7. Bubble Gum

The American boy brings us Bubble Gum from a place he calls the PX. Bubble gum is quite different from chewing gum. It is a large cube of vivid pinky orange the colour of my grandfather's artificial gums. It is faintly spongy to the touch, smells rather like talcum powder, and tastes rather as I imagine sweet soap would taste.

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You can make bubbles with the gum. Large whitish bubbles which fill then pop faintly and leave their slightly cool residue hanging like spider webbing from your cheeks.

The American boy is a dealer. He deals in Phillip Morris, Kent, and Camel cigarettes, in things he calls 'joeys' , and in bubble gum.

What can I give him? He has so much: long trousers, a flat-top crew cut, slip-on shoes, the words 'fanny' and 'cunt', American cigarettes, joeys, and bubble gum.

It is easy.

He wants money.

I have no money. But I have a bone-handled pocket knife and a clip of army badges from my grandfather which I sell to Bruce.

He gives me enough money for several packets of bubble gum. I give him three packets back: one for his secret, one for our friendship, and one for the deal.