I Went Down To Rosedale – Chapter 1

A/N Story arcs live on within Fan Fiction, so for the committed or the curious one take on what happened, if not next, then a few nexts down the line. Set in 'this' universe, though if the original show runners could change character traits mid-season/ episode/ scene (I'm talking to you Maddie Conrad and Dr Kaleb) then there will be some spin on those final flash forwards. Thanks for clinking through.

Timing is everything. In the hushed surroundings of an auditorium mutely eager with anticipation, a country music star drew out the seconds before reading from her autocue. "Good evening, everybody. It is my honour and privilege tonight to invite into our Opry family, a young woman who in the course of a few brief years, we have all watched grow and mature into an outstanding artist. Ladies and Gentleman please welcome to the Grand Ole Opry Maddie Jaymes."

Stage lights sparkled as Maddie made her entrance, steady on pin-sharp heels and with an acoustic guitar around her neck. Plugging in, she twisted around and grinned at the front row. Across stage, Deacon proud to bursting, riffed into 'Wildcard.' The show had begun.

Three days earlier. Daphne stood in front of a locked gate and wondered just what the hell it was she was doing here. Beyond its bars a smooth driveway curved and a substantial magnolia obscured most of the large house. But if she stood on tip-toe and squinted into the sunlight she could just about make out her old bedroom window. They had moved out 18 months back. Maddie, caught up by the whirlwind of recording, touring and publicity had succumbed to her Aunt's constant nag and bought into LA property, dividing her time between that base and her Nashville roots. Deacon, now all too often left to rattle around a house that shouted 'Teddy' at him, just as much as it whispered 'Rayna', had called for a family conference, and the 3 of them agreed to downsize, at least for now and rent out the mansion while Daphne completed her final years of school before starting collage. Now the house was in the hands of a New York mogul, who seemed to use it about three times a year. This fresh summer's day was the first time Daphne had been back, and as she looked down at a single rose left by a Rayna Jaymes fan, her tears broke.

Scarlett pulled her old car off the road and ran to hug the girl she thought of as her cousin. A girl who like herself had known loss far too young, and knew that all the trappings of wealth and glamour could not stop its primeval gnaw. "Hey, I came as soon as I got your message. Tell me how I can help."

Daphne concentrated on her own scrubbed trainers. "Just take me home please. I thought coming here would get me closer to Mom. I, I was wrong."

Wrapping the teenager up in her again Scarlett spoke softly but with cool insistence, "Your Mamma will always be close to you, wherever you are, and whatever you do. What's the matter sweetie, are you worried about doing the Opry show?"

"'Course not. I've sung there before when…."

"Good, because I know you will smash it. You have a fantastic voice and don't let anyone tell you different."

"That's just it," Daphne's tone became accusatory, "everybody tells me how I have such a great voice, but they always call Maddie an artist." The scales slipped from Scarlett as Daphne continued. "My EP tanked, Deacon's packing me off to collage and I wind up playing back-up for Maddie." She halted. "Shit, I sound like an ungrateful brat and I really don't mean too. It's awesome that my sister is getting inducted into The Opry, but everybody is so enchanted, they don't try and understand how I really feel, they all just assume."

Scarlett could easily see how this was all true, but she also had distance enough to appreciate the other side. Following her spotlight on 'Nashville's Next,' Daphne's debut EP for Highway 65 had not been a wild success. Too old now to be the cute kid, the critics, looking for a new angle, declared her work not up to the quality of Maddie or a young Taylor Swift, and so sales and opportunities spiralled downwards. With Juliette retired, Will lacking focus and the Exes long finished, Zach refused to allow Deacon to pump more money into what he considered a family vanity project, at least not until Daphne had fully completed her education and the label had someone other than Maddie regularly making hits. Not for the first time in her life Scarlett attempted to be the voice of good reason, and tidy those around her into their proper boxes. "Deacon only wants what he thinks is the best for you," she said, "I'm sure your Aunt and father feel the same way too."

Daphne rolled her eyes, "You bet. Aunt Tandy has been giving me the third degree every semester, Dad too, when he can be bothered to face-time."

