Reunited in Wishcliffe - Chapter 8

Yeah, Lucy really hadn't thought this part through. She'd known that the assembled crowd were likely to recognise Jon when he played and sang, but she hadn't thought about what would happen after—the screaming fans trying to get his attention, his autograph, to touch just an inch of him…

Back when they used to play together, there was none of that. Just the music, and them, and a hopefully appreciative audience. But Jon wasn't that Jon anymore, was he? He was an international superstar now, and different rules applied to them.

"Any ideas?" Jon asked, as the last chords faded away.

She thought briefly, and settled on the only thing she could think of that might work. "Okay, we're going to take one last bow, then you swap places with Freddie—the drummer. You can slip out the back of the stage and head for the caravan. Minnie is parked behind it, and the keys are in the usual place. Get in, keep your head down and I'll meet you there."

Luckily, Jon still knew better than to argue with her. She motioned the boys forward to take a bow, and whispered in Freddie's ear as she did so. He got her plan instantly, and grinned as he stepped back to stand by Jon's guitar, keeping his head dipped. He and Jon were similar height and build, both wearing a dark top. It wouldn't fool people for long, but it didn't have to.

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, we've been The Songbirds—and special guest!" Lucy yelled the words out over the noise of the crowd and got another loud cheer in return. "Back for one night only, Mr Jon Abbott!"

The crowd went crazy, but when Lucy turned to motion Jon forward, of course only Freddie was there. "I guess he had to go," she said, with a shrug. "You know how it is with these superstars. Have a great night, everyone, and enjoy the cider!"

She handed her fiddle off to Freddie as she passed him, checking that he and Greg were okay to pack up the caravan and get their stuff—and Jason—home safe. Then she ran for Minnie, her ancient, dark green Mini Cooper, and found Jon already in the driver's seat, the engine running.

"I can't believe this car is still going," he said, as she slid into the seat next to him.

"Don't question it, just drive!" Already behind them she could see a cluster of girls heading towards them, looking for Jon.

Jon glanced back, saw the same thing and pressed down on the accelerator.

"Where to?" he asked, as Minnie flew across the field and towards the path that led, eventually, to the driveway and out of the Wishcliffe estate.

"Anywhere but here!" Lucy replied.

He flashed her a grin. "You got it," he said, as Minnie picked up speed. "Anywhere but here."