Rebels Never Smile

Elvis

Elvis: Grand Ole Opry

Sam told us to turn the radio on and wait till 9 sharp. He said that's when our record was gonna play. June invited her parents into our house and there were 3 couples holding hands sitting anxiously until that faithful moment. " Well folks, do I have a surprise for you! I have a new record for ya', given to me from a good old buddy of mine, Sam, the one and only owner of you favorite Sun Records. He got a real cool cat singing for him and this cat is apparently on FIRE! You need to hear it to believe it! Here it is folks, That's All Right by Elvis Presley!" He said quickly as if he was narrating a horse race. Then, My voice dominated the radio. I could hear my guitar and Scotty in the background followed by Bill's slaps and I broke out in a full smile. Immediately I looked at June and she was already watching me. She caressed my cheeks while looking into my eyes. Breaking our moment Mama and Daddy cheered around the room while June's parents clapped watching them. I was awful shy of it but I was happy to see my Mama so happy. Not since she saw me singing at a carnival a few years back when I was just a baby. Boy she sure looks 20 years younger when she gets elated like that.

We got 18 different phone calls from both fans and radio stations. " How did they get our phone numbers so quick?" Mama and Daddy wondered. The last phone call we got was from Sam. He said we had to have a 'b' side to that record immediately for it to start selling. I called June and told her we needed to be there right after breakfast. I never felt so alive since I was a boy. Mostly cause Mama and Daddy been so happy. And I never got so much attention in my life. In fact, I quite like it. That night, I kept thinking about how much money I was gonna make, how much gifts I'll shower Mama with, and damn! All them girls thats gonna be throwing themselves at me! Don't matter though, June is right by my side. She gonna be there from the beginning till the end, I'll make sure of that. I stifled a laugh. June is my own personal angel and I thank God, and Jesse that she came into my life. I whispered a quick prayer and slept good.

June and I were out early the next day, to get some pizza from the burger joint just across the street from Sun Records. We were just about finished eating when the radio played my song again. June and I smiled at each other across the table and the kids next to us were dancing to the song. Apparently they had thought that a black man had sung that. I called one of the little boys over and I said " So who do you think is singin' that song?" And he replied in a matter of fact voice, " It's by this new black man named Ellis Prestey!" I scowled at him and June cracked up right next to me. I shushed her up and said " How bout I show you you're wrong?" The boy narrowed his eyes and said " Whatchu mean?" And I told June to pass my guitar. Then I told the guy behind the counter to shut off the radio. I then cleared my throat and played the guitar, and then began singing. The boy's brother ran over and they both stared at me wide eyed. Then the girls in the corner, like a vulture eyeing their prey zeroed in on me and as my voice faded, they ran towards me. In surprise, I immediately grabbed June's hand and we disappeared into Suns Records.

We peeked out the window laughing as the girls outside scratched their heads in confusion. Noticing June laughing I took a moment to watch her . Her curly locks ran past her shoulders and bounced every time her shoulders shook. As her laughter began fading, I looked into her hazel eyes and I let my eyes droop. I grabbed her by the waist and I kissed her forehead before kissing her lips. " Having fun?" A voice interrupted us, causing June to jump back. She blushes when she sees that everyone had been in the recording room had been watching us. " We been waiting forever, hurry up Elvis!" Bill wails. I scoff and roll my eyes. This guy can be real cool company. I lifted an eyebrow at June and walked to the recording room, the guitar strap around the back of my neck. I looked at the guys as the guys looked at me. I scowl in confusion. " What?" I said softly. The guys look at each other before Sam says " You know some more of that music don't ya?" I scoff. " Of course I do." " Alright then let's get to it." Sam yells as he walks into the room in the back.