Girl of Mine

Chapter 62 - Regardless of

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Rosalie POV

The 5th of August, 1957

There were days when Graceland felt grey.

Only a few I'd experienced myself, but there was no question whether it was one of them or not. Like night and day, today was dark.

The echo of absolutely nothing went through the rooms of Graceland. It sprung from side to side, door to door. Quite obviously, something was not right when Elvis had requested no disruption in the dining room—folding out the screen for privacy.

Walking past the foyer light at foot, I overheard Elvis' begging voice talking to his Mama. «You can't keep this up, Ma. It's not good for you.»

At the entrance, Red stood observing me with strands of hair caught in the gust, halfway indoors and outdoors. While his locks sailed through the wind, I did with a nod of his head. Off to the side, his chin moved in one strong suggestion—hooking me in. He walked off, silently calling on me to follow.

I could still hear the mumbling of Elvis' voice, but no words could be made out as the distance grew. Blinding me, the white clouded sky hit every surface—turning summer colours into flat ones.

Every so often, the blanket above our heads could be read as though it had been told to whither away accordingly—fitting those days of mellow truths and fleeting happiness.

Making the stairs a seat as good as any, Red had his hands in his pockets as he settled. Down ahead, I took on half the stairs and joined him.

Staring, we said nothing.

Soaring above our heads, birds flew, making the only noise surrounding us. The rest of the world lay still in soundless waves carrying and returning the same echoes. Elvis had made his choice, going right to Gladys and not tiptoeing around the issue. In a few words, Elvis told me he had tried to before, but he never wanted to make his mom feel out of place, bad, or ashamed—that wasn't his purpose.

As if the wind picked up, I heard Red draw his breath, and my eyes looked at him. His gaze met mine, leaned forward on his elbows and knees. I thought I could see the visible weight—heavy, weighing down on his shoulders. «Everyone here, Lamar, Scotty, Bill, George, his aunt, uncle, cousin, the Colonel, Vernon, and Gladys, all have Elvis to support them. He is responsible for keeping up our livelihood and creating a good working environment. Elvis, though? He has the two of us. This... This will get harder, Sal. He's leaving for Germany—I need to be more clear than I was. Are you gonna be there for him, regardless of whatever happens to the two of yours relationship?»

Red saw it all crystal clear before him—we took it one step too far and went head-first to the ground, falling, crashing, and burning—leaving Elvis and me beyond the point of repair. That wouldn't happen, though; I wouldn't let it. «Red, he's the most important person in my life—I would never put myself in a position where not being there for him was the case.» I meant it—truthfully and confidently.

Nodding with a grave look on his face, Red spoke in an unwavering manner. «Good, I'll count on that. Because Elvis can't lose 50 percent of his support team—you being the most important half.»

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Author's note:
Sal meant it—truthfully and confidently. And I like to think she did. What is your take on this?

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(Chapter 62/64)
This chapter is edited with Grammarly.
New chapter every week (Tuesdays)
Book 1 ends on the 9th of August.
Teaser for book 2 — The first two chapters will be published on the 17th of August.

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