Floating & Flaming - Syd Barrett

The Orchard

2 Weeks Later - St. Mary's Preparatory Academy

"I still can't believe you've managed to sneak out and see Rick twice already! I'd think Sister Margaretta would've caught on by now!" I said, exasperated.

It was a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, our day off from classes. Lindsey and I strolled through the orchard behind the stone chapel as we often did. Sneaking away from the ever-watching nuns to share secrets, listen to contraband music, and read together was our primary form of entertainment. Those days were what made the rigorous classes and strict rules worth the hassle.

The sun shone it's warm rays through the changing leaves, but the last bits of summer were still clinging on desperately. A cool breeze meant a warmer coat, however the waning heat didn't call for a scarf yet. The scent of apples drifted through the air and brightened my spirits a bit. I was, however, still jealous as usual of the attention Lindsey was receiving. I tried to be happy for her as my best friend, but nothing exciting had happened to me since the night of the gig.

"It's not that difficult, Piper. There's loads of ivy climbing straight up to our dormitory window. It's just a matter of maneuvering those ancient hinges without waking that sleeping dinosaur." she explained, kicking a fallen apple for emphasis.

Sister Margaretta was definitely not the best choice for the night shift. She had been a relic when I first began attending St. Mary's 7 years prior, and she wasn't much better now. She'd fall asleep within 15 minutes of curfew, and wouldn't wake if a tornado hit.

"Well? Tell me all the details!!" I begged.

Lindsey blushed. "Both times we walked into the forest down a little path and just sat there talking. Nothing really interesting has happened. We have so much in common! We both play piano, love the outdoors, and enjoy sticking it to authority!"

She punched her fist in the air and we erupted in laughter.

"So, you really like him then?"

"Yeah. I wasn't expecting it. I just thought he was a cute musician and nothing else. Now I think I'm falling for him."

Looking at her face, I knew Lindsey was serious. She'd never actually reciprocated anyone's feelings for her before. I never knew she was capable of vulnerability. But here she was, a hopeless romantic. I was just hopeless.

"How've you been doing? Any updates since our last 'secret meeting'?" Lindsey nudged me. We sat under our destination, the biggest tree at the far corner of the orchard.

"Lin. I don't think he actually exists. Don't laugh at me! I have a theory. Nobody is actually that perfect. He sings, plays guitar, paints, and writes poetry! He's a living, breathing cliché. Nobody would look at the world like that. Or look at me like that for that matter. He's just a figment of my imagination. A hallucination composed out of the lonely dullness of my everyday life." I pulled my knees up to my chest and slumped down.

"Oh, Piper. Don't be so down on yourself! I'm one hundred percent sure that Syd is real. I have both sources and eyewitness accounts. Do figments of your imagination recite Byron for you? Oh, wait. That does sound pretty surreal. But you and I both hallucinating the same thing at the same time is way less likely.

"Richie was actually just telling me last night that Syd has struck what he calls 'unparalleled inspiration.' He's been shut up in his room between classes, frantically scribbling away in his notebook. Something tells me that somebody I know very well could be the source of this creativity. That also explains why he hasn't tried to contact you yet."

"You make too much sense!" I relented. "Though I'm not so sure about me being an 'inspiration.' I'm really nothing special."

Lindsey rolled her eyes. "Ah, yes. I chose the most plain, boring girl to be my best friend. I love being with people that remind me of paint drying."

I pushed her over into the crunchy leaves. "Oh, shut up! Let me be self-deprecating for once! I'm really excited that all this great stuff is happening for you, but it is making me feel more insignificant than usual."

"You shouldn't. You're my amazing best friend whether an eccentric musician falls in love with you or not. It'd be his loss anyway. Looking back on it, I think that he's a pompous git."

"No. I don't think so. If he isn't interested in me, it doesn't change the fact that he's a magnificent person. I'll be glad that I got to meet him, even if it was only once." I stared off into the clouds, remembering the way he looked gazing at the stars.

"Let's go. We'll go back to the dormitory and put on that new Beatles record again. I could look at that cover forever. Isn't Paul a dream?" She offered her hand and I pulled myself up.

"Oh for goodness sake! I think it's meant to be listened to, not ogled over! Okay, let's go... RACE YOU!" I shouted, getting a head start and sprinting as fast as I could.

"Last one there's a rotten egg!"

As we raced, the sky began to darken, and a nearby thunder shook the heavens. Heavy drops began to fall, and we were soon drenched to the skin. We burst back into the dormitory hall, laughing and making a general scene. I felt much better, almost as if I could have forgotten him. But life usually doesn't go as planned, does it?