Perryville Story Contest

Need a good read?

We had a fan fiction story contest, these were the enteries.

Story 2

It is a Monday night and you''re kicked back on the sofa, recovering from a long day at work, listening to your favorite Journey CD, drinking your favorite beverage when the phone rings. You want to ignore it but it might be something important and you haul yourself off of the sofa and you glance at the caller ID before you answer. The number is not one you recognize and you decide not to answer, it is just probably one of those pesky telemarketers, and you turn to walk away but something tells you to answer it.

"Hello"

"Hello, this is Steve Perry, and I am calling on behalf of the charity Rock Stars For Children. This year we are having a dinner and dance to benefit needy children in the area. Tickets are ten dollars a piece. Would you like to add your name to the list to help this worthy organization ?"

You are stunned! You recognize that voice! It's the same voice that is playing on your stereo at this very moment. You stand there, like a dumb-struck fool, the phone stuck to your ear and your mouth open, too much in shock to speak.

"Hello?..........Miss ?

If this is a crank caller, I'm not amused. You answer back into the phone.

This IS Steve Perry. I'm helping the charity Rock Stars for Children. Steve responds back to you.

Yeah right and I'm Marilyn Monroe. So if your really Steve Perry then sing a few bars of Little Girl. You say back sarcastically.

Okay Little Girl. Here goes. It was just another day, words get in my way, Girl I'm so sorry. So I'm reaching out to you, with hope to see you through just another day, do you see the words I'm trying to say, girl I really mean it, yes I warned you from the start that I could break your heart, so girl don't stay Ooooh Little Girl, Ooooh Ooooh Little Girl, Ooooh Ooooh Little Girl. Steve sings to you on the phone.

You realize it was the real deal. That it was not a prank call but actually really Steve Perry. Feeling like a fool the embarrassment fills your body. You respond back with regret in your voice.

Mr. Perry What charity did you say again? You ask.

Call me Steve, please. I haven't been called Mr. Perry in quite a while. The charity is Rock Stars for Children. They are sponsoring a dinner and dance benefit for needy children in the area. Steve says with clarity in his voice.

You did say tickets were $10 each. You ask in a questionable voice.

Ten dollars that's right. Can I add you to the list. Steve questionably asks you.

Are you going to be there? you ask Steve.

Yes I will be. I will be performing a song that night. Why do you need a date? Steve asks out of the blue.

You can't believe what you heard. Did you hear right. Did Steve ask you if you need a date. Silence fills the phone and you hear on the line.

Hello, are you still there. Hello,Hello Steve repeats.

Coming back to reality Sorry for the pause. You are going to perform then I must buy a ticket then. You can add me to the list. You say back with gladness in your voice.

I'll add you to the list but you did not answer my question honey. Do you need a date? Steve asks again.

OMG! He asked again. Are you offering to be my date? You ask.

Yes I guess you could say that I am. I hate going to these things alone. The charity is Saturday at 8:00p.m. I could pick you up at 7:00p.m., that is if you need a date. Steve tells you.

It's a date then. I live in Sherman Oaks. 247 Sherman drive. You tell Steve.

Great that's not far from my house. I know where that is. So do tell me honey what is your name? I need to know who I'm picking up. Steve asks you.

Marilyn Monroe. You say back.

Your real name. Steve says with a laugh.

That is my real name. My mother loved her and when I was born that became my name. You say back.

I'll see you Saturday at 7:00p.m. Marilyn. Steve says.

You just love how he says your name. You hold on to the phone a little longer repeating the words that Steve said I'll see you Saturday Marilyn. How he spoke and said your name. Chills now run up your spine and you gently hang up the phone. Walking over to your chair you sit down and take a drink from the cold beverage that is sitting on the table beside the chair. You close your eyes and drift away falling asleep, with Steve singing in the back ground.

Suddenly the door bell rings and you are startled awake. Who could be coming at this hour of the night. You turn down the music and go to the door. Looking out the window you see a man standing there. Not sure who it is you cautiously open the door to see a man standing there looking away.

Excuse me does Marilyn Monroe live here? The voice says while looking down.

Yes I'm Marilyn Monroe. What can I do for you? you respond back with a quietness to your voice.

I was asked to drop this off for you. Could you please sign here. The man says handing you the clipboard and giving you a pen to sign.

