The Ultimate Dream: Book 1: Changes

By Steve Stannard

"Changes" is the first of three books that make up the story, The Ultimate Dream. This book describes the beginning of a journey that takes a typical middle class family from their normal but happy life into a world of chaos. Linda is the key. She leads her family and her two closest friends into the world of fame and chaos with her music. The only problem is that change is not always good. As her family deals with this new world, Linda has a secret that she is burdened with that brings on soul crushing sadness for her while her younger brother steps in a world of darkness. Both Linda and her brother, Mike are woven deep into the fabric of the universe. Both the Light and Dark side of the universe watches.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 19, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483656250

Steve Stannard

I grew up in eastern Wisconsin on a small lake in a series of lakes that eventually empty into Lake Michigan. After attending college and earning an Associate Degree and Bachelor of Science Degree in aviation, I spent over twenty years flying large passenger jets for a major airline. I began to write when I received my first smart phone. The three books that make up the “The Ultimate Dream” are the result of my efforts.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

BIRTHDAY

I T’S 1965. LINDA was walking home from school with her boyfriend, Rob.

Linda was fifteen years old and her 16th birthday was only a couple of months away. She was 5 Ft. 2 in. tall and had strawberry blond hair and ice blue eyes and was very beautiful. She was always getting asked out on dates but had a boyfriend so she didn’t go out with anyone else. She was never really interested, anyway and she was also losing interest in Rob for some reason.

Linda stopped walking and looked at the guy she had been with for the last two years. A lot of things went through her mind as he looked at her and smiled. She was not a cruel person and didn’t want to hurt him but it would be wrong to keep seeing him. Rob kept smiling at her but soon saw a change in her as he held onto her hand and noticed the serious look on her face.

Linda: Rob, we need to talk.

Rob: Linda, I know what that means. Please don’t… . I think I love you.

Linda: Don’t make this any harder, Rob. I don’t have feelings for you like that anymore.

Rob knew he was the envy of all the guys in school for having Linda but that was never his concern. He was not only truly fond of her; he was falling in love. He knew she was serious and on some level he knew that he couldn’t do anything about it. He was, however, totally confused because the two of them seemed to have the perfect relationship.

Rob: "Please, Linda, why after all this time, are you suddenly breaking up with me? THERE, I said it. Why? IS there someone else?"

Linda held his hands and looked into his eyes. Rob always melted when he looked into those ice blue eyes and he knew that he would never see them like this again.

Linda: No, Rob, There is no one else. I do not know why but I simply do not feel that way about you anymore. I cannot explain it, myself. You are a great guy but I must follow my heart. I have always said… .

Rob:  . . . . I know; anyone who does not follow their heart will live a sad life.

Linda kissed him briefly on the lips and walked away. Nothing more needed to be said. Rob sat down on the steps and cried. Linda went inside her house and watched him from the window. A tear slid down her cheek. She would always feel responsible for causing him this pain but she had no choice. To continue to see him would be a lie. She watched Rob walk away. That was the last time he ever intended to speak with her. It was not anger. He simply didn’t want to feel this kind of pain every day. They would always see each other in school but he never intended to talk with her again.

She sat down in the living room and looked through some of her father’s girl friend’s fashion magazines to keep up on the latest styles. She would always admire the models too. They were usually very pretty and Linda always wondered what they were like, being pretty like that. Everyone always told her how pretty she was but she figured that these models were much prettier. She found herself looking at them almost as much as the clothing that they wore.

After breaking up with Rob, Linda began to get a LOT of guys asking her out at school but she turned them all down. Rob knew about that and did take a small bit of comfort in it. At least she did not break up with him because she found someone else. At least she did not lie to him.

Linda continued her interest in the school plays. She liked being in front of an audience and loved singing. She was an excellent singer and had a wonderful voice and it didn’t go unnoticed. The drama coach had spoken with her father some months ago. He had watched her several times without her knowing it. He was amazed with her and knew that she had a natural talent.

With her father’s help, they found a good singing coach who was also amazed with her. He only worked with her for a few months before he told her father that there was nothing more that he could teach her. With the coach’s help, Linda was taken to a small recording studio as a present for her 16th birthday.

Linda was terribly excited. Her father told her that they would let her make a record. She gave him a big hug and cried. He had NO idea how much she wanted something like this. He simply wanted to entertain her for the afternoon. He had no idea what was going to happen. He simply hoped she wouldn’t be disappointed.

They walked into the studio and met with Rick, the owner.

Rick: Hi Harry. Is this our little star?

Harry: This is Linda. Thank you for indulging us today.

Rick: No problem. Things are slow, anyway.

Rick looked at Linda and smiled. She was beautiful, like the singing coach said but he had seen this many times. They go through life on their looks. He had never seen one yet that had any talent but he respected the coach’s opinion. He had nothing to do anyway. He was hoping that he could simply do this quick and be done with it. The two of them seemed genuinely excited about it which made things nicer for him.

Rick: Come with me. I will give you two the tour of our facility.

Rick led them through the entire building, from the studio itself to the bathrooms. Harry was quiet but Linda was genuinely excited and had an endless stream of questions. She was like a kid in a candy store.

Rick smiled and thought to himself; At least she is not like the others. He felt kind of sorry for her knowing that she would eventually be disappointed. They all were.

He took them into the studio archives and they spent hours listening to old songs but Linda asked if she could do a different song. Rick was a little confused until Linda pulled out some papers that she had brought with her and handed them to him.

Rick: What’s this?

Linda: It’s a song that I wrote for a school play a year ago. Can I sing this one? Everyone in school liked it.

Rick looked at the music for a good half hour and set up the equipment for it. He chuckled. It was a strange song and one that was definitely for the younger crowd.

