I threw my fist in the air and screamed for joy. I had actually managed it.
I had traveled back to 1971. The age of glam rock. I shouted again and spun
around in a circle, not giving a damn what the passers by thought of me. I
pulled off my trench coat and glanced down at the outfit underneath. Red
leather mini-skirt, fishnet stockings, black silk top-hat, a black t-shirt
with 'Utopian Anarchy' written across and knee-high black suede boots. I
grinned wider at the sight. God I love the 70's.
It suddenly occurred to me that Brian Slade was in this country right that moment and I gave another yelp. All my friends laugh at me and tell me to get with the times. They think I'm weird just because I'm 18 and I adore Glam music. How dare they criticize the genius of Brian when they think 'Oops I did it again' is a fantastic example of lyrical perfection. Pah.
I grinned like an idiot as I picked up my bags and my guitar before heading for a cafe across the street, touching lampposts as I went...just to make sure this was real. I knew I was getting alot of frowns and funny looks but to be perfectly honest, I didn't give a rats arse.
I ordered a coffee at the counter and floated into the female bathrooms to check my make up and hair. Surprisingly, jumping into a portal and being thrown through the folds of time itself doesn't mess up your hair. I touched it warily. Loose poker-straight raven black hair to my hips with bright red streaks through it. My lips were stained with holly-red lipstick and I had black eye-shadow that brought out my bright bluey-grey eyes. I winked at my reflection and made my way back to my table.
The steaming cup black coffee was waiting for me and I sipped it graciously. I then pulled out my black leather-bound notebook and began scribbling in it mercilessly. It was a trait I'd developed from my adoptive father, Arthur Stuart. He used to be a journalist until he turned to poetry. I'll always be grateful to him, my Mum and Dad were killed in a car accident when I was a baby and he and Curt took me in raised me as their own. I realized early on that most kids didn't have two daddies and I suppose that's why I have never cared what people thought of me. That and the fact that Curt was a bit of a loose cannon. Well, no wonder. He was Curt Wild after-all. He would often burst into song in the middle of the supermarket, or would go to my parent-teacher meetings in leather trousers and sheer-black top...complete with bleach blond hair and dog collor.
I chewed the tip of my pen, thinking of what to write next. It was a sort of journal of mine, I recorded everything that happened to me in it...that and any song ideas or poems that came to mind. It was then that I noticed the small coffee shop had grown quite still and silent. I glanced up to see all of the other customers look away quickly and I grinned.
"Hello!" I said with a smile, waving at a couple of old women sitting at the table in front of me. One smiled back but quickly stopped when she noticed the scowl on her friends face. I shook my head and turned back to my journal. I should have expected it I suppose. I knew that there would be a bus coming in 10 minutes that would take me to London, so I wouldn't have to face the stares for much longer. I stood and left some money on the counter before picking up my things and striding to the bus-stop just up the quaint little street. Right on cue the a bus with 'London' written on it stopped in front of me and I climbed on board. I sat next to a young boy who looked a bit younger than me and relaxed in my seat. I had already calculated exactly what I would do and I was happy at having a plan.
What I didn't plan however, was the identity of the boy next to me. Even as my eyes were closed I felt his eyes on me, not in a mean way, just curious. I Smiled and glanced at the boy before gasping. He jumped and looked taken aback.
"Sorry..didn't mean to frighten you." He said quietly, turning crimson. I swallowed and nodded. I took several deep breaths before holding out a hand.
"Lily Stu...Lily Dragon." I said quickly.
"Arthur Stuart." He said, still looking nervous from my reaction. I gave him a shaky smile. It was only then that I realized that if I made him do something he didn't do before then I might never get adopted back in my time. I pinched the bridge of my nose, this was getting to complicated. I decided to just act nice and but make sure he didn't find a way to contact me later of God forbid, decided he was straight or something.
"So, Arthur, why are you traveling to the city of glitter?" I asked, finally regaining control over my voice. Arthur shifted uncomfortably and I could've laughed. His mannerisms certainly hadn't changed over the years.
