Now my mom knows I'm seeing them again. This is good because I don't have to hide it from her. But I know she can tell my dad if anything happens... I must be careful.

The following weeks, I met them twice a week as usual.  Dad thinks I made new friends at college.

•••
Friday, February 24th 1962

I rang the doorbell.

-Oh, good afternoon, Jane! - Mrs Jagger opens the door with a smile - Mike is taking a shower right now. You can wait for him in his bedroom, I'm sure he'll like the surprise.

-Right, thank you!

I walked upstairs and got in his bedroom. I could hear the sound of the shower from the bathroom. I sat on his bed, at the left side, which was in front of a mirror and took a look at myself. I was wearing a dark blue dress and had some clips on my hair.

I got up and ran my fingers through his records. I've seen them all already. I looked at his photos. Summer 1959, Christmas 1952... I've already seen them as well. I looked around. His books. I never really looked at them, saw his covers... They are all in the corner, stacked. You wouldn't even notice them if you didn't pay attention.

I study english, I love reading. Michael knows that. But he never told me anything about books. I knew he had some but I never really thought about that. What can they be about?

I held some. Blake Baudelaire? Rimbaud? What are those??

-Jane? - He shows up only with a towel on his waist - what are you doing here?

-I... I decided to visit you... make a little surprise.

-That's sweet! Is that one of my books in your hand...?

-Uh... Y-yeah, you know, I was taking a look as I waited for you.

-They are nothing important really...

-Are you kidding? They're amazing!

-What? You mean you like it? The fact I read these stuff? Don't you find it... I don't know, weird?

-Of course I like it! Look at that, these are classics! Why you never told me about them? You know I love reading.

-You know, most girls don't like boys who read that stuff...

-Luckily I'm not like them.

-You're not - He chuckled and got closer - you're different from every girl I've ever met. - I blushed.

He touched my face. He Moved my chin up so our lips could easily meet. His hand was cold and wet, just like his chest, arms, all I could feel during the kiss.

-I think you should go wear something.

-Why don't you choose my outfit?

-Really?

-Yeah, why not? I really like your style, you can't do a bad work with my clothes.

-Right! - I opened his wardrobe - Hmm... This? - I picked a white shirt with a grey sweater.

-Good! What else?

-These trousers, maybe?

-Hm... With this sweater?

-This one then? - He nodded and we laughed. He seems to know more about fashion than me. I like that.

He came back dressed. I was sitting on his bed taking a better look at the books.

-Hey, darling... Still looking at them?

-Yeah! Look at those biographies... Benjamin Disraeli, William Gladstone, Abraham Lincoln... Have you really read them all??

-Most of them - He chuckled - I really enjoy reading about politics figures of the 19th Century.

-Michael... I don't understand why you do that. Why do you create this image and hide the real you? I mean, about the girls, about the books...

-I'm not creating an image... I mean... You know... No one likes the "real" Michael. You have no idea how hard it was for me, I'm not really social. But the other Michael, or should I say Mick... Well, people like him.

-I really like the real Michael.

-You're the first. And I'm so glad for that. But I really want to keep this reputation... I know, I know it's silly.

-No, it's not silly... I think I know how you feel. I mean, you know I never really had friends, no one ever noticed me. But now it's different, and when I almost lost this, my world fell down. I don't want this to happen to you.

-I'm glad you understand. I know I can be myself with you. I know I don't have to create anything for you. And I won't. But please, don't tell anyone about that. About anything. It's only between me and you.

-I promise.

-So... You decided to visit me? - He smiled.

-Yeah - I chuckled - I couldn't wait anymore.

-Why don't we go downstairs and watch something on TV?

-Sure!

We ate some popcorn as we watched to some TV show, cuddling on the sofa.

...
Saturday, February 25th 1962.

The telephone rings.

-Jane, answer the phone, please! - Dad yells upstairs.

-Hello?

-Good Morning, darling.

-Michael? - I started to speak lower - are you crazy? You can't call me, my father could have answered!

-If I had heard a male voice I would have quit the call, don't worry.

-What is it?

-Do you want to hang out?

-Uh... You mean now?

-Yeah, Keith and I are going to London, take a look at some record store then just walk around... Will you join us?

-Sure. I'll be at your house in 30 minutes.

-Okay, bye.

-Bye.

-Hey.

-What?

-I love you. - I blushed.

-I love you too, you silly.

...
I arrived there on time. Keith and Michael were waiting in the front porch. They got up and we walked to the Triumph Herald parked in front.

...
-Are you ready for some record hunting? - Michael asked us as we walked in.

We took a look at everything. The Blues, the Jazz, the Soul, the Rock N Roll and even the Pop records. We three agree that Pop records can be good, if they make sense. We really liked the girl groups. The Crystals, the Marvelettes.

It seemed to be the perfect place to meet music fans. London attracts people from the whole country and even more, doesn't it? And it's one of the best record stores here. Michael seems to know everyone. He talked to a few guys. Keith and I were in the other side of the store taking a better look on the Rhythm and Blues records.

