Captured Tears

By Zoe Wheeler

Both couples walked away from the churchyard, which their best friends now rested together in. Matt tightened his arm around Kym’s waist as she sobbed into his bicep; she gladly accepted his arm as another salty tear escaped her eyelids and fell down her pale face. James looked down at Alex, her eyes were red from crying, he didn’t know how to comfort her, their relationship was still being rebuilt.

Matt and James sat, two weeks later, in a bleached white room, photographers and reporters surrounding them.

“Following the recent and horrific events for us as both; friends and colleagues of Charlie Simpson, we would like to pay our greatest respect to both his family, and his fiancé who sadly, also, isn’t with us anymore.” Matt said with tears forming in his eyes, he reached around the table, choking back his tears, finding his glass of water, and quickly taking a drink from it.

“Our uppermost respect also goes to Charlie’s close friends, many of whom are still in a deep state of shock because of his suicide, and his fans, who we have received many flowers, and condolence cards off of in the subsequent days, and now weeks since Charlie’s body was found” James said with soft tears rolling down his face.

“We’d like to thank Charlie for everything that he has helped both James and myself achieve in such a short time, we will never forget you Charlie.” Matt said as he freely let tears fall down his face “Neither, I am sorry to say – for our loyal fans who have been so supportive to us – that we will be able to carry on with Busted. We have achieved so much, as has been previously said, But Charlie was a key factor of our success, and more than a band member – a brother- and as you might well say ‘Oh, he’d want you to carry on’ we have come to the conclusion, that as a duet this is something that we won’t be able to do.” Matt breathed deeply; the lack of sleep and bright lights began to make him feel tired.

“We will, however, be finishing the promotion for our third album, 25% of all proceeds made from this will go to Sylvia Young Stage School, where, the money will be used to develop the many of skills many young adults from different backgrounds, who will, one day be as talented as Charlie.” James said, looking around the room at the emotionless faces of the reporters.

“There will be one final single, which will be dedicated 100% to Charlie’s family, Zoe, and the fans. This will be off of the first album, the song is titled ‘Without You’ and was written by Charlie, there will be no performances of this song, and the video will be the performance from our late spring, early summer tour of 2002, from Plymouth. There will also be, no further television appearances as a band. Again, I would like to pay my final respects to both Charlie, and Zoe, both of whom, over the past five years, I have become very close too. And I would also like to use this opportunity to thank James, who as a colleague has become somewhat of a brother to me, especially over everything that has happened recently, and Kym, my shining star, and my true love. We have both lost friends, unfortunately at the same time.” Matt sighed; at least he still had Kym.

“My thanks go to all of you who have ever listened to a busted song, you have taken your time to appreciate us, and this will never be forgotten. There is one person, who, has shown her dedication to me over the years, even after all that we have been through, that is you Alex, I love you my dear, through broken silences, broken lives, broken dreams, and captured tears, my love carries on.”

“Captured tears, Charlie, my friend, my brother in soul, we will miss you. Forever. Amen”

“Amen” James finished the speech as both he and Matt stood, shaking hands, and walking away together.