All My Love

15

The day had finally come. I was leaving my everyday life to go with John and the rest of Led Zeppelin. As much as I loved it here and working at the bakery, I had to move on. I was finally catching a break.

"Annette," I began to cry as I walked up to her for our goodbye,"thank you so much for all you've done. If you ever need anything, I'm here. I couldn't thank you enough for what you've given to me."

She pulled me in close and hugged me tightly. "I'll miss you, too. Be sure to visit sometime, okay?”

I nodded as I turned away. I picked up my bags containing all my belongings. John rushed over as soon as he saw me struggling with them and snatched them out of my hands. He placed them trunk of the cab and then walked over to Annette.

"You've brought us back together," he said, smiling. "Thank you for that. She means the world to me," he continued as he looked over at me. I blushed as we made eye contact.

I gave Annette one last hug. "We'll meet up again, okay? I'll be alright. Don't worry about me."

John then took me by the hand and we both got in the cab. As we started to pull away, I began to stare intently out the window. I felt a nervous uneasy feeling but I was also extremely excited. But to be honest I really had no idea how I actually felt. There were many mixed emotions.

John reached over and grabbed my hand. "Hey, you okay? ”

I gave a little nod even though I didn't feel very comfortable, especially with the whole Jimmy situation.

"Don't worry," he continued," if Jimmy is a problem we'll have a little talk. We're in love. He's no part of this."

I gave a reassuring smile as I nuzzled my head onto his shoulder and slowly fell asleep to his soft humming as he gently played with my hair.

---

I was abruptly woken up to a hard thud followed by yelling and screaming. The cab driver had gotten into a little fender bender.

I could hear John groan with impatience as he glanced over at me. I rubbed my eyes and looked over at him. He shrugged with a confused look on his face. "Maybe we could have a look around town while those two settle this."

"That sounds great," I answered.

We both stepped out of the cab and began to stroll down the sidewalk. We walked past cafés and bookstores. But we ignored then all and headed straight for the record store.

The bell above the door gave a welcoming ring as everyone stopped what they were doing to turn toward us. Mouths dropped as many people realized who was in their presence.

A herd of people stampeded over to us, begging for autographs on their newly bought led zeppelin vinyls. A group of girls ogled over him. We both exchanged looks as we both grew more and more uncomfortable.

"This wasn't a very good idea, huh?" I whispered in his ear.

"It'd be a lot worse if I were Robert or Jimmy. They're more iconic than I am. I'm surprised these people actually recognize me," he whispered back.

We slowly started backing up toward the door to leave. The crowd moved awkwardly along with us as we inched closer and closer to our escape. John and I both looked at each other and, as if reading each other's minds, nodded and quickly turned ourselves around to make a run for it.

The people were following not far behind as we sprinted back to the cab. The whole situation seemed to be sorted out as we came closer to the scene. As soon as we got there John threw open the door and tossed me inside. As soon as he slid next to me he shut the door, locked it, and begged for the driver to go.

Both of us were gasping for air as we started to relax in the backseat. Making direct eye contact almost immediately, we simultaneously burst into laughter.

"Did that really just happen?" John asked.

"I guess so. Was that your first time being chased like that? by adoring fans?" I said.

"Like I said before, I'm astounded that anyone would recognize me. I'm just the bassist standing alone in the dark corner most of the time."

His smile faded. He looked at me then back at the ground and began to laugh too himself. I could tell something was bothering him, though. He was very insecure.

"Hey," I started again, "I think you're a great musician. Maybe a bit unnoticed. But you're very talented. You don't need the spotlight to be known. Just do what you do best because obviously Led Zeppelin wouldn't be where it is today without you and your killer bass lines."

He smiled at me. "Thanks. That means a lot to me. I really-"

"We're here," the cab driver interrupted John.

I was too excited to let him finish. I grabbed my handbag and headed outside. I surveyed the area and in the far distance I saw it- The Starship. I couldn't believe it. I stood in awe and admiration as John came up next to me.

"You like what you see, huh?" He asked.

I nodded  enthusiastically.

"Come on, let's take a look inside," he said as he took my hand.

He led me up the steps into the airplane. The inside was completely furnished with cream colored walls and red carpeting. There were olive colored sofas and a rectangular coffee table. Beyond there was the grand master bedroom. The bed was covered with pure white sheets and furs and covered in white pillows- everything was white except for the black patterned walls that contrasted the whole room.

"I usually don't like airplanes," John started,"but this is an exception. I enjoy flying in luxury- it's like a flying house."

I giggled as I turned to look around some more. I almost gasped as I turned around and bumped into someone. I looked up to see Jimmy's face plastered with a fake smile. I joined in his game and gave a weak smile, too.

"So, Louisa," he started slowly,"you're coming with us?" He sounded as if he didn't know I was coming along with the band.

I slowly nodded as I felt my face began to heat up. Not again. I blushed at everything.

I could see the sadness in his eyes as he passed me to get settled in. My heart nearly broke in two when he completely dismissed John's presence and ignored him when he said hi.

This tension was started by me and I had to do something about it. A band can't survive if its members don't get along. The last thing Led Zeppelin needed was a terrible break up. They were too good for that. I had to end this.