The Kids On The East Side Of Town, Chapter 8, There’s Plenty More Fish In The Sea

It was Monday 10th of April, 1987, and I woke up from a really long nap, and I came downstairs, Johnny, Jamie, Kevin and Dominick were sitting down, having breakfast. Travis was out for a bit, I never really knew where he went, but after a few minutes, he comes through the door with some girl, she had hazel brown eyes, she had blonde and brunette curly hair, she wore a leather jacket. Her name was Gloria Winston . Of course, I didn’t know what her name was, but after some consideration, I finally got to know her .

” Oh hi Travis ”, I said .

” Hey Liam ”, he replied, as he waltzed in through the door with a smile on his face, I’ve never seen him so happy and it made me happy . There’s just something about seeing people so happy and cheerful, it’s the best thing ever .

” Who’s this ?”, I asked . It’s so weird to see some boy with a girl who has just walked in without any context, so I wanted to know .

” Oh, I totally forgot to introduce her to you guys, haha, hoh dear me, right, so this is Gloria, Gloria, this is Liam, Liam, this is Gloria ”, Travis introduced me to her .

” Hello, nice to meet you ”, Gloria said .

” Nice to meet you too ”, I replied . She seemed really nice, Travis really went all in, this time, and it’s nice to see him happy .

” And, these are my friends, Dominick, Emmett, Johnny, Jamie and Kevin ”, Travis said, as he introduced her to the gang .

” Hi ”, Gloria said, as she waved . The gang seemed to like her, it was very rare to date someone in the neighborhood, you would always meet someone new, there would be a 90 % chance of coming across some bird in a park or in a cafe. But whether they stay with you, that’s another story . Travis was always the fortunate one, he was different compared to the rest of the gang, he had hazel brown eyes and short brown hair, he was charming and handsome . Some members of the gang were rough and fearless, but not Travis, he would still be tough when he needs to, but other then that, he was a kind, sensative young lad. He had wrecklessly laughing and sympothetic eyes in one second and then he would be angry and furious in the next, but not Travis, he was one of a kind . He was the sort of person who would get battered or drunk at a football match or at a prom without even getting near alchohol, it was very rare to find someone who drinks in our neighborhood, except for all the spirit guzzlers, but it was very rare to find someone who drinks at least once or twice, but Travis never had a drop, he gets drunk by just living .

Dominick was hooked on her, he thought that she looked stunning . But personality weighs more in gold and identity matters more then looks and appearance to Dominick . Dominick never had any success in finding love or the perfect match, dating wasn’t really his thing, he was better off by himself, to say the least .

” Wow, oh gor blimey, she’s smashing ”, Dominick said .

” Travis, I never knew that you were a ladies man ”, I told him .

” Oh well, somebody has to be one ”, Travis answered, quite charmingly . Travis was very sensible. He was taught to never treat women like shit or slabs of meat, his parents taught him certain values of making his own way into the world . ” I think I have a real chance with her, she’s a real dead ringer for love ”, he added .

” You better keep her away, man, otherwise, I’ll take her, man ”, Emmett said .

” Emmett, you have many girlfriends, you don’t need her ”, Johnny said .

” Yeah, but she’s on another level, no one’s like her, she’s like a gem, a diamond ”, Emmett said. Then, Travis ordered Gloria to wait in the passage for him, for whatever reason .

” Gloria, would it be ok if you waited in the passage for a sec ?”, He asked .

” Of course, mind me, I have to go now, see ya ”, Gloria said, as she said goodbye to us and she went off like whirl wind .

” See ya ”, we all said at the same time .

” Travvs, where did you find her ?”, Emmett asked him .

” It’s a long story, but I met her at a bus stop, at the Seven Sisters station, like round the corner ”, Travis replied .

” A bus stop, at Seven Sisters station ?, bahaaaaah ”, Kevin said, as he broke out laughing .

” Oh cool, I thought that you would go to night clubs and meet women, why are you so dense ?, you don’t meet a babe at the bus stop ”, Emmett said .

” I don’t know, I don’t really go on dates that much, it’s not really my thing, to be honest, but it’s the really the least I can do, you know ?”, Travis replied, as he was folding up his coat and hung it up on a clothes peg . Johnny was really happy for Travis .

” Travis, congratulations, you are now a man ”, he said, as he congratulated him .

” Yeah, I still can’t believe it myself, I was ten years old, the other day,  I just now realized on how time flies ”, Travis said .

” So, what are you guys gonna do together, for your little date night for the special lady, do you have any plans ?”, Emmett asked .

” I don’t know, I might take her to drive in, maybe watch a film ”, Travis replied .

