by Tabby Storm
Josie waited in line for the box office window and said her ticket was in will call. She got her ticket and by the time she got in line to enter the Hall, it was black outside and very crowded. She got in another line to get a beer, and by the time she was holding a glass in her hand, the house music went off and the lights dimmed down low.
Josie had forgotten how excited she was to see Kyle on stage doing his thing. She made her way through the standing-room-only crowd and got as close to the stage as she could get away with.
She heard the unmistakable sound of the drums and guitar strumming that are the intro to “Back in Black.” The lights were black on stage, and people started screaming. Josie couldn’t see anyone on stage, but there was a lot of excitement around her. Then she heard his voice start and the spot come up, and there was Kyle on the stage, singing this legendary song just the original must have sounded in the 80s.
Josie was stunned. He was magnificent. The way he moved, the way he related to the audience and the band members. He was swaying all over the stage, wearing a white t-shirt, a pair of grungy Levi’s and vans, a chain holding his wallet to his belt, looking like he’d just stepped off his skateboard. She had never seen someone she knew sing at a big show before. It took her breath away. It was incredible. She just stared at him. She was feeling some things she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Kyle caught her eyes standing there in the front, and winked at her while he grabbed a sip of water from a water bottle on the stage floor. She blushed. It was a little embarrassing to have the attention, but look at him! He was so everything more than she was. He was so out there, such a performer. He looked over at the guitarist (Johnny she assumed) who played a few licks while the audience hooted and hollered. Kyle pushed the mic up to his lips and said, in a gravelly rock voice, “Thank you. We’re The Bastard Plants.” He stepped away from the mic stand with his body, hand still holding the mic. His sexy black hair was falling in his eyes in sweaty chunks. Josie cheered loudly, getting caught up in the energy of the crowd as they hooted and whistled and yelled around her.
They played several more covers of classic Rock and a few originals that were milder in tone but had such heart with lyrics that sounded so real and human Josie had suspicion that Kyle was responsible for most of them. Sometimes he picked up a guitar; sometimes it was just him and the mic. His mood carried the same intensity in all their songs, whether covers or originals. He was completely himself. It was spellbinding.
The band had just done a surprising and raw metal rendition of “Dancing Queen,” where Kyle introduced the drummer, Joe, bassist Ben (from the bus, she wondered?), and Johnny, lead guitarist.
And then Johnny launched into the guitar opening of Sweet Child O’ Mine.
Josie felt a little surprised jolt in her stomach and winced at the pain there. She closed her eyes and was transported back to Cancun.
The first time James had said “I love you” to her was to that song, after a dive, while making love. She had never quite gotten over how that had felt. Everything with James had felt so good. There were so many feelings, acceptance, closeness, passion, vulnerability. And after three years together, it all just vanished.
She could still feel what that felt like with James. She hadn’t seen him in a year, but suddenly it hurt like it had just ended yesterday.
Kyle was on the mic singing. Josie knew Kyle was singing it to her; he was looking right at her. She hadn’t expected this, and certainly didn’t know she was going to react to a song like this. She loved the original song, it’s not like she hadn’t heard it since she and James broke up. But right now, she had to get out. It was too much.
Kyle was singing to her and pouring his heart out, and here she was, weeping 20 feet away. She wasn’t even thinking of what people around her would think of her tears. She turned and pushed her way through the crowd toward the door. She got out the front of the venue and stared at the street. She didn’t want to see anyone, and she couldn’t handle the idea of Kyle finding her on the street. She walked the few blocks to California while she called a car. She got her ride from the bus stop 10 minutes later and when she got home she cried herself to sleep.
Chapter 7
Monday morning came and Josie didn’t feel any better. She had spent the weekend reliving her relationship with James. She sat in the bathtub reading her old journals from Mexico and from SF State. She was so sure of herself, so full of adventure. Something had been sucked out of her when she and James split up. She knew she was still hurt, but she had no idea it was still so raw. Not until she humiliated herself by crying at Kyle’s show.
It was 6:30 am and she had been awake for hours. The street sweeper woke her up and she just lay there and watched her clock radio change. She forced herself to get out of her bed and get into the shower. She turned her radio on and stepped in, feeling rejuvenated by the hot water. She was always happy in water. She had the radio tuned to 104.5, KFOG, as she had grown up listening to it with her family and it was still her radio station of choice.
“…in the studio today. Thanks for being here with us today, guys.”
“Thanks.” a chorus of male voices said.
The DJ continued. “You’re a San Francisco band, playing lots of local gigs here in the city. What are some of your favorite highlights from this last year?”
“Well, Alicia, we really dig playing in the City, but one of my favorite shows, well it wasn’t really a show, was at Cal, surprising students by playing on campus,” said a deep voice.
A few male voices chimed in agreement.
“That sounds pretty cool, tell me more! Were you amplified, or did you just play acoustic? I mean, you ‘surprised’ people so I’m guessing you didn’t have a bunch of set up time.”
“We were acoustic. We played only our original material.”
Josie heard that way of saying ‘original’ and knew it was Kyle instantly. She turned off the water in the shower and opened the curtain to hear as well as she could.
