Bleed To Love Her (B.N)

April 1966

“Lindsey, play something for us!” “Yea, Lindsey! Play something.” “Aha. Okay. What should I play?”

Stevie Nicks overheard the conversation as she chatted to some friends at the party. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see an attractive young man surrounded by girls. On his lap, a guitar rested. He didn’t have a plectrum but began playing, using only his fingers to pick at the strings.

“All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey

I've been for a walk on a winter’s day

I'd be save and warm if I was in LA

California dreaming on such a winter’s day.”

Stevie turned around fully to face in the direction of this mystery boy. “Who’s that?” She asked her friend. “That’s Lindsey Buckingham. He’s a junior. Been pretty big with the ladies since they found out he’s a guitar player.” Stevie nodded absentmindedly; she’d stopped listening after ‘Buckingham’. “He’s really good.” She said, to no one in particular. Before anyone could say anything, Stevie was walking over to where Lindsey was sat. The girls around his complained loudly as she pushed through the human barrier they had created around him and sat beside a surprised Lindsey. “Carry on.” Stevie said to him. A stunned Lindsey nodded, continuing to play and sing. Stevie swayed along as he sang. When the chorus came again, Stevie began harmonizing with Lindsey. People’s head began to turn and they soon gatherer around the duo. The host of the party turned the record playing down and went to join the growing crowd.

“If I didn't tell her I could leave today

California dreaming on such a winter’s day.”

Everyone began clapping as they finished singing. Stevie smiled at Lindsey, who smiled shyly back.

“So, you’re Stephanie Nicks, right?” Stevie turned around and looked up; she was sat outside on the front porch, having a cigarette when Lindsey appeared behind her. “That’s me. But please, call me Stevie. And you’re Lindsey Buckingham.” Lindsey nodded, hesitating. “May I?” He asked, gesturing towards the space next to her on the porch step. “Be my guest.” Stevie replied, stubbing her cigarette out. Lindsey sat beside her, looking up at the clear starry sky. “You, er… You have a really lovely voice.” Lindsey said after a few seconds. Stevie looked at Lindsey. She smiled, flattered. “Thank you. So do you. Your talent amazed me. Your style of playing the guitar was really fantastic. I loved your fingerpicking.” Lindsey looked away so as to hide his blushing cheeks. Stevie looked at him. “Are you blushing?” Lindsey shook his head. “No. I’m just… You’re a really pretty girl, and a senior, and you liked me playing and you joined in and…” Lindsey looked back up at Stevie, who was studying him intently. “And?” Stevie asked, her eyes twinkling. “And it was a really great night.” Stevie smiled. She leaned over and planted a small kiss on Lindsey’s cheek. “It sure was.” She replied. They stood up together, in unison. Stevie looked up at Lindsey; she’d never realized he was that tall. She felt incredibly small and feminine standing by his side. And he felt masculine and protective next to her. A car pulled up on the sidewalk, sounding its horn. “That’s my brother. He’s here to pick me up.” Stevie said, beginning to walk away. Lindsey grabbed her hand, turning her back around to face him. “Will I see you again?” He asked, almost to the point of pleading. Stevie smiled at him through the darkness, her face illuminated only by the small porch light. “Maybe.” She replied mysteriously. She gave his hand a squeeze and let it go, running up to join her brother in his car. Lindsey watched as the car pulled away, grinning boyishly when Stevie waved at him through the window. Lindsey sighed when the car finally disappeared. “I hope I see her again.” He said to himself, walking back into the house to join the party again. 

Stevie had only just walked into her bedroom when the phone began to ring. “I’ll get it, Christopher!” She shouted to her brother. Picking up the pink phone on her bedside table, Stevie sat on the edge of her bed. “Hello?” She answered. “STEVIE I HEARD ALL ABOUT THE PARTY! SPILL THE DETAILS!” Stevie smiled to herself as she listened to her best friend, Robin, yell down the phone with excitement. “What am I supposed to be telling you?” Stevie asked, holding the phone between her ear and shoulder while she pulled her shoes off. “Don’t give me that bullshit. People from school just walked by the house and they told me all about you singing with some junior. Who is he?” Stevie smiled at the thought of Lindsey; he was so sweet and he sang like an angel. “His name is Linds…” “LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM? You sang with Lindsey Buckingham? He’s totally hot!” Stevie giggled in unspoken agreement. “Stevie tell me the deats!” “Goodnight Robin.” Stevie replaced the phone onto its holder and stood up. She began getting ready for bed, thinking about what had happened that night. “I wonder what he’s doing right now?” Stevie thought out loud.