Wilde Horses
Billy reached for the broken knob on the radio, and twisted it clockwise. The words to this song always fascinated him: 'I keep your picture, upon my wall. It hides a nasty stain, just lying there'. The bass kicked in from the van's naked speakers, and added to his enjoyment of the song. He quietly sang along.
"...I'm not in love, it's just a silly phase I'm going through..."
Today was to be a perfect summer day, at least according to the radio. Billy's thoughts wandered as two sparrows chased one another around the parking lot. The larger of the two managed to steal a twig away from the smaller. So that’s what’s known as a pecking order, he mused. Never mind - soon I’ll have a stick of my own! Zack was going to make them Rich. And famous.
What a great friend to have on your side - he was sharp, confident and seemed to know about everything. Although they were the same age, Billy looked up to Zack like an older brother; he could do no wrong. Zack was also very popular with the girls, and always seemed to have some story about a recent conquest. This gave Billy hope. He didn't want so much to be able to brag, but he kind of liked the idea of having a girlfriend. Maybe some of Zack's mysterious abilities would rub off on him one day.
"10 CC? Why'ya listening to that shit?" Zack hopped up into the drivers seat, and placed a bag of chips, pop and candy bars on the arm rest. "Here - breakfast."
Billy snapped out of his trance. "What d'ya want to hear?"
"Put on that Paul MaCartney 8-track." Zack ordered, and jerked the van into gear. "I think it's in that box behind you."
Billy searched through a grimy cardboard box full of the brightly coloured tapes. "Hey, I thought you said he wasn't cool?"
"'Band On The Run' is okay. Anyway, you wouldn't know cool if it jumped up and bit you on the ass!" They both laughed. Zack was just full of amusing little sayings.
The metal deck pulled the tape in with a heavy clank, and there was a pause. The music started, and they both tapped along in what marginally passed for a sense of rhythm. Neither one spoke for the next five minutes while they shared the junk food between them.
"It's okay with your uncle?" Billy spoke up, "I mean, we can take over a corner for the business, and we won't get in the way?"
"No problem-o, man" replied Zack, "he's cool - trust me! And besides, it'll make the garage look busy."
"What about the airbrush?" Billy asked. "Did you get a good price on it?"
Zack hesitated. "...That may have to wait for awhile. But you're such a great artist - you can use regular brushes for the first little while."
Billy looked doubtful. "I don't know. I've never painted the side of a van that way."
Looking for a distraction, Zack suddenly asked: "Did you bring your designs? They'd be good to impress the guys at the garage. That 'Lord of the Rings' drawing is going to be killer on a black van!"
Billy's enthusiasm picked up, and he sifted through a vinyl portfolio. "Here's the one with the 'Ring Wrath's', I just finished last night."
Zack didn't look.
"Are you sure we're going to get enough vans in?" Billy was feeling insecure now.
"Jesus, son - relax, and let me take care of the business end. I've got great connections, you know I do. Even if we paint only one a day, that's $500 times six days. For you math geniuses, that's three grand, or $1,500 each per week. We'll be rich in no time!"
Billy took a week to paint the side of Zack's van, but he pushed this concern to the back of his mind. It was fun to dream about the possibility of making more money than anyone he knew. And Zack had a way of making everything sound so good.
"Really? Fifteen hundred per week?" The words rolled off Billy's tongue, making him feel like a big shot. "Fifteen hundred smack-a-roos! Shit, I'll be able to buy that Chevy Nova in no time"
"Four barrel, three hundred and fifty horses and an over-head cam!" Zack built on Billy's excitement. "The chick’s will be diggin' us for sure man. You'll be doing almost as well as me soon!"
"I’m on my way!”
The street light turned red, and Zack pulled to a rather rough stop. The engine sputtered and died. After much cursing, and petal pumping, it started up again. The light turned green, and the conversation continued.
"You wouldn't believe the babe I was with last night!" Zack had obviously forgotten that he was with Billy the night before, but minor details like that only spoiled the story, so Billy said nothing.
"She was hot, man. And her father is loaded! I may have to go out with her again."
