Why would I forget ? | Roger Taylor

47- Twenty Second

2nd April 1973

"Happy birthday to you... happy birthday to you... happy birthday dear Lottie, happy birthday to you." Freddie sang, the others in the room joining in as he held a small cupcake with a candle in front of me.

"Happy birthday tee !" Veronica exclaimed excitedly, John sat beside her with a bright smile.

Freddie had arranged a little surprise party for me at his place, one that did in fact completely catch me of guard. Everyone was here, Veronica and Mary as well as the boys, except Roger. It felt strange without him, but not a strange I wanted to bring up or draw attention to.

The six of them had smothered me with gifts and hugs and cheek kisses, and were now all sat round waiting for me to make a wish and blow out my candle. It was nice to be in their company again- it felt like a while since we'd all sat round Freddie's with drinks in our hands and smiles on our faces. I'd missed it more than I realised, but I'd also missed Roger being here a lot more than I realised.

"Make a wish love." Mary giggled before I blew out the candle, earning a little cheer and even louder laughter from the small crowd in Freddie's living room.

"What'd you wish for darling ?" Freddie asked.

"Can't tell. It won't come true if I tell you." I giggled and took a bite from the cupcake.

"Oh god- I forgot something in the boot for you." Brian added with a little panic in his tone. He grabbed his car keys and jumped up from the arm chair.

"Forgot what ?" I replied, watching as Brian quickly rushed out of the flat and Deaky's lips were stolen by a little smile.

"You'll see in a minute." Veronica added. I raised my eyebrows at Freddie, mainly because he was usually the one up to something, and watched as his smile become slightly more smug than it had been before.

"I know what he's on about." Freddie laughed as he sipped his beer and wrapped his arm back around Mary.

"You know- I don't appreciate this whole secret keeping thing." I chuckled, looking at all of them as they sat with expressions telling me clear as day they knew what Brian had gone to get.

A minute or so later Brian returned with a bag in his hand and a little grin pulling at his lips. He handed me the bag and returned to his seat as everyone's eyes fell onto me.

"Do you all know what this is ?" I laughed a little.

"Maybe... maybe not." Deaky shrugged suspiciously.

Inside the bag was a denim jacket with very subtle rose embodiments across the sleeves and a little bottle of vodka. I remembered seeing the jacket months ago, in a store window, and I remembered exactly who was beside me as I said it. I knew then instantly who it was from, and almost began to tear up- but I managed to keep the water away from my eyes when I remembered who's company I was in.

There was a small note in the bottom, one covered in Roger's scribbly hand writing.

I know you most definitely don't want a present from me but I wasn't gonna get you nothing for your birthday. I'm not that much of a dick. I remember you saying how much you wanted this jacket, and I know you love roses.

Enjoy the vodka but don't enjoy it too much cause Im not gonna be there to help you up the stairs. I hope you have an amazing birthday and I hope Brian actually remembers to give you this.

I miss you Peps, and I'm Sorry - Rog
(And sorry for being cheesy as fuck)

"He asked me to give it to you." Brian smiled a little.