Bleargh! The folks are being all soppy and romantic again.
"Darling, you're as beautiful today as you've always been!"
"Oh Colin, how romantic...what's brought this on?"
"Can't a husband pay his beloved wife a compliment as and when?"
They can keep this up for hours! Sure, it's all genuine but I'm trying to concentrate on my homework here!
Actually, that's not true...I finished my homework and now being around romance has made me think about Lulu. It's been a few days since our first date and I haven't seen much of her around school and we've only spoken on the phone once since then.
Is she still into me? That date we had was amazing...I was nervous throughout but I let things flow naturally and we ended up holding hands and kissing...twice. My rational side of my brain is telling me she's busy; we don't share many classes at school and the social tribes at break times means it's hard to try and find her and hang out. We spoke on the phone last night but talk was mainly about The Bluestone's gig at Desert Bloom Park, which is happening today. She told me she had bought an amazing new dress that would compliment the guys' suits and we talked a little about our date last weekend. So the rational side says things are OK, no need to worry.
But the irrational side of my brain is telling me she's not into me anymore. It was probably my kissing style or that she thinks she can do better or any other of the many reasons girls break up with guys. I've heard most of them...'I really see you as a friend', 'it's not you, it's me' and the worst of them all 'I see you more as a brother'.
Anyway I have to put that out of my mind for the moment as it's showtime soon. We contacted the local town council about booking the park for our first public gig but the only time they'd give us...which was in our budget of not much...was 11am for one hour. We took it. I made sure my guitar and picks were in its case and then I changed into my suit. Unfortunately my official Bluestones suit hadn't arrived from the tailor's yet so I'm going with a blue-grey one with a blue shirt which is almost the same in cut as the one I was supposed to wear.
When I get to the park I see that Lulu's already there and she looks fantastic. I see what she meant by the blue and white look.
"Lulu...wow! You look...amazing. That dress really suits you. You'll wow the crowd that's for sure!"
"Do you really think so, Jamie? Personally, I love it. Got everything from Pack's Clothing...they're the best."
She gave me a twirl and right there and then I wanted to scoop her up in my arms because she looked so adorable but there was a lot to do before the show. I had to tune my guitar and then wait for the others to do a sound check.
The others arrived not long after and Efrain tuned his electric piano whilst Rohan, like me, was bowled over by how Lulu looked. I know he too has a crush on her and I feel bad for him that I...apparently...won her affection. I still haven't had a chance to talk to her about where we're at.
We sound pretty good in the soundcheck and we're almost ready to go but Rohan needs an urgent bathroom break before we go on...as he walks past me he shoots me this look which I can't work out: Is he upset about something or is it nerves. I smile back and him and nod, trying to reassure him.
When he returns he stops to talk to me.
"So, are you and Lulu still...you know?"
"Yeah, I think. Probably. We had that date last week which went well but you know how chicks are...you're never 100% sure where you stand with them." I'm trying to play it cool, not brag or rub his face in it. He's a buddy and a crucial member of the band. I'd hate for anyone to quit before we've even played a gig.
"Rohan, we need to focus on the gig right now. We'll talk later, OK?"
He nods and goes back to what is our stage area, although it's more of a patio than a stage. About six people have gathered around us, which is pathetic but we're due to go on at 11am and there's no time to waste in hoping more people will show up.
I step in front of the microphone and make an announcement. "Alright! We're The Bluestones and we're here to play to you! OK, let's hit it...and a one and a two and a three and a four!"
Lulu's voice sounds raunchy but she can certainly project and hold a note. We hit the ground running but as I look out into the crowd...of six...I see someone I know only too well. Actually, that's not true either; I know her but don't know her at all. The mysterious, contradictory and self-proclaimed bad girl, Morgan Fyres. It's hard not to notice her in a crowd of six people, with her long red hair which matched the colour of her boots.
Keep playing, Jamie, I tell myself. Just focus on the music. I look over at Morgan and she's smiling and laughing along. Is she into the music or mocking us. Her attention is solely on Lulu.
Another familiar face in the...ahem...crowd is Yuki Behr. I like Yuki, she's a nice person but she's often miserable and that's largely due to her being the younger sister of a pop starlet and model, Candy Behr, who is a pin up for so many guys at school so Yuki's always in her shadow plus she has a terrible boyfriend who treats her like dirt. I notice he isn't here today...
