"Do you have any plans for today, Jamie?" asked Mom.
"I thought I'd go in to town and meet some friends...you know, Rohan and Efrain?"
"Oh...Efrain. That's nice. I haven't heard of this Rohan before."
"Yeah, he's just joined our school but he's a nice guy. Lives out Britechester way."
"And when you meet up, what will you be doing?"
"Nothing illegal, I hope!"
"No...nothing like that, Dad!"
"Good"
"Efrain, Rohan and I are thinking of starting a band together."
"A band? How exciting."
"Hang on...a band? That would require money for a guitar which you're still saving up for!"
"I know, Dad, but there are some I can practice with that don't cost anything...and I can always borrow one but we're a long way away from any gigs. We're meeting up to practice after school."
Dad paced around the room and then sat down on the sofa, looking worried. Mom went and sat next to him.
"Is there something on your mind, Colin?"
"I've been doing the monthly household accounts and things are still tight. I don't want us committing to spending something costly right now!"
"Well, it seems like Jamie has thought this through and he knows not to overspend...don't you, Jamie?"
"Oh yeah, sure, I'll be careful"
Dang it, now Dad's going to nix my saving plan to get a guitar. I'm going to have to rely on the communal one at the Desert Bloom Park snug for now. But there are other things to consider right now and I should get out of the house or else I'll be stuck with Dad's negativity all day.
As it so happens today is the day of the flea market downtown and maybe, just maybe, there'll be a cheap guitar for sale there; you never know. I try to call Efrain and Rohan but both are busy this morning so I'm going to have to catch them later.
I get to San Myshuno just before midday and there's a nice, busy vibe down there. The bus stops right outside a bar and the flea market is on the other side of the town square and as I walk over to it I hear a voice behind me and feel a tap on my shoulder.
"Well hello, Jamie"
I look over my shoulder and who should it be but my non-girlfriend girl friend: Morgan.
"Oh, hey there, Morgan...nice to see you"
"...'nice to see you'? What kind of greeting is that?"
OK...she wants more...but how much more? I slowly move towards her and give her a hug.
"Now THAT'S better. You shouldn't be so scared around me...well, maybe a little bit...but that's all part of the fun...*giggle*"
"So.....what brings you down here, Morgan? Meeting anyone in particular or are you going with the flow?"
"I always go with the flow, Jamie...and the flea market is a GREAT place to find something unusual or hand crafted that I might like. You see, I do like checking things out..." and again she's flirting with me as she says that. "And what about you? What are you looking for, Jamie?"
"A guitar...a decent second hand one. You see, I'm putting together and band with a couple of other guys and we need some instruments."
"...and gear. You need some stage gear, like decent threads."
"Yeah, that too. I hadn't thought that far ahead."
Suddenly Morgan looks over my shoulder and notices something, or someone behind me. She waves enthusiastically to whoever it is. I look behind me and see a guy I don't recognise in the distance waving back.
"Sorry, Jamie, gotta dash...I need to speak with that guy over there. You sticking around the market for a while?"
"Yeah"
"I'll see you in a bit...we'll catch up on your band stuff."
And with that, she runs off. Hot and cold...yeah, same as ever. Oh well, time to crack on with my main purpose for being here and I start to browse the stalls hoping there's a guitar or, failing that, something else cool. I stop by a bench where this lady's selling shiny minerals, crystals and quartz. I pause to examine these fancy looking stones in more detail and all of a sudden she's by my side, looking at what I'm doing.
"Anything here takes your fancy?"
"Erm...just browsing, really."
"Do you know much about crystals and minerals?"
"Not really"
"Take that amethyst there...that's the purple one...makes an excellent paperweight or a conversational piece on a coffee table."
"It's nice...say, I like that blue one"
"The Lapis? I'm doing a deal today...10% off any stone you purchase"
The stone ends up costing me $3 but I figured it wouldn't break my budget so I buy it. It's not a guitar, and I can't see any of the stalls selling one so I figure this shiny semi-precious stone could go on my desk or side table in my room to liven it up a bit.
I'm trying to see where Morgan has got to but she's nowhere to be seen. Never mind, I'm digging the vibe around here anyway and there's a sizeable crowd around here today for this singer to perform to. I imagine that'll be me and the guys in the near future. I wonder who you contact to get a gigging space around here?
The singer finishes her song and goes off on a break. It looks like she won't be coming back soon so I go for another walk around the market to see if there's anything else that catches my fancy but mostly I'm just browsing and looking...not just for something to buy, but to see if there's anyone here I know...including Morgan.
