “There’s an audition for a new band that’s going on later today in London…”
“OMG – no way!” squealed, “That is so cool, bro! You have to go, dude – seriously.”
“Yeah… I think I might. It’s something to do isn’t it.” He chuckled. “Yup. Take your , though, you’re brilliant on that thing.” nodded as she shovelled another spoonful of cornflakes into her mouth. Their parents agreed, “What time is it starting, son?” Dad asked . “Uh… twelve o’clock.” answered looking up at his Dad. “Right… well then, you better make a move soon otherwise you might get caught up in the audition queues.” Mr said, taking his attention off of the newspaper. nodded, “Be-right-back.” He rushed out of the kitchen and stamped up the stairs, soon enough returning back with his in its case and his wallet, “Right. I’m off then.”
“Yep, see ya later then!” waved as left the house for the subway.
*A week later*
“I did it!!” exclaimed, running into the kitchen one Saturday morning. “You did what?!” Mrs practically shouted. Her husband rested a hand on her shoulder, “Don’t worry love, at least we know the poor boy’s not gay.”
“Oh ha-ha.” rolled his eyes and he and his Dad laughed, “No, silly. I got in! Look-” burst out laughing at what he had said. “ don’t think so rudely.” Her mother scowled. instantly shut up. “Oh forget it!” grinned and put the letter from Universal on the table, “Read it!”
“…Oh… my… days…” breathed, “Universal! You have just landed yourself a deal with Universal! Dude! You’re going to be famous!” Their parents cheered happily and received many hugs. After much rejoicing took by the arm and lead her into the hallway, “… can I talk to you for a second?” looked down to his hand that was still clutching her arm, shrugged, and nodded willing to listen to what he had to say. “… I don’t wanna build tension up or anything so I’m just gonna come out with it straight.” He took in a deep breath, “ is in the band too. He’s on the .” laughed in shock. “Is that OK, then?” asked, releasing his grip on her arm. She pursed her lips, her eyes shifting around the hallway, nodding absent-mindedly; his words reeling around in her head. “Great. I knew you would understand. Thanks sis.” He smiled, “I’m gonna go tell my mates!” and departed.
ran up the stairs sharply and into her bedroom which was situated at the front of her house. She threw herself onto her bed frantically. She just couldn’t believe it. Since when did start playing the drums anyway?! Ugh it just made her so mad! Knowing that she’d see his face on every magazine… on every television screen… everything would be there to remind her of him. She wouldn’t be able to live it down. She picked up her pillow and threw it across the room in frustration… she froze as she watched it fly through the open window and out of her bedroom. “Oh heck.” She grumbled and hurried down the stairs and out of the front door to pick it up off of the lawn. She paused as she saw feathers scattered amongst her front garden, “Great…”
She scrambled onto her hands and knees and reluctantly began to rake up the feathers with her fingers and scoop them up into the pillowcase. She stopped to watch a car drive past unenthusiastically before continuing to scrape the stray feathers up.
“!” heard a woman’s voice exclaim happily. She turned her head sharply to where the voice had come from. It was Mrs , “Have a nice journey, my love?” A young man stepped out of the driver’s side of the small car, shutting the door behind him and nodded to his mother. Mrs out-stretched her arms and gave her a big hug. ’s throat had gone dry… It was him… . She then focused her attention on the passenger’s door opening and saw two long legs stepping out. “Hello, Kat dear.” Mrs smiled and ’s girlfriend smiled back and gave her a hug. Mr walked out of the house and greeted them warmly. could feel her heart beat madly against her rib-cage, she could feel her chest rising and dipping - it was that bad. Mrs looked over to her and waved with a smile. flashed a smile and quickly tried to make the impression that she was busy raking up the feathers on the lawn. “Hello, .” looked up to find Mrs smiling at her. “Oh uh… hey.” She smiled at Mrs and stood up, brushing the dirt off her knees. She wore a red t-shirt with a pair of light-blue ripped at the knee jeans and had nothing on her feet. She was ashamed of herself for looking like a scruff-bag. She held one of her arms that was by her side uncomfortably, “So…”
“Take it you’ve seen , yes?” Mrs stated, getting to the point. nodded and looked over to the ’s house. was standing watching them; it made uncomfortable to know he was watching her. She didn’t quite know why. “Kat’s here too,” Mrs looked behind her to see Kat quickly drape her arms around ’s neck and kiss the base of his neck. hadn’t seemed to notice. “Yes… Kat…” Mrs muttered turning back around to . “What?” asked inquisitively. “She’s a lovely girl but… well. Look at her.” looked behind Mrs to see her, “Uh… she looks like me…” stated, slightly offended. “Exactly. That’s exactly the point. They don’t have anything in common with each other. He just…” Mrs broke off and sighed, “Don’t you understand what I’m trying to say, ?”
“You hinted on it yesterday… Are you imposing that you think he’s not over me yet. He still misses me?”
“Well… yes. He’s got an ‘ look-a-like for goodness-sake.” Mrs sighed, “I really should get back before suspects something.”
“Right. OK.” breathed in deeply and nodded. Mrs gave her a hug, “Be strong, love.” smiled, now more heart-broken than ever. She watched Mrs quickly walk back to a lonesome who was standing by himself on the drive, staring at .
“Who were you talking to, Mum?” asked Mrs . “Hmm? Oh, no one dear. Just a neighbour.” Mrs ushered him inside the house. watched as kept his eyes fixed on her with a puzzled look on his face as his Mum pushed him inside his parents’ house, “Wh-who is she?”.
“Who knows.” Mrs snapped as she quickly shut the door behind them. let out a long whistle and put her hands behind her head, “Bloody hell.”
Issue 3
“Heya … uh… who killed the duck?” asked as he walked into the driveway, waved a hand at him as if to say don’t ask. “Uh huh…” said amusingly. picked up her pillow which was once again stuffed and followed her brother inside their house. “So…” said, walking into ’s room with two glasses of lemonade, “I err… noticed ’s car is parked down the street.”
