Photo courtesy – Ted Strutz
No Good Friend
Word count: 99
Simon and Phil raced onto the ferry, laughing obnoxiously and sat down opposite one other, windblown and red-cheeked.
“Gis a fag.” Simon ordered with a thrust of his chin.
Phil eyed the people around them. “It’s no smoking, Si.”
“So? I don’t care. Gis a fag.” His voice was steel.
Phil tugged the square black box from his anorak pocket, flipped the lid and pushed a cigarette out toward his companion who, after lighting, took a deep drag before blowing smoke in his face.
Simon flicked ash on the floor, sneering, daring Phil to say anything. Anything at all.
Spiritual Biscuits 
Apt title. The relationship seems to be more of a bully and a frightened sycophantic hanger-on. Great story!
Thank you. I think you got the characters just right!
Very well judged.
Thank you.
He and I would have problems.
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/11/27/ff-friday-fictioneers-the-restaurant-at-the-end-pg13-11292013-horror/
I want to sell tickets for the fight, which, when it finally comes, will be a barn burner. Well told story.
Aloha,
doug
Thank you. I think Simon would probably win.
Don’t you just want a friend like him? NOT! Well done, you made me dislike him quite vehemently in so few words.
Wow…I’m glad I could invoke such emotion! Thank you.
Yep…that’s how it is growing up…well-caught and great dialogue.
That’s how it was for me…I was a “Phil”… Thank you.
Oh no! I’m back on the Lymington to Yarmouth Ferry! Great characterisation Britlight. 🙂
Thank you. How did we ever make it through our English childhoods? 😉
I don’t know which is sadder, the kid who is so desperate for a friend he will choose this guy or this guy who is on a clear path to jail or the morgue.
Years from now, they might both have their lives sorted but I think Phil would not be Friending Simon on Facebook anytime soon.
Oh Dear! There is NO smoking on the ferry. Si is being tapped on the shoulder as we speak…
…and he still wouldn’t care.
Dear Brit,
A fight is about to ensue and a faulty friendship (if there was one to begin with) is a bout to end.
Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Somehow I think Phil will keep his mouth shut and probably begin to create some distance between the two of them. Thank you for reading!
‘Man up’, Phil.
He won’t…. 😉
I think this reflects the dynamics of far too many young friendships. It would be great to read an entire story based on these characters. I’d like to see their development and growth.
I agree. In my youth, I was definitely a Phil sort of girl.
Love what you’ve done here Brit! I would want to put the cigarette out on Simon’s leg. Or, maybe his shoe. Either way, this reminded me of those unbalanced friendships of youth…. and made me glad I’m no longer young. 😉 Nice!
I’m not sure if Phil will continue trying to fit in with the wrong crowd or break away from the pack. Whatever his course, I think eventually he’ll be just fine. 😉
Simon is not the kind of guy to hang around with if you want to stay out of trouble. He’s BAD COMPANY. Well written piece, Brit.
Thank you. Yes, I knew people like Simon in my youth. I think I turned out ok. 😉