Antecedent

by DL Gallie

  It’s the sixteenth of August 1969, and I’m getting ready to attend Woodstock with my roommates, Wendy and Nancy, her brother, William, and his best friend, Storm. The five of us get along like a house on fire, and I may or may not have a slight crush on William. I’ve considered acting on my crush, but he is an arrogant ass at times, and I don’t need that in my life.

  Pulling on my bell-bottom indigo blue jeans, red and pink bold stripe rolled up T-shirt, and my woven wedge sandals; I’m almost ready for a weekend of music and fun. Walking over to my dresser, I grab a hairband and I tie my hair into a loose braid before slipping on my floppy hat and Jackie-O inspired sunglasses. “Looking good,” I say to my reflection before I pick up my Pink Plus gloss and slather my lips. Replacing the wand, I pucker up, blow a kiss to myself in the mirror, and head out to join the others.

  Walking out into the room, William looks me up and down before he whistles at me. My cheeks heat with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal. “You look gorgeous, Bailey,” he says, and I notice that his eyes roam over my body.

  “Thanks, Willy, you look nice too.” He’s wearing jeans and a tie-dyed tee, his signature look, and he works it well. As I stare at him, I think to myself, If only you weren’t such a jackass. We could be so good together.

  “Looking good, babe.” Wendy singsongs as she skips by me into the kitchen. On her way past, she grabs a bottle of vodka off the hall table. Following her, I grab the tomato juice, Worcerstshire sauce, and Tabasco, and place them on the counter next to the highball glasses she has started to fill with ice and celery. We work in sync together, and before we know it, we have four awesome looking Bloody Marys. Grabbing the drinks, we walk back into the living room and hand one each to William and Nancy. We all raise our glasses and yell, “Cheers.”

  Nancy walks over to the record player and puts on Jimi Hendrix. Spinning around, she begins to sway to the music, her hips moving in time to the beat. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Wendy intently watching her, she is oblivious to everything else in the room, and her sole focus is on Nancy. I find myself smiling, she notices me watching her, and she quickly gets up and heads back into the kitchen. It’s frustrating, watching them tiptoe around each other, I wish one of them would just make a move. They are perfect for each other, and I cannot wait until they are officially together.

  There’s a knock at the door, and William jumps up. “That’ll be Storm.” Inwardly I sigh, I’m not a fan of him because he and William bring out the worst in each other. Separately they are great guys and fun to have around, but it seems wherever William goes, he goes. I’m not quite sure why I don’t particularly like him, but he seems to be the only one who can keep William in line when he becomes irrational, which lately has been often.

  “What’s up, everyone?” Storm says, walking into our flat as if he owns the place. He walks over to the coffee table and whips out a bag of marijuana and begins to roll a joint. “What are you doing?” I ask, my voice a littler higher in pitch than I anticipated.

  “What does it look like I’m doing?” he matter-of-factly replies.

  “Not in my house,” I snarl.

  “Chill, Bai. It’s just a joint,” William says. Taking a seat next to Storm, he begins to roll one himself.

  “Not. In. My. House.” My jaw is clenched as I spit each word out, “If you want to do that, get out,” pointing to the door as I say this.

  “You’re such an uptight bitch, you need a hit,” Storm hisses.

  William laughs. Wendy and Nancy come back into the room, both of them have flushed cheeks and I smile, but when Nancy sees what’s going on her face drops. “Nope, not in this house. If you two want to light up you can leave.” They stare blankly at her. “Out!” she bellows. Nancy has a gentle nature, but when you do something that she’s not fond of, her wild side comes out—this is one of those times.

  “Lighten up, babe. Maybe all you chicks need a hit.”

  Wendy, not one for confrontation, walks into the center of the room and scowls at him. “William, you’re my brother and I love you and all, but not here. The girls and I don’t want that here. “

  “You are full of shit, dear sister. You and I had a toke just the other day.” She lowers her head and sighs. Nancy’s head snaps toward her and her face is full of disappointment.

  “What is he talking about, Wendy?”

  “Nothing, he’s just being a butthead brother. Right?” Wendy is glaring at him.

