The Long Road, PART 3
Lena's car was a beat up Jeep Wrangler, perfect, she said, for the high desert. The top was down on it and Keith sat back in his seat, feeling the wind rushing at him as she drove down the dirt road leading from the fairgrounds to the highway.
"You sure are quite a distance from the city," Keith said. His headache was still there, clinging to him. He really didn't want to take another painkiller, but it looked like he just might have to.
"Yes we are. We have a house right on the fairgrounds, though, so we don't have to commute. It makes it very convenient."
"So, do you keep busy all year, then? I mean, when the county fair is over, what do you do?"
"We have a lot of rodeos, music acts, vintage car shows, auctions. We're very busy most of the time. Sometimes in the winter, it slacks off, but picks right back up again in the spring." Lena did her best not to look over at him, because she knew that if she did, she would just end up staring at him.
He nodded, noticing her avoiding him. Smiling, he picked at a piece of lint on his pant leg.
It was silent for a good ten minutes, then she spoke. "Tell me about yourself, Keith. I only know things about you that I've read in the fan magazines."
He laughed. "Oh, those. You mean, that I have a girl in every port?"
She nodded, obviously uncomfortable. "Yes."
His demeanor softened. "They make things like that up; you know, to sell the magazine. I'm really not that way at all. In fact, I have a problem finding girls; decent girls, to date. It looks like everyone believes those rags."
She smiled now, glancing at him. "I find that hard to believe, that you would have trouble finding girls. You are so…handsome." She said it without thinking, again regretting it.
This time, it was he who blushed. "Thanks, but it really isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's just hard for me to know if a girl likes me for me or if she likes me because of who I am."
"That would be hard," Lena said. "I can't imagine that sort of life."
"It's different, that's for sure." He felt his head throbbing. "Lena, would you mind finding a drive-inn or something? Looks like I'm going to have to take another pill." He rubbed his forehead.
"Okay, sure. I think there's one just a few miles from here." She glanced uneasily at him. "Are you going to be all right?"
He winced. "I think so, yeah. It's just this headache."
He didn't look at all well, and Lena swallowed. "Do you get these headaches often?"
"No, well…see, I have this virus, and the doctor said it's going to do various things to me. Right now, my head is killing me."
Frightened, Lena clutched the wheel. "Would you rather go to a hospital? You're very pale."
"No…I have painkillers. I just need something to drink." He pressed hard into his forehead.
Swallowing, Lena picked up speed, her eyes searching for a place to stop. Finally spotting a gas station, she pulled the jeep into it, screeching to a stop in front of the drink machine. Keith fished in his pocket for the pill bottle as Lena sprang out, putting a quarter into the vending machine. She barely waited to pull the door open and yanked out a soda, opening it and hurrying back to Keith.
His hand trembled as she placed the pop bottle into it and she watched with concern as he downed the pill.
"It's still another twenty minutes to your hotel," she told him as he put the cold bottle against his forehead, pulling a face. "I think you should go to the hospital."
He shook his head carefully. "No, really, I'll be okay. Thank you." He tried to smile, but it didn't come off. The pain raged on.
The headache had eased somewhat by the time Lena and Keith reached the hotel. Keith unbuckled his lap belt and gingerly stepped out of the jeep as Lena hurried around the car to help him. Hesitantly, she took his arm and they walked into the lobby, going to the elevators. "What floor is your room on?"
Keith rubbed one temple. "Seven. Look, Lena, if you need to go back, I can make it from here …I appreciate your help."
"I'd feel better if I knew you were at least in your room and resting. I don't mind, really. Unless you want me to go…"
"Oh, no…I just thought maybe you had something else to do besides worry over me."
She smiled. "I'd be honored if you let me help you."
The elevator doors opened and the two of them stepped inside. Keith sagged against the back wall of the box, his head pounding. Lena kept hold of his arm.
Arriving on the seventh floor, she led him out into the hallway and asked, "Which room, Keith?"
"Seven fourteen," he answered, checking his jeans' pocket for the key.
It was only a few doors down the hall and when they stopped in front of the door, he fumbled with the key, unable to put it into the lock. It dropped to the carpet and the two of them looked at one another.
"Haven't we done this before?" Keith half-smiled.
Lena laughed, displaying her brilliantly white teeth. "It seems familiar! I think it's my turn," she said, bending down to retrieve the key. As she stood up, she found herself dangerously close to his face. She stared up at him as he looked back at her. She was so close, she could see the flecks of green in his brown eyes.
She quickly avoided those eyes and put the key into the lock before they both regretted it.
