Bandstand OneShots

Daisy Days - Part 2

A few weeks had gone by since I first met Donny. He was exactly as Michael had described him in his letters home. He'd somehow managed to rope me into being the singer in this band of his that he'd set up. I'd have definitely never said yes, if he hadn't have mentioned that he and Michael planned to start and band and make it big in New York when they returned. Suddenly I wasn't doing this for me, I was doing this all for Michael, to allow his memory to live on. Things had been going smoothly until Ma was at book club and I was meant to be at rehearsals, and all of a sudden the reality of being a single mother dawned on me. During the day, Ma would watch her, after work I always cared for my little girl because I wanted to spend time with my daughter. I phoned Donny in hopes I could miss tonight's rehearsal.

"Hello it's Donny Novitski speaking."

"Hi Donny, it's Julia."

"Julia, hi." I noticed how he suddenly seemed more excited. "How are you doing?"

"I'm good, about tonight, I don't think I can make it. I'm really sorry, but I have to be with Daisy. Ma is at book club so I can't ask her to watch her like I usually do. And given that she spends all day with her I can't ask her to cancel her one social event besides church for me."

"Julia, calm down. Deep breaths. We were going to rehearse those new songs. I'm happy for you to bring Daisy with you to rehearsals. But I understand if that doesn't work for you both."

"Wait, really. I think Daisy would love to come. She loves music and loves when I put records on or play the piano, she doesn't stop smiling. Plus then I can introduce the guys to her as well, she has met Jimmy before but that's it. And she loves you Donny. You are so amazing with her. You're going to be a great father one day."

"Thank you Julia. That means a lot. My father was pretty shocking. But I know your relationship with your dad was just as strained."

"Yeah. Anyway I'll see you at 6 then."

"See you then Julia. Bye."

"Bye Donny," I put the phone down and smiled. "Daisy?"

"Yes mama?" She said running in.

"Do you want to come with me to rehearsals? You'll get to see Uncle Donny and Jimmy again, and then some of my new friends."

"Ohhh yes please mama. I love Uncle Donny. He's funny and he likes to play with me, just like you like to play with me."

"Yeah. So let's get dinner then we need to go." We walked into the kitchen where Ma was finishing making pasta.

"Have you sorted out tonight Julia?"

"I get to go with mama to rehearsals and see Uncle Donny!" Daisy squealed.

"Yes. I have. Donny said I could bring her with me. I want to be able to introduce the guys to her and vice versa and also I know how much she loves music so I'm sure she will really enjoy it. And if she's a good girl I'm sure Donny will be happy for her to come again."

"Really mama?"

"Yes, but you have to be a very good girl."

"I will mama. I promise." I smiled and gave her a hug and a kiss.

"Okay, now thank grandma and start your dinner honey." She began to eat her pasta and thanked Ma.

"Thanks Ma. I'm excited for tonight."

"As you should be Julia. Donny seems to have big dreams."

"It's the dreams he and Michael had together. That's why this band means a lot to me. I'm following Michael's dreams that he didn't get the opportunity to follow."