Memoirs

First Meeting

Somehow I still remember the day that we met, it was around Fall '95 and I was desperate to get some new guitar strings. I had the new Lush album playing on my Walkman. It was chilly and I spent the day looking for a store that sold guitar strings for a good price. I walked around the local town with my headphones on blasting music. My friends had suggested that I should go to this place called 'Uncle Norm's Organ Emporium' because they sold almost everything in there; it was located nearby my town where me and my aunt had lived in. I never thought about going in there though since it always looked closed, plus I never saw anyone inside. I spotted the store and placed my Walkman in my bag, then I went inside.

I guess you could say it was a last resort or something?

It was dusty, and filled with various instruments and vinyl records. The store didn't have many customers, or employees; I thought I was the only person in the store.

"Ma'am, do you need help with finding something?"

A tiny voice peaked from the counter. He was a tall, gangly man who looked youthful and tired. He had soft,choppy hair in a peculiar navy blue color, and his name tag had read "Stuart".

"Yes, can you lead me where the guitar strings are located please?" I replied.

"Right this way!" I followed him to the aisle where they had sold the strings, and looked around. "Is there any particular brand that you're looking?" Stuart asked.

"Not really, but I just really need some new ones cos' my other pair had broke while tuning my guitar earlier." I strolled through the different brands of strings, deciding which had played a better sound.

"You know, it'll be difficult to tune it yourself. Are you able to bring your guitar in tomorrow? I could try to tune it myself." Stuart said with a smile. It took me a few seconds to decide what to do; I guess I could get someone to tune it for me. Otherwise, I'd probably end up confused and breaking them again...

"D'you know what? I think I'll come by tomorrow and I'll bring it over" I said. "Oh great!" He walked back to the register and grabbed a clipboard.

"What time will you come by?"

"Umm..probably after school, so about 4 ish?"

"Okay! You could just write down your name and number on here if you don't mind." Stuart said. He handed the clipboard to me, and I scribbled down my name and telephone number; I gave the clipboard back to him.

"...Paula Cracker..I've never really met someone with a name like that, but I like it! It sounds cool!" Stuart beamed with a toothy smile. "Thanks, a lot of people find it kinda odd." I smiled. "Yea, others say my last name's kinda catchy too." We both stood there by the counter awkwardly, and the sun was beginning to set. I stared down my sneakers, and they squeaked against the floor. Stuart was slightly blushing and twiddled with his fingers.

"Well..I'll come by tomorrow and bring my guitar on the way. It was nice meeting you Stuart." I waved goodbye, and as I was leaving, I had smelled the faint scent of candy. "Okay well you have a good night then!" Stuart waved back.

I took a bus ride back home, and I was greeted by the smell of sweets and strong perfume. My aunt Nan was sleeping on the couch while the television was on. I turned it off for her, and placed a blanket around her. I went into the kitchen to get myself a scone.

As soon as I was finished eating, I went upstairs into my room. I flopped down into my bed, and turned on the radio. I thought about Stuart, his hair, and the faint smell of butterscotch until I fell asleep.