She And I

January 1968

Agnetha. Yes, that's her name. And I'm Anni-frid.. Hold on. Kindly call me Frida, 'kay?

What more can I say? She's like an angel. Her face, her voice, and her charm justified them all.

I met the angel backstage. I was fixing myself and warming up my voice when she came in. I saw her from my mirror, and she was about to station herself beside me.

"Hi! Is anyone using this?" She asked.

I paused my beauty session, "Hey. Uh... No one's using it. You may use it."

"OH THANKS! I am running out of time." She smiled as she rushed to fix herself. "Name's Agnetha by the way..."

"I'm Anni-Frid, ... Frida." I responded.

"It's nice to meet you Anni...I mean Frida." She happily responded.

"Where did you come from?" She continued chatting with me as she fixed herself. It was as if she was not running out of time.

"I'm actually from Norway, but my granny and I moved here for good. From then I grew up in Eskilstuna. I've been an orphan since I was two. Dad's a German soldier while mom was Norwegian."

"Oh...I am so sorry to hear that. I'm from Jönköping by the way. Oh wait! Don't tell me you're Anni-Frid, the girl who sang 'En Ledig Dag' when traffic lanes switched."

"Yep, that was me."

"So you are a wife and a mom?"

"I used to be..." I paused and she stared at me as she was expecting me to cry or something. I continued, "a wife, but I am a mom. Haha!!! (I was just trying to show her how strong I was regardless of that break-up. I still felt devastated that my kids have to be under his care.) And you're Agnetha, the young singer-songwriter. You're talented."

"Don't be silly. You are good too. Your voice just soothes the ears."

And we laughed and shared as she finished working on her beautiful face. Well, I thought it was no longer necessary.

I felt there were sparks; I just didn't know what exactly those were for. Honestly, I didn't know if it was love at first sight, but I was captivated by her charming voice and smile.

Afterwards, we were asked to perform our respective songs. As the show ended, we were called for one last exposure to the TV. I cannot believe that we have to be beside each other until the end. She glanced at me, and smiled. I felt like melting, but I had to maintain my composure by smiling back to her then to the camera.

As we go off-air, we performers shared hugs, kisses and compliments. After I hugged the last person, I turned back and saw Agnetha. She was smiling at me, but she was also building up tears from her eyes. "Frida", she softly called me.

"Yes Agnetha? You were great out there." I saw a tear fall from her eye, and she hugged me.

"Please call me Anna." She tearfully told me.

"You were great there too, Frida. I don't want to cry, but I am really going to miss you. I felt like I have a big sister caring for me. I want to be your best friend, like best, best friend." She added as she wiped her tears.

"Honestly, you were like a sister to me even if we've only had a short time together. I actually want to be your best friend too. You are like an angel to me. Haha!!! Stop crying Anna." I handed her my hanky as we walked backstage. She wanted to return it, but I told her to keep it as a remembrance.

I had that positive feeling that we'll see each other again. So I told Anna, "We'll see each other again soon, okay?"

"Do you promise?" She asked me like a little child.

"I am positively sure that we'll see each other again. Just don't forget about me. And please take care of yourself whether you have a boyfriend or not. I just don't want you to have a tragic ending like me."

She laughed and replied, "Take care of yourself too, Frida. Whatever that is, you can overcome it. You've been a strong person since you were a kid. Oh yeah... Did I mention that you're beautiful? Your green eyes are just captivating."

"Eh? Really? Haha!!! Thanks Anna! It's nice to meet you." I hugged her, "It's gonna be okay. I am glad I've met you. I'll see you soon, okay?"

I heard her trying to hold back her tears, and she told me, "Frida, you're the best. I want to see you soon."

"No problem, Anna." I smiled, let go, and we continued packing our stuff. Then we left the studio.

It was January of 1968 when she and I met. It has been 48 years and she recalls those moments too. The years after '68 was just the beginning of a lovely friendship between she and I.