Lena sat in one of the huge, wing-backed chairs in the outer room of the suite. Keith had gone into one of the two bedrooms to lie down and when she looked in on him last, she found that he was asleep.
She really didn't feel right, leaving him here alone; he'd looked so despondent, and she certainly didn't want him to collapse or something, so she stayed. His family would be there in a few minutes, anyway; she'd called the fairgrounds to check in with her father, and he said that they had left there.
Hearing a key turning in the lock, Lena jumped up. Shirley was the first one in, and when she saw Lena there, she looked worried. "Oh, Lena, you're still here. Is Keith all right?"
"Yes, Mrs. Partridge. He's asleep. I just wanted to be here in case he needed anything."
Shirley smiled. "Thank you, dear. I'm surprised he let you stay; he's usually quite independent."
"Actually, I don't think he knows I did. He fell asleep rather quickly." Lena checked her watch. "I'd better get back; Daddy needs my help. I'll see you all later tomorrow at the show."
"Thank you again, Lena," Shirley said, squeezing Lena's hand.
When she was gone, Danny and Chris started for the boys' room.
"Let him sleep, kids."
"We just want to see if he has any lipstick on his face or something," Danny said innocently.
"Yeah. I'll bet they were kissing!" Chris smirked.
"Even if they were, it's none of your business," Reuben shook his head. Then, to the boys, "I wouldn't doubt it, though. She was something!"
Shirley rolled her eyes.
Keith took a peek at the audience through the heavy curtain in front of the stage. There were a lot of true westerners out there, with their cowboy hats, dungarees and boots. It wasn't your typical Partridge Family crowd, but they'd played to worse. Just eight weeks ago, they'd done a Shriner's convention, full of loud, obnoxious men. Shirley and Laurie were ready to kill Reuben for that one.
He was still conscious of the headache that nagged at the back of his head. It really had never left; just eased off a bit. But there was no time to think about it: they were on!
The curtain parted and the music began. The crowd was appreciative, polite in fact. Definitely not your typical bunch of screaming teenagers.
The first set would last forty minutes, to be followed by another show an hour after that. Keith hoped that darkness would bring a more lively audience. He loved playing up to the girls that were usually pressed up against the stage below, handing him flowers and love beads, their young faces radiating the love they had for him, distant and superficial though it may be.
This was a tough group to win over, he noted. Maybe their biggest hit would do it. He looked behind him at his equally bewildered family, and began the count.
It was then that the flashes of color darted in front of his eyes; purples, and reds and blues. Startled, Keith took a step backwards.
Behind him, the music started then stopped again as the kids and Shirley saw him hesitate.
"Sorry," he muttered, taking another look in back of him. "Lost count. One, two, one, two, three," he said, nodding his head with each beat.
The song began again and he turned back to the front, singing with all he had. 'I'm sleeping, and right in the middle of a good dream, like all at once I wake up from something that keeps knocking at my brain…'
Another swirl of colors flashed over him again, but this time, he remained steady; on the outside. Something weird was happening here! He nearly forgot the words, but managed to keep singing without missing a beat, as the colors flashed at him again, and again. He felt as if he were under a strobe light of some sort. He closed his eyes, trying to make it stop, gripping his guitar like he could drop it at any time.
Shirley noticed that something was not right. He was standing very still, something he rarely did; almost as if he was afraid he would topple over. She caught Laurie's eye across the stage and saw that her daughter was aware of it, too. Even Danny's usual grin was replaced with a concerned look as his brother kept his back to them.
Just before he ended the song, Keith stopped playing the guitar altogether as both hands clutched the mike stand in front of him. Yet, he sang on.
He ended the number like he normally did, then took a couple of steps backwards, motioning for the curtain to come down. When he turned to them, his face had a look of sheer fright. "Mom…"
"Keith, what is it? What's wrong?" Shirley bolted forward, followed by the rest of the kids.
"I feel funny…I keep getting these flashes of light…I can barely see!" He swallowed, his eyes wide.
Shirley grabbed his arm. "Here, come and sit down. Does your head hurt?" She led him to her piano bench and sat him down, putting a gentle hand on his head.
"Yeah, really bad!" Keith clutched at her. "Mom, I'm scared…"
Shirley looked at Laurie. "Run and get his painkillers, Laurie. They're in his bag in the dressing room."
Laurie hurried off, passing Reuben on the way out. He looked worried, too, running to them.
"What's going on? Keith, are you all right?"
"He's seeing flashes of light and his head hurts. Do you think you need to go to the hospital, honey?"
"I don't know," he said, cringing and feeling the back of his neck. "It just hurts…"
Laurie was back with the pills and some water. Shirley helped him take the pill, while everyone else just stood around, looking worried.