  “Yeah, I’m just joking around. Come on, Storm, let’s go outside.”

  With that, they both stand up and leave. Nancy walks over to the door, flicks the lock, and when it engages, she turns around to Wendy and sadly asks, “Did you?” Wendy dejectedly nods. “You know how I feel about drugs, why, Wendy, why?”

  Wendy begins to cry. “I don’t know why. William was being William and I let my guard down. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.” She falls to her knees and begins to sob. Nancy races over to her and wraps her arms around Wendy.

  “Shhhh. It’s okay. We all make mistakes. I just don’t want to lose you like I lost Stephen.”

  “I know, I’m so sorry, Nance. I’ll never do it again. I don’t want to lose you. I love you too much for that.”

  My eyes bug open at this declaration. Nancy’s face breaks out into a super big grin. “I love you too,” she whispers back, resting her forehead against Wendy’s. They stare at each other for a few moments before Wendy places her lips against Nancy’s, she places her hands on Wendy’s cheeks and they tenderly kiss each other. It’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Quietly, I try to exit the room, but I trip on the shaggy rug and land next to them. They break apart and their heads snap to me.

  “Hi,” I timidly say. We stare at one another and then break out laughing. Once we have all calmed down, with a huge smile I say, “I’m so glad you two are together.”

  “You knew?” Wendy asks.

  “Blind Freddy knew.”

  “Shit, William,” she gasps.

  “He’s blinder than blind Freddy. He has no idea, and I think it’s best to keep it that way for now. He’s a total pompous ass, how you two are related is beyond me.”

  “I question that everyday.” She pauses, takes Nancy’s hand, and squeezes. “Are you sure it’s okay?”

  “More than okay. I’ve been wishing for this for months now, but it seems you two are very good at hiding things.”

  “Guess we will have to hide a little longer then.”

  “Not in this house you don’t. I want you both to be happy, and I am over the moon that you’ve found each other. One day, I hope to find a love like you two.”

  “You will, Bai. And dressed like that, maybe today will be the day.” She winks at me.

  “Here’s hoping.”

  Wendy, Nancy, and I step outside, where we find Storm and William leaning against his truck waiting for us. “Ready to go?” William shouts, as if the confrontation five minutes ago didn’t occur.

  “Yep,” the three of us girls say in unison. We all break out laughing, and as we climb into the truck, I know this weekend is going to be amazing, and I hope that maybe I will meet my Romeo.

  CHAPTER 12

  BAILEY

  William parks his truck and we all climb out and walk in. The atmosphere is electric. There are people dancing everywhere. People are smoking joints out in public, and I shake my head at their brazenness, but to each to their own, I think to myself.

  Wendy, Nancy, and I link arms and we continue to walk around. William and Storm are behind us, but if I’m honest, I hope we lose them in this crowd—fingers crossed. Eventually Wendy and Nancy break away from me, and I find myself happily watching them—but not in a creepy way. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a guy leaning against a fence, chatting and laughing with his friend. Midstep, I freeze. He is absolutely gorgeous. Dark shaggy hair. Tight jeans that accentuate his hips. His shirt is hanging in his pocket, and I’m met with a chest that was carved by the gods. I swallow deeply
as I continue to stare at this fine specimen of a man. He looks up and our eyes lock on one another. The music and chatter fades away. I don’t register anyone except him. He grins at me and his smile is electric. I feel it from where I’m standing, and I’m a good ten to fifteen feet away from him. The moment is broken when William crashes into my back. “Sorry, Bai,” he says, but I don’t react, my eyes are still locked on the guy. William looks to where I’m staring, and I swear he growls like a feral dog. Gripping my arm tightly, he pulls me away and over toward Nancy and Wendy. “Let’s go, Bailey,” he angrily grumbles, as he continues to pull on my arm.

  Looking over my shoulder, I see the guy is gone and instantly I deflate. Pulling my arm free, I stop. “What the hell do you think you are doing?”

  “You’re too good for him,” he spits between clenched teeth. His eyes full of rage, I can feel the anger radiating off him.

  “For who? What are you talking about?”

  William spins around, roughly grabs my upper arms, and snarls, “Stay away from him.”

