Matthew's POV
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9fjH8m1AL
Usually and for most people, the sky being grey and the spatter of rain would evoke a feeling of misery in them. And quite honestly I do not blame them entirely, as people practically push past me rushing to catch their ride home out of the rain. However for a person that has so desperately needed to see something different for a long time, to see something other than palms, and the glaring sun of California. The rain and the way it sprays down from the gloomy grey sky is a welcome image for my eyes.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehDQHmAsaO
The cab pulls up to us, a black shiny car that is just so London. Even though we're at the airport and our glimpses of the UK have been very limited so far, I am already imagining sketches in my mind. So I pull out my camera looking like an absolute tourist and snap a picture of the cab framed by London Heathrow.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEMm3OtgFi
London cab drivers are chatty I'm realising as the gentlemen indulges us in conversation about the rain and the weather and how it is an atrocity to see so much rain in September, exclaiming that he hasn't even had a summer yet and it's already winter as he carefully places our luggage into the trunk of the car. Ross and I slip inside the black cab smiling to one another, him happy to be out of the rain and myself, well I'm just happy to look at the sites from the window of our ride. I'm sure that the driver will continue his chatter for the whole entire ride.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRa5XuL2F63
"London is bloody insane for traffic" he says to us and I smirk.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBGVYcuHdm
"Busy days are good though, non stop back and forth from the airport I've been all day long" he chuckles informing us that we can light up as he sparks his own cigarette despite the no smoking signs.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnaei4ZjlV
"Thanks man" Ross says as he hands me a roll up. I haven't really smoked since being around Taylor and the baby however I take the cigarette and spark it up.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rxyapAEzW
"American's" the cab driver comments as he notices Ross' accent.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdBjQGXq8P
"Yes, California" Ross says softly as the driver nods, and I wait for the obvious chatter about the sunshine and the beaches. It's just so boring to draw. Nothing like a forest in the rain, the buildings and the architecture of different locations or indeed the love of your life and her eyes.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmpsnp8eDe
"You're staying in soho!" The driver announces looking down over the navigation. Ross had picked an apartment, full of character and charm in Soho. I looked over the glossy pictures, fireplaces in every single room and high ceilings. Close to tubes and transport, places to eat nearby and a whole load of attractions at your fingertips and agreed.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK7mox4UFl
"You'll like it, two young chaps like yourselves. You know you won't see much sun though right" he laughs and I begin to question why people are so obsessed with sunshine and temperatures that exceed eighteen degrees.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAk7fgDMDIA
Ross takes over the talking as we cruise past various gardens, colleges and monuments. When we eventually reach Piccadilly circus I'm glad that we didn't hire a car just looking at the road layouts and the complicated traffic signs. It's absolutely every drivers worst nightmare to be stuck in lanes upon lanes of traffic.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QAkUakVTr
However the lights and the buildings practically enchant me and I have to stop myself from pulling my camera out as I look around in awe. The sheer amount of people is not something I had anticipated, I just know that I will end up sitting on the steps somewhere and drawing something that encapsulates a moment in time. A brief glimpse into somebodies timeline, that's the thing about drawing, really you are sketching a story. People derive a lot of meaning from art, and that is entirely down to their interpretation of it, but as the artist you flirt with ideas when you use people in your sketches. Like the couple standing below the tube sign, or the elderly man waiting by the bus stand. You draw them and suddenly people imagine their lives, what they may be doing and who they are because they have become a focal point in your piece.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPPv9gnC2x
"Man thank you" Ross says as he taps his card on the machine in the back of the cab.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9KpGsuM5J
"Thanks" I say softly as we leave the cab stepping out onto the streets of London.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cvJ235e8G
"Guys I can help with your bags" the cab driver announces popping the boot of his black shiny car and helping us out. We had tipped him on top of his fare, and I think he was just glad to have made a little extra.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZw9yy7Lmu
