TAINTED LOVE...

Alex sat slumped in the phone box, his almost empty Vodka bottle in one hand and the receiver in the other. He tried to focus on the digits through graffiti and beer goggles, the rain was thunderous. He cried into his sweaty palms as the insecure past tugged violently at his heart. He was alone again. Chav's sped past on mini BMX's bringing noises of joy, as Alex stared insanely at his reflection looking back. He hated himself more than ever, his only friend was the half empty bottle of Vodka. Alex punched out at the booth window, but it didn't help. He could taste his salty tears in a cocktail of alcohol and rain. He cried out words of regrets, mistakes of letting her close to him. Didn't she know how much he loved her, how he was always there. Always here?

His heart felt to be pumping more anger around his over weight body. Why was she doing this too him? She could never understand could she? His hurt, his childhood abuse? His fears. But he had seen it coming. The early warning signs that girls are so unique at. The dismissive blanking, the flirting with his friends. He would always try, only to push her away further. Her cold comments had left him bare and raped him of his self belief. He fought to stand up. Alex let the bottle slip from his grip, shattering around his feet. He began dialling Susan's number 0-7...his head met his forearm resting on the panel. He felt weak, tired. Maybe it was the antidepressants he'd swallowed earlier, maybe? He had to escape his prison, and find space from himself. Alex crouched down and chose a piece of the glass that lay in the puddle.

He screamed at the night, 'I LOVE YOU!'

And then he ran the sharp glass across both wrists, watching his life drip out as he quietly slipped away.

Kerry held up her new dress for Susan to judge, they were off up town.

'Well, wakey wakey girl.'

'Soz Kez, I was just thinking about Alex.' she sighed, staring at the ceiling.

Kerry rested her hands at the hips. 'Why? He was a weirdo anyway, to possessive for one.'

'I know. But I have been a bitch too him lately, and I regret cheating.'

'Do you want him back?' asked Kerry, turning to the mirror.

Susan sat up on the bed. 'I think so, K. '

Kerry began getting her make up out, 'Tell you what. Come out still, we'll have a laugh. You might get lucky.' she watched Susan play with her guilt. 'Listen, one night of freedom, then ring Alex up tomorrow, say your sorry, blah-blah-blah, end of story.'

Susan stood up, 'Okay Kez, I just hope he can forgive me...'