Pretty Eyes

They knew.
Uncharacteristic.
No smile.
Eyes down.
Blame nerves.
No prying.
Reassuring touch.
Motherly smile.
Only girl.
Mums keep secrets.
She knew.
No food today.
Can’t face it.
Easier to hide.
Upstairs.
Own room.
Near friends.
Not him.
Don’t shake.
Don’t cry.
Answer phone.
Geordie slapper.
Too quiet.
She knew.
Wants visit.
Hang up.
In the papers.
They knew.
In the corner.
Don’t shake.
Don’t cry.
Door opens.
Friend.
He knew.
Sits with.
Too quiet.
Uncomfortable.
Friend.
Mirror image.
Sit together.
Off topic.
No surprise.
The question.
The denial.
Shared look.
Telepathic.
Name doesn’t hurt.
Don’t shake.
Don’t cry.
Shared look.
They knew.
Gone.
Gotta get out.
Weak knees.
Leave room.
Him.
He knew.
Pretty eyes.
Back to wall.
He wins.
Pretty eyes.
Hand on hips.
Nails hurt.
Pretty eyes.
He wins.
No help.
Upstairs.
Shut door.
Keep quiet.
No noise.
Nails hurt.
Noise.
Bruised cheekbone.
No noise.
Pretty eyes.
Too young.
His.
Face down.
Too rough.
No noise.
Keep quiet.
Don’t shake.
Don’t cry.
Over.
Pretty eyes.
He wins.
Fragile.
Too young.
Not love.
He knew.
Get out.
Downstairs.
Friends.
The question.
Don’t shake.
Don’t cry.
No answer.
They knew.
Only girl.
Motherly hug.
Alright.
Not quite.
Too quiet.
They knew.
Bruise.
The question.
The denial.
Don’t lie.
Nod.
Smile.
All better.
Don’t shake.
Don’t cry.
Go sing.