Suddenly, there's that tap on my shoulder again and it's Morgan; she's found me.
"Hey, Morgan, how did it go with your friend?"
"Yeah, cool. He's gone now. So, do you want to hang out some more? Maybe get a drink together?" she says, jerking her thumb towards the bar nearby.
"Sure thing! But they won't serve us in there"
"Don't you have fake I.D.?"
"Erm....no....actually I left mine at home."
"I see....well, we'll use mine. I'll get the drinks and bring them out here."
"At least let me give you the money for them...my round."
"Jamie...you're such a gentleman"
She fixes me with those green eyes of her and I'm like jelly. Yes, I should keep clear of her but she's just so alluring and those eyes cast a hypnotic spell over me.
I watch her saunter over to the bar and I can't help but watch her lovely, swaying figure and those amazing legs as she just fearlessly enters a bar as if she owns the place. We could be an item but the stars just aren't aligning right at the moment. I wonder just what she sees in me? What am I doing right and what's stopping us from becoming boyfriend and girlfriend? I want more, but I fear in the pit of my stomach that what is going on between us now is the best it's ever going to get.
I pace around the square, trying not to look out of place on my own here, waiting for her to return and going through all the possibilities in my mind. How does she kiss? What does she taste like? What does she like in the romance department and...eventually...what would it be like to WooHoo with her?
After a few minutes she returns carrying two tumblers with bright green liquid in them. She hands me one and I take it.
"Here you go...turns out they didn't ask me for my I.D. anyway. I got us some Rocket Fuel, is that OK?"
"Rocket Fuel is fine." I take a sip and it burns the back of my throat. I'm not sure about the artificial lime green flavour either but I don't want to look either ungrateful or uncool in front of Morgan.
"So tell me about this band of yours?"
"It's early days yet but it's me, Efrain Webber from school and I don't think you know Rohan Elderberry, do you?"
She shakes her head and takes a gulp of her drink. "Is he at our school or another?"
"Another, down Britechester way. So I'm lead guitar at the moment, we haven't sorted out a lead singer yet. Or gigs for that matter."
"When you get your first gig, let me know. I'll be the one at the front cheering the loudest" Again, she fixes me with her green eyed gaze and touches my arm gently with her hand.
"Say, Morgan, how about you and me go on a...on a...a kind of..."
"A date?"
"Yeah, a date. I like being around you and we've come close to...you know..."
"Dating?"
"Yes, dating. We seem to click and I think you're groovy and just gorgeous so I figure we should...erm...you know..."
"Be dating?"
"You see...you get where I'm coming from. Yeah, I thought maybe we could step things up a level and date?"
"Jamie...I like you a lot; you're a swell guy..."
No, Morgan, no! Don't do this! Don't say the next part!"
"but what is 'dating' anyway? I live in the moment, I go where the inspiration takes me. All that 'let's go see a movie', 'let's go to the prom' is so passé. I don't want that kind of conventional bag, Jamie. I mean, us...one day we could be hanging out like this and the next...we might...hold hands, or kiss..."
"We could?"
"Yeah...but maybe not. Or maybe any number of things. I'm seeing loads of guys and I'm seeing none of them; do you know what I mean?"
"Kind...of..."
"But you're right; we do have a bond but don't think of it like a normal, lovey-dovey cute couple thing; I hate that."
"OK, but going back to that part about kissing..."
"Maybe, Jamie, or maybe not. When, or if, it happens it can't be planned. We'll know the right time"
"So you're not saying 'no' to the idea?"
"I never say 'no'...just 'not now'"
And I'm no clearer about where I stand with her. But she's not saying no or never, at least.
We finish our drinks and I offer to take the glasses back to the bar and get another round in; if the staff are being lax about checking I.D. I should show Morgan I'm mature and confident enough to go right in and order more.
"Thanks for the offer, Jamie, but I need to be getting on now: There's a meeting of my club soon. It's been great catching up."
"I could come with you or part of the way?"
"That's sweet, Jamie, but you're not the type to join The Renegades. You take care and we'll hang out soon, OK?"
She leans in and gives me this strong hug that she holds for more than 10 seconds. I take in her exotic perfume, her soft hair brushing against my cheek and the warm embrace...she's so good with hugs! Then she gives me a kiss on the cheek. As I had hoped, her lips are as soft as her touch and I know they've left a little lipstick mark on my face. She eventually lets go, steps back and smiles with her eyes locking on to mine once more. With a gentle, feminine wave of her hand she is off...I feel warm and let out a sigh of contentment. Oh, and I've got a massive boner as well. I can't help it and I rue the fact we get so far with each other before she, inevitably, pulls away. I don't know what to do about this: I should just say let's be friends and put up some boundaries so there's no grey area but on the other hand there's the prospect of us kissing, cuddling and sharing physical intimacy that creates this buzz whenever we're together.