” Sounds good ”, Jamie said .

” So, how did you two meet ?”, I asked, out of curiousity . Once in my life, I never thought that I would be interested in listening to love stories, but, here I am, god help me .

” I actually just walked up to her and I said ” Hey babe, need a ride ?”, and she said no, because we were next to a bus and she just laughed, and the next thing you know, she gave me her number, I gave her mine, long story short, we are now together ”, Travis explained . Emmett hated his love at first sight story, not because it didn’t happen to him, but because it was crap .

” That is the worst story I have ever heard, if that was a plot for a film, people would wish that they were dead, I’m telling you, that’s not love at first sight, that’s death, that’s everything that you would want to avoid ”, Emmett said .

” No, don’t be silly, I’m not taking her to see that film, it hasn’t even been made yet, but hoh, can you imagine though ?, that would be a complete and utter injustice, bloody hell ”, Travis said .

” I’d go and watch that film, sounds like something what Steven Speilberg and Francis Ford Coppola would direct, I love those sorts of films, cause like, it’s like a double dip, cause like, sometimes, it’s good and sometimes, it’s shit, but this one is just shit fall stop ”, Kevin said, sarcastically .

” Yeah well, you’re lucky I’m not going for that approach ”, Travis said . Then, Travis went to talk to Emmett about dating girls .

”  Emmett, so tell me, how do you always win the ladies hearts ?, because you know, you’re like the dating king, you know all the secrets”, Travis said .

” Well, it’s just an Emmett thing, really, do you want me to give you some tips ?”, Emmett asked .

” Yes please, if you can, that would be great, I need advice more than anything ”, Travis answered .

” Ok so, the first tip is to comb and grease your hair, the ladies love that, believe me ”, Emmett told him .

” Yes, what else ?”, he asked . Little did he know, that the advice would get more and more weird each time, crikey .

” Then, you just act socially awkward, like you can light a cigarette and drop it and then you fall off your chair ”, Emmett replied .

” What the actual hell, fall off your chair ?, wouldn’t they just get up and leave ?”, Travis asked, as he was confused beyond belief .

” Nah man, they will come running to you, it always works for me and it will definetely work for you, I’m sure of it, it’s not a gamble ”, Emmett said .

” Ok, do you have any more tips ?”, Travis asked .

” Yeah, you have to do a very weird laugh, the more weird, the better, sort of like techno, like teckno kinda shit ”, Emmett replied .

” A very weird laugh ?”, Travis asked .

” Yeah, it sounds like this . ” Heh heh heh heh ”, he said, as he mocked the laugh . Travis was speechless, he thought that Emmett was out of his mind, and perhaps he is.

” What the hell, and that gets the ladies ?”, he asked, as he was kind of disturbed and kind of confused at the same time .

” Yeah, they find it very sexy and they fight over you, trust me, I’ve seen it before, it’s like Baboon ”, Emmett replied . He seems like an expert on dating, he’s the man with all the answers, he’s the man with a plan, from all the girls he has been in a relationship with, he has learned off of those experiences .

” Really ?, ok ”, Travis answered .

” Yeah, go ahead, try it, it won’t bite ”, Emmett recommended, as he sat there and watched Travis .

” Ok, here I go ”. ” Heh heh heh heh, how’s that ?”, Travis asked. He had an unfortunate voice crack, which was not expected, but he managed to do it in the end. Emmett had a weird look on his face, he looked proud and mortified at the same time .

” That’s perfect man, that should do the trick, don’t do it high pitched though, because the lady will be frightened, she’ll think that she’s dating Elmo ”, Emmett said .

” I know, I know, I’m not gonna do it high pitched, that was a demo, it happened because I had a voice crack, it happens when you don’t talk for a very long time, I’ll make sure I get it right this time ”, Travis said .

” Oh ok, Travis ”, Emmett said .

” Before I go, are there any more tips ?”, Travis asked .

” Uh yes actually, I have one more . ” So in order to win a girl’s heart, you have to sing ”, Emmett replied .

” Sing ?, I’m not Beethoven, for god sake ”, Travis said .

” You don’t need to be Beethoven in order to sing, and I’m telling you, singing makes everything more enjoyable, you master the right voice, you’re raring to go, the secret is, is that you have to have the perfect voice, you don’t want it to be too high or too low, just right ”, Emmett told him . ” I need you to do this, so that you can smash it tonight ”, Emmett added .

” Right ok, well, I’m just letting you know, I’m not that good of a singer, I had no vocal lessons, I don’t know what I’m doing ”, Travis said .

” It’s ok, Travis, honestly, you don’t need to be good at singing, impressing your woman is more important, you understand ?, no one gives a rat’s ass if you can’t hit a high note, it’s all about the charisma and the confidence ”, Emmett said .