"I..uhh. I left home and London was the first place I could think of to go." He said uncertainly. I gave him a smile I reserved for very special occasions, a smile that hardly anyone saw. It was a big, silly, warm smile. One that makes people think I could do no harm...I usually only use it on traffic policeman.
"Yeah? Good for you mate. I'm going to kick start a music career." I said, pointing to my t-shirt.
"Your band?" He asked, looking genuinely interested. I nodded enthusiastically.
"Yup. Like the name? Took us ages to come up with it. Not as good as Venus in Furs but it'll have to do. I'd really like to go solo but who has a chance with musical marvels like Brian Slade, Curt Wild and Jack Fairy roaming the streets of fame." I said, quoting Rodney. He was always one for drama. Arthur eyes widened.
"You like Brian Slade?" He asked, lowering his voice. I frowned.
"Duh. Who with any taste doesn't? I mean, look at me, do I really look like a Johnny Mathus fan?" I asked, laughing. Arthur smiled widely and sat back, obviously feeling a little more relaxed. We talked most of the way and I was sorry when the bus came to it's final stop. This young Arthur was so naive it was fascinating. I giggled when I imagined Curt flirting with him for the first time. This Arthur would probably drop dead of embarrassment.
"Bye Lily, and..thank you." Arthur said shyly when we got out onto the pavement. I grinned and gave him a friendly hug before taking a step back,
"Take care and be yourself." I said, giving him a daughterly kiss on the cheek. My grin widened when his cheeks went a lovely shade of tomato red and he stuttered something that sounded like a goodbye. I picked up my bags and gave him a final wave before striding along the long road. I was happy to find that, for the first time in my life, nobody seemed to stare at my outfit...much. I knew I fit into a category of my own, I wasn't really a hippy and neither was I a Glam girl. Most of the stares that followed me were envious ones and alot were lusty too. I swung my guitar case as I walked, contemplating what I was to do next.
I had a plan of course, but it was a rather loose one. I had to get a room, explore for a few days, get a job in a club...be it waitressing or singing and just experience the 70's. I knew the next portal was going to come up a month, I had studied it for the past few years. I knew for a fact that it fluctuates, every full moon all the portals open. I had only discovered a handful, but I guessed there was one for every year since time began.
I spotted another little cafe and I walked towards it. I frowned when I read the sign, it was closed. I looked at my watch...closed on a Monday at 11:00 in the morning? Nobody else seemed to notice, they all just sailed by in their little groups, chatting amongst themselves and razzing the B.B.C reporter who was trying to get a straight answer out of the passers by in vain.
I rapped my knuckles on the door impatiently. I was annoyed, thirsty and tired as hell..not a good combination. I saw an eye appear and the door opened slightly.
"Are you with the private meeting?" The voice asked. My frown deepened.
"Uhh..no. I just want a.." Then the bugger slammed the door in my face. My mouth hung open in rage and I was spluttering with fury. I couldn't believe he slammed the door in my face! If the guy had said nicely that there was a private party, the I would have left. But now he'd pissed me off, he wouldn't get off so lightly. I knocked again and the door opened a tiny bit again. I stuck my foot in the door.
"Hey! This is a strictly private meeting!" The voice squeaked. I fumed.
"Look, all I want is a bloody coffee alright? I'll be out of your hair in two minutes flat." I said through my teeth.
"If you don't move I'll call the pol.."
"Before you finish that sentence mate," I said, my hands in fists, "I think I should tell you that I've been traveling for 6 hours on a bus and I haven't eaten in days, so forgive me if I'm a little cranky. You should also know that I'm well educated in Tai-quan-do and given the chance I can castrate you using only a pencil, so I suggest you tell the buggers in their that I don't give a shit if the Queen of England herself is in their sipping tea, I want a coffee!!" I said shouted the last part, frustration building up inside of me. I heard laughter from inside the curtained room and a familier American accented voice said,
"C'mon let her in! Jesus Christ she needs a coffee!" More laughter ensued and I was near going in there and beating the crap out of them. However, lucky for them the door opened wider and I stepped inside the small room and dropped my guitar when I saw the faces in the shop.