You sign on the line and the man hands you the envelope. Seeing the man walk down the walkway to the car on the curb you slowly close the door and lock it. You go over to the couch sitting down you open the envelope. There is this note inside. Opening the note you smell a slight fragrance on the paper that smells like Jasmine. Looking at the note written is this message: I wanna be loved by you just you and nobody else but you. You look inside the envelope to find another piece a paper a longer note. You open the paper to read:

The name Marilyn Monroe sounds so romantic. I can't wait to meet you. I'll come by Saturday night at 7:00 so we can have a chance to get to know each other before the charity dinner. The charity will be very crowded and so full of people. I hope you are a blonde. You know what they say Gentleman prefer blondes. Until then, Steve.

Your hands begin to tremble and shake. This has to be a dream. You can wake up now you repeat over and over even pinching yourself to make sure you are awake. Taking the paper you read the note over several times. You smell the small note and realize that Steve was making a Marilyn reference to your name. It was Marilyn's song on the small note paper. The smell of that paper was intoxicating. Pressing the note to your heart you sigh and prop your feet up on the coffee table. How can you sleep tonight? A thought comes to mind do you have something to wear?

Getting up from the couch you turn off the music and grab your drink running up the stairs you go into your closet to see if you have something to wear. It was a good thing you were a true blonde. If you wasn't you certainly would dye your hair to become one. Well thinking back to your high school years and now people did say you resembled Marilyn somewhat. You had a soft voice like Marilyn and you did have blonde hair other than that you both were so different. Why did your mother have to name you Marilyn Monroe Jackson? Marilyn would have been enough. You've had a lot of comments on the name, some good some bad.

Ah ha! You find a dress. It was worn only once to a office party this year and everyone did say you looked absolutely ravishing. It was a simple black silk dress with spaghetti straps a plunging neckline and had a very low back to the dress. The length of the dress was just a few inches below the knee the perfect length. Standing in front of the mirror you hold the dress against your body admiring how it looks in the mirror. Should you wear your hair up or let it fall around your shoulders. You can't decided which would be better. Putting the dress on the bed you go back into your closet to find those shoes that go with the dress. Finding the shoes you ask yourself “Is Steve really only 5"6'? You were only 5"4' and wearing these shoes might make you taller than Steve. Searching you find another pair with a slightly smaller heal that go perfectly with the dress. You hang the dress on the inside of the closet door.

You want so much to call your best friend and tell her all about this but you decide to keep mum for now. Steve has prided himself on being private and you didn't want to sound like someone who would tell everyone. Steve did say he lived in the area or close by so he does now the area and where you live. Thinking back to the phone call you fall back on the bed holding the note to you taking in the fragrant smell. The Jasmine takes hold of your senses playing with your mind. You drift of to sleep thinking about the night and Saturday.

Saturday comes quicker than the rising sun. You're on cloud nine. Tonight is surely a dream come true for you. Thinking to yourself and daydreaming about tonight the phone suddenly rings breaking you out of the dream you were having. Gently you pick up the phone placing it against your ear.

Hello. You say.

Hello, is Marilyn Monroe available to come to the phone or is she busy signing autographs? The voice asks with a slight chuckle.

You recognize the voice. It's Steve. I hope he is not called to cancel you think to yourself before answering back.

Saying in a low sultry voice This is Marilyn Monroe. Would tall dark and handsome like an autograph. You say with a laugh.

A woman with a sense of humor. I like that. I just called to make sure we're still on for tonight. Steve says back to you.

Absolutely. 7 p.m. right? you respond.

7 p.m. I'll stop by then. Steve says.

I'll be waiting Mr. Per,I mean Steve. Thank you for the lovely note the other day. You say happily.

Glad you liked it. So I'll see you tonight Marilyn. Steve sweetly says.

Tonight. You say back with seduction in your voice before hanging up the phone.

Only a few hours before 7. You had to get ready. Running upstairs you get a bath water ready. While the tub is filling you lay the dress you will wear tonight on the bed. You undress and slowly slip into the water. Sinking you begin to relax letting the warmth of the water surround you. Closing your eyes you slowly feel the tension of the day leave your body. Your mind thinks about Steve's phone call and you begin to daydream about tonight. Before long you open your eyes and look at the clock. Oh my, I better get out of here. You say to yourself.