” Right ok ”, Travis said .

” Would you mind if you could demonstrate, please ?”, Emmett asked .

” Emmett, what the bloody hell are you doing, why are you asking me to sing ?”, Travis asked .

” I just want you to sing, so I could make sure that you’re all set for your date, you don’t just need the greasy hair and the social awkwardness, oh no no no, you need the whole package ”, Emmett replied .

” Ok fine, I’ll do it, what do you prefer, do you want the vibrato or the falsetto ?”, Travis asked .

” Just do anything, I don’t mind ”, Emmett replied .

” Ok, right, here goes nothing. ” Ok, one a two, a 1 2 3 4, Baby baby, show me the way ay, to win your heart and love today, to fall in love, I have planned, don’t you understand, harrrrrr ”, Travis sang .

” Yeahhh, that’s it, good job, you have some great vocal rage, you know that ?”, Emmett asked .

” Nah, I never sang to anyone before ”, Travis said .

” That’s bloody brilliant, you know, wow ”, Emmett said .

” Baby baby, try a little love on me and I’m sure that, soon there will be, a wonder to wonderland, don’t you understand ?, harrrr, when you’re sad and blue, and you ain’t got much to do, and the world is dark and grey ay ”, Travis carried on singing .

” Ok ok, that’s enough singing for one day, don’t wanna tire yourself out, do we now ?”, Emmett asked . As he stops him in his tracks .

” No, of course not ”, Travis replied .

” Wow, ok um, it looks like you’re raring to go, now go get that girl ”, Emmett said .

 

” Thanks, man, I better head out and join Gloria, see you in a bit ”, Travis said, as he got up from the staircase and picked up his jacket .

” Alright, man, go get her, man, it’s Travis Fisher, the go getter, bringing back the victory ”, Emmett said, in a movie trailer voice .

” Ayyyyyy, the boy is back in town ”, Travis cheered, as he held his arms out wide . ” Alright, I better start making a move, see ya ”, Travis said, and then he left .

” Go on, get out of here, you dozy old twonk ”, Emmett said, as he was joking around . Then Travis walks out, singing to himself .

” Or maybe you’ll find a second hand magic spell, but best of allllllll, lots to be loved ”, He sang .

” Stop singing, you idiot, you’re not bloody Hienz, you’re not bloody Elvis, alright ? ”, Emmett said .

” Yeah I know ”, Travis said .

” Phh ”, Emmett said, as he shook his head and carried on doing what he was doing .

” Hohhhhhhh ”, Travis sang, once again .

” Shutttttttt, damn you, Travis ”, Emmett shouted .

” Hah hahaha ”, Travis laughed, as he stood there in the hallway .

Travis headed out to join Gloria at the drive in. When Travis arrived at the drive in, he went to go and sit next to Gloria .

” Hey Gloria ”, he said .

” Hey, well don’t just stand there, come and join us, take a seat ”, Gloria replied, as she was chuffed to see him, to his surprise, Gloria was sitting next to someone .

” Who’s that ?”, Travis asked, as he looked at the person who was sitting next to her .

” Oh, this is my friend, her name is Gladys, Gladys, this is Travis, Travis, this is Gladys ”, she said, as she introduced her to Travis .

” Hey ”, she said, and she waved. Gladys was Gloria’s friend . She had light brown / brunette curly hair . She wore a white dress with multicolored bangles on her wrist .

” Hey ”, Travis said . It was a bit weird watching a film with more then one person, was not expecting for her to bring her friend, but three’s a crowd, I guess . Travis, the king of kindness, asked Gloria if she wanted something to drink, like a coke .

” Hey Gloria, do you want a coke ?, I can get you one if you like, they only cost like, what, they only cost you like 1. 50 or 2 bob, they are well cheap ”, Travis asked .

” Oh yes please ”, she replied, and he went to and get it for her . Then, out of no where, Gladys was whispering something in Gloria’s ear .

” Who is this geezer ?, he looks cute ”, Gladys asked, as she whispered in Gloria’s ears .

” Oh, back off, buster, he’s my man, you can get back with Lucas, he ain’t any different from him ”, Gloria told her .

” Oh hell nah, I’m not getting back with him, gets drunk all the time. ” Anyway, this guy is cute, he’s not like other boys, that’s for sure ”, Gladys said . Then you could hear Travis singing in the back round .

” Down Town, just listen to the rhythem of the gentle bossonova, down town, forget all your troubles, forget all your plans and go Down town, things will be great with the ”, Travis sang. Gloria was sitting there, thinking ” Kill me now ” .

