I didn’t ask about the scar at first. She was clearly self-conscious. Didn’t mention it at all as we grew closer and intimate.
One night, post-coital, I stroked it gently.
“Battle scar,” she said breaking ‘the silence’.
“What battle?” I asked.
“Love is a war.”
She curled into my arms.
They called him ‘Albatross’ because he brought bad luck. “You’re a stately sea-bird,” they lied. He didn’t know any better. One weekend, traveling to a match, the team bus crashed into a ravine. Albatross was the only survivor. As they pulled him from the wreckage, nobody noticed his chilling smile.
– He’s dying. We should…
– No. Leave him.
– It’s horrible.
– It happens. You can plan for it but….
– I’ve never seen him so vulnerable, so pale.
– He wants to run but he can’t. It’s a mauling.
– I can’t look. Let’s go. Please, let’s just go.
– Well, that’s stand-up baby, that’s stand-up.
I had no plans. Just knew I had to get out. Told the boys I knew a way.
Cornered in F-Wing, guards closing in, we were only three doors from freedom. East or West? A maze of corridors. I was clever but had made one mistake. I had no plans.
Only after I saved his life did I recognise the famous movie actor. Would have drowned without me. Bloke didn’t know how to thank me. Bought me watches, cars, a live-in chef. Rings me every fucking day, weeping. Flies over for friggin’ hugs.
So, I’ve taken a restraining order out.
Words terrify me. Their power and immediacy. Will you marry me? Changing everything. Just an articulation of speech. I do. Words transforming worlds. Like a head on collision. It’s a girl. Easier than falling from a great height. I don’t love you anymore.
So, I just say nothing these days.
Boy meets Girl. Girl plays hard to get. Boy gets Girl. Boy gets bored. Girl gets sad. Boy meets another Girl. Girl finds Boy and another Girl together. Girl tries to kill Boy. Girl jailed. Boy moves to Wales. Girl wants revenge. Girl takes on new identity. Girl meets boy.
We grew up together, bestest friends. Studied dance and drama. Then she became famous. I didn’t. Very famous. But not me. I considered murdering her. For fame of course. Bad idea. She’s Hollywood’s new sweetheart. I’m Jim’s new shag pal. But is she happy? Well, I am. I am.
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