Part 29/?
A Broken Sixpence
Part 29. Sheffield.
Emma kept checking to see if her texts had been answered. That shit Alex never just answered, she always had to chase and call him. Even after three years. Just after 11.30 he finally answered. I stayed at a friend’s. Won’t be back until tonight, then seeing band. What is it this time ? A
She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. I was worried. It’s been two weeks and no-one knew where you were last night. When what she wanted to say was I missed you.
She rang her best friend. ‘Library ?’ she asked, gathering her pile of books under her free arm, grabbing at Alex’s scarf with the tips of her fingers from the bannister.
*****
Fran waited outside the college library for her friend. Her bare tights didn’t offer enough protection against the Sheffield frost, so she broken up the minutes with little hops, and tapping her shoes together. The first thing she noticed about Emma’s arrival was the scarf. Alex’s she thought. She nervously adjusted her satchel and began making a believable story. It wasn’t worth hurting Emma even though Emma knew what she’s been getting involved in; Everyone knows Alex Turner doesn’t do love. Upfront about it he might be, but people don’t choose who they fall in love with. She popped a Polo into her mouth and strode towards her friend for a hug.