COSMIC

4 - The Prettiest Star

I stared at my radio. After remaining stunned for several minutes, I tried to figure out a logical explanation for what I had just experienced. That definitely wasn't a DJ. Did I imagine it? Or was I just incredibly mistaken? Regardless, I repeated the utterances under my breath to be certain I'd remember the voice's precise wording.

There's a Starman waiting in the sky.

A Starman-as in the David Bowie song? Was I just listening to Ziggy Stardust? No, that didn't sound like his voice. Plus, I considered the fact that I did not personally know David Bowie and he certainly didn't know me, either. The voice, I concluded, must have come from someone who knew me, unless it was coincidental that it spoke to someone else by my name.

Someday in the forest, Jamie, you may see.

The forest. No, he has to be talking to me. I took in a deep breath, beginning to come to terms with being dragged into something I knew nothing about-something unusual that wanted to meet me. Whatever it was, I had to keep it secret.

He said not to blow it.

Then, I thought of Nancy. We shared everything with each other. Considering she usually listened to the same station, it was probable she may have heard the voice, too-but what if she hadn't? Would it be worth the risk to tell her? And if she hadn't been taken into confidence, would the voice retaliate against me for divulging the secret?

On a whim, I ran to the kitchen and picked up the phone. But I hesitated, listening to the droning dial tone that urged me to make my call. I somewhat expected to hear the voice speak, as if it could carry itself on the transmission signals and threaten me.

However, as I recalled its slow and relaxed tone, I felt that it didn't have the power or desire to do so. Rather, my instincts told me it meant no harm, but either needed my help or wanted to help me-in whatever manner that would be. With new resolve, I began to spin the dial of our rotary phone, my patience waning with each number.

I nervously tapped my foot as I listened to the ring and waited, praying that Nancy's father wouldn't answer.

"Hello?" Nancy answered in a hushed tone.

A wave of relief swept over me. "Nancy, is your dad around?"

"No, he's in bed." I detected apprehension in her voice and it scared me. I didn't usually call so late and she was probably worried something was wrong. Her voice, though, indicated that everything was normal at her house and I began to feel foolish. "Is everything okay?" she added, breaking the silence.

"Yeah," I said, quickly. "I just-I was wondering if you were listening to the radio tonight." I cringed, imagining the puzzled expression on her face.

"Yeah, I was." She paused. "Why?"

Oh, no-she doesn't know. Now I had to give her a reason for asking and I couldn't think of anything other than the truth. "Did you hear anything...weird?"

"Yes, I did," she blurted out. "I heard a voice and I think it was speaking to me. I know it sounds crazy-"

"No," I gasped, letting my confined excitement take over me. "Hey, that's far out. So you heard him too! I thought I was going crazy."

"Me, too," she whispered excitedly. "Did it say your name, too? What do you think it was?"

"Yes, it did. I have no idea what it was, but I wonder if he's somewhere else. I haven't heard him on the radio again. Maybe if we switch on the TV."

"Right. Let's try it." I heard her set the phone down, so I followed suit and ran to the TV. Switching it on, the screen displayed channel 2's regular program: Johnny Carson interviewing a celebrity on the Tonight Show. I waited a few seconds before turning the dial to other channels, but only the same regular programming was returned. There was no sign of the voice or anything about a Starman.