fly like paper high like planes

An hindrance she osculated with snoopy fingers. Interminable to her faint human view. The carcass of a shunned architecture. Debris consisting of an ancient residence, an habitation that didn’t survive to six years of remaining a fugitive. Cassie was morose from the somber form now kissing the ground passionately. Neighbors she’d yearn to reunify in their obsolete domicile. Oh so vintage, démodé, and tasteless. She adored it.

Parenchyma under febrile phalanges, it almost reminded her of an hurricane. Those who blows the zephyr so nimbly that it separate roofs, and lives from corpses. So amazing. Destruction was a full time activity, it was an elongated essence, to resurrect from dry ashes, and form something fresh. Cassie loved to think she was the embodiment of a majestic phoenix. Whom revives from flames, and returns to seconds after birth. As if she didn’t experience a sole existence. As if she were sage and well fed. Magical.

And the crave of joining her friendly ruins nudged her to kneel and consequently lay on the dust of her souvenirs. A sigh of exaltation humidifying her sore lips. The sun was transforming her view, from eyelids sealed she could discern colors, some of distinct reaction from her moves, other flashes she couldn’t fully discern. Cassie missed Arnold and Chérie. They were memorable, so fat in saturated merriness. They loved china products. She loved that. They let her touch them, and talk a lot, and they listened. They didn’t wait for their turn to speak. They actually listened. 

——————- And now they were gone.

She heard the feeble sound of a wandering soul approaching, but she didn’t mind. Obviously, Cassie believed in fate strongly. That soul would welcome hers like an old mate. She was certain.

Jesse was lucky. Finally she’d gotten in a few hours of sleep. Not that it had been enough, of course, but it was still some. Better than nothing. She’d decided she’d go wandering round Bristol. She didn’t feeling like going to the a club or a pub, or getting fucked. She just felt like walking. Exploring. 

She found herself among the housing, the areas that all looked the same. The buildings were cookie-cutter copies of themselves, and somehow it calmed Jesse down. She took a cig from her bag and lit, moving down the street. The smoke blurred the edges of the houses as she walked- almost as if she was going through a tunnel. Then, something broke through. Destroyed the lines of symmetry. She snapped her vision out. A girl was lying on the ground, a look on her face that seemed to Jess like she had been waiting for her. “‘Lo?" she greeted uncertainly. “Are you al’righ’?"

—————- “Hi! I’m stellar. How about you?" 

She scrunched her abdominal muscles, solely to pose herself in a comfortable sitting position, on the debris of the ancient cavern. It didn’t appear as a monstrous umbrage caused by the void in a rock, yet, it was now empty. Soul-less, nothing but ruins fucking the ground passionately— almost. It felt disturbing to the least, and so, she was sitting on it. How odd! 

————————- “What brings you here?"

Brightly, her voice shines in the waves of her tone, hopefully reaching the stranger’s conveniently. A quip celebrated it’s arrival towards the light of the evening. 

——- “If you came to buy. Well, it’s too late." 

Cassie chortled, and ceased the noise with a content sigh. Dog days were over, and she possessed the ability to discover fresh immigrants, or ancient ancestor. Visit Bristol as if it were the first, and last time. Opportunities would drown her, and obviously, she could always help herself with a new friend.

She turned and stared at the wandering people, until she spotted a girl sitting on a bench with her head down. Either reading, texting, whatever. She was trying to not be noticed, at least that’s what Franky assumed. She crumpled the damp paper in her hand and pulled her hood up over her ears. Of course it was starting to drizzle, but that never stopped the people of Bristol before. Franky slid next to the girl on the bench and unwrinkled the paper. The pen marks were all smeared, the name included. "Bollocks," she spoke out loud and caught the girls attention by accident. "You wouldn’t happen to be… M.. Mi… fuck it, do you sell spliff? I was supposed to meet someone here and the rain fucked the name," Franky opened her palm to show the leaked and runny note that was useless by now. 

Jesse had been up all night. No matter what she did, nothing would send her to sleep. She’d gone to the corner drug and bought a bottle of sleepers, downing a few more than the suggested dose- and even that hadn’t sent her off. So when Jess finally saw the morning sun, she’d thought, fuck it- and took a walk. 

She’d found a bench to sit and must have nodded off- because the next thing she knew she was jerked awake by a girl’s voice. Jess saw her through the curtain of dark damp hair. She was cute, with a wave of short hair and a pointed chin. She looked like a fairytale pixie to Jess. “Do you sell spliff?" she asked her, taking Jesse by surprise. Jesse moved the hair out of her face, knowing she must have looked a wreck. “I…" Jesse croaked. She cleared her throat, smiling a bit, “As it happens… I do sell sometimes. I got a bit back at my flat if you like." She twirled a strand of hair with her fingers. “Sorry bout your paper," she said, stretching her arms and yawning. “I’m a bit damp myself," she realized. “I’m Jess." 

"Franky," she stated, standing up behind the tired or stoned looking girl. Franky couldn’t tell the difference at this point in time. She pulled the hood over her head tighter so the rain wouldn’t drop onto her face. "Lead the way then," she glanced at the girl with a small smile. Normally she wouldn’t trust a stranger, but if this was who she was supposed to meet up with than so be it. She knew Morgan, hopefully and she didn’t look like she would harm anyone. Just a bit tired or high. Both probably.

Franky walked nervously next to the girl, with her hands in her jumper. "Uh.. are you all right? You look a bit.. dunno. Tired? Sad.. or something. Probably could use a tea or coffee really," Franky didn’t want to be rude, but the girl looked like she was ready to collapse under the pressure of thin air. "I could grab you one if you want, the shop is right across the street? Unless your house is.. well.. here, sorry I’m being a bit overwhelming." Franky wiped her cheeks from the rain drops and looked down to not seem so anxious. 

Franky. Somehow the name really fit the girl. Jesse stood on stiff legs and took a deep breath before leading Franky down the walk. It was weird, she hadn’t sold to anyone in a long time. She’d assumed she’d just smoke everything she had over time. But she supposed it’d be good to make some money on the side.

"Uh… are you all right?" Franky asked her. Jess smiled. So she did look beat. “I’m al’righ," she mumbled. When Franky offered to get her something to drink, Jesse perked. “Yeah… yeah that’d be great. No, it’s fine," she assured her. “I could really use some coffee right now." She laughed. 

Good, the girl agreed she was tired. At least she was only tired and not on something stronger than spliff. “I’ll get it, just take a seat before you tip over." Franky smiled and walked them inside the shop, pointing to the nearest chair. She counted the coins in hand and walked up to the counter, looking back to make sure the girl was still seated in sight. "Medium coffee, two sugars, one cream." Franky waited patiently, glancing at her watch and Jesse, until she looked up at her. She felt nervous. This girl was a bit mysterious, sort of like Effy was when they first met. Only, she seemed more laid back. Less in her head. "Here you are ma’m," Franky thanked the barista and walked over to Jesse cupping her hands around the warm cup.

"It’s hot, but we can sit here for a bit or get going. I’m in no hurry." Franky sat across from Jesse and finally took her hood down to let her hair free. The tips of her auburn hair were a bit damp but it was no matter. It was England, the rain meant nothing more than a poke to the face. "So.. how do you know Morgan? I mean she referred you, but I never seen you around before. She’s always wandering around.. the.. do you know what I’m talking about.." Fuck, she didn’t look like it. 

She watched as Franky went and ordered their coffees. She looked nervous. It occurred to Jesse that she could be an undercover cop or something, but she laughed it off. Besides, who’d care if she went to prison? Franky returned fairly quickly and handed Jess a coffee.  "Cheers."

"It’s hot, but we can sit here for a bit or get going. I’m in no hurry." Franky took her hood down. She had pretty eyes, too. Jess smiled. I’m cool with sitting," she said. “So… how do you know Morgan?" asked Franky. Who? “Sorry, I’ve got no clue who that is," Jesse said, laughing. “We could go back an look for your friend…" she shrugged. “If you want. But you’re looking for weed, yeah? And my stuff’s the best." Jesse’s smile widened. 

"Shit.." Franky rubbed her forehead embarrassed. This wasn’t who Morgan was talking about. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She just so happened to stumble upon someone else in Bristol who sold spliff. Not very uncommon. “If you want. But you’re looking for weed, yeah? And my stuff’s the best." Her cheeks turned bright red and she shook her head, pulling her hood up over her ears again. "Bollocks.. That’s.. the name that was smeared? I forgot what it said, assumed it was you. Coincidence I guess…"  How was this girl so chill? Franky’s cheeks were still burning red, no hiding it now.

"Fuck… this wasn’t supposed to, whatever. I just needed spliff. Didn’t mean to intrude on your day." She sighed, tugging on the strings of her jumper near the hood. Well, she was in it now and there was no point in leaving. Franky needed the spliff and a clear head. Just because her mates weren’t popping their heads around, she could sit around alone getting stoned with some music at least. "Again, sorry." Franky looked up from her bangs and leaned on her hands. 

Jesse laughed at the redness on Franky’s pixie-like face. “Don’t worry bout it. Whoever it was you were supposed to meet can’t sell anything half as good as my stuff. You didn’t intrude," she added, raising her eyebrows. “Did I look very busy when you found me?" Jess chuckled and leaned back in her chair, bringing the hot coffee to her lips and blowing away some steam.

"Don’t apologize. Why should you? Buy some weed, that’ll be apology enough," Jesse said teasingly. 

"You didn’t look very busy," she smiled looking down shyly. Jesse was right. if she didn’t want to help out Franky she would’ve said so. "Don’t apologize. Why should you? Buy some weed, that’ll be apology enough," She nodded, smiling with tight lips. “Let’s go," she stood up and handed Jesse her coffee again. She kept her hood up, just in case the rain hadn’t stopped, which it didn’t. 

They exited outside and Franky held her strings of her hoodie down to protect from the rain. “How far are you again?" Franky muttered behind her hood, trying to see Jesse’s face. She was a nice girl, very relaxed. She needed someone like this in her life, at least for today. Maybe they could smoke a bit of spliff before she went on her way. 

"Let’s go," agreed Franky, and Jess took her coffee and stood. She pulled up the collar of her jacket this time- not that it would do much good. “How far are you again?" Franky asked, slightly muffled from the protection of her hood. “Don’t worry, it’s not far. Just a couple streets down." She smiled to reassure her they wouldn’t be in the rain for long. 