He set her up in the sound room and Harry and Rick went back into the control room. Harry took a quick picture on her. She stuck her tongue out at him in mock anger. She had on a large headset with a stand in front of her with the music. Rick didn’t know it but she could read music since she was ten years old. Harry looked at her and smiled as she looked around with tears in her eyes. Harry had apparently (and by complete accident) giving Linda the perfect gift.

Rick started the track and Linda knew exactly where to begin. As she sang, Rick had almost forgotten to make the adjustments to the sound. His jaw dropped open in surprise but he soon recovered his composure. Only one person in ten thousand ever got anywhere in this business. Linda’s voice was beautiful. It matched the song perfectly. He watched her as she sang. She put emotion into the music and became part of the song. She didn’t simply sing it. Harry was watching her and didn’t pay any attention to Rick.

After the first recording, Rick told her that it was a good take as they listened to it. Rick noticed that she listened carefully. She was a strange girl. It was refreshing to him to see in someone so young. Most young girls today simply wanted to hang out at the drive-in and tease the guys. This beautiful girl could have anything she wanted with her looks but he could tell she was not like that, at all.

Linda: Can we do this again?

Rick: Why? It sounds good.

Linda: I am not sure. It doesn’t seem quite right. May I please sing it again?

Harry: Linda, Rick is a busy man and this equipment is not cheap. Rick, we want to thank you for the record.

Rick: No, wait! I have time and I am curious. Go ahead, Linda and we’ll try it again.

As Linda went back into the recording room, Rick watched her with interest. It sounded exceptionally good to him. He was truly amazed with her talent and was curious what would be different the second time.

If he was amazed with her talent the first time, he was even more amazed the second time. She was talented and a natural. He glanced at her father and kept his composure. He was watching her sing like any proud father would. He had heard her before but he didn’t have a true ear for talent. He knew she could sing well but he had NO idea how good she really was.

They said their good-byes and Harry and Linda thanked him. When they left the building, Linda grabbed her father and hugged him tightly. As she held him, she cried. He hadn’t seen her so happy in a long time. Harry was full of emotion. All the way home, Linda clung to the record that Rick had made like it was a life preserver to a drowning man. In Linda’s mind, this was a visible symbol of her love and desire to sing.

When they got home, Linda ran to her record player and listened to her song. It was a typical record player and nothing fancy but to her it was perfect. She listened to it several times. It was not vanity, it was much more. She let her brother and Ann, her father’s girl friend, listen to it but neither had an ear for music and simply indulged her. The two of them made a special connection that day as her father shared her pride.

CHAPTER 2

THE RADIO

S HE TOOK HER record to school the next day to show to her drama teacher. He was the one ultimately responsible for it by getting her to go to the singing coach.

Coach: What will you do with your new record?

Linda: I am not sure. I will always treasure it. It was so exciting going to the studio and making it

Linda proceeded to tell the coach the entire story. She didn’t leave out a single detail. The coach chuckled when she gave him a complete description of the bathrooms. He was proud of her too. She was his only student that ever did anything like this. Linda made him listen to the record three times before she left and went to her other classes.

The other students heard about the record but didn’t think much of it. They all figured that daddy had some special connections and got her in. They had all heard her sing in the school plays and knew she sang well but they soon forgot all about it. Tomorrow was another day.

Linda got home that second day and her father heard her playing the record again but this time, she was singing along with it. He listened at the door until it ended before he walked in. He would never be more proud of her. As he walked in she looked up and hugged him again.

Linda: Thanks daddy. I will always remember this.

Harry: You are welcome, honey. I will always be proud of you.

Four days later Harry picked Linda up from school. As usual, she turned on one of those rock and roll stations. He always turned it off but this time he let her listen to her station. It was about two songs later that they heard it. Linda’s song was being played on the radio. Harry pulled the car over as they both listened to it with a blank expression on their faces. After it was over, Linda and her father just stared at each other.

Linda: Daddy that was my song! How did it get on the radio??!! . . . .

Harry: I have NO idea, Linda! I have no idea!

Radio announcer: Well folks that was a new song by an unknown artist… Linda Redford! It has rocketed to the number one slot on the record list. Linda, if you’re out there, we all would like to know who you are and if you have more songs in the works. Keep them coming, darling!!

Linda: Daddy… . I don’t understand… ??!

Harry: Me either, honey but I think we should find out. Let’s go and see Rick at that studio.

If Linda heard him, she didn’t indicate it.

Linda: Daddy! My song is on the radio!!

Linda looked down at her record. She never went anywhere without it. She hugged it tightly and stared straight ahead with a blank look on her face as they drove back to the studio where she made the record. Linda hadn’t even realized that her record was not only on the radio, it was in the number one slot.

As Harry pulled into the parking lot he looked at Linda. She was oblivious of everything. She just stared straight ahead and hugged her record. He got out of the car and opened the door on her side and touched her shoulder. She looked up at him and smiled a big smile.

Linda: Daddy, My song was on the radio!!!

Harry (chuckling): Yes dear. I heard it. Come on now and let’s find out what’s going on.

Linda walked behind her father hugging her record. This was something that was beyond her wildest dream. She was in a daze as they walked in and up to Rick.

Rick: I have been expecting you. I can see by the look on Linda’s face that you two have heard the song on the radio?

Harry: Yes. Why is it on the radio? How did they get it? We have the only record and Linda is rapidly wearing it out.