Before I realise it, our hour is up and that's the end of the gig. We get a polite round of applause from the crowd...which had gone up to nine by the time we'd finished. I thank the crowd, put down my guitar and shake the hands of Rohan and Efrain before going to congratulate Lulu.
"So, was I OK?"
"Lulu, you were an absolute star out there, a natural."
"Thanks Jamie. I know there weren't many people but I felt good up there, singing. I've never done anything like this outside of school choirs."
"Well, we have to start somewhere. Onwards and upwards"
"The only thing that bugged me, Jamie, was the snarky looks Morgan was giving me."
"Oh her, you know how much of a flake she is"
I take Lulu's side 100% on this but she also knows I went out with Morgan a couple of times so I'm wondering if there's an element of jealousy here.
"I think hecklers are part and parcel of performing live. Remember Dylan going electric and this guy in the crowd yells out 'JUDAS!'? Don't sweat it, Lulu. Morgan's probably jealous that you look way better than her in that outfit. And that you've shown your talent to people who came to hear us."
"Awww, Jamie, you always know the right things to say!"
I do? Yeah, I must do. I don't plan this stuff.Anyway Lulu throws her arms around me and gives me the tightest hug I have ever received off of anyone...and I have a few adoring aunts!
It feels amazing but that's not the best part. We eventually break out of the hug but she's still holding both my hands. She looks me in the eyes, smiles and then leans towards me to kiss me!
She's standing on tip toes and puts her arms around me again but this isn't a peck on the cheek, this is a full blown kiss on the lips and neither of us let go for...I don't know how long, you don't bother to count at a time like that. So...I guess we're still on as an item.
However, this kiss isn't done in private and I become aware, out of the corner of my eye, that Rohan has seen us and is less than impressed.
I want to say something to him but a) I don't know what and b) Lulu hasn't stopped kissing me and I don't want her to stop either. Fortunately help is at hand to break him out of his mood by none other than Yuki, who has enjoyed our show and is now grooving out with us, watching the clouds.
"Say, Rohan, do you like cloud gazing? You know, just lying down in the soft sand and letting your mind drift along with the clouds?"
"What? Clouds? Erm, no. I haven't tried that"
"You should. But I don't want you to dirty your nice suit. Yeah, you guys were fab today. When's your next show?"
"I don't....I don't know...."
His voice falters and he strides off. Man, he must have it bad for Lulu and he must hate me now. I'll have to catch up with him later and try to reassure him. I guess he didn't take Yuki's hint that she wanted to hang out with him.
So Rohan has gone and Efrain's packed up his kit and is preparing to head home which leaves Lulu and myself alone.
"Thanks for that kiss. It was appreciated"
"You deserved it. So...."
"So indeed. Say, what are you doing later on? Would you like to go on another date with me? Get a coffee? Perk you up a bit, perk me up a bit."
"Pick me up from my place, 5pm" she says, giving me a coquettish smile. Well, we've made it to a second date!
I'm the last to leave and I thank the park warden before I head off but when I go around the corner to collect my bicycle who should I bump into but Morgan! I just glance her shoulder but she takes the opportunity to gently grab my hand and stroke it.
I recoil slightly at this as it's unexpected. As always with Morgan I can't work out what her game is.
"Ah, Morgan, you caught me by surprise. Erm, are you well? You look well...did you enjoy the show?"
"Yeah, it was neat. You've really come on as a guitarist, Jamie. Some cool licks there. I enjoyed watching you play."
"Well, you know, the way to get to Carnegie Hall is practice...ha ha."
"Yeah, you're good...as was Rohan and the other guy. But you're definitely the stand out."
She's smiling at me in that alluring way that attracted me to her in the first place. Is she trying to hit on me again? Time to deflect...
"I thought Lulu sang well, did you think she sang well?"
"Meh, Lulu. Alright...but she does scream a lot. So no change there from how she normally is. Is she right for your band, though?"
"I think so. She has a good, powerful voice and adds a lot of stage presence."
"I heard rumours that her singing isn't what got her into the band."
"Now wait a moment, Morgan, that's out of line! She joined the band on merit!"
Morgan's really making me lose my cool and I was about to give her a dressing down but Yuki emerged from the rest room and saw that things were getting heated between me and Morgan. I smile sheepishly at Yuki and Morgan just turns around to leave. I take my cue and go to retrieve my bike.