The two boys slapped their hands together in the mandatory ‘high five’ fashion. Zack was about to go into more detail, but he spotted an attractive young woman hitch-hiking at the side of the road. She was wearing tattered old cut-off jeans and a bright orange halter top, but no shoes. Her long blonde hair was bathed in the early morning light. Zack naturally steered over to pick her up. The van hesitated, but didn't stall. Billy struggled with the door's old hinges, and stepped out of the van. He smiled shyly at her. She smiled back briefly, but seemed more interested in the side of the van.
"Hi!" was all Billy could manage.
"Hi - where you guys goin'?"
Zack stepped in to rescue Billy. "We're headed up to the west end, but I can take you anywhere your little heart desires!"
She hid a smirk. "Thanks, I'm going to the James Taylor concert tonight; but I'm just hanging around for now."
"You can hang with us!" Billy's awkward enthusiasm made her smile.
"I'm Becky." she said, climbing into the van behind the two swivel seats. She noticed a wooden crate covered with plush brown carpet; it appeared to be a seat. The same worn carpet covered the walls and floor. Two scratched bubble windows cast a pale blue light over the cluttered interior. A spare tire balanced precariously against a stack of empty beer cases, and a 'Playboy' magazine lay in tatters on the floor. The heat was oppressive.
"Can I sit back here?" she picked up the magazine carefully, and placed it out of sight.
"You can sit anywhere you want, honey." replied Zack. He winked over at Billy.
Becky ignored the comment. Zack quickly glanced back through the rear-view mirror. "I'm Zack, and that's Billy."
Becky smiled. “I really dig the painting on your van. Who's work is it?"
"It’s mine." said Billy quickly. "I designed it and painted it, and now Zack and I... we're going to go into business doin' people's vans. I got loads of ideas, and we're using his uncle's garage, and it's going to make us rich..."
"Hey, slow down, Billy - I'm not going anywhere!"
"He is excitable," offered Zack, "but he's one hell of a good artist! Billy, show her the drawings you've done."
Eager to please, Billy handed over his portfolio to Becky. She deliberately took the time to view each picture carefully. Billy squirmed in his seat; he was a volatile mixture of embarrassment and excitement. After all, an attractive girl was looking through his artwork.
"These are very nice. You're quite talented...what's this one here?" She held up a small black & white drawing with little gnome-like figures.
"Oh, that. I'm working on a fantasy world, just like 'Lord of the Rings'. The little guys are Brohmars, and they communicate with the horses."
"Wild horses?"
"Sure. Why not?"
"Hmmm. Interesting - and you're going to paint this on the side of someone's van?"
"It's an ideal business opportunity." Zack didn't like to be left out of any conversation, "With my connections and expertise, this young man will be very famous one day."
Becky looked over at Zack's eyes in the rear-view mirror. "Really? Well, I guess he's very lucky, then."
Zack frowned at the touch of sarcasm in her voice, but continued on. "Yes, you're lookin' at two successful entrepreneurs. Once word gets out, we'll have to get other artists, just to keep up. I estimate 2 units a day, once we maximize throughput."
Billy's enthusiasm got the better of him once more. "Once I establish my work commercially, I'm going to look into getting a gallery to represent me. Not that I'll need money by then, but it would be more stable to have critical acclaim."
Becky smiled in Zack's direction briefly. "It seems like you've got it all worked out, Billy. But just remember - an artist's work should come before all else. Once you sell out, you don't have anything to fall back on."
Zack laughed, and seeing this, so did Billy.
"What are you going to call yourselves?" Becky ignored Zack's reaction.
"How 'bout 'Z and B Van Painting'?" said Zack.
"I like 'Wild Horses'," offered Becky, "It's much more creative."
"That's so lame." Zack shot back. But Billy was busy sketching something, and Becky watched intently, so the conversation stopped for a few minutes. When he was finished, Billy held up his pad. There was a horse jumping through large, solid-looking letters.
"What d'ya guys think?"
"I love it," said Becky, "but there's no 'E' on the end of wild."
Zack laughed.
"Oh...but it still looks kind of cool!" Billy said defensively.
