The Gemini

24 - Fanatics and Nightmares

November 28, 1988

'The Great Adventures of Slick Rick' was just released and Jody had to get it. It had been a little while since she'd been to the record store, so once she picked up her copy of the album she continued browsing around. It was during this that she was approached by a young woman that she'd never seen before.

"Excuse me."

She was on the opposite end of the aisle standing by the Soul music. Jody didn't answer at first, the place was a little crowded and the girl could've been addressing anybody.

"Excuse me." she came again and this time Jody looked up. "You're DJ Bell, aren't you?"

Brow ticking out of habit, Jody was immediately hesitant. "Who's asking."

A little laugh and a wide amiable smile, "I'm sorry. That is awkward. I'm sorry. My name is Linda Anderson." She introduced. "I've seen you at 94 East and I'm kind of a big fan."

Brows now peaking, "Of me?" Jody asked.

"Yeah. You're mad talented! There's not a lot of girl DJs around here. Plus I'm kind of aspiring myself."

Jody was pleasantly surprised. This was a first. Studying over the woman who had entered the Hip-Hop section during her talking, Jody still felt a bit apprehensive given her history with strangers who knew her name.

This lady didn't look like she would hurt a fly though. Pretty, caramel skinned, trendily dressed and holding a trace resemblance to Phyllis Hyman. Her deep brown bug-eyes held an easy innocence and her auburn tinted brown hair was feathered to perfection. Jody didn't like to judge a book by its cover but it looked like this woman didn't listen to anything made after 1975.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." She caught sight of the album that Jody held. "That's good."

"Oh, Rick? One out of ten?"

"A solid nine." Linda enthused. "I've been following him since his days with the Get Fresh Crew."

"He's pretty dope." Jody smiled. "So do you play or anything? You said you were aspiring."

"It's not much at all. It's probably terrible." She laughed an infectious sound. "I started last summer. I've always wanted to but I didn't have a way to practice anything. I don't know anyone in that scene. I started singing; I'm much better at that."

"Well you have to start somewhere. Talent is talent."

"That's why I finally made the step to seeking out people. Networking I guess you could all it. I started checking out local clubs. When I went to 94 East I saw you and was blown away. Really, you're amazing."

"You're sweet." Jody smiled again.

"I figured, hey, if she's crushing it up there then so can I!"

"It was a long road to get there. I'm sure you're amazing too."

Linda beamed brightly. Her dangling beaded earrings swaying as she shook her head. "I don't want to keep you, and I'm sorry for freaking you out."

"No, you're fine. I'm just not used to that, like, at all. So thanks."

"You're welcome. And um...." she paused looking bashful. "This might be asking a lot, but do you think maybe you could show me something sometime?" she asked. "I guess like a session about the basics or something?"

Jody tilted her head a little, thinking. "Well..."

"I mean I know that's asking a lot and I completely understand if you can't or don't want to."