I absolutely adore writing about Effy, and I'd love to hear your own interpretations about her behaviour and circumstances. I'm thinking I'll update this very often, as she's my favourite character to obsess over and write about. How you enjoy, and reviews would be very much appreciated, considering the fact I'm sure we all have our own diverse opinions on such a mysterious, complexed character :) This does have references to the first generation, and also the SKINS Novel - so some of you may find yourselves lost in places, but keep with me, I will try my best to let it aaaallll become cllleeeaarrr x
Above all other indulgences, Effy loved history.
She liked to grip facts by the throat, and absorb as much as she could.
Lose herself in situations and social circles that were real; that really existed.
The few that made a difference, and the array of differences they made.
Effy was the sort of extraordinary species that wasn't necessarily supposed to care about the past.
She was the type who tended to live in the moment.
But Effy loved to surprise and defy the stereotypes stapled to her.
History was one thing she could trust.
One thing that couldn't escape her grasp, and metamorphose into something she didn't recognise.
History was an area of her life that Effy could completely control, because it couldn't unexpectedly change.
Before Anthea turned to drink, and Jim turned his cheek - Tony used to read to her. She would learn of Cleopatra, Eleanor of Equatine and Queen Victoria. Beautiful, powerful women with the world and it's people under their command. Something about that strength of manipulation thrilled the tenderly young Effy, and she'd often follow suit - holding her breath and refusing to speak when situations didn't go according to her plan. Either that, or she'd run away and hide in impossible places, hearing people seek her and relishing not being found.
Tony's interests lay at other historical doors. He was particularly infatuated with Martin Luther King, Jr. Tony completely memorized the 'I Have A Dream' speech, and Effy would hear him mumbling the words under his breath - instead of the grace the young Stonem's often had to endure at the dinner table, before Jim would butcher the turkey.
Tony's obsession continued to escalate, and he loved to reenact Martin's assassination, much to the discomfort of his parents and Effy's amusement. She'd squeal and clap her hands at the display of mindless imaginary violence, the only sort of picture that could squeeze any emotion from her.
Tony reminded Effy of Martin Luther in little ways. The fact that she felt safe around him, would follow only his lead, and let him dictate to her the rights and wrongs.
She was in awe, as Martin's people were in awe of him - trusting him with their souls.
But just as Martin died, Tony grew up.
He abandoned Effy against her will, before she was ready to let him go.
His history books lay abandoned on his desk, and instead, spliff and Sid Jenkins filled his thoughts.
Effy stopped speaking, as she tried to mend the fragments of her security that were spiralling away from her.
She wouldn't say another word, until it was clear she had re-established her control.
As sick as it may of seemed, when Tony was involved in the accident, and the bus smashed his brain into mush - Effy felt at peace. Tony was losing himself, couldn't remember who he was - and it was Effy's' job to rebuild him, breathe life back into his battered pubescent body. Make him understand how much he needed her, and how he was the only person who she allowed herself to love. It was her turn to lead him out of the darkness, and watch as the Tony she admired rose from his burdened ashes.
And this time, as Tony peaked into adulthood and slipped away to Cardiff University - Effy was ready to let him escape.
She was about to embark on her own turbulent journey, after all.