BEFORE THE STORM-SKINS UK (G.2)

Epilogue

Twenty months later

I look at the pitch black sky as I float in the pool
Due to the all the lights,I can't see a damn star,just a few planes
But even watching at this empty black pit,reminds me how little we are,I don't need the stars to realize it

I stay still,listening to quiet hum of the traffic and  the water crashing on the poolside

I love it here
It makes it easier to think

I love stargazing
I still remember the first time I did it
I was five,on the beach,with my parents,everything still seemed fine at the time
We were silent and waiting to see a shooting star
But I didn't care,I was just mesmerized by all the things in the sky
And I still am
I enjoy a bit of astronomy
And when I do the same with Fred I like to annoy with all the facts I've learnt over the time

I haven't seen the stars in a while
London is too bight for that

Suddenly I hear footsteps

"Trish" I hear Freddie say

I turn around and see him,on the edge of the pool,hands in his pockets

"You coming in?" I invite
"I was thinking about it"
"Well,it's nice here,come float with me"

He takes off his trousers and shirt and gets in the pool,near me

For a while, we just float together in silence, side by side, our bodies gently bumping against each other with the movement of the water
It's peaceful, and I feel a sense of calm wash over me, something that's been hard to come by lately

Finally, Freddie breaks the silence
"What are you thinking about?"
"The first time we kissed.We were in the water,just like now,I was floating on the lake and...saw you on the shore.When you jumped in without a second thought...I guess I already knew what to do"
"Yeah,I remember,I looked everywhere that day for you...then your mum told me you might be there and I just had to...kiss you"
"I'm so glad you did" I say "God knows I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you" I add
He sighs "We've really come a long way since,yeah?"
"Damn sure we did,we've built something pretty amazing together" I start "And tomorrow we'll bring Effy here...it's gonna be different,having her here"
"Yeah,it must be hard for her"
"Yeah,get back on her own feet after almost two years,must me difficult...but we'll help her,I promised"
"Sure we will"

~~~~~

I drive through the familiar gates of the prison where Effy's been for the last years
As I promised her,I visited her twice a week
But this time,well,it's much different

I'll finally get to hug her,to give her a proper room and help her get back to normality
Even if I know that,for how she is,she won't need much help
I'm sure
But I'll always be there,and I'll make sure she knows it
Tony's coming round too one of these days,I'm very glad he could make it
It means a lot to Eff,having him near

The wait to see her feels like hours these time and when I finally see her I can't help but almost strangle her as I hug her

"You're chocking me,Trish" I hear her say,not really complaint in her voice
"Sorry,it's just...been to long"
"I know"

We start walking silently to the exit
Effy glances around,memorizing the details of this place before leaving it behind forever

"I'm sorry Freddie couldn't make it,he wanted to but...some therapy sessions came up last minute and,you know,work got in the way,he'll wait for us home,though"
"He's probably more excited for this than I am"
"Yeah,but not more than me...we've got that room all set up for you,I think you'll love it"
"Thanks Trish" she says "For everything,for visiting for...not giving me up"
"I would never,you're my best friend"