” What’s wrong with him ?”, Gloria asked .

” He’s obsessed with Down town, apparently, he can’t get enough of it. ” He’s definetely still not like other boys ”, Gladys said .

” Yeah, sure he’s not like other boys, they all do the exact same bloody thing ”, Gloria said . Then, Travis came back with Gloria’s coke, right after his Glee moment .

” Here, take this ”, Travis said, as he gave her the coke .

” Oh thank you, that’s very kind of you ”, Gloria said, as she took the can of coke from Travis .

” Man, have you seen this film before ?, it looks mad, just some bloke running around in some field, is this Top Gun ?, no it can’t be, that’s like associated with helicopters and stuff. ” What is this ?, have we been conned ?, I thought I got tickets to come and see Italian Job, very unusual ”, he added .

Turns out, the film that they were watching in the drive in, was The Wickerman and Travis didn’t seem to like it, but the girls did, Travis was the odd one out. Travis would always go to the cinema, it was escapism for him, but the cinema that he goes to, is a very brutal one . They’d always have a guard standing around in the corner, but mostly by the door, holding a stick and if anybody who were to enter the building, they would get beaten up, some people got away with it and some people didn’t, but Travis was the one who got away with it . Travis seemed to like Gloria, Gloria seemed to like Travis. She seemed to like him, not only because of his sense of humor, but also because of his unique charm . They met at a bus stop, Travis was on his way to the petrol station, when he came across a girl, he didn’t know whether he should just carry on or just walk up to her, but he thought that she looked beautiful, so he was afraid that if he didn’t go up to her, somebody else would go up to her and he would have lost the opportunity of a lifetime, which was his worst nightmare, so he took a deep breath and then he just went for it, Travis has no regrets in doing so . Gloria was about the same age as Travis, she was 19 and Travis was also 19, so there were no age gaps, they were perfect for each other . Gloria was out and about, running some errands and getting some fruits and vegitables for her sick grand mother, who lives on Albion Road, she was a little bit unwell, so she needed a helping a hand from her grandaughter, she was elderly, she was about 80 years of age. Travis and Gloria had a lot in common. They both liked famous 80s boy bands, such as Spandau Ballet and Wham and a bunch of seventies bands, such as Sparks and Blondie . He also told her lots about his clubbing days, she often found it very interesting and a lot has managed to catch her eye . They both liked the same films too . They both liked Casablanca and Grease . Travis wasn’t really interested in Rom Coms, but as he grew up, he understood the hype over a film about a boy meets girl, long distance relationship soap opera .

Meeting Gloria was so weird, from the moment I made eye contact with her, I could already see our future together . I knew that we had a lot in common, we both like the same films, we had a thing for Casablanca, we would always quote some of the quotes and dress up as some of the characters. I helped her with the shopping bags and when she was waiting at the bus stop, she was going for a broachure, we both got one at the same time, can you believe that shit ?, I swear to god. I don’t even believe it myself, if I ask myself, it was some big coincidence and I knew that from then on, that we were perfect for each other .

After a few minutes after watching the film, Gloria had a confession to make . Travis knew what was coming, he was calm and casual about it on the outside, but on the inside, he was a hot mess, but he trying his very best to play it cool, it was really the least he could do .

” Travis, I have something to tell you, I’ve been thinking about this an awful lot, lately and um, I’ve been thinking about what’s the best possible way to break it to you and I think the only way that I can tell you, is to tell you now, at the drive in, during the ad break ”, Gloria said, starting all formal . ” Ok so, now, do you remember on how you’ve always wanted a girlfriend, that you’ve been to the moon and back, just to try and find one ?”, Gloria asked .

” Yeah, I don’t know where you’re going with this, but yeah, I do ”, Travis said .

” Well, this is just a little secret between you and I, ok ?, I fancy you. I think that you are handsome and really funny, ever since we’ve had that encounter, this morning, I have fallen in love ”, Gloria said .

” Oh how the mighty have fallen ”, Gladys said .

” What, but I don’t understand, what are you trying to say, are you trying to say that you love me ?”, Travis asked .

” Yes, no shit, Trav ”, Gladys said .

” I’m asking you out, that’s what I’m trying to say, you daft old twat ”, Gloria said .

” Really ?, holy shit ”, Travis said . Still trying to wrap his head around the fact that Gloria likes him .

” Yeah, holy shit, this isn’t a joke, I really like you ”, Gloria said, and then, Gladys barged in and started winding her up .

” Just say yes, what are you waiting for ?, just say yes, you’ve just bagged yourself a man, you like him, he likes you, say yes, pull it together, woman ”, Gladys shouted .

