The 22-Year Friendship

Ch. 13: Germany

EXTREMELY LONG CHAPTER.. I apologize, but this chapter has a lot of important events and details!

*Cat (@Elvisisbetterthanyou), Lisbeth (@minklisbeth), Natalie Ornelaz (@nappypappy) & Rachel (@alongcamerachel as Jennifer Carillo) are introduced as new characters in this chapter!*

I arrived in Wiesbaden, Germany on January 17, 1959. It was 8 in the morning. I didn't expect anyone to be waiting for my arrival at the airport, but as soon as I stepped out of the plane, there were about 40 fans along with numerous reporters asking for an autograph or my first thoughts of Germany.

Me: "It's really cold, but the people seem like they are very friendly! I am looking forward to spend time in Germany to explore and try some German food."

As soon as I got into the car, I was distracted by making sure all of the gifts and bouquet of flowers would be in perfect condition as I quickly got myself situated. I didn't realize that the driver of the car was Vernon! I hugged him, and almost caused a car accident, but I was so excited to see him again. I introduced him to my new manager, Melinda. He asked me how everything was with my family, with James, and what was going on in the United States. He told me Elvis was excited to have me in Germany to keep him company. My eyes changed from showing happiness to showing sadness, but I quickly composed myself and acted to be happier than I really was.

Melinda and Vernon were talking during the  drive to the dance studio, while I looked outside my car window and admired the scenery. Germany looked so beautiful with snow covering every bare tree. I also saw children having snowball fights and bundled up couples cuddling with each other. It put a smile on my face. If James was here with me, we'd be doing the same thing in the snow. In the background, the faint sound of Elvis' song "One Night" was playing in the car.

The car finally came to a stop. A two-story house covered in snow is where Vernon pulled up. Ms. Melinda smiled and pointed at the house.

Melinda: "We are here! This is where my older brother Bobby lives. Hope you don't mind that they have a newborn baby."

Vernon got our luggage out of the trunk and helped us carry it to the front door. I thanked him for driving us to the house. He smiled, and I noticed it was the first time I saw him happy after Glady's passing. He told me that Elvis was on base, and would visit me as soon as he was finished. Then, Vernon left, and I raced inside to feel the warmth in the house.

I was immediately greeted by Melinda's brother, Bobby, his wife Karin, and their two children, Pamela and Richard. Their adorable daughter showed me to my room. It was bigger than I imagined, and had a nice window view. I unpacked all of my suitcases and organized all my clothing and shoes, which took me about two hours. My luggage had clothes for dance, dresses, skirts, fancy attire, coats, warm sweaters, socks, and everything to keep me warm. Pamela watched me unpack with fascination.

When I was finally finished, it was noon. I decided to call James because I really missed him. When he answered, I heard his voice. It made me smile, but I realized that I had woken him up. Time difference was going to be a pain to remember! Luckily for me, he didn't mind receiving my call because he really wanted to talk to me.

We spent at least two hours talking until I realized it was 11 o'clock in California. I made him promise me that he would go to bed after hung up the phone. I decided to take a quick nap, but I woke up after hearing a familiar voice whispering to my manager, Melinda.

Elvis: "How long has she been.. uh-sleeping?"

Melinda: "It's been about 30 minutes, Mr. Presley. It's nice that you two have a very close friendship."