A Million Ways To Spend Our Time

Part 6: This Is The Best Part Of The Trip

I had heard The Doors would be returning to California in June, but I wasn't going to get my hopes up or hold my breath. I attempted to create a college life of my own, taking time for myself and sort of inverting. Aurora and I would meet several times a week for drinks, ice cream, beach walks and the occasional movie. I was extremely glad to have had her there for me as a support system and for friendly amusement. She seemed to believe that Jim had his flaws, but was not somebody I should permanently shut out. This was something I would never hear from my family, which was why I did not even tell them about meeting The Doors. My future house savings fund was up to $350, and I knew I would be available for more shifts at work now that school was going to be out for awhile.

The last day of school had finally arrived. Aurora and I had decided to go to the fair in Fresno to celebrate together. I was craving those delicious candy apples and cotton candy and funnel cakes something fierce.

We knew it was going to be a long drive, but hey. What else did we have to do?

I sat back against the passenger's seat as Aurora drove her car. It was newer than mine, so we deemed it as the more reliable way to get to Fresno. We had the windows down since the weather was warm but decent, and always had the radio blasting during a song we enjoyed. "Under My Thumb" was our current sing-a-long of choice, and I thought about just how much I had needed something like this over the past year. I had accomplished a lot and was very proud of myself, but also needed some serious R&R. We decided to stop at a pizza place on the way to get something to eat and a soda.

Several hours later, we finally arrived at the fair. It was about 7:30 PM by the time we got inside, and the first thing Aurora wanted to do was get on the ferris wheel. Afterwards, we talked for a while and got some cotton candy and funnel cakes. Around an hour later, we were looking for another ride to get onto when I heard a familiar sound. The opening piano chords to "Light My Fire" were playing. At first, I thought it was just a record playing from the speakers, but then I heard that voice. The melody filled my ears like water to a thirsty nomad in the desert, or home to a lonely traveler. I couldn't believe they were here at the same time we were. It had to be for some sort of reason, not just a coincidence. I suspected that Jim had been drinking from the way he was acting, but he still put on a good show. I could tell he enjoyed playing games with the audience to a degree, yet at the same time put his heart into it.

We went on another ride or two, then stopped for candy apples and sat on a nearby bench watching the band.I didn't think any of them had noticed me, and there was a good amount of distance between us. "I see your friends are here, Miss Groupie," Aurora teased. I laughed and gently slapped her arm. "I must not be doing too hot, they aren't even waving at me!" We laughed and absorbed the music. I was very glad to have come here tonight, especially now.

About forty-five minutes later, Aurora and I had resumed walking around. As the last song finished, we just happened to be walking past the stage. Apparently we were close enough for them to see us this time, since I began to hear whistling. "Hey now ladies, you want to show me a good time?" Jim smirked as he teased us. "Eh, not today. I'm already booked." "Ooh, good one butterfly. I see your wings are spreading." John rolled his eyes and rubbed some of the sweat off of his face with his shirt. "That's not all you want to be spreading, is it Jim?" Robby's eyes gleamed at his clever retort. "Shut up, Robby. Plus, you wouldn't know anything about that." "What do you mean? I got Lynn's attention, didn't I?" "More like she got yours already being a dancer." Jim began to study Aurora. "Who's the cutie you brought with you?" "I bet she charges more than you can afford Jim, so back off now." Robby smirked, liking his one-liners. Jim threw John's drumsticks at Robby. "Hey!" John angrily ran after his precious drumsticks. "Hi, Alana!" Ray waved at me, seeming pleased to see me. "Don't listen to these ragged heathens, they've had a little bit to drink." Aurora and I were trying so hard to play it cool and not burst into laughter at their stupidity. "It's alright, Ray. We've already passed the first grade." Aurora always knew how to give it right back to somebody. "Oooooohhhhhhh, burnnnnnn." Robby was laughing and slapping his knee at this point. "Fiesty. I like it." Jim smiled at us. "I bet you do, Jim." John put his hands on his hips, angrily glaring at Jim. Jim shrugged, as if to say he'll get over it.