Falling for his ANGEL_A Rock Star Romance

by Megan Hetherington

  “Yes I can see that,” she looked at him and blinked. A quizzical look on her face. “How do you know about this?”

  “My grandfather. He has a telescope on the balcony at his flat. When there’s no cloud in the sky, like tonight, we would sit and look through the telescope. He would show me the constellations and tell me the story behind each one.”

  Eliza turned back to look at the sky, so Jonny continued. “Orion was a hunter in Greek mythology. The son of the sea-god Poseidon. He was a supernaturally gifted hunter, but was killed by a scorpion. The scorpion was sent by Mother Earth, because Orion had threatened to hunt and kill every living creature, and she didn’t want that. After his death, he was sent to the skies by Zeus, the sky and thunder god. And so was the scorpion. Which is there. Can you see the upside down question mark?”

  She nodded, “Tell me more, Jonny. What’s that one there?”

  “That’s Polaris, or what is usually called the North Star.”

  “Yes the North Star, I’ve heard of that one. I didn’t know it had another name though.”

  “Come on you two,” called Kurt, “we’re on in five.”

  “Will you tell me more later Jonny?”

  “Of course. We’ve got a lifetime to discover what the world has to show.”

  He sealed his promise with a kiss.

  ***

  The gig was one of the most enjoyable Jonny had played at. Everyone in Christmas spirits, dancing and joining in with the songs. The host even coming up on stage to do a duet with Eliza. His singing wasn’t the best, but the sound engineer masterfully lowered his microphone volume to an acceptable level.

  After their set a DJ took over the music and they stayed to party. Dancing and drinking until the early hours.

  During the last romantic dance of the night, Jonny stood in the middle of the dance floor with Eliza, ensuring he secured the moment in his memory for the rest of his life.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Karma Life hadn't released a new album since Jonny started playing with them. All the new songs Kurt had written and they had laid down in their rented studio three years ago in Amsterdam had been shelved. They continued to tour though, their fans demanded it of them. Anyway they enjoyed touring and they only did what they enjoyed these days.

  The record label had dropped them, but they didn’t seem to care. They had ownership of their songs and they valued the freedom more than the money.

  Kurt played some of the gigs in the Netherlands, but didn’t travel with them abroad. He had also stopped writing, claiming his creativity had been scuppered by insufficient sleep. Having two children under the age of two and recently picking up the running of the farm from his aged father in law was taking its toll. He had more grown up responsibilities, being in a band was left behind with his youth. Resigned to storytelling for his children and grandchildren.

  Karma Life were booked to do Glastonbury again in the summer. Last year was a fallow year but they had been the year before and it was real eye opener for Jonny.

  He thought he had seen it all in San Francisco but the English festival took hippy-ness to a whole different level. It reminded him of pictures he had seen of the “Summer of Love” and thought that was a point in history never to be repeated. A one off culmination of peaceful revolt against the then view on war and the widespread use of experimental drugs.

  The musicians whose mantras brought it all together at music festivals he imagined were long gone. It didn’t seem to be entirely that way though. There was obviously something different about bands seeking commercial success on the radio or on label driven tours compared to their festival performances.

  And then there were the audiences. At a one off gig, ticket holders would wear t-shirts advertising their alliance to the band they were there to see. At Glastonbury it was as if the festival goers still thought it was 1969. Stuck in time. Having taken some mind warping drugs that trapped them in situ. They wore what were probably once brightly coloured handmade robes, now reduced to faded rags. Long hair; beards; no underwear; barefoot.

  It was a look that was appropriate for Glastonbury but wouldn’t transit into any other walk of life Jonny could think of. They would look like tramps in London, he thought.

  For a moment he wondered if Eliza would end up like that, but it only took a brief glance to see that would never be the case. Yes, she was a free spirit, but she made an effort. He then thought about the effort she made and changed his mind, she didn’t make an effort but she didn’t have to. She was naturally beautiful. No tramp. No unkempt hippy.