Franky put her hands in her jumper pocket and walked forth, following Jesse closely so she could see where she was going. The rain wasn’t picking up or slowing down, which made her irritable. Like it could downpour any second and the anticipation of it was taking a toll. Jesse strolled along, down the two blocks like she said. Her flat looked small, but comfortable. She waited patiently until the door was open, then she stepped inside pulling her hood off quickly. It was damp enough to make her hair feel gross. Franky glanced around, maybe she had a roommate or just lived alone. Jesse seemed the type to be a quiet loner type. 

"Uh, we can smoke together if you want? I don’t really have much planned and you’re pretty good company." She smiled and slipped her wet sneakers off by the door. No need to track mud inside someone elses home. Jesse mentioned the spliff and was out of sight, Franky wandered aimlessly around until she found a chair at the table near the kitchen. The couch seemed too home-like. She hated making herself at home in someone elses territory, plus it wasn’t very comfortable. She pulled her phone out and messed around, texting no one or debating on texting Mini or even Morgan. She sighed hearing footsteps again. 

Jesse loved the rain, though it was clear her newest customer did not. She seemed ill at it, almost like if the rain were a person she’d be slapping it right now. They walked into the pub and up the stairs, Jess fumbling with her bloody fucking keys to get the door open. Millie wasn’t home- as usual, though Jesse usually didn’t ask where she’d gone. She assumed she’d needed some time to herself and accepted that. “Come on in," she said, waving the wet pixie inside. Jess found herself chuckling a bit at Franky. “I can get ya a towel? Or a hairdryer. My flatmate might have one- ‘less she took it with her."

"Uh, we can smoke together if you want? I don’t really have much planned and you’re pretty good company." Franky asked and smiled at her, making Jess’ lip pull up at the corner. She watched her pull off her shoes as she made her way to the small kitchen. “Sounds good. You want anything to drink?" she asked. “I’ve got beer." She took one out and popped the top, slugging back a bit. “I know it’s a tad early t’be drinking, but…" she smiled sheepishly. Franky found a seat on one of the kitchen chairs. “I’ll get the spliff, if you want it now." 

"Never too early now, probably need it." Franky ruffled her hair and shook her head to the hair dryer. Her hair would dry eventually, either that or she’d have to go out in the rain again anyway. Franky nodded again, seeing Jesse walk off to get the spliff. The home smelled different. Like all flats and homes smelled when they were new or a new person. Some cigarette and spliff mixture. Possibly an animal or just the window open too long. it wasn’t discouraging for her to not stay, it was nice. Everyone had their own unique place, this was one indeed. Jesse appeared again and Franky smiled, turning her chair so Jesse could sit by her with the product. "Beer in the fridge?" Franky pointed and walked up to check anyway. Two bottles, "You said it was early, but I’ve been up since four in the bloody morning." Franky set the glass down in front of Jesse and twisted her cap off her own.

"Neat place you got here. Wish I had my own," she stared at the label of the beer realizing it wasn’t her exact choice. Beer wasn’t always her choice but neither was drinking in general. “Did you roommate go off or something? I had the same problem I guess.. I was living halfway at a mates and he bunked off." She shook her head. Franky hadn’t seen Chris in a near two to three months now. Still barely any contact. She sipped her beer and read the label again. 

"Having a flat’s not the special. Where d’you live then?" Jesse asked conversationally. She took her beer and tilted it back to her lips, chugging down most of it in one go. “Y’know, I dunno where she is. Fucked off somewhere. She’ll be back." Jesse shrugged nonchalantly. She wasn’t really close with Millie yet- not that she didn’t like her. “Sorry to hear about your mate," Jesse nodded. “I’ve had a few of them myself. But maybe the fact that I’m not sleeping with my current flatmate will make things a bit easier."

Jesse gave Franky a wide smile and exited the kitchen to get the weed from her room. “Help yourself t’anything else." She called back. “There are skins on top of the fridge if you could grab ‘em for me. ‘Less you wanna bong?" 

"Off Sommerville," she wasn’t specific for a reason. No need for a stranger drug dealer hanging out by her house. Her dads would ask questions. “I’ve had a few of them myself. But maybe the fact that I’m not sleeping with my current flatmate will make things a bit easier." Franky caught herself laughing between her sip of beer. This girl was funny, not classy, but who was nowadays? "Bong? Fuck, please. Been ages." Franky stood up excitedly. The last time she actually had enjoyed one was… fuck, with Luke. The thought left a bad taste in her mouth. This wasn’t the same situation. She breathed in and out, just like her doctor had recommended when Franky’s head caught her off guard. 

Jesse appeared with the glass and she smiled, slipping the slider out and filling the small bowl with shreds of the drug that Jesse had supplied her. "Oh, here," Franky slid the right amount of quid over to Jesse and continued preparing the bong. The water looked old but it wasn’t going to stop her. She grabbed the lighter off the table and took the first hit. The bubble of the water and smoke built slowly into a thick smoke until she released the slider. Her eyes shut and chest burned up to her diaphragm. Franky handed the bong over and slowly let the smoke ease out. "Fuck, you were right. Probably better than the shitty spliff I’ve been getting." Franky sipped her beer and looked around again. Her eyes felt heavy already. Just one hit? "Thanks for this, I’ve had a pretty lame week." She shook her head. 

"Oh, here," Franky slid the money down the table and Jess collected, smiling. “Thanks mate." She watched Franky handle the bong, it was one of Jess’ few possessions- actually quite pretty. She loved watching it in action. The pixie handed it back to her and she took a long hit. “I told ya it was good. Had to really hunt for this stuff. Everybody claims they’re the best… but…." Jess took another hit. “Not the best I’ve ever had," she said, simultaneously letting the smoke pour from her mouth, “but it’s good."

"Thanks for this, I’ve had a pretty lame week," Franky admitted, shaking her head. Jesse frowned, sliding the bong back to her. “Why?" She took a sip of beer, then added, almost as an after thought, “if you don’t mind me asking." 

Franky sighed and looked at the beer bottle in her hand. “Just.. a different week. Best mate’s gone south, all the usual of a hot and cold relationship." She shrugged. It was more than that, but she didn’t trust a stranger with her actual thoughts out in the open. The bong was passed back to her and Franky already felt light headed. She slowly wrapped her hands around the glass and felt mesmerized by the pattern and smoke drifting up from the chest. 

She lit the end and pulled the smoke up slowly and listened to the bubble rise. The smoke thickened and she waited until it was full until she pulled the slider out and released. The smoke filled her lungs to the brim and she coughed instantly, unintentionally. Franky’s cheeks turned red and she laughed through the smoke again. "Uhm.. normal bollocks in town. Bristol’s a hell of a shit place. Except now. I’m.. fairly stoned. This is a nice glass piece, I’m usually for just normal skins, but.. good choice." Franky dizzily handed the piece back and took a swig of beer. It tasted stronger than before, but there wasn’t much else to do. Franky’s phone buzzed, and she peered at the screen. Geoff. She silenced it. 

"Sorry to hear that," Jesse said again, because she really was. She hated when things fell apart- though she didn’t pretend to know what was going on with Franky. Jess felt bits of calm echo around her consciousness. It took a bit more than a few hits to get her stoned, of course.

Jesse couldn’t help the breathy laugh that escaped when Franky coughed. It was too cute to avoid. “Sorry, mate," she said, muffling her laughter with the beer. “Yeah, thanks. T’be honest, I’d prefer a skin anyday. Dunno why. Just like somethin’ between my fingers, y’know?" Franky’s phone buzzed then, and Jess couldn’t help but speak up. “You can take that if you want." 

Franky shook her head waving her hand. The call was pointless. Her dad being worried she was in a shitty situation again. If they hadn’t heard from her in a few hours they always did this, then frantic messages were sent. "It’s fine. He can worry for a bit," she smiled finishing off her beer. Franky grabbed the lighter from the table and decided on one last hit from the piece before letting Jesse take the rest. She needed to be a little sober by the time she got home. Though the storm would hide her red eyes from her dads when she wandered up the stairs.

"Plus I don’t feel like going home." She fiddled with the lighter in her hand watching the reflection of the lights bounce off and glisten. "Weird I’ve never seen you around here before." Franky stated blandly while more focused on the lighter. "You’re.. well, nice." She looked up to see the girl staring at the bong. Jesse was pretty, it showed. Her eyes were light and hair flowed nicely. Good build and pronounce cheek bones. She studied her features, too high to notice she was staring far too much anyway. "Your eyes are interesting too. Never seen that type of hazel," Franky tilted her head.

"Who? A boyfriend?" Jesse asked teasingly. Franky took another hit, and Jess loved the way the smoke billowed around her face.

"No problem. I got the whole place t’myself, could use a bit of company." Jesse hoped she didn’t seem like she was desperate for company. But she hadn’t really met anyone in Bristol she could hang around with easy- besides Emily, maybe. “I just moved here little while ago." Franky was staring, though she just probably couldn’t help it. She was stoned, after all. “Last time someone looked at me like that, Franks, I got fucked." Jesse laughed, to let her know she was joking. “Thank you though," she took the glass and lit, “You’re not so bad yourself." 

“Last time someone looked at me like that, Franks, I got fucked." Franky blushed. How direct? She didn’t realize she was staring too much. Fuck. She looked down straight away and Jesse said her thank you and more. Which also made her blush more. Her phone buzzed again. “Bollocks," she muttered ignoring the call again. “Not boyfriend, father. Over protective father," she sighed and slid her phone away from her on the table. She looked at Jesse again.

She blinked a few and rubbed her cheeks. Franky didn’t want to intrude on Jesse’s life but well the girl didn’t seem so busy after all. “If you don’t mind me asking, are you, we’ll into girls or?" She asked curiously with a bit of haze. Once high, Franky asked things she mostly kept to herself.

Jesse loved the blush on Franky’s cheeks. It wasn’t like when most people blushed- creeping up their necks til they were a pink mess. Franky blushed all at once; an explosion of color on her pale cheeks. Her phone buzzed again. “Over protective father… wouldn’t know what that’s like," Jess admitted. “Never really had any rules cos I never really had anyone who cared ‘bout ‘em."