"Typical. This is absolutely bloody typical." I said, staring at the people around me. I make a complete arse out of myself, act like a homicidal maniac with PMS and threaten to castrate someone with a pencil for the first time in 6 months and who is there to witness it? Brian and Mandy Slade, a younger version of my adoptive father Curt Wild, a few of their entourage and their manager. It was almost like a sign from God that I was destined for a life of utter misery. I sighed and smiled as politely as I could manage in the current situation. "Thank you ever so much. I'll just grab the coffee in question and I'll leave you to your not-so-secret meeting." I said, leaning against the counter behind me.
"No problem at all darling!" Mandy Slade said. I had to stop myself from grimacing at her dreadfully over-the-top English accent. Instead I nodded and set down my other bags.
"So, where did you travel from?" Asked Brian. I swear my heart actually stopped for a whole second...luckily I had mastered the art of looking cool as a cucumber in any situation so I didn't come off as a total ditz...I think.
"Actually...I'm not sure. I travel so often I tend to lose track.." I said. Curt and Brian both laughed and I forced my face to remain thoughtful and detached.
"Us too." He said. I could've melted on the spot for that voice. I think I would have to, if I hadn't have placed the insulting image of 'Tommy Stone' in my head. We were all silent for a moment until Curt said,
"Like the name. Your band?" I glanced down at my T-shirt and nodded.
"Yeah. You like it? I thought it sounded to contradicting but that's the whole charm really. The irony of the name. Strange how humans are so very fascinated by irony.." I said, trailing off...it was funy actually. Curt was the one who came up with the name in the first place..I mentally scolded myself. I hadn't meant to say any of that and now they'd think I was some sort of idiot..at least thats what I thought. Actually, it seemed to make them more and more interested in me. Jerry, their manager however, looked displeased. Obviously I wasn't meant to be in there when he was discussing his 'Big Plan'. I was jerked out of thought by the clink of the tea-cup on the marble counter-top. I spun around and downed the cup. "I told you I'd be out of your hair in two minutes flat." I said to the scowling man behind the counter.
"Do stay." Brian said. Mandy and Curt nodded in agreement and I momentarily forgot my 'cool as a cucumber' persona and my eyebrows flew up.
"Pardon?"
"Stay, talk a while, you know...we can have a chit chat!" Mandy said. I nearly rolled my eyes but caught myself just in time.
"I...well I'd love to..if you don't mind." I said to Jerry. He seemed pleased at me asking permission and he nodded. I smirked at the guy behind the counter and pulled up a chair, making sure it was a good foot away from the table so I didn't look too desperate.
"Lily Dragon, fabulous to meet you." I said to everyone in the room.
"Curt Wild, Mandy Slade, Brian Slade, Jerry, Mona, Ricci and Lace." Lace said. Mona, Ricci and Lace were obviously groupies. I nodded politely to each of them.
"Interesting style." Brian said, as I pulled off my silk top-hat and felt cascades of my black hair falling from beneath it. I could have swooned on the spot, I mean, this man's music was legendary. His work inspired me to be a musician in the first place.
"Yes well, I don't like conforming to one particular style like so many of the young hypocrites do these day. I prefer to just dress as I feel, regardless of what is the so called..fashion." I spat out the word fashion like a disease, and this earned a grin from Curt.
"And this feeling is?" Curt asked. I grinned,
"This is impulsive," I said, glancing down at my outfit again, "It's a sort of new beginning outfit...thought I'm not sure what the beginning is..." I said, more to myself than anyone else. Brian nodded knowingly and I couldn't stifle a laugh. "This is just so incredibly surreal. A few minutes ago I was on a bus chatting to a man who was more naive than a six year old and wetter than a cod's swimsuit...and now here I am explaining my outfit to the most influential, creative people in the music profession today." I explained. This caused eruptions of laughter throughout the cafe.