All was silent as he sat there, rubbing his eyes. Shirley absently played with his collar.
"Still seeing them? Can you see at all?"
He looked up. "Yeah, but it's like looking through a tunnel." He swallowed. "Am I going blind?"
"Oh, honey, I don't know…let's get you back to the dressing room so you can rest. If it worsens, Reuben, we're going to have to forget the second set and take him in."
"Okay, I'll tell Freddie." Reuben turned on his heel and hurried out as Shirley and Laurie carefully helped Keith to his feet, each taking an arm.
"Come on, honey. Let us guide you."
He nodded, letting them carefully move him towards the back of the stage.
Keith lay on the couch in the boys' dressing room in total darkness. Shirley had put a cold rag on his forehead, and he had an ice pack beneath his neck. The flashing of colors had ceased for the time being, and the pain was slowly dissipating.
He was almost asleep when he heard a soft knock on the door and it opened a crack, letting a dim light in.
"Keith?"
"Yeah, Mom."
Shirley slipped inside. "How are you feeling, now?"
"Better," he answered. "You can turn on the light."
She did so and he blinked at the sudden brightness. She went to him.
"Is it time for the second show?" he asked, looking up at her. His vision was fully restored, now, and he relaxed a little.
"Do you think you can do it?"
"Yeah," he smiled wearily, handing her the rag that he'd had on his forehead.
She watched hesitantly as he pushed himself up. "Oh, honey, you're so weak. Are you sure you want to do this?"
He nodded. He felt like curling up into a little ball and weeping, but he smiled at her, trying to be brave. "Sure," he said.
She followed him out.
They did the entire second set with trepidation, everyone staring at Keith until he was almost uncomfortable. Luckily, nothing out of the ordinary happened, and the show ended to appreciative applause.
Lena, Freddie, his wife Ellen and their other daughter, twelve-year-old Diana met the Partridges and Rueben backstage.
"Wonderful show!" Freddie said, shaking Shirley's hand with enthusiasm as Diana peered almost shyly at the Partridges from behind her mother's skirts.
"Thank you for having us. Please keep us in mind for next year," Shirley said.
"I was hoping you'd say that…I have the contract all ready in my office, if you don't mind…"
Reuben smiled down at Shirley. "Of course we don't, right, Shirley?"
Shirley sighed. "Of course not."
Freddie and Ellen left their girls with the Partridge kids while Shirley and Reuben followed the Velasquez's.
Lena put her hand on Keith's shoulder. "How are you feeling? My father told me you had to rest between the shows."
"Oh, I'm fine, now, Lena, thank you for asking. But I'm afraid I'll have to forgo the tour of the grounds…the painkillers have made me more than a little sleepy…"
"I understand. You need to rest so you can get better." Lena smiled, seeing her little sister from the corner of her eye. "I think Diana would like your autograph."
Keith smiled at the young girl, who blushed and hid behind her sister.
"Sure. I think I have a photo in one of the bags on the bus. You girls wait here, okay?"
"Okay." Diana murmured, still very shy.
Keith stepped off of the platform as his brothers and sisters began to gather their belongings to pack for the next venue.
Keith rummaged around in the back of the bus, searching for the box that held the family's publicity photos. He knew it was there; he'd lugged it aboard himself. No telling when Reuben would come up with an autograph session at a local record store or even after a show.
He spotted it, finally, hiding behind an amplifier case, and he bent down, reaching for it. It was then that the pain hit, slamming hard into the right side of his head like the business end of a claw hammer.
His hands to his head, he lurched forward, crashing into the huge amp casing and groaning. He didn't dare open his eyes; the pain was throbbing and he clutched at his head. Wanting to scream, he held back, not wanting to cause alarm.
His stomach was churning now and he felt close to vomiting, but he held it down for the moment. The pain kept pounding and his vision was dimming. He was on the verge of panic. Remain calm, he told himself. Things were cloudy, gray, and he reached for something to help bring him to his feet.
He heard Danny's voice. "What are you doing?"
Keith reached out. "Danny?" he murmured.
The voice was closer. "What's the matter?"
Keith's hand found his brother's shirt and he clutched it, pulling him closer. "Danny, don't freak, but…I can't see." Everything was completely black, now.
"Let me get Mom!" Danny said edgily.
"No! I don't want her to know. Help me up…I'm gonna sit here, and maybe it'll come back."
He felt Danny's hands on him, pulling him to his feet. He got him to the nearest seat and Keith continued to cling to his brother.
"You okay?" Danny said in his ear.
Keith nodded, still feeling rather nauseous. Danny waited by him.