She turned and stared at the wandering people, until she spotted a girl sitting on a bench with her head down. Either reading, texting, whatever. She was trying to not be noticed, at least that’s what Franky assumed. She crumpled the damp paper in her hand and pulled her hood up over her ears. Of course it was starting to drizzle, but that never stopped the people of Bristol before. Franky slid next to the girl on the bench and unwrinkled the paper. The pen marks were all smeared, the name included. "Bollocks," she spoke out loud and caught the girls attention by accident. "You wouldn’t happen to be… M.. Mi… fuck it, do you sell spliff? I was supposed to meet someone here and the rain fucked the name," Franky opened her palm to show the leaked and runny note that was useless by now. 

Jesse had been up all night. No matter what she did, nothing would send her to sleep. She’d gone to the corner drug and bought a bottle of sleepers, downing a few more than the suggested dose- and even that hadn’t sent her off. So when Jess finally saw the morning sun, she’d thought, fuck it- and took a walk. 

She’d found a bench to sit and must have nodded off- because the next thing she knew she was jerked awake by a girl’s voice. Jess saw her through the curtain of dark damp hair. She was cute, with a wave of short hair and a pointed chin. She looked like a fairytale pixie to Jess. “Do you sell spliff?" she asked her, taking Jesse by surprise. Jesse moved the hair out of her face, knowing she must have looked a wreck. “I…" Jesse croaked. She cleared her throat, smiling a bit, “As it happens… I do sell sometimes. I got a bit back at my flat if you like." She twirled a strand of hair with her fingers. “Sorry bout your paper," she said, stretching her arms and yawning. “I’m a bit damp myself," she realized. “I’m Jess." 

"Franky," she stated, standing up behind the tired or stoned looking girl. Franky couldn’t tell the difference at this point in time. She pulled the hood over her head tighter so the rain wouldn’t drop onto her face. "Lead the way then," she glanced at the girl with a small smile. Normally she wouldn’t trust a stranger, but if this was who she was supposed to meet up with than so be it. She knew Morgan, hopefully and she didn’t look like she would harm anyone. Just a bit tired or high. Both probably.

Franky walked nervously next to the girl, with her hands in her jumper. "Uh.. are you all right? You look a bit.. dunno. Tired? Sad.. or something. Probably could use a tea or coffee really," Franky didn’t want to be rude, but the girl looked like she was ready to collapse under the pressure of thin air. "I could grab you one if you want, the shop is right across the street? Unless your house is.. well.. here, sorry I’m being a bit overwhelming." Franky wiped her cheeks from the rain drops and looked down to not seem so anxious. 

Franky. Somehow the name really fit the girl. Jesse stood on stiff legs and took a deep breath before leading Franky down the walk. It was weird, she hadn’t sold to anyone in a long time. She’d assumed she’d just smoke everything she had over time. But she supposed it’d be good to make some money on the side.

"Uh… are you all right?" Franky asked her. Jess smiled. So she did look beat. “I’m al’righ," she mumbled. When Franky offered to get her something to drink, Jesse perked. “Yeah… yeah that’d be great. No, it’s fine," she assured her. “I could really use some coffee right now." She laughed. 

Good, the girl agreed she was tired. At least she was only tired and not on something stronger than spliff. “I’ll get it, just take a seat before you tip over." Franky smiled and walked them inside the shop, pointing to the nearest chair. She counted the coins in hand and walked up to the counter, looking back to make sure the girl was still seated in sight. "Medium coffee, two sugars, one cream." Franky waited patiently, glancing at her watch and Jesse, until she looked up at her. She felt nervous. This girl was a bit mysterious, sort of like Effy was when they first met. Only, she seemed more laid back. Less in her head. "Here you are ma’m," Franky thanked the barista and walked over to Jesse cupping her hands around the warm cup.

"It’s hot, but we can sit here for a bit or get going. I’m in no hurry." Franky sat across from Jesse and finally took her hood down to let her hair free. The tips of her auburn hair were a bit damp but it was no matter. It was England, the rain meant nothing more than a poke to the face. "So.. how do you know Morgan? I mean she referred you, but I never seen you around before. She’s always wandering around.. the.. do you know what I’m talking about.." Fuck, she didn’t look like it. 

She watched as Franky went and ordered their coffees. She looked nervous. It occurred to Jesse that she could be an undercover cop or something, but she laughed it off. Besides, who’d care if she went to prison? Franky returned fairly quickly and handed Jess a coffee.  "Cheers."

"It’s hot, but we can sit here for a bit or get going. I’m in no hurry." Franky took her hood down. She had pretty eyes, too. Jess smiled. I’m cool with sitting," she said. “So… how do you know Morgan?" asked Franky. Who? “Sorry, I’ve got no clue who that is," Jesse said, laughing. “We could go back an look for your friend…" she shrugged. “If you want. But you’re looking for weed, yeah? And my stuff’s the best." Jesse’s smile widened. 

"Shit.." Franky rubbed her forehead embarrassed. This wasn’t who Morgan was talking about. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She just so happened to stumble upon someone else in Bristol who sold spliff. Not very uncommon. “If you want. But you’re looking for weed, yeah? And my stuff’s the best." Her cheeks turned bright red and she shook her head, pulling her hood up over her ears again. "Bollocks.. That’s.. the name that was smeared? I forgot what it said, assumed it was you. Coincidence I guess…"  How was this girl so chill? Franky’s cheeks were still burning red, no hiding it now.

"Fuck… this wasn’t supposed to, whatever. I just needed spliff. Didn’t mean to intrude on your day." She sighed, tugging on the strings of her jumper near the hood. Well, she was in it now and there was no point in leaving. Franky needed the spliff and a clear head. Just because her mates weren’t popping their heads around, she could sit around alone getting stoned with some music at least. "Again, sorry." Franky looked up from her bangs and leaned on her hands. 

Jesse laughed at the redness on Franky’s pixie-like face. “Don’t worry bout it. Whoever it was you were supposed to meet can’t sell anything half as good as my stuff. You didn’t intrude," she added, raising her eyebrows. “Did I look very busy when you found me?" Jess chuckled and leaned back in her chair, bringing the hot coffee to her lips and blowing away some steam.

"Don’t apologize. Why should you? Buy some weed, that’ll be apology enough," Jesse said teasingly. 

"You didn’t look very busy," she smiled looking down shyly. Jesse was right. if she didn’t want to help out Franky she would’ve said so. "Don’t apologize. Why should you? Buy some weed, that’ll be apology enough," She nodded, smiling with tight lips. “Let’s go," she stood up and handed Jesse her coffee again. She kept her hood up, just in case the rain hadn’t stopped, which it didn’t. 

They exited outside and Franky held her strings of her hoodie down to protect from the rain. “How far are you again?" Franky muttered behind her hood, trying to see Jesse’s face. She was a nice girl, very relaxed. She needed someone like this in her life, at least for today. Maybe they could smoke a bit of spliff before she went on her way. 

"Let’s go," agreed Franky, and Jess took her coffee and stood. She pulled up the collar of her jacket this time- not that it would do much good. “How far are you again?" Franky asked, slightly muffled from the protection of her hood. “Don’t worry, it’s not far. Just a couple streets down." She smiled to reassure her they wouldn’t be in the rain for long. 

Franky put her hands in her jumper pocket and walked forth, following Jesse closely so she could see where she was going. The rain wasn’t picking up or slowing down, which made her irritable. Like it could downpour any second and the anticipation of it was taking a toll. Jesse strolled along, down the two blocks like she said. Her flat looked small, but comfortable. She waited patiently until the door was open, then she stepped inside pulling her hood off quickly. It was damp enough to make her hair feel gross. Franky glanced around, maybe she had a roommate or just lived alone. Jesse seemed the type to be a quiet loner type. 

"Uh, we can smoke together if you want? I don’t really have much planned and you’re pretty good company." She smiled and slipped her wet sneakers off by the door. No need to track mud inside someone elses home. Jesse mentioned the spliff and was out of sight, Franky wandered aimlessly around until she found a chair at the table near the kitchen. The couch seemed too home-like. She hated making herself at home in someone elses territory, plus it wasn’t very comfortable. She pulled her phone out and messed around, texting no one or debating on texting Mini or even Morgan. She sighed hearing footsteps again. 

Jesse loved the rain, though it was clear her newest customer did not. She seemed ill at it, almost like if the rain were a person she’d be slapping it right now. They walked into the pub and up the stairs, Jess fumbling with her bloody fucking keys to get the door open. Millie wasn’t home- as usual, though Jesse usually didn’t ask where she’d gone. She assumed she’d needed some time to herself and accepted that. “Come on in," she said, waving the wet pixie inside. Jess found herself chuckling a bit at Franky. “I can get ya a towel? Or a hairdryer. My flatmate might have one- ‘less she took it with her."

"Uh, we can smoke together if you want? I don’t really have much planned and you’re pretty good company." Franky asked and smiled at her, making Jess’ lip pull up at the corner. She watched her pull off her shoes as she made her way to the small kitchen. “Sounds good. You want anything to drink?" she asked. “I’ve got beer." She took one out and popped the top, slugging back a bit. “I know it’s a tad early t’be drinking, but…" she smiled sheepishly. Franky found a seat on one of the kitchen chairs. “I’ll get the spliff, if you want it now." 

"Never too early now, probably need it." Franky ruffled her hair and shook her head to the hair dryer. Her hair would dry eventually, either that or she’d have to go out in the rain again anyway. Franky nodded again, seeing Jesse walk off to get the spliff. The home smelled different. Like all flats and homes smelled when they were new or a new person. Some cigarette and spliff mixture. Possibly an animal or just the window open too long. it wasn’t discouraging for her to not stay, it was nice. Everyone had their own unique place, this was one indeed. Jesse appeared again and Franky smiled, turning her chair so Jesse could sit by her with the product. "Beer in the fridge?" Franky pointed and walked up to check anyway. Two bottles, "You said it was early, but I’ve been up since four in the bloody morning." Franky set the glass down in front of Jesse and twisted her cap off her own.

"Neat place you got here. Wish I had my own," she stared at the label of the beer realizing it wasn’t her exact choice. Beer wasn’t always her choice but neither was drinking in general. “Did you roommate go off or something? I had the same problem I guess.. I was living halfway at a mates and he bunked off." She shook her head. Franky hadn’t seen Chris in a near two to three months now. Still barely any contact. She sipped her beer and read the label again. 

