The summer breeze blew through my hair as I walked reflecting on what had just happened. This has been coming for a while, words have been said and we can’t go back. People try and give their advice but right now my feelings are hurt and my confidence is destroyed.

For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to sing. Standing in my local pub singing  ‘Summer Breeze’. I really thought I sounded great. Everyone watching and clapping as I finished. Singing gives me a happy feeling inside. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.

So, why did my best friend, Freda, decide to tell me that I sound like a pained cat? Jealous of my success she is determined to destroy me. I should ignore her but, how can I? If I really do sound like a pained cat, how can I stand on the stage?

Through all my recent performances she has been there, and she rarely smiled. It is either my singing or something is wrong. Maybe I should be trying to find out. rather than walking and feeling sorry for myself.

Walking now in the cool breeze, there was a crunching sound and then a rabbit hopped into my path. It saw me and ran, bobtail shining white as it bobbed up and down.

My heart feels heavy as I sit down under my usual tree. A woody glade, quiet and tranquil, this is my favourite place. I come here to think, to read and to write music. Years ago, I learned how to play the piano, being taught the musical notes by my teacher, Mrs Wight.  Remembering the times where she would be frustrated with me struggling to understand. Those times were all worth it, I wanted to be the next Elton John.

This morning in the ‘Red Lion’ singing and playing music, it had gone well. Until Freda had exploded and said,
“No more pubs, no more singing, you are making a fool of yourself.” I heard her but did not reply, what could I say? absolutely nothing.

Relaxing now under the tree in the breeze, I tried to forget what had happened and tried to dwell on the positive. Looking at my phone, a small Nokia, I could see there were no messages, no apologies. What had gone wrong?

* * * * *
Leaving the pub, Freda felt like her heart had been broken in two. Why had she taken things out on Ruby? Life had got too much for her. Ruby is so successful, she could not help comparing herself and depression was getting the better of her. Working a dead-end job in a supermarket she had asked herself if she was destined to just be Ruby’s groupie.

Ruby had always been better at everything, all through school she had always achieved better grades. In music class, she had always felt so far behind her. She could play the piano but could not sing at the same time. She could sing but not like her friend.

The afternoon sun was shining on her and the breeze kept her cool. As she walked, she wondered which way Ruby had gone. She longed to be home now, watching something on Netflix with Rex her Labrador asleep next to her. Something then changed everything.

“Stop, give me your bag.” She jumped, fear racing through her, as she was now confronted by a tall, tank-like man.

Throwing her bag at him, shaking and shuddering she now fell to the floor and began to cry.  Now looking a black mess as her eyeliner ran in streaks down her face. There was no one else around and this is the countryside. Her bag had contained her phone, her purse, her flat keys and photos of her parents.

Freda had lost her parents a few years before and she had always carried their picture with her. It had given her comfort. Now she really was feeling alone. Sat at the side of the road, she wanted to give up.

Remembering Rex and his doggie door she dragged herself up and continued to walk home. The police station was miles away and she doubted they would help her anyway.

* * * * *
I started to wonder now if Freda was alright. She had been horrible, but there must have been a reason. Dialing her number there was no answer. The phone just rang out. Feeling ignored I felt myself getting angry.

As the breeze was blowing it was now starting to get chilly, I stood up and brushed the leaves and dirt off me. Getting up, I decided I was going to try and find her. As I walked the atmosphere started to change. I slowed down as I had a strange sensation run through me and I could hear music. I was in a wood, where was the music coming from?

The world suddenly changed around me, I was now stood in a pub. I didn’t recognise it, but I did know the lady on the piano. I was then shocked to see myself. Singing   ‘Summer Breeze’ again, Freda was on the piano smiling and I was singing. Listening I wondered if I was actually performing better with not having to concentrate on playing the music.

Was this a sign? Should we be performing together? I felt like I had been taken here by something, a messenger to guide me to the answer. I listened a little longer as we started to perform one of my favourites,   Georgie Girl. Now thinking more about Freda, I now decided to go and find her. As I made this decision, the pub and music disappeared, and I was back in the wood. This had never happened before and I now wondered if I had dreamt it.

Heading now for Freda’s, I noticed a red Radley bag in the bushes. I recognised it immediately. Her keys were there and her phone, but her purse was missing. I hoped she had not got much cash in there. It would now be the hassle of phoning the bank to stop her cards.

Walking faster now I remembered Rex and his doggie door. I hoped that she had thought the same and was now home safely. As I reached her road, I could see that were lights were on, I breathed a sigh of relief. Reaching her door, I rang the bell. There was no answer. Opening the letterbox I called through it,
“Freda it’s me, Freda.” I could now hear Rex whining.

Now, what had happened? I reached into the bag for her keys. With no option but to let myself in, or use the doggie door, I was worried.

As I walked in, I could smell a strong smell. I now left the door open fearing the worse. Freda had had a problem with alcohol for a while but I hadn’t realised how bad. There lying on the floor in her own vomit was Freda and an empty bottle of ‘Bells.’ Looking at my watch I realised that I had been sat in the woods most of the afternoon.

I now put my phone on speaker and dialled 999. Then I looked over Freda to check if she was conscious. Panicking now as I could not find a pulse. Remembering all my CPR training I now checked her airway, wiped her mouth and proceeded to resuscitate her, she stank of whisky. I needed my friend to live.

Talking to the ambulance as I started chest compressions, relief washed over me as more vomit came up and she started to cough. The crew now arrived and took over. I let them look at her and went to feed Rex and give him some water.

Now putting her on a stretcher they were taking her to the local hospital. I had not realised things had got this bad.  I said goodbye to Rex and joined Freda in the ambulance. Holding her hand now I promised to be a better friend. As I spoke I felt her squeezing my hand, she had been through quite an ordeal.

I wondered now what she will say when I tell her what I saw in the woods. Will she want to join me singing rather than just watching? I felt that maybe things will get better from here. Music makes me happy so I hope it will help my friend.

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Written for  Grammys Grid story prompt -The summer breeze blew through my hair as I..