“But we had played those songs in public before,” chimed in another male voice. “We played them at many shows. We did some Friday night.”
“I just meant we played only the songs we’ve written,” Kyle insisted. Josie could hear his exasperation already. “It’s just a different feel. More personal, I guess.”
“I see,” said Alicia. “That makes sense, it’s material you created, of course it feels different. What direction are you taking the band in right now?”
“We’re about to go on tour in the Pacific NW for the next month, playing gigs in places like Spokane and Aberdeen. It’s smaller towns and college towns.”
Josie was interested in this, Kyle hadn’t mentioned touring.
“Well you’re here today to play one of your infamous covers, tell the listeners about it.”
A voice she hadn’t heard yet spoke up, “yeah, so this is our metal version of “Hand in my Pocket.”
Alicia laughed. “I love that song. My mom used to play it when I was a kid. This is going to be fun! Here are the Bastard Plants, folks.”
And they launched into it. Josie listened in awe with how they turned a song she loved into something completely different. It had shades of the original, but was its own new thing. Not being a musician, it all felt like magic and wizardry to her. Besides some Für Elise at the height of her 4th grade piano career, Josie’s musical wonderings had not gone much further. Here was a music that was taken from the familiar and reworked into something completely new. She understood how Kyle wanted to share his original material more, but she also had to agree with Johnny. Their sound was pretty different and made classic songs new.
She wished that she hadn’t blown it so big and taken off Friday before she could tell Kyle thank you. She hadn’t even talked to Maya all weekend so she wouldn’t have to explain her embarrassing flee from the concert and subsequent cry-a-thon all weekend, in between planning for the week of school ahead.
She turned on the water and finished rinsing
off, hearing in the background the song end and the DJ saying “So where can you be seen next? Up north, or do you have more shows here in the City?
“We’re playing Wednesday night in Martinez, and people can check out our YouTube channel.”
“Thanks so much for coming in guys. You can catch The Bastard Plants next this Wednesday night in Martinez.”
Josie turned the water back on to rinse off, and knew what she had to do. She also knew she was going to have to get a car.
Later that morning, Josie stood at the door and welcomed her students into the classroom. She was wearing a black and white striped dress with ¾ sleeves, black tights and a dark blue cardigan sweater. Her hair was in a half up-do; she had even taken out her curling iron and curled it. Her long hair was cascading around her shoulders in wavy tendrils. She felt like she had to look as nice as possible to compensate for the huge bags under her eyes from all the crying and insomnia, plus cute outfits usually cheered her up. So far, it was working. Her Mary Jane black pumps also make cute tapping noises when she walked and it make her happy.
As she said good morning and shook the hands of her students, she could tell that none of the veneer had worn off-they were still excited about being in 5th grade. They were all chatting quietly and sitting down at desks. The first few weeks of school were always so funny. The kids were always on their best behavior, trying to figure each other and the teacher out. Josie had put an activity on the desks for them to start the day, and almost all of them were conscientiously reading the instructions and beginning the math puzzle without intervention from her. As the last students filed in, Josie closed the door and walked to the front of the room. “Class, Class!” she chanted. The students already knew the drill and responded, “Yes, Yes!” She had their attention. “I hope everyone had a great weekend. Go ahead and turn to someone near you and tell them one thing about your weekend that you are happy about.”
The class did as she said and everyone was busily talking. She walked around the classroom and listened. John got new shoes and he was stoked. Cory went to the movies. Maddy had been sick and her family had to cancel their trip to Livermore to see friends. Josie got their attention again and told them what math target they were going to be working on.
“Class, this week’s math target is representing and interpreting data on graphs. Today we’re going to do a survey. Who can explain what a survey is?”
Hands shot up, and Josie called on Juan.
“It’s like getting information about people?”
“Yes, Juan, that’s exactly it. Today we’re going to be gathering information about people’s tastes in ice cream.”
The students started to giggle and talk about food.
“Ok, ok, calm down. We’ll find out what people think about ice cream in a minute. Then we’ll be graphing all this information in several different ways this week, and talking about how different graphing methods give different information.” She continued to give directions for a minute or so, and then told the children to get pencils and clip boards ready while she handed out the survey paper.
As Josie was handing out the materials for the lesson, and she made eye contact with Jordan, the reserved girl in class that she was concerned about. She knew Jordan was going to need support in this activity to be successful. Josie went to Jordan and handed her the survey paper and reminded her that the clipboards were on the shelf. Jordan was really quiet. Josie said, “The thing to remember is that you are only going to ask 20 people. You won’t ask every single person in class. Make a mark next to the name list, it will help you. And if you get stuck, come ask me. I’ll check on you in a few minutes.”
Jordan seemed to feel better with that reassurance, and started asking people the survey question, “what is your favorite, and choose just one: chocolate, vanilla, mint chip.” Josie circulated the room, helping students as they needed help. They were so busy that at first she didn’t notice the secretary come in to the classroom and leave a small violet and card on her desk. The children pointed it out, and she mouthed “thank you,” as Mrs. Haller was leaving. As the activity ended and she headed back to her desk, she smiled as she saw the flowers and card sitting there. As instructed, the children had cleaned up their supplies and had taken out their books, The BFG and had begun reading chapter three. Josie opened her card.