“Yyy-up.” replied through clenched teeth, taking her glass off of whilst sitting on her window sill. “So err… I was thinking of going down there to see him. You know, congratulate him on getting in the band like me and stuff.” suggested nervously, looking around her room, waiting for a signal to go on. There wasn’t one. “Yeah so anyway, I was wondering if you wanted to come with me.” nodded to himself as he heard no reply and so walked out of the room. turned her head from looking out of the window and watched her brother walk out of the room. She sighed to herself, “It’s now or never…” she muttered to herself. At that moment her Dad walked in the room with her washing basket and plonked it on the bed, “I know that song… how does it go… ah yes…” he walked out of the room, “It’s nooowwww or neeeevvvveeerrrr…” he sang. grinned and rolled her eyes, jumping off the window sill and running down the stairs where was closing the front door behind him. She slipped her Quiksilver™’s on and stopped the door from shutting by grabbing the handle. She opened it to find looking at her inquisitively with his head cocked to one side, “I’m coming with you.”
“Good on ya, sis.” put an arm around her shoulders as she shut the front door and they walked down the street.
“He’s seen me already.” sighed as they walked down towards the ’s. “Yeah?” asked, interested. “Yep… didn’t even recognise me.” smiled sadly at her brother. He ruffled up her straight hair and they turned into the ’s driveway. knocked upon the door.
“Oh. Hello ! just told us! Well done! Come in, come in!” Mrs smiled and opened the door wide letting him in. “Oh… …” Mrs said quietly, “Are you sure?” nodded and walked in, following her brother, “It’s now or never.” She smiled. Mrs grinned, “Well done, pet – Err, into the front room !” she began to hum the tune to ‘Now or Never’ as they all entered the front room where Kat, Mr and were sat looking at photos from the prom. “’s here.” Mrs smiled as she signalled for to go in. looked up at him and grinned, “Mate!” He stood up and they did the man hand-hug-pat thing that boys do. “Well done, dude.” grinned at him. “Oh yeah, this is my girlfriend, Kat.” smiled and Kat stood up beside him and smiled at , “Hey, nice to meet you at last.” smiled.
“Tea, love?” Mrs asked as they stood in the kitchen. “No. I’m fine. Thanks.” tilted her head and smiled at Mrs , knowing that she could read her like a book. This would is the closest she had ever been to for what? Five years now? “Want to go in?”
“Uh… yeah. OK.” took hold of Mrs ’s hand and they both walked into the living room. ’s eyes stuck to like glue, “H-hi.” felt her heart flutter and she smiled and quietly replied, “Hey…”
“… this is…” Mrs began. ’s ears quickly pricked up, “Gretchen!” she quickly emphasized, then scrunching her face up, out of all the names… “I’m Gretchen… ’s girlfriend… Hi.” smiled as she and quickly exchanged uneasy glances and she went and stood next to him. “Gretchen…” A smile of what seemed like relief spread across ’s face, “Hello!” he grinned at . She smiled back, but inside she felt like she was being ripped apart. She couldn’t even be herself in front of her old best friend, she had to lie and pretend she was some one else. “Hey Gretchen, I’m Kat; ’s girl.” Kat smiled and gave her a polite cheek-to-cheek kiss and hug. ’s hands clenched as she said, ‘’s girl’ and punched her in the face, wrestling her to the floor. They scrambled around pulling each other’s hair, scratching and attempting to bite each other. turned Kat onto her back and sat on her, pulling her hair so that her head was bent back as Kat’s fists banged on the cream carpet – atleast… that’s what would have like to happen. No, this is really what happened – let’s rewind.
“Hey Gretchen, I’m Kat; ’s girl.” Kat smiled and gave her a polite cheek-to-cheek kiss and hug. ’s hands clenched as she said, ‘’s girl’ - elbowed her secretively and she unclenched them. “It’s funny…” Kat pondered, smiling at and , “When you walked in, I thought you were ’s sister or something! You look so alike each other!” quickly burst out laughing in a high-pitched, nervous manner. “Aha! His… ’s… sister?! Ha-ha!” elbowed in his ribcage hard and he also began to chuckle, playing along. “Sister! Aha! Small world isn’t it! Ha-ha!” stopped laughing and quietened down, “I have to go now.” She spoke quietly. watched her walk out the room and he looked back to Kat and who were stood there emotionless. “Uh… her brother died last year… never got over it… I should see how she is… err… catch you later , mate.” quickly said and rushed out of the house after .
“!” called as was hurrying down the street with her arms folded across her chest. “!” called again, he sighed and jogged to catch up with her, “! …Wait up, .”
*Meanwhile back at the ’s*
“What did he just call her?” asked the others in the house. “Gretchen,” Mrs quickly replied, “Why? What did you think he called her?!” she giggled and brought in a pot of tea and cups on a tray, “Tea anyone?” furrowed his brow, thinking hard. “What does it matter anyways, honey-bunch?” Kat smiled and caressed his face in her hands, giving him a peck on the lips. Mr looked to Mrs and they both raised their eyebrows. didn’t put any effort into the kiss, it seemed like he was frozen stiff, like a monument surrounded by busy moving people. “Hmm… maybe you’re right,” he smiled at his Mother, “Maybe it was Gretchen.”
“I need to move away from here.” groaned into her brother’s shoulder as they sat on the curb with ’s arm around her. “No you don’t.” laughed into her hair. She grinned into his chest, “Of course I do. I need to move countries then. Get away from his face on British television and magazines if he is to be famous.” laughed again, “You two will be friends again in no time at all. You two were inseparable when you were little, history will repeat itself!” stopped leaning on him and looked into his face with a sarcastic look on her face, “What!” she laughed and whacked him on the shoulder.
walked out of his parents’ house, “Yeah, no. I just need to get some fresh air.” He called back to his Mum inside the house. He stood outside, scanning the street for and Gretchen, “Bingo.”
“Ouch, ! That hurt!” screwed his face up and punched her in the arm, “OWW! ! Oh my God!” She punched him in the chest back. laughed, “Aww! Can’t my wee lickle sister handle what the -machine has!” slapped him across the chest and stared him in the eye, “You have no idea how rude that sounded!” she laughed. ’s jaw dropped and they burst out into hysterics, ending up squirming about on their lawn in a tickling match.
“Hey.” grinned down at the wriggling pair. “Oh, hey dude.” grinned and stood up, yanking up with him by the arm. uplifted his head as to say hi again. “So… how long have you guys been going out…?” asked the both of them, he knew who she was. And she wasn’t ‘Gretchen’.
“A week.”
“Six months.” and replied in unison before quickly glancing threatening looks at each other. “… can I have a word with you for a sec, yeah?” asked him. shrugged and so they walked off a little way from so she couldn’t hear them. “The girl… it’s … isn’t it.” claimed, looking directly at . put his hands in his pockets and sighed, “Yeah. OK, it is. She arrived home a week ago, finished school and everything. How’d you guess? - Apart from the little slip-up back there.”