Rick: I do not claim to be a guru in the record business but I know talent when I see it. She has a natural gift. She can even analyze her own work with a completely neutral view. I knew right away that her voice was a rare gift so I submitted it to a local radio station. They called me the next day and wanted more music from this unknown singer. I didn’t know what to tell him. I have gotten over a thousand orders for her record. Other stations want it and I have gotten orders from music stores too. We need to sit down and figure this out. Come back tomorrow and we will have to set up some kind of agreement.

Linda: What? . . . . Why is my song on the radio? It’s just a song.

Harry smiled and Rick laughed. Rick walked over to Linda and looked her in the eye. For a second, he too, was mesmerized by those blue eyes of hers.

Rick: Linda, you sing better than you can imagine. I had told you that only one in a thousand can make it in this business. You are number one thousand. If you wish to keep singing, I can help you further. Talk it over with your father. Harry, come back tomorrow and we can discuss the details and answer any questions that you two might have.

Harry: OK. We’ll be back tomorrow. Thanks Rick.

Linda: Daddy, what happens now? Do I sing on the radio more? What about school. I want to keep going to school.

Harry smiled at his daughter. Linda was kind of innocent in a lot of respects. He knew that she had no idea what this would mean to her and how her life had just changed. They got into the car and went home. Linda ran into the house, yelling and babbling about her song on the radio but since her brother and Ann hadn’t heard it on the radio they politely listened to her babble. Harry walked in right behind her and laughed.

Harry: Linda… Shhhhh… you’re not making any sense.

Linda: OK. I am going to put my record away.

Harry: Don’t you want to listen to it?

Linda (grinning): I can listen to it on the radio, now. I don’t want to wear out the record.

Harry: We can always get another record now that Rick will be making more of them.

Linda: It wouldn’t be the same. This was the first one and it was my birthday present. I want to keep it forever.

Harry walked over and hugged Linda. She hugged him back, tightly. Linda let go and ran to her bedroom. She put the record safely into a large book and put that in a safe place. She got out her little AM radio and tuned in her favorite station to listen for her song. Linda’s brother, Mike followed her into the room. Mike was 14 years old and soon to be 15. Like any brother, Mike loved to tease his sister and pick on her whenever possible and this was a perfect time.

Mike: I think I might take a look at this record of yours. It’s not really you anyway.

Linda and Mike were typical siblings and fought occasionally. Mike had always taken great joy in teasing Linda. Linda always fought back but this time she did something that Mike had never seen. She gave him a look of fear and despair. This small piece of hard vinyl was part of her soul. Linda set her radio down and walked up to Mike. The radio played on as Linda looked at Mike with a tear in her eye.

Linda: Please Mike, Please don’t take my record… . Please… ?

Mike looked at her and realized that he felt as if he’d just stuck a knife into her heart. He would have taken her record but not hurt it. He only wanted to tease her but this was different from all the other times. He looked at the tear running down her cheek.

Linda: Please… . ?

Mike put his hand on her shoulder and said: I would never have hurt your record. I am sorry.

Just as Linda was going to say something, her song started on the radio. Mike heard her gasp as she grabbed his hand and yanked him over to the radio.

Linda: Listen! It’s my song!!! It’s my song!!

Mike was yanked over to the radio by Linda while trying to listen to the song.

Mike: That’s not you… !

Linda: It is me! Shut up and listen!

Mike listened closely. He had heard her sing before but never a song like this. He never would have believed it if he hadn’t seen her reaction to his teasing just now. He listened but still wasn’t sure it was her so he kept quiet.

Radio announcer: There it was again people. We have gotten many requests for this song by this mysterious singer that everyone wants to know about. Where is Linda Redford?

Mike just stared at Linda as she looked at the radio.

Mike (to no one in particular): She is right here, people… . she is right here…

Mike was stunned. His own sister was now famous and everyone seemed to want to hear her song. He just stared at her. Something changed in him at that moment. He stared at her and saw what their father had been seeing all along. He was proud of his big sister but he didn’t want her to know it.

Mike put his hand on her shoulder. Linda was so excited that she grabbed Mike and hugged him. Mike sat there for a minute and then pushed her away.

Mike: OK. This is getting weird. Stop hugging me.

Linda let him go and said, See? I told you they played my song on the radio.

Mike: Linda, I am sorry. I will never touch your record. Please believe me.

Linda: Thank you, Mike. That record isn’t much to you but it means the world to me.

Mike: I know. If you ever need anything, let me know. I want to help as much as I can.

Mike left the room leaving Linda staring at the radio and listening. He glanced at her for a second. He was truly proud of her but he would never admit it. He got around the corner and ran right into their father.

Harry growled: I heard what you said to her. Did you mean it?

Mike had never seen his father like this. If he’d have asked him that question ten minutes ago he would have simply lied to him but everything between Linda and himself had just changed. Mike stood up straight and looked his father in the eye. The tone in Mike’s voice indicated that he was serious.

Mike: I meant what I said! I will never hurt her and I will do anything that I can to help.

Harry looked at Mike and knew he was sincere and telling the truth.

Harry: Thanks son.

Mike: If you repeat that to anyone, I will jump off the roof. I have a reputation to maintain.

As Mike walked away, Harry chuckled. Some things would never change. As Mike walked down hall, he suddenly turned and said, If Linda is going to make lots of money, I want a bigger allowance.

Harry suddenly got a very sober look on his face. He hadn’t considered the money. Would she make money at this? He needed to talk to Rick about it but it would wait until their meeting.

Linda went into the living room and sat on the couch, thumbing through Ann’s magazines. She needed to clear her head and rest her mind. Her brain had been going at light speed for days now.

She paged through the magazine and looked at the pictures of the models and the clothes that they were wearing. She looked at each page and wondered about the models. What were they like? Were they as pretty in real life as they looked in the magazine? Would she look just as pretty with those clothes on? All these things went through her mind as she leaned back and fell asleep with the magazine on her chest.

