North and South

Park Life

June 1994

Erin thought about that kiss sometimes. She thought about Graham at completely random times of the day or night after weeks of forgetting. She hoped he was doing OK. Their album sales were going through the roof and they deserved it.

It had put Liam and Noel on edge about their album that was almost ready for release. They'd re-recorded some things after seeing how successful Parklife was. It was mad that the lads who they'd seen play two months ago were now riding the crest of a wave of fame. It was mad to think about.

Erin's GCSE's started in a few weeks. She had one year left to make up any grades she failed at college but she had been studying hard since the night of the gig. This development had surprised everyone. Everyone except Noel perhaps. She'd shut herself in her room all night and all weekend when she wasn't at work revising.

She was sprawled out on her bed with notes and textbooks everywhere. She'd drawn the curtains to avoid the temptation of looking out into the beautiful, sunny, summer Saturday. A rare day off from work was being spent cooped up in her room. A knock sounded at her door.

"Can I come in?"

It was Liam.

She rolled her eyes.

"What's up? I'm studying." She replied in a monotone as she returned her focus to her books.

Liam opened the door and sighed. He made his way over and sat on her bed tentatively in the small space between the mess of paper and textbooks.

"You are turning into an actual nerd. You've been locking yourself in here every day. I'm worried about you."
He said gently.

Erin felt her chest ache slightly. Liam rarely showed genuine concern choosing to hide it behind layers of bravado. He must truly be worried about her.

She abandoned her textbooks and looked up at him. His clear blue eyes and heavy brows were tensed with worry.

She smiled.

"I'm alright. I just want to pass that's all."

Liam nodded.

"Is this about what happened with...that twat from blur?"

Erin felt her face heat from the mention of him. And the kiss.

"What? No. What are you talking about?"

Liam shrugged.

"Ever since then you've been different. Like studying and that. Did he say something to you? Because if he did...look just because they're posh Uni wankers who look down their nose at people like us don't let it get you down. You're amazing."

Erin smiled softly. Liam was so rarely gentle and vulnerable. It meant a lot.

"He didn't say anything. And they don't look down their nose at us. Did you ever think it's our insecurity about where we come from that's the problem not them?"

Liam scoffed.

"Of course they fucking do. And absolutely fucking not. What's gotten into you?" He asked his brow furrowed in genuine concern.

She shook her head.

"Nothing. It's just...I want more than... this. You and Noel have found your way out and I'm just trying to find my own way that's all."

He sighed slowly.

"What did he say?"

Erin was becoming increasingly frustrated now.