A Little Rain by Dee Winter Page A

other has a big c-shaped scar, visible from
here, on his cheek.  I look from a distance at Lee.  He has the look of
violence too, only his expression seems a little softer, like maybe he would
talk to you first before beating the crap out of you.
    My courage finds me and I start to approach, although
I’m not drunk at all my steps feel a little unsteady.  I’m barely ten feet away
when he clocks me. “Hey Missy. Where’s your boyfriend?  You found him yet?”  He
near shouts but I hold my nerve still, even if I am a little unsettled by him
as a whole.
    “Yeah,” I say nervously, trying to steady my voice.
“The prick’s gone and left me… I was hoping I could maybe get a cab from here.”
 Lee smiles then stops and turns his attention to a group of drunk singing ladies
that have practically fallen out of the door behind him.  I stand still.  A
little unsure exactly of what I’m supposed to do, still scared and still daring
to hope that Benny and Tobes and Demi might be a part of that crowd that have
now momentarily gathered outside but are now dispersing.  My eyes dart from
face to face expectantly, all the while I’m painfully aware of standing alone.
    I stand shivering and move my eyes down to my
burger-splattered boots.   Then I’m aware as someone draws up too close and
fast right in front of me.  To hide my surprise and intimidation, I look up
slowly to meet his eye.  I stare at him solidly.  His icy eyes stare back.
    “So, are you still looking for a lift?” he says.  His
tone is more arrogant than I remember. “I’m finished now.  I’ll give you a
ride.”
    “Nah.  I’m south London.  It’ll be out of your way,” I
say.  I’m unsure of what he’ll say next.  His answer worries me.
    “It’s not out the way.  I’m south London too.  I’ll
take you no probs.”
    Now it’s Catch 22.  Dangerous Catch 22.  I say okay
and get in a car with a man I don’t know and possibly get taken home or he
could take me anywhere.  Then maybe equally dangerous, I get left here out in
the night, alone, no money, no cab.  My old theory is I could phone Rob, wake
him, Ruby too.  He’d be angry and would feel he had to come and get me.  I
think though if Ruby’s there he can hardly come out with her at this hour so
maybe I should just get this lift for free.  But nothing good is ever free. 
Damn.  If Lee gives me a lift he’ll want something in return and just an hour
or so after fleetingly fancying him, he now repulses me.
    Now he’s been waiting for an answer for a while.  All
the time, he’s been standing right up close.  So I say, “Ok, cool. That’d be
cool, yeah,” as my brain is whirring wildly, lighting up all the big red danger
signs in my mind.  I blot them out.  As he starts to walk away expecting me to
follow, my inner voice says loudly you’ve gone this far … do
something… be prepared... arm yourself .  I think my poxy set of keys won’t
be any help now so I scour the street.  There’s nothing but cigarette butts and
grime directly by my feet but as I look ahead in the direction we are walking a
pile of rubbish becomes more apparent.  Perfect .  I see a brown beer
bottle just ahead resting in the gutter.  I duck and swipe it in a second and
tuck it inside my coat, wedging it deep in my waistband.  I look up to the
stars.  Thank you .  Lee briefly turns to look but thankfully does not
see what I have done.  My heartbeat slows a little.  It’s not too comfy walking
with cold sticky glass poking at my hip and now that Lee has speeded up even
less so.  I adjust it carefully, unseen, as if it were to slip and fall and
smash at this point it could spell disaster.
    I hear a fast loud bipp bipp that makes me look
up.  Amber lights flash a warning ahead.  I see his big red car, flashy and low
set with sparkling alloys.  I almost feel like I’m not good enough to get
inside.  I don’t like it.  My following steps falter a little.  I hang