The 22-Year Friendship

Ch. 27: A Drive down Memory Lane

*Thelma Fritz is introduced in this chapter*

[Jan 1966]

The celebration of 4 birthdays was overwhelming in January, but in a good way. James called it "The month of celebration" and he was right. My kids and I spent the whole month in Memphis, while James was in-and-out of Memphis because his football season wasn't finished yet. Elvis and Priscilla were always excited whenever we visited Memphis, and they would always plan something fun.

Priscilla never left Graceland with Elvis during the day, but during the night she was able to acompany him to a movie theatre he rented out for the day. However, Elvis always insisted that he would drive me around Memphis to see places we would always go to when we were younger. We brought William to show him Memphis. The only places he knew of were Graceland, grocery store, and our family ranch.

William: "Mama, where is Elvis taking us?"

Me: "He's taking us to see places in Memphis."

Elvis: "And after we're done, we can go get some ice cream at Graceland."

William: "Yay, yummy ice cream."

Leaving the gates of Graceland awaited a couple of fans. The press got the word that I was in Memphis, so it was double chaos. At first, I watched Elvis roll down his window, greet his fans, and sign autographs. The fans realized I was in the car and started yelling "Lillian Preston is in the car! Hi Lillian!" I rolled down my window and began signing autographs and talking to fans. They noticed William sitting in the back, and started waving at him. It was a nice experience. Elvis and I recieved lovely gifts from the fans.

After 15 minutes, we left. Elvis began driving a familiar route, and I realized where he was taking us to: Humes High School. As soon as Elvis pulled up to the front of Humes, we both just stared at the school we attended. At first, William was observant and silent. Then, he began asking 300 questions in a single breath.

William: "Mama, why are you and Elvis staring at that building? Where are we? What is in that building?"

Elvis: "Easy boy! One question at a time."

Me: "This is Humes High School, where Elvis, your Daddy, and I went to school. As a matter of fact, I met your Daddy here."

Elvis: "And the rest is history, ain't it?"

Me: "Yes, indeed."

We then headed to the dance studio I use to teach at. It looked the same, but looked refined with the newly painted walls. There was a class going on, and I saw Thelma Fritz, a former dancer of mine. After that, we headed to the Memphis Zoo. William loved seeing the different animals at the zoo, but he enjoyed getting a piggyride from Elvis. I took some videos of the outing, and it captured great moments. Word got out that Elvis and I were at the zoo, so many reporters, photographers, and fans came to the zoo. Elvis and I signed a few autographs and took talked with some fans, but we weren't there for long.

After the fun zoo trip, Elvis decided that he wanted to visit his mother's grave. After Gladys' died, I never step foot on the cemetery, only because I knew I would get flashback of the last time I was there: her funeral. I definitely became emotional while walking up to where she was buried, but I kept a straight face for William. If he saw me crying or something like that, he would become worried and scared. We stayed there for about 30 minutes just reminiscing about certain memories with her. 

When we drove back to Graceland, William was fast asleep in the back seat. I carried him inside while Elvis carried two shopping bags. As we walked inside, Priscilla and Joshua greeted us with a newspaper. I immediately put William on the couch, and Priscilla urged me to read the newspaper. 

Priscilla: "Lilly, you have to read the newspaper! There's a familiar face you might know on the front." 

Me: "The Rolling Stones' lead singer Mick Jagger spotted with a southern gal. My goodness, it's Sloan. I wonder since when she had an interest for a guy like Mick Jagger? I've met him once and he's nice, but definitely not her type." 

Elvis: "Ain't it true that she wanted her fame? Well, she got it alright. I didn't know she smoked." 

Me: "She didn't, but I guess she does now." 

Elvis, Priscilla, and I were both confused with their relationship, but Sloan got her wish. She was somewhat famous.

The next day, the photos of Elvis, William, and I were published in the magazine and on the news. There were so many speculations from the public. Many thought Elvis and I were having an affair, or that William was secretly Elvis' child. It was absurd, and the rumors were disgusted by our families. I had a public interview two days later on television, and I cleared the rumors of any affair or the rumor of Elvis being William's father. 

The first months of 1966 were exciting and interesting at the same time.