"I like you." Curt said thoughtfully. 'No bloody wonder, you brought me up mate' I thought.
"As do I." Brian agreed. I blushed slightly and thanked god my cheeks were covered with my hair.
"And I rather like you all." I said simply.
TO BE CONTINUED
It suddenly occurred to me that Brian Slade was in this country right that moment and I gave another yelp. All my friends laugh at me and tell me to get with the times. They think I'm weird just because I'm 18 and I adore Glam music. How dare they criticize the genius of Brian when they think 'Oops I did it again' is a fantastic example of lyrical perfection. Pah.
I grinned like an idiot as I picked up my bags and my guitar before heading for a cafe across the street, touching lampposts as I went...just to make sure this was real. I knew I was getting alot of frowns and funny looks but to be perfectly honest, I didn't give a rats arse.
I ordered a coffee at the counter and floated into the female bathrooms to check my make up and hair. Surprisingly, jumping into a portal and being thrown through the folds of time itself doesn't mess up your hair. I touched it warily. Loose poker-straight raven black hair to my hips with bright red streaks through it. My lips were stained with holly-red lipstick and I had black eye-shadow that brought out my bright bluey-grey eyes. I winked at my reflection and made my way back to my table.
The steaming cup black coffee was waiting for me and I sipped it graciously. I then pulled out my black leather-bound notebook and began scribbling in it mercilessly. It was a trait I'd developed from my adoptive father, Arthur Stuart. He used to be a journalist until he turned to poetry. I'll always be grateful to him, my Mum and Dad were killed in a car accident when I was a baby and he and Curt took me in raised me as their own. I realized early on that most kids didn't have two daddies and I suppose that's why I have never cared what people thought of me. That and the fact that Curt was a bit of a loose cannon. Well, no wonder. He was Curt Wild after-all. He would often burst into song in the middle of the supermarket, or would go to my parent-teacher meetings in leather trousers and sheer-black top...complete with bleach blond hair and dog collor.
I chewed the tip of my pen, thinking of what to write next. It was a sort of journal of mine, I recorded everything that happened to me in it...that and any song ideas or poems that came to mind. It was then that I noticed the small coffee shop had grown quite still and silent. I glanced up to see all of the other customers look away quickly and I grinned.
"Hello!" I said with a smile, waving at a couple of old women sitting at the table in front of me. One smiled back but quickly stopped when she noticed the scowl on her friends face. I shook my head and turned back to my journal. I should have expected it I suppose. I knew that there would be a bus coming in 10 minutes that would take me to London, so I wouldn't have to face the stares for much longer. I stood and left some money on the counter before picking up my things and striding to the bus-stop just up the quaint little street. Right on cue the a bus with 'London' written on it stopped in front of me and I climbed on board. I sat next to a young boy who looked a bit younger than me and relaxed in my seat. I had already calculated exactly what I would do and I was happy at having a plan.
What I didn't plan however, was the identity of the boy next to me. Even as my eyes were closed I felt his eyes on me, not in a mean way, just curious. I Smiled and glanced at the boy before gasping. He jumped and looked taken aback.
"Sorry..didn't mean to frighten you." He said quietly, turning crimson. I swallowed and nodded. I took several deep breaths before holding out a hand.
"Lily Stu...Lily Dragon." I said quickly.
"Arthur Stuart." He said, still looking nervous from my reaction. I gave him a shaky smile. It was only then that I realized that if I made him do something he didn't do before then I might never get adopted back in my time. I pinched the bridge of my nose, this was getting to complicated. I decided to just act nice and but make sure he didn't find a way to contact me later of God forbid, decided he was straight or something.
"So, Arthur, why are you traveling to the city of glitter?" I asked, finally regaining control over my voice. Arthur shifted uncomfortably and I could've laughed. His mannerisms certainly hadn't changed over the years.
"I..uhh. I left home and London was the first place I could think of to go." He said uncertainly. I gave him a smile I reserved for very special occasions, a smile that hardly anyone saw. It was a big, silly, warm smile. One that makes people think I could do no harm...I usually only use it on traffic policeman.