"Well you've got good brains, shame to waste 'em." After a rocky period Daphne had indeed pushed herself into her schoolwork, enough to get into a well respected collage. If it wasn't for the music some of her teachers said she'd be a strait A student, to which Deacon had memorably told them that if it wasn't for the music, Daphne would not be Daphne. Yet even Deacon could see the logic in a plan B.

"Oh that stuff's easy, just remembering stupid dates and crap. I'm going away to college in a few weeks' time, which could be cool, but it's because they want me to do it. I never tried to uncouple from this family and now I'm made to be the dutiful younger sibling, still playing their game."

"Music won't leave you," promised Scarlett, "it's in your blood and you are stuck with it for better or for worse."

To prove the point a muffled melody singled that Daphne's phone had gone off, she scrambled through her bag. "Hi Dad…. Yes fine, I wanted to some fresh air… Yes… See you later…. Love you, bye."

"Neat ring tone," mumbled Scarlett. The piece was a cascading acoustic riff, with a moody cello counterpointing, countrified, but definitely not traditional."

"It's nothing," replied Daphne, "I was doodling on the laptop in my bedroom, it still needs some lyrics that don't wanna come."

Scarlett laughed, "You sound like Gunnar, I swear that boy's only ever written four songs on his own in his entire life."

"How is it with you two now?"

"It's complicated," absentmindedly Scarlett twisted the ring on her finger, "But when Gretchen Peters asks you to work with her, you don't say no. At least that's made Avery properly knock The Last Highways back to just a part time project. That's no bad thing in my opinion. I love Will Lexington to bits, but could you ever see him being anything but the big font man?" This time it was Daphne who smirked. Scarlett said, "Deacon's got me a VIP pass for Saturday, I can't wait to hear you and Maddie sing at the Opry. You two always sound amazing together."

The smoulder caught spark again, "Sure we are, when it suits her. I so wish Mom was here to help. Whatever Deacon says about my going collage, Mom would have told me to live my dream."

Would she? Wondered Scarlett.

The opening number over, Maddie smiled coyly. "Thank you so much, and thanks to Carrie. Aren't this band just the best? The two most important people in my life are up on stage with me. On guitar my Dad, Deacon Claybourne everybody…" applause that had barely trickled to an end came roaring back in a second wave. "Then on vocals my sister Daphne Conrad-Jaymes, come on out up front Daph." The sisters embraced. "Woo," continued Maddie, "so many people to thank. My management, all at Highway 65 and everybody from The Grand Ole Opry. Also Daphne and I want to express our gratitude to the man who helped bring us girls up, and who has come along tonight." From the back of the auditorium Teddy Conrad sunk lower into his seat, thinking he could almost hear air pass through gritted teeth, as some of the audience worked their way through this reference to the city's former Mayor. "And then of course there's Mom." It was as if everything stopped and the audience dare not breathe. On the screen behind a picture of Rayna was projected. Maddie's voice only caught one, "I know she would be so proud of me tonight and we all miss her so hard, every day." Pause, "though if she were here, she would probably be telling me that this dress is highly inappropriate." Deacon stepped up to his mic.

"Which it certainly is young lady."

"Daaad!"

The audience took their cue to laugh in relief. From the wings Bucky afforded himself a small smile. It had taken a long time to find the right words for Maddie's acceptance speech, even longer for him to persuade the young woman to read it, as headstrong as her mother and as stubborn her father.

"So we are going to do one of Mom's songs for you now, this is 'Stronger Than Me.'"

Three hours earlier. "These things that I run too-oooh." "What!" Maddie's guitar scratched to a very unmusical standstill. "Why did you drop down just then?"

Daphne gave her sister a confused expression and put down her own instrument, "I always do that."

"No you don't, I've never heard you go there before."

"Only like every time we have sung this song together. I always drop, because you always keep singing the same note."

"But that's stupid."

"I know." Daphne shrugged the reply. "So you change and I'll go up this time."