The pain was excruciating by now and it took all Keith had not to just cry out. Danny's hand glided over his shoulder blades. "Is it coming back?"
"No…oh, god, Danny…I don't want to go back to the hospital…"
"I know you don't, but you're gonna have to, Keith…it's hurting, isn't it? I can tell by your face."
Nodding, Keith pressed his head into Danny's chest. He could hear the blood rushing in his ears, and the pressure on the top of his head felt as if it were going to push his scalp right off. Keith let go a sob.
Danny cradled Keith's head in his hands. "Easy, Keith, easy…" he murmured gently, his own heart generating a beat that could almost be heard over Keith's anguished sobs. He didn't know what to do; how to help his brother. He felt helpless as Keith cried like a baby in his arms. He looked up and saw Laurie heading for the bus, and leaned down, speaking in Keith's ear. "Laurie's coming."
Keith raised his throbbing head as if to look. His fingers curled around Danny's shirtfront. "Don't tell her."
"She's not dumb, Keith. She'll know something's wrong."
As he finished the sentence, Laurie stepped in. "Keith, Diana's waiting for her autograph." Seeing her brothers in the back, she started for them.
"I'm helping him find the picture," Danny almost shouted. "Don't come back here."
Laurie stopped, looking at both boys. Danny's face was red; flustered, and Keith's was… pale; extremely pale, and he'd been crying. Her heart skipped a beat.
"Keith? What's going on?"
"Nothing. Like he said, he's helping me find the picture," Keith said in the direction of her voice.
Her intuition told her they were lying. She stepped forward, and was met by a nearly hysterical Danny. "No, don't…he's okay! I'm taking care of it." Danny tried pushing her back.
She gripped his wrists. "Danny Partridge, what is going on here? What are you trying to hide?"
She looked at Keith for a clue. He was clumsily feeling around for the back of the seat and she sagged as it registered.
"Oh, Keith!" she whispered, pushing past Danny to get to him. "You can't see, can you?"
He shook his head, fighting off more tears. He reached up and she grabbed him, taking him in her arms as he broke down again. "Don't tell Mom…I don't want her to know…"
Laurie's chin quivered as she pressed her cheek against his head. "How long have you been this way, Keith?"
"It just happened. I got a sharp pain in my head and everything started going black."
"Does it still hurt?"
"Yeah…"
"Danny, why don't you take Diana her picture? I'll stay here with him." Laurie looked at her younger brother. Catching his eye, she silently pointed outside and mouthed, "Go get Mom."
Danny nodded, gulping. "Okay," he said aloud. He reached into the box, grabbed a picture and hurried off down the aisle.
Laurie kept petting Keith's head as it rested on her shoulder. "Can you see anything yet? Anything at all?"
"No," he said, flinching, and wiping his cheek. The pain was still strong enough to make him want to scream, but he stayed in control. The darkness was thick around him and all he could do was visualize Laurie there, holding him. Now, though, he imagined it thickening even more, like smoke, and he gripped Laurie's arm. "Oh, god…"
"What's the matter?"
"Take me outside! I need some air…"
Quickly, she stood him up, her arms around him; guiding him first into the aisle, then to the front of the bus. "Careful, we're at the stairs. Come on, one, two, three…and we're out." She could see he was nearly hyperventilating and her hands never left him once as he dropped to his knees, fighting the urge to throw up; trying to breathe at the same time.
When he heard Shirley cry his name, he winced, his arms wrapped around his stomach as he gasped for air, rocking back and forth. "Oh, god…" he whispered.
He heard several footsteps, but couldn't tell who was there.
"Keith!" Shirley was immediately at his side, pulling him into her arms like Laurie and Danny had done.
"Should I call an ambulance?" he heard Reuben ask.
"No!" Keith gripped his still-throbbing head. "I don't want to go to the hospital…"
"Keith, you're talking nonsense. You're in pain. They can help you…" Shirley told him.
"It'll go away," he moaned. "I just need to rest." He turned his face toward her. "Please, Mom…"
She gasped when she saw his eyes looking back at her, but not seeing anything. She reached up, caressing his face, and his hand came up, touching her hand as she did so.
"If your sight hasn't returned by the time we get back to the hotel, Keith, you're going to the hospital." She said through motherly tears.
"No, Mom…no more hospitals…please…" he whispered.
"Oh, honey, I know you're scared, but if the blindness is permanent…" She cuddled him.
"It won't be; I know it." He swallowed hard, lifting his head. "I just need rest," he moaned tiredly, almost dropping off right then and there.
She looked up at Rueben. "Let's go back to the hotel."
The manager nodded, stepping forward and bringing Keith to his feet.
to be continued....