  “What and who are you talking about?” I’m so confused right now, and when I look at him, I see he’s staring at where the guy was. “Do you know that guy, William?”

  “Just stay away from him, Bailey.” Before I can press him further, he storms away. Leaving me standing there confused.

  Wendy walks over to me and slings her arm around my shoulder. “What was that all about?”

  Shaking my head, I shrug. “Beats me, but your brother needs to lay off the weed. He’s acting weird.”

  “Bai, he’s always been weird.” She laughs. “Now where to?”

  “I need a drink and a dance.”

  “Sounds like a fine plan to me,” Wendy says.

  She grabs Nancy’s hand, links arms with me, and the three of us walk toward the stage, where a band called Santana is playing. “These guys are pretty good,” I whisper to them, they both nod at me and we continue to sway to the music.

  After a few more songs, I lean over to Wendy. “I’m going to the bathroom and to get a drink, want anything?”

  She shakes her head no and then pulls Nancy into her arms and they rock to the music together. I’m so happy they finally took a leap. I’m lined up for the bathroom and I find myself still swaying to the music. After emptying my bladder, I look for somewhere to get a drink when I shiver. I feel like someone is watching me. Spinning around, I see that right behind me is the guy from before. I thought he was good-looking from ten feet away, but up close he is absolutely stunning.

  “Hhh…hi!” he stammers like a bumbling fool. “I’m Nate.”

  “Nice to meet you, Nate, I’m Bailey.” My tongue darts out and I lick my bottom lip, gently biting it. I notice that Nate is watching me intently. My cheeks darken, and my heart rate increases. Never have I been affected by a guy before like I am with Nate. “Are you having a good time?”

  “I am now,” he confirms, raising his eyebrows at me before winking.

  Ovaries—BOOM!

  Swallowing deeply, I take a deep breath and ask, “Wanna go for a walk with me, Nate?” Never before have I been so confident or brazen with a member of the opposite sex, but Nate makes me feel at ease and strong.

  “I’d love to, Bailey.”

  I smile back at him, I love the way he says my name. Linking arms with him, I say, “Lead the way,” and we head in the opposite direction to the stage.

  Our steps fall into sync. Vaguely, I hear the music and chatter of people around us, but right at this moment, all I can focus on is Nate. Eventually we stop, and I notice that we are at the spot where I first laid eyes on Nate, I laugh.

  “What’s so funny?” he asks.

  “Umm, you were standing in this exact spot when I first noticed you.” He nods his head at me. “I looked back and then you were gone. I thought I imagined you.”

  “I noticed you as soon as you walked in. Bailey, you are exquisite. There’s this aura around you that draws people in. I wanted to race over to you, dip you back, and kiss your gorgeous glossy lips.”

  I blush at his words. No one has ever spoken to me like that before, and if I’m being honest, I love it. “I’d have liked that,” I whisper, and before I know what’s happening, Nate has me dipped back and his lips are pressing against mine. My mouth opens and his tongue ever so slowly slips into my mouth. I gently suck his before I slide my tongue into his mouth. We continue to caress each other’s tongues, our lips fused together in the most sensual, erotic kiss ever. This is the best kiss of my life. All too soon, I’m upright again and I’m staring into Nate’s eyes. My breathing is labored, and I swallow before I lift my fingers to my lips. “Wow,” I mumble to myself.

  “Wow indeed,” he replies.

  A force beyond my control takes over my body; I wrap my arms around his neck and smash my lips to his again. He slips his arms around my waist and pulls me in close. Our lips meld together, you cannot tell where I end and he starts. I moan into his mouth as the kiss deepens. Breaking our connection, I close my eyes and rest my forehead against him. “This is all familiar. It feels perfect.”

  “I agree,” he whispers.

  Our perfect moment is interrupted when I’m yanked away from Nate. “Stay away from her, Winters,” William growls.

  “Clayton, nice to see you,” Nate calmly replies.

  “You two know each other?” I ask, completely confused.

  “Yep,” Nate says at the same time that William snarls, “Unfortunately.”

  “William, don’t be so rude,” I snap.