I go home, get changed into some casual gear, grab some lunch and help my dad with a few chores before heading off to Lulu's house to pick her up. She's changed into some casual clothes as well and we take the bus into town to go to one of the fancier coffee shops.
Since the time I picked her up from her place she's been buzzing about the gig. One of the things I like best about Lulu, apart from her big blue eyes and pert figure, is her enthusiasm for almost everything. I don't say much on the bus, I just listen to her recounting what she liked best about performing today.
"It's like when I get to the end of the verse and you come in with your solo...we didn't plan it to be that tight but it was perfect!"
"OK, Lulu, I love to hear more but I'm thirsty...let's get those coffees!"
We take a seat near a large window that looks out over the harbour and that is away from most of the customers. As I get the coffees in and Lulu takes a seat I still have this fear she's going to walk out. Silly, I know, but I've experienced being let down many times before.
But she stays and she's keen to keep talking.
"I got such a buzz, a thrill from the gig this morning, Jamie....I hope I didn't freak you out when I kissed you"
"The kiss? No, on the contrary Lulu...It was appreciated, very appreciated. I had missed seeing you at school and we haven't had any time to really talk since our date last weekend. I was wondering if things...I mean, you and I...were OK."
"Oh Jamie, things are really fab! I missed seeing you too; at school it gets difficult because of all the cliques and the rumours that go around. If I had seen you, I would have said hello. As it was I didn't and when we spoke on the phone my dad was close by and I....haven't told him yet about us."
"You haven't? That's OK, I haven't told my folks either."
"Once we go public then...BAM...we will be under the microscope with everyone so I just like it being us in the loop..."
"Although the rest of the guys in the band have figured it out. I've told them not to blab for now."
And with that Lulu smiled but then she caught me off guard by standing up and indicating I should too. OK, what's going to happen next, Jamie?
"I get giddy during the early days of a romance, do you?" she said, fixing me with those big blue eyes of hers.
"Me? I guess...I mean, it's natural, isn't it?"
"That sofa over there's just become vacant...shall we grab it before someone else does?"
I'm not going to say no to that!
"Do you know they call these 'loveseats'?"
"I didn't, Lulu...I do now"
"Psst...do you think anyone's looking our way?"
"Hmmmm, I don't think anyone cares"
"We can steal a moment..."
"No one will notice..."
"Like a pair of thieves..." I say when we eventually break the kiss. What's great about being with Lulu is that she responds to and even initiates the romance without me having to worry about what and when to make a move.
"Phew! That was....well, amazing! How about another coffee? Maybe a Danish, I'm getting hungry"
"Great idea, Jamie. I'll come with you to see what they've got"
We get up and I'm still spinning with excitement and Lulu's all bouncy and fired up as well. Nothing can ruin this day for me, nothing...
We go and order our drinks plus get a couple of cupcakes to keep us going but when we return to the loveseat, someone's taken it and it's not someone I want to see.
"Well, well; I guess the rumours are true...Jamie McGregor and Lulu Strang are an item!"
"Morgan! What the hell are you doing here?"
"I live nearby. In fact, I was about to call you. Wolfgang Munch is having a party this evening and I was hoping you'd be a plus one with me...after all, it was a buzz seeing you again this morning and word's got out that you're a pretty neat guitarist. But I see you're preoccupied right now."
"Morgan, you and me were never really on. And, yes, Lulu and I are dating so no...no plus one this evening."
Morgan raised her eyebrow in a cynical manner and muttered
"Well, there's no accounting for taste. It's a shame, Jamie, Wolfgang knows some people in the record business...you could have made an impression but....well...if you're with her you can't be ambitious."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean!"
"Morgan, you and me...OUTSIDE! I'm sick of your cattiness!"
"Lulu, she's just trying to get a rise out of us. Don't fall for the trap!"
"You know, it's always the same with Lulu Strang...the moment a relationship is struggling she's always there to pounce on the guy afterwards. She's like a dating vulture, always circling around vulnerable guys."
"Right that does it...come here you BITCH!"
"Lulu, no!" and I quickly reach out to grab her arm before she launches herself at Morgan. Morgan gets up and fixes Lulu with a look of hatred.
"Hmmm, I'm leaving! There's this stench of rotting fish around here." and with that Morgan's gone.
"Oh Jamie, I'm so sorry...I'm embarrassed but I can't stand her and her cronies. Thanks for stopping me from doing something real stupid."
