Wide Open Spaces

Creep

After days of barely speaking, Lindsey has invited Stevie to watch his set at a local club. She's seen him perform a million times but his talent never ceases to amaze her. There was a time when she was right up there with him, many years ago and many miles away. She dressed up, spraying on a little too much perfume, sure to leave an impression. Her long blonde hair cascaded down her back in soft curls. Her dress was backless and black and she wore sky high strappy heels. The kids were with her parents and she was thankful for a night out. She wanted to have a drink or two, mingle a little and have some much needed adult time. She felt good about herself when she saw her reflection in the mirror in the hallway. She jumped into her car and drove to the club, knowing Lindsey was already there for sound check. As soon as she walked in, she felt the tension. He greeted her with a hard peck on the cheek but barely paid attention to her after that. His friends greeted her in a much warmer manner, complimenting her and asking about her paintings and her writing. She would occasionally cast a glance toward Lindsey but he never looked up. She left his presence, it hurting too much to be around him and found herself a free drink and a seat at a high top table. She hops up onto the tall chair, hooking her heel in the support bar, stirring her martini with the toothpick-impaled olives. She stares into her glass, waiting for him to take the stage. Once he's up there, she keeps her eyes on him. She can't help it. No matter what they've gone through, she can't look away. He has always had a special hold on her. His set was mellow and mostly acoustic. His voice was tender but strong. She loved this side of him. A tap on her shoulder made her turn around and she squealed.

"Brock!" She said, kissing him. "Oh my gosh, I thought you said you wouldn't be able to make it"

"I missed you and I wanted to be here with you tonight. I have to fly back in the morning but..."

"Oh it doesn't matter. Here, sit" she says, patting the chair next to her. He puts his arm around her, getting a little too handsy but all she does is giggle.

Lindsey watches from the stage, staring through her. He doesn't care so much for the attention, he doesn't mind her being busy but it's more that he is here. His set breaks for a small intermission and Stevie goes to grab herself another drink. She stands at the bar and Lindsey watches as he stands with the other guys in his band. He doesn't speak, his eyes following her everywhere she goes. She feels him staring but doesn't acknowledge him. He's called back on stage and he takes his seat on a stool. His other band members begin playing their next song but Lindsey doesn't sing. Finally, Stevie looks up and he smiles to himself. He puts down his acoustic guitar and grabs his electric one, plugging it into his amp and flipping the switch with the toe of his boot. The guys give him a strange look. Lindsey closes his eyes and begins to pick an unrehearsed song. He sings softly, almost inaudibly at first.

When you were here before
Couldn't look you in the eye
You're just like an angel
Your skin makes me cry

You float like a feather
In a beautiful world
And I wish I was special
You're so fuckin' special

He scratches a dirty riff on his guitar and it startles Stevie. His voice raises in volume ever so slightly and he's staring right at her.

But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo.
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here.

I don't care if it hurts
I want to have control
I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul

I want you to notice
When I'm not around
You're so fuckin' special
I wish I was special

Another loud wail on his guitar and their eyes are completely locked, she couldn't break it if she tried. He is practically screaming the lyrics at her and tears well up in her eyes.