"Having a flat’s not the special. Where d’you live then?" Jesse asked conversationally. She took her beer and tilted it back to her lips, chugging down most of it in one go. “Y’know, I dunno where she is. Fucked off somewhere. She’ll be back." Jesse shrugged nonchalantly. She wasn’t really close with Millie yet- not that she didn’t like her. “Sorry to hear about your mate," Jesse nodded. “I’ve had a few of them myself. But maybe the fact that I’m not sleeping with my current flatmate will make things a bit easier."

Jesse gave Franky a wide smile and exited the kitchen to get the weed from her room. “Help yourself t’anything else." She called back. “There are skins on top of the fridge if you could grab ‘em for me. ‘Less you wanna bong?" 

"Off Sommerville," she wasn’t specific for a reason. No need for a stranger drug dealer hanging out by her house. Her dads would ask questions. “I’ve had a few of them myself. But maybe the fact that I’m not sleeping with my current flatmate will make things a bit easier." Franky caught herself laughing between her sip of beer. This girl was funny, not classy, but who was nowadays? "Bong? Fuck, please. Been ages." Franky stood up excitedly. The last time she actually had enjoyed one was… fuck, with Luke. The thought left a bad taste in her mouth. This wasn’t the same situation. She breathed in and out, just like her doctor had recommended when Franky’s head caught her off guard. 

Jesse appeared with the glass and she smiled, slipping the slider out and filling the small bowl with shreds of the drug that Jesse had supplied her. "Oh, here," Franky slid the right amount of quid over to Jesse and continued preparing the bong. The water looked old but it wasn’t going to stop her. She grabbed the lighter off the table and took the first hit. The bubble of the water and smoke built slowly into a thick smoke until she released the slider. Her eyes shut and chest burned up to her diaphragm. Franky handed the bong over and slowly let the smoke ease out. "Fuck, you were right. Probably better than the shitty spliff I’ve been getting." Franky sipped her beer and looked around again. Her eyes felt heavy already. Just one hit? "Thanks for this, I’ve had a pretty lame week." She shook her head. 

"Oh, here," Franky slid the money down the table and Jess collected, smiling. “Thanks mate." She watched Franky handle the bong, it was one of Jess’ few possessions- actually quite pretty. She loved watching it in action. The pixie handed it back to her and she took a long hit. “I told ya it was good. Had to really hunt for this stuff. Everybody claims they’re the best… but…." Jess took another hit. “Not the best I’ve ever had," she said, simultaneously letting the smoke pour from her mouth, “but it’s good."

"Thanks for this, I’ve had a pretty lame week," Franky admitted, shaking her head. Jesse frowned, sliding the bong back to her. “Why?" She took a sip of beer, then added, almost as an after thought, “if you don’t mind me asking." 

Franky sighed and looked at the beer bottle in her hand. “Just.. a different week. Best mate’s gone south, all the usual of a hot and cold relationship." She shrugged. It was more than that, but she didn’t trust a stranger with her actual thoughts out in the open. The bong was passed back to her and Franky already felt light headed. She slowly wrapped her hands around the glass and felt mesmerized by the pattern and smoke drifting up from the chest. 

She lit the end and pulled the smoke up slowly and listened to the bubble rise. The smoke thickened and she waited until it was full until she pulled the slider out and released. The smoke filled her lungs to the brim and she coughed instantly, unintentionally. Franky’s cheeks turned red and she laughed through the smoke again. "Uhm.. normal bollocks in town. Bristol’s a hell of a shit place. Except now. I’m.. fairly stoned. This is a nice glass piece, I’m usually for just normal skins, but.. good choice." Franky dizzily handed the piece back and took a swig of beer. It tasted stronger than before, but there wasn’t much else to do. Franky’s phone buzzed, and she peered at the screen. Geoff. She silenced it. 

"Sorry to hear that," Jesse said again, because she really was. She hated when things fell apart- though she didn’t pretend to know what was going on with Franky. Jess felt bits of calm echo around her consciousness. It took a bit more than a few hits to get her stoned, of course.

Jesse couldn’t help the breathy laugh that escaped when Franky coughed. It was too cute to avoid. “Sorry, mate," she said, muffling her laughter with the beer. “Yeah, thanks. T’be honest, I’d prefer a skin anyday. Dunno why. Just like somethin’ between my fingers, y’know?" Franky’s phone buzzed then, and Jess couldn’t help but speak up. “You can take that if you want." 

Franky shook her head waving her hand. The call was pointless. Her dad being worried she was in a shitty situation again. If they hadn’t heard from her in a few hours they always did this, then frantic messages were sent. "It’s fine. He can worry for a bit," she smiled finishing off her beer. Franky grabbed the lighter from the table and decided on one last hit from the piece before letting Jesse take the rest. She needed to be a little sober by the time she got home. Though the storm would hide her red eyes from her dads when she wandered up the stairs.

"Plus I don’t feel like going home." She fiddled with the lighter in her hand watching the reflection of the lights bounce off and glisten. "Weird I’ve never seen you around here before." Franky stated blandly while more focused on the lighter. "You’re.. well, nice." She looked up to see the girl staring at the bong. Jesse was pretty, it showed. Her eyes were light and hair flowed nicely. Good build and pronounce cheek bones. She studied her features, too high to notice she was staring far too much anyway. "Your eyes are interesting too. Never seen that type of hazel," Franky tilted her head.

"Who? A boyfriend?" Jesse asked teasingly. Franky took another hit, and Jess loved the way the smoke billowed around her face.

"No problem. I got the whole place t’myself, could use a bit of company." Jesse hoped she didn’t seem like she was desperate for company. But she hadn’t really met anyone in Bristol she could hang around with easy- besides Emily, maybe. “I just moved here little while ago." Franky was staring, though she just probably couldn’t help it. She was stoned, after all. “Last time someone looked at me like that, Franks, I got fucked." Jesse laughed, to let her know she was joking. “Thank you though," she took the glass and lit, “You’re not so bad yourself." 

“Last time someone looked at me like that, Franks, I got fucked." Franky blushed. How direct? She didn’t realize she was staring too much. Fuck. She looked down straight away and Jesse said her thank you and more. Which also made her blush more. Her phone buzzed again. “Bollocks," she muttered ignoring the call again. “Not boyfriend, father. Over protective father," she sighed and slid her phone away from her on the table. She looked at Jesse again.

She blinked a few and rubbed her cheeks. Franky didn’t want to intrude on Jesse’s life but well the girl didn’t seem so busy after all. “If you don’t mind me asking, are you, we’ll into girls or?" She asked curiously with a bit of haze. Once high, Franky asked things she mostly kept to herself.

Jesse loved the blush on Franky’s cheeks. It wasn’t like when most people blushed- creeping up their necks til they were a pink mess. Franky blushed all at once; an explosion of color on her pale cheeks. Her phone buzzed again. “Over protective father… wouldn’t know what that’s like," Jess admitted. “Never really had any rules cos I never really had anyone who cared ‘bout ‘em."

She turned and stared at the wandering people, until she spotted a girl sitting on a bench with her head down. Either reading, texting, whatever. She was trying to not be noticed, at least that’s what Franky assumed. She crumpled the damp paper in her hand and pulled her hood up over her ears. Of course it was starting to drizzle, but that never stopped the people of Bristol before. Franky slid next to the girl on the bench and unwrinkled the paper. The pen marks were all smeared, the name included. "Bollocks," she spoke out loud and caught the girls attention by accident. "You wouldn’t happen to be… M.. Mi… fuck it, do you sell spliff? I was supposed to meet someone here and the rain fucked the name," Franky opened her palm to show the leaked and runny note that was useless by now. 

Jesse had been up all night. No matter what she did, nothing would send her to sleep. She’d gone to the corner drug and bought a bottle of sleepers, downing a few more than the suggested dose- and even that hadn’t sent her off. So when Jess finally saw the morning sun, she’d thought, fuck it- and took a walk. 

She’d found a bench to sit and must have nodded off- because the next thing she knew she was jerked awake by a girl’s voice. Jess saw her through the curtain of dark damp hair. She was cute, with a wave of short hair and a pointed chin. She looked like a fairytale pixie to Jess. “Do you sell spliff?" she asked her, taking Jesse by surprise. Jesse moved the hair out of her face, knowing she must have looked a wreck. “I…" Jesse croaked. She cleared her throat, smiling a bit, “As it happens… I do sell sometimes. I got a bit back at my flat if you like." She twirled a strand of hair with her fingers. “Sorry bout your paper," she said, stretching her arms and yawning. “I’m a bit damp myself," she realized. “I’m Jess." 

"Franky," she stated, standing up behind the tired or stoned looking girl. Franky couldn’t tell the difference at this point in time. She pulled the hood over her head tighter so the rain wouldn’t drop onto her face. "Lead the way then," she glanced at the girl with a small smile. Normally she wouldn’t trust a stranger, but if this was who she was supposed to meet up with than so be it. She knew Morgan, hopefully and she didn’t look like she would harm anyone. Just a bit tired or high. Both probably.

Franky walked nervously next to the girl, with her hands in her jumper. "Uh.. are you all right? You look a bit.. dunno. Tired? Sad.. or something. Probably could use a tea or coffee really," Franky didn’t want to be rude, but the girl looked like she was ready to collapse under the pressure of thin air. "I could grab you one if you want, the shop is right across the street? Unless your house is.. well.. here, sorry I’m being a bit overwhelming." Franky wiped her cheeks from the rain drops and looked down to not seem so anxious. 

Franky. Somehow the name really fit the girl. Jesse stood on stiff legs and took a deep breath before leading Franky down the walk. It was weird, she hadn’t sold to anyone in a long time. She’d assumed she’d just smoke everything she had over time. But she supposed it’d be good to make some money on the side.

"Uh… are you all right?" Franky asked her. Jess smiled. So she did look beat. “I’m al’righ," she mumbled. When Franky offered to get her something to drink, Jesse perked. “Yeah… yeah that’d be great. No, it’s fine," she assured her. “I could really use some coffee right now." She laughed. 

Good, the girl agreed she was tired. At least she was only tired and not on something stronger than spliff. “I’ll get it, just take a seat before you tip over." Franky smiled and walked them inside the shop, pointing to the nearest chair. She counted the coins in hand and walked up to the counter, looking back to make sure the girl was still seated in sight. "Medium coffee, two sugars, one cream." Franky waited patiently, glancing at her watch and Jesse, until she looked up at her. She felt nervous. This girl was a bit mysterious, sort of like Effy was when they first met. Only, she seemed more laid back. Less in her head. "Here you are ma’m," Franky thanked the barista and walked over to Jesse cupping her hands around the warm cup.

