Brooklyn Baby - The Beginning of Lana Del Rey

Part 13 - Us Against The World

"Booked us our first gig!" Aaron announced to the band on an evening of practice. 

"That's amazing!" I yelped. We jumped up and celebrated. "Where is it?"

"This place called Westlight. It's some kind of restaurant/bar," he said, "and it's tonight."

After panicking, obsessing, and rehearsing in Drew's trailer for a few hours, we had collected together a setlist of originals and covers.

I walked back to my new home, in my trailer park, to get ready for the show. The night was my very first live performance with the band, so I wanted to look perfect since the focus is mostly on the lead singer. 

I chose a white shirt with black roses and black skinny jeans. My platinum hair was curled in old Hollywood waves, and my eyes were smoked out with black paint and prominent lashes.

As I was uploading a picture of myself to our band's MySpace to notify our small following, the ring from my cell phone interrupted my task. The name Amelia filled the screen and my heart rose a couple beats. After a second of hesitation, I hit the accept button.

"Hey, Amelia..." I said uneasily.

"Hey, Liz. I just wanted to say good luck with your band. And that I'm going away. I thought you should know because we have been friends for years and I can't imagine not saying goodbye even though we aren't in the best place right now."

"Oh my god. When can I see you, I can't just say bye over the phone."

"Where are you right now?" she asked.

"I'm getting ready for our first gig at this place called Westlight."

"I'll meet you there," she said and hung up."

**

When it was time to leave the trailer park, Arthur summoned me out.

"Want me to give you a ride?" he asked, holding out a motorcycle helmet.

I put it on and slid on the bike, wrapping my arms around him.

"Hold on tight, Liz."

The road followed the coast of bayside Brooklyn, spraying the bright colors of the sunset across the whole city.

Is the sun in your eyes, easy rider?

Do the flame-colored skies light your fire?

We went on stage at 6 p.m. and were in formation when the door opened and a rush of customers burst into the restaurant in desperation for air conditioning to escape the feverish New York night. 

The spotlight came down on us and the crowd hushed. The music started with a hit of Aaron's drums.

We played through 3/4 of the set and even gained a fair amount of ovations. Upcoming, our last song, an original written by me on my weed-induced night with Arthur.

Tim hit the first note of the song on his bass guitar, and the rest of the men followed in rhythm.

Me and my boyfriend, we are a new kind of fun

He dyes his hair black, I dye my hair platinum blonde

We are aware that we are trying to be pop

Elvis and Marilyn

When the song finished, Arthur and I were approached by a serious-looking man wearing sunglasses, although it was night. He held out a hand for shaking and said, "Hi, Craig from 5 Points Record Label." I shook his hand. "We are interested in signing your band."

"Wow, Seriously! That's so exciting!" I said, standing next to Arthur.

"Oh my god," he said when Craig had walked away. He kissed me on the cheek and muttered, "Sorry, I gotta go somewhere real quick." He escaped the bar in a rush and mysteriously disappeared for what felt like the hundredth time. Where was he going?

While walking back to the rest of the band, I dismissed my curiosity and informed them of the current news. The night radiated with excitement and I was soon forgetting about the life I was leaving behind.

I spotted Amelia lingering at the front doors, not sure whether to come in or not. I ran towards her.

"Amelia!" I said and crashed into her with a hug. When I pulled away her eyes were glinting with tears.

"I'm going to miss you so much," she said as her voice broke.

"Me too. I hope you find whatever you're looking for in life."

"You're the one with the dreams Lizzy, I have no idea what I want. I envy you."

"You'll find something that makes you as happy as I am when I'm singing! I know you will."

"Bye Lizzy."

"Bye Amelia."

I watched her walk to her old, red truck, and slowly drive out of my view.