"She's a psycho, Lulu. Always trying to throw people off balance."
We also leave the coffee shop and decide to take a walk down to the harbour. I can't get the reason for all this hatred directed at Lulu. She says it's because of a misunderstanding that happened a few years ago in 7th Grade but it's persisted. I don't know any girl at high school who likes Lulu...mind you, I don't know many girls at high school other than their names and what they look like. I'm not going to pry, though, my time with Lulu is amazing and I want to leave the social politics out of it.
"Jamie, you don't think I'm a vulture, do you?"
"No! Why do you think that?"
"Well, we got together not long after you and Morgan broke up and what she says is kind of true: My last couple of boyfriends had just broken up with their girlfriends...but it's just coincidence! I didn't know the relationship history when I went out with them!"
"Lulu, relax. I'm not bothered" I give her a kiss on the cheek to reassure her.
"Jamie, you're the best! So....I'll see you at school on Monday?"
"I'll find you at break time for sure"
Despite Morgan's efforts, I've had an amazing day. Lulu and I had made it to a second date...a second date! This is a milestone for me. I don't care about the social crap, Lulu's my official girlfriend and I ride high on the buzz all the way home. OK, Morgan's going to tell everyone at the party that Lulu and I are seeing each other and that will have knock on effects at school on Monday plus I'm going to have to smooth things over with Rohan because I know he's jealous as heck but...but...that's all to deal with on Monday. Today, I'm a rock n' roll star with a cute girlfriend and that's all that matters right now.
I get home and my folks are still up. Dad's watching TV but he sees me out of the corner of his eye and there's this look on his face as if he knows something.
"So, a great day eh son?"
"Who, me? Yeah, a pretty good day"
"Did the concert go well?"
"Yeah, I mean not a huge crowd but it was fun to do"
There's a pause. He looks at me and smiles.
"There's something else, isn't there, Jamie? You look too happy; OK, what's her name? It's not that Morgan I can tell...she leaves you looking frustrated. You got another girl?"
Rohan had arrived at my house thirty minutes early. I could sense the nervous energy in him as he stepped through the door, his eyes darting around the place until he saw my guitar and then they widened.
"Is that it? The new guitar?"
"It sure is, Rohan buddy. It sounds sweet; I'm bringing it to the gig today."
"Yeah...about that gig. I mean, should we be going ahead with it? Are we ready?"
That's what was bothering him: Our first gig as the Bluestones. It was a combination of rehearsal and gig. We'd booked the club house at Desert Bloom Park and were going to do a jam session plus go through a few numbers but this time we'd be inviting people we knew and any member of the public could come and watch. Now Rohan was getting cold feet...
"Step into my office". I jerked my thumb towards my room and we went in there, away from the attention of my parents. Rohan was still twitchy so I turned to face him directly and gave it to him straight.
"I know we're taking a step up today but it's not that big. It's a free show so we won't have to refund any money to disgruntled customers, it's another rehearsal session for us but this time we're trying our act out in front of a small crowd. You can't back out now, Rohan, think of Efrain and Lulu...especially her. Think of those big, blue eyes welling up with tears because we've had to cancel today."
Rohan bit his lip and looked worried. "I'd sure hate to let Lulu down" he said.
"That's the spirit! So come on; all for one and one for all. We're the Bluestones after all!"
"OK...but can I stand at the back where I can't be seen much?"
"Rohan, you can perform behind a bush if it means you can play. C'mon, let's get down to the park!"
"HELLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOO EVERYBODY! We're The Bluestones and we're gonna be performing right here in just a few minutes so get your dancing shoes on and prepare to GROOVE OUT!"
I didn't expect Efrain to be so pumped up and I'm glad he stepped up to do the introductions instead of me. I'd just mumble something like "flargh-aargh-fnargle". I was giving Rohan a pep talk inside the den and Lulu was outside telling the public that we were going to be performing in a few minutes.
Efrain was going to speak again but he had his microphone levels dialled up to maximum and there was some feedback, which hurt his brain.
Lulu was looking all bright eyed, keen and eager...as she usually does about everything. She greeted me very enthusiastically.
"Jamie! This is it! This is really it! I think there'll be a good crowd here today...I can just feel it!"
"Great to hear, Lulu. Are you OK to share lead vocals with Efrain?"