” Gladys, please, this is just between him and I, it’s none of your business ”, Gloria said .

” Yeah, but I ain’t saying nuttin ”, Gladys said . Gloria was beginning to lose her patience .

” You are going to back off, now, as I was saying, um, I fancy you, I like you so so much, Travis, yeah, we are the dream team, can you picture us in Clissold Park, on a lovely summers day, feeding the pigeons, piggy backs all year round ”, Gloria shouted . Gladys and Travis were laughing their heads off. Gloria dedicated her whole life to this speech, Jesus Christ .

” Jesus Christ, stop making this look like some sort of a cheesy romantic comedy, I’m gonna be sick ”, Gladys said .

” You know what, this is gonna be a long day, don’t worry about it ”, Travis said . ” So, what were you saying, you liked me ?”, he asked .

” Yeah, I really like you, I think we can make this work, what do you reckon ?”, Gloria asked . As she was making her own observation that originally came from her heart and not just getting set up by her friends, which is good .

” Yes, I think that it can totally work, hah hah, hallelujah ”, Travis replied, with some shock . Then, he faked falling off his chair, Gloria started laughing, usually, she’d think that she was tough and posh and flamboyant, but her mask came off, she was nothing like that at all. I’m not sure if Travis felt embarrassed by falling off his chair, even though it was an act, the man is made of steel. Travis thought it would be great to ruin the vibe and light a cigarette, so he did so . I honestly don’t know what Emmett was thinking, how is that gonna win a girl’s heart ?, I mean, I know that he’s the love expert, or the bloody love doctor, as I should say, I know that he’s an expert in all, but come on, that’s like a recipe for disaster . Travis lit his cigarette and he dropped it by accident, such a bold move coming from Travis, a very bold move .

” Oh shit, heh heh heh, dropped my bloody cigarette, luckily, it wasn’t lit, oh shit, sorry, are you ok Gloria ?”, Travis said, as he noticed that Gloria had a slight change in attitude . At this moment in time, Gloria was probably thinking ” What the heck ?” .

” Oh my god, are you bloody kidding me, this was going so well, why did it to end like this, bloody shambles ”, Gloria shouted, as she was feeling gutted .

” It was an accident, I’m sorry, I don’t know what happened, it just, it just slipped out of my hand, I would have caught it, but ”, Travis apologized .

” By Travvy ”, she said, and she just stormed off, she made her way out of the main exit .

” Oh bloody hell, why ?”, Travis said, as he was upset. Then, when he came home, he told Emmett all about it .

” Hah hah hah hahaha, what was that, pm jum pish, ahh, it’s too much ”, Emmett started laughing his head off .

” What the heck, man, why did you give me those tips, bloody lost the girl ”, Travis told him, as he was annoyed .

” No, actually, they were tips for a break up, but close enough ”, Emmett said .

” Are you having a Turkish ?”, Travis asked him, as he was pissed off .

” No, I’m being serious ”, Emmett said, as he suddenly turned serious, he wasn’t laughing anymore .

” Falling off a chair is no way to win a girl’s heart, where did you get that from ?”, Travis asked .

” It used to work on me, maybe you’re not Emmett material ”, He said .

” I mean, come on, haven’t you ever been to the football matches, they do that all the time, they do that over Charlie and Hasheesh ”, he added. Emmett has no idea what he’s talking about, half of the time, his brain is fried from smoking all sorts of shit .

” Oh leave it out, when have people fallen over for Hasheesh and Charlie, when has that ever happened ?”, Travis asked .

” football hooligans do it all time, mainly when West Ham plays Liverpool, they start doing riots and shit, I have a friend who used to be a hooligan, they used to do mad shit ”, Emmett replied .

” Bloody hell, still makes no sense though ”, Travis said . Then, they heard a sudden knock at the door . Who could it be ?.

” There’s somebody at the door, there’s somebody at the door, there’s somebody at the door, there’s somebody at the door ”, Emmett chanted, as he pranced around the house like some showman and he walked up to the door. Travis had a slight churn in his stomach, he had an idea of who might have been .

” Oh, it’s Gloria, it’s bloody Gloria, isn’t it ?, oh bloody hell, shit, you know what, just tell her that I’m not here, if anyone asks, just tell them that I’ve left the country, my time in Hackney is no more, I’m going to Japan, alright ?, Adios”, Travis said, as he started panicking, telling Emmett to cover for him. Then Emmett goes to open the door, not worrying if Gloria’s there .

” Hey ok, I’m opening the door, the door goes in, the door goes out, that’s what it’s all about, gang way, I’m just gonna open the door with a huge smile on my face, and I’m just gonna say Surprise !! ”, Emmett said, and he went to go and open the door, not knowing who’s behind it . ” Oh shit ”.