  “Walk away, Bailey. You don’t want this scum in your life.”

  “William, I will hang around whomever I want. You are not the boss of me.”

  “Don’t press me on this, Bailey. I—”

  “Bailey, it’s fine. I’ll catch up with you later,” Nate says.

  “Like hell you will,” William snarls.

  Nate reaches for my hand and squeezes it reassuringly. His eyes never leave mine. He whispers, “Trust me,” before leaning forward and gently placing a kiss on my cheek.

  From my side, William yells, “Stay away from her, Winters!”

  Turning to William, I angrily stare at him. “William, what’s gotten into you? This isn’t you.”

  Nate rolls his eyes and scoffs at this. My head snaps to his and I lift my eyebrows at him. He raises his hands in surrender, “Bai, I’m going to leave you with him.” He emphasizes the word him. “I’ll catch you later.”

  I like the way he says Bai, but I’m uncomfortable with what’s going on between William and Nate, especially when William mumbles, “Don’t count on it.” I glare at William before I look back to Nate.

  “I’d like that, Nate and I’m sorry.” Nodding my head in the direction of William.

  “Don’t be, it’s not you. It’s him.” He places emphasis on the word him but his eyes never leave mine.

  “What is with you two?” I ask, looking between the two of them.

  Neither one of them answer me. They just glare at one another. Like children. I shake my head. “I don’t have time for this crap.” I start walking away. Someone reaches for my hand, and without turning around, I know it’s Nate. He tugs me back to him. He leans into my ear and whispers, “I’ll be thinking about you until I see you again later.”

  I shiver at his words, but before I can reply, he’s gone. I’m left standing in the middle of at least twenty thousand people and I feel lonely. I’m snapped back to reality when William grabs my elbow. “Bailey, you will stay away from him.”

  “Tell me why and maybe I will.”

  “Because,” he sternly states, crossing his arms defiantly over his chest.

  “Because? That’s all I get?”

  “Just stay away from him.” Before I have a chance to reply, he storms off and, once again, I’m left standing by myself.

  I’m angry.

  I’m confused.

  And I’m pissed off.

  All my happiness from five minutes ago has dis
appeared, but I know one thing for certain, I want to see Nate again.

  CHAPTER 13

  BAILEY

  After purchasing a homemade lemonade from the drink stand, I take a sip and moan. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and sour. Looking around, I see many revellers dancing and having the time of their lives. Woodstock’s popularity blew everyone away and there was a chance it was going to get cancelled, but thanks to Max Yasgur—thanks, Max—he offered his land and here we are. Standing amongst the crowd, I find myself happy, but I’m not enjoying myself as much as the other partiers. I’m so confused right now. The incident between Nate and William keeps playing in my mind. And then there’s Nate, I can’t stop thinking about him. I really hope we do meet up again.

  Turning back around, I start walking toward the stage when someone laces their fingers with my left hand. Electricity tingles up my arm, my body heats with desire. Our hands fit together perfectly and I smile. Looking to the left, I’m met with the smiling face of Nate.

  “Nate.”

  “Bailey.”

  No other words are said.

  No other words are needed.

  Everything in this moment is perfect.

  Our steps fall into sync as we walk over to a recently vacated table and chairs and sit down. Our hands are still clasped together over the top of the sticky table, and we stare deeply into each other’s eyes. Down into each other’s souls. I feel like I have stared at these eyes many times before. “I feel like I know you,” I whisper.

  “I know what you mean. When you walked in, my sixth sense sparked to life, and then I looked over and saw you. Time stood still in that moment, and then I saw you with him and my heart deflated.” His shoulders drop as he says that.

  “William? He’s my roommate’s brother.”

  “So you’re not together?”

  I shake my head. “No, I thought maybe something would eventuate between us, but I was always hesitant ‘cause he can be an ass at times.” Nate laughs at this. “I’m really not so sure anymore because…” I’m looking directly at him as I say this and leave it hanging. My words register in his brain and his face lights up. Gently rubbing my thumb over the back of his hand, we continue to stare at one another. As I gaze into his eyes, I feel at ease. Even though I have just met him, it feels like I have known him much longer.