Ross pulls his beanie on before we lift our suitcases up to the front of the apartment, climbing the rail steps over the tiled pavement as the rain continues its onslaught. I take in the red front door, the same shade as the London buses, and it’s traditional door knocker as he puts the code into the system and it beeps letting us in. And as we stand in the hall looking over the fresh cut flowers I sigh imagining being here with her, as a couple. Carrying her up the stairs and making love to her the second we get in the door. That's it really I think to myself desperately trying to put thoughts of Taylor out of my brain, we have a place to stay for the next week or so before we travel to Italy. Destination number two, sunshine and grapevines. And most importantly Taylor.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9s7TUvlEd
"I claim the large bedroom" Ross jokes as we pace through the hall and he sets his case down on the large oak bed frame in the bedroom that has the views. I scoff walking into the other room which is just as nice. Period features and a fireplace, a large double bed with cushions and throws. Interconnecting en-suite with a walled in shower.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQil3EYDidL
"Man" Ross announces walking around the hall and I chuckle slightly at how he cannot just think in his head, rather he tends to speak his thoughts out loud.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO1VajM89B
"This living room is nice" he shouts and I laugh ditching my case and walking down the hall to the first floor. The second floor opens up to a balcony over the living space, whereby you can look down at the living room from upstairs. Two large doors to your left open up to an outside balcony where one can look over the city and sit on the patio table enjoying a beer or a glass of red.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkVyvtXr3U
I take the steps down to the living space and eye up the two leather sofas in a dark brown colour, a large flatscreen with bookcases either side of them. Large windows with drapes framing them and a very nice print on the wall of the British countryside. My eyes settle on it for some time, as I wonder about the countryside, the forests and the rolling hills of Britain.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkbextJeyW
The sun has set, even though we haven't had a peek of sunlight for the whole day. Being that it's almost eight o'clock, we decide to settle our things and then go out for dinner together. The married couple were becoming, I laugh to myself as he flicks through the bookcase and I eye up the artwork for a second time.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMuPxSrevH
"Here let's go somewhere British for dinner, not Italian not Chinese just British" Ross laughs pulling his phone out as he presumably searches up places.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocjGrm6R7V
"Oh two messages" he laughs and I rub my face slightly, realising that Ross' inner thoughts are going to be my soundtrack to this trip.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoflel26TOj
"Olivia and Taylor." He says taking a seat down on the leather sofa and removing his beanie.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdR5hNbpQa
"Taylor's safely in Italy. Olivia wants to join me in London" he laughs and I face palm imagining my ex, that hates me, storming into our lovely London apartment.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbgAtA173u
"Man she would follow you to the ends of the earth. That's one thing I learnt about her she doesn't give up easy" I say laughing slightly.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XWsmR5DBk
"Don't worry I'm not going to invite the redhead" he laughs stroking his blonde hair back.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrypezBq4x
"You invite whoever you like" I laugh opening up my phone and reading Taylor's messages. Every time I read a message from her I want to wrap my arms around her. I hear her voice in my head explaining Italy and the landscape. Imagining hugging her and holding her by the pool before I close my phone and decide to send her a few pictures later of London.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHs2hmvTaS
***
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF77UVBHkcg
We find ourselves in an establishment having walked through most of Chinatown and the bustling streets surrounding the area. The red lanterns above our heads as we perused the restaurants and the cafes, all of them still open as if it's not nighttime. However despite our travels, we ended up in a traditional British pub, and as we sit with two pints of London pride and await our food I look over the bar. Two young woman eyeing us up as they get hit on by another two young males. One of the girls, I would place her at twenty five, short dark hair with a petite frame. The other, blonde, with tall long legs.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAwFxWJz6r
Instead of staring back at the dark haired woman who is watching me I look down at my phone and send over the images I've taken so far to Taylor. Some even including Ross in my snaps that I'm sure will make Taylor laugh as she opens them. Especially the one I took of him standing outside a sex shop with a thumbs up and a silly grin on his face. I take a picture of our pints and Ross laughs openly at me.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPU2DEFQse