Slowly you rise from the tub grabbing a towel you dry off and get dressed. You decide to leave your hair down. Putting hot rollers in your hair you do your make up. When you'e almost ready you fix your hair. Gently you slip the dress on. You pick a simple pair of earrings and necklace, your put on your best cologne and slip into your shoes. Looking at the clock you see that it is almost 7. You stop and look into the mirror before going down stairs. You never looked better.

Just as you reach the last step you hear the doorbell. Your heart jumps. It' him, Steve is here. Composing yourself you casually walk over to the door. Clasping your hands together you say to yourself be yourself. Don't be nervous. You say this several times before answering the door. Slowly you open the door to see Steve standing there holding a dozen white roses.

Hello, Marilyn? Steve says questionably.

Hello. Were you expecting someone else? you say with a friendly smile.

Yeah, Joe Dimaggio. Steve says with a slight laugh.

That moment broke the ice. You laugh with him.

Please come in. you say.

I hope you like roses. Steve says while giving you the flowers.

I love flowers. These are beautiful. Thank you. Let me put these in water. You say going into the kitchen.

You come back into the room. They are really beautiful. Just what the room needs. You say putting the vase on the table behind the couch. A beautiful lady always deserves flowers. Well I guess we better get going. Steve responds to you.

I think we should. You say grabbing your wrap and purse. Joe Dimaggio. That's a new one. I like it. You say laughing as you lock the door.

Steve opens the car door and you slowly get in. Closing the door Steve then goes around to get in. Steve starts the car and off you both go to the charity. After driving a while Steve looks at you.

Marilyn tell me something about you. Steve says glancing at you with those eyes.

Well I was born and raised in Cape May New Jersey. You know Cape May is known for having the oldest lighthouse. You say glancing out the window then looking at Steve.

That would explain your accent. Oldest lighthouse, every town has something they are know for. New Jersey? You sure are a along way from home. What brought you to California? Steve asks with interest.

College. When I was 18 I came here to attend college. You say back.

What did you study? Steve asks.

Architecture. 4 years of Architecture. When I graduated I got a job working for a local landscaping company. I design patio's and pools. You answer back.

Sounds interesting. You must love art. Steve asks.

I love art. Especially modern art. There's something about an artist and his work. You respond.

How long have you lived here in California? Steve says to you.

This September will be 26 years. It was hard at first being away. For so many years it was just my mom and me. My dad left when I was 6. He went to work one day, left a note for mom and we never saw him again. We did all right. We had family to help. You say with a sadness in your voice. Oh listen to me going on about myself. Steve tell me something about you? you say looking over at Steve.

What don't you know about me? There's been so much written. Steve says rhetorically.

So much written about you? I've never been one for collecting articles and pictures of celebrities. With college and all if I bought the latest music that was enough. Besides articles can be so misleading. I guess I was never the teenybopper in that sense. Tell me did you always live in California? you ask.

Always have lived here. Was born in a small town of ,you never read anything about me? Steve asks with curiosity.

Never. Always enjoyed the music. I always have believed the stuff that is written was never really true or accurate. So why read it anyway. You say.

Suddenly traffic becomes clogged and seems to go at a snails pace and then suddenly stops. Steve glances at this watch 7:40. Traffic is really slow tonight. Something must be up and it can't be good. Steve says with concern.

That's California. Always something. How did you get involved with the charity? you ask Steve.

Someone from the charity contacted me and since it was for the children I thought why not. Children are truly wonderful and so innocent. Steve says with a smile.

Seems like you have a soft sport for children. Do you have any? you ask.

Children me, Oh no. Don't have any children. What about you? Steve responds.

None for me. You say back.

Just then a cop taps on the window. Steve rolls down the window.

Excuse me folks but there has been a accident ahead with several cars and as soon as the cars have been moved traffic will resume again. They are trying there best to not hold up traffic to long. The officer says.

How long do you think officer? Steve asks.

Not sure. 20 minutes or more. Can't really say. Hey aren't you Steve Perry? the officer asks.

Yes I am. Steve answers back.

Could I get an autograph for my wife. She just loves you and your music. The officer says.

Sure. What's her name? Steve asks.

Suzanne Patterson, I only have a traffic ticket for you to sign. The officer says to Steve handing him the pad and a pen.

That's fine. I give her a ticket then. Steve fills out the ticket as if he is giving Suzanne a speeding ticket signing his name as the arresting officer.

Great! Thanks a lot. I'll tell my wife she got a speeding ticket from you. The officer responds after seeing the ticket.

