Dancing With the Old and New
We all played our hearts out. Band Practice was a state, not a time, when we could all change for a short time. We could be daring, new, exciting people who were understood and cared for by each other. We supported new ideas, tried new styles new notes to find new levels of music. Everyone in the Band was Good. Most of us were Excellent, and those that were merely Good were fast getting better. It was incredible, the feeling and the calm that came by playing your soul into Paradise. I think we were all disappointed when Annie called a halt early.
"That was great guys, there was a real vibe there. See y'all Tuesday?"
We all acknowledged her, tidying up and putting away instruments, gulping down cool drinks from the fridge we had bought. Annie stopped me as I was leaving, shrugging on a leather jacket similar to my own. I stared at her, trying not to seem as excited as I felt. My heart was racing, my pulse seemed about to jump out of my neck.
"Are you going to Taves?"
She knew I was- I always did. It was part of my routine. Band Practice, Bookstore, Home by Seven. Annie smiled hopefully. I nodded and smiled back hesitantly.
"Sure- do you...?"
Somehow I knew she wanted to go with me. I hoped she did anyway, because if she said no I was going to have to kick myself for being so embarrassing in front of a girl I more than liked. She sighed casually, appearing not to notice my eyes hungrily waiting for the right answer.
/Say yes... I urged....Say yes.../
"That'd be cool. I like it there."
I swear. For a moment my heart stopped beating. Then it started again, Thank God. I lead the way out of her garage, and helped her close the door, striking up a conversation about band practice that night with an ease that I never knew I possessed.
She responded cautiously at first, then with more enthusiasm until we were laughing as we entered Tave's; the second-hand and rare bookstore on 45th Street in Town at half past six. The musty and pregnant air in the shop immediately quieted us. It always did so, much like it's owner, a Mr Chronos, who commanded dignity and respect with the mere hint of his presence. Annie went straight to the counter, while I headed for the farthest shelves.
We all played our hearts out. Band Practice was a state, not a time, when we could all change for a short time. We could be daring, new, exciting people who were understood and cared for by each other. We supported new ideas, tried new styles new notes to find new levels of music. Everyone in the Band was Good. Most of us were Excellent, and those that were merely Good were fast getting better. It was incredible, the feeling and the calm that came by playing your soul into Paradise. I think we were all disappointed when Annie called a halt early.
"That was great guys, there was a real vibe there. See y'all Tuesday?"
We all acknowledged her, tidying up and putting away instruments, gulping down cool drinks from the fridge we had bought. Annie stopped me as I was leaving, shrugging on a leather jacket similar to my own. I stared at her, trying not to seem as excited as I felt. My heart was racing, my pulse seemed about to jump out of my neck.
"Are you going to Taves?"
She knew I was- I always did. It was part of my routine. Band Practice, Bookstore, Home by Seven. Annie smiled hopefully. I nodded and smiled back hesitantly.
"Sure- do you...?"
Somehow I knew she wanted to go with me. I hoped she did anyway, because if she said no I was going to have to kick myself for being so embarrassing in front of a girl I more than liked. She sighed casually, appearing not to notice my eyes hungrily waiting for the right answer.
/Say yes... I urged....Say yes.../
"That'd be cool. I like it there."
I swear. For a moment my heart stopped beating. Then it started again, Thank God. I lead the way out of her garage, and helped her close the door, striking up a conversation about band practice that night with an ease that I never knew I possessed.
She responded cautiously at first, then with more enthusiasm until we were laughing as we entered Tave's; the second-hand and rare bookstore on 45th Street in Town at half past six. The musty and pregnant air in the shop immediately quieted us. It always did so, much like it's owner, a Mr Chronos, who commanded dignity and respect with the mere hint of his presence. Annie went straight to the counter, while I headed for the farthest shelves.