  Last time they were there Eliza had persuaded him to watch Sinead O’Connor, Ry Cooder and Happy Mondays. Not his usual musical choice but was totally in keeping with the vibe of the festival. A shaven head wasn’t his idea of beautiful but the Irish singer pulled it off. Her voice was pure and full of emotion.

  This year Eliza had The Levellers, PJ Harvey and Lush marked off on their programme. He was happy to go with the flow. It wasn’t Reading or Donnington, where his preferred rock bands played. Karma Life might have once got a gig at one of those heavy rock festivals, but not anymore, they were sidelined and becoming an indie niche band. Glastonbury was perfect for them.

  They also had a new festival booked in Ibiza that year after Glastonbury. Jonny was quite excited by the thought of it. He had heard of the small white party island from some of his mates back home.

  ***

  It was just as he imagined it would be. Party heaven.

  At the Balearic festival, people didn’t wear very much. Similar to every other festival he had been to. It was hot here though. There was a valid reason for them wandering about pretty much butt naked. The bright colours made sense. Tanned bodies always were more attractive. Long hair was never greasy. Salt water and sun bleached looked natural. No hair-sprayed hair sculptures, no heavy make-up that would have just melted away in the sun.

  They didn’t want to go back to Amsterdam or London afterwards and set about finding a place to stay on. Hiring a car, they discovered lots of beaches and beautiful little bays away from the main tourist spots. Small beach shacks offering the most amazing seafood and snacks. Tiny rural villages in the hills with Ibizan farm communities that welcomed them into their traditional tavernas. They would while away many an hour there, sat outside eating tapas and drinking cold beer. Looking over citrus groves and smelling the scent of pine trees. Talking about what a dream life it was there.

  Jonny had found northern Europe quite depressing. It always seemed to be damp and dull when he had been there. He appreciated that it was Eliza’s home, but Amsterdam wasn’t a place he wanted to stay long term. Whilst everyone spoke English very well, he didn’t feel at home, or on holiday. It wasn’t even somewhere in between. Then there was the greyness. If he tried really hard he thought he could remember one day, perhaps just a morning, when there was a pale blue sky and a low sun. That was it though, just the one morning. Eliza tried to make him believe he was just unlucky. It was warm in the summer and there were plenty of days when the sun shone freely. Jonny wasn’t convinced.

  Ibiza though. Now that was a place Jonny could live forever. Everyone was happy. Happy on life in the sun.

  Dirk found a commune on the north of the island. It was run by a Scottish guy who came to Ibiza in the early eighties and never went home. He had an open door to volunteers on the commune with a simple premise - work in exchange for food and shelter. Work consisted of making and selling jewelry and rugs at the hippy markets, fishing and growing crops on the small holding.

  The three of them decided to give it ago, planning to stay until early spring when they had to go back to Amsterdam to re-connect with Kurt.

  ***

  Jonny was now twenty-one and his confidence had grown along with his body. Each morning he ran along the beach before Eliza woke. He had stopped smoking and felt healthy. Like he could achieve anything in life.

  On his runs he would dream about living in one of the white villas dotte
d around the hillsides. From the road side they were like fortresses. High white walls and heavy gates, but from the beach he could see their windows reflecting out to the Mediterranean Sea like lighthouses.

  He persuaded Eliza to let one of the real estate agents show them round one. It was on the north west of the island. Far enough north of the touristy San Antonio bay area. One of the villas he could see on his morning run.

  He had told the estate agent they were in a rock band and were looking to buy a getaway haven on the island. Somewhere private, where over enthusiastic fans and the paparazzi couldn’t interrupt their down time.

  OK so it was mostly true, but they couldn’t afford to rent, let alone buy, one of these paradise homes.

  The gates were electrically operated and the real estate agent opened them with a remote control she brought with her, before driving them into the parking area.

