Just Me and Ray

Ray it's me. Sadie. I no u probably dont want to talk to me after what happened but im scared and im worried about u. i dont even no where u are. Ring or txt asap

love sades xxx

Ray's my best friend. I've known him ever since I began to remember things. Our Mums were, still are, old childhood friends. And I don't mean the kind of friend who you just go into town or get pissed with. No, the kind of friend who you know is going to be around forever because they stick by you even when you've given up, let yourself down, or just can't cope anymore. The kind of friend Ray is to me.

I can't count the amount of memories we've shared. When we were toddlers we'd snuggle up on my Dad's armchair with a pink and blue blanket watching Disney films. When we got that little bit older, old enough to realise the fun of pissing off parents, we'd drive them absolutely crazy with drawn-over walls, rabbit demanding temper tantrums, and arguably the most fun and rewarding of all, refusing to come home from each other's houses. We could, of course, be good as gold too. Whenever our families went to the beach together, something we enjoyed just as much as the next kid, we'd play chicken in the waves and build sandcastles; you know, like those cutesy little stereotypical kids in adverts and American sitcoms.

I started to worry when we reached the preteen stage. The ironic thing is that it had nothing to do with 'hormones' or just 'growing up' as our parents told us day in, day out. I can pinpoint exactly what changed Ray; he started year seven and we no longer saw each other at school. Although he grew introverted, he coped because, at end of the day, he knew I was there. And I knew he was there.

He used to always be there.

He isn't anymore. I don't know where he is or what he's doing. He's hurt so many people. He's hurt me. And he's left me with a burden too heavy to carry alone.

And yet we're still here. We're still waiting.

He's been gone a long time now.

Things are never going to be the same.