One to Another - quiet, kind & special people

Part 6 - Finn

I make my way home, as I enter into the house, calling out to da, deafening silence. Just a note on a table "off to Leeds for work. Staying with Ian, I will see you on Sunday. Money is for food not booze. No parties!" I roll my eyes. Fuck it is quiet. Deafening silence.

Three days without dad. I call chop and he suggests a party "da said no parties Chop, so lets have a big one!" I say.

"You've finally ditched that scrag Stacey, it is time to celebrate, whatcha think lad? Asked Chlop who's primary objective would be to get with as many girls as he can.

"I'll invite the fit girls of course", Chop starts. "and then the girls who might be interested in a Finn Rebound", he teases.

"Actually Chop, can you do me a favour, keep it small, not to many people ok?" I ask, I don't wait for his response before I continue "Chop, I need one other thing", I pause "I need a particular girl to come to this party, but...." I twist the phone cord around my finger.

Chop interrupts "you dirty dog Finn already racing off a new bird..."

"Nah Chop, it is just a girl I need to say sorry to, nothing more." I say, although I know it is a lie to myself.

Chop was silent and then unleashed "where the fuck is Finn Nelson? The real Finn Nelson never says sorry."

"Oi", I interrupt. "This girl, I have no idea what her name is. She hangs in the library at college . "Stacey well let's just say she was in true form..." I continue. "This girl thinks I am like Stacey and I need her to understand that I am nothing like her." I am silent.

In reply "Ask Archie he will know her and I will make sure she comes" says Chop.

Ok mate, thanks Chop."

"Friday night right? Asks Chop.

"Friday it is!" I confirm. I hang up the phone.

I climb the stairs to my room, two at a time, sling my bag down on the chair and I look through my records, yes Beastie Boys I smile. As the needle hits the vinyl the tunes fill the room I am instantly transported to the caff. I shake my head thinking it has been a long time since someone has left me feeling like this.

I remove my boots, talk off my jacket, leaving them on the floor. I lay down on my bed with a piece of paper and a pen, my brain is on overload with song titles and artist springing to mind, before I know it I have enough for a mixed tape. Fuck a mixed tape for a mystery girl. If she comes to the party maybe I can get her in my room and have her listen to it. I smile. I have to find out who she is first. One step at a time Finley.

I look at the clock, its 9.23pm. Archie, I need to ring Arch.

I go downstairs and ring Archie, its late but he would only just have gotten home from the rec centre.

The familiar sound of Archie's voice answers "hello". "Arch me man, you alright" I ask.

"Yup, Alright Finn?" Archie askes.

"Yes, I just want your help..." I explain.

"Anything Finn" he replies.

"The caff today, the girl, I think she's a first year" I pause.

"What about her Finn?" Archie fills the silence.

"Ummm do you know her? I tried to talk to her and she just wanted me to leave her alone..." I continue.

"Can't blame her Finn, Stacey was a right bitch, but we expect nothing less. Although we know her, it is never easy to take. Your girlfriend..." Archie said.

"Archie , she's my ex girlfriend" I interrupt.

"Archie, do you know her?" I ask again, trying to hide my frustration.

"Yeah Finn I do, but I can't have you..."

I stop Archie mid sentence "You can't have me what? Apologise? "

Archie clears his throat. "My mum knows her mum Finn. Her name is Rae, Rae Earl." Archie continues. "Finn, I should mention, she used to knock about with Chloe."

My heart sings at this news. I close my eyes, and smile... my thoughts wander to her lips, I shake my head.

"Rae Earl" I repeat her name, as it passes my lips it is so satisfying.

I continue "thanks Arch. By the way party at mine Friday, we'll bunk off college early, got to get some booze."

Arch and I say goodbye, and I bolt back upstairs to my room. I have a mixed tape to make Rae Earl. The thought makes me feel warm.