  The entrance was discreet. A solid wooden door with a metal grill at eye height. She entered a six-digit code on the panel next to the door and pushed on it, revealing an instant view to the sea through the open plan living and outside terrace area.

  “Wow!” Jonny gasped, his eyes like saucers. He looked at Eliza whose mouth was wide open.

  They flicked off their flip flops to feel the cool marble tiled floor and walked towards the enticing view. The agent running to catch up with them and unlock the sliding patio doors before they ploughed straight through them.

  Out on the terrace an infinity pool was nestled between them and the view. Bright pink flowers on a bougainvillea bush screened both sides of the garden and perfumed the air. The sun glistened outrageously on the sea below.

  “The sunset is amazing from here,” the agent informed them.

  Jonny and Eliza just looked at each other and gulped in unison. Jonny pulled her to one side of the terrace, away from the agent. “What do we need to do to get this place?”

  A look flickered across her face that Jonny didn’t like. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” She walked back towards the front door. “Let’s not waste anymore of this lady’s time.”

  “But we’ve not seen the other rooms…” Jonny trailed off, in response to Eliza heading out of the dream.

  “Sorry,” he turned to the agent, “something’s come up. We need to leave.”

  ***

  They had taken a boat around to a cove only accessible by sea. Eliza had packed a picnic of bread, goats cheese, tomatoes, fruit and beer. They found some rocks to push the boat behind making sure the beer was in the shade. Eliza laid out one of the hand woven rugs made in the commune onto the white sand. It was a cloud free sky and the sun was searing hot. She slipped out of her loose dress, not wearing anything underneath and walked straight into the sea.

  “Come on Jonny,” she beckoned to him, “it’s gorgeous in here.”

  She floated on her back, breasts and face bobbing up and down in the gentle lapping of the sparkling blue water. Hair suspended in the water around her. She looked like a mermaid, another mythical beauty, thought Jonny as he squinted through the harsh sunlight at her.

  He looked around carefully for any onlookers and then dropped his shorts and ran in after her. He dove under the water and emerged at her side, shaking his overlong hair from out of his eyes.

  It had become almost a daily ritual. As much as they liked the commune there was never any privacy, even the bunk rooms were communal. To get away from everyone was a necessity if they wanted to stay any length of time there.

  Bliss! he thought it was perfect, just the two of them. They could be marooned on a desert island right now.

  Sometimes, like today, a yacht would moor up in the shelter of the cove. The guests onboard diving in to the sea and then climbing back aboard before sailing off. They never got close to the shore and Jonny eventually stopped worrying about whether they saw them or not. Eliza was never bothered in the slightest.

  Laying on the rug they let the sun’s rays evaporate the salt water on their bodies, falling asleep lazily wrapped in each other.

  ***

  Dirk was getting it on with a German girl, Greta. She was already at the commune before they all decided to stay. Coming straight from a kibbutz in Israel she was even more of a hippy than Eliza. Only leaving the kibbutz when she broke up with her long term partner, one of the founders.

  Recently she had become obsessed with Buddhism and in amongst her many after dinner stories she spoke of what she had learnt. Eliza seemed fascinated. Dirk bored and Jonny indifferent.

  That evening, Greta, brought some aloe leaves to Eliza and Jonny. “Thought you two could use some of this today.” She broke a piece off and scooped out the inner green gel into Eliza’s hands who proceeded to massage it into Jonny’s back. The cooling affect made him involuntarily groan out loud with pleasure. Eliza slapped him on the reddest part in response to bring him back to reality.

  “Ouch. What was that for?”

  “I think you forgot where you are.”

  “Yeah. You’re right. We’re in someone else’s dream home.”

  “Don’t be sarcastic.”

  “Well…”

  He hadn’t forgiven her for leaving without explanation from the villa, and the communal living was really getting to him. Even their escape to their bay hadn't made up for that.

  Greta started preparing the salad vegetables for dinner. Eliza turned her back on Jonny and joined in.

  “So are you planning on staying here for long, Greta?”