Lena's car was a beat up Jeep Wrangler, perfect, she said, for the high desert. The top was down on it and Keith sat back in his seat, feeling the wind rushing at him as she drove down the dirt road leading from the fairgrounds to the highway.
"You sure are quite a distance from the city," Keith said. His headache was still there, clinging to him. He really didn't want to take another painkiller, but it looked like he just might have to.
"Yes we are. We have a house right on the fairgrounds, though, so we don't have to commute. It makes it very convenient."
"So, do you keep busy all year, then? I mean, when the county fair is over, what do you do?"
"We have a lot of rodeos, music acts, vintage car shows, auctions. We're very busy most of the time. Sometimes in the winter, it slacks off, but picks right back up again in the spring." Lena did her best not to look over at him, because she knew that if she did, she would just end up staring at him.
He nodded, noticing her avoiding him. Smiling, he picked at a piece of lint on his pant leg.
It was silent for a good ten minutes, then she spoke. "Tell me about yourself, Keith. I only know things about you that I've read in the fan magazines."
He laughed. "Oh, those. You mean, that I have a girl in every port?"
She nodded, obviously uncomfortable. "Yes."
His demeanor softened. "They make things like that up; you know, to sell the magazine. I'm really not that way at all. In fact, I have a problem finding girls; decent girls, to date. It looks like everyone believes those rags."
She smiled now, glancing at him. "I find that hard to believe, that you would have trouble finding girls. You are so…handsome." She said it without thinking, again regretting it.
This time, it was he who blushed. "Thanks, but it really isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's just hard for me to know if a girl likes me for me or if she likes me because of who I am."
"That would be hard," Lena said. "I can't imagine that sort of life."
"It's different, that's for sure." He felt his head throbbing. "Lena, would you mind finding a drive-inn or something? Looks like I'm going to have to take another pill." He rubbed his forehead.
"Okay, sure. I think there's one just a few miles from here." She glanced uneasily at him. "Are you going to be all right?"
He winced. "I think so, yeah. It's just this headache."
He didn't look at all well, and Lena swallowed. "Do you get these headaches often?"
"No, well…see, I have this virus, and the doctor said it's going to do various things to me. Right now, my head is killing me."
Frightened, Lena clutched the wheel. "Would you rather go to a hospital? You're very pale."
"No…I have painkillers. I just need something to drink." He pressed hard into his forehead.
Swallowing, Lena picked up speed, her eyes searching for a place to stop. Finally spotting a gas station, she pulled the jeep into it, screeching to a stop in front of the drink machine. Keith fished in his pocket for the pill bottle as Lena sprang out, putting a quarter into the vending machine. She barely waited to pull the door open and yanked out a soda, opening it and hurrying back to Keith.
His hand trembled as she placed the pop bottle into it and she watched with concern as he downed the pill.
"It's still another twenty minutes to your hotel," she told him as he put the cold bottle against his forehead, pulling a face. "I think you should go to the hospital."
He shook his head carefully. "No, really, I'll be okay. Thank you." He tried to smile, but it didn't come off. The pain raged on.
The headache had eased somewhat by the time Lena and Keith reached the hotel. Keith unbuckled his lap belt and gingerly stepped out of the jeep as Lena hurried around the car to help him. Hesitantly, she took his arm and they walked into the lobby, going to the elevators. "What floor is your room on?"
Keith rubbed one temple. "Seven. Look, Lena, if you need to go back, I can make it from here …I appreciate your help."
"I'd feel better if I knew you were at least in your room and resting. I don't mind, really. Unless you want me to go…"
"Oh, no…I just thought maybe you had something else to do besides worry over me."
She smiled. "I'd be honored if you let me help you."
The elevator doors opened and the two of them stepped inside. Keith sagged against the back wall of the box, his head pounding. Lena kept hold of his arm.
Arriving on the seventh floor, she led him out into the hallway and asked, "Which room, Keith?"
"Seven fourteen," he answered, checking his jeans' pocket for the key.
It was only a few doors down the hall and when they stopped in front of the door, he fumbled with the key, unable to put it into the lock. It dropped to the carpet and the two of them looked at one another.
"Haven't we done this before?" Keith half-smiled.
Lena laughed, displaying her brilliantly white teeth. "It seems familiar! I think it's my turn," she said, bending down to retrieve the key. As she stood up, she found herself dangerously close to his face. She stared up at him as he looked back at her. She was so close, she could see the flecks of green in his brown eyes.
She quickly avoided those eyes and put the key into the lock before they both regretted it.