"Don't worry, Billy...words are meant only for the expression of ideas. How they accomplish that is up to the people using them." Becky spoke in a soothing tone. "That's a great name for a company. In fact, I think it's sexy."
"Ya, just like the Rolling Stones song!" Zack had apparently changed his mind rather quickly. “Wild Horses!”
Becky smiled.
As the van lurched around a corner, the engine coughed and died. Becky fell forward and landed on the floor between the two front seats. Zack grabbed her arm firmly and helped her up. "Sorry, I have to get the engine tuned one of these days."
Zack and Becky met eye to eye for the first time, and there was a brief pause. Becky smiled. "That's okay, just as long as I have a big strong man like you to catch me."
The tone was sarcastic, but Billy thought they held their gaze just a bit too long. He broke the spell. "You can sit up here, if you like. It might be a little safer!"
"I think it's safer back here, away from Zack." Becky dusted herself off. "So...where are we headed, boys?"
"We're going to check out his uncle's garage," Billy motioned towards Zack, "That's where we're going to paint all these vans..."
"...You mean where you're going to paint..." interrupted Becky.
"We're equal partners, " explained Zack, "I take care of the business end."
Becky smiled. "Say, could you two be sweethearts and take me to the mall for a bit? I really do need to get a pair of shoes for tonight." She wiggled a set of slightly dirty toes for emphasis. Only Billy noticed the gesture.
"I like your toes...I mean, well - the toe nails being painted two colours like that..."
"Why, Billy - I do believe you're trying to complement me!"
Billy turned bright red, and looked away. Becky reached forward and messed up his hair. "Why don't you grow your hair long like Zack's? I bet the girls wouldn't be able to leave you alone."
By this time Billy looked like he might spontaneously combust, so Becky left him alone for awhile.
"What about you, Zack?"
"Huh?"
"Do the girls all chase after you?"
"I do all right." Zack puffed his chest out. "I haven't had any complaints!"
"Anybody special?"
"Nope. I'm not gettin' tied down to just one chick; I've got too much livin' to do."
"Too bad."
Becky's last comment ended the conversation, but left the subject dangling. Zack winked over at Billy, and they exchanged smiles. Becky pretended not to notice.
The mall's parking lot was half empty, and they managed to get a good spot. As Zack turned the key off, the van sputtered twice, and stopped.
"I can fix that." Zack was talking to himself.
Becky jumped out. "Coming, boys?"
Billy and Zack followed her across the parking lot, but hung back to talk. They watched her walk, neither one taking their eyes off her faded old blue jean shorts.
"What I couldn't do with THAT!" whispered Zack.
"She is really nice" said Billy. "I'd love to get to know her."
"Naw - too mouthy."
"You wouldn't ask her out?" Billy sounded somewhat hopeful.
"Not my type...but she's sweet on you, Billy-boy. If you play your cards right, you could take her home tonight." He grabbed Billy in a headlock, laughed, and then let him go.
Billy smiled broadly. They entered the mall and were greeted by cold air. It was invigorating first thing in the morning, especially in contrast to the intense heat of mid-July.
“Hey, guys - in here” Becky turned around and waved. She headed into the nearest shoe store, and they followed her in. Picking up a pair of dark blue shoes, Becky walked up to Billy.
“What do you think of these new ‘Roots’ shoes?” she stood quite close to him. “The toe is higher than the heel - see? It’s supposed to be better for your circulation, or something. I don’t know about that, but don’t you think they’re sexy?”
Billy was blushing again, and Zack gave him a little nudge.
“They’re real nice,” agreed Billy, “I think you should get them.”
As Becky went to pay for the shoes, Billy noticed that she used a university student card for a discount.
“You go to university?”
“Actually, I’ve almost finished my degree in science, but I think I’m going to take some time off. I may even switch majors again, but my Dad is getting pissed off. He likes to say that I don’t apply myself.”
“Apply yourself?” interrupted Zack, “That sounds like you’re a rust undercoat, or something!”
Billy and Becky turned and laughed. “Hey, that’s actually quite funny, Zack,” said Becky, “Not only are you tall and handsome, but you’ve also got a sense of humour.”
