Natalie Clouds. 19 at the time of the first speed date questions.

Speed Date Questions

1. Where did you grow up? My family is from this quaint small town, near some bigger, broader cities. You probably haven't heard of it and I won't bore you with the know-hows.

2. What do you do for a living? Currently I'm working a crappy retail job. 8 till 6, 5 day shift. Weekends off, though.

3. Are you currently seeing anyone? My most recent relationship didn't end too well. That's all I'll say.

4. What's your favourite drink? I'm really enjoying this vodka and coke, to be honest.

5. What are you scared of? The dark. Next question, please.

6. What's your goal for the future? I want to write. Publish a couple novels, sell a few screenplays. Yada, yada.

7. Do you have a big family? I live with my mom, my stepdad and my younger brother. I don't really speak with my "real dad". I visit my aunt sometimes, too, just to help her out.

8. Do you believe in God? No. Not at all.

29 at the time of the second speed date questions.

Speed Date Questions

1. Where did you grow up? I don't think I could tell you where I was originally born, nor lived. The earliest memory I have is living in Lochsdale, with my parents. We were there for some time; up until I moved out a few years back.

2. What do you do for a living? I'm a writer! I've just came out with my fourth book in the 'Tales of Swords, Stones and Sorrows' series. Hopefully, fingers crossed, I land this deal with a MAJOR streaming service to adapt my books!

3. Are you currently seeing anyone? Um, not right now, no. We've been on-again-off-again for a few years now.

4. What's your favourite drink? I honestly struggle to function without some caffeine in the mornings. I'd say coffee. Oh! I love a glass of red wine, too.

5. What are you scared of? I think some years back, I would have said 'the dark' or something brash to deflect the question. But, now? I think I've always been afraid of ending up on my own. No one to talk to, or share with, laugh with.

6. What's your goal for the future? As I mentioned before, I'd love to score this streaming deal. It might actually keep me relevant for a few more years.

7. Do you have a big family? I still speak to my mom's side of the family, visit my aunt on weekends. A couple of years back, I met up with my dad for the first time in some years. We keep in touch, every so often.

8. Do you believe in God? My whole life, I think I would have said "No way!" But I feel the universe is too big for just us, y'know? So whether it be some benevolent, larger-than-life being or martians or who knows?! We can't just be alone.

9 at the time of the third speed date questions.

1. Where do you grow up? I live with my mom and my other dad at the house not far from the big tree! It's just around the corner, you can't miss it!

2. What do you like to do? Sometimes, I play dolls with my mom and we tell stories together, too.

3. Do you have a crush? Um.. no. I love my best friend, Sophie though!

4. What's your favourite drink? I like fresh orange juice. Lemonade. Soda. Fresh orange juice, too.

5. What are you scared of? The dark.

6. What do you want to do when you're older? An actress!

7. Do you have a big family? Let's see. There's my mom, my other dad, my dad, my aunt, my other aunt, my cat, my other other aunt, my two uncles. And, me!

8. Do you believe in God? I don't know. Maybe?

Natalie Clouds. 19 at the time of the following POV paragraph.

Shit. I can't believe it. What the hell is she thinking? She brought me all the way out here, for this? I can't help worrying about these things, and she knows that. I trust her, I do! Thinking straight seems impossible, my brain just doesn't want to focus. We've known each other for years, been together a long time. She was the first person I slept with. We shared that. We shared so many things, things we wouldn't even think to share with others. But it felt natural for us. We loved each other, or at least.. I loved her. I know I said some messed up shit. I apologised every time I did. She said she 'understood' and that 'we'll work through it together.' This bus station is screaming and it feels like everyone is looking at me. I need to lie down. I need to think. I can't catch my breath. Where do I go? What do I do now? She always knew. I just keep seeing it over and over again, when I close my eyes. The image of her walking away and the last words she said to me; they won't leave me. This can't be the end.

Sophie ______. 18 at the time of the following POV paragraph.

Shit. I can't believe I did that. It's going to seem harsh to bring her out into the city to end things here, of all places. But this is where it started for us. We had our first date at the pizza place, near the boulevard. We've visited countless times since. There's actually a bench, near the river, under the lights. She told me she loved me there. This place, that moment, Natalie; they will always mean something to me! I hope that in the future she understands why I had to end our relationship. I knew she loved me, but she had a lot of unresolved issues that I wish she could overcome. Maybe, one day, she will. Maybe, one day, in the future, we will meet again. When we're both different. I wish I could be the one to help ease her mind, but how many times do I have to clearly tell her I only have eyes for her? I can't carry her burdens with my own. I love her. I always will. She'll always mean something to me. I hope she can forgive me. I'm sorry.

Ronan Gilfillan

Aspiring writer/video game composer!

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