Blitz Kidz

Chapter 5: Late Night Chat

We've been in the UK for 2 weeks, and so much has happened. We have all these beautiful new friends, met David Bowie, performed all over the new romantic club scene, I lost Steph... shit, of course my mind had to go there.
She has been my rock for so many years, holding me together when all else fell apart. Now that we're over, it's like the tether that kept me from falling into myself has been cut, leaving me helpless to my emotions.
I roll over onto my back and sigh, staring up into the pitch-black darkness. Everyone is asleep, and the weight of silence is crushing. If I cried, I'd wake them all up.
So instead, I pull on my boots and head outside to have a smoke.
The night air is warm and laden with summer's humidity. I can hear cars passing by in the distance, planes flying by overhead.
My hands are shaky, making it damn near impossible to light my cigarette. So now I can't even have that? I throw them to the ground and watch them scatter around. Next is the lighter, which I slam down so hard it breaks into pieces, just like my heart.
But now I have a new problem, there's no more nicotine to distract me from the pain in my chest!
I slump onto the pavement and release the shaky sobs I've been holding back all night.
" Rough day?"
Light footsteps approach me, and I snap my head up.
Marilyn stands there, bare faced and casual, giving me a sympathetic look.
"You could say that."
He sits next to me with a sigh, lighting up one of his own cigarettes and handing it to me.
"It's my last one, so you better be fucking grateful."
"Thanks Maz... You've caught me in a very vulnerable moment."
"Yeah, Stevie Wonder could see that."
He chuckles as I inhale the hot smoke, letting it cover my lungs like a warm blanket. As I let it out, another sob escapes without my permission.
Wordlessly, Marilyn wraps an arm around my shoulders and lets me cry on him.
" Is this about that girl?"
He says softly, patting my back.
"Was it that obvious?" I croak.
" A little bit."
We sit in silence for a moment, the only sounds are that of my weeping. I hate it, the quiet is like an open invitation for my memories to bombard me.
"Keep talking to me, I need a distraction."
He looks at me, then shifts his eyes to the mess I made on the ground.
"Is she really worth the money you just wasted?"
We both half heartedly chuckle.
" Am I?"
I say under my breath, wringing my fingers.
"Of course you are! I know many girls who would be thrilled to have even one night with you!"
"Oh yeah, and who are these girls?"
"Well, I can't think of any right now, but I bet I could help you meet someone."
The idea excites me, but do I really want to jump back into a relationship so soon? How can I give my heart to someone while it's broken?
"Maybe" I mumble.
Marilyn smirks, giving me one of his signature winks.
"Why don't we go out tomorrow night and find you somebody? What do you say?"
"I'll think about it."
"Oh, come ON! You know you want to!"
I must be making a face, because he starts nodding to himself and muttering about how he knew he was right.
"If I say no, are you gonna pester me about it?"
"Abso-fucking-lutely, girl!"
We laugh, and I give him a squeeze.
"Thanks for helping me. You're a good friend."
"Don't thank me yet, we have some bird hunting to do!"
I don't know how long we stay out there for, bitching, giggling, contemplating the universe. All I know is the lightness I feel chatting with Marilyn. I sense potential for a very close friendship, and I hope he stays in my life after I go back to America.
The sun begins to rise, making the sky look like a watercolor painting. I can't remember the last time I watched the sunrise, but I'm mesmerized by it.
"Well, looks like it's time for me to head to bed. You gonna be alright?"
"Yeah, I'll be ok."
"Promise?"
"Yes Maz, now goodnight."
I giggle, rolling my eyes playfully.
"Goodnight Aria."
The door shuts gently behind me, and I find myself getting sleepy as well.
Leaning back against the house, I lose myself in the beauty of the sunrise once more, as I drift off peacefully.