Chapter 13

On Sunday morning, Wendy took her daughter into Coventry. As they walked into the Cathedral, there were more people wanting to take pictures and wanting selfies with Willow. They saw the poster that advertised the day’s music being played by ‘Willow Rose – not only the organist of the hit song ‘Love and Marriage’ but also the leader of the ‘Summer Rose Quartet.”

The Dean met them.

“I have to thank you and your friend Gina. You’ve lifted our attendance numbers with some that would have never set foot inside the Cathedral before. You’re doing, for us, what you did at St. Marys.”

They had a drink in the Chapter House before Willow went up to the organ to start the proceedings. The service was as she had played the day before, and she played some Bach afterwards for a few minutes.

Mother and daughter went into the city. Today, Wendy had decided that they were going to do some serious dress shopping, as Willow needed something suitable for the stage. They were sitting in the shopping centre café, bags beside them, when Wendy smiled.

“That was a good service, this morning. It takes some bravery to be up there, on your own, in charge of that instrument.”

“Church organ playing is a touch of skill, a lot of practise, and the chance that’s offered, Mum. Real bravery was what I needed last night. I looked out at those people and wondered if I would be able to entertain them on my own. Everything I played I was imagining that I was in my bedroom, alone.”

“If that was the case, my darling, you were totally successful in hiding it. You could have been any one of those solo artists up there. I was listening to some of the comments. One woman told her friends that she had been to Las Vegas, and you were as good as some of the stars she had seen there.”

“If we ever play Las Vegas, Mum, it will be me and my friends on stage. I couldn’t do anything without them behind me.”

“Exactly, Willow. They will be behind you as the girl leader. They all know that, already, and they will all follow you to the ends of the world. You may consider them your equals, but most of them think of you as the first among equals.”

“That’s almost scary, Mum. It’s after three, we had better get this shopping in the car and head back for Evensong.”

When they walked into the Cathedral, Willow glanced up at the organ to see a man up a ladder. The Dean saw them and hurried over.

“Follow me, the Bishop wants a word.”

They followed him to the Chapter House, where the Bishop was sitting on an easy chair. He gestured to others.

“Please sit. I have something important to ask.”

They sat and were offered refreshments.

“No thank you, we have just come from the café.”

The Bishop sat forward.

“Willow. Our regular organist has used up his available leave but cannot come back to us yet. His son will be able to be flown back in a couple of months to be in a spinal unit for rehabilitation. He asked for, and was given, three months of his long service. This will take him to the end of May. Will it be possible that we can continue with you and Gina playing for us?”

“I suppose it would be all right. Playing here is a wonderful experience. That would take us through Easter, though.”

“Ah! Yes. We will have to work something out with Reverend Russell for that. It does give us some time to sort out. Perhaps we can send a coach to Stoneleigh and bring everyone here.”

“That would be good, but when they find that out, you’ll need two coaches, or more.”

“I’ll keep that in mind when I talk to him. The other thing is that we will consider the two of you as semi-permanent employees. We’ll pay each of you five hundred on the week for your Saturday and Sunday time. Through your manager, of course.”

“That’s very generous, thank you.”

“One more thing is going to be different.”

“Will that be why there’s a man up a ladder over the organ?”

He grinned.

“Nothing gets by you, my girl. Yes. There is a man on a ladder. He is installing a camera which will show you playing. We have used it in the past but not recently. We usually live-stream the morning service, using a camera mounted on the wall that looks at the altar area as well as the one that takes in the full Cathedral. That one you have vision of by the organ. We want to start live-streaming the Evensong as well. Our organist will watch on his computer.”

“That sounds like a good move, Bishop. Would you mind if we have a link on the Summer Rose website so that some of our friends can watch?”

“I’ve already spoken to Peter about that, and he says that he’ll have something up for today. We have already added the link to our own website.”

Willow turned to her mother.

“What do you think, Mum?”

“I think that it will be wonderful for the two of you, as well as for the general public once the service becomes well-known. Bruce may be interested in writing about it in the Observer.”

“Talk to whoever you see fit, Mrs. Rose. I think that our man may have finished now, Willow. When you have the monitor on, you’ll see yourself so that you can smile or sing along. It will show you which of two cameras is being used today and the three for the morning service. Could you please advise Gina?”

“I will, sir. I’d better go and warm up my fingers.”

She left the Chapter House, had a comfort stop and went up to the organ, noting the camera position, slightly to one side so that she would be seen in semi-profile. She looked at her watch and set the timer, then started playing Bach until four.

