Real Life or Fantasy? - 'Bohemian Rhapsody', Roger Taylor

Here We Are

"Oi!" Mallory cried when a couple of tall people moved to stand in front of her, blocking her view of the stage. She huffed, blowing her brown curls out of her face in frustration. Sure, she got to see Smile perform all the time, but that didn't mean she wanted to give up her view. She cursed her small stature, not ideal for concerts such as this. All she could see from here was the top of her brother's curls, he being as tall as he was.

But the people in front didn't seem to notice her, so she sunk back, continuing to sing along to the words she knew by heart: "Gotta feelin', I should be doin' all right. Doin' all right..."

Glancing around, she searched for a better spot to stand, but the pub had filled up considerably, and there wasn't much room. She was glad by the great turnout, but if Smile was becoming this popular, they might need to think about finding a larger venue.

There was some room by the bar, but all the stools were taken and it was right by the stairs, and even further back, so all she would see would be some heads.

Speaking of the bar - the guy was staring again. He had dark hair that fell just past his chin, and was wearing a denim jacket over a striped button-up shirt. His top lip stuck out slightly, showing his front teeth, which he looked like he was trying to keep tucked in his mouth. She glanced away, rising up on her tip-toes to try and catch a glimpse over the various heads. The crowd shifted slightly and she saw the top of Tim's head, and Brian again, but couldn't make out Roger, he sitting at his drums while the other two were standing.

More people had amassed in front of her as the pub continued to fill up, pushing her even further back. Soon she couldn't see the band at all, just hear them.

Close to the bar now, she looked back to see the guy was staring again. She gave him a smile. Seeing her stare back, and that he was caught, he quickly looked away.

"Sorry," he said, avoiding eye contact, now embarrassed.

She gave him another smile. "What for?"

He smiled back, glad he hadn't made her uncomfortable with his staring. "I hope this doesn't sound strange, but I've seen you here before. I've been following Smile, and I've noticed you every time."

Ah, that explained the staring. She nodded. "It's my brother's band, he's lead guitarist. Mallory May." She held out her hand.

He smiled and shook it. "Freddie."

"Enjoying the show, Freddie?"

"Very much."

They stood together for a moment, just listening, taking in the show.

He offered her his hand. "What d'you say we go find a better place to stand?"

Grinning, Mallory took his hand and followed him to the middle of the crowd, where there was certainly a better view. Tim was pouring his heart into the chorus while Brian looked very focused, and Roger looked bored out of his mind. She began to sing along again.

"You should be up there with them." Freddie's kind words broke in. "I can hear you singing. You've got a great voice."

"Oh, that's probably not me you're hearing."

"No, it is. Your voice soars above all the others."

She blushed. "Thank you. I'm dying to join the band, but Brian's insistent that I finish school first."

"What are you studying?"

"History. You?"

"Design."