David Bowie Imagines

No Longer Alone

- For SteviFye

What is it about meeting your idol that makes you want to tell them everything about yourself? It may be the urgency of the moment... you want the person whose music you love so dearly to know who you are and what you're like... you want him or her to remember you. This is the situation Stevi found herself in when she ran into David Bowie on the street one very early Sunday morning.

"How are you?" He had asked with a bright smile and sparkling eyes.

"I'm alone," Stevie replied, "is that okay to say?"

"That's more than okay." He said. Although he seemed slightly taken aback by such a candid answer, he smiled at the truthfulness of it all. "What's your name?"

"Stevi." She ran a hand through her brown hair.

"Stevi, I was going to that diner over there for breakfast." He pointed, Stevi turned. "Are you busy? Would you care to come with me?"

"I'd love to." Her heart beat faster.

"Is it alright if I push you?" David asked, motioning towards her wheelchair. She nodded, and they were on their way.

Because it was so early in the morning, the diner was mostly empty. David helped Stevi get situated at a round table near the window, then sat down across from her. It seemed as though David frequented at this restaurant, as him and the waiter greeted each other casually. After looking at the breakfast menu, they ordered coffee, multiple pastries, pancakes with eggs and bacon, and a pie to share. The pair talked while their breakfast was being prepared.

"I like genuine people, Stevi."

"Is that why you want me to have breakfast with you?"

"Yes," He smiled, "You're a very genuine person. Most people say they're doing fine or doing great, even when it's a lie. I won't be a hypocrite - I'm one of those people. I think everyone's been that person at some point, and most people are still that person. Do you follow?"

"You lost me towards the end." Stevi chuckled.

"I'm just saying... I like that you were honest. Even when you didn't need to be, in a situation where most people lie - you were honest."

"I don't know why I said that I was alone, honestly, but now I'm glad I did. I'm such a big fan of yours, I'm still kind of shocked that we're talking."

"Oh, you're not alone." He paused to thank the waiter that was setting their food down on the table. A few people had walked into the diner by then. David continued. "You've got me for sure."

"I do?" She smiled and took a bite of her food. "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that I'm unsure how many friends you've got and I don't know how close you are to your family, but I'm here for you nevertheless." There was a silence as they both ate. Stevi looked out the window and noticed that the streets were slowly becoming busier. When she looked back at David, he was scrawling on a napkin.

"Where'd you even get that pen from?" She asked.

"I try to carry a pen with me when I remember to. Here's my number," He pushed the napkin across the table, "and on the back is my address, in case you'd like to send a letter or visit."

"You were serious..." Stevi was at loss for words.

"Of course I was. What did you think?"

"Well, you're famous. It was sweet of you to say all that stuff but I thought... I thought you just felt bad for me and wanted to make me feel better for a bit. I didn't know you actually meant it."

"I do mean it. We're friends now!" He grinned. "Any time you're feeling down, talk to me. I'm busy a lot but I'll try to pick up whenever I can."

"Okay, I will... this is amazing."

"And, hey-" David reached across the table and put his hand over Stevi's, "don't just call me when you're down. Just whenever you feel like it."

The waiter approached their table. "Paying together or separate?" He asked.

"Together." David said, reaching for his wallet.

"Oh, I can pay for my meal, David." Stevi intervened.

"No, I've got it. This is what friends do for each other, after all."

Stevi smiled radiantly. She had made the most unlikely friend.