-Hey, I want you to meet this guy. - Michael came to us with a man.

-Hello! - he said.

-His name is Dave. Dave Golding, from Bexleyheath. He is amazing! He has the biggest Soul and blues record collection around here.

-Really? This is so cool, man! - Keith shook his hand - My name is Keith.

-Hello Keith! Mick told me about you! - he looked at me - Look what we have here! It's not everyday that we see a young white British girl taking a look at the Blues records - he laughed.

-She is unique, isn't she? - Michael smiled.

-You must be Jane - he shook my hand - Mick said good things about you.

-Good to know - I laughed - so you already knew each other?

-Oh yeah, Michael is a good friend! You know, you two should go to my house and take a look at my collection?

-Seriously? - Keith asked - This would be so cool!

-Yeah, Mick goes there often, now that I know you two, you can start to go with him. Do you want to go with me when we leave the store?

-Thank you so much for the invitation, Dave - Michael said - but we didn't have lunch yet, we planned to walk around, eat something, you know.

-Don't worry. If you want to pass by later today, I'll be glad.

-Right! We will be there!

-By the way, I have an advice! If you're looking for something to do here, why don't you go to that blues fans club?

-Blues fans club? - I asked.

-No way! - Michael said - They are boring as hell.

-I know, but I heard they have a great new collection of records, I'm sure you would want to check it out! Rare records, new records, US records.

-Seriously? - Keith smiled - Thank you, man. Michael, we have to go!

-It seems nice but we told him we were visiting him later...

-Come on, Mick! Don't worry about that. You can show up there after the meeting at the club!  I'll make some tea for us.

-Thank you Dave. See you later!

We had lunch in a small restaurant near there and went to the Blues fans club. Michael told us that he went there a couple times but they were really boring and stupid.

It was at a medium-size room with huge windows that let the sunshine gets in. We were all sitting in a circle of chairs, but Keith, Michael and I were sitting in different corners of the room.

It was funny to be in a place full of men of different ages, where nothing else mattered as long as there was the new Slim Harpo's work playing, and this was enough to unite everyone in every meeting. They didn't necessarily had any other thing in common besides the love for Blues.

-Hello, everyone. - Said a man with glasses wearing a V-neck brown sweater with a tie. He spoke very slow and seemed to be almost 30 - welcome to another day at the London's Blues fans club. I see a few new members, why don't you get up and present yourself?

-Hello - Michael got up - I'm Mick, Mick Jagger. Uh... I'm from Dartford. I came to London today with my... my girlfriend... and my friend that are also here. - he made a sign for us to wave - we like blues.

-I'm Keith... Mick's friend from Dartford. We have a band, a blues band. It's called The Little Boy Blue and The Blue Boys. I play guitar and he sings.

-So cool! - They said.

-And what about that girl? - a guy said.

-We're not used to have girls here... - The man with the glasses from the beginning said.

-Yeah, I'm... I'm the only girl here. I'm Jane. Mick's uh... Mick's girlfriend - I chuckled - I'm not in a band or something like that, I just love blues music. I compose sometimes.

-How old are you guys?

-We're eighteen.

Yeah, yeah, now where's the collection?

-Okay. Let's get this started.

Finally.

They started to talk about matrix numbers. Michael, Keith and I just gave each other looks and chuckles because we were there just for the collection, not for that boring conversation.

•••
-So... A new collection arrived, guys, and it's great! Right from United States. And the best part is that some of them are for sale.

He showed us the records. That was amazing. New albums, rare albums, from United States. The price was quite good.

-Hey, don't you have any Berry's or Holly's? - Keith asked.

They all looked at him in silence.

-Are you kidding? This is just Rock N Roll shit.

-Hey, calm down. That was just a question. You know, they're from United States, I thought there could be some in the middle of all those records.

-Of course not, why do you think we would bring that garbage to our club?

-What the hell, man? Stop insulting Rock N Roll music like that - Michael intruded - What's so wrong about it? They are good artists too.

-No way, you three Dartford guys are rockers, right? Of course you are. We should have guessed that by the way you look.

-If you didn't get it yet... - Another man got in the conversation - this is a club for real blues fans!

-We are real blues fans.

-No, you're not! No real blues fan would listen to that rock n roll crap! Real blues fans appreciate real music.

-Rock n roll has no meaning. Just some rhymes together with an electric guitar in the back. - One of them said - You'll see, in a few years no one will even remember it. But Blues, Jazz... These will survive.

-How can you all be so ignorant? - Michael asked - Rock n roll is a new genre, it means revolution, it means expression, breaking the rules! It has meaning, too. You know, It's about the youth, it's the sign new times are coming...

-You three can leave now. There's no space here for rockers.

-We didn't want to stay here with you ignorant assholes anyway - Keith told them and showed his middle finger as we walked out.

-Don't you think you exaggerated a little, Keith? - Michael asked him.

-Not really.

-I can't believe we've wasted time in this place and didn't even buy records in the end! I really wanted some... - he made a sad face - but I couldn't handle one more minute with those jerks.

