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Birdie,
You might be surprised how few emails a band that plays town carnivals and rundown clubs gets. You also might be surprised to know I run TSC’s social media. I do a piss-poor job of it, which is why it’s taken me two months to reply.
I didn’t know they’d nicknamed me Stone Cold, but that’s pretty accurate. I don’t mind.
You might be projecting, but you’re not fully wrong either.
Don’t shrink, Birdie. Whatever you do, don’t do that.
Did you regret it?
Callum Rose
Dear Callum,
Excuse me if I don’t play it cool. I should be mad it took you two months to respond while I’m replying within minutes of your email, but I’m not. It might be another two months before you reply again, or it might be never, but it seems important not to waste a second on my end.
I am mad you didn’t answer my questions! I guess you sort of did, but not really. That’s okay. Can you tell me which part I’m not fully wrong about?
I don’t know what it is about you, but I’m fascinated. Where are you now? Are you touring or are you home? Which do you prefer?
I’ve barely left home, so I think I’d like to be on tour, but I’m not sure yet. I have a document saved on my computer of destinations I plan to go to one day...hopefully when I graduate. What’s the best place you’ve ever been to?
Do I regret what?
Xoxo,
Birdie
I took my time replying again. But I did read her emails on a constant rotation. This person, this stranger, caught me off guard. The Seasons Change wasn’t big by any means, but we had fans, and our fandom kept growing. That meant there were girls hanging around after our shows. I’d gotten more than my fair share of questions and prying, but none interested me.
Not until this girl behind the screen. Birdie.
So, I wrote back from the creaking bed in a cheap motel room we’d splurged on for the night.
Birdie,
I watched the sun rise at the Grand Canyon last week. Like you, I wanted to play it cool, but it was impossible. Those minutes in that place were the best I’ve experienced so far.
TSC is touring. Always touring. I don’t really have a home to go back to at the moment, so I’m cool with touring. The van gets cramped and our pits stink it up sometimes, but I still like it.
Traveling’s in my blood. I grew up in a family of musicians/grifters. The Traveling Roses did as much singing as they did pickpocketing. I kicked the thieving habit, but I like to keep moving.
Are you still shrinking? I hope not.
Do you regret your first email?
Callum
Dear Callum,
Two weeks! That’s a lightning-fast response. I was certain my ‘xoxo’ scared you off. Those were strictly platonic hugs and kisses, just so you know. I’m sure you have girls throwing themselves at you constantly, but as we’ve established, I’m not like other girls.
Stinky pits? You’ve ruined any romantic illusions I had about what it’s like to tour. Although, I’d probably love it anyway, especially if it came with Grand Canyon sunrises. I just added that to my list.
The Traveling Roses? I found a few articles about your family! I bet the pic I saw of a little blond boy with dirt on his face is you. One day, when we’re better friends, I need to know more!
On a serious note, no, I don’t regret my first email. I never expected a response, but the two emails I’ve received from you have been the highlight of my life. I know that sounds pathetic, but I’ve lived a very small life and this feels bigger than big to me.
