It's So Easy | Buddy Holly

Debbie

February 8th, 1959. 12:44pm Chicago, Illinois

"Hey, Miss Violet, ain't ya from 'round here?" Anthony calls from the front of the bus.

"Yeah, I lived here for a while, why?"

"D'ya know the way t'the place?"

I move up a few seats. "What's it called?"

"Aragon Ballroom?"

I nod. "Yeah, yeah I know exactly where that is!" I look out the window. "So, go on exit 38 and once you're off, turn left onto Michigan Avenue. Keep on Michigan until Lawrence Avenue. Get onto Lawrence and Aragon is on the left."

The only reason I know where this exact venue is is because I went to a concert there while I lived here.

"Got it. Exit 38, left on Michigan, turn onto Lawrence. Aragon on left."

I nod. "Yeah, that's exactly it." I move back to Buddy and I's seat.

"Hey, Vi?" Buddy grabs my hand.

"Yeah?"

"Debbie Wilson."

My eyes go wide. "Oh, haha, yeah. I should call her! We haven't talked in months."

"Yeah, I'd like t'meet her, honest." Buddy smiles.

Later

I somehow find a phonebook and find a number for a Deborah E. Wilson-Norge. I assume that's my Debbie. Her middle name was Ellis. She's probably married by now.

I take a deep breath and slowly dial the unfamilar number.

Ring.

Ring.

Ring.

"Hello?" A masculine voice says.

I freeze.

"Hello?" The same voice says.

"Uh, hi."

"Hi to you, too." He laughs. "Who's this?"

"Violet. Violet Hol- Winter. Violet Winter. I was friends with Debbie back in the day."

"Violet! I've heard so much about you! You're with that music guy, right?"

"Yeah, that's me."

"Wait, don't you have a concert here tonight?"

"Yeah."

"I think Debbie and her girlfriends are going to it, actually. Do you want to talk to her?"

My heart starts to beat faster. "Yes, please."

"One sec."

I hear him set the phone down on something and walk away.

I stand there, tapping my foot nervously. We haven't talked in forever, not since Buddy hit it, at least.

"Violet!?" I hear Debbie's voice.

"Hey."

"OhmyGod, IT'S REALLY YOU, VEE!"

I laugh nervously. "Yeah, it's really me."

"I'm going to that thing later! I was hoping to see you and maybe talk!"

"You are?"

"Yeah, I really love Buddy Holly's music." She sounds excited. "I couldn't believe it when I saw you in pictures!"

"Haha, I still can't believe it. Well, Debbie, I can get you a backstage pass, if you want."

"Really?! You could?!"