"Sure...sure...he's going to do the first number with me on harmonies and then we'll switch places for the second."
Lulu has this all figured out so I go and give my guitar one more tune up before we start. Efrain is just about ready and he introduces us as the fabulous Bluestones. I look over at Rohan and he is, as he discussed, tucked away at the back. I'm ready to go, as is Lulu...it's showtime!
We let rip with our first number and Efrain's voice was loud and gravelly sounding, which was ideal for the song and a great way to begin the set. OK, so I missed a couple of notes and I couldn't see where Rohan was half the time but the vocals were impressive: Efrain on lead, Lulu doing the backing vocals and they were sounding good!
A small crowd started to gather around us and at least no one booed. I noticed Eliza Dudley was in the crowd and she's this serious, classically trained musician so if she wasn't giving us hassle then we must be doing a few things right. I caught her eye and she smiled a little, which I took to be a good sign so I turned to Efrain and gave a little jerk of my head in Eliza's direction to alert Efrain of her presence. Of course he tried to flirt with her from the stage...
"Thank you very much...that's our interpretation of the current hit single 'You're Gonna Miss Me'. We're The Bluestones and I'd like to introduce you to the band. I am Efrain Webber...bass and vocals. On lead guitar is Jamie 'lock up your daughters' McGregor..."
I roll my eyes in disbelief that he's called me 'lock up your daughters'.
"...and on Hammond and rhythm guitar we have....where's he gone? Ah, there he is...the silent hunter himself: Mr Rohan Elderberry. Finally we have the lovely, the delightful Miss Lulu Strang on vocals!"
There was a ripple of applause among the audience but suddenly it went South when Lulu and Eliza saw each other. I could sense trouble was brewing.
"BOOOOOO! BOOOOOOOO! DOWN WITH LULU STRANG!"
"What is your problem, Eliza?"
"You! Boyfriend stealer!"
"You don't have a boyfriend to steal"
"Ah! So you admit you steal other people's boyfriends!"
"Stop saying those things!"
"And you smell weird!"
"At least I never spent any time in the loony bin!"
"It was a rest hostel...I have problems with my nerves, Lulu!"
"That's it, Eliza...you give it to Lulu with both barrels!"
Now top teen model and 'it girl', Gillian Hills, is wading in to the argument. She hates Lulu as well and I can't understand the animosity she generates amongst the other girls at school. Every interaction I've ever had with Lulu has been great. What is going on?
"OK, guys, let's start playing again...it'll drown out their row. Efrain, what's the next number on the set list?"
"Erm...it's 'Psychotic Reaction'."
"SERIOUSLY? Our next song is 'Psychotic Reaction' with that fight going on?"
"Well, we can claim they're doing a theatrical performance piece that accompanies the song"
I stand there, torn between smashing Efrain over the head with my guitar or with that mic stand. Both are expensive so I restrain myself.
"OK then...1, 2, 3, 4!"
I made sure I cranked the amp up to nearly full in order to drown out the argument between Lulu and Eliza and I think we got through that song and the next one OK. By the time we got to the last tune on our set list, I realised that it was Lulu who was meant to be lead singer! I looked across the stage area and saw that Eliza had stormed off, making theatrical bad smelling hand gestures as she flounced off. Lulu realised where we were in the set and came running back just in time.
I was thankful that we made it to the end in relatively good shape. The small crowd showed their appreciation, some were even enthusiastic, and others threw some coins our way. I was anxious about the scrap between the girls but Efrain said that if it got us some publicity then he was OK with it. Plus he said it was kind of horny watching two hot chicks fight. I was worried one or both of them would get hurt.
We packed up our instruments and started to go our separate ways but Lulu stuck around and helped me finish clearing up the performance area. With Rohan and Efrain gone, it was just the two of us. As I finished putting the rest of the trash in the bin, I saw her standing there looking at me as if she had something more to say.
"Jamie...I really appreciate the way you include me in the band...and the friendship you show me" she looked shy and awkward as she said that.
"You've added so much to this band. You're the reason we could put a show on today."
"That means a lot to me"
I can see a sensitive side to Lulu. Those comments from those other chicks must really get to her.
"Lulu, you have 3 guys who think you're fab. And, well, none more so than me." I blush as I say that.Lulu then breaks into a big smile and her big blue eyes light up once more.