"Yeah? Good for you mate. I'm going to kick start a music career." I said, pointing to my t-shirt.
"Your band?" He asked, looking genuinely interested. I nodded enthusiastically.
"Yup. Like the name? Took us ages to come up with it. Not as good as Venus in Furs but it'll have to do. I'd really like to go solo but who has a chance with musical marvels like Brian Slade, Curt Wild and Jack Fairy roaming the streets of fame." I said, quoting Rodney. He was always one for drama. Arthur eyes widened.
"You like Brian Slade?" He asked, lowering his voice. I frowned.
"Duh. Who with any taste doesn't? I mean, look at me, do I really look like a Johnny Mathus fan?" I asked, laughing. Arthur smiled widely and sat back, obviously feeling a little more relaxed. We talked most of the way and I was sorry when the bus came to it's final stop. This young Arthur was so naive it was fascinating. I giggled when I imagined Curt flirting with him for the first time. This Arthur would probably drop dead of embarrassment.
"Bye Lily, and..thank you." Arthur said shyly when we got out onto the pavement. I grinned and gave him a friendly hug before taking a step back,
"Take care and be yourself." I said, giving him a daughterly kiss on the cheek. My grin widened when his cheeks went a lovely shade of tomato red and he stuttered something that sounded like a goodbye. I picked up my bags and gave him a final wave before striding along the long road. I was happy to find that, for the first time in my life, nobody seemed to stare at my outfit...much. I knew I fit into a category of my own, I wasn't really a hippy and neither was I a Glam girl. Most of the stares that followed me were envious ones and alot were lusty too. I swung my guitar case as I walked, contemplating what I was to do next.
I had a plan of course, but it was a rather loose one. I had to get a room, explore for a few days, get a job in a club...be it waitressing or singing and just experience the 70's. I knew the next portal was going to come up a month, I had studied it for the past few years. I knew for a fact that it fluctuates, every full moon all the portals open. I had only discovered a handful, but I guessed there was one for every year since time began.
I spotted another little cafe and I walked towards it. I frowned when I read the sign, it was closed. I looked at my watch...closed on a Monday at 11:00 in the morning? Nobody else seemed to notice, they all just sailed by in their little groups, chatting amongst themselves and razzing the B.B.C reporter who was trying to get a straight answer out of the passers by in vain.
I rapped my knuckles on the door impatiently. I was annoyed, thirsty and tired as hell..not a good combination. I saw an eye appear and the door opened slightly.
"Are you with the private meeting?" The voice asked. My frown deepened.
"Uhh..no. I just want a.." Then the bugger slammed the door in my face. My mouth hung open in rage and I was spluttering with fury. I couldn't believe he slammed the door in my face! If the guy had said nicely that there was a private party, the I would have left. But now he'd pissed me off, he wouldn't get off so lightly. I knocked again and the door opened a tiny bit again. I stuck my foot in the door.
"Hey! This is a strictly private meeting!" The voice squeaked. I fumed.
"Look, all I want is a bloody coffee alright? I'll be out of your hair in two minutes flat." I said through my teeth.
"If you don't move I'll call the pol.."
"Before you finish that sentence mate," I said, my hands in fists, "I think I should tell you that I've been traveling for 6 hours on a bus and I haven't eaten in days, so forgive me if I'm a little cranky. You should also know that I'm well educated in Tai-quan-do and given the chance I can castrate you using only a pencil, so I suggest you tell the buggers in their that I don't give a shit if the Queen of England herself is in their sipping tea, I want a coffee!!" I said shouted the last part, frustration building up inside of me. I heard laughter from inside the curtained room and a familier American accented voice said,
"C'mon let her in! Jesus Christ she needs a coffee!" More laughter ensued and I was near going in there and beating the crap out of them. However, lucky for them the door opened wider and I stepped inside the small room and dropped my guitar when I saw the faces in the shop.