“This morning; when I arrived here with Kat. Mum went over and spoke to her and she was outside your house. Her hair colour was the same - the way she stood was the same… her features are the same-”
“Are you trying to call my sister flat-chested?!” joked. chuckled, “You know what I mean.” He glanced behind at who was yanking at her middle finger nervously, as she walked around in a small circle, muttering to herself. “She’s in every way…” smiled, “Yep. written all over.” rolled his eyes, Oh for goodness sake. It was bad enough being on the receiving end of a love-sick . Not a love-sick too. “Uh-huh… well… that’s my sis. all over.” blew the fringe out of his eyes, bored. “Sorry…” blushed, “Anyway - I should go. Don’t tell I know, OK? I’ll… see her later in the week… bye.”
“Yeah, bye then.” waved as jogged past , “See ya, Gretch!”
“What was that all about?” asked , wandering over. “Band stuff. We’re having a get together later in the week with the others at Universal etc, etc, etc.” yawned, “Boring stuff. You know? Anyway, c’mon, let’s go.” nodded and they walked back home together.
*Later that week -Tuesday.*
walked on the sand, it was late evening and the sea breeze brought chills to her bones. She was bathed in moonlight, just how she liked to be on the beach. She was wearing a white bikini top and jeans, she’d spent the whole day at the beach – thinking. Just thinking. Collecting her thoughts together. It was so good to be back at the beach again. The waves lapped over her feet as she walked up and down the bay. Little did she know some one had been watching her from the high-bank just above her…
She’s… grown up a lot. gulped, Maybe I should go down and see if she’s OK… she looks like she could do with a friendly face. Though, I think I may be the problem… Oh you stupid boy, ! What is your problem? Why did you have to go and muck it up and just cut her off? swore under his breath. He slid down the bank and walked over to , “Hey there.” He smiled, taking in her clean scent and looks. She looked up at him and gulped, “Hi… was it?”
You know who I am, . “Yeah. .”
“OK, hi.” She smiled and turned around with her back to him, walking down the beach away from him – wishing he would go away.
He walked behind her, his breathing quickening as his eyes scanned her smooth skin in the moonlight; he reached out and traced a finger over her smooth shoulder-skin. stopped and he did too, still running his index finger over her shoulders slowly and down the middle of her back, following the indent. “…” shivered as she felt his finger trace every contour of her skin, she slowly turned round to face him. He dropped his hand by his side and grinned bashfully, looking down at his bare feet on the sand. He was wearing a thin white linen shirt and his usual baggy jeans. He looked up at her, she was watching him, her eyes big, shiny and alert as they always were; “Yep, Gretchen?” He stepped closer to her… and closer again. “...” She whispered looking out to sea. He raised his hand again and traced his fingers from her shoulder down her arm; his face bore a shy yet mischievous little smile as he closed his head in to hers, “It’s so good to see you again…” He whispered, “.”
“Stop it, you’re making me uneasy.” turned to him, stepping back several paces quickly. He’s changed so much… she thought sadly, He only wants me for sex. looked at her, his hair blowing in the breeze, What the hell am I doing?
looked at him, “I think you should go.”
“No. I don’t want to. I want to stay here, with you.” He flashed a small smile, what was coming over him – why did she make him feel like this? “And do what?” spat brutally at him, “Shag?” She walked off down the beach back home, leaving clueless. “Damn you why did you have to blow it?” he muttered to himself in the dark.
Issue 4
“Hi… I was wondering if was in?”
“! Finally – you’ve come to your senses, how are you love? Oh, it’s a lovely morning isn’t it?”
“Yeah… Err, I’m fine thanks. Upstairs, is she?”
“Yep, you know the room.” Mrs smiled as she let in the ’s home and watched him run up the stairs.
There was a knock at ’s door as sat on her window sill, clutching her legs to her chest and her head leaning on the window, looking out. “Come in.” she called blankly as she watched the tide wash in and out. “A penny for them.” smiled as he stood in the centre of her room, his legs apart wearing the same clothes as last night… except he had trainers on, his hands in his pockets. looked over to him, “H-how? I-”
“I knew it was you . The look about you… the things you did… the way your cheeks go red when you’re thinking of something when you lie… the way you mutter to yourself and tweak at your finger when you’re troubled. I know you, .” smiled at her. “Right. Of course you do.” peered out of the window again. crossed the room to her window and stood by her, looking out, “I’m sorry… about yesterday…” he lifted his hand shakily, he just wanted to touch her… it was weird but… he just needed a reality check… he needed to make sure she was real. His hand wandered over her foot and skimmed her combat covered leg. “,” she muttered moodily and his eyes locked with hers, “What are you doing?”
“I’m… oh it doesn’t matter… well… you know…”
“No.” snapped, demanding a straight answer. shifted uncomfortably in his place as his fingers followed the seams of her murky green combats; “I just wanted… to check… it’s stupid really… but, I needed to check that you were, well, real.” He blushed and looked out of the window. smiled and looked out of the window too. ’s hand fiddled with a loose hem on her trousers and she reached her hand down and lightly smacked him to stop. “Sorry…” grinned . smiled, her hands resting on his, their eyes locked into place once again. “OK… well, if that’s all you came for.” got down from her place on the window sill. “Oh… right… yeah. Well, I was just wondering… if you wanted to hang out together today. You know, catch up on all the years?” murmured looking down at the floor - expecting a no. “Yeah, why not?” smiled. “OK. Cool.” He smiled, “Usual place?” smiled at what he had said, he still remembered their place, “Of course.”
“So…” smiled as they sat at the end of the beach where there was a rocky part where rock-pools lay and the waves would wash over your feet bringing sand and creatures with it. “Why didn’t you ever reply to my letters?” asked him, dipping her foot into a rock-pool. “Sorry. I thought it would be the best. I forgot how much I enjoyed your company.” He looked at her, “But you have to understand that you left me with nothing – you were my rock, my back-bone. You told me that you were leaving on the morning that you left.”
“Oh come off it, . We were both eleven. And you know I’m forgetful. I forgot that I was leaving that day.” sighed, “Not one reply, though. You could have been dead in the end for all I cared.”
“You don’t mean that.”
“No. I do. Really, I do. And yet I kept writing, hoping, wishing for a reply. But none came.”