Lena sat in one of the huge, wing-backed chairs in the outer room of the suite. Keith had gone into one of the two bedrooms to lie down and when she looked in on him last, she found that he was asleep.
She really didn't feel right, leaving him here alone; he'd looked so despondent, and she certainly didn't want him to collapse or something, so she stayed. His family would be there in a few minutes, anyway; she'd called the fairgrounds to check in with her father, and he said that they had left there.
Hearing a key turning in the lock, Lena jumped up. Shirley was the first one in, and when she saw Lena there, she looked worried. "Oh, Lena, you're still here. Is Keith all right?"
"Yes, Mrs. Partridge. He's asleep. I just wanted to be here in case he needed anything."
Shirley smiled. "Thank you, dear. I'm surprised he let you stay; he's usually quite independent."
"Actually, I don't think he knows I did. He fell asleep rather quickly." Lena checked her watch. "I'd better get back; Daddy needs my help. I'll see you all later tomorrow at the show."
"Thank you again, Lena," Shirley said, squeezing Lena's hand.
When she was gone, Danny and Chris started for the boys' room.
"Let him sleep, kids."
"We just want to see if he has any lipstick on his face or something," Danny said innocently.
"Yeah. I'll bet they were kissing!" Chris smirked.
"Even if they were, it's none of your business," Reuben shook his head. Then, to the boys, "I wouldn't doubt it, though. She was something!"
Shirley rolled her eyes.
Keith took a peek at the audience through the heavy curtain in front of the stage. There were a lot of true westerners out there, with their cowboy hats, dungarees and boots. It wasn't your typical Partridge Family crowd, but they'd played to worse. Just eight weeks ago, they'd done a Shriner's convention, full of loud, obnoxious men. Shirley and Laurie were ready to kill Reuben for that one.
He was still conscious of the headache that nagged at the back of his head. It really had never left; just eased off a bit. But there was no time to think about it: they were on!
The curtain parted and the music began. The crowd was appreciative, polite in fact. Definitely not your typical bunch of screaming teenagers.
The first set would last forty minutes, to be followed by another show an hour after that. Keith hoped that darkness would bring a more lively audience. He loved playing up to the girls that were usually pressed up against the stage below, handing him flowers and love beads, their young faces radiating the love they had for him, distant and superficial though it may be.
This was a tough group to win over, he noted. Maybe their biggest hit would do it. He looked behind him at his equally bewildered family, and began the count.
It was then that the flashes of color darted in front of his eyes; purples, and reds and blues. Startled, Keith took a step backwards.
Behind him, the music started then stopped again as the kids and Shirley saw him hesitate.
"Sorry," he muttered, taking another look in back of him. "Lost count. One, two, one, two, three," he said, nodding his head with each beat.
The song began again and he turned back to the front, singing with all he had. 'I'm sleeping, and right in the middle of a good dream, like all at once I wake up from something that keeps knocking at my brain…'
Another swirl of colors flashed over him again, but this time, he remained steady; on the outside. Something weird was happening here! He nearly forgot the words, but managed to keep singing without missing a beat, as the colors flashed at him again, and again. He felt as if he were under a strobe light of some sort. He closed his eyes, trying to make it stop, gripping his guitar like he could drop it at any time.
Shirley noticed that something was not right. He was standing very still, something he rarely did; almost as if he was afraid he would topple over. She caught Laurie's eye across the stage and saw that her daughter was aware of it, too. Even Danny's usual grin was replaced with a concerned look as his brother kept his back to them.
Just before he ended the song, Keith stopped playing the guitar altogether as both hands clutched the mike stand in front of him. Yet, he sang on.
He ended the number like he normally did, then took a couple of steps backwards, motioning for the curtain to come down. When he turned to them, his face had a look of sheer fright. "Mom…"
"Keith, what is it? What's wrong?" Shirley bolted forward, followed by the rest of the kids.
"I feel funny…I keep getting these flashes of light…I can barely see!" He swallowed, his eyes wide.
Shirley grabbed his arm. "Here, come and sit down. Does your head hurt?" She led him to her piano bench and sat him down, putting a gentle hand on his head.
"Yeah, really bad!" Keith clutched at her. "Mom, I'm scared…"
Shirley looked at Laurie. "Run and get his painkillers, Laurie. They're in his bag in the dressing room."
Laurie hurried off, passing Reuben on the way out. He looked worried, too, running to them.
"What's going on? Keith, are you all right?"
"He's seeing flashes of light and his head hurts. Do you think you need to go to the hospital, honey?"
"I don't know," he said, cringing and feeling the back of his neck. "It just hurts…"
Laurie was back with the pills and some water. Shirley helped him take the pill, while everyone else just stood around, looking worried.
