Tender (A britpop era fiction)

Some Might Say II

As I come back into the living room after what feels like an eternity, I'm surprised to see that only Matt's sitting in there. He turns around as he hears my steps, smiling at me. 

"Where is the rest?" I ask quietly, sitting down in my chair without looking at him. I still feel so embarrassed for my emotion release before. Normally I can handle myself, but somehow the last few weeks have affected my ability to remain calm in face of everything regarding my brothers. I'be had this feeling more than once now, laying in bed at night, staring at the ceiling and defying the firm grip of the past around my throat. 

"I've asked them to take the rest of the day off. I'm sure we can end this session very well on our own, don't you think?"

Speechless I look up to him. His thoughtfulness surprises and weirdly moves me.

"Thank you" I say, still staggered. Matt nods. 

"Claire, in case you've...I know I've said this before, but it's not my intention to dig out any dirt. I just ask you for your side of the story. I know it's my job to ask questions, but I don't need answers just for, just for the sake of it. And if there's anything that upsets you, that...hurts you, I don't have a problem with you not talking about it. You have to believe me that." Matt nervously arranges his notes.

"I want to do this" I mumble. "I'll do it and then I want to let the matter be, for good. I want this to end." 

I look up to him.

"What use is it to go on feuding? Noel and Liam will be asked about Oasis for the rest of their lives. But what happened between the three of us, it should've never been out there in the public, the spite and the insults. But...but it was my decision to make it public." I clasp my hands until my knuckles appear white.

"To the outside world, we grow up. We become adults, become husbands and wifes and mothers and fathers. But not to our siblings. You live outside of time's touch with 'em. I look at a picture of Liam and all I can see is the little boy smiling at me from across the breakfast table, blueberry jam all over his face. I think of Noel and I remember the brother I've roamed through record shops with, dreaming about buying all the vinyls we ever wanted. We know each other as we always were." I cast my eyes down. "I try to remember that."

"Media's always been fascinated with siblings in the music industry. Think about the Gibb Brothers or about Ray and Dave Davies. A bond like yours and the interest your personal relationships at the time-" Matt speculates. "It shines through."

I shrug. Guess it does. He seems like he wants to say something else, but keeps quiet. 

"Irish twins" I mumble.

"Sorry?" Only now I realize I spoke it out loud. 

"Irish twins" I repeat. "That's what people like us are called. Sibling born less than a year apart."

"Does this mean something to you?"

"It meant the world to me once." Today, I can hardly remember why. I shake my head slightly, try to resist the grip of the past pulling me in again.

"Well, my offer stand. No digging. No further questions, if you feel uncomfortable." Matt smiles. I look up to him and not the first time I'm asking myself why he's so...nice.

"Should we go on talking about Whats The Story...?" he asks and I nod. He pulls out another piece of paper from the stack on his knees. I straighten my shoulders. 

Time for the next chapter, glorious and painful as it may be.

"Some rumours say you've practically co-produced (What's The Story) Morning Glory."