“Look, I’m sorry OK? I was just a little boy - a foolish little boy.” raised his voice. “Who’s to say you aren’t one still now?” exclaimed. “No one,” he looked to her, “I am still a foolish boy… looking at you now I, well I can’t believe what I missed.”
“Gee. Thanks . You’re really turning me on again – just like last night. Why don’t we shag now and get it over and done with. ‘Cos that’s what you want me for isn’t it? That’s what you want.” She shouted harshly. “No!” seemed hurt, “No. That’s not what I meant at all. And about last night, I don’t know what came over me alright? I just wanted to interact with you, connect with you somehow. I meant that I’ve missed you growing up. And I don’t want to lose you again, . You’re my best friend. And you always will be… if you let yourself be.” put an arm around his shoulders and pulled him close, resting her head on his, “Of course I will. That’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said… well, to me anyway. But I’m sure Kat knows the sweeter side to you better.”
“Most definitely!” exclaimed with a grin, tweaking strings at ’s heart. unhooked her arm and muttered to herself, “Most definitely…” she repeated. “Hey? Are you OK?” asked, seeming concerned. “What? No, yep. I’m fine. Right as rain, me. You know what? I should go. Go catch up with some old mates. Well, see ya!” She got up and hopped across the rocks back to the main part of the beach. watched as she hopped from rock to rock with her sandals in her hand with her jeans that she had changed into earlier, rolled up to just below the knee. Her fitted white shirt complimented her figure beautifully as she ran away from him. “Well done, . You sent her running again.” mumbled to himself.
“Hey !” smiled as she hugged at the door of her parents’ house. “Hey,” smiled miserably, “Wanna do something?”
“’Kay, why not?!” grinned and let her in.
“Oh – he’s hot!” grinned as she eyed the guy that was sitting near them in the café. “! That’s my brother!” laughed as looked over and smiled at them. “Really? Wow.” glanced back at sheepishly, “Sorry…” laughed and they left the café. “Who knew you would live in the next town from mine.” grinned and they walked down to the beach linking arms. “Shit…” muttered as she saw Kat and walking down the beach together hand in hand. “What?” asked, a bit confused about the matter. “You know… ? Yeah, well… that’s him…” whispered to her. “You have got to be kidding me! That little boy in your photo! What?!” screeched and clamped a hand over ’s mouth, dragging her behind a shrub, “Shh!”
“Sorry…” apologised once her mouth had been set free, “It’s just… well… he’s so foxy!”
“I know,” sulked, “It’s not fair.” gave her a questioning look and then widened her eyes as her jaw dropped, “Oh my gosh! I completely forgot about your issues with him! Fill me in on everything!”
“Oh my God ! Sounds to me like he wanted you right there and then!” grinned. “I know…” started, “He’s changed so much… and now he going to be famous-”
“Whoa! Hold on there, missy. You say what now?”
“Famous.” repeated, “He’s got into a band, the same label as Busted and Blink are under, Nelly for you – all the best artists in the business practically.”
“No… frigging… way…” was flabbergasted. “Way.” replied sadly, “I can’t believe he’s still with her…” poked her head around the shrub, “Err… who?”
“You know who, that chick that is with her.” stared at her, confused and then turned round to look again, “… There’s no one with him. Aww… he looks sad. Wonder what happened.”
“Huh?” pushed out of the way and peeked around the shrub to see sitting on the sand cross-legged staring out to sea blankly, thinking to himself. “Where did she go…?”
“I… dunno… Uh… maybe… dunno…” rambled on and turned to her. had her mind on other things as she watched walk on the sidewalk past them, not seeing them crouching on the rocks behind the shrub. “!” mocked a gasp. quickly averted her eyes and her cheeks blushed, “I err… Err…” she looked up at her embarrassedly, “Whoops?” laughed and stopped and swung round to look at them, his hands in his pockets, “?”
*Five minutes later – now crouching behind shrub with the girls.*
“What, so you want me to go and talk to him?” asked and nodded as tried to pretend that he was invisible. nodded, putting on her best puppy-dog eyes. rolled his eyes and nodded grudgingly before pushing up from his knees and walking off down the slope to the sand. He looked behind to see giving him the thumbs-up. “…” whispered, crawling closer to her friend. “Yeah?”
“I think I have a thing for your brother!” grinned and they both burst out laughing, making and turn around to see them. “Uh oh…” stopped laughing and bit on her lip; she brushed off her knees and stood up awkwardly, smiling at . smiled and beckoned her towards them both.
began to walk and ran down to her side to catch up with her, “What does he want?”
“Beats me.” replied as she scratched at her arm unconsciously. “Hey.” shyly greeted her. “…Hey.” She smiled back. eyed and smiled at her as she caught him looking – she blushed and quickly looked down at her feet. held her wrist and indicated for them to leave and alone, she nodded and he let go of her wrist as they walked up the beach; her cheeks reddening all the while. grinned as she watched the pair walk off, with his hands in his pockets and walking stiffly – afraid to muck anything up. “Cute couple…” started, interrupting ’s thoughts. She looked up at him and smiled, “Yeah… they do make quite a nice little match.” smiled and scooped up in a warm bear hug before pulling back after a time. “What was that for?” giggled, sweeping back a stray hair behind her ear. “I can’t believe I found you again.”
“You didn’t find me!”
“No I mean… well, you know. I can’t believe we’re together again.”
“Err…” raised an eyebrow.
“Like, we’re mates again. Friends, best friends – like, you’re close to me again.” struggled to find the words and laughed. “Yeah,” she smiled and hugged his torso, “Here’s to friends.” She smiled contently into his chest as he clung back, for now…
“So,” squinted up at in the evening sunlight as she paddled barefoot in the sea as he held both her sandals in one hand watching her splash around happily. “What was going on with you and Kat back there?” she asked as she stumbled on a pebble in the liquid sand. “Oh… I broke it off with her.” smiled to himself, I don’t need a look-alike anymore when I have the real thing. paused in the sea, “Oh… I’m sorry…” she shrugged it off and carried on paddling up the beach as he walked on the dry sand beside her. “Was she OK about it?”
“What do you think?!” laughed and grinned and rolled her eyes. “OK, OK smart-arse!” laughed and looked at grinning down at the sand. “So… why did you dump her?”
“Oh I err…” looked at her and stopped before walking on again, “The band and stuff. There won’t be any time for relationships while we’re trying to get the band off the ground.”