All was silent as he sat there, rubbing his eyes. Shirley absently played with his collar.
"Still seeing them? Can you see at all?"
He looked up. "Yeah, but it's like looking through a tunnel." He swallowed. "Am I going blind?"
"Oh, honey, I don't know…let's get you back to the dressing room so you can rest. If it worsens, Reuben, we're going to have to forget the second set and take him in."
"Okay, I'll tell Freddie." Reuben turned on his heel and hurried out as Shirley and Laurie carefully helped Keith to his feet, each taking an arm.
"Come on, honey. Let us guide you."
He nodded, letting them carefully move him towards the back of the stage.
Keith lay on the couch in the boys' dressing room in total darkness. Shirley had put a cold rag on his forehead, and he had an ice pack beneath his neck. The flashing of colors had ceased for the time being, and the pain was slowly dissipating.
He was almost asleep when he heard a soft knock on the door and it opened a crack, letting a dim light in.
"Keith?"
"Yeah, Mom."
Shirley slipped inside. "How are you feeling, now?"
"Better," he answered. "You can turn on the light."
She did so and he blinked at the sudden brightness. She went to him.
"Is it time for the second show?" he asked, looking up at her. His vision was fully restored, now, and he relaxed a little.
"Do you think you can do it?"
"Yeah," he smiled wearily, handing her the rag that he'd had on his forehead.
She watched hesitantly as he pushed himself up. "Oh, honey, you're so weak. Are you sure you want to do this?"
He nodded. He felt like curling up into a little ball and weeping, but he smiled at her, trying to be brave. "Sure," he said.
She followed him out.
They did the entire second set with trepidation, everyone staring at Keith until he was almost uncomfortable. Luckily, nothing out of the ordinary happened, and the show ended to appreciative applause.
Lena, Freddie, his wife Ellen and their other daughter, twelve-year-old Diana met the Partridges and Rueben backstage.
"Wonderful show!" Freddie said, shaking Shirley's hand with enthusiasm as Diana peered almost shyly at the Partridges from behind her mother's skirts.
"Thank you for having us. Please keep us in mind for next year," Shirley said.
"I was hoping you'd say that…I have the contract all ready in my office, if you don't mind…"
Reuben smiled down at Shirley. "Of course we don't, right, Shirley?"
Shirley sighed. "Of course not."
Freddie and Ellen left their girls with the Partridge kids while Shirley and Reuben followed the Velasquez's.
Lena put her hand on Keith's shoulder. "How are you feeling? My father told me you had to rest between the shows."
"Oh, I'm fine, now, Lena, thank you for asking. But I'm afraid I'll have to forgo the tour of the grounds…the painkillers have made me more than a little sleepy…"
"I understand. You need to rest so you can get better." Lena smiled, seeing her little sister from the corner of her eye. "I think Diana would like your autograph."
Keith smiled at the young girl, who blushed and hid behind her sister.
"Sure. I think I have a photo in one of the bags on the bus. You girls wait here, okay?"
"Okay." Diana murmured, still very shy.
Keith stepped off of the platform as his brothers and sisters began to gather their belongings to pack for the next venue.
Keith rummaged around in the back of the bus, searching for the box that held the family's publicity photos. He knew it was there; he'd lugged it aboard himself. No telling when Reuben would come up with an autograph session at a local record store or even after a show.
He spotted it, finally, hiding behind an amplifier case, and he bent down, reaching for it. It was then that the pain hit, slamming hard into the right side of his head like the business end of a claw hammer.
His hands to his head, he lurched forward, crashing into the huge amp casing and groaning. He didn't dare open his eyes; the pain was throbbing and he clutched at his head. Wanting to scream, he held back, not wanting to cause alarm.
His stomach was churning now and he felt close to vomiting, but he held it down for the moment. The pain kept pounding and his vision was dimming. He was on the verge of panic. Remain calm, he told himself. Things were cloudy, gray, and he reached for something to help bring him to his feet.
He heard Danny's voice. "What are you doing?"
Keith reached out. "Danny?" he murmured.
The voice was closer. "What's the matter?"
Keith's hand found his brother's shirt and he clutched it, pulling him closer. "Danny, don't freak, but…I can't see." Everything was completely black, now.
"Let me get Mom!" Danny said edgily.
"No! I don't want her to know. Help me up…I'm gonna sit here, and maybe it'll come back."
He felt Danny's hands on him, pulling him to his feet. He got him to the nearest seat and Keith continued to cling to his brother.
"You okay?" Danny said in his ear.
Keith nodded, still feeling rather nauseous. Danny waited by him.
