The 22-Year Friendship

Ch. 5: June 1955

It had been a month since I was in Jacksonville, Florida, where I made new friends, performed in a dance show, and met Elvis Presley. I had finished school and a dance show that was for three nights. I returned to my somewhat, normal life, and continued to focus on my dance career.

It was nice to receive a letter from Elizabeth, the dancer I gave a brief lesson to in Jacksonville. She wrote:

Dear Lillian,

I hope all is well in California. I am eager to write that I will be flying to Los Angeles on June 20th to visit some relatives there. I will be spending two weeks there. I've talked to Ms. Quinn, and I will be attending dance class every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. I hope you will be able to give me a private dance lesson one of those days, and catch up!

-Elizabeth Savage

I was eager for Elizabeth's arrival in two days. It gave me something to look forward to.
Meanwhile, my mom recently got engaged to her now fiancé, Robert Davis. They had been together since 1950, and Robert and I had a good relationship. However, I kept my distance. Jack, my stepbrother-to-be, was like the brother I never had. We were very close.

[Two Days Later]

Elizabeth arrived in Los Angeles in the morning and decided to observe the advanced dance class, which consisted of entirely female dances from the ages of 16 to 18; with the exception of a 13-year old me. After my class was finished, Ms. Quinn handed me a letter that was addressed to me. Elizabeth was curious about the letter.

She asked, "Who is it from?"

I looked at the envelope and said, "We're going to find out right now."

I gently opened the letter and began to quickly read it. I realized Elvis sent the letter, asking me how things were and included what was happening with him. I was glad he didn't forget me or the girls. Elizabeth got giddy when she read the name Elvis Presley in the letter. I didn't know she was a fan!

After Elizabeth drove back to her hotel, I was picked up by my mother. While we were in the car, she mentioned the possibility of moving to Memphis.

"Lillian, what are your thoughts about moving to Memphis for a year or two? I know you have many friends here and enjoy dance classes with Ms. Quinn."

"I think it would be nice to experience something new. Think of it this way. We would be closer to New York, a city where I hope to have numerous dance and film opportunities. Also, Elvis has said numerous times that his mother wants to meet us. She seems like a lovely lady."

"The remaining question is, where are you and Jack going to high school? I am unfamiliar with schools around that area."

It didn't take me long to remember a high school. I quickly said, "Humes High School. That is where Elvis attended and graduated two years ago."

"Then it is settled. We will be moving to Memphis in August. Robert is all for the move."

I was excited, but sad to leave my friends and dance class here in Los Angeles.

When we arrived home, Jack told me that a man with a strange name called our phone several times to know if I was home.

I asked, "Jack, was it Elvis?"

He cocked his head to the side. "Does he have a southern accent? The name Elvis sounds about right."

Elvis called five minutes later. I picked up the phone, and he was happy to hear from me. He wondered if I got his letter, and I told him I did. Additionally, I let him know I'll be moving to Memphis in August later this year, and he was excited. He told me he was going to call his mama right away.

And so the countdown to our move to Memphis began.