“Oh… so you’ll be together again when it’s sorted?” questioned. stopped and gave her a puzzling look, “Why do you keep asking me these questions?! You’re too nosey for your own good, – I mean it! Stop interrogating me!” joked. smiled and paddled away from him so the water was up to her knees. laughed at her face as she screwed up her eyes and gritted her teeth and a dirty thought popped into his head - so he waved his hand around his head like he was shooing away a fly. “Cold!” ’s teeth chattered and laughed, “Well then, you shouldn’t have paddled so deep!” shot him the evils and he raised his palms in mock-surrender. She poked her tongue out at him and kicked a splash of water before realising that that wasn’t a clever idea as he kicked off his trainers, dropped his trousers so that he was in his baggy chequered boxers and ran in after her laughing.
“Noooo!!” squealed as rugby tackled her down into the liquid sand, into the shallow, cool depths of the sea. He laughed and splashed her with his hands as he kneeled beside her in the water. She splashed back and they frolicked as a frenzy of water surrounded them for the next minute or so. She laughed and sighed, falling back into the shallow water so she was lying on the soft sand. smiled and looked her over, eyes skimming over the body he once used to know so well it was almost apart of him. was his other half, his one. It would take some time before they could act around each other the way they did before. But he didn’t want it to be the way it was before. He wanted more than that. “?” stuttered.
Issue 5
“Yup?” sat up and smiled, waiting for an answer. opened his mouth to speak but then closed it, “It doesn’t matter.”
“Ok then,” replied and stood up, shivering as she dripped onto the sand, “C’mon, we should be getting back. I really need to dry off.” grinned, got up after her and they trudged back along the beach to get their shoes – not forgetting ’s trews - and walked home hand in hand like they used to.
“!” Kat drove in her car up along side and . “Kat…” smiled and let go of ’s hand, “Whatcha doing here?”
“Whatchoo doing with her?!” Kat piped up. “Kat, this is . We haven’t been in contact in years, since we were eleven. We used to be best friends. And besides, we’re over now.” frowned. “Well! It sure looks like you’ve replaced me with her! She looks exactly the same as me, – you bastard!” Kat fumed. “Kat…” begged as she pulled off the curb and drove away in a hurry. “Silly cow.” muttered. “Use your inside voice, !” laughed half-heartedly. “Yeah… sorry…” she grinned and he picked back up her hand and they continued to walk home.
“Well, today’s been…” started. “Strange,” grinned, “See you soon, .” She gave him a wet hug and a shy peck on the cheek, before closing the door to her house in front of him; leaving him standing alone on the outside step. “Bye…” he muttered as he rubbed his arms to get warm and ran as best he could down Memory Lane to his house in his soggy trainers.
*Next morning after breakfast*
“Well, guys… I s’pose this is it.” flopped his arms down by his sides as he stood in the front-doorway to the ’s house. hugged her brother goodbye, “Remember, ring me as soon as you get there because I want to come and check the place out ASAP!”
“Sure thing, l’i’l sis.” saluted and got into the taxi with his bags. He clipped on his seat-belt and looked out of the window, waving goodbye to his family. “It’s like losing all over again… but it’s this time that’s leaving.” ’s Mum sniffed. “C’mere, you silly woman!” Her Father smiled affectionately and took ’s Mother up in his arms as ’s cab drove off down the road. Soon to be followed by ’s car, but had already gone back inside to see his car go by. She had suspected that he would be moving today also. They would lose connection once again. What a friendship. She rolled her eyes as she returned to her plate of toast and took a bite.
“Who’s that on the phone, ?” her Dad walked into her bedroom, hearing her talking to some one on the other end of the line. “.” smiled and Mr. nodded. “Tell him that we miss him already!” Mr. joked before walking outside. “Pardon? Oh yeah, that was Dad! Yeah, no – he was just saying that he misses you already. Err yeah… well put it this way you big-headed moron! At least somebody is missing you!! Ha-ha yeah… so are your other band mates there too? Oh… just … no! Don’t put me o- …Oh… hey ya, …” grimaced whilst sitting on her bed cross-legged, facing the window. “Me? Yeah I’m fine. And how be you? Good? Good… Oh have they? I s’pose you better go then. No really it’s OK don’t bother putting me on hold. You all need to get to know each other and stuff. I’ll see you around some time… yep. Yeah say I said bye to . Yeah I guess so… bye! Bye.” lowered the phone from her ear and held it in front of her pressing the hang-up button. She sighed and got up, running downstairs to replace the phone back on the charger.
sat down on a rock in the cove that and her used to sit at when they were little. She sighed, there she goes again - thinking about . Why am I still thinking about you. You out of all people! This is ridiculous… thought, I can’t believe I forgave you so quickly. Whatever was in me that forced me to do that? You always had that way about you… grinned slightly as she rested her chin on the palm of her right hand which connected to her elbow, rested on her right knee. I was always powerless when I was… am… around you. She frowned, I don’t see why though. Why? Why does it have to be like this? You got on with your life and never bothered to stay in contact with me. Whereas I pined all these years for you like a lamb never leaving their dead mother. stood up, a scowl on her face. “Right, that’s it. You’re not the boss of me anymore. It’s time I got over you.” She encouraged herself with a final nod and marched off across the beach.
*A couple of weeks later at the new McFLY house*
“!” grinned, surprised to see his renewed best friend at the front door. “Hi , invited me over.” replied, looking straight through him, keep it together, … “Oh… right, well then. You better come in then I s’pose. He’s through there with the guys.” opened the door wide and watched her step in. He closed the door behind her and looked from her clumpy VANS™ up to her bootleg cut jeans with a black studded belt… up to her black quicksilver™ zip-up hoodie… watched her turn around to face him to see her wearing a white skate-logo t-shirt, and finally up to her face… uh oh… her face! had obviously been so much in a dream-state that he hadn’t realised she had turned around and now was glaring at him. “Uh…” he gulped, “Like I said, go straight through…” rolled her eyes and turned on her heel, entering the lounge where her gorgeous brother was sitting!