"It’s hot, but we can sit here for a bit or get going. I’m in no hurry." Franky sat across from Jesse and finally took her hood down to let her hair free. The tips of her auburn hair were a bit damp but it was no matter. It was England, the rain meant nothing more than a poke to the face. "So.. how do you know Morgan? I mean she referred you, but I never seen you around before. She’s always wandering around.. the.. do you know what I’m talking about.." Fuck, she didn’t look like it. 

She watched as Franky went and ordered their coffees. She looked nervous. It occurred to Jesse that she could be an undercover cop or something, but she laughed it off. Besides, who’d care if she went to prison? Franky returned fairly quickly and handed Jess a coffee.  "Cheers."

"It’s hot, but we can sit here for a bit or get going. I’m in no hurry." Franky took her hood down. She had pretty eyes, too. Jess smiled. I’m cool with sitting," she said. “So… how do you know Morgan?" asked Franky. Who? “Sorry, I’ve got no clue who that is," Jesse said, laughing. “We could go back an look for your friend…" she shrugged. “If you want. But you’re looking for weed, yeah? And my stuff’s the best." Jesse’s smile widened. 

"Shit.." Franky rubbed her forehead embarrassed. This wasn’t who Morgan was talking about. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She just so happened to stumble upon someone else in Bristol who sold spliff. Not very uncommon. “If you want. But you’re looking for weed, yeah? And my stuff’s the best." Her cheeks turned bright red and she shook her head, pulling her hood up over her ears again. "Bollocks.. That’s.. the name that was smeared? I forgot what it said, assumed it was you. Coincidence I guess…"  How was this girl so chill? Franky’s cheeks were still burning red, no hiding it now.

"Fuck… this wasn’t supposed to, whatever. I just needed spliff. Didn’t mean to intrude on your day." She sighed, tugging on the strings of her jumper near the hood. Well, she was in it now and there was no point in leaving. Franky needed the spliff and a clear head. Just because her mates weren’t popping their heads around, she could sit around alone getting stoned with some music at least. "Again, sorry." Franky looked up from her bangs and leaned on her hands. 

Jesse laughed at the redness on Franky’s pixie-like face. “Don’t worry bout it. Whoever it was you were supposed to meet can’t sell anything half as good as my stuff. You didn’t intrude," she added, raising her eyebrows. “Did I look very busy when you found me?" Jess chuckled and leaned back in her chair, bringing the hot coffee to her lips and blowing away some steam.

"Don’t apologize. Why should you? Buy some weed, that’ll be apology enough," Jesse said teasingly. 

"You didn’t look very busy," she smiled looking down shyly. Jesse was right. if she didn’t want to help out Franky she would’ve said so. "Don’t apologize. Why should you? Buy some weed, that’ll be apology enough," She nodded, smiling with tight lips. “Let’s go," she stood up and handed Jesse her coffee again. She kept her hood up, just in case the rain hadn’t stopped, which it didn’t. 

They exited outside and Franky held her strings of her hoodie down to protect from the rain. “How far are you again?" Franky muttered behind her hood, trying to see Jesse’s face. She was a nice girl, very relaxed. She needed someone like this in her life, at least for today. Maybe they could smoke a bit of spliff before she went on her way. 

"Let’s go," agreed Franky, and Jess took her coffee and stood. She pulled up the collar of her jacket this time- not that it would do much good. “How far are you again?" Franky asked, slightly muffled from the protection of her hood. “Don’t worry, it’s not far. Just a couple streets down." She smiled to reassure her they wouldn’t be in the rain for long. 

Franky put her hands in her jumper pocket and walked forth, following Jesse closely so she could see where she was going. The rain wasn’t picking up or slowing down, which made her irritable. Like it could downpour any second and the anticipation of it was taking a toll. Jesse strolled along, down the two blocks like she said. Her flat looked small, but comfortable. She waited patiently until the door was open, then she stepped inside pulling her hood off quickly. It was damp enough to make her hair feel gross. Franky glanced around, maybe she had a roommate or just lived alone. Jesse seemed the type to be a quiet loner type. 

"Uh, we can smoke together if you want? I don’t really have much planned and you’re pretty good company." She smiled and slipped her wet sneakers off by the door. No need to track mud inside someone elses home. Jesse mentioned the spliff and was out of sight, Franky wandered aimlessly around until she found a chair at the table near the kitchen. The couch seemed too home-like. She hated making herself at home in someone elses territory, plus it wasn’t very comfortable. She pulled her phone out and messed around, texting no one or debating on texting Mini or even Morgan. She sighed hearing footsteps again. 

Jesse loved the rain, though it was clear her newest customer did not. She seemed ill at it, almost like if the rain were a person she’d be slapping it right now. They walked into the pub and up the stairs, Jess fumbling with her bloody fucking keys to get the door open. Millie wasn’t home- as usual, though Jesse usually didn’t ask where she’d gone. She assumed she’d needed some time to herself and accepted that. “Come on in," she said, waving the wet pixie inside. Jess found herself chuckling a bit at Franky. “I can get ya a towel? Or a hairdryer. My flatmate might have one- ‘less she took it with her."

"Uh, we can smoke together if you want? I don’t really have much planned and you’re pretty good company." Franky asked and smiled at her, making Jess’ lip pull up at the corner. She watched her pull off her shoes as she made her way to the small kitchen. “Sounds good. You want anything to drink?" she asked. “I’ve got beer." She took one out and popped the top, slugging back a bit. “I know it’s a tad early t’be drinking, but…" she smiled sheepishly. Franky found a seat on one of the kitchen chairs. “I’ll get the spliff, if you want it now." 

"Never too early now, probably need it." Franky ruffled her hair and shook her head to the hair dryer. Her hair would dry eventually, either that or she’d have to go out in the rain again anyway. Franky nodded again, seeing Jesse walk off to get the spliff. The home smelled different. Like all flats and homes smelled when they were new or a new person. Some cigarette and spliff mixture. Possibly an animal or just the window open too long. it wasn’t discouraging for her to not stay, it was nice. Everyone had their own unique place, this was one indeed. Jesse appeared again and Franky smiled, turning her chair so Jesse could sit by her with the product. "Beer in the fridge?" Franky pointed and walked up to check anyway. Two bottles, "You said it was early, but I’ve been up since four in the bloody morning." Franky set the glass down in front of Jesse and twisted her cap off her own.

"Neat place you got here. Wish I had my own," she stared at the label of the beer realizing it wasn’t her exact choice. Beer wasn’t always her choice but neither was drinking in general. “Did you roommate go off or something? I had the same problem I guess.. I was living halfway at a mates and he bunked off." She shook her head. Franky hadn’t seen Chris in a near two to three months now. Still barely any contact. She sipped her beer and read the label again. 

"Having a flat’s not the special. Where d’you live then?" Jesse asked conversationally. She took her beer and tilted it back to her lips, chugging down most of it in one go. “Y’know, I dunno where she is. Fucked off somewhere. She’ll be back." Jesse shrugged nonchalantly. She wasn’t really close with Millie yet- not that she didn’t like her. “Sorry to hear about your mate," Jesse nodded. “I’ve had a few of them myself. But maybe the fact that I’m not sleeping with my current flatmate will make things a bit easier."

Jesse gave Franky a wide smile and exited the kitchen to get the weed from her room. “Help yourself t’anything else." She called back. “There are skins on top of the fridge if you could grab ‘em for me. ‘Less you wanna bong?" 

"Off Sommerville," she wasn’t specific for a reason. No need for a stranger drug dealer hanging out by her house. Her dads would ask questions. “I’ve had a few of them myself. But maybe the fact that I’m not sleeping with my current flatmate will make things a bit easier." Franky caught herself laughing between her sip of beer. This girl was funny, not classy, but who was nowadays? "Bong? Fuck, please. Been ages." Franky stood up excitedly. The last time she actually had enjoyed one was… fuck, with Luke. The thought left a bad taste in her mouth. This wasn’t the same situation. She breathed in and out, just like her doctor had recommended when Franky’s head caught her off guard. 

Jesse appeared with the glass and she smiled, slipping the slider out and filling the small bowl with shreds of the drug that Jesse had supplied her. "Oh, here," Franky slid the right amount of quid over to Jesse and continued preparing the bong. The water looked old but it wasn’t going to stop her. She grabbed the lighter off the table and took the first hit. The bubble of the water and smoke built slowly into a thick smoke until she released the slider. Her eyes shut and chest burned up to her diaphragm. Franky handed the bong over and slowly let the smoke ease out. "Fuck, you were right. Probably better than the shitty spliff I’ve been getting." Franky sipped her beer and looked around again. Her eyes felt heavy already. Just one hit? "Thanks for this, I’ve had a pretty lame week." She shook her head. 

"Oh, here," Franky slid the money down the table and Jess collected, smiling. “Thanks mate." She watched Franky handle the bong, it was one of Jess’ few possessions- actually quite pretty. She loved watching it in action. The pixie handed it back to her and she took a long hit. “I told ya it was good. Had to really hunt for this stuff. Everybody claims they’re the best… but…." Jess took another hit. “Not the best I’ve ever had," she said, simultaneously letting the smoke pour from her mouth, “but it’s good."

"Thanks for this, I’ve had a pretty lame week," Franky admitted, shaking her head. Jesse frowned, sliding the bong back to her. “Why?" She took a sip of beer, then added, almost as an after thought, “if you don’t mind me asking." 

Franky sighed and looked at the beer bottle in her hand. “Just.. a different week. Best mate’s gone south, all the usual of a hot and cold relationship." She shrugged. It was more than that, but she didn’t trust a stranger with her actual thoughts out in the open. The bong was passed back to her and Franky already felt light headed. She slowly wrapped her hands around the glass and felt mesmerized by the pattern and smoke drifting up from the chest. 

She lit the end and pulled the smoke up slowly and listened to the bubble rise. The smoke thickened and she waited until it was full until she pulled the slider out and released. The smoke filled her lungs to the brim and she coughed instantly, unintentionally. Franky’s cheeks turned red and she laughed through the smoke again. "Uhm.. normal bollocks in town. Bristol’s a hell of a shit place. Except now. I’m.. fairly stoned. This is a nice glass piece, I’m usually for just normal skins, but.. good choice." Franky dizzily handed the piece back and took a swig of beer. It tasted stronger than before, but there wasn’t much else to do. Franky’s phone buzzed, and she peered at the screen. Geoff. She silenced it. 

