The 22-Year Friendship

Ch. 53: Keeping it Positive

[May 1975]

I put everything negative aside and moved on with my life. This year was a hectic one for James and I, especially finding out I was about 4-months pregnant with our sixth child. After I delivered twins, James and I decided no more children. Although it was a blessing to welcome another little one, the tension and drama that happened Elvis and I kept fluctuating with the help of the Mafia. I had enough with Elvis' bodyguards and so-called friends. However, I still remained in contact and on good terms with Jerry, Charlie, and Joe.

Priscilla celebrated her 30th birthday in Los Angeles with Lisa Marie and a bunch of friends and family. I attended the party with Rita and Samantha while the boys hosted an afternoon football game with the neighbors.

I was glad to spend some time with Priscilla, and we were both glad our girls were getting along. We had a lot of things to talk about. I arrived about two hours early in order for Cilla and I to have our girl talk.

Priscilla: "How are things lately, Lilly?"

Lillian: "Overall, life has been great. The kids are doing well in school and they are growing up so fast! Will just turned 14 and it makes me feel old. I finished filming some episodes for a tv show. Most of all, the exciting news is that James and I are expecting our sixth child."

Priscilla: No way! You're expecting baby number six? Congratulations, Lilly! I'm so excited. It seems life is paradise for you."

Lillian: "Yes, but... Elvis and I got into a heated argument and we haven't talked in a month."

Priscilla: "He told me on our last phone call. He definitely feels guilty, and he feels hurt that you're not calling him anymore. I told him he needs to call you and apologize."

Lillian: "Well, you can't force a grown man to do something he doesn't want to do. Plus, his guys were calling me non-stop. Thank goodness the calls have ceased. Anyways, you're 30! How do you feel?"

Priscilla: "Old! Lisa is 7, and I remember being her age. It's definitely an odd feeling. My relationship with Mike is l going downhill. I'm going to break-up with him..."

We continued our conversation until her parents and siblings arrived at her house. The party was great, and I reconnected with old mutual friends Cilla and I shared. It was time to sing Happy Birthday to Priscilla and the doorbell rang. I was getting the plates and utensils as I heard a familiar voice say, "Happy Birthday, Satnin. I'm glad me and the guys could make it to your 30th birthday." It was Elvis.

My body was frozen. I didn't know what type of reaction I would get with Elvis when I walked out of the kitchen. Lisa Marie came in the kitchen and pulled me into the living room. Her pull was like a gravitational pull, and it was pulling me to a confrontation I didn't want. Priscilla's eyes widened and told Elvis she invited me. I managed to break away from Lisa and headed the other way.

After cake was served, Joe and Jerry walked up to me. Elvis kept his distance, but I could feel his eyes prey on me. I finally got the guts to greet Elvis after I saw him try to jokingly give Rita a cigar.

Lillian: "Hi Elvis. I'd appreciate it if you'd stop being a bad influence on kids and trying to hand them cigars. Smoking shouldn't be glamorized."

Elvis: "Well, well, well. You won't even let me say hello to you. Instead, you scold me and give me statistics and your opinion on smokin'. Hi Lilly. How have you been?"

Lillian: Never better. Busy and new things happening. How's Linda?"

Elvis: "She's great. The guys and I noticed you gained a couple pounds. Have you been baking more cookies this year?""

He and a couple of the Memphis Mafia guys were chuckling and I was upset for a moment. My angry pout now had a devilish grin as I said, "No, I'm just expecting another baby. I find it rude pointing out someone gained weight while their pregnant. Good night, Elvis."

He attempted to apologize but no sound came out of his mouth. I said good bye to Priscilla and left the party with my daughters. It wasn't a great meeting with Elvis, but now I wasn't nervous speaking to him.

[July 1975]
James and I were planning the twins' 8th birthday. The guest list included family and close friends. The debate was whether or not Elvis should be invited or not. My husband wanted to invite him since our kids have been close, but I didn't want any arguments to happen. At the end, we agreed Elvis could come if only none of the Memphis Mafia attended with him.

It was around four in the afternoon when I decided to call Elvis and invite him and Linda to the party. Elvis' personal cook answered the phone and then handed it to Linda.

Linda: "Hi Lilly, congratulations to you and James for baby number six! How have you been?"

Lillian: "Thanks Linda. I'm doing well for being six months pregnant. James and I are expecting our third girl. The kids are excited."

Linda: "Awww, a little girl! Anyways, why did you call? Something about a party?"

Lillian: "Ah, yes. I want to invite you, Elvis, and Lisa Marie to my twins' 8th birthday party. The only thing is that none of the Memphis Mafia members can't come... unless it's Charlie, Joe, or Jerry."

Linda: "Alright, I'll talk to Elvis about it. I'd love to come, but Elvis' health has been up and down and he doesn't have much energy."

At the party, there were many children and adults all over the place! The kids were raiding the food table, while the adults were watching afar drinking champagne and eating elegant snacks.
Everyone's attention turned to a man wearing a coat along with his signature
glasses. It was Elvis, who helped Linda carry four, huge presents. Elvis and I managed to reconcile our friendship, and things were well again.

[September 1975]
September was a slow and resting month for me. Kids started school again and James became William's high school football coach. My sister-in-law Madison helped with picking up my kids which helped a lot.

I spent my days mostly making dresses and decorating the nursery for the baby. I couldn't wait to meet my third daughter. Elvis called everyday and kept me company and sure I was fine. He mentioned he wanted more kids, especially a son and jokingly told me he wanted to borrow Will and Josh. In two months, Elvis sent so many dresses, shoes, pajamas, and bows that could fill up a closet.

On September 28, 1975, James and I welcomed our sixth child and third daughter, Lucienne Athena Prescott. She was born with fine blonde hair, and weight 6 lbs, 8 ounces.