In Another Life (1993-1996)

Go! Johnny Go Go Go!

The London streets were busy with the usual rumble of clubbers. Ben strolled along the street, his large coat drawn close to keep out the autumn wind. I skipped down the street behind him, unable to control my excitement. The grey shops passed one by one, identical in display and products, none caught my eye. Greasy fish and chip shops followed by little try hard cafes were nothing compared to the energy that throbbed from the quirky cafe at the end of the row.

Lizzie's was prepared to be packed. The strongest tables were pushed in the corner to make a stage that had a Watson made amp unit that looked powerful enough to make us all fly against the wall if it was turned to full volume. Liz's bass was leaning against the amp stack, so I knew she wasn't far away. I heard the sound of air being let out of a balloon and turned to see her bright red face leaning on the bar attempting to inflate the decorations. She pouted at us and waved the balloon in my direction.

"It's impossible, I swear. Arthur has just got these to wind me up. I bet they're a prank." Lizzie huffed. Ben giggled and opening his buttons and revealing his costume. I could see Lizzie study it out of the corner of my eye, impressed. "Very nice."

He had a tweed jacket that I had convinced him was a double of one I had saw John Lennon wear in a photo once, when it was really just filling a Doctor Who memory for me. Tucked under the jacket was tight waist-coat, a blue skinny tie and a crisp white shirt. His trousers were tight fit and flattering, making him affectively show as much leg as I was in my black and white mod dress I was wearing with white Go-go boots. I did a twirl for the occupants of the restaurant, the Watsons, myself and Ben being the only ones there so far.

The shuffling of boxes behind the counter alerted me to Arthur's presence. He came into the room; cardboard boxes piled high above his head. He placed them next to the stage and walked back over to us, sliding his arm around Lizzie's waist. Looking at there outfits, I realised there really was no point in trying to compete. They suited this era so well. Arthur brown mop was sleeked back into a stylish quiff. A white tank top was just seen under his black leather jacket, paired with a pair of black skinny jeans and combat boots. His cheekbones were emphasised by the up turned collar and the chewing gum that he was munching on. Lizzie looked into his eyes and he winked. She giggled and blushed, matching the colour of her dress, which was a crimson explosion of silk. It clung to her skin until the petticoats forced it to fly outwards at her waist. Accompanied with a red polka dot neckerchief and killer heels, she looked like she had just clambered out of Grease.

"All in all, I think we look like a pretty dashing group. Now come on! Party preparations to do! People will be arriving in," Lizzie checked the clock "20 minutes! Jesus! Move people, move!"

*******

People piled in as soon as the doors opened, their hippy costumes so brightly coloured it could blind. I carried the bowl of punch to the drinks table studying the crowd. I recognised some boys from school and a few of the girls that had been at prom. Ben was in a corner talking to a brunette girl who was wearing flares and a crop top. He motioned for me to go joined them, so I pushed my way through the dancers. I smiled at her as I wound my fingers through Bens. There was something familiar about her, maybe it was her big round eyes or her long brown her tossed over her shoulder in a fish tail plait. Ben introduced us.

"Eve, this is Alice Steele, she's down here from Lincoln for a month. Alice, this is Evelyn Night, my girlfriend and not from round these parts either. You're from Nottingham, aren't you?" But I didn't answer, because every cell in my body was frozen as I stared at the woman opposite me. She offered her hand out for me to shake, and I took it sheepishly, worried that I might start a paradox. Because surely it would be a serious issue if I shook hands with my 20 year old mother? She smiled at me warmly, her eyes crinkling at the sides and forming the laughing lines I was used to. How was Ben not noticing the similarities between us? I decided to stop looking like a moron and start a conversation with her, but Alice was obviously feeling the same as she looked at me before starting a to talk.