"I'm sending Taylor pictures" I say defensively and he laughs.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdi8OflP3GD
"Yeah I know, Lord you love her still so much don't you" he asks and I smile.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3PkBu2W43
"I will always love her" I admit before our mains arrive and we thank the server. The fish and chips hits the spot as I eye up the plate and tuck in.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBZ6WBaJVM
"Literally Taylor is married and has a child" he says almost to himself shaking his rugged hair back.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgovdoXmssZ
"Yet it doesn't stop me from romanticising the life we could have shared" he admits and I nod.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeOteAVOQQ
"When she left me, and that time after, I would have been fine if she had picked you" I laugh drinking my beer.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNlntmp2sl
"I said that to her, when she first told me she was seeing Jay." I admit my slightly hazy eyes looking over to the bar again, watching the guys hit on the two woman. Some British rock playing in the background as the bar gets busier, and more people begin ordering drinks rather than food. I eye the guys next to the women carefully, they’re younger maybe early twenties clad in leather jackets, one slipping his hand into his pocket as I watch the gesture carefully.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6xh5hWvPX
"Was my fault, not seizing the moments with her. I was too casual. I always am. I should have made my moves more clear. Loss of my absolute life that one" he stutters as I stand from my chair abruptly and he stutters as the music swells and the lights drop just a touch. Not one stool is free by the bar, no table empty as people flock in and then mingle at the bar.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu7bgOPU0G
Deserting my cod and chips, I stride straight over to the guy with his hand in his pockets, a sly expression on his face. The music booming giving me the extra confidence as I roll up my sleeves on my button up shirt and throw my curls back off of my face. The guy eyes me just quickly, his short cropped dark hair reminds me of Nate, Rachel's ex boyfriend, briefly and I almost laugh as I approach him. The brunette woman watching me gleefully as I reach them. I pull his hand swiftly away from his pocket, as he stares up at me with dark eyes full of hate. A whole bunch of pills scatter over the bar floor and he admonishes me with venom behind his voice.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj59zJHW2Jl
"Dick move man" he spits as me as I expose his intentions for the two young women.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesSrBOBHG4
"Jesus Christ" the tall blonde girl practically gawks gazing at the date rape drugs all over the floor.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRMXwZJtjW
"I'm the dick am I!?" I laugh as he tries to collect up the pills. Security, in the form of a large burly guy dressed in an all black uniform, pulls the guy and tells him he needs to leave. I watch as the guys are pulled out of the pub, and handed over to police outside, the blonde girl giving her drink back to the barman in case anything has been slipped into it.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7Eja8GiaS
"Here" I say softly looking over at the barman.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUlJGqY5Un
"Can I get refills for these two and two more pints please" I say to the barman and he nods setting on the drinks quickly as I pay for them.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a0SNIcymF
"Thank you" the brunette says softly as I look up from the card reader.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VsP17riu4
"Not a problem" I say to her as she watches me closely.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBPP16W01q
"Hey, whats your name?" The blonde girl asks as she swishes her hair back clearly thinking herself the more attractive option of the two of them. Giving me her best grin as she takes the refill of her drink and I retreat back.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDrDysZHDh
"Matty" I explain and she nods smiling to herself.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxHbOE08qj
"Matty and..?" She asks looking over at Ross.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eOjme6GZg
"Ross" I say over my shoulder walking away and back to my food.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPdmEIDJmH
I slide back into my chair as Ross looks up at me expectantly. Ignoring him I tuck into my food and grin to myself as I see a message from Taylor pop up on my phone.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5f70DDPTK
I'm sorry Matthew, but I need some pics of you also, please tell me you guys went into the sex shop. We all miss you. Taylor
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFTevtX2nO
“Hey Ross” I say and he looks at me bemused.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQr0UmoZUWM
“Can you take a nice picture of me so I can send it to Taylor” I say and he laughs.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz65RyUrvFz
“How’d you know, Mathew? The guy and the pills how did you know to intervene” he asks me incredulously pulling his phone out and aiming it at me.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroCeWzq0tH
