And he really meant it.

I was grounded. Can't he see that I'm eighteen already? But it didn't matter. As long as I live in his house, I must do what he tells me to.

I stayed home the whole break long, I was so sad and lonely. I stayed most time in my room. I was so worried with the possibility of not walking with them anymore... My dad made it clear that he didn't want them to be my friends.

December 19th, one day before the party, was Chris' birthday. I bought something for him but I didn't have the opportunity to give it to Michael.

Michael. I miss him. I wanted to call him... But I can't.

I spent my Christmas crying as I listened to my Elvis' Christmas Album record.

"I Don't Need A Lot Of Presents
To Make My Christmas Bright
I Just Need My Baby's Arms
Wound Around Me Tight
Oh Santa, Hear My Plea
Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me"

"Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)" - Elvis

•••
After Christmas, the New Year. "Happy 1962!" they said. It doesn't seem happy to me.

•••
January 15th, 1962. Break is finally over.

I woke up happier today. I couldn't wait anymore. I ran downstairs and got some cereal. My father could make me stay at home during the break but he couldn't do anything about seeing Keith at the station in my way to college.

-You look excited for your first day... - Mom said.

-Maybe too much - Dad added.

-You know, I'm tired of staying home...

I got my backpack and shoes and ran to the station. My hair must be such a mess.

Arriving there I looked around. Where was he?

-Keith! - I saw him far from me, standing there with his guitar.

He heard me and looked back. I ran and hugged him.

-Jane! - He said as he hugged me back - How are you?

-Well, this month was awful for me, to be honest. What about you?

-Yeah, not that bad.

-And how's Michael? Is he okay?

-Well, actually... I haven't seen him since the party. Your parents weren't the only ones who got mad after what happened...

-You're grounded too?

-No... My mom is not that kind of parent. She just says what is right and that's it. She just got very disappointed and my father shouted a little at me. They haven't banned me from seeing him but he didn't call me and I didn't call him too...

-But... and the band?

-I guess it's over.

-Over? It can't be over... I thought you liked to play with them!

-I do! But it's not that simple, Jane. I want to. But after what happened I don't know if they want to keep it, you know.

-You can't quit! I really believe in you guys! You have to talk to them!

-I don't know... Maybe we can go to Carousel next Saturday and see if he's there?

-I can't...

-Oh... Yeah. I forgot. Your father must be very mad at me and Mick, isn't he?

-It doesn't matter for me... I don't want to stop seeing you guys. I'm finally finding myself with you. You two understand me... Before I found you, my life was so boring! Please, go talk to him. For me.

-Don't worry, Jane. I'll do it.

•••
Monday, January 22nd.

I felt very nervous as I walked to the station. Did Keith go to Carousel Saturday? Was Michael there? Are they going to continue with the band? And what if Michael doesn't want to be with me anymore? Many questions in my mind that I couldn't wait for the answers.

-So, did you go there?

-Yeah!! - he smiled - it was awesome. There were Mick, Dick, Bob and some girls.

-Girls?

-Yeah, girls. I couldn't believe when I saw it. What if our band is attracting girls? - he smiled - wouldn't it be awesome?

-Sure. - I said, a little jealous - so... continue.

-As I was saying... They were all there, unless Allen. He left the band. You know, the police officers had to take Bob to his house. I guess it made everything worse.

-Oh, he did? Damn... But it isn't over, right?

-Yeah!! We talked for hours, and we decided to come back with the rehearsals. We have one today by the way.

-That's great!! And... did you... you know... did you talk about me?

-Ohh, yes, I did! I told him I saw you at the station and he started to make questions about you, how you were, things like that.

That's so good.

-Did he ask anything else?

-Yeah, he asked about his Berry's record - he laughed.

-Oh! Sure! I need to give it back to him.

-You should go with me next time and see him.

-I really want to... I just can't...

-You can tell your parents you're going to study at someone's house.

-I don't think they would believe that. Specially in a Saturday morning, when they know you all meet there.

-I see... Then just... tell them you're going to... I don't know, to the market. You meet him quick and then buy what you were supposed to.

-You know what? This may work! But I'm not sure I'm going so don't tell him.

•••
Keith told me about the rehearsals. He said that he arrived earlier - in both rehearsals, at Monday and Wednesday - and Michel and he listened to records, and tried to get the most they could of them. Keith tried to play it with his guitar as Michael wrote the lyrics on a notebook. They discussed about the song, what was good and what wasn't, and, according to Keith, they always had a similar opinion. They always thought the same thing about what they were listening to. And when they thought they could make something different, they just told their ideas to each other and tried to make it work. Keith said they had an amazing time doing it and intended to keep with it. I wish I could join them.

•••
Saturday, January 27th.

I first told my mom that I was going to the market to buy eggs, milk... But then she said she had bought those things a couple days ago. I had to create a story - come on Jane, think of something.

I told her I missed her cherry pie, just like she used to make when I was a little kid. So I wanted to buy the ingredients so we could make one together this afternoon. This sounded very weird but she believed it.

I got Michael's record when she wasn't looking. Now I needed to rush to Carousel.

When I arrived, my heart started to beat faster and faster as I walked through the door.

-Oh my God, Jane! - He gets up of his seat between two girls and came my way, as I came his and we found ourselves in a hug. He touches my face, still close to me - What are you doing here?

-I came to give you this - I handed him his record - and to say hi... - I chuckled.

-Hi! - he laughed and held the record - and thank you. Aren't you grounded or something?

-Well, yeah, I told my mom I was going to buy some cherries.

-Oh.

I looked behind his shoulders. There were Bob, Dick, Keith and... those girls from the party. Why the heck are they walking with them? After that stupid game I didn't have the intention of seeing them again.

-These are Shirley and Anne, the twins, you must remember them - Michael said. They were the ones that were sitting by his side.

-Yes, I do. And this is Carly, right?

-Right! And these other girls are... - he referred to the other girls sitting by the other boys' side - I don't know their names, they are new.

What's happening? When did they start to be surrounded by girls?

-Michael, can I talk to you for a minute?

-Yes, of course!

We walked to the corner so they couldn't hear us. I touched his hand and looked in his eyes.

-Can I see you again? Maybe alone? I miss you.

-I miss you too... but... I don't think we should.

-Why not? My parents don't need to know...

-I don't know, Jane... I don't want you to be in trouble because of me...

-It's not because of you if I want to do it, Michael... And they won't find out.

-But how will you...

-I can create some story, just like I did today.

He stayed quiet and bit his lip.

-Okay. If you really want, there is going to be a party tomorrow. It's Dick's birthday. Are you in?

-A party? - it's too dangerous... If my parents found out about this I'm dead. But it may be my last chance... - I'll be there.