"Oh Jamie you're so, so great!" She takes a few steps towards me and throws her arms right around me to give me one of her big, strong hugs that take you by surprise because she looks waif-like and fragile you don't expect such strength. I catch the waft of her lavender scented perfume and enjoy the sensation of her body pressed to mine. I don't want the hug to end but it has to, eventually.
I'm excited but I'm also nervous right now. Lulu's just given me this big hug, she's told me she thinks I'm great and she's stuck around so it's just us two so the signal is she wants to be with me more but...and this is a big but...I've learned the harsh way that when you think things are moving on romantically anything, and I mean ANYTHING, can derail the moment without any warning. I am now attracted to Lulu and I want to be with her more but what's the right thing to say and do now? What if I blow it like I always do?
"So...do you have any plans for the rest of the day?" she asks me. OK, that's a signal to ask her to hang out; it's got to be.
"No. I am free for the rest of the day...and evening..."
Lulu looks at me with those big blue eyes and she's smiling but she's not venturing anything more: I have to make the move.
"So, Lulu. How...would...you...like to....erm...get a bite to eat....with me! You and me, you know, go for some lunch? My treat, of course...and we can hang out, talk about the band, music, and stuff?"
"I'd love to, Jamie. It doesn't have to be fancy but some place we can, as you say, hang out."
"Great! Let me grab my guitar case and let's head!"
Lunch with Lulu Strang, an actual girl who wants to share a meal with me, it is! Fan-tastic!
We head to the Sunny Side Diner, which is in my price range, and get a table there. I can't believe I'm going to have lunch with a chick!
We're given a pretty nice table, away from the kitchen, and settle down. Lulu doesn't sit down immediately.
"Jamie, I have to go to the rest room. If the waitress takes our order whilst I'm gone can you order me a chicken salad with a side order of fries and a Pepsi?"
"Sure thing...you know what's on the menu without even looking at it"
"Yeah, I've been here lots of times before"
That got me thinking...who has she been here lots of times before with? My paranoia is kicking in and I try to suppress it. I have this little voice inside of me that tries to ruin my love life. It's always expressing doubts, always sabotaging what I say and do. Rationally there is nothing wrong with Lulu's statement that she's been here lots of times before...it could be with family, or friends and so what if she's been on dates here with other guys? That's normal. That doesn't mean she's a SMELLY BOYFRIEND STEALER...stop it, naughty internal monologue. You just stay quiet!
"Well, I'll remember that for when the waitress comes. See you in a bit"
I try to sound nonchalant so I don't come across as nervous but I remember a time when I was on a date, the girl said she had to go to the bathroom and she never came back. It's little things like that which play on my mind. I need to let go of the negative thoughts. This is Lulu, she wanted to be here with me and we've become friends over the last few weeks. There is no sensible reason she will abandon our lunch date.
The waitress comes and Lulu's not back yet so I go ahead and order for us both. OK, it's been a while and I'm now starting to get nervous. The drinks arrive and Lulu's not back yet. I spy the Sneedley's over on the other side of the restaurant and they give me a little wave and I wave back. Lulu still hasn't appeared. Oh...no...
But then, as the waitress comes over with our food Lulu vectors in from the rest rooms and makes her way back to the table. She came back!
"Sorry I took so long...hmmm, this food looks good. I'm famished! Anyway, Jamie, let's talk about our next gig..."
And that little nasty voice inside of me shuts up. Lulu and I have a great time over lunch and we talk about music, school and anything that pops into our minds. I don't feel awkward or lost for words when I'm with her. This is great.
"Again, I'm really sorry I let Eliza and Gillian get to me earlier on"
"That's OK, Lulu, they shouldn't have gone off at you in the first place." I am curious, though, why Lulu is hated at school so much but I don't want to ask.
"You make a couple of mistakes in 9th grade and it haunts you for the rest of your school life."
"The school social hierarchy, eh?" Weak words of support from me but what the heck did she do back then?"
"I bet boys don't have to go through all this!"
"Ah, that's where you're wrong. We do but it manifests itself differently. We all have to defer to David Watts. What he says goes, what he wants to happen happens...he's like a Roman Emperor at Buckingham High. Thumbs up and you're accepted, thumbs down and you're not."
"Did he give you thumbs up or thumbs down?"
"Thumbs down right from the start. I don't know what I did to get a thumbs down but...well...here's the thing. The Bluestones: That's my entire friendship group."