” Hello, sorry to bother you, is Travis there ?”, she asked, as she wanted to talk to him, but Travis was having none of it, you could tell that Gloria still had feelings for him. At this point, Travis’s leg was gone, he was fully in hiding and he didn’t wanna come out, no matter how many times you convince him .

Hiding in the cupboard was tough, there were one or two holes, so it’s not like you can barely breathe. If I knew that Gloria was gonna come, I would have planned it all, but it was a last minute thing, it’s first world problems, it all happened late, another one bites the dust. Chances are, I have to go and speak to her, sooner or later, it might as well be now, but I’m stuck in this bloody cupboard, I hope not though, she’s gonna tell me all this bullshit about love and how flamingos fall in love with giraffes, I’m not ready to have that kind of talk. Hopefully that she stays here for one minute and then she leaves, this cupboard is getting insufferable now, I can’t stay in this position any longer. I hope Emmett occupies her with his small talk, whatever that may entail. He only talks about how shit the weather is, why there’s so much water outside, then he rants about how they charge you 60 £ for the congestion charge, I doubt that he’ll be able to keep it up .

” I’m sorry, Travis isn’t here at the moment, he’s hiding in a cupboard, it’s very narrow, the doors are like bloody, they’re like chock a block, if only you can see how bad they are, sorry to keep you standing around, do you want me to tell him that you wanna speak to him, I could leave a message, don’t think he will be out any time soon ”, Emmett said, in a reasurring soothing robotic voice . It wasn’t enough to convince her, she still wanted to see him. So much for the cupboard idea, it’s been flushed down the toilet .

” No, there’s no need, I know where Travis is. ” Travis, it’s Gloria, open up, I ain’t gonna hurt ya ”, she said, as she walked up to the cupboard, like a crazy phycho woman. She was nothing like a phycho though, she was actually very sweet and quite mellow, you wouldn’t think of her as a phycho, but she can be a phycho when she needs to and she’ll make sure that you know about that .

” Ahhhhhh nooooo ”, Travis screamed, as he was terrified . At this moment in time, Travis was being a bit of a drama queen. There was nothing to be scared of, Gloria isn’t gonna murder him, she will be angry but not like that, that’s just on another level . The only thing that will come out of this is a chat, nothing else, hopefully, hopefully this won’t end in bloodshed, maybe I’m just looking into things .

” Calm down, I just want to talk ”, she claimed .

” Ok well then, stand out there if you want to talk, anywhere that’s not near the cupboard, don’t talk here, talk over there ”, Travis told her .

” No, I want to talk to you ”, Gloria said . ” Look, can you just get out of the cupboard, you just look ridiculous doing this ”, Gloria added .

” I don’t think I’d want to, to be honest, I’d rather stay here for the rest of my life, I don’t wanna make eye contact with people or anyone with more then two eyes ”, Travis said .

” Travis, just get out of the cupboard ?, I just feel silly talking to a wooden cupboard, I’ll probably get bloody sectioned ”, Gloria said .

” Ok, you know what ?, you’re right, I’ll get out of the cupboard, I’m sorry ”, Travis said, and he came out of the cupboard. ” Right so, what is it that you want to tell me ?”, Travis asked .

” Look, there’s something that I’ve been meaning to tell you, it’s been on my mind for ages now and it’s driving me mad, I really need to get it off my chest ”, she said .

” Ok, what is it ?”, he asked .

” Ok so, just to start things off, I’m very sorry about earlier on, I was kind of under a lot of stress ”, she told him . ” I wasn’t meant to shout, I wasn’t meant to storm off, wasn’t meant to act like a total bitch, I thought it was you, but it really isn’t, it’s all me ”, Gloria added .

” Yeah, it’s ok, I understand, we all go a little crazy sometimes, it’s a part of life, things get on top of us, we all go crazy, what can you do ?”, Travis answered .

” But I want us to get back together ”, Gloria confirmed.

” Huh ?, what ?”, he said, as he was shocked .

” Yeah, it may come across as quite a surprise, but the truth is, is that I really like you, you are the perfect man for me, I am well aware that there’s no such thing as the perfect man, but when it comes to you, you are the perfect man ”, she told him .

” Oh stop it ”, he said, as he was flattered .

” No, I’m being serious, I want us to get back together, so what do you say ?, do you want to get back together ?”, she questioned him .

” Yes, let’s get back together, let’s leave all our woes behind and get back together ”, he replied. Then, their lips touched for a minute .

