Coda Josh Grant

“Xmas isn’t the same,” said George. “But I guess it isn’t ever the same when you grow up.” “It is so true, it doesn’t matter what life has thrown at you.” “Yeah, I guess.” “Oh sorry… I didn’t think.” “No, you are right, we’ve adults now and we need to be adults.” “I just…” “No, it is okay.” I smiled. George smiled. “I’ve got more pills,” said George. “Do you want to take them?” “Sure.” “It’s Xmas,” said George. “And we should celebrate.” So, George and I took more e’s.  We got pillows and doonas. We were luscious. We dribbled all over each other, with words of love and friendship. George rambled on a lot, like I find a lot of Greek boys do. So often, he had verbal diarrhoea, with shiny bright eyes. Sexy, unselfconscious. We ate fruit, we drank Up & Go. We choofed, boy did we choof. So much for no smoking in the house, even if we mostly smoked in my courtyard. We hung together all through Xmas. I rang the family to say I wouldn’t be there for Xmas day. I had already warned Amand...

"It's my birthday, why don't you come over for drinks and nibbles," ask Evan. "Sure, sounds good." I had no plans for Xmas eve. “And other stuff.” “Other stuff?” “You know…” said Evan cryptically. “I know?” “Good,” said Evan. “I’m supplying everything, you don’t need to bring a thing.” It was at Evan's place in Carlton, starting sometime after 7pm. I could walk, there was minimal effort required. Even a lazy arse like me can give that much effort, and to make an appearance for some old friends who are always telling me they never see enough of me. Who should I run into as soon as I get there but my ex-Luke. “Well, well, well, look who has turned up,” he said. “Oh, shut the fuck up,” I said. “And give me a hug.” “I’m glad you are here,” said Luke. “Oh, you are not,” I said. “I am.” Luke looked genuinely, dare I say, hurt? Perhaps, it has been too long since our relationship banter. They say people forget, but I don’t think I do. “Really?” I felt myself ti...