-So... What are we doing now? - I asked.

-Dave's house. Let's go.

•••
The club was in Bexleyheath, so it was very close to his house.

-Hello guys! You arrived a little earlier than what I was expecting! Come in!

-I'm sorry, Dave - Michael said as we walked in - We left there before the end.

-Oh, why? You saw the collection I was talking about, didn't you?

-Well...

We sat on his sofa at his living room as we told him what happened there.

-I can't believe that, those guys are so ignorants!

-And boring! - Keith added.

-For sure! - he laughed - They think they are the ones who tell what is good music and what isn't. Or even what is blues or not. Well, I think the tea is ready.

-No, wait! - Michael interrupted Dave while he was getting up - Stay sitting there, I'll get the tea.

-You better go with him, Jane, I'm sure he'll need some help - Keith joked.

I blushed and looked at Michael.

-Don't worry, I don't need help with the tea. - He gave Keith a cold look.

-Well, actually - Dave intruded - As he mentioned that... There's some cake for you. Why don't you go there and help him bringing us the cake?

-Uh... sure. - I said.

Michael and I walked to the kitchen.

-So... here we are... In the kitchen. Just like the old times.

-I guess so. - I said as I got some plates - Uh... Michael?

-What? - He looked at me and left the tea on the countertop.

-Did you... Did you call me girlfriend today?

-I did, didn't I? - He looked down and smiled.

-So... That's it? It's official?

-Do you want a formal request? I can do a formal request - he got down on his knee, still carrying the cups - Jane Parker... Will you be my girlfriend?

-Michael, Get up - I laughed - I wouldn't be surprised if someone got in right now!

-I love you, Jane! Say you'll be mine - he laughed, still on his knee.

-Stop being silly, get up.

-I didn't hear a "yes"...

-Yes, yes, now seriously, we need to get back there, they're waiting for us.

-Alright, lady Jane - he said with sarcasm and got up - we finish this later.

-Look who are back! I was about to ask if you needed help.

-Ha ha, very funny, Keith.

As we ate the cake, we took a look at Dave's collection, definitely the biggest I've ever seen! After that - and after talking a lot about music - he asked us to show him what we got today at the record store.

-No kidding, you bought a girl group record? - he started to laugh.

-Don't laugh, it's not bad - Keith said - These ones are called "The Marvelettes".

-Is it a new album?

-Yeah, it's from three months ago! It's their debut album! One of the songs got famous, it's called "Mr. Postman".

-Go on, play it! I want to hear it!

(video in the beginning)
"There Must Be Some Work Today
From My Boyfriend So Far Away
Please Mr. Postman, Look And See
Is There A Letter, A Letter For Me?

I've Been Standing Here,
Waiting, Mr. Postman
So, Oh, So Patiently
For Just A Card, Or Just A Letter
Saying He's Returning Home To Me."

-Oh my God, the time! I can't arrive home late!!

-Don't worry, Jane. - Michael touched my arm - Dave, we have to go now.

-Are you sure? I'd like to listen to some of your new soul records.

-Maybe some other day. Thank you so much for inviting us!

-Don't worry with that, Mick! You're always welcome here! And now you two are too.
•••

-Uh... Keith - Michael said - Would you go walking to the car first and wait for us? It will be just a minute.

-Oh. Uh, sure - Michael handed him the keys.

-So... Do you want to finish that talk in the kitchen?

-Why did you take so long to ask me that?

-I don't know... I'm sorry. I'm not good with that. I never have serious girlfriends.

-Hmm, So it's serious? - I chuckled.

-Of course it is. Jane... I've already told you lots of times that what I feel for you is real. Don't you believe me?

-I do. I just love to hear you saying that - I laughed.

-I love you, I love you, I love you. - he whispered smiling and kissed me.

-Let's get in the car, it's not fair with Keith.

•••
Real facts about this chapter:
-
• According to the book "Mick: The Wild life And Mad Genius Of Jagger", Mick loved to read about Politics figures - The names of the Authors and of the biographies I mentioned are real, Mick had them all - and preferred to hide it to keep his reputation.
-
• Keith says that back then, Mick and him spent that time record hunting and that they agreed that pop records could be good, if they made sense. Keith says he and Mick really liked the girl groups.
-
• Dave Golding is real, he really had the biggest Blues and Soul record collection around there, Mick met him at the record store, and went to his house often. Keith says in his autobiography that Mick introduced him to Dave and then he also started to go there.
-
• The London's Blues Fans Club is real. In his book, Keith says London's blues fans met in groups. They had different ages and didn't necessarily have nothing else in common. He tells that he and Mick went there. They talked about matrix numbers and he and Mick sat in different corners of the room and chuckled to each other because they only were there because they heard about a new record collection that arrived.
-
• Keith also says that the blues purists (mostly nerds with glasses) were very critic about music, criticized rock n roll, and they thought they could tell what is blues and what is not.

Author's Note: Thank you for reading, hope you like it. Leave your opinion in the comments.