In Another Life (1993-1996)

Standing In The English Rain

Nothing happened whilst I was in hospital and they released me, mutually agreed that I would be fine. Ben asked if he should let them know if anything else happened and they agreed, saying that I should pop in if I had any worries. I clambered in Ben’s little car and we set off towards Lizzie’s. Golden leaves floated down on the road from the trees lining it, autumn was well on its way.

“So, want to go to the 60’s party with me? We could go in matching costumes?” Ben asked, not taking his eyes off the road. He was such a nervous person. I decided to wind him up.

“No, I’d rather go with Noel.” I said, looking out at the road incase I cracked up laughing at his face. I heard him do a nervous laugh, which was his attempt to act like he was cool with it. “Yeah, I’m sure Noel and I could go on a unicorn with John Lennon playing to us, and Lizzie will book Presley and we’ll have a magical party on mars.”

“You’re a bad person sometimes, you know that?”

“It’s why you love me.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes, I win. I want my prize.” I said smugly. Ben sighed.

“What prize?”

“I get to pick the costumes.”

“Okay fine, do I get a runner up prize?” I thought about it for a minute before nodding.

“What is this runner up prize that you want?” But Ben just tapped his nose. We were approaching home now and I was beginning to think what costume would look good on Ben.  The novelty of dressing up like the past was something I experienced everyday and dressing like I belonged in the 90s whilst still steering clear of sweaters was proving difficult, the clothes I wore were vintage anyway. Big leather boot with floral dresses and hats were my favourite, along with short and baggy band t-shirts. Lizzie had a similar style, only more 50s with her bright red sunnies and high-waisted jeans that she wore with a tied shirt. She was going to look great at the party and Ben and I had to top her outfit.

The perfect idea for Bens costume hit me like a lightning bolt. I remembered watching a program called We’ll Take Manhattan, a documentary about David Bailey and Jean Shrimpton’s first photo shoot in New York. It was right at the beginning of the Swinging Sixties and would be perfect. The sixties was a great time for costumes and Lizzie knew how to throw a party.

We walked through the front door and saw Lizzie, Arthur, Tim and Wanda standing waiting. They came forward and formed a giant group hug. Wanda wrapped her arms around my shoulders and steered me into the kitchen, everyone else talking and following. She placed her hand on my forward, checking my temperature.

“Are you feeling better, darling?” She asked softly.

“Yes, Wanda, thank you. How has everyone been?”

“Oh, Ben had been going crazy. We checked up on you as soon as we heard, but the nurses said that it wouldn’t be very good if you were crowded as soon as you came round.” She said her continuing worry obvious in her eyes.

Lizzie skipped over and hugged me.

“You’re still alive!”

“Don’t sound so disappointed.” I muttered. She giggled and pulled out of the hug to inspect my eyes, everyone was being really careful around me. I moved her hands from my shoulders, hoping that she would understand that I didn’t need to be tip toed around.

“So, give me details on the party.” I said. Lizzie grinned excitedly and clapped her hands.

“Well, it’s a 60s theme, like I said, I’ve started posting leaflets to local houses and in the paper. It’s on Saturday and it’s going to be the best party for years, but that bit isn’t official. Yet.” I laughed at her as she jumped a little bit from excitement.  She began telling me all the details, revealing that she had book the band The Rose In The Rain after I had mentioned them once, recommending them.

“They’ve agreed to cover songs from the time, I heard their practice and it was amazing! A lot happened in the hour you were out, including the post arriving. You have a letter.” She pulled the envelope out of her pocket. I opened it up and read;

“Hey Evie

Just thought I’d let you know that the album is going a little bit better; they’re letting me produce it so that should be good. Liam is being a twat and has thrown the phone across the room, sometimes I swear I could strangle that lad. Anyway, we’ll be back in London soon so see you then

NG xx”

Wondering why I was smirking to myself, Lizzie looked over my shoulder and read the note.

“’See you then’? What’s that supposed to mean?” She asked, loudly. Ben looked at me, ignoring Arthur who he was talking to, and came over.

“How are you? Who’s the letter from?” Ben asked, reading the letter as well. “Ah.”

“What?” I asked, annoyed at his attitude towards the letter.

“It’s just, well you’ve got to admit he’s a bit arrogant. I mean, did he even ask how you were? It’s all about him; His band, his brother, his problems and his request. You deserve something.” He said softy, Lizzie ‘awed’ but it wound me up even further.

“I don’t need everyone protecting me. Like you said I deserve something, give me some respect. I need to sort sometime alone. I’m just going upstairs. Thank you every one for your concern.” I made my way to my room, thinking. The flashback had made me realise that I need to stand up for myself.

The soft knock made me look up from the chord shape I was playing. Ben walked in.

“I’m sorry.” He said sweetly, kneeling down in front of me and looked at me seriously. I reached down and cupped his cheek.

“I’m sorry too. It’s just been a long day.” I said.

“Can I get my runner up prize?” He said, giving me puppy eyes.

“What is it?”

“Can you put this song I wrote on the album?” He asked, nervously.  I nodded and kissed him.

“Do you want to know what costume I’m going to have you wearing?” He nodded. I leaned forward and whispered into his ear my idea. He giggled and nodded along. The party was going to be great.

Just thought i'd add a picture of Arthur at the side,