CHAPTER 2

Later that night, I called Her. 

She told me Her address, then a date. 

She'd invited me to Her apartment, 

So I went. 

When I'd arrived I couldn't help but notice the area, 

It was dark and rundown, unfit for goodness. 

Where addicts, dealers, pervs and beggars called home, 

All the leftover scum of society. 

She eagerly answered my knock on Her door, 

She smiled excitedly and led me in, 

Hand in hand 

Into Her dim and cold room. 

Despite it being cold, 

She wore a long t-shirt and shorts, 

The shirt was adorned with a snapdragon print 

As Her pale thin arms were quietly hidden in shadows. 

She led me to a small enclosure 

Illuminated by a thick red light 

That housed inside of it 

Two albino ball pythons. 

She pulled one out, letting it twist around Her arm. 

She looked at me and said, 

"I wish I was a snake, 

It'd be such a nice life. 

I could wrap around you and we'd keep each other warm 

And I could kill anyone who makes you sad." 

Snakes are cold-blooded, 

I should've known. 

No warmth comes 

From a snake's tight hold. 

She gently put the snake back, stroking it lightly. 

She stepped towards me 

Only to hold onto me tight, squeezing me 

As my hands and arms were restricted, I couldn't hold back. 

I could hardly breathe 

So I yelled out, 

"Stop!" 

And She did, a little shamefully too. 

She gently and sombrely uttered, 

"I'm sorry..." 

She began to tear up and scratch Her arms a bit 

And that's when I saw them. 

Now illuminated by the red light, 

The scars on Her arms and legs could be seen. 

I saw lines, stars, hearts and names, 

Mine and Hers, next to each other. 

I couldn't help but feel empathy, 

I was only two months clean myself. 

As I saw Her saddened face and watery eyes 

Something took hold of me, either guilt or love, 

But I took Her from under the arms 

And held Her close to me tightly. 

She gasped a faint gasp, 

Then She held onto me back, 

Her tears on my shirt, 

But I didn't mind. 

I think I loved that girl, 

And I think She loved me. 

My Darling, Gorgeous Sweetheart, 

Rosie.