“I was just people watching” I admit and he grins.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g167wkLJ2
“Sure” he says laughing as I try my best to look okay in my mugshot.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEas7eZD5x
“Try and look hot, dude and less moody” he laughs.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiS2EWma3G3
“Moody is hot” I tell him as he rolls his eyes taking the picture and sending it through to me.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdea5xXgmra
“Why the picture” he laughs and I smirk.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqLGojo81N
“Taylor didn’t want to just see your mug.” I laugh and he acts mock surprised throwing his hands in the air before he grasps his knife and fork again.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabkJVUiELP
“That’s a great picture though the sex shop one” he laughs as blondie from earlier approaches him. Pulling up a chair and taking a seat at our table as I send through the picture to Taylor with a kiss.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BvfFXTgVh
“Hey there Ross” she says confidently and from first impressions I know that she’s not his kind of girl. In her demeanour, which is commendably confident and her dress which is far too short. He eyes her and looks down at his food clearly miffed by the whole experience.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS78yfdHJ6q
“Hey ugh congrats on not getting your drink spiked” he giggles and she finds him irresistible, meanwhile the other girl takes a seat next to me wordlessly. Women are somewhat off the cards for me since I tend to break everything good about their character when they cannot live up to the standards of the love of my life. So in that respect I look at the girl, who quite frankly is far too young for me, and then I clear my throat and wait for Ross to continue the introductions.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJtJuJVlTh
“Ross and Matthew, well would you like to know our names or not?” Blondie says taking charge of the entire conversation for everybody. I notice she swishes her hair back again, it’s a habit and I don’t like it. Already she annoys me and I cannot wait to be back at the apartment on the balcony smoking and drawing.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2j8e8UoRY
“Go ahead” Ross says simply as he rests his fork down and looks up. The bar only gets busier as I see people beginning to dance around and enjoy themselves. I think about Taylor and how she would most likely be dancing among everybody else.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaz5Qh9Zpa
“My name is Katherine. This is Aimee” blondie says clearly pleased as punch as Aimee looks up at me rather shyly.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshtESPnRTX
“The correct response to that is nice to meet you, you have beautiful names!” Katherine laughs and Ross strokes his blonde hair back, undeniably cool.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKLOniVWGT
“Very British” he says sipping his beer a wry smile on his lips.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTamD35a2ff
“You guys aren’t though right?” Katherine jibes with him, fishing for information.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmA8rlfHqI
“No we’re actually Californians” he explains and she gasps like she’s struck gold.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CF4WlSm7K
“Cali” she exclaims and he practically jumps at her shrill voice.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Oz3lpoJdd
“Yes California we’re just visiting the UK” he explains softly and Aimee nods.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcBguRjO8t
“Are you footballers? Or like models or something?” She enquires bizarrely and I begin to question her sanity. The music swells and I can feel the heat of all of the bodies in the bar suffocate me.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncED9jOs78
“We’re not soccer players, no. And most definitely not models” he laughs downing the rest of his beer, as she brushes his arm laughing.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwll6kulye6
“Soccer!” She laughs imitating his American accent.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI9EqudYEh
“It’s just guys that are like models or footballers travel right” she explains surmising her thought process and leaving the whole table lost for words. Ross places his beer down and I begin rolling cigarettes for our exit.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSpiRXBUVM
“Yes I guess. But far from it. I’m a writer, Matthew’s an artist” Ross explains as I eye him quickly wondering what his game might be with these two women and not wanting to play any part in it.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAI8exqLJB
“I love writers” Katherine beams as if it’s fate and Ross smiles gently before he stands. I follow his lead like the ultimate wingman, rising from the table and slipping my leather jacket on. Before I hand him a cigarette as we push our way through the coach and horses to the entrance.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz61DpReF9s
“Man what happens in London…” Ross whispers to me and I laugh shaking my head as the two girls follow us out.
ns 15.158.61.55da2