Harry picked her up and took her up to her bed. Linda unconsciously put her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. He placed her in bed and covered her up. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek and quietly left.

Harry: Good night honey.

Linda: Good night daddy.

Harry smiled at her and closed the door.

CHAPTER 3

SCHOOL

T HE NEXT DAY when Linda arrived at school, she couldn’t help herself. She had to tell her friends. She didn’t have to look far. The two of them were the first to see her. They walked up to her and nothing seemed any different than yesterday.

Joan: "Linda, did you hear that new song on the radio?

Kris: "Yeah, Linda, did you hear it? It’s great!

Linda (excited): Of course I heard it! It’s my song!!

Joan: What do mean it’s your song"??

Linda: It’s my song! It’s me!!

Kris: It is not. How could that be you??"

Linda: It is me!

The two girls gave up. They realized that Linda was simply obsessed with the song and wouldn’t give in. They walked together down the hall when Rob walked up to the girls and looked at Linda.

Rob: I didn’t want to bother you. I just wanted to say, congratulations. I heard your song yesterday. You sounded wonderful, as usual, Linda.

Before Rob walked away, Linda gave him a quick hug and said, Thank you. A small bit of hope came to Rob but when he looked at her, he knew it was only a friendly hug and nothing more. He still wanted to stay away from Linda and try to move on with his life but was beginning to realize it would be impossible. Linda would always be part of his life and in his heart. Joan and Kris just stared suspiciously at Linda. They knew that she and Rob had been going steady for years now.

Joan: I still don’t believe it. He’s just saying that because he’s your boyfriend.

Linda: We broke up the other day. He is not my boyfriend anymore. Let’s go to class.

Linda stomped away angry. Joan and Kris were her two best friends and they wouldn’t even believe her. The two girls simply looked at each other and shrugged as they followed Linda down the hall. They both knew Linda could sing. Everyone in the school had heard her in the school plays but this was different. They figured she was playing a joke on them.

They sat down in class and the girls heard everyone mumbling. All they could hear was; song, radio, Linda… .

Joan and Kris looked at each other. They knew Linda was telling the truth when another class mate yelled at Linda, Congrats, Linda! The teacher came in and told everyone to be quiet. She congratulated Linda and quickly got down to work. The rest of the day was pretty much the same even though Linda’s song on the radio spread like wildfire through the school. Other than that, everyone pretty much left Linda alone. To the kids in school, she was still the same old Linda. Her two friends DID apologize, though. After school, Linda ran straight home. She wanted to hear her song again. When she ran in the door Ann tried to talk to her but Linda ran to her bedroom and turned the radio on.

CHAPTER 4

ANN LISTENS

A NN: LINDA, I’M sorry that I didn’t listen to you yesterday. I am proud of you.

Linda: Huh… . what? . . . oh… thanks.

Ann smiled as she left the room. She felt bad that she didn’t listen to Linda yesterday but Linda didn’t seem to notice. She was worried about Mike, though. Since yesterday, he’d been acting strange. He’s saying nice things about her and that is STRANGE! Maybe an alien took him and left this substitute?

Suddenly Linda ran in with the radio, yelling…

Linda: LISTEN!!! Hear it is!! This is my song!! LISTEN! LISTEN!!

Ann: We hear it dear.

Linda: SHHHH… LISTEN!

Ann didn’t like to be shushed by the children but she understood. She only stared at the radio with a blank look on her face. She hadn’t heard it yet but she would always recognize Linda’s voice. When Ann walked over to Linda and hugged her, she briefly hugged back as she listened carefully to the radio. Ann looked at Mike as he watched Linda and smiled. Just when she had these two children figured out, things would change. As Ann watched, the most amazing thing happened. Mike went over to Linda and put his hand on her shoulder and said, It sounds great, sis. Linda briefly held his hand and then let go as she put the radio up to her ear and listened. Mike turned to leave the room and stared at Ann for a second.

Mike: WHAT… . !??

Ann (smiling): I didn’t say anything.

As Mike left, Harry walked in and saw Linda with the radio up to her ear and Ann staring at her.

Ann: Harry, how did this happen?

Harry: She’s going to wear that radio out. Ann, we only went there to make one record for her on her birthday and suddenly it was on the radio. I don’t understand it either. She can sing and has a great voice but this is a complete surprise to me too. Rick, the music producer, gave it to the local radio station and it is now the number one song on the charts. He said he has over a thousand orders for it.

Ann: What happens now?

Harry: Tomorrow, Linda and I will go back to Rick and figure this all out.

The song ended and Linda put the radio down, turned to Ann and said, See? I told you I was on the radio!

Ann: I heard it dear. It was wonderful! Please excuse us now, Linda. Your father and I need to talk.

Linda: OK.

Linda took her little portable radio and left the room. She left it on but sat down and began to look though Ann’s magazines again. Her mind was beginning to settle down a little bit. As she paged through the magazine she began to think about Rob. They had been going steady for years. Why suddenly was she losing interest in him? He was a great guy and good looking. If her mind wasn’t obsessed with her record, she would have thought more about it but she simply figured that there was always later.

She looked at the models again and kept thinking how pretty they were. She’d hugged her mom before she died and seen her naked before but that was different. She had even hugged Ann several times. She kept wondering what these models looked like and what it felt like to hug them. They were, after all, supposed to be the prettiest women around. They WERE in these magazines!

Her thoughts wandered back to her music. She was wondering what would happen now. Would they let her make another record? What would she sing? Just as she put the magazine down, Harry walked in.

Linda: Dad, would Rick let me make another record?

