Everything Else; Maylor

Just Like That.

ROGER'S POV:

I sat perched up, reading an article about the different varieties of fashion and how they attract certain audiences in a crinkled magazine that Freddie owned. It was a cloudy day which was a perfect day for the shop I owned (Freddie owned it too). So, of course, I was working although not many customers were bothered with the shop. We sold second-hand women's fashion but, some times I stole some of Freddie's old clothes and put them on the clothing racks. He had found out a few times and scolded me with a, 'Do you know how much that jacket means to me!?', and I would go, 'Is that why you haven't wore it in five years?' then he would shut up.

Finally, the bell jingles making me look up to reveal a beautiful lady with long, ginger hair and an infectious smile. I got up from my seat as she paced towards me with cheek. We grasped each other in a friendly hug before I spoke, "Mary!"

"Roger!" She mimicked with a giggle. Freddie and I were good friends with her- well, we were. In college we were all best friends but, now we barely kept in touch. However, she did ring either Freddie or I once a week, but it was always small talk. We never bothered to hang out anymore- I don't know why I was more than surprised to see her.

"What brings you here to the Kensington Market?" I chuckled. Her smile twitched when I realised something was wrong. Mary had always been a reassuring person- honest but, secretive to make sure others are okay.

"Just dropping by." She giggled nervously at my serious face.

"Mary." I gave her a look that said, 'I know something isn't right'. She sighed before pinching her forehead. 

"Freddie." She weeped, hiding her tears although her voice didn't cover the tremendous sadness. "He- He-"

"I know, I don't know what to do. I've spoke to every-"

"Roger." Her eyes pooled with tears as she shook her head not being able to comprehend what she had to say. I hugged her tightly- like we used to when we were younger. I swayed her sightly as she softly wheezed and cried into my arm. I kept my calm on the outside even though my mind was running 24 miles an hour. 

Mary's state was starting to get the better of me, "What happened?" 

She let go of me and calmed herself so her words would now be audible. "He's dead." 

There I stood, not comprehending anything she said seriously, "What?" I choked out. 

"Don't make me say it again." A wet tear fell from her eye, though she didn't bother to wipe it. I stumbled back slightly, raising my hand to my pale face, "I found out this morning."

"Why didn't I!?" I raised my voice causing Mary to shamefully look down. She covered her mouth as she stared at me. She cried softly into her delicate hands, one with an engagement ring. My eyes pooled, walking back behind the counter. 

What do I think? What do I do? My best friend who I've shared so much with is gone? Just like that? 

A couple long minutes passed before Mary spoke again, "He was murdered." My gaze found hers emotionless. My breath suddenly became shaky and unstable, the overwhelming feeling of dizziness took over me as my face paled. "Roger, are you-"

And that was all I could remember. 

Inaudible words surrounded me though my eyes remain shut. I fluttered them open, trying to get used to the bright light before my younger sister noticed me awaken. 

"ROGER!" She screamed, hugging me tight. I chuckled a bit before wrapping my arms around her, noticing the heavy pulse oximeter on my index finger, "I thought you wouldn't wake up!"

"Of course I would, you goof." I laughed lightly, scruffing up her hair with my hand making her frown. Behind my ten-year-old sister was my mother who smiled warmly at me.

"How you feelin'? Mary told me you passed out." Ah, thats what happened.

 I rubbed my eyes and shrugged, "Kinda weak."

"Yeah, you look awfully pale, Rog." She sighed, "Mary's getting you a packet of lollies- you need sugar." I nodded and sat up, "I'm sorry." She said suddenly, her voice becoming quiet as I realised my best friend was murdered. Her hand rested on top of mine, her thumb stroking it softly. "I'll miss him too. He was a great man." I turned away as I let a loud whimper escape my mouth before loud sobs followed- so loud, in fact my ears rang. My mother quickly grasped me into one of the tightest, warmest hugs I had ever received. I dug my head in the crook of her neck while I heard her whisper to my sister, 'Go see what Mary's up to.' My crying sounded like quiet screams with loud wails. Suddenly, I pulled away. My anger dug into me.

"Who di- did it?" I said, hiccuping.

"They don't know." She looked down, wiping a tear, "Someone found him in a garbage disposal at the other end of London..."

"Whoever did this, I'll make sure they're fucking dead." My voice stern but, more cries followed and fell. My mother was ready to scold me (softly) but, as soon as I started to cry and scream she hugged me tight.

"It's okay, baby." She stroked my hair, kissing the top of my head, "It'll all be okay."