” Great cool. ” Hey Travis, do you know what happens when a flamingo and a giraffe falls in love ?, sparks fly, but the giraffe isn’t really interested, so it runs away, it’s kinda cute though, I mean, I ain’t ever seen a flamingo fall in love with a giraffe but it’s one of those things where you don’t need to be able to see to believe in animal love, you know what I mean ?”, Gloria said, and Travis froze and made a face, Travis knew that Gloria would talk about the flamingo and giraffe thing .

”  Yeah, I thought you would say that ”, Travis said, and they gave each other a peck on the lips, Emmett was silently winding them up and making hand signals, yeah, like he hasn’t even fallen in love before .

” Emmett, piss off, I’m having some romantic time with my mrs ”, Travis said. Then, Emmett left the room and just left them to it .

” Do you wanna go outside and see my friends ?”, Travis asked .

” You just read my mind ”, Gloria replied, and she laughed. All of us went outside for some fresh air. Then, Carter’s gang turned up, I was not happy with seeing their faces .

” Oh shit ”, Travis said, as he felt shivers going down his spine. Logan took a few steps forward, what exactly does he want from us, why is he here ?.

” Well well well, look who it is, Travis ”, Logan said, with a lousy smirk .

” What do you want ?”, Travis asked .

” What are you doing with my girlfriend ?”, Logan asked Travis .

” What, Gloria, is this your boyfriend ?”, Travis asked Gloria .

” Yes, yes it is, yes ”, she replied with a sigh .

” Why didn’t you tell me this earlier ?”, he asked .

” Cause, I didn’t want things to be weird between us, I couldn’t tell you that I was with some other geezer, couldn’t I ?, I could never do that ”, Gloria replied .

” Gloria, what are you doing with this Eagle ?”, Logan critisized Travis .

” Don’t say it like that ”, Gloria replied .

” Look, why don’t we just get back together, so you can stop hanging around with these bums ”, Logan asked her .

” No, I don’t like you anymore, after all the wicked things you’ve done, you’ve cheated on me, many more times then I can remember, you’ve cheated on me with another bird, you left me in the night club alone, why should I get back with a monster like you ”, Gloria tried to tell him straight . Logan didn’t look too happy .

” Ok, that’s fine, that’s fine by me, you can go, running into that Eagle’s arms and shit in his mouth, let’s go fellas ”, Logan said, as he walked off with the gang .

” That’s it, go away and don’t even bother coming back, fucking ignorant beats, fucking fuming fuming bastards ”, Emmett shouted .

” Emmett, calm down, there’s going now, they’re getting in their cars, there’s no need to shout ” I said .

” I know, I’m sorry Liam, I get a bit over aggrivated, you see, these things don’t sit well with me, when things like this happen, I just feel like punching someone in the boat race, and believe you me, if I see them, not sure if I will, I probably won’t, but if I do, they probably won’t return home, oh, if only I could get my hands on them, cause if I could, hmmmmm, they’re a gonner ”, Emmett said .

” Wayor is ”, Travis said . ” Oh, hello lady ”, he added .

” Travis, I’m sorry but, I think it’s over between us, I’m sure you understand ”, Gloria said, as she just ripped off the bandaid by confessing about how she felt. I knew it wasn’t gonna last that long, something had to worm it’s way into our lives and break us up, eventually .

” Well, that’s fine, I don’t need a lady to make me look cool and tough, maybe in a parralell universe, but certainly not here, let’s go guys ”, Travis told her and walked off with the gang .

” So you’re not getting back with her ?”, Emmett asked .

” Nah, she called me Travvy, plus, I don’t really think it worked between us, I feel like a fish out of the water ”, Travis replied, as he looked down at the floor .

” Well, don’t look at the ground, there’s nothing to look at ”, Emmett said .

” Yeah, that’s kinda the whole point ”, Travis said .

” Look, man, I know what you’re going through, break ups are tough, trust me, I’ve been through loads of them, rejections, break ups, slip ups, fights, you name it, I’ve been through all of them, but she’s not the only girl around here, you never know, you could meet someone else on your way out of the shops or something, it can happen very unexpectedly, and there are plenty of fish in the sea, you just gotta know where to look ”, Emmett told him .

” Yeah, well, she can waddle off to the sea with the rest of the fish, cause I don’t care, I couldn’t care less, I don’t give a rat’s ass, she can be with whoever she wants, doesn’t mean that much to me ”, Travis said .

” Look, man, she’ll come around, just need to give her some time, sometimes, those sorts of things take forever, but you just have to have some patience, she’ll come back, I just know it ”, Emmett said. ” Now, what about a night with the boys to cheer you up, maybe we could go to an arcade, have a few shots on that gambling machine, maybe stop at that food place round the corner, get a burger or something ?”, Emmett asked .