"Sorry to hear that," Jesse said again, because she really was. She hated when things fell apart- though she didn’t pretend to know what was going on with Franky. Jess felt bits of calm echo around her consciousness. It took a bit more than a few hits to get her stoned, of course.

Jesse couldn’t help the breathy laugh that escaped when Franky coughed. It was too cute to avoid. “Sorry, mate," she said, muffling her laughter with the beer. “Yeah, thanks. T’be honest, I’d prefer a skin anyday. Dunno why. Just like somethin’ between my fingers, y’know?" Franky’s phone buzzed then, and Jess couldn’t help but speak up. “You can take that if you want." 

Franky shook her head waving her hand. The call was pointless. Her dad being worried she was in a shitty situation again. If they hadn’t heard from her in a few hours they always did this, then frantic messages were sent. "It’s fine. He can worry for a bit," she smiled finishing off her beer. Franky grabbed the lighter from the table and decided on one last hit from the piece before letting Jesse take the rest. She needed to be a little sober by the time she got home. Though the storm would hide her red eyes from her dads when she wandered up the stairs.

"Plus I don’t feel like going home." She fiddled with the lighter in her hand watching the reflection of the lights bounce off and glisten. "Weird I’ve never seen you around here before." Franky stated blandly while more focused on the lighter. "You’re.. well, nice." She looked up to see the girl staring at the bong. Jesse was pretty, it showed. Her eyes were light and hair flowed nicely. Good build and pronounce cheek bones. She studied her features, too high to notice she was staring far too much anyway. "Your eyes are interesting too. Never seen that type of hazel," Franky tilted her head.

"Who? A boyfriend?" Jesse asked teasingly. Franky took another hit, and Jess loved the way the smoke billowed around her face.

"No problem. I got the whole place t’myself, could use a bit of company." Jesse hoped she didn’t seem like she was desperate for company. But she hadn’t really met anyone in Bristol she could hang around with easy- besides Emily, maybe. “I just moved here little while ago." Franky was staring, though she just probably couldn’t help it. She was stoned, after all. “Last time someone looked at me like that, Franks, I got fucked." Jesse laughed, to let her know she was joking. “Thank you though," she took the glass and lit, “You’re not so bad yourself." 

“Last time someone looked at me like that, Franks, I got fucked." Franky blushed. How direct? She didn’t realize she was staring too much. Fuck. She looked down straight away and Jesse said her thank you and more. Which also made her blush more. Her phone buzzed again. “Bollocks," she muttered ignoring the call again. “Not boyfriend, father. Over protective father," she sighed and slid her phone away from her on the table. She looked at Jesse again.

She blinked a few and rubbed her cheeks. Franky didn’t want to intrude on Jesse’s life but well the girl didn’t seem so busy after all. “If you don’t mind me asking, are you, we’ll into girls or?" She asked curiously with a bit of haze. Once high, Franky asked things she mostly kept to herself.

Jesse loved the blush on Franky’s cheeks. It wasn’t like when most people blushed- creeping up their necks til they were a pink mess. Franky blushed all at once; an explosion of color on her pale cheeks. Her phone buzzed again. “Over protective father… wouldn’t know what that’s like," Jess admitted. “Never really had any rules cos I never really had anyone who cared ‘bout ‘em."

miasma sky // baths

She turned and stared at the wandering people, until she spotted a girl sitting on a bench with her head down. Either reading, texting, whatever. She was trying to not be noticed, at least that’s what Franky assumed. She crumpled the damp paper in her hand and pulled her hood up over her ears. Of course it was starting to drizzle, but that never stopped the people of Bristol before. Franky slid next to the girl on the bench and unwrinkled the paper. The pen marks were all smeared, the name included. "Bollocks," she spoke out loud and caught the girls attention by accident. "You wouldn’t happen to be… M.. Mi… fuck it, do you sell spliff? I was supposed to meet someone here and the rain fucked the name," Franky opened her palm to show the leaked and runny note that was useless by now. 

Jesse had been up all night. No matter what she did, nothing would send her to sleep. She’d gone to the corner drug and bought a bottle of sleepers, downing a few more than the suggested dose- and even that hadn’t sent her off. So when Jess finally saw the morning sun, she’d thought, fuck it- and took a walk. 

She’d found a bench to sit and must have nodded off- because the next thing she knew she was jerked awake by a girl’s voice. Jess saw her through the curtain of dark damp hair. She was cute, with a wave of short hair and a pointed chin. She looked like a fairytale pixie to Jess. “Do you sell spliff?" she asked her, taking Jesse by surprise. Jesse moved the hair out of her face, knowing she must have looked a wreck. “I…" Jesse croaked. She cleared her throat, smiling a bit, “As it happens… I do sell sometimes. I got a bit back at my flat if you like." She twirled a strand of hair with her fingers. “Sorry bout your paper," she said, stretching her arms and yawning. “I’m a bit damp myself," she realized. “I’m Jess." 

"Franky," she stated, standing up behind the tired or stoned looking girl. Franky couldn’t tell the difference at this point in time. She pulled the hood over her head tighter so the rain wouldn’t drop onto her face. "Lead the way then," she glanced at the girl with a small smile. Normally she wouldn’t trust a stranger, but if this was who she was supposed to meet up with than so be it. She knew Morgan, hopefully and she didn’t look like she would harm anyone. Just a bit tired or high. Both probably.

Franky walked nervously next to the girl, with her hands in her jumper. "Uh.. are you all right? You look a bit.. dunno. Tired? Sad.. or something. Probably could use a tea or coffee really," Franky didn’t want to be rude, but the girl looked like she was ready to collapse under the pressure of thin air. "I could grab you one if you want, the shop is right across the street? Unless your house is.. well.. here, sorry I’m being a bit overwhelming." Franky wiped her cheeks from the rain drops and looked down to not seem so anxious. 

Franky. Somehow the name really fit the girl. Jesse stood on stiff legs and took a deep breath before leading Franky down the walk. It was weird, she hadn’t sold to anyone in a long time. She’d assumed she’d just smoke everything she had over time. But she supposed it’d be good to make some money on the side.

"Uh… are you all right?" Franky asked her. Jess smiled. So she did look beat. “I’m al’righ," she mumbled. When Franky offered to get her something to drink, Jesse perked. “Yeah… yeah that’d be great. No, it’s fine," she assured her. “I could really use some coffee right now." She laughed. 

Good, the girl agreed she was tired. At least she was only tired and not on something stronger than spliff. “I’ll get it, just take a seat before you tip over." Franky smiled and walked them inside the shop, pointing to the nearest chair. She counted the coins in hand and walked up to the counter, looking back to make sure the girl was still seated in sight. "Medium coffee, two sugars, one cream." Franky waited patiently, glancing at her watch and Jesse, until she looked up at her. She felt nervous. This girl was a bit mysterious, sort of like Effy was when they first met. Only, she seemed more laid back. Less in her head. "Here you are ma’m," Franky thanked the barista and walked over to Jesse cupping her hands around the warm cup.

"It’s hot, but we can sit here for a bit or get going. I’m in no hurry." Franky sat across from Jesse and finally took her hood down to let her hair free. The tips of her auburn hair were a bit damp but it was no matter. It was England, the rain meant nothing more than a poke to the face. "So.. how do you know Morgan? I mean she referred you, but I never seen you around before. She’s always wandering around.. the.. do you know what I’m talking about.." Fuck, she didn’t look like it. 

She watched as Franky went and ordered their coffees. She looked nervous. It occurred to Jesse that she could be an undercover cop or something, but she laughed it off. Besides, who’d care if she went to prison? Franky returned fairly quickly and handed Jess a coffee.  "Cheers."

"It’s hot, but we can sit here for a bit or get going. I’m in no hurry." Franky took her hood down. She had pretty eyes, too. Jess smiled. I’m cool with sitting," she said. “So… how do you know Morgan?" asked Franky. Who? “Sorry, I’ve got no clue who that is," Jesse said, laughing. “We could go back an look for your friend…" she shrugged. “If you want. But you’re looking for weed, yeah? And my stuff’s the best." Jesse’s smile widened. 

"Shit.." Franky rubbed her forehead embarrassed. This wasn’t who Morgan was talking about. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She just so happened to stumble upon someone else in Bristol who sold spliff. Not very uncommon. “If you want. But you’re looking for weed, yeah? And my stuff’s the best." Her cheeks turned bright red and she shook her head, pulling her hood up over her ears again. "Bollocks.. That’s.. the name that was smeared? I forgot what it said, assumed it was you. Coincidence I guess…"  How was this girl so chill? Franky’s cheeks were still burning red, no hiding it now.

"Fuck… this wasn’t supposed to, whatever. I just needed spliff. Didn’t mean to intrude on your day." She sighed, tugging on the strings of her jumper near the hood. Well, she was in it now and there was no point in leaving. Franky needed the spliff and a clear head. Just because her mates weren’t popping their heads around, she could sit around alone getting stoned with some music at least. "Again, sorry." Franky looked up from her bangs and leaned on her hands. 

Jesse laughed at the redness on Franky’s pixie-like face. “Don’t worry bout it. Whoever it was you were supposed to meet can’t sell anything half as good as my stuff. You didn’t intrude," she added, raising her eyebrows. “Did I look very busy when you found me?" Jess chuckled and leaned back in her chair, bringing the hot coffee to her lips and blowing away some steam.

"Don’t apologize. Why should you? Buy some weed, that’ll be apology enough," Jesse said teasingly. 

"You didn’t look very busy," she smiled looking down shyly. Jesse was right. if she didn’t want to help out Franky she would’ve said so. "Don’t apologize. Why should you? Buy some weed, that’ll be apology enough," She nodded, smiling with tight lips. “Let’s go," she stood up and handed Jesse her coffee again. She kept her hood up, just in case the rain hadn’t stopped, which it didn’t. 

They exited outside and Franky held her strings of her hoodie down to protect from the rain. “How far are you again?" Franky muttered behind her hood, trying to see Jesse’s face. She was a nice girl, very relaxed. She needed someone like this in her life, at least for today. Maybe they could smoke a bit of spliff before she went on her way. 

