Mercury Unbound - 5
As the music concludes, I'm finally in control of my emotions enough to look around, to show my face again. Sandy's inquisitive expression tells me he wants to say something so I remove the tiny transducers from my ears.
He says: "You like Dvořák? His music fits this landscape, doesn't it? You know who else? Buddy Holly. Yeah, he's from Lubbock, the city we just passed. He rode this highway many times. There's a small recording studio up ahead in Clovis, just across the border into New Mexico. That's where he recorded most of his early hits. You want to stop there and check it out?"
His comments bring tears to my eyes again and, to avoid a misunderstanding, I quickly explain: "My husband, Dan, idolized Buddy. He even thought he could sing like Buddy, with his childishly cheerful, falsetto voice."
For once, Sandy knows enough to remain silent, giving me time to mentally compose myself. I can see he already understands. Still, I need to say it: "Dan died a few months ago with cancer. I'm not over it yet, obviously. Probably never will be. But I'm sorry to bring it up. I'm not trying to spoil anybody's mood."
Sister Helen takes her eyes from the road for a quick glance in my direction, and says: "He's up there in heaven right now, dear, looking down at you. And he's very proud of how you're carrying on with your life. Don't you ever doubt that."
Sandy sings: "I love you, Peggy Sue. With a love so rare and true. Oh, Peg-gy, how I love you-a-hu a-huhu."
His vibes remind me so much of Dan, I laugh and cry at the same time. He also reminds me of how I felt when I first met Sister Helen, like she had been sent to me, to keep me from falling apart. Except he's a man and I want to make love to him. I can feel the fluids inside my body already beginning to flow in preparation.
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Author's Note
The narrative character is a woman. It's a small piece from a work in progress.
Buddy Holly on the Arthur Murray Dance Party 12/29/57
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQiIMuOKIzY
You go full circle with this--keeping us suspended until the end which answers the beginning--very nice *
Seems like part of a longer piece all right. Makes me want to see what adventures this budding romance leads to. *
Keep it going, J. ... think you're getting there. *
Hi, Bobbi. Thanks. Full circle, yeah, probably needs more action in the middle, though, or reflection, or description. It does further the story, however.
Hi, Jack. When I started writing this, I though it was going to be a quick trip to the Peruvian rainforest but, with so many other things happening and interesting places to visit along the way, I don't know if they'll ever get there. I need to keep writing it just to find out. Thanks for reading, commenting, and *.
Hi, James. Thanks. Yeah, I gotta keep it going. I'm not in control anymore. The characters are streatching the story to increase their individual part. Maybe that's good. I don't know.
Wonderful little bite - I want the whole meal. . . fave
Good writing, J Mykell - "His vibes remind me so much of Dan, I laugh and cry at the same time. He also reminds me of how I felt when I first met Sister Helen, like she had been sent to me, to keep me from falling apart."
Nice work.
Hi, MaryAnn. Thanks for the wonderful comment. I'm cooking up a storm right now.
Hi, Sam. Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate very much.
People often enter strange states of consciousness after the loss of a loved one. Life can take on new levels of meaning.
Nice piece, JM.
Like these characters. Enjoying these.
Hi, Jules. Thanks. It's not as daringly innovative as your writing but I'm hoping to add a significant degree of edginess before it's all over.
Thanks, Bill. I like these characters, too. That's why I'm allowing then to takeover the story.
This is moving really well, and you know I'm very fond of Sister Helen, she strikes me as an oddity in their little group and it's the odd quirk that makes a story stick in the mind.
*
Hi, Susan. Thanks for the great comment. It's very helpful to know.