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 130: One Track Mind

 

Corrrrrrrrrrrr! This is the life! A new house, a new place to live, wide open spaces...not like that cramped apartment we used to live in and I can ride my bike without worrying about whether I'm going to knock someone over or having it stolen. Jamie McGregor; today is the first day of the rest of your life, me laddo! I wonder if there are any cute chicks in this neighbourhood?

I held up my end of the bargain...I sorted out my stuff in my new room, put the posters up; that sort of thing.  Mum and Dad are much better at finding places to put the crockery, TV and hanging paintings up than I am.  To be fair, the removals guys did most of the heavy lifting work, I was only going to get in the way of professionals by interfering; fair's fair.

Now who's THAT?  Attractive blonde lady...maybe a bit on the older side but, hey, she's can move a bit!  Maybe that's who I need to meet, an older, more sophisticated lady who can show a bright and enthusiastic young man of 17 years a thing or two?  Maybe not...getting involved with a woman the same age as my mom is a little freaky.  I wonder if she has a daughter my age?

Well, that's a successful reconnaissance mission...pity there were hardly any people...especially girls...around.  But, early days.  Better get home because Mom's probably made lunch by now and Dad will be hollering for me to hold a shelf in place whilst he drills holes in the wall.  I know my parents so well.

"Ah the wanderer returns...how's the neighbourhood?" 

"Fine, Mom, it's a nice day for a bike ride.  Hmmm, this is delicious, thanks.  Is Dad going to join us?"

"He's eaten already; he's just finishing putting the bookshelf up.  Now..."

Oh, here it comes...the request.

"...I think it might be good if you offered to help with the rest of the unpacking, or..."

"Or?"

"Do your homework.  I'll leave it up to you"

That's Mom's way:  Present me with two less than desirable options and make it sound like I chose one of them.  The last time I helped my Dad do something involving wood, drills and hammers he missed the nail and hit me square on the thumb.  I had a bruise and cut there for six weeks.

"I'll do my homework"

"Oh, Jamie's doing homework is he?  Will wonders never cease?" 

"Ha, ha, Dad.  At least I won't get my thumb hurt this way"

"I told you, I was startled by that pigeon that hit the window that day"

"What subject are you doing there, Jamie?"

"A book report on Great Expectations...although my expectations won't be so great if I keep getting disturbed."

"That's telling us, Myra!  Come on, let's get the rest of the bedroom stuff unpacked"

After I got to grips with Magwitch I felt I had earned a rest.  The advantage of doing your homework on the dining table is that my folks can see that I'm actually doing the work I've been set.  Mom didn't even insist on reading what I'd written:  Maybe, after all these years, she trusts me to do a decent job?  Maybe she sees that I'm 'maturing'?  Becoming a more well rounded individual. 

"Now don't forget to put your name on your book report and put it...carefully...into your school rucksack.  Don't just leave it lying around there; I need to give the table a good clean before dinner!"

"Yes Mom...got the report here!  Oops, I hadn't put my name on the report.  Ha-ha!  There, that's done!"

"Family meeting!"

"What, now Dad?"

"Yes, we must celebrate our first day in our new home!  Come, let's gather on the sofa!"

He's going to do a speech, I just know it!  "Four score and seven years ago this day, we set out from San Myshuno to Oasis Springs to ensure the McGregors shall not perish from the face of this Earth!"

"Now when we set out from San Myshuno last night..."

I wasn't far off

"...little did we know just how quickly we would settle in.  Now this is an opportunity to improve not just this home, but our lives.  We now have space to entertain, to work from home in more comfort and to enjoy a pleasant, quiet neighbourhood."

I won't bring up the subject of whether I can throw a party just yet...

"I wonder what the neighbours are like, Colin?"

"I have no idea, Myra.  Anyway, that bookshelf is now firmly fixed to that wall and now we can bask a little bit...Jamie, where are you off to?"

"I thought I'd go for another bike ride...down to the park?"

"There's a park?"

"Yeah, it's not far.  I thought I'd check it out.  Part of my reconnaissance mission...phase 2 if you will"

I'm too restless right now to lounge around at home.  I need a boost to my social life and if this street hasn't got any talent, I will find somewhere that does...the park seems as good as place as any to start the search.

The house next door looks very smart indeed; not a single thing out of place.  Now, by contrast, the house opposite...if I can call it a house, is more like an old trailer, jacked up on stilts or something like that, and has definitely seen better days.  I wonder what our neighbours are like?  I wonder if the smart house next door has a groovy chick living there?  A groovy, single chick!