Billy wasn’t quite sure, but he hoped that there was a sarcastic tone in her voice. He decided to change the subject. “I’m thinking about going to university in the fall. But if we’re making too much money with the business, I guess I won’t.”
“University is for suckers.” said Zack, “If you want to make money, you have to start working right away. Who needs to waste four years of your life reading books?”
They all stopped while Becky put on her new shoes. She didn’t look up as she spoke. “Trust me, Zack - money isn’t everything.”
Billy opened the van’s door for Becky. “Are you sure you don’t want to sit up front? It’s much more comfortable.”
“No, Billy - my life’s become altogether too comfortable lately.” The comment fell on deaf ears. Becky climbed into the back. “Where to now, boys?”
“We’re going to my uncle’s garage.” said Zack. “It’s business, so I hope you won’t get bored.”
Billy looked back at Becky, expecting a harsh response. He didn’t know why, but he had a feeling that she would take exception to the last comment. Instead, she smiled sweetly, and said:
“Oh, that’s okay. I’ll fix my hair or do my nails or something.” She smiled at Billy, and the van lurched it’s way out of the parking lot. He smiled back for awhile, but the conversation obviously wasn’t going anywhere. Instead, he turned around and switched on the radio. Billy quietly hummed along with the song:
“Oh-ohh, dream weaver, I believe you can get me through the night...”
When they reached the garage, Zack pulled the van to a stop at the back of the building. He switched off the music, and turned to Billy. “Better let me go talk to him first. Sometimes he’s quite busy.” The door resisted for a moment, then closed noisily. There was silence, save for the odd click as the Chevy's old engine cooled. Becky spoke first:
“How long have you known Zack?”
“Since we were kids. He’s always been my best friend.”
“So I see.”
“Yup, and one day we’re going to be rich and famous. Zack always has new ideas on how to make it big.”
“He’s a regular D. B. Cooper, then!” Becky laughed.
“Who?”
“You know, the guy who took all that money and jumped out the back of the jet-liner. Only D. B.. Cooper had a parachute...I’m not sure that Zack does.”
Billy stopped and thought about the last comment. He couldn’t figure out whether she liked Zack or not. He was hoping she didn’t, but at the same time he felt a loyalty to his best friend. “Zack’s a real cool guy! All the girl’s really like him.”
“I can sort of see that...”
Zack opened the door again. “Umm...it’s not a good day. Maybe later in the week.”
Billy couldn’t hide his disappointment. “But I thought it was all set. I was ready to start painting today!”
The tension was heavy in the air, and to make matters worse, the van wouldn’t start.
“God-damn it!” Zack shouted. “I have to fix this piece of shit.”
While he struggled with the ignition, Billy stared out the window in silence. He couldn’t hide his disappointment. A few moments ago, he was on top of the world. Now his dreams of being an artist - a rich, successful artist - had vanished.
“Does he like the idea, anyway?” Billy was desperate for something to cling to.
Zack didn’t answer. Starting the engine consumed every last drop of his concentration.
“I know.” Becky perked up. “Let’s go swimming this afternoon!”
There was silence. Then the van’s engine finally kicked over. The eight cylinders jumped into action, but seemed to disagree over their firing order. After a few loud bangs, a steady rhythm was established.
“Where?” asked Zack. The sound of the engine had picked up his spirits.
“The river, where else?”
“But we don’t have bathing suits.” Billy was the practical one.
“So what?” said Becky, with a great big grin.
Zack also smiled, but let the opportunity for funny comment slip away. He was quiet and lost in his own thoughts. Billy had learned to leave him alone when he got this way, but Becky was fascinated by his sudden change in mood.
“How long has your uncle had this garage?”
“Since my dad left...” Zack didn’t finish.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” Becky felt a bit embarrassed.
“No, it’s okay. My uncle’s been running the business, and taking care of my Mom and me for a few years now.”
Billy had a confused look on his face. “I thought you said your Dad died...”
“Well maybe he did. I don’t know.” Zack really didn’t look like he wanted to discuss the subject any longer. “Hey - let’s go get a two-four of Golden!”