"These things that I run too-oooh." Maddie stopped in the same place again. "Daph?"

"What?"

"I think I like it your way better."

On the other side of the sterile rehearsal space another singer tried to tune out and to focus on a back-copy of Rolling Stone. It was a real struggle to keep quiet, for the desire to intervene burned. But this was a most definitely a private battle and any encroaching outsider would inevitably reap the wrath of both sisters combined. Blood's thickness always won out. Another run through passed without argument before Deacon entered the room. "They are ready for sound-check now," he called.

Maddie's induction set was coming to its conclusion. Singing was the easy part for her, losing herself in the melody, wrapped up by the armour of lyrics. Until each time as the guitars died away, the enormity of the institution rammed back into her brain. So many incredible names had trodden this stage, and the Ryman before it, now here she was, another link in that ongoing history. To her left her Dad, rock solid, dressed in a smart, dark suit, playing wingman for her, just as he had so often done for Rayna; and flanking her right, Daphne. Hands behind in graceful gawkiness, looking as un-phased by the occasion as if she was simply sitting on her bed, strumming chords purely for her own pleasure. The heady cocktail of nerves and exhilaration; tension and release engulfed Maddie. Nights like this were the reason why she dared herself, to get the music out of her brain and onto a wider audience. Why she had pushed aside romances, nearly lost sight of her own bloodline. All to be a part of this chain. Heart pounding , she gulped for air. "I want to introduce one more person," she told the crowd, "someone who I have always admired as an artist and who am fortunate to be able to call a friend. Please welcome," and her voice fell to a husky drawl, "Miss Juliette Barnes."

For the second time that night Maddie's words brought down silence like a blanket. A figure appeared from the wings and a first few tentative claps came from the stalls, then more as Juliette, who had not made a stage appearance in over four years, kept herself under of the daily media radar for almost three, walked out onto to the Grand Ole Opry. Gone were the sparkly mini-dresses, in their place a tailored, black pant suit and white blouse, a small blonde pony-tail protruding from the back of a dark baseball cap. Daphne moved to the other side and the three women converged around a single microphone.

"Can we sing one of yours Juliette?"

"Sure," as if they hadn't been rehearsing since sound check. Deacon, coaxing a soft purr from his Telecaster begun a stark, gentle arrangement of 'On My Way.' Here was Juliette Barnes singing gospel, at the spiritual home of country. Harmonising on a track from her least successful album, on the self-same stage where she had crash-debuted 'Dirt' to the world. The final chorus was taken acapella, and in perfect sync the Conrad sisters physically pulled away and stopped singing before the last line, leaving it bare for the song's author. For a fraction of a moment Juliette's brain wheeled, but she continued on with a smile in her voice. This was after all just the sort of stunt she would have pulled once upon a time.

"Thank you," and Juliette exited, her buzzing head barely registering the applause.

Three hours later. Maddie was trying to balance a plate of canapes in one hand and a glass of bubbles in the other. She admitted defeat, relinquishing the food as Bucky introduced a suit from ABC and there was the need to perform yet another hand shake. She had lost count of the number of well wishes at the aftershow, let alone all their names and positions and her jaw ached. Over the last few years Deacon, mindful of his own mistakes had impressed upon her the importance of this dull routine and how great her Mom had been at working it. Rayna could connect with anyone, radiate warmth and attention, then move on down the line. If ever Rayna had believed that any of the people around her were letchers, losers or jerks, then she hid it consummately. Of course at the start of Rayna's rise there was no social media to worry over. The power to instantly project, wrap and warp every action made. All Rayna had needed to contend with was the constant cycle of rehearsal and the demands of The Road. All. The room was hot, conversations buzzed and the only thing Maddie really wanted was to get out of her shoes and into some fluffy PJ's. The further this industry took her the more she admired her Mom.

A strong hand was planted on her shoulder. Deacon, shirt sleeved, open collared and dewy eyed. "You did good tonight girl."

She smiled back. "Couldn't have done this without you."