“!!” Her brother squealed, abandoning his game of ‘try and aim a Wotsit™ in ’s mouth’ in which he was competing against ; and ran over and lifted her up, swinging her around. laughed as he squeezed her hard as she stayed lifted up in his arms. “Put me down you silly sod!!” yelped from somewhere above the O-zone layer! laughed and dropped her so that she unbalanced on her feet and fell onto her butt onto the carpeted floor. “Bastard…” she muttered, rubbing her back smugly. She heard laughing in front of her and saw a hand being thrust out to her from her side. She took the hand obligingly and was pulled up to meet a pair of big, rounded eyes staring straight into her own. “Umm, thanks...” she mumbled. “S’ok.” The pair of eyes smiled back at her. She stepped back, letting go of his hand and taking in all of him. He was… gorgeous. “Yeah, that’s .” commented, not seeming to be paying attention to their situation. “And over there is . Wave ! Wave!” grinned again as pulled a face and waved at . tore away from her gaze at the perfect and laughed at , “Hey!”
“And of course you know, .” rounded off before sitting back at his place on a sofa diagonal to , ready to resume the Wotsit™ game. subconsciously looked to who was standing in the doorway awkwardly, he looked secluded and hurt standing there at the other end of the room, on his own. She quickly looked back to and they both blushed as they made eye-contact before looking away. “So… who’s gonna give me a tour?!” smiled and looked around them all. Before could raise his hand, his mouth open ready to speak ‘Me’, had already grabbed her hand and spoke “Me” before him. She brushed past on their way out and swivelled around on the spot, watching them walk down the hall into the kitchen. His jaw held agape.
“Yeah I know! I love that film too!” laughed and he and both smiled at each other. “OK, this is ’s room.” opened the door and led in. looked around and smiled; closing her eyes; ’s musty scent tickling her senses. It was like she was on a drug, the hairs on the back of her neck she could feel stand up on end and her spine tingled with pleasure. She quickly opened her eyes again and turned around to see smiling as a hint for them to leave. She looked around his room again and they both left, closing the door behind themselves.
“And this is my room…” led her in once more but this time shutting the door behind them, silently. walked to the window and looked out of it smiling, “You have a nice view. It must be nice waking up and looking out of it.”
“You could always try that thought out…” whispered huskily from behind her. She felt his breath on her pony-tail and her heart skipped a beat. This was her big break, her final chance to get over . And besides, there definitely was a connection between her and . She felt his hand reach up and stroke her hair, pulling her hair-band out carefully before dropping it on the floor. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his head on her shoulder. She smiled and turned around to face him; their cheeks were both pink through blushing. tilted her head up towards her muse and their lips briefly rubbed past each other before kissing tenderly. She felt ’s hands place on her back and feel her up. She drew back, this is just what I need to get over … but why did it feel so wrong? She smiled at and he unzipped her hoodie, sliding it off her shoulders and letting it drop onto the floorboards. glanced over to the door uneasily. “Don’t worry…” mumbled as he pulled off his t-shirt, “It’s locked.” He grinned. ran her hands up his chest before he pulled her t-shirt off. Sparks of excitement and guilt ran over her and she shuddered. chuckled at this, thinking it was getting too much for her and so hugged her tight to steady her. She smiled as she felt his bare skin against hers and pulled back, loosening the belt to his baggy trousers which soon enough fell to the floor – as did hers.
Now laying down on the bed on her back, came and sat with a knee on either side of her hips. She gulped… did she really want this to happen? Sure, she wanted to get over . But what if she didn’t get over ? What if she couldn’t? And she would remain feeling this guilt inside her forever… Now stripped down to her knickers and bra smiled as he kissed from her lips down to her waist-band. She sat up, no she wasn’t going to go through with it – but she might as well have some fun! She grabbed by the small of his back and pressed him against herself as she kissed him passionately, their hands exploring each other’s bodies. “…” she muttered into his mouth. He withdrew breathlessly with a proud smile on his face, “What?”
“I… I can’t.” e whispered, “I’m… well, I need to get over… what I mean to say is…”
“It’s – isn’t it?” ’s smile had now gone from his face, now stroking her smooth back comfortingly. nodded and looked into his caring eyes, “But you were great though…” she smiled, almost wishing she had gone through with it. blushed with a smile. She draped her arms around his neck and they embraced each other, sharing their last compassionate kiss before pulling away reluctantly and shoving their clothes back on.
tied her hair back up neatly in ’s mirror and turned around to face him, “How do I look?”
“Just like you did before, beautiful.” smiled and strode over to him, the pair both automatically beginning to make out against the wall. “We have to stop doing this!” laughed, pushing her away and licking his lips afterwards. laughed and straightened herself up, “It’s cool that we can make out and still stay friends though isn’t it?”
“Hell yeah!” grinned. “So… I might even come back tonight to finish what we started… and to see the view in the morning!” winked and the both of them laughed before unlocking ’s door and walking downstairs.
“Ah! Finally! They’re back!” grinned as all three boys looked up from the telly. “…” murmured reluctantly. “Yeah?” replied nervously, was ’s sister for goodness sake, and he’d just been frolicking with her under the covers half-naked. “Your… umm… fly…”
“Your McFly’s unzipped!!” roared and burst out laughing and laughed along too. He wasn’t bothered about who his sister made out with, it was her decision – even if it was with one of his new-found best mates. ’s eyes widened in horror as his vision closed in on ’s zipper and felt the guilt rise up inside her, she wanted to blurt out to that nothing had happened – but of course she couldn’t. blushed, quickly looking down and zipping up the fly. couldn’t help but giggle uneasily, what was she gonna say? “Oops yeah! Sorry about that!” covered for them both, “I went to the bog and I guess I forgot or something!” he did his best to seem truthful. grinned, “Why? What’s with the guilty conscience?” Poor . He was a bit thick it seemed to . His face seemed full of innocence when he had asked it and he turned to . “What are you all thinking about?” slapped him hard on the shoulder and leaned back on the sofa chuckling. grinned, a sign of relief, though he couldn’t help thinking… oh it doesn’t matter anyway. It was ’s decision who she chooses to love. And he obviously was already ruled out. He’d been too unfaithful to her over the past years and not what a best friend should be like. He doubted now that she even considered him as a best friend, as he did her.
“…” waved a hand in front of ’s face. “Duuude… wake up.” blinked and realised he had been deep on his train of thought. “Sorry.” He smiled sheepishly and felt that some one was watching him. He looked up and saw looking down upon him from where he stood next to . It was strange… it was like he was trying to tell him something, as if apologising almost… nah. diverted his gaze back to the others who were standing up, ready to go to the music room where they would demo a couple of songs.