As she worked through the Evensong, she would glance at the monitor and smile when she saw herself. The choir were in full voice and there were no reasons not to be happy as the Cathedral reverberated with the singing congregation. When she finished, she looked down and there seemed to be a lot more there than usual.

On the way home, she rang Gina, with her end on speaker.

“Hi, friend.”

“Hi, Willow. What’s up? Is the organist back?”

“Just the opposite. He’ll be away for another three months and we’re going to get five hundred each to play as semi-permanent employees.”

“That’s fantastic!”

“There’s also a camera over the organ to show you playing. They are live streaming both the morning service and the Evensong.”

“So, we can tell the school and they’ll let everyone know. That’s awesome.”

“There will be a link on their website and the Bishop has already spoken to Peter about one on ours.”

“OK, I’ll go on-line and have a look.”

“While I was playing, today, I had some thoughts. Are you up for a little job while I’m away?”

“Fire away.”

“Can you speak to the rest of the band, including the guitarists, and see if you can work on the ‘Journey’ set?”

“Already thinking about that.”

“Also, can you speak to the film guys and the sound man that the school use to record the concerts. What I’m thinking is that we can pay for them to record us in the club, one day during the holiday. I’ll see my Dad about having the back room. If we have a set that’s ready to record, we can offer it to Peter as a done deal. I have the idea that he won’t talk to Marcus about getting us back in the studio until the Carpentry album starts to flag.”

“I’m with you there. They won’t be able to use the school equipment, though.”

“If they’re willing to come along, tell them that they will get five hundred each for two day’s work. If they select what they need, they can order it and then email the account to me. I’ll get Dad to pay it with a transfer from my account, then they can pick it up. We get to keep the gear. I reckon they will need two cameras and an eight-track digital recorder, with six microphones and cables to the PA. It’s stuff that we can learn to use for ourselves later.”

“That sounds like a good plan, Willow. Are you sure that you want to fund this?”

“I already have a lot more than you guys from the Hikers sales, so I’m happy to do that. There’s something else.”

“What’s that.”

“Can you talk to Geoff and see if he’s interested in being recorded. I have been told that Grant is writing original songs. This would be a good time for them to show us what they can do, as well as giving them something to show Peter as well.”

“How will we get the discs?”

“I expect that the technical guys have a lot of gear at home. If they need the software to mix and process the audio and video, I’m happy to give that to them, as long as they get an extra package for us to use later.”

“This is starting to sound like a long-term project.”

“That’s because I’m starting to think long-term, friend. I hope that you all join me on the journey, because I need you all there with me, making music and entertaining the crowd.”

“I’m with you, all the way, friend. I’ve made notes and I’ll get on to it during the week. Be busy but don’t let the school know what we’re up to.”

“Right on. The tech guys are all seniors, perhaps Geoff and the G-Force already know them.”

“All right. I’ll ask your mother how you’re getting on and may be able to visit you.”

“It’s all right if you leave it until I’m home. If I’m up to it, I’ll go over to the church on Saturday to see if I’m good to play.”

“All right, friend. I’ll let your mother know how I’m moving with the plan. The more I think about it, the more I think that you are totally right. Catch you later, friend.”

“Keep well, friend. Thank you for listening.”

She turned the phone call off. Wendy glanced at her as they drove down the main road.

“You don’t do things by halves, my daughter. That was the slickest piece of organising I’ve seen from you. How much do you think the equipment will cost?”

“Not sure, Mum. Maybe five to ten thousand. Those guys will get the best they can that will do the job. It’s spending money to make money. If we get big, we can find a lock-up and create our own studio. If we don’t, I’ll get some of my money back if I sell it.”

“What brought all this on?”

“Last night in the club. I was up there, on my own, playing the keyboard and singing. It was like the feeling I got the first time I played the Purple, scared to be doing it but exhilarated at the same time. It was the feeling that I was one with the music and that it would be my future. I’m still going to work towards university, but there will always be time to entertain. I hope you and Dad are all right with that.”

“We’re right behind you, my daughter. I have such pride and joy in my heart when I see you performing. Your father is the same but has a problem telling you how much he loves and admires you. It will be your life, and only you can decide how you want to live it. When we get home, I’ll have to email your Gramma to tell her how to watch you on a Sunday. She has already been told about the band website and has told me that she’ll buy the CD and DVD when they are actual things that arrive in the post. She is a big fan.”

“If we produce our own DVD in the club, we can get the rest of the band to sign it and we can send her an exclusive first look at the next album.”

