Project 1975

/ you're losing your words

Around 10 am when Adam swung by the flat to pick me up. I almost forgot about Matty's plan that he told me last night. I was actually shocked to see Adam outside the door when I answered it. I was so embarrassed to ask him to wait for a bit since I wasnt even dressed yet (no, I'm not naked)

Adam being nice and such a gentleman, agreed and waited in the livingroom. I left him to get changed into decent clothes and alittle after a minute or so, I was good to go. He's such a polite guy, I couldnt manage to act like myself around him.

"are you alright?" he asked as we made our way down from the flat. My house keys jiggling inside my bag. I turned to look at him and he was waiting for an answer. "yes. Just nervous I guess.." I told him shyly. "am I making you feel uncomfortable?" he asked smiling and I shook my head "no, not at all" I replied and he nodded.

*

We arrived after the short drive around the city. He parked just outside this town house with a small garden in the front. I was wondering whose house this is when Adam answered, seemingly reading my mind "A friend of ours lends us his basement for practice sometimes when the studio isnt available" he said nonchantly.

We proceeded inside the very neat, and modern house. I was greeted by George who emerged from the kitchen carrying a bottle of water. "hey Jamie!" he smiled down at me and I couldnt help but smile back "hello" I greeted sheepishly. "The others are down the basement, I'll introduce you to some friends. Jessie and Gemma are also there.." he said leading the way.

That's absolutely great. Another thing I must've forgotten.. Matty and Gemma. It stung quite a lot inside my tummy and my throat. I kinda felt there was somekind of connection between me and Matty for a moment. But it mustve been just a figment of my imagination.

We headed downstairs. I could hear some acoustic guitars playing and his voice along side other voices of noisy chatter. But the moment I stepped in, it quieted down and there were about six pairs of eyes staring at me now. I never felt so vulnerable and shy my entire life, except for this moment. Who wouldnt be shy around famous people. They had that aura coming out from them that screamed celebrity and I felt so lame.

"hey, Jamie!" Ross and the same guy who was in the office yesterday greeted. I smiled and waved robotically and I heard an enchanting chuckle. Obviously it came from a very attractive looking Matty, who was seated on the floor. In between Gemma's legs. I almost felt like I lack oxygen in my lungs and my breathing hitched a bit. But I maintained my composure and smiled "hello, everyone." I greeted.

Matty suddenly stood up grasping her legs for support when he did so. He stalked towards me and stood behind me, both his hands on my shoulder now. "guys, this is Jamie. She's the one thats going to help me document pictures for the next album. She's from America.." he said, introducing me to the group.

I smiled and I cant help but glance at her. She's so tall, and so flawlessly beautiful. I couldnt help but compare my smaller frame.. and awkward face. She was wearing thights and a shirt which seemed to belong to Matty since it was loose on her. She gave me this look, I couldnt really read.. it seems she was a bit uninterested in me. Or Im probably just thinking things. Jessie on the other hand bounced towards me, taking my hand to hers and shook it. She was a different story, and she was so bubbly. She was easier to talk to, and she was friendlier.

*

Adam and Ross were one of the few people who talked to me while I was there. They were friendly and they talked about so many random things. I took pictures of Adam with his guitar, a few of Ross tuning his bass and some of George twirling his drumsticks with his right hand while chatting with Jessie. I caught a few of Matty, while he lit up his cigarette and holding Gemma's hand, and another of him running his hands throught his disarray of dark hair.

I had good pictures but I still had to ask Matty about it. The day had gone by and it was around 6pm when Gemma and Matty stood up from their seats. I heard Matty say to the rest of his band that "drop her off to the party then I'd head back" was the only thing audible to hear.

George and Jessie prepared dinner tonight. I texted Lily I wont be home til later which she agreed on. George made amazing clam chowder and served us pretty well. No wonder he was Lilian's favorite, both of them can cook. Matty arrived later when we were having dessert already..

I keep asking why this boy looked so good with his distressed looks. He was even more handsome with his messy hair and his tired face. I wonder why Im attracted to looks like his. He gave us his greetings before eating his bowl of chowder.

The evening had deepened and I filled my memory card with pictures of them. Even finished three rolls of negatives using my other camera. I hope everything turns out well. Adam kept me company that entire evening, turns out he was alot like Lily in some ways. At first I thought he was quiet like Ross, but he was talkative too. He was a real nerd when it comes to technology. Talked so much about computers and thought me a few chords on the guitar.

The evening passed and it was almost 12 am when I told them that I had to leave for home. I still needed to go to the office early tomorrow for some feedback from their band's management. Adam insisted on driving me home when Matty who had been quiet for sometime now spoke up "I'll drive you.." he said.

*

I bid good bye to the boys as he assisted me to his car. It was dark colored, I cant really tell if it were black or a different color because it was dark outside and lamp posts arent helping either with their dim lighting.

He opened the passeger's seat door first before moving to the drivers side. Sometimes it still confuses me that English cars are right hand drive and not left. I hopped inside, and close the door and he followed suit.

"how are the pictures going?" he asks me as he switched the ignition and the car came to life. "they're good. I still might ask your opinions on them, after I copy them to my laptop.. and have the film developed." I said as we started off. He nods "great, we're having this gig sometime this week.. you might wanna come." he adds. "of course.." I answered.

"what's wrong?" he asked me suddenly when I kept quiet for too long. I glanced at him and shook my head "nothing.. why do you ask?" I questioned him. "Nothing. are you always this quiet?" he said and I sighed "I guess.." I replied. He frowned and kept quiet until we finally reached the flat.

He walked me towards the door but not upstairs. He handed me my bag "another thing.." he said and I raised my eyebrows. "you should be careful crossing the streets.." he said, a ghost of a smile lingering on his lips. "um.. okay?" I said and he nods. "see you later, Jamie.." he told me, patting my shoulder.

I watched his retreating figure and the dark car drove off. I squinted my eyes a bit, remembering the incident where I almost got ran over by a car some week ago. "Matty.." I breathed out. Was that him driving the car? Is that what he was trying to tell me?

--