"Awww, Jamie. That's sad but at the same time really sweet" And she reaches across the table to hold my hand. It's lovely and soft.
"Quality over quantity I say. I really like the guys in the band. Rohan's really sweet and Efrain's just a bundle of energy but I like you the best. You're thoughtful."
And she fixes her big blue eyed gaze at me, I don't let go of her hand. Eventually our gazing at one another is interrupted by the waitress.
"Is everything OK? Can I get you anything else?"
"Everything was fine...I'm good, are you good Lulu or would you like dessert?"
"No, I'm good as well."
"Can we get the cheque?"
"Sure thing. Are you two heading on to the Romance Festival later?" The waitress says suggestively, noticing that Lulu and I are still holding hands. I look at Lulu, seeing if she would approve or not of the idea. She's smiling.
"I've not been before...have you, Jamie?"
"No. Would...you...like to go. With me?"
"Sure. Sounds fun"
Well, that's it then: I'm going to the Romance Festival with Lulu. The waitress smiles, hands me the bill and I pay up. Then Lulu and I leave and where we're headed, I'm not sure.
"The Romance Festival starts in a couple of hours, Jamie. I'd like to go home for a bit, have a shower and change into something more suited for the evening. I've got the flyer for the festival with all the information on it: Shall I meet you there at 6?"
"Yeah, I'll do the same and meet you there..." At the Romance Festival. I'm going to go to the Romance Festival with Lulu and this is so exciting my heart is pounding hard. I've gone from a zero love life to...well, a date with a girl who doesn't flake out or run away.
I go home and change...but into what? I opt for this trendy jacket which has zippers instead of buttons and a pair of off-white pants. I hope it's OK...I don't have much in the way of "date wear". Then I make it to the subway and trek downtown to the city centre. When I get there, I find Lulu has arrived at the festival before me.
I almost didn't recognise her at first because her appearance had changed remarkably since I last saw her at lunchtime. I was able to recognise her by her eyes and round face. For starters her hair was all curls and then her outfit was black from neck to foot, from her tight fitting turtleneck sweater, black flared skirt, leather boots and even her stockings created a soft black haze around her legs. I was stunned at how sexy she looked compared with the cheerful waif I had known until now.
"Lulu...wow, you look amazing!"
"You're not so bad yourself"
"I noticed your hair...did you go to the salon?"
"I'll let you in on a secret..." she said, looking around to see if anyone was eavesdropping before leaning towards me. "...it's a wig"
"I'd never have guessed"
"I like wearing wigs sometimes...my own hair is short and there's only so much I can do with it so now and again I'll wear a wig if I want to really go wild"
I wonder what she means by "really go wild". Roll with it, Jamie, she's obviously put in a lot of effort for this evening.
"Well, I think you look sensational. Soooooooo, have you ever been to the Romance Festival before?"
"No. Have you?"
"No. I guess we'll find out what it's all about as we go along."
"I think the clue is in the title, Jamie" she said suggestively. I'm starting to really believe she wants me as much as I want her. Man she looks amazing and I'm seeing another side to her. Not just the fun, bouncy girl who's always coming up with ideas but a sultry and enticing young woman.
"Let's see if we can get some inspiration from it..." I said, smiling at her. We walk on right into the midst of the festival and without any conscious effort I find my arm and hers are interlocked. OK, we're doing a little bit of physical intimacy now.
There's a crowd up ahead getting refreshments and I offer to buy Lulu a drink but when I get to the front there's just one drink: This pink coloured liquid that is labelled some kind of tea. I'm reluctant to try it but two things make me get two glasses of the stuff: One, it's incredibly popular with the festival goers and two, they're giving it out for free.
We get this tea and take a seat wherever we can. There are two older women sitting opposite us and one of them, a red headed lady, seems very familiar but I can't picture where I've seen her before.
"Hello there" says the woman. "How are you enjoying your evening?"
"Well, we've only just arrived."
"It's our first time here."
"It's actually our first date" says Lulu. I look across to her and smile: She considers this a date! I feel definitely relaxed now...well, I'm also feeling warm and I think it has something to do with the tea.
"Aww, that's so sweet. I advise you go go easy on that tea, son, by the way"
"Thank you, ma'am"
"I love your hair, Miss. I wish I could get it to curl like yours but mine steadfastly refuses to do anything except be straight and lifeless. Alas, it's a family trait amongst the women in my family: My daughter's hair is also straight and won't curl."