“I saw you at the show on Friday, and then saw you leave crying. I was so sorry to see you leave, and I felt sad I couldn’t make you smile. You told me you taught at The Carson school, so I had to send you a note. I hope you get this. And please come see our show on Wednesday night in the East Bay at this tiny place in Martinez. Enclosed are two tickets. Bring a friend. I can’t wait to see you. –Kyle.”
His phone number was written at the bottom of the card.
Josie knew she was red in the face. The children were holding their books up, “reading,” AKA; they were doing a good job faking it. She set Kyle’s card in her top drawer and said, “Ok, raise your hand if you are still reading the chapter.” Almost all the hands shot up. “Ok, let’s go ahead and re-read it starting from the beginning. If you are already done, you may sketch the story while we read.”
The rest of the day progressed without incident, and Josie was on cloud 9. She didn’t think she was going to get another shot with Kyle after Friday night. And apparently it didn’t faze him at all. Even though her heart hurt over James, she knew that part of her life was over. It was time for her to date again and put herself out there. Kyle was the first man to make her want to move on. Her gratefulness for his patience was huge. She kept seeing his big brown eyes and floppy hair. It made her morning go by so much faster.
Chapter 8
Josie got out her phone during lunch and texted Kyle.
Josie: Thanks for the gifts.
She was surprised at how quickly he got back to her.
Kyle: So glad you got them! I was hoping to hear from you soon.
Josie: The kids were very curious.
Kyle: I’ll bet. Are any of them crushing on you?
I would have.
Josie was embarrassed. She knew 5th grade boys were very unpredictable and going through puberty, but as a professional she chose to not think about them having crushes on her. It made her uncomfortable just thinking about it.
Josie: Ha. No, and not something I dwell on.
Kyle: Just teasing. Sorry.
Josie: No worries.
Kyle: Are you coming Wednesday?
Josie: I think so. I need to borrow a car from my mom. Don’t want to late night BART on a school night.
Kyle: It would mean a lot to me if you could be there. Bring a friend.
Josie: Yeah, probably my friend Maya you met.
Kyle: When you poured beer on me.
Josie: That’s her.
Kyle: I saw you Friday. It was great that you were there. I thought you were going to stay to see White Mystery with me.
Josie didn’t know what to say. She felt horrible.
Kyle: I saw you leave kinda fast. Did someone in the audience bother you?
Josie wasn’t sure if she could tell him. Something told her to go for it.
Josie: I was ok. You were so great. I was blown away.
Kyle: You loved it so much you left?
She stared at her screen. She typed slowly.
Kyle: ?
Josie: A song reminded me of my ex.
Kyle: I’m sorry, that sucks. Which one?
Josie: Sweet Child O’ Mine.
Kyle: Why that one?
Josie: It was playing during a special…moment.
Kyle: Nuf said. Well, I’ll keep that one off the set list for Wednesday!
Josie: You don’t have to do that
Kyle: It’s cool
Josie: Ok. Thanks.
Kyle: You’re welcome Pussycat.
Josie: J
Kyle: Aren’t you still at school?
Josie: Just ending my lunch break
Kyle: Want to get a drink toni
ght?
Josie: Where?
Kyle: The Muffin Bar
Josie: Kyle, that’s a gay bar
Kyle: So? Great drinks, great entertainment! My friend does lights.
Josie: It’s Monday night, Kyle.
Kyle: Just one drink.
Josie: Okay, but I can’t stay for a show. I have to prep for science lessons tonight.
Kyle: Promise. One drink. Meet me there at 6.
Josie: Ok.
Kyle: Go instill knowledge in young minds.
Josie: See you later.
Josie smiled and put her phone in her purse, packed up her salad container and crackers and walked back to class. She was excited to see him, just hanging out.
“So, ehrm, do you come here often?” Josie laughed and batted her eyelashes at Kyle. The drag queen that had just set down their beers had flirted with both of them and made them both laugh. Josie touched her wrist where she had put on 2 stacking bangles of silver with little rhinestones embedded in them. She liked the clinking they made together. She was wearing a black tank top and a grey knit mini skirt with a pair of black flats. Her hair was loose, pieced in curly chunks that framed her face. She picked up her beer to take a sip and saw Kyle watching her. She smiled at him.
“Darlin, I go where you are,” joked Kyle. And then he looked at her with those eyes and his floppy hair and his face got serious. “You look beautiful tonight.”
Josie saw his eyes change and get darker and looked down at her beer. She could feel her face get hot. She wished for the seven thousandth time that she didn’t show her embarrassment so easily.
“Thank you. And thanks for inviting me out again, Kyle. Friday, well,” she stammered, “It was awful. I mean, you guys were great. But, that I didn’t stay to watch the second show with you was bad. I’m really sorry. It sucked, and I’m just. Sorry.” She was getting tears in her eyes, she was so upset about it, and she was hoping he didn’t notice. What a total mess she was.