THE BIRTHDAY
Short story winner FIRST LINE SHORT STORY COMPETITION
by Ali Luke
Ali Luke, Garforth, West Yorkshire, is the author of Lycopolis and Oblivion, two fast-paced contemporary fantasy novels.
She lives in Leeds with her husband and two young children, blogs about the art, craft and business of writing at www.aliventures.com, and can be found on Twitter as @aliventures
‘Is that what you meant to do?’ Richard asked, quietly.
Jason stared across the pub, ignoring the curious eyes turned towards them – other students, mostly. Lauren had gone; she’d grabbed her coat and bag, left her still-full pint, and gone.
‘Jason?’ Richard sounded worried now, no longer half-amused. ‘Look, go after her, then, go on.’
‘She was pretty bloody clear she didn’t want me to.’
‘You don’t want to lose her.’
He willed his voice to stay steady. ‘I don’t need her. If she wants to end it… well, it was never going to last.’
Richard hesitated, reached for his beer, then dropped his hand. ‘She’s been good for you.’
‘Yeah. Got me wrapped right around her little finger.’
‘That’s not what I meant. And look, she only said ‘happy birthday’, how was she supposed –’
‘I never should’ve got involved with her.’
Jason pulled on his coat.
‘You’re off to patch things up with her?’
‘No.’
‘Okay. Then tell me you’re not going to do anything stupid.’
‘Define stupid.’
Richard grabbed his arm. Jason shook him off – easily.
‘Please tell me you’re not going to lock yourself in your room again,’ Richard said. ‘Please tell me I won’t have to get the porters to break in, that I’m not going to find you… find you… God.’