The penalty is 6 months no music. Especially mine. Steve says with a laugh. The officer and you both begin to laugh. The officer then walks ahead to the next car.

Steve takes his cell phone and calls the charity. He explains the situation. They tell him they will make him the last performer and just in case they have a fill in if he doesn't make it. Steve glances at his watch again. It's now 8:30.

Finally traffic begins to move at a slow pace. By the time you and Steve get to the charity it is 9:30. The night is almost winding down. Steve and you go in. Steve meets the charity people taking you with him. He talks to the people who set up the event. People begin to get curious and ask Steve who you are. His words sorta catch you off guard. Steve tells those who ask that you are his date. What a night this is? Steve signs some autographs and talks with some of the children. You notice that photo's are being taken. Steve takes your hand and both start to walk in to find a table just at that moment someone takes another photo. This time of you and Steve. Steve doesn't mind. He looks at you.

I hope you don't mind the cameras. It's all in the name of charity I guess. Steve says with a smile.

It's okay, I don't mind. You say back.

Steve and you find a table. Steve tells the charity people to go ahead and use the fill in. They agree and let Kenny Loggins perform in Steve's place. Kenny Loggins comes onto the stage with just a guitar. He begins to sing, Christopher Robin and I walked along under branches lit up by the moon. Posing our questions to Owl and Eeore as our days disappeared off too soon. But I've wondered much further today than I should.

Everyone listens as Kenny Loggins sings House at Pooh Corner. When he is finished he comes over and says hello to Steve. Steve introduces you. The charity begins to thin out. Steve talks again with the head of the charity. You sit at the table and wait for Steve. You are somewhat sad in a way. You were hoping to hear Steve sing. Steve comes back to the table sitting down to see a sadness in your eyes.

What's wrong Marilyn? Steve asks with such concern. Nothing really. I was just hoping to hear you sing tonight. You say looking at the table.

You want to hear me sing. Steve says getting up from the table.

You have a beautiful voice and to share it with the children. You say back.

Marilyn wait here. Steve says as he leaves the room.

Looking around you see you are the only one in the room. After a few minutes you hear something coming from the stage. You look up to see Steve standing there with a microphone in his hand. A smile crosses your lips.

Steve, what are you doing? I think they want to close up this place and go home. You say looking at Steve.

Marilyn wants to hear me sing. So I sing for Marilyn. Steve says with a smile.

Really Steve it is okay. You don't have to sing. You insist.

Steve then begins to sing, Baby I need your lovin', Baby I need your lovin' Although your never near your voice I often hear. Another day another night, I long to hold you tight, Cause I'm so lonely. Baby I need your lovin' got to have all your lovin'. Baby I need your lovin' got to have all your lovin'.

Steve then jumps down from the stage. Coming over to you he takes your hand and gently pulls you up from the chair. He sets the microphone down. Taking your hand in his pulling you close and putting his other hand around your waist. You place your hand against Steve's back. Steve begins to sway and you follow his lead. You and Steve dance. You rest your head against his chest and Steve sings into your ear the rest of the song. You just melt against his body as you continue to dance with Steve. When Steve finishes the song he looks into your eyes and gently kisses you.

Suddenly you awake, sitting up in bed. What a dream. You feel a touch on your shoulder.

Honey are you okay. He says in a sleepy voice.

Turning you say ,Steve I had the strangest dream.

Was I in it? Steve says in a sleepy tone.

Yes you were. You were helping this local charity for children and you called me to sell me a ticket. I told you my name was Marilyn Monroe. You say back looking at Steve.

Steve now sitting up in bed looks at you. You did say Joe Dimaggio in your sleep several times. Steve says with a smile.

I did not! You say back nudging Steve.

Yes you did. So tell me more about this dream, Marilyn. Steve says with a laugh.

We got stuck in traffic. Got to the charity late. Kenny Loggins had to fill in for you. Then you sang Baby I need your Lovin' to me, after everyone left. Then we danced. What a dream! you say laying back down in bed.

Marilyn Monroe huh! Steve says laying down beside you holding you close.

I don't even like Marilyn Monroe. You answer back.

Steve then begins to sing in your ear. I wanna be loved by you, just you and nobody else but you. I wanna be loved by you alone.â€

Very funny Steve, very funny. You say back with a chuckle in your voice.

Just call me Joe. Steve says laughing as you both fall asleep.

THE END