WestFiction- "Careless Whisper" by Kate

Shane could sense it and it made him feel really low. He was sitting there facing her, but constantly trying to avoid her looks. Silence has fallen between them- something that has probably never happened before, for the last two years they were together. The music was loud, people were laughing and having mad fun on the dance floor, but he couldn’t care less. It seemed like there was an invisible border between the two of them and the rest of the people in the club. They were locked in their own little world, both looking miserable and not being in the mood for any fun that evening. Both of them knew that night was going to be full of pain and hurt.

- If you don’t feel like talking, maybe we could dance at least? – Kirsty looked at him without a single expression on her face. She had no more feelings left in her, she has already cried out all the tears she had. Right now she was just feeling numb and wanted to get on with it, however painful it would be.

I feel so unsure

As I take your hand and lead you to the dance floor

As the music dies, something in your eyes

Calls to mind the silver screen

And all its sad good-byes

As to match their feelings, a slow song came on. One of those soppy melodies that were bringing back good or bad memories, and probably the tears to your eyes.

Shane took Kirsty’s hand gently and led her to the dance floor. He felt her stiffening as he pulled her closer to him, but she managed to relax as he put his arms around her waist and hugged her tightly. He was completely aware of the fact that it was probably the last time they danced together and the last time he was holding her.

For the last few days he was walking around like a ghost, feeling he’ll loose his mind any minute. He was praying she’ll let it go and let things get back to normal, but deep inside he knew she wasn’t that type of a girl. He tried to figure out if it was better to tell her everything that happened between him and Nathalie that night or just to keep it all to himself.

He finally decided to tell her all she deserved to know and invited her to their favourite club.

But as soon as he came to pick her up, he could notice easily that something was wrong.

She already knew.

I'm never gonna dance again

Guilty feet have got no rhythm

Though it's easy to pretend

I know you’re not a fool

Should've known better than to cheat a friend

And waste the chance that I've been given

So I'm never gonna dance again

The way I danced with you

Kirsty put her head on Shane’s arm, closed her eyes and then smiled sadly. The smell of his after-shave could surely bring back some good memories...

Like the mornings, when she was waking up in his bed just in time to see him coming out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, so fresh and clean, smiling at her and kissing her good morning. Or all the times when she was sitting at the edge of the bath- tub, watching him shaving and doing all she could to distract him. They usually ended up splashing water all over the bathroom and chasing each other around until they were out of breath and decided to do something more pleasant...

She smiled to herself and opened her eyes. She then touched his neck gently and caressed it, like she always used to do when she was feeling sentimental.

It made a smile appear on Shane’s face but didn’t ease the pain in his heart. The thought that he was experiencing this for the last time was killing him slowly but he decided not to let his feelings show. At least not for now.

Time can never mend

The careless whispers of a good friend

To the heart and mind

Ignorance is kind

There's no comfort in the truth

Pain is all you'll find

I'm never gonna dance again

Guilty feet have got no rhythm

Though it's easy to pretend

I know you’re not a fool

Should've known better than to cheat a friend

And waste this chance that I've been given

So I'm never gonna dance again

The way I danced with you

- You know already, don’t you?- he whispered in the air, trying not to let her show that his voice was trembling.

She just nodded. –Yes, I do.

He sighed deeply.

- Do I need to tell you how sorry I am?- he asked, but already knew the answer.

She looked him in the eyes and shook her head no.

- There’s no use for you to do that. It won’t change anything. You know how I feel about these things... – her voice drifted off as she saw him nodding continuously, with tears welling up in his eyes. He wasn’t looking at her, he wouldn’t dare to do that ‘cause he felt like the worst scum in the world right now.

- It was Jodie who told you everything, wasn’t it?- he asked, biting his bottom lip not to burst in tears. He didn’t want to embarrass himself more. He was going to get through it without crying.

- Does it matter, Shane?- she sighed. – The fact is, you cheated on me and I don’t care in what way exactly. You let me down, that’s all that matters. I thought we had something special going on and you proved me wrong. Nothing can be done now. I’m sorry.

He couldn’t say anything more. He tried to hide his face, ‘cause he felt so ashamed he almost felt the guilt written on his forehead: „The jerk that cheated on the best girl that ever happened to him”. He eventually buried his face in her hair and tightened his grip around her waist, as the words „the last time..” were echoing in his head...

Tonight the music seems so loud

I wish that we could lose this crowd

Maybe it's better this way

We'd hurt each other with the things we'd want to say

We could have been so good together

We could have lived this dance forever

But no one's gonna dance with me

Please stay

-Stay.

A silent whisper got out of his throat and she froze. The thought of leaving him haunted her for the last few days but eventually she got used to it, as far as it was possible. Now it all came back to her with a double strength.

She ran her hand through her hair nervously and looked at him.

-I can’t.

Didn’t he just hear the pain in her voice? Impossible. It wouldn’t be like her. His Kirsty was strong and nothing could make her loose control.

He always felt weak compared to her. Bryan was sometimes saying jokingly that she was the one wearing trousers in this relationship. Now Shane was beginning to understand what did he mean by that.

He snapped back to reality when she kissed his cheek in such a way he almost felt like blushing.

-Take care Shane. I love you.- she whispered sincerely in his ear and pulled away from his embrace. He felt something wet on his cheek. It was a tear of hers. Funny...

He watched her glancing at him for the last time and walking away. She turned around once more and lifted her hand up as to wave, but she eventually touched her wet cheek and wiped away a single tear.

He stood there without a move, watching her making her way through the crowd, her tall, slim figure disappearing in between people dancing happily.

He sighed and turned his gaze away. Now it was the time for him to get on with his life and mend a broken heart. One thing was sure: without her, things were never going to be the same. Never.

And I'm never gonna dance again

Guilty feet have got no rhythm

Though it's easy to pretend

I know you’re not a fool

Should've known better than to cheat a friend

And waste the chance that I've been given

So I'm never gonna dance again

The way I danced with you

sign Kate's Feedback Page find out more about Kate email Kate Shane stories' index