Part Eight:

With her heart pumping, Darcy stood right at the heart of the crowd. The sun was shining, the band was playing well and the audience were singing and clapping along. It was like nothing she had ever experienced before. At the end of the set, she made her way to the side of the stage. Chris and the others were sweating in the heat. Darcy took off her shirt and handed it to him to wipe his face. He laughed down at her and called her a Groupie. She didn’t know what a groupie was, so she slapped his leg and tried to look offended, but she laughed anyway.
The guitarist was trying to roll a cigarette but his sweaty hands stuck to the paper. He looked around for someone to do it for him... Now this was something Darcy could do! The Lodge had taught her this. He handed her the tobacco and papers doubtfully, then he handed her a little box and told her to sprinkle a bit of its contents in there as well.  If young Darcy was puzzled, she did not show it. She handed him a neat little rollie.

Music pumping, crowd’s gone mad

Singer swaggers out and preens

Masses chant, hands in the air                

Around ‘naive’, in denim Jeans

Shining eyes and cautious grin

Do not betray what lies within

Though nightmares of the past return

It seems they have a role to play

Incorporate what has been learned

Into a function of today

Savvy cool, in face of men

Using what was learned, back then

It was an amazing weekend. The enormous crowd was buzzing with excitement and so friendly. Darcy never wanted it to end.

By Sunday evening the band was played out and it was time to pack up. Chris and Darcy were heading for home. The others were travelling separately. 

As the big blue van rumbled towards the exit, a police car came into view.  Darcy’s heart almost stopped. The police flagged them down and took Darcy aside for questioning. It seemed they had been waiting there, rather than searching for her through the massive crowd.

Chris was asked to follow them with Darcy’s things. She was being taken back to the hostel.  It was an abrupt halt to such a lovely weekend.
As she was driven away, she looked longingly over her shoulder.  Chris’ van was several cars behind, she couldn’t see his face.