  “No, I’m already making plans. Thinking about heading to the Far East.”

  “Really? Anywhere in particular?”

  “Tibet. There’s a Buddhist monastery I want to check out.”

  Jonny let out a snort. Eliza turned to him and glared.

  “Can you just visit, or do you have to book or something?” Eliza enquired.

  “No you can’t book. You just have to make your way there. It’s quite an adventure by all accounts. A friend of mine, at the kibbutz, has been. There’s quite a lot of back packers who trek in that region. You have to know what you’re doing though as it can be quite hairy in parts. Definitely one to aim for after the winter months.”

  “So you’re going on your own?”

  “Not sure yet. I’ve been speaking to a couple of the monks at the Buddhist centre in town. They might want to go too. But if not, then yes I probably will go on my own. I can meet up with some other travellers along the way.”

  “So how long would you be there for?”

  “Could be forever. It depends on what I feel like when, or if, I get there. Might not be for me.”

  “I’m gonna find out what Dirk’s up to.” Jonny retreated from the discussion before he said something that would really offend.

  He found Dirk who was sorting out some fishing gear for a trip out to sea the following day.

  “Is there room on the boat for me tomorrow?” Jonny asked.

  “Sure. We’ll be gone most of the day though. Are you sure you can be away from Eliza that long?” he jested.

  Jonny ignored him and started untangling and winding up the line Dirk handed to him. “So how are you and Greta getting on?”

  “Yeah ok. She’s not my usual type to be honest and I’m missing playing the field, but she won’t be here for much longer. She’s on about going to Tibet.”

  “Yeah she’s telling Eliza about that now.”

  “Oh? When’s she going? Did she say?”

  “Not for a few weeks. Weather needs to be a bit warmer when she gets there apparently.”

  “Oh that’s a shame. There’s this nice waitress who’s started at O’Learys in town. Petite with huge knockers! Sure she’s been giving me the come on.” Outlining the shape of her figure with his hands he winked at Jonny.

  “Well you’ll just have to have that ‘we’re in an open relationship’ conversation with Greta in that case.”

  “So how does that go then Jonny? Is it a conversation you and Eliza have had?”

&nbs
p; “No! Why do ya say that?”

  Dirk stepped back and put his hands up. “Erh. Nothing man! No need to get all uptight about it.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing. Let’s just leave it.”

  Jonny couldn’t leave it though. His mind was in overdrive and he started wondering whether Eliza was playing the field, or if Dirk’s relationship with her was truly platonic like he’d always assumed.

  “So have you and Eliza ever had a thing going?”

  “No, and don’t even go there man. If you even insinuate something like that to Eliza, she’ll be off in an instant.” Dirk snapped his fingers at Jonny. “Any hint of jealousy or control and she’ll be gone.”

  Jonny just nodded. "Yeah sorry man. I'm just a bit het up today. Too much sun probably."

  Sure he had been insecure about his relationship with Eliza. That was understandable, she was six years older than him and even though his life experience was growing at a rapid rate she had a head start in that respect. He was sure even now he hadn’t done half the things she had at his age. Even so, he wasn’t jealous and never wanted to control her. All he wanted was for her to love him as much as he loved her.

  ***

  Jonny left for his fishing trip with Dirk before it was light. They had stocked up the boat the night before with the fishing tackle, beer and food.

  The onboard engine took them out into the Balearic sea. When they were far enough out to barely make out the white island they called their temporary home, Dirk cut out the engine. He plopped the anchor over the side and they sat for a minute respectful in the serenity of the beautiful sun rise.

  Dirk then busied himself preparing the rods and Jonny picked through the bait choosing the best to hook on to the end of the lines, before each of them cast one out over the back of the boat.

  Reaching into the ice box, Dirk offered Jonny one of the beers.

  Jonny lifted his eyebrows. “Isn’t it a bit early for beer?”

  “Well it’s all we’ve got. So unless you want to make yourself sick drinking sea water?”