“Good idea,” said Billy, “I wouldn’t mind a good beer buzz right about now.”
The clouds occasionally drifted in front of the sun, but preferred to keep their distance. A gentle breeze rippled the surface of the dark, slow moving river. Billy was only on his third beer, but was already feeling distant and relaxed. His disappointment over the morning’s events faded with each stubby brown bottle. Water ran down from his hair and into his eyes as he took another drink. He closed them, and concentrated on the warmth of the hot afternoon sun. He felt a little silly standing there in soaking wet underwear, but nobody else seemed to care, so why should he?
“Hey, Zack!” The alcohol had boosted his self-confidence. “I bet I can chug a beer faster than you can.” Billy looked around. There was nobody there. “...I’m the Six Million Dollar Man - I can do anything...”
His voice trailed off as he dove head first into the water. There was an immediate cooling sensation that warmed up as he drifted blindly through the water. He didn’t kick, or even move his arms; he just let the forward momentum carry him along. A deadly torpedo, that was him; an emotionless weapon headed for God knows what unsuspecting victim.
Billy’s face plowed into a sand bar, and the fantasy came to a rather painful end. He stood up in the waist deep water, laughing to himself. He looked around once more for his companions. They would get a kick out of this, he thought.
And there they were: Zack and Becky, just around the bend. He was kissing her, and she was quite definitely kissing him back. Billy swam back to where their clothes lay on the shore. He lay down and stared at the clouds.
“Zack and Becky.” he said aloud. Then to himself: “she’s way too good for me, anyway.” The last thought gave him some consolation, and he felt better. Relieved, really - it was awful stressful trying to prove yourself. Losing seemed so much easier.
Minutes later the other two appeared around the corner.
“Hey, buddy!” grinned Zack, “Are there any Molsons’ left for us?”
“Sure, I guess.” Billy motioned toward the open case under the van.
Becky sat down beside Billy and gave him a great big hug. Despite his recent disappointment, Billy found himself grinning. Zack sat on Billy’s other side, and the three sat quietly staring at the water and occasionally drinking from their bottles of beer.
“Anyone know any songs?” asked Becky.
“What, like campfire songs?” Zack snickered.
There was an awkward pause, then Billy spoke up. “Guys don’t really do that. It’s not cool.”
“I think you’re a little too smart to be cool, Billy.” Becky looked in Zack’s direction as she spoke. “You can do so much better than ‘cool’.”
The two boys laughed, but Billy was visibly touched. He liked it she took more of an interest in him.
Suddenly, Becky began to sing. She had a clear and powerful voice. At first Billy thought it might be a joke, but the sheer confidence of her singing put chills up and down his spine. Puzzled, he looked over at Zack, expecting some smart comment or re-action. But instead, he found his friend just as dumb-founded. They exchanged a big smile.
Becky continued:
Let her cry, for she’s a lady; let her dream, for she’s a child.
Let the rain fall down around her - she’s a free and gentle flower, growing wild.
As she finished, Becky turned and smiled shyly.
“Wow - you can really sing!” exclaimed Billy.
“Incredible!” agreed Zack.
“Thanks.” Becky looked down in embarrassment. “That’s my favorite song: ‘Wildflower’. I usually sing with my guitar, though.”
“That’s so cool...” Billy was at a loss for words.
Zack wasn’t. “Listen, if you need a manager, I could make you so famous. I know this guy who used to work for a record company. Give me a year, and we will both be rich.”
Becky’s eyes met Billy’s. A little grin said it all.
“What? What’s so funny? You don’t think I know the record business?”
Becky handed Zack another beer, and started to laugh. Billy joined in immediately. For a moment Zack looked puzzled and the tiniest bit irritated. Then he took a sip from the beer, and laughed himself.
Billy and Zack sat in the van facing the concert hall across the street. A huge sign hung above the patient line of ticket holders. It read: “James Taylor, 2 Nites”. Blue jean material and long, scraggly hair dominated the crowd. The sun passed behind the town's skyline, and the lit ends of cigarettes danced in the fading light.
“How much longer?” Zack was more or less talking to himself.
