CHAPTER 240: Let's Jam!

 

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?"

"Maybe, Dad....just maybe"

CHAPTER 194: Meet The Bluestones

"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*"

OK, we're doing this flirty thing again.  What's her mantra again?  'Don't think...do!'  Well, what the hell?  Let's roll with her mood.

"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.

Well, that's about it for shopping so I make my way over to the food stalls where there's this busker and a small crowd gathering.

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?"

Neither of them object but they nod appreciatively.  With that settled, we head off to the snug for a band practice.  We run through a provisional set of 3 songs that we all know.  We'll add more once we've got these three tunes spot on.  After an hour, we kick back and relax in the snug where we're soon joined by a couple of chicks who heard us perform.

"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!