The Wind Down is a captivating collection that invites listeners to unwind and immerse themselves in the tranquil melodies of Michael Jackson's songs. Each track serves as a gateway to a world of introspection and relaxation, accompanied by vivid sh...
𝓟𝓾𝓼𝓱 𝓜𝓮 𝓐𝔀𝓪𝔂, Destiny 1979 These dreams I wish could be
Gary, Indiana The Opening Scene ♩♩
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Come on, girl! We're already running late 'cause of you!"
"Yeah, any longer and we might as well kiss our front row seats goodbye."
"Y'all wanted to come to this anyway, not me."
"Well you needed to."
"Exactly! Had we not dragged you out, what would you be doing? Drowning yourself in sorrow with a tub of rocky roadhouse and Good Times playing? I think not."
"Nobody asked you to think, Jan," Ellie mumbled, smoothing her periwinkle dress and giving herself one last look in the mirror. She wasn't surprised by her girl friends' shocked expressions; she knew just how curt her response was. Though she didn't mean any harm, she couldn't hide how she felt. Not today, or any day recently.
"Now you look here, Ellie. Me and Claire done nothing but try to help you. Try to be here for you. But you've just been so mean! Nobody has to put up with that - not me, not her, and especially not Michael. I can take a hit or two, but the way you use that boy as a punching bag when all he wants to do is help you? It's not cute, girl! Your attitude stinks!"
Janise didn't hold back as she hurled her words at Ellie. Deep down, she knew she had a point, but she'd never admit it. At least not at the moment. Sure, she was a bit on edge and would take it out on her friends, but they just didn't get it. They couldn't understand her plight.
"Are you done?" Ellie callously asked, prompting Janise to storm out of the bathroom.
"You could ease up a little bit, you know," Claire suggested calmly. "The show's about to start, let's just go sit down." Ellie watched as her friend walked towards the door, not looking away until it fully closed behind her. Alone now, she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Through her exhale, she attempted to release her frustration, much to no avail as tears began to cascade down her cheeks. She quickly wiped them away, sniffling before composing herself and turning towards the door.
The walk from the bathroom to their seats was daunting. Every instinct in her body told her to turn around and bolt straight out the exit - back to security and comfort. But she'd pushed her friends enough already, they may just dump her completely if she left. Somehow, through the troubles that swarmed her mind, she'd been carried to her seat. She now stood behind the middle chair between Janise and Claire, front and center to the main stage.
A snide remark threatened to slip from her lips at the placement, but Ellie restrained herself. Instead, she took her seat as the lights dimmed, indicating the start of the show.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Open Mic Night at Gino's! I'm your host, Jesse Vale and I'm here to make sure you have the time of your life tonight. Now we've had your favorite mixmaster, Marvelous Marv spinning all your favorite tunes and before we get started with our amateur acts, we thought we'd bring you some familiar faces. Please give it up for Archie Bell and The Drells!"