Billy’s thoughts were elsewhere. “Huh?”
“She’s been gone an hour, if she hasn’t found a scalper by now, there’s no hope!”
“I’m sure she knows what she’s doing.” Billy was depressed. The effects of the beer had worn off, and the events of the day were beginning to catch up to him. Zack’s promises of a prosperous business seemed remote, and Billy was beginning to lose faith. On top of all this, the image of Zack and Becky in the river weighed on his mind.
“Do you like her?” It was a loaded question, and Zack could see were this was going.
“Naw - she’s not my type, buddy.”
“I saw you kiss her...”
“It didn’t mean anything...”
“Then if it didn’t mean anything, why’d ya do it?” Billy knew he was being unreasonable.
Silence.
“Listen - some girls are complicated. I don’t think she likes me at all. In fact...she thinks I’m full of shit...”
“You are, you know.” Billy was feeling brave. “You are full of shit.”
Zack laughed, and grabbed Billy in a headlock. With surprising ease, Billy slipped out of the hold and glared.
“You two fighting over me?” Becky stood by the passenger-side window.
Billy turned towards her. “Naw, we were just playing around.”
But Billy looked angry, and Zack looked hurt. Becky dropped the subject. She climbed into the back of the van, sat on the make-shift seat, and poked her head forward between the two boys. She smiled first at Zack, then at Billy. There was no reaction from either.
“Couldn’t get any tickets, guys.” she paused. “So I guess you’re stuck with me for the rest of the evening!”
This last bit of news broke the tension between the two combatants. Zack started the van, and gave Billy a smile. They exchanged punches on each other’s arms before the van creaked into gear.
“James Taylor’s a fag, anyway.” said Zack.
"No, he isn't!" Becky jumped to his defense.
"Sure he is." Zack grinned.
“Then why’d he marry Carly Simon?”
“Cause she’s really a guy in drag!” Billy laughed, relieved that he and Zack were friends again.
The boys giggled as she smacked them both on the back of their heads.
“Ass-holes.”
“Look,” Becky’s excited voice cut through the radio's thumping volume. “there’s a all-night special at the drive-in tonight. Lets see... ‘American Graffiti’... ‘Enter the Dragon’... and a few horror movies. Lets go, we have to!”
“Cool”, said Billy straining after the sign. “Zack, turn around so we can see which drive-in.”
“I know which one,” Zack kept driving. “I go there all the time.”
“I’ll bet you do!” laughed Becky. “It’s a wonder you don’t have a sleeping bag or two back here.”
Billy was going to show her where they were kept, but thought better of it. He was trying to think of something clever to say when he felt Becky’s chin on his shoulder. She whispered loudly:
“Ever take a girl to the drive-in, Billy?”
Billy turned red as Zack laughed. “Maybe I have...and maybe I haven’t”
“You’re just a little too innocent for your own good. I think you must be hiding something.” Becky teased. “...maybe you just want everybody to think you’re a nice guy!”
“No, he really is a nice guy,” added Zack, “...and he says he would really like to get to know you!”
Billy was horrified. He froze as Becky’s grin turned away from Zack and fixed on his ever-reddening face. He couldn’t believe that Zack could do this to him. He smiled bravely at Becky, but inside he was terrified. What would she say?
“Why, Billy! That’s so sweet.” Her smile looked sincere, and Billy felt a little better. “I’d like to get to know you better, too.”
Billy knew that this would be an ideal time to say something extremely clever and charming. If they were in a movie, he would share his sophisticated wit, and she would fall into his waiting arms. But Billy wasn’t in the movies.
“Billy, meet Becky...Becky, meet Billy.” Zack came to the rescue once more.
Becky reached her hand out towards Billy. The thought of gently kissing the back of her hand briefly entered his mind. Instead, he thrust out his own hand and gave a firm handshake. His eyes dared to catch hers, and Billy noticed a warm and admiring look. Yes, he definitely wanted to know her better.
