Bleed To Love Her (B.N)

1994

Lindsey sat cleaning his favourite guitar while watching whatever was on TV; it was currently settled on MTV. He was so deeply focused on getting the body of his guitar shiny that he didn’t notice the program changing on the TV. “Hey there! Welcome to MTV News. Here on the couch with me today is none other than the lovely Ms Stevie Nicks!” Lindsey’s eyes shot up as the name pierced his eardrums. His eyes widened as the camera pulled Stevie into its shot. She looked so beautiful. Her long, blonde hair had returned, now free of its shaggy layers and bangs. She looked healthy, a glow in her cheeks making her seem more alive than she had since the last time Lindsey had really seen her. And the sparkle that Lindsey thought she had lost forever was finally present once again. “She’s back. She’s beaten her addictions again.” Lindsey said to himself in amazement. He put his guitar to one side and settled back to watch Stevie’s interview on her latest album, ‘Street Angel’.

“Thank you for joining us, Stevie.” “Thanks for having me!” “It’s always a pleasure. Be sure to pick up a copy of Stevie’s new album ‘Street Angel’, available everywhere May 23rd.” Lindsey watched in sadness as Stevie’s smiling face disappeared from his TV screen. He quickly grabbed his phone and dialled a number. “Hello?” An English voice answered. “Mick? Hi.” “Oh. Hello, Lindsey, old chap. What can I do for you?” Mick replied cheerfully. “Did you just see Stevie’s interview on MTV?” “Mm. I did. Doesn’t she look well?” Lindsey laughed. “Steady on now, Fleetwood. You’re happily married.” “Ah yes I am. Anyway, what did you want again?” Lindsey swallowed his pride. “Do you have a contact number for Stevie?” Mick chuckled on the other end of the phone. “Indeed I do. Why?” Lindsey rolled his eyes. “Why do you think, smartass?” Mick hesitated. “Alright. I’ll give you it. But I have to ask: why do you want it?” He asked seriously. “I just wanted to see her. To see how she’s doing.” Lindsey answered honestly. “Okay. Here’s the number.”

Stevie sat at her grand piano, her fingers dancing hesitantly across the keys, when the phone suddenly rang. “I’ll get it!” Her sister-in-law Lori shouted. “Thank you!” Stevie yelled back, a smile on her face. She loved having her family around her, so it was nice that her brother, his wife and their daughter, Jessica, were staying with Stevie for two weeks. Stevie’s ears pricked up curiously when she heard Lori answer the phone. “Hello?” Stevie heard Lori say in the other room. “Well, well, well. This is a surprise! To what do I owe the honour?” Stevie frowned; who could be on the phone? She got up and stood by the living room door, far enough around the corner that Lori couldn't see her but she could see Lori. “Yes, I’m well. So is Christopher. Jessica is growing up beautifully, thank you. Stevie? Stevie is the best she’s been in years.” Stevie racked her brain, trying to figure out who it could possibly be on the phone to Lori. “Oh, really? Mmm, well I’ll have to – why not? Oh! I’m not sure she’ll like that. Well, alright.” Stevie saw Lori glance over her shoulder. “Yes, she’s by the door, listening in. No, I don’t think she knows who it is. All right then. We may or may not see you tomorrow. Okay. Take care. Buh-bye.” Stevie walked into the living room as Lori replaced the phone onto its cradle. “Who was that?” She asked, folding her arms across her chest. Lori winked. “You’ll find out tomorrow.” Stevie pouted. “Lori! Tell me!” She begged, blocking Lori’s way out of the living room. Lori laughed. “You can’t fire me, Nicks. I’m not just your backing singer anoymore; I’m also you sister-in-law. There’s no getting rid of me now.” Stevie stuck her tongue out and let Lori by. She put her arms around Stevie and hugged her close. “Trust me. You need to have this meeting tomorrow.” Stevie nodded as Lori let go of her and left the room. When Lori’s fiery red hair could no longer be seen, Stevie dashed across the room and checking the number on her phone. “Damn.” She said under her breath. She didn’t recognise it.