forbury

Dozens upon dozens of teenagers (many of which don't even know each
other's names) sprawled across the concrete floor. The sun is warm, but
there's a bitter breeze, as they huddle up and pull their legs close
against their bodies. Is there really nowhere else for them to go? No,
there really isn't. It's not like they're homeless or anything; just
bored. Extremely bored. And we can't blame them.

Two girls smudge their black lipstick with the bottle of vodka which
they're sharing, as a bored teenage boy spins the wheels of the
skateboard which is upside down on his lap. Each mind filled with
different thoughts; each person tainted by different memories. They
start up oblivious conversations with a friend of a friend of a friend
of a friend of a friend.. "I know you from somewhere"? and by the end
of the day, they're practically best friends.

They send one of the older ones off to the shops with money given to
them by their parents, and ask for more alcohol and cigarettes.
Blank-faced members of the crowd listen to their headphones; from
gothic rock to punk to hip-hop and back again.

Yards of fishnet in every colour of the rainbow; enough eyeliner to
cover a canvas liberally. Facefulls of piercings, and arms adorned with
bracelets, scars, &;amp; biro-reminders.
Trainers, Doc Martens, skate shoes, PVC platforms which are
ankle-breaking to walk in whilst drunk. But nothing stops them from
trying..

Calling people who are missing the fun, exchanging numbers, &;amp;
trying to remember what time they said they'd be home. Scraping every
last penny together to afford the bus fare, and scrounging cigarettes
of friends and strangers. Letting spliffs relax their bodies, they feel
safe and a part of something. Boys who look like girls, people crying
in puddles of their own alcohol-induced sick.

Hugs and more, private jokes &;amp; nonsense nicknames. Be who you
are; be who you want to be. Build up a new identity..

If the kids are united, they will never be divided.