The pain was excruciating by now and it took all Keith had not to just cry out. Danny's hand glided over his shoulder blades. "Is it coming back?"
"No…oh, god, Danny…I don't want to go back to the hospital…"
"I know you don't, but you're gonna have to, Keith…it's hurting, isn't it? I can tell by your face."
Nodding, Keith pressed his head into Danny's chest. He could hear the blood rushing in his ears, and the pressure on the top of his head felt as if it were going to push his scalp right off. Keith let go a sob.
Danny cradled Keith's head in his hands. "Easy, Keith, easy…" he murmured gently, his own heart generating a beat that could almost be heard over Keith's anguished sobs. He didn't know what to do; how to help his brother. He felt helpless as Keith cried like a baby in his arms. He looked up and saw Laurie heading for the bus, and leaned down, speaking in Keith's ear. "Laurie's coming."
Keith raised his throbbing head as if to look. His fingers curled around Danny's shirtfront. "Don't tell her."
"She's not dumb, Keith. She'll know something's wrong."
As he finished the sentence, Laurie stepped in. "Keith, Diana's waiting for her autograph." Seeing her brothers in the back, she started for them.
"I'm helping him find the picture," Danny almost shouted. "Don't come back here."
Laurie stopped, looking at both boys. Danny's face was red; flustered, and Keith's was… pale; extremely pale, and he'd been crying. Her heart skipped a beat.
"Keith? What's going on?"
"Nothing. Like he said, he's helping me find the picture," Keith said in the direction of her voice.
Her intuition told her they were lying. She stepped forward, and was met by a nearly hysterical Danny. "No, don't…he's okay! I'm taking care of it." Danny tried pushing her back.
She gripped his wrists. "Danny Partridge, what is going on here? What are you trying to hide?"
She looked at Keith for a clue. He was clumsily feeling around for the back of the seat and she sagged as it registered.
"Oh, Keith!" she whispered, pushing past Danny to get to him. "You can't see, can you?"
He shook his head, fighting off more tears. He reached up and she grabbed him, taking him in her arms as he broke down again. "Don't tell Mom…I don't want her to know…"
Laurie's chin quivered as she pressed her cheek against his head. "How long have you been this way, Keith?"
"It just happened. I got a sharp pain in my head and everything started going black."
"Does it still hurt?"
"Yeah…"
"Danny, why don't you take Diana her picture? I'll stay here with him." Laurie looked at her younger brother. Catching his eye, she silently pointed outside and mouthed, "Go get Mom."
Danny nodded, gulping. "Okay," he said aloud. He reached into the box, grabbed a picture and hurried off down the aisle.
Laurie kept petting Keith's head as it rested on her shoulder. "Can you see anything yet? Anything at all?"
"No," he said, flinching, and wiping his cheek. The pain was still strong enough to make him want to scream, but he stayed in control. The darkness was thick around him and all he could do was visualize Laurie there, holding him. Now, though, he imagined it thickening even more, like smoke, and he gripped Laurie's arm. "Oh, god…"
"What's the matter?"
"Take me outside! I need some air…"
Quickly, she stood him up, her arms around him; guiding him first into the aisle, then to the front of the bus. "Careful, we're at the stairs. Come on, one, two, three…and we're out." She could see he was nearly hyperventilating and her hands never left him once as he dropped to his knees, fighting the urge to throw up; trying to breathe at the same time.
When he heard Shirley cry his name, he winced, his arms wrapped around his stomach as he gasped for air, rocking back and forth. "Oh, god…" he whispered.
He heard several footsteps, but couldn't tell who was there.
"Keith!" Shirley was immediately at his side, pulling him into her arms like Laurie and Danny had done.
"Should I call an ambulance?" he heard Reuben ask.
"No!" Keith gripped his still-throbbing head. "I don't want to go to the hospital…"
"Keith, you're talking nonsense. You're in pain. They can help you…" Shirley told him.
"It'll go away," he moaned. "I just need to rest." He turned his face toward her. "Please, Mom…"
She gasped when she saw his eyes looking back at her, but not seeing anything. She reached up, caressing his face, and his hand came up, touching her hand as she did so.
"If your sight hasn't returned by the time we get back to the hotel, Keith, you're going to the hospital." She said through motherly tears.
"No, Mom…no more hospitals…please…" he whispered.
"Oh, honey, I know you're scared, but if the blindness is permanent…" She cuddled him.
"It won't be; I know it." He swallowed hard, lifting his head. "I just need rest," he moaned tiredly, almost dropping off right then and there.
She looked up at Rueben. "Let's go back to the hotel."
The manager nodded, stepping forward and bringing Keith to his feet.
to be continued....