” Yeah, that would be wicked, thank you very much, can’t wait for that ”, Travis replied .

” Ok, let’s go and get Kevin, Dominick, Johnny, Liam and Jamie, we’re gonna have some fun ”, Emmett said, and they went inside the house to get the boys, who were sitting around, they appeared to be listening to some tunes .

” Yeah, you see, that extra beat, it goes boom boom boom, then it goes woh wohwohwoh, yeah, that’s it, that’s what I’m talking about, yeah, that’s sick, that’s pretty good, actually, I was expecting much worse, this is wicked, bad, bloody hell ”, Dominick said, as they were talking about the record that was playing on the record player.

” Yeah, this is pretty good, actually, it’s a bit off though, the geezer doesn’t know what he’s on about, sick track though ”, Johnny said .

” Yeah, can you make any sense out of it, do you have any idea what he’s singing about, cause I don’t, I don’t know shit ”, Dominick said .

” I can try, but I don’t think it’s good enough, I can try though ”, Johnny said .

” Ok well, show me what you got ”, Dominick said .

” Ok well, I’ll start with the first lyric, the chorus, ok um, I don’t need you, you dumb dumb pastry, that’s how far I can go, that’s clearly what he’s saying, you can’t tell me otherwise, he’s saying silly pastry, he’s calling a bird a dumb dumb silly pastry, I’m telling you, man ”, Johnny said .

” It does, actually, it does sound like that, what’s he going on about, silly pastry, this geezer, bloody hell ”, Dominick said .

” Oh wait, the infamous beat is coming up, wait, here we go, wait for it, wait for it, dm dm dm dm dm, dun dun dun dun ”, he says and they both shake their hands to the beat .

” Oh yeah, sick, haha ”, Dominick said .

” Yeah, what a great piece of music, ay ?, what a great find ”, Johnny said .

” Yeah, definetely a great find, it was only 5 quid as well, well cheap ”, Dominick said .

” Nice one ”, Johnny said . Then, Emmett walked in and demanded them to turn off the music, he thought it was shit .

” Alright, turn that bloody shit off ”, Emmett said .

” Hey, we were listening to that ”, Johnny said .

” Yeah, we wanna know more about the dumb dumb pastry ”, Dominick said .

” Yeah well, I’ve got something better, something more interesting, something that isn’t mind numbing, like bloody dumb pastry ”, Emmett said .

” Guys, wanna go to the arcade, we’re gonna cheer up Travis, he’s been feeling low about the rejection, apparently, the girl broke his heart, needs someone to mend it back together again, so he needs some company, take his mind off of it all, what do you say ?”, Emmett asked .

” Yeah, I’m really sorry, man, rejections can be a pain in the ass, but we’re right here for you, even when the girl isn’t ”, Dominick said .

” Thanks guys, I’m feeling better already, honestly, I am ”, Travis said, with a smile on his face .

” Yeah, a boys night is even better then dating somebody, at least you know the person who you are performing with, like, you’ve been with them for like, what, like 4 or 5 years, you’ve done everything with them, they’re not strangers to you, you know them for one day, then the next thing you know, you’re like strangers in the night, I know it’s terrible, but that’s just how it is ”, Jamie said .

” Yeah, but there was a moment where I thought ” This is it, this is the one ”, but who knew that it wasn’t going to stay forever, see, that’s the problem with these things, the first minute, it goes really well, then suddenly, a huge storm comes crashing down on you and ruins it, and you can’t expect it to stay forever ”, Travis said .

” Yeah, I know how it feels, man, rejections can kick you in the balls without expecting it to, I’d rather have no partner then experience sheer heartache, that’s why I stay single, can’t handle the aftermath of the emotions after you break up someone ”, Jamie said .

” Yeah, if only if Gloria wasn’t Logan’s boyfriend, then it could of worked out, but of course, something has to ruin the opportunity for me ”, Travis said .

” I know, but there’s no difference between us and The Rejects, they are humans, just like us, they just have money and fancy cars, but that doesn’t matter, we all have qualities and struggles that we go through every day and every night ”, Johnny said .

” Yeah, that’s true, shame on her, she is missing out, greatly, she doesn’t know what she’s missing ”, Liam said .

” Yeah, well, what are we waiting for, are we gonna go to the arcade or what ?”, Emmett asked.

” Yessssss ”, Kevin said, as he waved his arms about from all the excitement .

” Let’s go guys ”, Emmett said.

Now, they’re all ready to go to the arcade, they’re gonna have a whale of a time, find out what happens in the next chapter .

End of chapter