Harry: Let me ask you this, honey… . why would you want to make another record? You sing in school and at family weddings and other events. You made one great record but why do you want another?

Linda looked at her father as if he just hit her in the head. This was something that has always been her first love. Why would he want her to stop singing?

Linda: Daddy, please? Please let me sing again.

Harry: Why do you want to make another record, honey? You can still sing without that.

A little fear welled up within Linda. Her father had been responsible for all of this. Why did he want her to stop?

Linda: This is my dream, daddy. I love to make others happy with my music. They like my song. I can make another, can’t I?

Harry smiled. It was a confusing answer but he was happy with it. He wanted to make sure that she was not making records for the wrong reason. Fame can be like a drug and he was praying that she would not be dragged down into that world. It was a dangerous place, especially for someone so young and innocent.

Harry: Yes, dear. We will talk to Rick and see what he says about all of this. If he wants to, yes, we will make another record. What other song would you sing?

Linda got a serious look on her face and said, I don’t know. Rick will help me pick one out. We’re going to see him tomorrow, right?

Harry: Yes, we are. Go to bed, now, and get some sleep.

Linda went to bed with a magazine under her arm but simply threw it on the floor. Her head was full of new ideas. She was thinking of what else she could sing.

CHAPTER 5

THE SECOND SONG

L INDA AND HER father went to see Rick the next morning. Her father had no choice. Linda ran into her parents’ bedroom, grabbed her father’s arm and pulled him out of bed.

Rick had some simple paper work for them to sign. It was not complicated. People in the music business were not like others. They had many hand shake agreements that were honored by everyone. It was not the cut-throat industry that most others were.

Rick: Linda, we need another song for you to sing so we can start producing records.

Linda: Why? You already made a record.

Rick: A record has two sides, Linda. We need something for the other side so we can sell it and we need it quickly.

Linda’s face turned red. She already knew that but had forgotten.

Linda:  . . . oh…

Harry and Rick chuckled a little bit and Linda got a mock look of anger on her face.

Linda: Stop it! I forgot.

Rick: OK. We need to come up with another song. QUICKLY!

Harry: Why so fast?

Rick: I have so many orders and I need to fill them now. This industry can be wonderful but it tends to have a short memory.

Linda: "What song should I sing? Can’t we find another one?"

Rick: There are no others like that one. That first song tells a little story. I think we could sort of finish the story in another song. What do you think, Linda?

Linda looked at her father for help.

Harry: You know more about this than I do, Linda. What do you think?

Linda: OK. Where will we get this song?

Rick: We need to write one.

Harry: Write one? How can you simply sit down and write a song?

Rick: The lyrics are simply a type of poetry and Linda and I can put the music together. She seems to have some talent in that area.

Linda: I did the first one but it took me a long time. You said you needed one fast. Who can write poetry? ME? Write the music?? What?

Linda was beginning to speak gibberish again. Harry simply smiled.

Rick: I might be able to find someone but it would be better if Linda knew this person. It would work better and faster and we need speed right now.

Harry: I think I know someone.

Linda: WHO?!!?

Rick: Get to it, then. Harry, call me tonight and we will talk some more. I have a lot of work to do, thanks to our rising star here. Bye for now, you two.

Harry dragged Linda back to the car.

Linda: What did he mean rising star? I am not a star. Who will write my music??

Harry: He was joking, dear.

Harry knew what he meant and he was NOT kidding. Linda had no idea how much her life had just changed.

Linda: Daddy! Who will write my other songs?

Harry: Think, Linda! Who do we know that can write poetry and many other things VERY well?

Linda immediately got a surprised and angry face. She knew who he talking about.

Linda: I am not going to let him write my song! We can find someone else!

Harry: No, Linda. You know as well as I do, no one can write better.

Linda: Arg!

It was clear that she was not happy but deep inside herself; she knew her father was right. His writing was VERY good. As they drove home, Linda was not pouting. She was just very quiet. Harry could see her mind working. She was thinking of her next song. Once again, he looked at her with pride. Her love for her singing was absolute and not simply some passing whim.

As they got out of the car and walked into the house, her father smiled down at her.

Harry: Linda, you might as well get this over with. You know he’s the only one that can help you right now.

Linda: All right but I am not going to like it!

Linda found her brother watching TV. She sat down next to him and stared at him for a few seconds.

Mike: What . . ? Go away. I am watching TV.

Linda: I can see that, stupid! I am not blind!

Mike: Then leave me alone. Go listen to your song.

Linda let out a big sigh. This was going to be harder than she thought but it didn’t matter. Right now, she needed his help. Her father was listening around the corner. He wanted to see if Mike was telling him the truth earlier.

Linda: Mike, I need your help.

Mike: What now? Does the big star want me to serve her dinner, now??

Linda: NO! Don’t be stupid! I need your help. Please?

Mike knew she was serious when she said please.

Mike: What? Spit it out.

Linda: I need your help to write another song. You are the best writer that I know of but we need to hurry. I need the song fast.

Mike: I suppose I could but I want credit for writing it! What’s the big hurry, anyway?

Linda: I need it quickly so they have a song for the other side of the record… . What do you mean CREDIT!!?? It is MY song!

Mike: If I am going to help you, then I want to at least have my name on it someplace.

Linda gave him the raspberry and said: OK. I will tell Rick that you helped me but it is his decision what to put on the record.

Mike: Fair enough. Let’s go.

Their father listened to the entire conversation and was relieved. Mike had told him the truth. Two days ago, he would NEVER have helped her like this. He always had been a typical brother but now apparently things were different.