‘American Graffiti’ was quite a good movie, they all agreed on that. In fact, the drive-in seemed an ideal place to watch it. The marshal arts films provided some action and a few laughs, but now they were definitely into the ‘B’ movies. Billy had closed his eyes, and was only vaguely aware of the conversation within the van. The tone seemed serious, so he made an attempt to follow.
“I could never afford to go to University, anyways...” Zack said defensively.
“Anyway.” corrected Becky.
“Huh?”
“Never mind - go on.”
“...my Dad never went, so why should I?”
“When was the last time you saw your father?”
“I was 7 or 8 years old. He never even send me birthday presents. My Mom would say that they were from him, but how did he know that I really wanted a Meccano set?”
“Do you miss him?”
“Naw - not no more...not any more,”
Becky grinned at his correction. “My Father cares a little too much for me. He wants everything to be just so in my life. He tells me what I should want. But he just doesn’t understand. Take, for instance, my music. I think I’m pretty good, but he says it’s frivolous. Frivolous! And besides, what’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing at all. You have a special talent, and so does Billy. Me, I have nothing, really. Nothing but myself to depend on...”
“But, Zack - you’re an intelligent guy. You shouldn't have to worry.”
“I don’t know...maybe. All I know is that my life seems...broken.”
“Well, if it’s broken, why don’t you just fix it?”
“Fix it?”
“Yes - fix it. That’s what you do when something’s broken!”
Zack looked at her. He smiled, but couldn’t think of a response. They lapsed into an awkward silence for a few minutes before Becky started up the conversation again:
“I guess we all have our own private struggles in life. I would like to do nothing more than write songs, and perform them for people. But my family is very demanding. We’re supposed to make something of ourselves. My older brother is a doctor, so how can I end up as a musician?”
“A musician’s not so bad.” said Zack.
“To my Dad it is. I got this offer to perform in a small piano bar in September. The money’s not great, but big-wigs in the music biz hang out there. It would be so cool....but my Dad says no.”
“No? You don’t have any say?”
“You have to understand how my family works. It’s so much easier to just do what’s expected of you.”
“Know what I think? I think you should just say the hell with it, and take this job. Father or no father, it’s your life. You should be free.”
“Just like the horses in Billy’s art?” Becky was teasing him now.
“Maybe we’ll put you on the side of a van!” Zack shot back.
Billy was wide awake now, but didn’t want to look like he was eves-dropping. He stretched and yawned loudly.
“What’s happening? The movie over yet?”
“You slept through ‘Revenge of the Swamp Thing’.” said Becky. “I believe that ‘Hitch-Hiker Horror’ is next.”
“Well at least I’m not going to miss the feature film.” Billy yawned.
“Stop that, you’re making me tired.” said Zack with a stifled yawn of his own. “Look, it’s 4:00 a.m., and the sun will be up in a few hours. Let’s just keep going.”
“I’m wide awake.” said Becky.
“I think I have my second wind.” Billy straightened in his chair.
With the lofty goal of staying up all night, the trio felt inspired. They got as comfortable as possible, and concentrated on the final movie. It was the worst movie they had ever seen. Predictable and full of clichés, ‘Hitch Hiker Horror’ had no redeeming qualities at all. None-the-less, the heavy-handed moments of suspense achieved their desired effect. Becky screamed and the boys laughed the way boys do when girls scream at horror movies. Three people couldn’t have enjoyed a movie more.
The sun was peeking over the edge of the drive-in’s back wall as the movie finished. Only 5 cars were left, and there was a sense of loneliness. A sense that they had over-stayed their welcome at a party, and everyone else had gone home. But a feeling of optimism also filtered in with the early morning rays of the sun. Billy turned and smiled at Becky.
“I had a great idea for a painting; it came to me when I was falling asleep.” he said. “It involves wild flowers with all kinds of mysterious creatures living under the leaves. Maybe even traditional fairies and gnomes.”
“I’d love to see it when you’re finished...” said Becky. “...is it going to be on the side of somebody's van?”
“No...I’m going to do it for myself. I don’t care if I make money from it, and I don’t need help from anybody.”
Becky looked over at Zack. He was too busy trying to get the van started to notice. High pitched whines were interrupted by the occasional grinding of metal parts. Finally the Chevy’s tired old engine kicked into life.
