the drummer boy ❦ Roger Taylor

18

Roger

I drove away from Julia's house hesitantly. Part of me wanted to shake her, tell her not to crawl back to her family when they treated her so poorly. But I knew that it was best for her to go back; she wanted to make amends, after all. Letting out a huge sigh, I lit up a cig and inhaled it deeply. My cassettes played quietly, white noise in the back of my mind, as I drove slowly along the roads to rehearsal. We were getting really good. More and more pubs were booking us, showing their interest in our upcoming band. In Smile, I knew that something wasn't right. Our music sounded off, and Tim's shitty attitude helped nothing. Then Freddie came, and everything changed.

My mind trailed back to Julia. I had never felt so strongly about anybody before, especially a girl. I didn't want her to know this, but before her, I'd never loved a woman. I'd play around with them, a different one coming to my flat every night. And then she just popped into my life and turned it upside down. Even after a few weeks of knowing her, I knew that I wanted to spend more and more time with her.

This feeling scared me; I mean, I hate feeling so out of control and that my emotions are in another's hands. She was just so incredible. She's unbelievably kind and caring, and is the most beautiful woman I've ever laid my eyes on.

Visibly shivering at this, I snapped back into reality, realising I had subconsciously drove to the rehearsal space. Seeing cars in the car park, I knew that the lads were here. I stubbed out my fag, getting out the car and making my way inside; not before grabbing the beers I had in the back seat.

Walking in, I saw the group, not including Fred, setting up. They perked up at my arrival, Brian standing up and offering me a cig.

"You're alright, mate, just had one." I said, slumping on the sofa, "No Freddie?" Brian scoffed,

"Nope. You're only five minutes late. I guarantee he'll be later" Brian predicted. I laughed, offering the beers out.

"I'll tell you what, boys, being in a band has its perks," John said smugly, clearly wanting us to ask more.

"Whys that?" I asked, amused. He leaned forward.

"I had the best shag of my life last night. This little blondie from the pub. Looked a bit like you, actually Rog." John joked, and I punched his arm in response,

"Fuck you."

"It's a joke! No, but seriously. I mentioned I played in a band, and she practically begged for me there and then."

"Wow, very respectful, Deacon." Brian said sarcastically.

Thoughts of my night before flooded my head. From getting that phone call, to picking up Julia and spending the night with her, to this morning.

"I had a great night, too, in a weird way." I said. The two boys furrowed their eyebrows, but before they could probe any further, Freddie entered.

"Good morning, all." He said casually, dropping his bag onto the sofa next to me and sitting down. We all gave him a look, "What? Do I have something on my face?"

"No, Fred. You're late." Brian sighed, and Freddie laughed, but stopped when he noticed our unamused reactions.

"Oh, you're serious? Come on, I was barely fifteen minutes late! There was traffic." He excused, and we decided to drop it, as rehearsal time was getting eaten up.

I sat down on the stool, twirling the sticks around my fingers and getting in the zone, all whilst thinking of one person.

-

Julia

I glanced at my watch, seeing that Roger would be checking in on me in five minutes. After my mum and I's heart to heart, we made some fairy cakes and ate them whilst singing to music from when my mum was younger. It reminded me of when I was a child, and made me incredibly happy to be spending time with my mum. The afternoon flew by, and I was growing nervous at the thought of Roger and my mother perhaps meeting.

He may park down the road, but either way, mum knows he's coming. She wants to meet him, no matter how many times I pleaded her not to embarrass me, that it's only early days and nothing may come of this. She was having none of it. "I want to meet the man who picked my daughter up off the street and gave her a home for the night" she said.

"Is that him?" Mum asked, face practically pinned to the living room window.

"No, mum, that's Mr Smith." I groaned. She had asked me if the past five cars were Roger, even ones that drive in and out on the daily.

"What about that one?" She repeated. I rolled my eyes, standing up.

"Mum! You can't just keep asking if-" I paused when I noticed the familiar red car appear in the driveway. It was him. Fuck. I instinctively adjusted my hair, outfit and removed my rabbit slippers and tossed them behind the sofa. "Yes, it's him."

Mum squealed in delight, when she saw him exit the car.

"Oh, he's a beauty, Julia!" She swooned. I couldn't help but join her watching him walk down the path, ultimately getting to the door and leaving two heavy knocks on it. Mum and I looked at one another, before both running to the door, pushing each other during the process. Fortunately, I made it to the door first, even if it took a huge shove to push my mum back. I looked at her, mouthing 'Do not embarrass me' along with a stern look, and opened the door.

His face lit up, and his mouth formed crooked smile.

"Hey." He said quietly,

"Hey." I repeated, biting my lip.

"Hello!" Mum chimed in, opening the door wider, probably looking mad. Roger looked startled, but quickly covered this reaction,

"Oh, hello, Mrs Marshall." Roger said politely. Mum put on a fake, over the top laugh.

"Don't be silly! You can call me June. Mrs Marshall is the old me. Come in, dear, tea or coffee? I may have a beer or two!" Mums voice trailed off, already making her way into the kitchen. I gave him a look, as if to apologise, and he laughed in response.

"I like your mother." He whispered in my ear as he walked by, leaving a small peck on my cheek as he did so, also placing his hand on my lower back during the process.

I let out the breath I had been holding for too long, shutting the front door and wondering how the night would go.

-

finally back from holiday so updates will be more regular! I feel like I'm rushing the story slightly, so you feel like this is the case? obviously life for the two isn't going to be this easy. drama will be coming!!

question - what's your favourite queen song?

my answer - so hard to choose, but my top three are love of my life, another one bites the dust and don't stop me now. obviously bohemian rhapsody, but I think that's the greatest song of all time to be honest

leave your answers here!!