Issue 6
On the way out of their so called ‘home studio’, held back by the arm. waited for the others to leave before he confronted about the previous fifteen minutes. “, I know what you’re thinking about me and . But I swear – nothing happened.” reassured his new friend. was a great guy, not to mention a potential band mate, and he couldn’t let everything go down the drain now. nodded, not looking in the eye. “…” started . “I know,” looked up from the floor to , “I know you mean well. And it’s not that I mind if you like her or anything, she’s just material from my past I guess I’m-”
“Afraid to see let go?” finished . laughed, “I guess so… but honestly, did you two…”
“No. Well… yes. I mean – she stopped me. Sensible girl that one.” chuckled at an unimpressed . “Look… I came onto her pretty strong and… well yeah, we kissed. I can’t lie to you. But she stopped me from taking it any further. We’re just friends.” cleared his throat after owning up… OK so he hadn’t told that he and had almost shared an intense moment. But c’mon, that would be taking it too far – and besides, he barely knew the guy. He’d just have to give it some time before he gave the details. smiled to himself, and I are gonna get on well. He’s a genuine guy. “Look,” started, “No worries, huh?” grinned, “Thanks mate.”
“No worries it’s OK… did she say why she stopped? Or did she just not want to put-out?”
“Well yeah she did say something…” his brow furrowed, wondered whether he should tell what had confided in him, “But I forget… I think she was just uncomfortable about everything going too fast so she didn’t think we could work or something! - Which is cool for me.” grinned at and likewise, yet his seemed to be some-what concerned about ’s respect for women. knew this was what must now be thinking but they still had plenty of time to all get to know each other – would soon find out what he’s really like.
“Where did you go?” asked, hunting through the DVD collection as was sitting on ’s lap – purposely crushing his thighs as much as her weight to let her. groaned in pain and finally pushed off, who landed at ’s feet. “Oooh… you OK there?” grinned and squatted down infront of her, holding his hand out to her. looked into his soft eyes and could feel her cheeks beginning to glow red, what had happened to her plan?! nodded bashfully and graciously took his hand. His grip tightened gently on her hand and he pulled the both of them up.
Their hands still interlocked, looked over at the boys who were hunting for ’s Back to the Future DVD box set. “Quick…” muttered to her and tugged her out of the living room. “ what on Earth…” whispered as he led her up to his musky room. shut the door behind him and looked at her. “, do you like ?”
“What? Uh… Why? No. Why?” looked up into his wide eyes, why would he want to know anyway? “I know you and him had something going on back there. He told me.”
“He… told… you…?” wimpered nervously, knew. knew about her feelings for him… and now he was going to shut her out of his life forever. “You kissed.” replied in a matter-of-fact tone. “Oh uh… yeah.” Sighed a relieved . “OK… that’s cool. So d’you like him? He said you stopped him… why?” asked , who was now sitting cross-legged on his bed watching an uneasy in the middle of his room. “I… well yeah I do… a little. He’s sweet but I don’t think I’d want a relationship with him. Besides – I’ve only just met him. And what do you mean why? What’s with all the questions?” shuffled over to the door and touched the handle, ready to escape from the questioning if it led to her revealing her feelings. got up from his bed and stood between her and the door, resting his hands on ’s shoulders. “I just…” sighed and took his hands away, opening the door for her, “It doesn’t matter. I’m sorry. I just… c’mon the others will be wondering where we are.” looked up at him and closed the door he was holding open. She stepped towards him and tilted her head up, looking from his eyes to his lips and back up to his eyes again. gulped and pushed his head forward just enough so that she could meet his lips if she wished to.
The door suddenly opened in front of them and shut her eyes and jumped back from , opening her eyes again and tucking her stray hairs behind her ears subconsciously. brought his head back and scratched the back of his neck, turning his head away from the door and . “Oh there you guys are! Guys! I found them! Start the movie!” grinned and walked out of the room, un-aware of the situation he had walked into. “C’mon!” He yelled behind him as he ran down the stairs. looked at who was still avoiding looking at her and swallowed, hurrying out of the room and down the stairs to watch the film. stopped scratching his neck and looked at the place had been standing. He closed his eyes and bit his lip before closing the door behind him and jogging down the stairs to see sitting securely inbetween and on the sofa. Avoiding his gaze. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and sat cross legged on the floor, resting his head on the palm of his hand and trailing a finger around on the carpet. Obviously un-interested in the film. This carried on for the whole of the film and soon the lads decided it was time to call Pizza Hut™.
“ what do you want, mate?” called from the hallway, currently on the phone with to their local Pizza Hut. “Anything’ll do.” sighed as he walked into the hallway, leaning on the wall opposite the two. nodded and asked for “the hottest pizza you have please, for the old man.” laughed out loud. “?!” yelled. walked in beside , “Magherita, please.” She flashed a smile and looked to her side to find smiling at her. She smiled, bit her lip and walked back to the living room to chat to .
*Half an hour later all eating out of their pizza boxes.*
“OK so… ,” munched on his slice of pizza. “What’s your favourite band?”
“Erm… oh let me think…” wiped her mouth with the back of her hand as she munched in thought. “Probably…”
“.” butted in, grinning secretively to himself. looked at him oddly, “Yeah… they are my fave band…” she smiled embarrassedly, looking down into her pizza box. He remembers… chuckled to himself in amusement before opening his pizza box and taking his first bite out of his ‘extra hot’ pizza. He yelped as he tasted chilli on his tongue, his face burning red from the heat. The others all looked at him and burst out laughing. He couldn’t help laughing himself and got up and ran into the kitchen for a drink. laughed and jumped up to follow him. She found him fumbling in the cupboard for a glass and she took one. Their eyes briefly met and a smile was given and received from one another. filled the glass quickly under the tap and held it to his lips for him to drink. She tilted it too high and water came streaming down the sides of his mouth, down his neck and onto his t-shirt. laughed, her eyes watering as she did so as eagerly gulped down the water. He coughed and spluttered and put the glass in the sink as he swallowed the last gulp and wiped his mouth with his arms. “Nice pizza?” grinned, waiting for him to answer. grinned and nodded, now cooled down. “I don’t think I can eat that.” smiled sympathetically, “C’mon, you can share mine. It’s not spicy. And I can’t eat it all by myself anyway!” smiled his thanks and they walked back into the living room to sit down together to share ’s pizza. The rest of the McFlyers were daring each other to eat a piece of ’s pizza and flashed yet another smile at for their stupidity.
