-1975-
I sat on the train looking at the view from the window, taking in the beautiful sight that one could only dream of seeing. Though there were quite beautiful things around me, I do suppose I was in an afflicted point in my life.
I was heading back home from my 'little trip' as one might say if you wanted to sugarcoat it, and I think it's best to say 'little trip' rather than abortion.
I dug through my handbag and pulled out my sketchbook, a pencil, and a cigarette. Wether or not my life was shit, drawing kept me sane. I looked at the view of the mountains surrounded by clouds and began sketching.
✦
I had been so caught up in my drawing
I didn't even realise the train had stopped. That was until my friend tapped on my shoulder in attempt to get my attention.
"Lydia! We're back! C'mon let's go home!" Eleanor said with a broad smile.
"Back in London are we? Guess I just got carried away with this drawing." I smiled. "Thanks for coming by the way. Means a lot."
I grabbed my bags and headed off the train. The cold London air hit my face causing me to shiver. Eleanor and I ran to the Stutz Blackhawk parked by the sidewalk and got in.
"Hello, girls. How was your trip?" My mother said kissing my cheek. I looked back at Eleanor with wide eyes and shook my head slightly. My mum didn't know about what actually happened on this little trip of ours, and I'd like it to stay that way.
"It was magnificent! Such lovely people and the hotel was divine." Eleanor smiled at my mum and she began driving. I quickly mouthed a 'thank you' to Eleanor, then turned around and looked at the road ahead of me.
We eventually pulled up to the white apartments. Relieved that I didn't have to be in such an awkward position anymore, I got out of the car along with Eleanor.
"Do you have everything you need, dear?" My mum asked in her natural like motherly voice. I nodded and got my bags.
"Oh! And remember, we're all going on the yacht next week for a few days! Me or your father will call to give you more details. I love you, dear." My mum waved and started driving away. I smiled and went into mine and Eleanor's flat.
"What a relief it is to be home!" I said dropping my bags and kicking my shoes off.
"Indeed... Lydia... are you... okay?" Eleanor said apprehensively.
"Of course I am. I don't need a silly boyfriend and I sure as hell don't need a child. I'm twenty-three years old. I have a whole lifetime to do all that stuff. I can assure you, I'm perfectly okay." I said pouring myself a cup of tea.
Truth was, I was most definitely not okay. My boyfriend for three years was using for me for my money. And on top of that, he'd gotten me pregnant. Now I'll admit, being a music journalist meant I was always on the road touring with bands. It's not like I could really avoid the sex and drugs, now could I? Maybe I deserved it but it's all done and over with now. Nothing I can or will do.
Eleanor had gone to take a shower so I was sitting alone in the living room looking through my drawings. Pictures of rock stars mostly, but there were a few drawings of beautiful scenery I had been lucky enough to see.
In the midst of me going through my past work, I was startled by the phone ringing. I got up and answered it.
"Is this Lydia Grayson?" A voice asked.
"This is her."
"I'm calling on behalf of the Rolling Stones magazine. We have a new job for you."
"I'm listening..."
"We need you to go to an upcoming concert featuring the band Queen. We'd like you to interview them and write a one thousand to two thousand word article on them. We'll need you to come by tomorrow to get your backstage pass and ticket to the concert."
"Well that sounds lovely! I'd love to go! I'll come by at 10 am tomorrow."
"Sounds fantastic. I'll see you tomorrow."
I hung up the phone and smiled happily to myself. I felt someone tap my shoulder from behind. terrified, I jumped and hit my head on the shelf next to me.
"Aw fuck!" I said rubbing my head.
"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you. Who was on the phone?" Eleanor asked, brushing out her long, dark hair.
"I got another assignment! Would you like to go see Queen in concert?! Which includes backstage passes!" Eleanor has been a big fan of Queen from the beginning. I loved their music too but Eleanor... she wanted to marry the entire band for Gods sake.
She stared at me in disbelief for what felt like forever.
"Hello? Anyone home?" I said, flicking her forehead.
"OH MY GOD WE'RE GOING TO SEE QUEEN THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER! I'M GOING TO ME THE FREDDIE MERCURY!" Eleanor screamed. I laughed at her excitement and patted her shoulder.
"Oh honey, we need to make sure you don't make them deaf with all that screaming!" I giggled.
"Right, right. Sorry." Eleanor smiled in embarrassment.
"Aww, don't worry about it. I had the same reaction when I found out I was going to meet Mick Jagger. Not to mention ending up in bed with him." I winked.
"You're disgusting." Eleanor laughed.
"That's rock n' roll for ya, honey."
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hello!! i hope you're liking the book so far (even if this is just the prologue) this book is going to be somewhat different from my previous books and i'm super excited about it! stay tuned for the next chapters :)
Characters:
•Lydia as- Marianne Faithfull
•Eleanor as- Jean Shrimpton
•Roger Taylor as- himself
•Freddie Mercury as-himself
•John Deacon as- himself
•Brian May as- himself
