Conversation · Acele

"Sorry."

"Okay, I guess I'll fuck off then." [Leave.]

"There's some stuff I want to ask about."

"Like what?

"Oh well. You up for a conversation, at least?"

"We can do that."

"Money -- just gotta keep making it, huh? But, in the meantime -- care to tell me something of interest?"

"I'd better be going." [Leave.]

"I said, 'You should have a hat on.'"

"Nothing. I have some questions for you."

"I'm listening." A cold wind blows in from the sea. She breathes on her fingers for warmth, looking up at you.

[Leave.]

"I have some questions for you."

For some reason, the words don't come out. Instead you instinctively touch your collar to check your necktie.

It's crooked again, it always is. It's a traffic accident and a noose. Also, you should ask if she wants to party. Or better yet, ask her about that hat! Lest the necktie think you're boring...

(Bad necktie! Let go of the tie.) "I wanted to ask you some questions."

I thought you were cool. What happened, man?

"Can't say. Gotta ask questions first."

"Shoot." A cold wind blows. She breathes on her hands for warmth.

"Never mind." [Leave.]

"I'll help you all right."

"I didn't see a case in the church story."

A shaggy-looking girl in her late teens or early twenties kneels on the ice with an electronic contraption in her hand. Hearing you approach, she looks up.

"Oh, hello there."

She must be Acele, the last of the speedfreaks' 'posse'.

It's cold out here, but she's not wearing a hat! She must be freezing.

Everyone knows drugs make you invulnerable to cold. You bet this one likes to party.

"So, like..." The girl on the ice looks up at you. "Seriously, what's eating you, man?"

There is a hint of pity in her eyes.

Her hair is dyed blonde, with dark roots showing, and she wears thick black eye-liner. Most men wouldn't call her pretty -- there is a manliness to her. A coarseness.

"Believe me, dude, it's better we talk about something else."

"Okay."