“Billy, my boy - you’ll be famous no matter what.” Zack clanked the vehicle into gear, and headed diagonally across the bumpy lot. Becky grabbed Billy’s arm for balance.
“Sorry.” she said, as Billy turned around.
“No problem - that’s what friends are for.” Billy turned and looked out the window. He was hiding a huge smile. He had finally said something clever and charming.
They drove in silence for awhile, the sun now streaming in through the dirty old windows. A song came on the radio that made Becky laugh. The other two didn’t seem to understand it’s significance, so she sang along with the chorus:
When will I see you, again.
When will our hearts be together.
Is this the beginning, or is this the end
When will I see you, again...
She stopped singing. Then, in a determined voice: “I’m going to take the job. I don’t care what my father says...” She paused, as if she might meet some resistance. “...will you guys come listen to me sing?”
“You bet!”
“Sure.”
“Great. Then that’s definitely what I’ll do.” There was doubt creeping back in her voice.
They lapsed back into silence again. This wasn’t because they had nothing to say. In truth, they each had far too much to say. It was merely a lack of sleep that held them back. Billy was too tired to keep his thoughts clear, so he closed his eyes. Fantastic images flashed through his mind in a surreal slide show. These could be the inspiration for really far out paintings, he thought. If only I can remember them. At the sound of Becky’s voice, he opened his eyes, and the images were gone.
“Turn left here. I live just up this street...Please.”
As they progressed along the quiet, tree shaded street, Billy noticed the houses getting bigger, and more expensive. This is quite the neighborhood, he thought. What a life these people must have. Zack slowed the van as the street came to a dead end. Both boys looked puzzled. In front of them was an iron gate flanked with white marble pillars. Some distance behind, a huge mansion loomed. Zack drove up the stone driveway and stopped in front of the ornate black bars.
“Do you live here?” asked Billy.
Becky was embarrassed and defensive at the same time. “It’s just a house.”
“And what a house” breathed Zack.
“Okay, so now you know I’m the spoiled rich girl.”
“I don’t think that.” said Billy in all sincerity. “You’re the same girl to me, no matter what.”
“Well...some people treat me differently.”
“Don’t worry about it.” said Zack.
Becky climbed out of the van, and closed the rusty door with one last clunk. She stood by Billy’s window for a moment.
“You keep up the fantastic work, Billy. Don’t let anyone curb your freedom of expression.” She kissed him on the cheek, and he turned bright red again. Searching for the right thing to say, he finally settled on a simple smile.
“Take care, Zack” she called out as she walked towards the big gate. “I’m in the book, guys. The last name’s Worthington. You know, as in Worthington Books!”
The two boys stared wide-eyed at Becky as she walked up to the imposing gate, and opened it. Even after staying up all night, thought Billy, she is still absolutely gorgeous. Was there a possibility? He was almost afraid to finish the thought for fear of jinxing fate.
Zack put the van into gear and it immediately stalled. He was about to curse the timing, when Becky poked her head around the corner and shouted:
“Aren’t you ever going to get that damned thing fixed?”
Zack shouted back. “Yes. As soon as I can.”
Becky smiled, then quietly: “You know what? - I do believe you will!”
The boys waved to her as the van reluctantly made it’s way down the patterned stones. The engine back-fired once, and they were on their way. A ‘high five’ was exchanged, signifying an adolescent victory of sorts.
“You’re all right, Billy!”
Zack switched the radio on and instantly recognized the opening notes of ‘School’s Out’ by Alice Cooper. He gave the knob a violent twist to increase the volume and it came off in his fingers. Tossing it over his shoulder, he looked at Billy and laughed. Billy smiled back, and together they thumped their feet and hands to the beat of the music.
It had been an confusing 24 hours. Billy’s dreams of fame and future had failed, and that still hurt. Then again, there was Becky. Meeting her must have been fate.
Billy liked to think of each day in terms of winning or losing. Maybe this time he had just broken even - and yet he couldn’t help but feel that something was different. He was far too tired to think it through, but somehow, in some small way, his life had changed.
|