plop. oh darn i thought i hope that isn't rain. I look up, only to be hit in the face by a sudden down pour. I rummage in my bag in the vain hope of finding my brolly amongst all the random clutter. The rain gets harder every second. After a bit, I give up and do what everyone around me is doing, run for shelter.
The closest bit of shelter near me is the veranda of a shop. "Why does it always rain on me?" I ask no one in particular. I slide down the wall of the shop and finally notice the man under the veranda with me. He is sat in a sleeping bag. I stare at him, with the strange feeling of recognition. Ah, that was it, "I have seen you on the news, the man who cant be moved, right?" He nodded at me.
"so... whats it like, just sitting here?"
"it's fair boring," he admitted, "but I cant go any where, coz I might miss her and I dont whant to miss a thing." I nodded, I knew that feeling.
"Do you not get lonely, Left outside alone?" I felt like I was intruding, but I was so curious, I just couldn't stop asking questions.
"Yeah. But I guess thats life. Some people, like you, talk to me. And its interesting to watch the people go by. It gets so that you almost know some of the people that you have never met. you learn their routines, you get an idea of their temperaments. It is interesting."
"so, what you waiting for?" I was shocked at my boldness. I couldnt believe what I was saying. I felt so rude. But he still answered my question, "my girlfriend. Or rather, my ex. Sophia. She is moving to Spain soon. I dont know when, but I want her to stay with me. forever. coz I love her." I had the overpowering urge to hug him. But my head knew that would be totally wrong; for one thing, I was completely soaked right down to the skin. Plus, I didnt want to get in his personal bubble any more than I already had. So, in order to attempt to resist the urge, I stood up, "Um, well, I had best get a move on. I finished my shift at Macy Dees over half an hour ago, my mum will be wondering where I am. I will come back same time tomorrow. bye!" I blew him a kiss and braved the rain.
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The next day, at the same time, I visited him. And the next day. And the day after that. And the day after that. Every day for a fortnight.
I told him about how I wasnt gonna start collage until next year. I told him that it was because I needed a break from studying after my GCSEs. I didnt tell him that it was really for the money, my dad ran off, mum doesnt have a job she is pregnant with twins and so is my older sister, my younger sister is also pregnant, my oldest brother gambles and my other older brother does drugs. He doesnt need to know those details. I would tell him when we knew each other better. Then again, maybe I wouldnt.
He told me about himself, his chilldhood. His interests. He had just left collage. He said, "I wish that I had take a break year. Then I would have had more time for teenage kicks." I nodded, acting like that was the real reason. I was one hell of a good actor; that was one of the few things that had got me through life and allowed me to be friends with quiet and well behaved people like myself.
So, yeah, you could say that we had fun. But then, two weeks later, we were just sat, talking, and this woman came along.
"hay," she said, "who's this brown eyed girl? I thought you stuck to pretty green eyes." she smiled at me, but it was any thing but friendly.
"maybe true," he answered in a guarding tone, " but she is just a friend." For some reason that gave me a not-so-nice feeling in the pit of my stomach that wouldn't seem to go away.
"any way," the hatefully pretty young woman with silky blond curls and velvety purple eyes said, "I came here with news of Sophia. She saw you on the news and wants to get back together with you. She has already moved to Spain though, a nice place called Sophia; she has bought one, one way ticket from here to there. I have it here in my bag. You have until this time tomorrow to pack all your stuff. If you don't get back here for then, I am keeping the ticket and going myself." She giggled a fake-sounding, girly giggle; flicked her hair; tuned on her heal and left.
we watched her go, waiting for her to completely leave our sight before turning to face each other. Then we sat in silence looking at each other. I cleared my throat. More to break the silence than for anything else. "so, um, will you be going to Sophia then?" he nodded and my heart sank,"yeah, I guess I will, after all, that's why I am sat here, isn't it?"
"Well, I will walk you home then." I helped him stand up And we began on our way to his house.
It was an ordinary looking house. Terraced, PVC door and windows, little back yard. he got out his key and we entered. On the inside, it was average looking too, if you ignored the thin layer of dust that had built up over everything in his absence. I perched on the edge of his old green sofa, feeling very out of place. He began to pack his things in quiet. I too, stayed silent.
He hauled his luggage trolly down the stairs and I, much to my horror, took one look at it and burst into tears. I fled out of the door and down street. I was only half way down the street when I felt strong arms spin me round. These were followed by lips on mine. I kissed him back. I knew from that moment the one thing I had been trying to deny, I loved him. I needed him. and from the feel of the kiss, he felt the same. After the kiss, he held me for what felt like ages and I cryed int his sholder.
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Three years later, I was sat on his stetee with a cup of tea in my hand. We are together now. He never cought that plane. Sophia and blonde girl are presumably in Sophia right now. I do hope that they are having fun.
He payed for my collage fee. I am now pregnant. If it is a girl I will call it Sophia. Because she brought us together. We are happy, always laughing. Always smiling. Always playing. Always singing.