I'm not sure I want to hang around the market anymore. There's no musical gear, I spent most of my money on that stone and a round of overpriced drinks and I'm too confused about Morgan on top of all that. As I start to walk off, I hear my name being yelled across the square.
"JAMIE! JAMIE!"
I look around to see who's shouting and it turns out it's Lulu Strang from my school. She runs...literally runs...right up to me, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Jamie! It is you! I thought for a moment that I'd mistaken you for some random guy and ended up embarrassing myself but, phew, it definitely was you!"
I'm so taken aback by this enthusiastic hello that I'm momentarily stuck for words.
"It's me, Lulu! Lulu Strang? We're at the same school? We met last week at Desert Bloom park?"
"Oh yeah, I know...sorry, you took me by surprise there for a moment."
"I'm sorry"
"Don't be. It's good to see you, Lulu. So, what brings you here?"
"I love browsing the flea market. There's so many fab things here, lots of gear. I bought these earrings..."
She moves a strand of her hair and turns her face so I can see the earrings better.
"They're great; they really suit you"
"Really? Yeah, I like them."
She turns her head back to look at me and I'm struck by the sheer joy on her face. Despite being both redheads, Morgan and Lulu are very different. Lulu's eyes are more prominent and are a bright blue. Maybe they're a little bit too large for her face, which is round and with cherubic cheeks, but the effect works on her. Morgan's body is slim but she wears close fitting clothes that show off her hips, boobs and ass to great effect. The black tights and sheer sleeved top make her limbs look slender and tapering. Lulu is skinny, her hips not as curvaceous and I can't tell if she's wearing hosiery or not but the lilac coloured sweater fits her very nicely and doesn't tantalise like Morgan's top. Morgan's long, soft hair makes her face look even longer...in an elegant way. Lulu has this pixie bob hairstyle and that's describes her look well: She's a pixie. Morgan's the Lady of Shallot.
"Have you found anything you like, Jamie?"
"Nah. I came here hoping to find something for the band, but what I've ended up with is this nice semi-precious stone."
I take the stone from my pocket and show it to her. She gasps when she looks upon it and then asks if she can hold it. Sure, I reply.
"This is so pretty...so, what are you going to do with it?"
"I don't know really; maybe use it on my desk as a paperweight or just have it on my bedside table. I just liked the look of it."
She hands it back to me. Lulu is so...what's the word? 'Effervescent' that I'm actually enjoying her company without having to think about it.
"I say...Lulu...would you like to grab a bite to eat...erm...with me?" I point towards the food vendor stands nearby and she looks in that direction.
"Hmm-hmm, I'd like that...you can fill me in on how the band is going as well"
We walk over to the vendors and I spy some spicy Asian food that looks appealing. Lulu, however, is not so sure...
"Wow...it all looks so exotic. I've never tried anything like this before. What do you recommend?"
"Do you know, Lulu, I have no idea! I've not eaten here before either!"
We both laugh and choose meals solely by the criteria that we like the look of them. We find a table and bench, sit down and chow down. Mine is actually really tasty, Lulu's was very spicy and hot.
"EEK! That is hot! Oh my gosh! The back of my eyeballs are burning!"
"Here, have some more water, Lulu." I pour her a glass which she picks up and chugs down in one go.
"Oh, I'm so sorry...I hope I'm not embarrassing you"
"No way! Can you manage the rest?"
"I think so...how can you remain so cool?"
"Probably because mine is only lightly spiced." I refill her glass.
"Tell me more about the band"
"We're making slow progress. I'm on lead guitar, Efrain on bass and Rohan on piano and organ. We're sharing vocals."
"Do you have a name yet?"
"No. Still looking for inspiration."
"Hmmm, let me think..."
"Do you have any ideas?"
"Well, I am your first groupie so I feel I should help out in things like finding a suitable name. How about....hey, that stone you have: How about....The Bluestones?"
"The Bluestones?"
"Yeah, like you're either The Bluestones or the Blues Tones...works both ways like The Beatles or The Monkees"
"I like it. I'll put it to the other guys."
Lulu smiles and looks pleased with herself. We sit there, finish our meals...which she learns to handle...and talk about the band, music in general and who we like. Time passes quickly and I'm completely relaxed around her where I don't notice what time it is. Eventually the market shuts and the sun is starting to set.