"Let’s go," agreed Franky, and Jess took her coffee and stood. She pulled up the collar of her jacket this time- not that it would do much good. “How far are you again?" Franky asked, slightly muffled from the protection of her hood. “Don’t worry, it’s not far. Just a couple streets down." She smiled to reassure her they wouldn’t be in the rain for long. 

Franky put her hands in her jumper pocket and walked forth, following Jesse closely so she could see where she was going. The rain wasn’t picking up or slowing down, which made her irritable. Like it could downpour any second and the anticipation of it was taking a toll. Jesse strolled along, down the two blocks like she said. Her flat looked small, but comfortable. She waited patiently until the door was open, then she stepped inside pulling her hood off quickly. It was damp enough to make her hair feel gross. Franky glanced around, maybe she had a roommate or just lived alone. Jesse seemed the type to be a quiet loner type. 

"Uh, we can smoke together if you want? I don’t really have much planned and you’re pretty good company." She smiled and slipped her wet sneakers off by the door. No need to track mud inside someone elses home. Jesse mentioned the spliff and was out of sight, Franky wandered aimlessly around until she found a chair at the table near the kitchen. The couch seemed too home-like. She hated making herself at home in someone elses territory, plus it wasn’t very comfortable. She pulled her phone out and messed around, texting no one or debating on texting Mini or even Morgan. She sighed hearing footsteps again. 

Jesse loved the rain, though it was clear her newest customer did not. She seemed ill at it, almost like if the rain were a person she’d be slapping it right now. They walked into the pub and up the stairs, Jess fumbling with her bloody fucking keys to get the door open. Millie wasn’t home- as usual, though Jesse usually didn’t ask where she’d gone. She assumed she’d needed some time to herself and accepted that. “Come on in," she said, waving the wet pixie inside. Jess found herself chuckling a bit at Franky. “I can get ya a towel? Or a hairdryer. My flatmate might have one- ‘less she took it with her."

"Uh, we can smoke together if you want? I don’t really have much planned and you’re pretty good company." Franky asked and smiled at her, making Jess’ lip pull up at the corner. She watched her pull off her shoes as she made her way to the small kitchen. “Sounds good. You want anything to drink?" she asked. “I’ve got beer." She took one out and popped the top, slugging back a bit. “I know it’s a tad early t’be drinking, but…" she smiled sheepishly. Franky found a seat on one of the kitchen chairs. “I’ll get the spliff, if you want it now." 

"Never too early now, probably need it." Franky ruffled her hair and shook her head to the hair dryer. Her hair would dry eventually, either that or she’d have to go out in the rain again anyway. Franky nodded again, seeing Jesse walk off to get the spliff. The home smelled different. Like all flats and homes smelled when they were new or a new person. Some cigarette and spliff mixture. Possibly an animal or just the window open too long. it wasn’t discouraging for her to not stay, it was nice. Everyone had their own unique place, this was one indeed. Jesse appeared again and Franky smiled, turning her chair so Jesse could sit by her with the product. "Beer in the fridge?" Franky pointed and walked up to check anyway. Two bottles, "You said it was early, but I’ve been up since four in the bloody morning." Franky set the glass down in front of Jesse and twisted her cap off her own.

"Neat place you got here. Wish I had my own," she stared at the label of the beer realizing it wasn’t her exact choice. Beer wasn’t always her choice but neither was drinking in general. “Did you roommate go off or something? I had the same problem I guess.. I was living halfway at a mates and he bunked off." She shook her head. Franky hadn’t seen Chris in a near two to three months now. Still barely any contact. She sipped her beer and read the label again. 

"Having a flat’s not the special. Where d’you live then?" Jesse asked conversationally. She took her beer and tilted it back to her lips, chugging down most of it in one go. “Y’know, I dunno where she is. Fucked off somewhere. She’ll be back." Jesse shrugged nonchalantly. She wasn’t really close with Millie yet- not that she didn’t like her. “Sorry to hear about your mate," Jesse nodded. “I’ve had a few of them myself. But maybe the fact that I’m not sleeping with my current flatmate will make things a bit easier."

Jesse gave Franky a wide smile and exited the kitchen to get the weed from her room. “Help yourself t’anything else." She called back. “There are skins on top of the fridge if you could grab ‘em for me. ‘Less you wanna bong?" 

"Off Sommerville," she wasn’t specific for a reason. No need for a stranger drug dealer hanging out by her house. Her dads would ask questions. “I’ve had a few of them myself. But maybe the fact that I’m not sleeping with my current flatmate will make things a bit easier." Franky caught herself laughing between her sip of beer. This girl was funny, not classy, but who was nowadays? "Bong? Fuck, please. Been ages." Franky stood up excitedly. The last time she actually had enjoyed one was… fuck, with Luke. The thought left a bad taste in her mouth. This wasn’t the same situation. She breathed in and out, just like her doctor had recommended when Franky’s head caught her off guard. 

Jesse appeared with the glass and she smiled, slipping the slider out and filling the small bowl with shreds of the drug that Jesse had supplied her. "Oh, here," Franky slid the right amount of quid over to Jesse and continued preparing the bong. The water looked old but it wasn’t going to stop her. She grabbed the lighter off the table and took the first hit. The bubble of the water and smoke built slowly into a thick smoke until she released the slider. Her eyes shut and chest burned up to her diaphragm. Franky handed the bong over and slowly let the smoke ease out. "Fuck, you were right. Probably better than the shitty spliff I’ve been getting." Franky sipped her beer and looked around again. Her eyes felt heavy already. Just one hit? "Thanks for this, I’ve had a pretty lame week." She shook her head. 

"Oh, here," Franky slid the money down the table and Jess collected, smiling. “Thanks mate." She watched Franky handle the bong, it was one of Jess’ few possessions- actually quite pretty. She loved watching it in action. The pixie handed it back to her and she took a long hit. “I told ya it was good. Had to really hunt for this stuff. Everybody claims they’re the best… but…." Jess took another hit. “Not the best I’ve ever had," she said, simultaneously letting the smoke pour from her mouth, “but it’s good."

She turned and stared at the wandering people, until she spotted a girl sitting on a bench with her head down. Either reading, texting, whatever. She was trying to not be noticed, at least that’s what Franky assumed. She crumpled the damp paper in her hand and pulled her hood up over her ears. Of course it was starting to drizzle, but that never stopped the people of Bristol before. Franky slid next to the girl on the bench and unwrinkled the paper. The pen marks were all smeared, the name included. "Bollocks," she spoke out loud and caught the girls attention by accident. "You wouldn’t happen to be… M.. Mi… fuck it, do you sell spliff? I was supposed to meet someone here and the rain fucked the name," Franky opened her palm to show the leaked and runny note that was useless by now. 

Jesse had been up all night. No matter what she did, nothing would send her to sleep. She’d gone to the corner drug and bought a bottle of sleepers, downing a few more than the suggested dose- and even that hadn’t sent her off. So when Jess finally saw the morning sun, she’d thought, fuck it- and took a walk. 

She’d found a bench to sit and must have nodded off- because the next thing she knew she was jerked awake by a girl’s voice. Jess saw her through the curtain of dark damp hair. She was cute, with a wave of short hair and a pointed chin. She looked like a fairytale pixie to Jess. “Do you sell spliff?" she asked her, taking Jesse by surprise. Jesse moved the hair out of her face, knowing she must have looked a wreck. “I…" Jesse croaked. She cleared her throat, smiling a bit, “As it happens… I do sell sometimes. I got a bit back at my flat if you like." She twirled a strand of hair with her fingers. “Sorry bout your paper," she said, stretching her arms and yawning. “I’m a bit damp myself," she realized. “I’m Jess." 

"Franky," she stated, standing up behind the tired or stoned looking girl. Franky couldn’t tell the difference at this point in time. She pulled the hood over her head tighter so the rain wouldn’t drop onto her face. "Lead the way then," she glanced at the girl with a small smile. Normally she wouldn’t trust a stranger, but if this was who she was supposed to meet up with than so be it. She knew Morgan, hopefully and she didn’t look like she would harm anyone. Just a bit tired or high. Both probably.

Franky walked nervously next to the girl, with her hands in her jumper. "Uh.. are you all right? You look a bit.. dunno. Tired? Sad.. or something. Probably could use a tea or coffee really," Franky didn’t want to be rude, but the girl looked like she was ready to collapse under the pressure of thin air. "I could grab you one if you want, the shop is right across the street? Unless your house is.. well.. here, sorry I’m being a bit overwhelming." Franky wiped her cheeks from the rain drops and looked down to not seem so anxious. 

Franky. Somehow the name really fit the girl. Jesse stood on stiff legs and took a deep breath before leading Franky down the walk. It was weird, she hadn’t sold to anyone in a long time. She’d assumed she’d just smoke everything she had over time. But she supposed it’d be good to make some money on the side.

"Uh… are you all right?" Franky asked her. Jess smiled. So she did look beat. “I’m al’righ," she mumbled. When Franky offered to get her something to drink, Jesse perked. “Yeah… yeah that’d be great. No, it’s fine," she assured her. “I could really use some coffee right now." She laughed. 

Good, the girl agreed she was tired. At least she was only tired and not on something stronger than spliff. “I’ll get it, just take a seat before you tip over." Franky smiled and walked them inside the shop, pointing to the nearest chair. She counted the coins in hand and walked up to the counter, looking back to make sure the girl was still seated in sight. "Medium coffee, two sugars, one cream." Franky waited patiently, glancing at her watch and Jesse, until she looked up at her. She felt nervous. This girl was a bit mysterious, sort of like Effy was when they first met. Only, she seemed more laid back. Less in her head. "Here you are ma’m," Franky thanked the barista and walked over to Jesse cupping her hands around the warm cup.

"It’s hot, but we can sit here for a bit or get going. I’m in no hurry." Franky sat across from Jesse and finally took her hood down to let her hair free. The tips of her auburn hair were a bit damp but it was no matter. It was England, the rain meant nothing more than a poke to the face. "So.. how do you know Morgan? I mean she referred you, but I never seen you around before. She’s always wandering around.. the.. do you know what I’m talking about.." Fuck, she didn’t look like it. 

She watched as Franky went and ordered their coffees. She looked nervous. It occurred to Jesse that she could be an undercover cop or something, but she laughed it off. Besides, who’d care if she went to prison? Franky returned fairly quickly and handed Jess a coffee.  "Cheers."