“So… like, I think I better go now? It’s three forty-five and what not.” Sighed as she lay in ’s arms on the couch. “Nah – you can stick around.” smiled cutely. “Well… I dunno. I’ve been here practically allday it’d be asking too much of you guys.” yawned and blinked her eyes several times. tilted his head and smiled at her. “Well OK,” started. “How about we all go clubbing or something tonight then, eh?”
“Clubbing?” pulled a face. “Clubbing is hardly me and you know it. Besides, what would I wear?! Skate-pants?!”
“Well we could go shopping now or something…” mumbled, it wasn’t really intended to be heard aloud. “Yeah man!” agreed. “Let’s go get some clothes to get laid in!” He laughed and jumped up from the sofa to rush up to his room to fetch his wallet. “I s’pose it’s decided then.” sighed. “Yep.” grinned and followed ’s influence. “Get up , I need to go get my wallet.” whined and obeyed, leaving her and alone. “Tell the guys I’ll meet you all at Time and Envy for eight, OK?” walked out of the room - not looking at . “Oh... aren’t you coming shopping?” seemed disappointed, walking behind her. “Well I’m going shopping, yeah. But I’m gonna call my friends up and go with them. Girls shop together. Boys shop together. To mix the sexes is suicide. Got that?” turned around and grinned at him, slipping on her trainers in the process. nodded, “Err… yeah, think so. So I’ll see you at eight, then. Time and Envy.”
“Yep…” bit her lip and quickly pecked Harry on the cheek, “See you then, dude.” She ran out of the McFly house and smiled to himself, licking his lips.
*Now shopping with , AND *
“Oh my God!! you have to get that! It will blow away!” gushed. blushed, “I dunno… it’s this whole idea of a skirt… open legs and stuff…”
“!” giggled, “We wore a skirt back at school!”
“Yeah I know but… I’ve never worn a skirt of my own free will before… it’s just… weird.” turned around to look in the mirror. She was wearing a mini denim skirt and a revealing strap top which she wasn’t to keen on. “You look gorgeous.” beamed. “I just wish I was going…”
“! You are going!” laughed. “You’re all coming! Now c’mon – I’ll just pay for these and we’ll shop for you guys!” tilted her head to whisper in ’s ear, “’s likes girls in skirts!” she gave a wink and closed the changing room curtain too change out of her club-wear.
*Now outside queue-ing up for Time&Envy*
“, chill!” giggled watching her friend watching out for and a so called group of three other fitties. laughed. She was donning a red skirt and her white ‘special top’. Why she called it her ‘special’ top no one will ever know! The other girls were wearing tight bootleg-cut jeans and stilettos or knee-high boots and revealing tops. They had always been a lot more girly and daring than had been.
“!” yelled and jogged towards and the girls who were now at the front of the queue. “Hey…” smiled at the girls, “So these are your friends you were talking about.” blushed and looked behind to see , and . “Hey!” charged through the four girls and stood inbetween them all, putting his arms around them. They giggled and he smiled his charming… heart-melting… (ehem) smile. “Hey .” smiled down at her, biting his lip as he looked at his best friend. She turned to face him and disguised her gasp as a slight cough. He looked… fit! “You look great.” smiled. smiled and stood next to her in the line as they were let in. She frowned, he could have at least complimented her… or maybe he didn’t like what she was wearing…
*Half an hour later*
“You look beautiful tonight.” slurred into ’s ear as they were sat in their seats by the bar as the others were out on the pull. She blushed, “That’s the booze talking and you know it!” giggled. “Maybe…” laughed, “Sorry. I better go and sobre up. Water?” grinned and shook her head as he got up and walked over to the bar. He came back five minutes later and sat down with her, “OK, my head’s no longer spinning at least!” spoke clearly into her ear. She grinned at him, “Yeah! I think you’ve sobred up now! You hadn’t drank much to start with anyway. Quick-fix.” grinned and nodded. “I did mean it you know.”
“Mean what?” asked him. “That you look beautiful tonight. It definitely wasn’t the drink talking!” grinned bashfully. blushed, “Erm… so do you wanna dance or something?”
“Change the subject, why don’t you?!” chuckled in her ear, “Sure – why not?” He helped her up and they walked over to the dance floor. They joined and the others and they all danced madly in a ring. “This is just too funny!” leaned on to support herself whilst laughing and the rest of them laughed too. “Oh dear…” mumbled as the lights stopped changing colours and rotated from pink, purple, blue and back to pink again. “It’s a slow one coming on… I think I’m gonna sit this out before I puke…” she half-smiled. caught her by the waist as she turned away, “No. Dance with me.” He smiled and she bit her lip and nodded. “!” scolded her with a giggle, “! I hope you know that’s one of my best friends you’re pulling!” But wasn’t listening. pouted, “Now who’s gonna sit alone with me! ‘Cos I for one am certainly sitting this slush out!” laughed at her querkiness. “I’ll sit with ya; I’m prepared to give it a miss… if you are.” smiled, there’s no one else I’d rather slow-dance with anyway… smiled and grabbed his hand, the two of them both walking back to their seats.
*Walking back to the McFLY house*
“Tonight has been fab!!” squealed pecking on the lips as he had his arm draped around her bare shoulders. “Sure has.” Agreed who was walking beside , and . and were walking at the back of the crowd, out of ear-shot. clasped onto ’s hand and they both smiled. “Wanna take a detour to the beach?” asked . grinned, “Sure.”
*Now at the empty beach*
undid his belt and dropped his trousers as soon as he had let go of ’s hand and they had reached the shore. gulped nervously – what was he doing?! He unbuttoned his shirt and ran into the water, splashing about. He turned around and laughed, “C’mon !” blushed, “I can’t… my clothes… well I mean… OK!” she laughed and wriggled her skirt off. stopped kicking around and watched her intensely, instinctively feeling a stirring in his crotch. He forced the feeling to pass and pretended to splash again. She threw down her top and kicked off her boots before running in to pull down. “Agghhh!” mimicked and fell down on the watery sand with a splash, laughed and stood infront of him. He grabbed her smooth leg and yanked her down into the icy water, she dropped with a screech and quickly clamped his hand over her mouth so that she stopped. He took his hand away and she smiled embarrassedly. They smiled at each other and crawled up closer to her, kneeling in the soft sand. bit her lip excitedly as closed his head into her at a painfully slow pace. She grabbed his head and pulled herself closer to him, clamping her mouth onto his salty lips with a great need of haste. He pulled back after a time and laughed, looking up at the stars before looking back into her shining eyes. He tilted his head to the side and smiled, “ I…”