"Got any plans for this evening?"
"Alas, Jamie, I have. Family do. But I've had fun today and I'm glad we bumped in to each other."
"We must meet up again, soon."
"Absolutely. I guess I'll see you at school tomorrow?"
"Hopefully."
We both stand up and she smiles, a little nervously at me. Then she moves closer and gives me a little hug. Not an enveloping one with arms around me like Morgan does, but it's sweet...as befits a pixie like girl. Her aroma isn't as strongly intoxicating either...it's more floral and just barely detectable. We say our goodbyes and I watch her walk off. She's got a cute little mincing walk and I start to think whether I fancy her or not? She's not like Judy or Colleen and definitely not like Morgan! She's pretty, with very lively eyes and a sweet smile and she's just so easy to get along with. Before I met her I would have said she's not my type, but after a while she gets to grow on me a little. Maybe...
I head over to Desert Bloom Park to meet up with the guys...The Bluestones? Maybe. Rohan's the first to arrive and after I say hello to him Efrain shows up on his bike.
"What's the latest, guys?"
"Not much, Efrain"
"I was at the flea market today...I met with Morgan"
"How's it going with her? Made it to first base yet?"
"Who knows with that girl! We're somewhere between friends and girlfriend/boyfriend and even then that's way too specific. Oh, and I met Lulu as well."
"Lulu Strang?"
"Yeah! She's actually quite cool to hang out with. Oh, and I got hugs off both of them!"
"Just hugs, though."
"That's more than you ever get off a girl, Efrain!"
"What's Lulu like to hug?"
"Nice, Rohan. She's sweet."
"So not at all like her reputation at school then?"
"No...say, where does she get her reputation from because I can't detect any trace of what they say about her?"
"Like she smells"
"That's just it; she smells OK."
"I dunno, Jamie. I just hear things on the grapevine. So do you like Lulu Strang?"
"I do!"
"I was asking Jamie, Rohan. I know you like her."
"Yeah, she's actually really nice...I like her company."
"We should ask her to join the band! I've heard her sing; she has such a heavenly voice!"
"Calm down, Rohan! But, need I point out to you, Jamie, that you liking Lulu Strang is going to put you at odds with Judy Keith, Colleen Corby, Gillian Hills and all the other girls at school who hate her?"
I hadn't considered that at all the whole time I was with Lulu. Well, that's a bind...I can't see anything wrong with her that would get her so much hate but on the other hand there's no smoke without fire and that's a long list of names who actively hate her that Efrain has mentioned. Plus, Rohan seems to be besotted by Lulu and do I want to be in competition with him?
"Anyway, I had a nice time today with two cute chicks so that's me 2, you guys 0. So...let's talk band business. I've got a possible name to run past you. How about....THE BLUESTONES?"
"Not bad, guys. Who are you?"
"We're The Bluestones. Jamie, Efrain and Rohan. And you are?"
"Shanice. Say, are you guys performing anywhere? Like clubs or theatres?"
"Soon, Shanice. We're rehearsing for now but we'll let you know when our next gig is..."
"First gig, surely?"
"NEXT gig, Rohan. Our NEXT gig. We're not newbies."
Sometimes Rohan is so naïve. We want a bit of a good reputation before we've even got going. Another girl enters the snug and I'm sure I've seen her somewhere before. Rohan nudges me in the ribs.
"Do you know who that is?"
"Hmmm, she seems familiar."
"That's Eliza Dudley...she goes to my school. She's this super-talented violinist. Won competitions and everything! And she's here!"
Although she was dressed quite plainly and her hair was worn loose and not styled at all, there was this presence to Eliza that I could actually feel...like electricity. She carried herself like someone important. She looked inquisitively at the three of us.
"I hear you three are in a band"
"We are. And that was us playing just now. I'm Efrain, that's Jamie and this is Rohan"
"Hi, Eliza!"
"Hello Rohan. Are you the boy at school who plays piano at lunchtimes?"
"That's me!"
"Hmm, you're not bad."
"You're welcome to come to our first gig, Eliza"
"Jamie...you've got to stop giving away free tickets to our gigs: Half the audience are people you've invited!"
"Relax, Efrain...we need to build a fan following."
"Thanks, guys, but a word of advice from someone who has gigged...you're going to have to smarten up. You can't go out on stage looking like that!"
I looked at myself, then over to Efrain and then Rohan. She was right. But, hey, one day as The Bluestones and already we have four female fans...and we haven't played a serious note!
