The Concert

Welcome to The Spot Writers.

The task for this prompt is to write a story with a strong focus on one of the four elements: earth, air, wind, or fire. The element can be literal or metaphorical, such as a character with a fiery personality.

Cathy continues with her Melvin character. Once she’s written enough stories about him and his family, she’ll compile them into a cohesive novel [albeit a short one—a novella, maybe—as she figures she’s soon gonna become tired of Melvin and his plight(s), real or imagined].

Anyhow, Kailani lurks somewhere within earth, air, and wind. Will this be the episode she’ll return? Read to find out...

Catherine A. MacKenzie’s novels, WOLVES DON’T KNOCK, a psychological drama, and MISTER WOLFE, the darkly dark sequel/stand-alone novel (18+), are available on Amazon.

 

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The Concert

 by Cathy MacKenzie

 

Marie and I are having a quiet day. The kids are away at a week’s summer camp. Marie’s knitting, and I’m scrolling through Facebook on my cell when I almost jump out of the chair.

“Marie! Marie!”

“Melvin! What in the world—”

“They’re coming, Marie. They’re coming to Halifax!”

“Who’s coming? Aliens?”

“That’s too funny, Marie. No, it’s my favourite group: Earth, Wind & Fire. Can’t believe it!”

“What!”

Marie doesn’t exactly toss her knitting needles in the air at the news as I expected her to, but I hear excitement in her voice until—

“Thought they were all dead. Haven’t heard of them for eons.”

“Maurice White, the leader, died a few years ago, but they’ve been touring for years. Never had a chance to see them in person before. We gotta go.”

“Can’t believe they’re coming here. We never get any of the good groups.”

“They are! Believe it!”

She sighs. “Not my cuppa, Melvin. You go.”

“You just said they were a good group.”

“Doesn’t mean I want to see them.”

“Aw, Marie. Be a sport. I don’t wanna go alone.”

“Oh, Melvin, give me a break. You’re such a child.”

“Please, Marie? It’d be so much fun. We can make a night of it. Ship the kids off to your mother. We could stay at the Lord Nelson. Go to a fancy din.”

She stares at me for several long seconds. Pondering. Changing her mind, I hope. Reconsidering, at least.

“I could stay at the hotel while you’re gone. Maybe find a spa. Ooooh, a nice relaxing massage would be lovely.”

“Aw, Marie. No. I’m sure they’ll sing their number one hit ‘Shining Star.’ You love that song. We played it at our wedding, remember?”

“I can go on YouTube and listen to it anytime I want.”

“Not the same, Marie. Not the same.”

“Oh, let me think on it.” She screws up her face as only Marie can. “Nope, I’d prefer a massage.”

“Well, I’m gonna buy two tickets. I know you’ll change your mind when the big night comes. You book the restaurant and the hotel. I’ll do the rest.”

I buy two tickets through the site Facebook directed me to. A bit pricey at $145 U.S. each, but what the hell, right? We only live once. I won’t tell Marie the price. She’ll blow a gasket. The tickets are on my phone, so she’ll never know.

July seventh arrives. We check into the Lord Nelson at 3 p.m. sharp. Gotta get every second out of our stay. After unpacking, we stroll across the street to the Public Gardens. Marie oohs and aahs at every blooming flower.

“You’re being such a sport, Melvin. I know you’re not interested in flowers. So, you know what?”

“What?”

“I’ll go with you tonight. Seeing as how you have two tickets. Waste not, want not, right?”

I squeeze her hand. (Yep, we’re actually holding hands! It’s like the second honeymoon we never had.) “Great, Marie. Thank you.”

She smiles.

The show starts at seven. At five o’clock, we saunter across the street to La Frasca Cibi & Vini, an Italian restaurant that Marie booked. I splurge on a bottle of rosé. Marie orders the handmade gnocchi. I have the pork ribs. Marie doesn’t stop raving about the gnocchi. I don’t stop raving about the ribs.

After I paid the (exorbitant) bill, we stroll down to the Scotiabank Centre. The evening is balmy. Perfect weather for kayaking but, instead, I’ll be seeing Earth, Wind & Fire. Even the lure of Kailani can’t keep me from the concert. My heart races in anticipation. I hum “Shining Star.”

I’m not surprised at the line-up when we arrive at the facility. A boisterous crowd. No doubt a sold-out show with stupid suckers hoping to buy seats. Waiting for the usual scalpers.

“Lots of kids here, Melvin.”

I look around. “Yeah, there is, isn’t there?” Kinda weird but whatever.

There’s a buzz in the air. The line soon disappears into the building.

I pull up my tickets on my cell phone so they’re readily available.

When we reach the ticket taker, I thrust out my phone.

He has his scanner in hand. Scans the email. “Hmmm, something’s wrong,” he mumbles.

He’s old. Doddery. Not too smart.

 “Not scanning.” He adjusts his glasses. Peers at my phone. Smiles. “Afraid you’re at the wrong venue, bud.”

My heart races. “What do you mean?” A second later, I clue in. “Oh, it’s at the Forum? Not a problem.” Plenty of time to get there.

Ticket man laughs. “Well, could be. Not sure what it’s called in Virginia.”

“Virginia? What do you mean?”

“Your tickets are for Earth, Wind & Fire in Halifax, Virginia. The good ole U S of A. You’re in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, bud. Tonight’s event is Merlin & Mercy, the Magical Duo.”

“What!”

Marie pokes me in my side, whispers, “Melvin, what have you done?”

I whisper back. “I haven’t done anything.”

“You’re such a duffus. How much did you pay for these tickets! These tickets we can’t use!”

Ticket checker motions to the right of me. “Please, move aside while you’re discussing your dilemma.”

“Dilemma? You’re darn tootin’ I have a dilemma.”

Marie latches to my arm. Hard. Tries to pull me back. “Come on. Can’t stay here.”

“Don’t you want to see Merlin & Mercy?” I ask.

“Sorry, bud,” ticket guy interjects. “Sold out. Move along, please.”

Nosey bastard. “Move along, please,” I mumble, mimicking the guy. Christ!

“Well, I guess it’s back to the hotel,” Marie says. “Maybe I’ll get my massage after all.”

“Guess so. Can’t get to Virginia in time for tonight’s show, that’s for sure.”

 

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The Spot Writers—Our Members:

Val Muller: http://www.valmuller.com/blog/

Catherine A. MacKenzie: https://writingwicket.wordpress.com/wicker-chitter/

Phil Yeats: https://alankemisterauthor.wordpress.com

Chiara De Giorgi: https://chiaradegiorgi.blogspot.com/