California, 1986
Caitlyn smiled; her best friend Maisy was singing along to You Give Love A Bad Name at the top of her lungs as they drove down the long road, enjoying each other’s company and away from the daily stress of doing a degree. Not to be outdone, Caitlyn equally sang at the top of her lungs, until it became a duet, forgetting about it being aurally pleasing to passers – by. In what seemed a short time, the song had finished and they were once again enjoying the exquisite view that California had to offer; they were relaxed, money, or lack thereof, didn’t play on their minds. Through the haze of blue and green of the luscious grass and crops of the fields, the haze of blue of the mid-morning sky, they could see a stop where they could grab some more food for the journey throughout that day.
Maisy moved some of her luscious, blonde hair out of her face, which cascaded down her back in loose curls and smiled softly at her friend as they made their way through the valley. The exquisite beauty was something unreal; that the young women spoke not a word during and just looked about them at nature. Transient, as it appeared, they had come to a small town. Looking around, Caitlyn had found a shop where they could buy all of the necessary items, including music magazines if one of them became bored and could swoon over the hotness of Bon Jovi, Poison, Mötley Crüe and other glam metal bands. “You can go in, I’ve drove here, so it’s your turn, Maisy” Caitlyn told her, switching the engine off as Maisy got out, and strolled into the small store.
~~~~~
After choosing from a vivid selection, Maisy had most of the items of which she desired, apart from the drink; Caitlyn came in, a look of impatience etched upon her youthful features and in her pale green eyes. “We done yet?” Caitlyn asked, as she was handed the food, drink and magazines, then went to go pay. “I’ll get the Jack!” Maisy said as she walked briskly to the alcohol aisle. Wines, whisky, beer, along with other forms of drink filled her senses and made her hungry for it.
She spotted the drink of her affection, and ran towards it; in a sudden rush. Suddenly, she felt herself crash into hard man and felt the floor come closer towards her. Opening her eyes, she saw a pair of dark eyes staring back at her, that were becoming stormy by the second; she felt her cheeks begin to blush and picked her 5’11 body off this somewhat angry, yet familiar man. She felt her blood run cold. “Shit!” she mumbled under her breath as she recognised him; the dark hair, brown eyes and the height of him. She heard an express of pain from this man and instantly felt guilty. She walked over to him and held out her hand to help him up. Her eyes were full of worry and guilt – he grabbed her hand with a soft grip as she helped him up.
“What the hell-“ Richie said, a hint of anger in his tone as Maisy felt her body become hot, and wanted to cry and run away as the guilt was eating her up. “Sorry, I-I was in a rush” Maisy stuttered, feeling a tear run down her cheek. She went to push past him, wanting the ground to swallow her whole, until she felt a hand grab her arm gently and felt herself being pulled towards him. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I hope you’re alright. Caitlyn will want to know where my clumsy ass has got to.” Maisy spoke, in a rapid and panicked tone as Richie looked down at her, a sincere look on his face.
“I’m fine, darling - you, however, look a bit shook up.” Richie replied, then held his arms out for a hug to comfort the shaken Maisy. She sighed. She wrapped her arms around him, and he gently wrapped his around her, she placed her head on his warm chest and finally calmed down. How could she get comfort from her music crush? Surely he wouldn’t be as kind to a bitchy, selfish fan such as I? Would he? She thought to herself as she forgot the world around her.
Caitlyn sighed. Why was she taking so long?