Linda and Mike worked together for hours until it was time for bed. When Harry came up to tell them to go to bed, he could hear them arguing about words, music and the entire story of the song. It was not petty arguing. They were making a lot of progress. Mike’s desire to help was genuine. When their father came in, they didn’t notice at first until he spoke.

Harry: Time for bed, you two.

Linda and Mike: OK.

Mike: Dad, she is impossible.

Linda smiled and said: Mike… . Thanks.

Mike snorted and left the room but Linda and their father knew it was all for show.

CHAPTER 6

THE ATTACK

T HE NEXT MORNING, it was school again and everything seemed to calm down quite a bit about Linda and her song. She still kept getting guys asking her out but she very politely told them that she wasn’t interested. Linda was not a stuck up or mean person. She simply was not interested.

Kris and Joan told Linda to meet them at lunch time in the lunch room. Linda said she would be there as usual. The three of them always met at lunch time anyway. Linda had just closed her locker and turned to walk when two of the upperclassmen grabbed her.

Jim: What do we have here, Stan? I think we’ve found our little singing star.

Stan: I think so too. Well, star, I hear that you’re too good to go out with us commoners, now. You broke up with that loser so now you should be available for the rest of us.

Linda was afraid. These two were on the football team and she had no chance to get away from them. She kept struggling but they held her easily. They dragged her outside the building and around the corner

Linda: Rob’s not a loser. Let me go!

Stan: We will, star but not until we’ve had some fun, first.

Linda: Please let me go. I won’t tell anyone.

The two of them held her tight and Jim began to kiss her on the mouth. Linda tried to turn her head away but he quickly grabbed her chin and held it tightly. All the while, Stan had her pinned to the wall. Linda began to cry and tried to yell but Jim had his mouth on her mouth.

Stan: Quit wiggling around. We’ll be finished soon enough. This shouldn’t take long. Right Jim?

Jim: It will be over sooner if you stop struggling you stuck up bitch.

Linda: Please… . Please, no… .

Stan: Jim, save some for me.

The two boys began to laugh as Jim kept kissing Linda as his hands began their slow trek downward and into her underwear. Suddenly a voice came from behind them. It was her brother, Mike. He was much younger and smaller than Jim and Stan but he ran to her anyway.

Mike: Hey, you two ass holes. Leave her alone!!"

Jim: Get lost, runt! This has nothing to do with you!

Mike: The hell it doesn’t! She’s my sister ass hole!!

Stan: Then run home and get mommy. The only trouble is that we will probably be finished by the time you get back and if we’re not, then we will have fun with mommy.

The two boys laughed hard at that and didn’t see Mike running at them. Mike jumped on Stan’s back and began to hit him in the face. Mike was not a fighter but he was angry. Stan grabbed him, punched him and threw him down on the floor but he didn’t let up. Mike slowly stood up and tried to hit him again but Jim kicked him in the stomach. They heard a huge rush of air as Mike went down coughing and choking.

Jim: Now, where were we? Oh yes. (to Linda) We’re sorry for the distraction, you stuck up bitch. Now we may continue.

It all started as before. Stan gave Mike one last kick in the head and held onto Linda tightly. Jim began his kissing again and his hands were once again working their way down her stomach. Linda was crying and crying and pleading with them but they just kept laughing at her. Mike was desperately trying to get up and help but he was in terrible pain and the kick in the head was making the world begin to spin. Before he almost passed out, he saw the look of horror on Linda’s face and knew what they were doing to her. He never felt so helpless. He tried to get up but only fell back down so he began to crawl toward them.

The two boys suddenly heard some running behind them but when they turned around all Jim saw was a fist. He went down like a rock. Stan let Linda go and began to run. He recognized his attacker. He was also on the football team and much larger and stronger than either of them were. Together they could have taken him but Jim was out like a light. Linda looked up. It was Rob. She had never seen him so angry. Rob was always a gentle and easy going guy. She never saw him like this.

Rob grabbed Stan by one arm and the neck and shoved his head into the wall. Stan was now out, lying next to Jim. Linda ran into Rob’s arms, held him tightly and kept crying.

Rob: Are you OK, Linda?

Linda (crying): OH, Rob! Oh Rob! They were going to… .

Rob: I know what they were going to do. Don’t worry about it. They won’t give you any trouble again. Most of us on the football team have an understanding about this kind of thing. We will never allow stuff like this to happen and we stick together. We all will make sure these two don’t bother you again.

Linda: Oh my God! Mike . . !

Rob looked as Linda rushed over to see if Mike was alright. Mike was moaning and slowly trying to get up. Rob came over and helped him up. Linda hugged him tightly.

Mike: Ouch… Ouch. Not so tight Linda. Stop hugging me. I have a reputation to uphold. I can’t let anyone see me hugging my own sister.

Linda: I don’t care about your reputation. Oh God, thank you, Mike.

Several students came running up to them. They were all trying to figure out what happened but Rob soon had things under control. He explained everything to the teachers, who had now arrived. As more students arrived, Linda moved behind Rob. She was still afraid. Mike moved over next to her like a sentry guarding a treasure. Mike was not a good fighter but anyone that looked him in the eye, backed off. Linda simply stood behind the two of them, shaking. Rob turned around and put his arm around Linda and began to pull her away from the crowd.

Rob: Come on, Linda. Let’s get out of here. Mike, watch Linda for a second.

Linda: Rob, don’t go!

Rob: I’m not going anywhere. Just wait a second.

Jim and Stan were just beginning to roll over to get up when Rob leaned over, grabbed the back of their necks and whispered something into their ears. He spoke softly so no one could hear him except Jim and Stan. They both looked up at him and turned white as ghosts.

Rob (to Jim and Stan): I just want to make sure we understand each other. Do you two understand?