"Typical. This is absolutely bloody typical." I said, staring at the people around me. I make a complete arse out of myself, act like a homicidal maniac with PMS and threaten to castrate someone with a pencil for the first time in 6 months and who is there to witness it? Brian and Mandy Slade, a younger version of my adoptive father Curt Wild, a few of their entourage and their manager. It was almost like a sign from God that I was destined for a life of utter misery. I sighed and smiled as politely as I could manage in the current situation. "Thank you ever so much. I'll just grab the coffee in question and I'll leave you to your not-so-secret meeting." I said, leaning against the counter behind me.
"No problem at all darling!" Mandy Slade said. I had to stop myself from grimacing at her dreadfully over-the-top English accent. Instead I nodded and set down my other bags.
"So, where did you travel from?" Asked Brian. I swear my heart actually stopped for a whole second...luckily I had mastered the art of looking cool as a cucumber in any situation so I didn't come off as a total ditz...I think.
"Actually...I'm not sure. I travel so often I tend to lose track.." I said. Curt and Brian both laughed and I forced my face to remain thoughtful and detached.
"Us too." He said. I could've melted on the spot for that voice. I think I would have to, if I hadn't have placed the insulting image of 'Tommy Stone' in my head. We were all silent for a moment until Curt said,
"Like the name. Your band?" I glanced down at my T-shirt and nodded.
"Yeah. You like it? I thought it sounded to contradicting but that's the whole charm really. The irony of the name. Strange how humans are so very fascinated by irony.." I said, trailing off...it was funy actually. Curt was the one who came up with the name in the first place..I mentally scolded myself. I hadn't meant to say any of that and now they'd think I was some sort of idiot..at least thats what I thought. Actually, it seemed to make them more and more interested in me. Jerry, their manager however, looked displeased. Obviously I wasn't meant to be in there when he was discussing his 'Big Plan'. I was jerked out of thought by the clink of the tea-cup on the marble counter-top. I spun around and downed the cup. "I told you I'd be out of your hair in two minutes flat." I said to the scowling man behind the counter.
"Do stay." Brian said. Mandy and Curt nodded in agreement and I momentarily forgot my 'cool as a cucumber' persona and my eyebrows flew up.
"Pardon?"
"Stay, talk a while, you know...we can have a chit chat!" Mandy said. I nearly rolled my eyes but caught myself just in time.
"I...well I'd love to..if you don't mind." I said to Jerry. He seemed pleased at me asking permission and he nodded. I smirked at the guy behind the counter and pulled up a chair, making sure it was a good foot away from the table so I didn't look too desperate.
"Lily Dragon, fabulous to meet you." I said to everyone in the room.
"Curt Wild, Mandy Slade, Brian Slade, Jerry, Mona, Ricci and Lace." Lace said. Mona, Ricci and Lace were obviously groupies. I nodded politely to each of them.
"Interesting style." Brian said, as I pulled off my silk top-hat and felt cascades of my black hair falling from beneath it. I could have swooned on the spot, I mean, this man's music was legendary. His work inspired me to be a musician in the first place.
"Yes well, I don't like conforming to one particular style like so many of the young hypocrites do these day. I prefer to just dress as I feel, regardless of what is the so called..fashion." I spat out the word fashion like a disease, and this earned a grin from Curt.
"And this feeling is?" Curt asked. I grinned,
"This is impulsive," I said, glancing down at my outfit again, "It's a sort of new beginning outfit...thought I'm not sure what the beginning is..." I said, more to myself than anyone else. Brian nodded knowingly and I couldn't stifle a laugh. "This is just so incredibly surreal. A few minutes ago I was on a bus chatting to a man who was more naive than a six year old and wetter than a cod's swimsuit...and now here I am explaining my outfit to the most influential, creative people in the music profession today." I explained. This caused eruptions of laughter throughout the cafe.
"I like you." Curt said thoughtfully. 'No bloody wonder, you brought me up mate' I thought.
"As do I." Brian agreed. I blushed slightly and thanked god my cheeks were covered with my hair.
"And I rather like you all." I said simply.
TO BE CONTINUED