"It’s hot, but we can sit here for a bit or get going. I’m in no hurry." Franky took her hood down. She had pretty eyes, too. Jess smiled. I’m cool with sitting," she said. “So… how do you know Morgan?" asked Franky. Who? “Sorry, I’ve got no clue who that is," Jesse said, laughing. “We could go back an look for your friend…" she shrugged. “If you want. But you’re looking for weed, yeah? And my stuff’s the best." Jesse’s smile widened. 

"Shit.." Franky rubbed her forehead embarrassed. This wasn’t who Morgan was talking about. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She just so happened to stumble upon someone else in Bristol who sold spliff. Not very uncommon. “If you want. But you’re looking for weed, yeah? And my stuff’s the best." Her cheeks turned bright red and she shook her head, pulling her hood up over her ears again. "Bollocks.. That’s.. the name that was smeared? I forgot what it said, assumed it was you. Coincidence I guess…"  How was this girl so chill? Franky’s cheeks were still burning red, no hiding it now.

"Fuck… this wasn’t supposed to, whatever. I just needed spliff. Didn’t mean to intrude on your day." She sighed, tugging on the strings of her jumper near the hood. Well, she was in it now and there was no point in leaving. Franky needed the spliff and a clear head. Just because her mates weren’t popping their heads around, she could sit around alone getting stoned with some music at least. "Again, sorry." Franky looked up from her bangs and leaned on her hands. 

Jesse laughed at the redness on Franky’s pixie-like face. “Don’t worry bout it. Whoever it was you were supposed to meet can’t sell anything half as good as my stuff. You didn’t intrude," she added, raising her eyebrows. “Did I look very busy when you found me?" Jess chuckled and leaned back in her chair, bringing the hot coffee to her lips and blowing away some steam.

"Don’t apologize. Why should you? Buy some weed, that’ll be apology enough," Jesse said teasingly. 

"You didn’t look very busy," she smiled looking down shyly. Jesse was right. if she didn’t want to help out Franky she would’ve said so. "Don’t apologize. Why should you? Buy some weed, that’ll be apology enough," She nodded, smiling with tight lips. “Let’s go," she stood up and handed Jesse her coffee again. She kept her hood up, just in case the rain hadn’t stopped, which it didn’t. 

They exited outside and Franky held her strings of her hoodie down to protect from the rain. “How far are you again?" Franky muttered behind her hood, trying to see Jesse’s face. She was a nice girl, very relaxed. She needed someone like this in her life, at least for today. Maybe they could smoke a bit of spliff before she went on her way. 

"Let’s go," agreed Franky, and Jess took her coffee and stood. She pulled up the collar of her jacket this time- not that it would do much good. “How far are you again?" Franky asked, slightly muffled from the protection of her hood. “Don’t worry, it’s not far. Just a couple streets down." She smiled to reassure her they wouldn’t be in the rain for long. 

Franky put her hands in her jumper pocket and walked forth, following Jesse closely so she could see where she was going. The rain wasn’t picking up or slowing down, which made her irritable. Like it could downpour any second and the anticipation of it was taking a toll. Jesse strolled along, down the two blocks like she said. Her flat looked small, but comfortable. She waited patiently until the door was open, then she stepped inside pulling her hood off quickly. It was damp enough to make her hair feel gross. Franky glanced around, maybe she had a roommate or just lived alone. Jesse seemed the type to be a quiet loner type. 

"Uh, we can smoke together if you want? I don’t really have much planned and you’re pretty good company." She smiled and slipped her wet sneakers off by the door. No need to track mud inside someone elses home. Jesse mentioned the spliff and was out of sight, Franky wandered aimlessly around until she found a chair at the table near the kitchen. The couch seemed too home-like. She hated making herself at home in someone elses territory, plus it wasn’t very comfortable. She pulled her phone out and messed around, texting no one or debating on texting Mini or even Morgan. She sighed hearing footsteps again. 

Jesse loved the rain, though it was clear her newest customer did not. She seemed ill at it, almost like if the rain were a person she’d be slapping it right now. They walked into the pub and up the stairs, Jess fumbling with her bloody fucking keys to get the door open. Millie wasn’t home- as usual, though Jesse usually didn’t ask where she’d gone. She assumed she’d needed some time to herself and accepted that. “Come on in," she said, waving the wet pixie inside. Jess found herself chuckling a bit at Franky. “I can get ya a towel? Or a hairdryer. My flatmate might have one- ‘less she took it with her."

"Uh, we can smoke together if you want? I don’t really have much planned and you’re pretty good company." Franky asked and smiled at her, making Jess’ lip pull up at the corner. She watched her pull off her shoes as she made her way to the small kitchen. “Sounds good. You want anything to drink?" she asked. “I’ve got beer." She took one out and popped the top, slugging back a bit. “I know it’s a tad early t’be drinking, but…" she smiled sheepishly. Franky found a seat on one of the kitchen chairs. “I’ll get the spliff, if you want it now." 

"Never too early now, probably need it." Franky ruffled her hair and shook her head to the hair dryer. Her hair would dry eventually, either that or she’d have to go out in the rain again anyway. Franky nodded again, seeing Jesse walk off to get the spliff. The home smelled different. Like all flats and homes smelled when they were new or a new person. Some cigarette and spliff mixture. Possibly an animal or just the window open too long. it wasn’t discouraging for her to not stay, it was nice. Everyone had their own unique place, this was one indeed. Jesse appeared again and Franky smiled, turning her chair so Jesse could sit by her with the product. "Beer in the fridge?" Franky pointed and walked up to check anyway. Two bottles, "You said it was early, but I’ve been up since four in the bloody morning." Franky set the glass down in front of Jesse and twisted her cap off her own.

"Neat place you got here. Wish I had my own," she stared at the label of the beer realizing it wasn’t her exact choice. Beer wasn’t always her choice but neither was drinking in general. “Did you roommate go off or something? I had the same problem I guess.. I was living halfway at a mates and he bunked off." She shook her head. Franky hadn’t seen Chris in a near two to three months now. Still barely any contact. She sipped her beer and read the label again. 

"Having a flat’s not the special. Where d’you live then?" Jesse asked conversationally. She took her beer and tilted it back to her lips, chugging down most of it in one go. “Y’know, I dunno where she is. Fucked off somewhere. She’ll be back." Jesse shrugged nonchalantly. She wasn’t really close with Millie yet- not that she didn’t like her. “Sorry to hear about your mate," Jesse nodded. “I’ve had a few of them myself. But maybe the fact that I’m not sleeping with my current flatmate will make things a bit easier."

Jesse gave Franky a wide smile and exited the kitchen to get the weed from her room. “Help yourself t’anything else." She called back. “There are skins on top of the fridge if you could grab ‘em for me. ‘Less you wanna bong?" 

"Off Sommerville," she wasn’t specific for a reason. No need for a stranger drug dealer hanging out by her house. Her dads would ask questions. “I’ve had a few of them myself. But maybe the fact that I’m not sleeping with my current flatmate will make things a bit easier." Franky caught herself laughing between her sip of beer. This girl was funny, not classy, but who was nowadays? "Bong? Fuck, please. Been ages." Franky stood up excitedly. The last time she actually had enjoyed one was… fuck, with Luke. The thought left a bad taste in her mouth. This wasn’t the same situation. She breathed in and out, just like her doctor had recommended when Franky’s head caught her off guard. 

Jesse appeared with the glass and she smiled, slipping the slider out and filling the small bowl with shreds of the drug that Jesse had supplied her. "Oh, here," Franky slid the right amount of quid over to Jesse and continued preparing the bong. The water looked old but it wasn’t going to stop her. She grabbed the lighter off the table and took the first hit. The bubble of the water and smoke built slowly into a thick smoke until she released the slider. Her eyes shut and chest burned up to her diaphragm. Franky handed the bong over and slowly let the smoke ease out. "Fuck, you were right. Probably better than the shitty spliff I’ve been getting." Franky sipped her beer and looked around again. Her eyes felt heavy already. Just one hit? "Thanks for this, I’ve had a pretty lame week." She shook her head. 

"Oh, here," Franky slid the money down the table and Jess collected, smiling. “Thanks mate." She watched Franky handle the bong, it was one of Jess’ few possessions- actually quite pretty. She loved watching it in action. The pixie handed it back to her and she took a long hit. “I told ya it was good. Had to really hunt for this stuff. Everybody claims they’re the best… but…." Jess took another hit. “Not the best I’ve ever had," she said, simultaneously letting the smoke pour from her mouth, “but it’s good."

———— Old yellow bricks.

An hindrance she osculated with snoopy fingers. Interminable to her faint human view. The carcass of a shunned architecture. Debris consisting of an ancient residence, an habitation that didn’t survive to six years of remaining a fugitive. Cassie was morose from the somber form now kissing the ground passionately. Neighbors she’d yearn to reunify in their obsolete domicile. Oh so vintage, démodé, and tasteless. She adored it.

Parenchyma under febrile phalanges, it almost reminded her of an hurricane. Those who blows the zephyr so nimbly that it separate roofs, and lives from corpses. So amazing. Destruction was a full time activity, it was an elongated essence, to resurrect from dry ashes, and form something fresh. Cassie loved to think she was the embodiment of a majestic phoenix. Whom revives from flames, and returns to seconds after birth. As if she didn’t experience a sole existence. As if she were sage and well fed. Magical.

And the crave of joining her friendly ruins nudged her to kneel and consequently lay on the dust of her souvenirs. A sigh of exaltation humidifying her sore lips. The sun was transforming her view, from eyelids sealed she could discern colors, some of distinct reaction from her moves, other flashes she couldn’t fully discern. Cassie missed Arnold and Chérie. They were memorable, so fat in saturated merriness. They loved china products. She loved that. They let her touch them, and talk a lot, and they listened. They didn’t wait for their turn to speak. They actually listened. 

——————- And now they were gone.

Franky wandered the park area with a slip of paper in hand. This was the meeting spot that Morgan had given her to meet her part time dealer. Just for spliff. She was fresh out, yet again. Since the concert, her and Thomas had taken a blow to the braincells a little to hard so she decided she’d stock up a little less so she could take it easy from now on. Less cigarettes, more spliff. Her dads didn’t seem to find out about the car, but unfortunately Geoff checked the milage to be a prick. She was easily added a shorter curfew, not like that stropped her from anything before. But, now with Mini and her still in a disagreement, she had no one to really see at night or talk to when she was alone. So, yet again, spliff would be her vice.