And that's when the penny drops...we're talking to Morgan Fyre's mom! The resemblance is uncanny. So Lulu makes some small talk with her about hair and first dates and all that stuff and I just nod along to be polite whilst the lady lets loose some information about her daughter which leaves no doubt in my mind that she is Morgan's mom.
I look over to the next table and I spot another familiar couple: The parents of Judy Keith, my long time crush. I'm surrounded by the parents of girls I've either dated or wanted to date. I wonder if we'll bump into Lulu's folks whilst we're here.
Once we're finished with our teas, we get up and take a stroll around the festival to see what else is going on. Once we're out of earshot of the parents, I whisper to Lulu.
"That lady we were talking to...that's Morgan Fyre's mom. And over there are Judy Keith's parents"
Lulu looks surprised. "No way! She seemed like a nice lady...not much like Morgan"
"You don't get on with Morgan?"
"No...she is such a massive hypocrite and flake! Says one thing but does another."
"Yeah, I know..."
"Oh, that's right...you dated her a couple of times I hear"
"You heard about that?"
"There aren't many secrets at Buckingham High. Is that something you don't want to talk about?"
"Better get it off my chest...yeah, I went out with Morgan a couple of times but I wouldn't call them dates...I mean, not like you and me tonight. We met up and...well...you said it yourself, she's a flake." I'm starting to feel a warm glow inside of me and my desire for Lulu is increasing.
"Lulu...what you said back there, to Mrs Fyres, that we were on our first date."
"Was I wrong to say that? Do you see this as...platonic?"
"No! Not at all! I mean...well...I'm glad we're on a date because...I really dig you. You're fun, really positive, you say what you mean, you actually came here with me tonight and that means so much...and...and...what the heck!"
I noticed other people throwing rose petals in the air and I suddenly and spontaneously decide to do the same. Lulu laughs as she's showered in petals.
Then all of a sudden, as the petals rain down, I find my hands are holding hers. Once again, I didn't consciously go to hold hers, it just happened spontaneously. They're so soft and warm and I can't let go, not that she's letting go either. Lulu is now looking at me with those big blue eyes and I know for sure she digs me as well.
"Well, what are you waiting for you two...kiss already! This is the Romance Festival" says a food vendor who is standing nearby and is witnessing everything we're doing.
"Well, shall we?"
"Oh yes, Jamie...now's the time"
Oh boy. That. Was good.
"Jamie...I'll add 'great kisser' to 'talented guy'. I'm having a wonderful time. Thanks for everything."
"Everything?"
"Your friendship first of all, your kind words, letting me join your band and for this evening."
"I would like more evenings like this"
"So would I"
We spend about another hour at the festival but both Lulu and I are getting tired so we agree to head home. Almost every step of the way we are holding hands and on the subway she rested her head on my shoulder. I walked her home to her place and even though she was tired I was still won over by how stylish and wonderful she looked.
"Thanks for a wonderful day, Jamie"
"Thank you for being a wonderful companion"
"So...I guess...we're an item now"
"Yeah, that's a pretty safe bet. So, what next? Are you free tomorrow?"
"Hmm, I've got lots of homework so tomorrow's not good. I'll definitely see you at school though"
"Maybe we can hang out for a bit after school?"
"I'd like that, Jamie"
"Well, before I say goodnight...there's just one more thing..."
The second kiss was even better than the first. I don't know how long we kissed for but we only broke apart when we needed to breathe.
"OK, I'll see you on Monday....boyfriend. Purrrrrrrr"
"I will see you then...but can I phone you tomorrow evening for a chat?"
"You got it!" She blew me a kiss and then went inside her house. I smiled to myself and had a spring to my step all the way home.
So Lulu Strang is now my girlfriend! It's strange how life goes: I've spent years pining for Judy Keith and she only just about knows my name. And I've had crushes on most of her friends as well: Colleen, Gillian and Halley and then there was that brief on-off affair with Morgan. Yet it was cute, bouncy Lulu that has trumped all of them. She is just so much fun, I feel relaxed around her and I'm not so hung up when I'm around her. She has made the band more lively and positive just by being in it and she's having the same effect on me. When I get home I go straight to bed...but Lulu is occupying my thoughts as I settle down. I've done it...my life is now on the up...finally.