Now we've arrived, let's check out the scene....hmmm, it looks pleasant and quiet.  Too quiet.  There's no one here except for that guy asleep on the bench.  Great.  The only other person here is a bum.  OK, looking around, there's a BBQ area, a fishing pond, it's great for the kids who want to climb on that frame...shame we didn't have anything awesome like that when I was 10.  And...what else?  Wait!

That heavenly vision in red!  That might be the most beautiful woman I have ever seen...and I've seen every Julie Christie movie that's been made!  I should go over to her and say hello.  Who am I kidding?  It'll come out of my mouth as gibberish and she'll look at me as if I've escaped from the loony bin.  But then I might never see her again!  OK, what to do?  Take a deep breath, Jamie, walk over cool and calm as you like and say "hello...my name is Jamie...no, James.  Hello, my name is McGregor, James McGregor...oh no, that would sound really bad coming from me...no, I must be cool, more like Dean Martin cool and...oh, she's gone.

Oh well, that's that I suppose.  Let's check out this area...hmmm, nice.  Nice couches, an open fire, a selection of reading...I wonder if there's anything 'spicy' here.  This would make an ideal hang-out.  I wonder why that guy out there doesn't nap in here instead of on a cold, stone bench?  Wait a minute, who lit this fire?

Actually, I like it here.  It even has a guitar just lying around.  I wonder if it belongs to someone in particular or whether it's part of this clubhouse?  I mean, you don't go leaving a guitar lying around if you don't want people to play it?  OK, let's give it a go...

"Watcha doin'?"

"What, wait?  Oh, hello...you startled me there for a moment.  Lost my place in the song"

Not that I'm complaining!

"You're not too bad"

"Well, I'm finding my style, you know?  Yeah, looking into taking my music to the next level and all that"

Play it cool, Jamie, play it cool.

"So, I recognise you but can't quite put a name to your face.  I'm Jamie McGregor."

"Yuki Behr"

"Oh, would you happen to be Candy Behr's sister?"

*sigh* "Yes...not like I can ever escape her shadow.  'Are you Candy's sister?  Can you get me her autograph?'"

"Oh, I didn't mean it like that!  I mean, I don't particularly want her signature or anything...I meant as a way of....erm...clarification, that's all.  Well, erm, do you play any instruments?"

"Yes, but I'm bored with the whole Beat Scene..."

"Oh..." She's a right barrel of laughs.  "I'm new here to this park...so is this a kind of hang out?"

"Yes.  I come here quite a bit.  Mostly high schoolers though.  I'm at Buckingham High.  You?"

"Same...funny how we've never crossed paths before"

"It's a big school"

"So...would you like to hang out... with me... for a bit?"

"Sorry, I'm waiting for my date"

Nghhhh!

"Oh...date.  Going anywhere nice?  I hear that British movie, Afie, is supposed to be good."

"No.  Off to a party"

"Nice.  Well, maybe if you're interested, you would like to go see that movie with me sometime?"

"Maybe...oh, here comes my date now"

"Hi there, Yuki...well, Jamie McGregor...fancy seeing you here"

"Hello Marcus"

Marcus Mueller...thinks he's something special.  The other day he claimed he was chatted up by this cute female doctor.  I don't believe a word of it!  AND he's Yuki's date as well!  How unfair is life?

"Sorry I'm late, Yuki, but are you ready to head on to the party?"

"Whose party is this, might I ask?"

"Oh, don't you know?  It's at Judy Keith's house...hmmm, but then again how would Judy Keith know you?

Thanks, Marcus, rub it in that I'm invisible to Judy Keith...the most glamourous and desirable girl at Buckingham High.

"So I guess you'll be looking after the youth club on your own tonight.  Have a good shift.  Come on, Yuki, we don't want to be late"

"Bye Yuki, have a nice time"

"Bye, Jamie"

Well, that's just great isn't it?  Marcus somehow, mysteriously gets Yuki Behr to go on a date with him AND they get invited to Judy Keith's party!  Well, I have my books, I have my fire and I have my guitar.  Maybe not everyone's going to Judy's party and they'll show up here?  

Hang on, who's that headed this way?

Oh no, it's Cassandra Goth!  Of course she won't be invited to Judy's party; she'd just bring the mood down.  She's heading straight for the club house!  I'll be stuck here with her jabbering on about the 'inevitability of death' or 'the cold, bleakness of space' or some other kind of doom-laden depressing observations on life...or in her case, death!  I wish she cheered up!  OK, Jamie, your bike is over there...it's just a short run...stay low, stay fast and she won't spot you.  Except for this bright, yellow, light reflecting shirt you're wearing!  Oh no, she's getting closer.  OK, it's now or never...just run to the bike, don't look left or right, focus on the bike and get out of Dodge!