Jim and Stan: Yes! Yes!!!

Rob squeezed their necks harder and said in a low and clear voice: SAY IT!

Jim and Stan: We understand! We understand!

Rob smacked their heads into the floor and let go of them and walked back to Linda and Mike.

Mike: What did you say to them?

Rob: Never mind. I will tell you this. Those two will not bother anyone again, especially you, Linda.

Linda saw a look in Rob’s eyes that she never saw before as he glanced back at Jim and Stan on the floor who were now slowly getting up. Normally it would have scared her but right now, she stayed close to Rob and Mike as they walked to the front office. Three of the teachers were dragging Jim and Stan behind them. Linda would look over her shoulder at them every once and a while and push Rob and Mike faster.

What no one knew was that there were two others watching. They had no intention of interfering in something that they considered to be none of their business. They watched until everyone was gone and then left. No one saw them.

After everyone told what happened, the principle wanted to know if Linda would press charges. She shook a little bit and said no. That’s when Mike spoke up.

Mike: I want to press charges! Those two slugged me and kicked me. It hurts! What do they call it? Pain and suffering!!??

Rob chuckled as Mike spoke up. He saw the principle smile. Linda just watched and crouched lower in her chair as she kept thinking of what those two were about to do. It didn’t go unnoticed by anyone in the room.

Principle: Don’t worry, Linda. They will be… .

Rob interrupted: He’s right, Linda. They will be dealt with.

Linda relaxed a little bit. She knew that he was not simply agreeing with the principle. She had no idea what he whispered to them but she trusted him. The principle didn’t seem to catch it, though.

Principle: "Linda, go home for a few days. I will call your father and tell him what happened. Mike, you go home too! Make sure Linda gets home, OK?"

Mike: Yes sir.

Rob: I am going with her too. I want to make sure she gets home without any more trouble.

The three of them walked into the house just as Harry got off the phone. Linda had been clinging to Rob all the way home. When she saw her father, she ran to him and wrapped her arms around him and began to cry all over again. Harry could only hug back and wait. His little girl was safe and the story could wait a few minutes.

Linda (crying and babbling): Daddy, they tried to… I was so scared… . Mike was hurt and they kept grabbing at me… . Rob… . !!

Harry: Shhhh. You are safe, Linda. NO ONE will hurt you here! You are safe!

Harry looked at Mike as Linda kept hanging on to him.

Harry: What happened?

Mike: I saw those two guys from the football team with Linda. They had her pinned to the wall and were kissing her and beginning to… . Their hands were all over her… .

Harry saw something he never saw before. A single tear was rolling down Mike’s cheek as he tried to describe what happened.

Mike: I HAD to help even though I didn’t do much good against those two gorillas. There wasn’t time to get anyone. It’s a good thing that Rob showed up when he did.

Harry: It’s OK, Mike. You were more help than you realize. Linda, are you all right?

Linda (crying): I’m OK, daddy, thanks to Rob and Mike. I was so afraid! They were going to… .

Harry: I know what they were going to do, honey. You are safe now. Go sit on the couch. I need to talk to Rob.

Linda: Don’t leave!

Harry: "Mike stay with her. Linda, Mike will be with you and I will be right back."

Linda looked at her father and then back at Mike. Mike didn’t know what to do so he just stood there, looking at Linda. Linda went to the couch and curled up tightly in a blanket. She seemed to feel safe in the blanket. Harry was about to say something to Mike when he noticed him sitting down on the couch next to Linda. For a brother and sister who only a week ago took great pleasure in teasing and harassing the other, things had changed quite a bit.

Harry: "Rob, what happened?"

Rob: I heard some screaming and yelling and was going to check it out when I saw Jim and Stan holding Linda. Stan had just hit Mike and he fell on the floor. I was running but couldn’t get there in time to prevent Stan from kicking him in the head. I hit Jim hard enough to knock him down before I went after Stan and rammed his head into the wall. It was enough to daze them both.

Harry glanced at Mike and then looked back at Rob with a worried look on his face.

Harry: I know these types. They will be back. Even you can’t watch Linda 24/7. I will have to pull her out of that school and send her somewhere else.

Rob: I don’t think so, Mr. Redford. All of us on the football team have an understanding. We go to great lengths to prevent this kind of thing. I gave Jim and Stan a little message from the whole team.

Harry: I had no idea the team was that active or even concerned about stuff like this. Why would they even care? Most football teams, and excuse me, are egotistical gorillas.

Rob chuckled and said: I know what you mean and I take no offense. Most of us on the team are good guys. We stick together. We don’t want crap like this going on any more than you do.

Harry: I am glad to hear it but what could you possibly say to those two to make any difference? I know their type. They are arrogant asses that are used to getting whatever they want. They’ll be back.

Rob looked at Mike and Linda. Mike was looking intently at the two of them. Now he was going to find out what Rob told Jim and Stan.

Rob: May we please go into the other room to talk further?

Linda: NO! Please don’t go!

Harry: It’s OK, Linda. I will be just on the other side of the doorway. You can see us from there. Mike will stay here with you and we will be right back in a minute.

Linda (sniffling): OK.

Mike sat down next to Linda and said: I will stay with you, Linda. Dad will be just in the other room.

Linda grabbed Mike and pulled him onto the couch.

Linda: You promised to stay. You have to stay now!

Mike saw that Linda was not being a smart-ass. She was genuinely afraid. Hate was rapidly welling up inside him as he looked into her eyes.

Mike said with absolute conviction: I am not going anywhere!

Linda smiled briefly and laid her head down on his lap and held onto his hand. Mike watched her and was determined to not let it happen again.

Mike: I will stay as long as you need me to.

Linda: Thanks Mike.

