Through Chrissie's eyes

Another Goodbye

By that time, after John and Veronica were married and Roger and Dominique were in a surprisingly stable and healthy relationship, Queen already had a significant amount of loyal fans and so EMI wasted no time in ordering a new album for the band.

Freddie was very focused on the next theme that the band would use as inspiration. He could tell that it was something big and different that he had in mind, and his companions embarked on the his ideas. It reached a point where it wasn't possible to define Queen exclusively as a rock band. Rock was what united them and made them born first, but together, each with his own way and personality could create new and creative things inspired by a little of everything they liked. That's how Freddie persuaded the band to use opera in their new recording. Whether they wanted to admit it or not, Brian, John, and Roger also liked opera.

Brian had left that day to talk to EMI producer Ray Foster about Queen's proposal for the new album. He came home alone, I missed the other three, but I knew they were busy.

"How was it?" I asked after greeting him with a kiss.

"They want another hit, but creating a song is not the same as creating an industrialized product" he sighed, a little annoyed.

"Although the music market is an industry" I pondered "but I understand, it's easier to make a bad song that sticks to the head and makes a success than a profound song that everyone likes."

"Do you think our repertoire is profound, Chrissie?" Brian's voice was a mixture of doubt and curiosity.

"Are you kidding? There is a little bit of all of you in everything you write" I explained" including your own experiences and your dramas. Bri, look what you did in '39!"

"It was no big deal, it's just a trip back in time and the consequences of it" my husband was as modest as ever.

"And who else would think of a song about time travel than my sweet astrophysicist?" I turned my head, making charm.

"Maybe my wife liking Jules Verne inspired it too" he said, laughing.

I laughed with him until Brian resumed the conversation.

"We'll record '39 on the next album" he told me.

"Seriously? Wonderful, despite the tears, I love that song" I was happy with the news.

"There's one more thing that was decided on." He scratched the back of his neck, his curls swayed and he sighed. "We're going to go to Wales on a farm with a studio, Foster says it's to avoid any distractions."

"Oh ..." I said, but I was a bit sad, I missed him when he was away "do you know how long we will be there?"

"At least a month" my husband guessed "but you never know ..."

"And when are you going?" I kept asking.

"Next Monday by morning" I saw that he had noticed my sadness "don't worry, Chrissie, I'll be back soon."

"Yeah, I know, I'm just silly" I shrugged.

"You're not silly at all." Brian kissed me quickly. "It's just your concern speaking louder. But don't worry, Roy and Paul will be there to oversee the work and avoid any procrastination. And of course I'll call you whenever I can, okay?"

I was convinced I wouldn't be so bad without him, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't miss him.

We packed Brian's suitcases together, stuffing them with his bell-bottomed jeans, and equally striped and colorful sweaters and socks. I also remembered to put on some warmcoats if the weather in Wales cooled out of nowhere.

On the day of departure, we woke up early, had an enhanced breakfast, and the boys came to pick up their guitarist with a private driver. That little detail made my heart squeeze a little. Three years ago it was Roger who would be driving the van, the van that was sold and that contributed to having a driver now. I tried not to focus on it, the most important thing now was to say goodbye to Brian.

"Good bye, Bri!" I hugged my husband tightly "God bless your trip, call me as soon as you can, I love you! So much!"

"I love you too, Chrissie!" he kissed me goodbye "take care!"

"I will" I promised.

I watched the car drive down the street, taking a deep breath. By now I should get used to it, that was part of Brian's life and also part of my life. I concentrated on summarizing that trip as just a work trip of my husband. I walked back home, there was still plenty to look after.

As if guessing what I was going through, by the way, I think missing our beloved Queen members was something we all felt, Veronica called to see how I was.

"Chrissie, are you all right?" asked Mrs. Deacon, sounding worried.

"I'm fine" I finally smiled at her consideration, "and you? And our baby Deaky?"

"We're fine," she laughed, "but I said it may well be a girl ..."

"No, no." I shook my head. "We all bet it's a boy."

"Based on what?" Veronica laughed.

"Pure instinct" I replied " why do I owe the honor of your illustrious call, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Well, the boys went to Ridge Farm, and both I and Mary and Dom agreed to keep meeting, even without them." Mrs. Deacon was explaining "what do you think?"

"It's a great idea, I thank you for calling me, what time do you want me to show up?" I really loved the idea.

"Uh ... after 8pm I think it's better" Veronica said after a moment's thought "at this time Mary and Dominique have already left work and will have time to rest for a while."

"It's also a good time for me" I agreed, "so I'll see you later, Mrs. Deacon."

"See you later, Mrs. May" Veronica laughed at my formal joke and hung up.

Spending time with the girls would really help deal with the lack of the boys. On the one hand it was good to have a night of ours to talk things that they wouldn't understand.
I filled up with all kinds of tea that I found at home and some more ingredients to not reach the Deacon's house empty-handed. I left home grateful for the initiative of the girls.