"Well that's just so much baloney. That fire in your belly's was always gonna burn, no matter if I was a part of your life or not." She laughed, such a Deacon thing to say. Just at the point she had begun to accept him as her true Dad and not just an idealised copy, she had grown old enough to also see him as a man. Sometimes she wished she could have shared the parenting part with him a bit longer, as Daphne had; and not missed out on being with her real Dad at a key stage in her life, ironically also as Daphne had. Across the jostle of the room Maddie briefly locked eyes with Matt, her record producer for two albums now, eight years her senior and… Well if Deacon knew and what else, he would probably use his fists first and ask questions later. Whatever Maddie chose to be, she would always stay Deacon's sweet girl. Maddie knew she would have to cross that bridge another day. For now it was better to let Deacon believe she was between boys and building her career.

"Can't we go home yet?" Daphne had joined them, the tingle of her champagne had worn off and obviously Deacon was not going to allow her any more.

"Sorry sweetie, half the town seems to be here tonight for your sister. I can get you and Gideon a car anytime you want though."

"No way. She needs my support. I'll leave when you guys do. Just try to hurry up alright?"

Maddie laughed, "I want out just as much as you, believe me, but thanks for staying Daph."

"Well somebody's gotta keep you both organized."

"Hashtag team Maddie," cried Deacon.

The two girls grimaced at each other, "Dad, no one actually says 'hashtag'!"

The once familiar face of Glen Goodman rolled into view, these days Deacon barely saw him outside of the quarterly royalty payments. Life was certainly much calmer sans Juliette, but just maybe duller. "Avery's messaged to say they are home and that there were no cameras at the Opry side door, thank God." Yet another handshake for Maddie, "Great performance out there, it was wonderful of you to let Juliette be a part of it. I haven't seen that look in her eye for a long time."

"Pleasure," Maddie replied curtly, "she's been part of my music for so long that it would have felt wrong for her not to be there."

In the corridor between the ladies rest room and VIP party area Daphne, head down, almost cannoned into Scarlett, dreamily meandering the other way. Shadows from wall lights threw Scarlett's face into an unusual profile, angular, stark, vulnerable. "You OK?" Daphne asked.

"I never did get doing the media," mumbled Scarlett, somewhat obliquely, "just let Gunnar ramble on and on into their phones. Then he'd get all mad when the articles came out the photos had me at the front."

"It's a game to them," Daphne replied, "Like on 'Nashville's Next' the way Brad would edit random conversations together to make his own story."

They had walked passed the party now, further into the dark back stage maze, a tumble of cables and chipboard. The last of the road crew were packing up and the burley security team shrunk back at the sight of the triple A lanyards around their necks.

By now they were standing behind the hallowed stage.

Daphne stopped. "Shall we?"

"You are one crazy lady."

"It's not like you've never been here before." Daphne told her. "C'on"

Eyes adjusting to the gloom Daphne lead Scarlett out onto the disserted Opry stage. A few random safety lights pricked out shapes that were made unfamiliar and the air smelt dry. It was hard to relate this eerie space with the brightly lit, glitzy veneer of 'show'. Scarlett's overactive imagination projected the whispers of performances past into her brain and she reached for her phone in poor imitation of a spot.

"What do we do now?" she asked.

"Only one thing we can do," said Daphne, "sing."

Scarlett cleared her throat, as she opened her mouth she had no conscious idea of what would come out of it.

"Froggy went a-courtin' and he did ride uh hum."

Daphne joined in at a lower tone, they completed the verse, the final 'uh hums' dissolving into giggles, but the teenager wasn't finished just yet.

"There's a little piece of cornbread on the shelf uh hum," she sang.

"Little piece of cornbread on the shelf," echoed Scarlett.

Then together, "there's a little piece of cornbread on the shelf…" Pause before, "IF YOU WANT ANY MORE YOU CAN SING IT YOURSELF!" they shouted in unison.

By rights this should have been met by a single lonely clap for the back row of the gods, but of course there was nothing, an Opry performance witnessed front of house by just the empty air.

Daphne sighed deeply and happily "God I needed that."

"Let's get back before we are missed," said Scarlett.