All My Love

11

The year is 1970. It's been two years since I left home. I was now working at a bakery and I lived in the flat above it because my boss was nice enough to rent it out to me.

The work day was just about ending when my boss Annette approached me.

"You've been very good here and work hard," she started in her thick Italian accent," so I wanted to get you a gift."

She pulled off her apron and grabbed my hand, pulling me over to a locked drawer. She plucked a small key from her back pocket, unlocked the drawer, and opened it up.

"Close your eyes, please," she said politely and eagerly to show me what she had gotten.

I closed my eyes and held out my hands. I felt her place a smaller piece of paper or something in the palm of my hand.

"Open, please," she said.

I opened my eyes and looked down. I gasped in shock when I read the words Led Zeppelin on a crisp new VIP ticket.

"You like? I heard you talk about them so I got you a ticket to see them!" She explained happily.

I didn't know what to say. I took it that she didn't know about John and I and our past relationships. But I thanked her anyway.

"It's tonight, so take off early and go get ready. I insist!"

I smiled and nodded. I took off my apron and hung it on the door. I zoomed up the stairs and into my flat. I shut the door behind me and slid down, landing with a soft thud, and then slouched with my head between my knees.

"Ugh, of all the bands, why Led Zeppelin?" I groaned to myself.

I had to go, though. Annette was just trying to be thoughtful and she didn't know. I decided to get ready.

I got in the shower to freshen up. I didn't want to smell like bread and pastries or have flour in my hair.

I opened my closet and pulled out a black dress with floral patterned sleeves.

I picked out some gold heels and was on my way to put on my makeup when there was a knock at the door.

I went and opened it up. It was Annette.

"Sorry to bother you," she started,"but I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You didn't seem very happy..."

"No, I'm just in shock!" I replied,"I really love this band and it's great I get to see them live."

She smiled and hugged me goodbye. I shut the door and ran to the bathroom to start on my makeup.

In about fifteen minutes I was ready to go. I just hoped that I would be in and out; just enjoy the music and leave. I honestly didn't want to see John. Every time I thought about him my heart ached. But sometimes I'd wonder if he still thought about me.

----

I got in my car and started to drive. The concert was at Royal Albert Hall. I was surprised how Annette got those tickets. Led Zeppelin was pretty famous by now.

I found my way in and turned around in every direction, surveying the building. The venue was beautiful. It was huge. It was just plain amazing.

Soon, the lights went down and everyone started cheering and screaming as the band came out and introduced themselves.

They started it off with a song called We're Gonna Groove. It was quite a performance to kick off their concert. It had everyone dancing and screaming.

They then proceeded onto I Cant Quit You Baby. But then, my favorite, it all toned down for dazed and confused.

The bass line started and everyone calmed down. I was watching closely at every movement that they made. But as I peered across the stage, I made immediate eye contact with John.