Monthly Archives: May 2012

he finds it easy to open up about the bullying at school, the drink and drugs the overdose at christmas. Derek nods: I’ve always known about meself, though I did try to fight it you know: In Denial. Tried to … Continue reading →

through Frankie’s leads him into the crowd making introductions as if Frankie is an honoured guest. He points everyone out: That’s Danny – he used ter be very homophobic just swung round to the gay scene he’s starting to love … Continue reading →

He tells Mam he’s going to a film with mates from school. He buses into town, keeps looking round in case he’s seen. He unfolds a leaflet Julia Johnson gave him, checks the map, the street name, finds the door, … Continue reading →

Corinne and Frankie share some TicTacs Frankie flicks one, catches it in his mouth: Aye, but didn’t yer guess? Well. Corinne’s reluctant. Yer must have thought it? I s’pose I did. Didn’t ye? Frankie sighs, Aye. I s’pose. I’m knackered … Continue reading →

there’s a lightness in his head his feet have lost their boots of lead he shoulders his pack and makes his way to the hall. Becca’s standing with a pink bag on her arm, in a group of girls, she … Continue reading →

Frankie leans his elbows on his knees looks at nothing, then before he can think, he starts to talk Last term, well, for years really I was, like, yer kna, bullied by lads, me brother, like in that.. he jerks … Continue reading →

Frankie’s got an appointment, he’s missing PE which makes him happy, as he knocks on a door that says Pastoral Care. Come in! a woman’s voice calls. She’s big, with short bleached hair and a ring through her nose. He … Continue reading →

Frankie’s restless; Dad’s on at him to get back to school. Mam is tired, he feels in the way. He plans to go back, after half term, get stuck in, catch up, do his GCSEs like Corinne and Paddy. They … Continue reading →

In his mind he sees a blue pool only it isn’t blue or just blue, it’s wavering glass with lines of gold that thread and dance. Water laps and slops in a lazy way laps and slaps, slops and lops. … Continue reading →