Mike looked down at Linda and smiled. He noticed that she was falling asleep but still shaking a little bit. He was happy that she felt safe enough with him to sleep since he got his ass kicked and wasn’t much help. Mike was determined to never let this happen again. He felt guilty. He was right there and couldn’t help. He just kept thinking how useless he was. He would have been forced to lay there and simply watch his sister get… . He couldn’t even think about it. If it wasn’t for Rob… .

Mike watched his dad and Rob in the other room. He sure wished he could hear them. He wanted to know what Rob told Jim and Stan. As he watched, he saw the emotions on his father’s face. Fear turned to surprise, then to anger, then to… . relief? Why would his dad be relieved about all of this! What did Rob tell them?? Rob’s face showed only emotionless determination. Whatever it was, his dad seemed to be satisfied with it. If he was satisfied with it, then Mike was too. He relaxed a little bit but still was determined to never let it happen again. Never would he be lying there useless while his sister was being… . he couldn’t even think the word. A tear ran down his cheek as he looked down at Linda sleeping.

Harry and Rob were still talking as they came back into the room.

Harry: Are all of you sure about this?

Rob: We are sure! My heart belongs to Linda and she will never be hurt as long I am alive and breathing! She doesn’t feel the same about me but it doesn’t matter. I have no control over my own feelings. All of us on the team made a pact years ago. We all agreed not let this kind of crap happen in our school. Attacking Linda makes it that much worse! Trust me. They will NEVER do anything like this again and they will not show up at school tomorrow or at any time in the future.

Harry: Won’t they bother her outside of school?

Rob: No. They won’t. We are not vigilantes but we have our own way.

Harry: Any other time, I would not approve of this at all and I would report you but this is different. I will have to rethink my opinions.

Rob: I’ll go now. We have some work to do. Linda is in safe hands.

Rob went over to Linda on the couch and leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Mike felt really weird. He had a front row seat. Linda stirred and looked up at Rob and smiled. She grabbed him and hugged him tightly.

Linda: Thank you, Rob. I don’t know what to say after the way I dumped you.

Rob: Don’t give it another thought, Linda. We will always be good friends.

Mike gave Rob a surprised look. Even HE knew that Rob was full of shit. He knew Rob loved Linda and she couldn’t return his love. Rob looked up at Mike and they both understood. Nothing needed to be said.

Mike: Bye Rob. Thanks.

Rob: Anytime. Anytime she needs me, I will be there ANYTIME! ANYWHERE!

Rob gave Linda one last look and left. Harry watched the exchange and watched Rob walk away down the road. Mike could tell his father was concerned about something and it was not Linda. He was concerned about Rob for some reason. Mike ground his teeth in frustration. WHAT DID ROB SAY TO JIM AND STAN!!???!

Harry looked over at Mike and Linda. She was sleeping with her head on Mike’s lap with their hands together. Harry chuckled at Mike.

Mike (in mock anger): Don’t say anything! My reputation is already shot to hell! The whole school saw her hugging me!

Harry leaned over and quickly kissed Mike on the forehead before he could jerk away.

Mike: OH GOD! I am glad no one saw that! Stop it!

As Harry picked up Linda and took her to bed. He heard Mike grumble out loud.

Mike: Those bastards! Next time it won’t be so easy to knock me down. I am going to start working out and I know just who can help me.

Normally Harry would have yelled at Mike for using such language but this time was different. He thought to himself as he carried Linda, Work hard Mike. We both need you.

Harry took a moment to look back into his own past and it was all he could do to not go back there.

Harry mumbled: Mary, I promised you that I would not go back to that world but I will NOT stand for this!

Linda was half awake and crying again. She was talking in her sleep. She kept begging for them to stop.

Her father quietly said to her: Shhhh. It’s OK, Linda I’m here.

Linda: Daddy! Please stay! Don’t leave me alone!!

Harry: I’m only putting you to bed, Linda.

Linda: Please don’t leave me. Please let me sleep in your room tonight with you and Ann. Please?

Harry Kissed Linda on the cheek and carried her into their bedroom, placed her on the bed and tucked her in. Ann lay down next to her and soon Harry got into bed with them. It was a tight fit but no one seemed to mind. Linda quieted down and fell asleep quickly. Linda felt safe with her father and Ann. Mike however, had a restless night. He felt guilty for not being able to help Linda. He took an oath to himself that working out, getting stronger and learning how to fight was now a priority. Nothing was more important! NOTHING!

CHAPTER 7

FOLLOW YOUR HEART

T HE NEXT MORNING Harry slipped out of bed quietly. Ann was awake but stayed with Linda, who was still sleeping. Linda was mentally and physically exhausted. Harry went to check on Mike and found his bed empty. He was in the kitchen having some cereal. He was tired and yawned as he looked up at his father. His face was still a little swollen and bruised.

Harry: You look tired. You didn’t sleep well?

Mike: No. I am ashamed of myself for being so useless when Linda needed someone the most.

Harry: You helped more than you know. You saw Linda last night. She was clinging to you when we left the room. She knows that you were trying to help. That means a lot to her… . and to me. I heard you last night as we left.

Mike turned red and looked at his father. All that swearing he did… . now he was in trouble. Harry put his hand up to calm him.

Harry: It’s OK, Mike. Love takes many forms and I understand.

Mike: LOVE!!!? Oh my God! Don’t tell anyone about this. My reputation is already hanging on a thread. I already have a lot of damage control to do when I get back to school today.

Harry laughed and said: Don’t worry, Slugger. Your secret is safe.

Mike: Ha ha… . very funny.

Mike groaned and continued eating as Harry went to check up on Linda. She was just beginning to