First: A frank discussion

Before the party there was a conversation to be had with Curtis. In the fortnight since you and Courtney broke things off you hadn't seen him. You hadn't really seen him at all since HE first left your now-mutual ex.

He'd pretty much stopped attending the college and when he did come in, your lessons were in the main school because of the year-group difference. He was, however, going to the party and approached you at the end of guitar club the Tuesday before.

"El, can we talk please bro?" he actually looked pained and not in any way angry so you told Lily you'd see her tomorrow and followed Curtis to the seated decking area - empty now because school finished an hour ago.

"It's good to see you mate.." you began. He cut to the chase though.

"Is it true you just stood aside because I spoke to Courtney?" his eyes seemed full of wonder.

"Look mate, I.."

He shook his head.

"You don't have to do that mate, you're her fella and I don't deserve to just waltz back in.." he seemed upset.

"Curtis, we agreed when it started that if the chance came to work things out between you guys then I'd give you both that space. It sounds a bit weird but we liked each other but were never like, 'rest of our lives' serious."

He seemed speechless.

"That girl, Lily, I was just with. I think I really like her and Courtney said she'd back off if that ever went anywhere."

He blinked and bit his lip. "Mate, I don't know what to say. She hasn't taken me back yet though. I've got some making up to do." He was close to tears and you knew he'd obviously gotten himself into some real trouble. You didn't want to ask but the fact he somehow managed to rise above whatever demons lay in his home life deserved eternal respect.

" You hurt her, dude." you admitted. "I don't know what shite went on with you and all that but she fucking idolises you, man." now you felt like crying- what was with all this emotion? Least guy talk ever!

"Mate," he had tears pricking his lashes, "she's my fucking world." he laughed.

"I was worried you'd fucking kill me for getting with her!" you winced.

He laughed again, "No, I mean, I was jealous like. I'd thrown it all away but at least I knew you'd be decent to her. I wasn't sure I could be- it was me I stopped liking, never her."

You felt you could be totally honest with him. "I think I was really starting to fall for her pal..." now you felt tears well in your eyes. "I can't help it.. Fuck, you've met her!"

"Gets right inside?" he smiled.

"Ha ha, right fucking in there!" you hugged. Neither of you gave a fuck if it looked 'gay' or whatever. There was nobody around anyway.

"I told you in Belgium, El. We're fucking brothers."

You couldn't stop smiling that he'd not only remembered, but clearly meant every word. You had to hand it to him; as brilliant as Courtney was... He deserved her. A class act.