“She will love that. Now, let’s get home and get you fed. You need to take that last pill and get off to bed. I’m sure that it will take you a while to get to sleep tonight.”

After dinner, Willow got ready for bed and went up to her room to put her headphones on and play the keyboard, now back in its usual place. She was engrossed with sorting out the niggling tune based on MRI sounds when she felt her phone vibrate.

“Willow speaking.”

“Willow, it’s Racheal. I was talking to Jacob today and he told me that you were going into hospital tomorrow. I thought that I should call and give you my wish that everything is fixed.”

“I’ve been told that it will be, Rach. How are you?”

“It’s been crazy. We were in London yesterday, talking to some big promoter about a nationwide tour. The problem is that what he was offering was all good for him but not great for the band. Rick went there, ready to do whatever it takes but we came home without agreeing to anything.”

“Tell him to speak to Bruce Miller again. Did the band sign with Peter?”

“Not yet, they had thought that because they had done so well on their own, they could look after themselves. Nothing’s happened yet.”

“They need a good manager. We signed with Peter and had Marcus take us into a studio to record our album. Those guys are looking out for us and things are happening behind the scenes.”

“I’ll talk to him. Anyway, all the best for next week, I’ll try to get to the next dance. Mum told me that you have to book to get a seat.”

“Thanks, Rach, see you there.”

She switched everything off and got into bed. She hugged her two soft friends and thought about what she had just said. She decided that she would be more inclusive when it came to band decisions in future, if she could.

In the morning, she showered and dressed in loose clothes, expecting that they will be the best for after the operation. She had an overnight bag already packed, so just needed to add her phone and charging cable. She had her laptop in a bag with its own cable. She made her bed, and, on impulse, added Tiger to her bag. She stayed in her room until her parents had eaten, then went down to join Ashley for the drive to Gaydon.

Wendy gave her a hug and a kiss on the forehead, saying that Ashley will drop in to see her that afternoon, and she would be going to the clinic as soon as she left work on Tuesday, seeing that Maisie would be picking up the others. On the way in, Ashley broke the silence.

“Your mother told me about your plans that you put into place. Just tell me the day you want to use the back room and I’ll make sure that there’s a no entry sign. I’m behind you with what you have set in motion. It’s always good to be pro-active, and a complete recording of the new album will push Peter into moving ahead, as soon as he can see how good it is. What I saw on Saturday was enough for me to have total confidence in what you decide.”

“Thanks, Dad. I told Mum that it’s spending money to make money, and I hope I’m right. If I’m not, I’ll just have to roll with the punches. If I’m zonked when you come in, you don’t have to stop.”

“Yes, I do, my darling daughter. I have to make sure that you’re settled after the operation. I’ll get the spotlight and the third-degree interrogation when I get home.”

“Just put the Deep Purple DVD on, Dad. That will save you.”

“What do you know about that?”

“Only that when you hear it, the bedsprings squeak. You need to oil them or get a new mattress.”

He was still chuckling when they stopped at the clinic. Willow gave him a kiss on the cheek and grabbed both of her bags.

“Have a good day at work, Dad. I’ll be all right. I’m in good hands.”

She walked into the clinic as he drove away. The receptionist told her to sit down and made a phone call. Five minutes later, a nurse came to lead her into the vortex of medical intervention. She was shown a bed in a private room, asked to completely strip and then given a sample bottle for some urine to check to make sure the infection had been conquered. She laid on the bed as another nurse came in with a razor to shave her pubic area, then disinfected the area. Later, she was given an injection to make her drowsy and able to take things as they came.

About ten, she was taken on a trolley to the pre-op room and the anaesthetist put a needle into the back of her hand. After that, she stopped thinking and just let things happen. She woke up in the late afternoon in the bed, with pipes leading from her groin area and a drip in her arm. Something beeped and a nurse came in with some fluid for her to sip.

“Welcome back to the world, Willow. The doctor will be around soon, but I can tell you that everything is good.”

She laid there, quietly, and wondered how this was going to change things. Before, she was a pretend girl, but without too much of her old self to give her away. Now, there was nothing to give her away, she hoped, except the fact that children was not on the cards. About an hour later, her doctor came in and checked the clipboard at the end of the bed.

“Welcome to the world of womanhood. The operation was as perfect as it could be, considering what the surgeons had to work with. The nasty stuff that was growing has been taken away and is in the path lab to be checked. They inverted your willie and have given you a useable vagina and a new outlet for your urine, just the same configuration as every girl. There is only one problem that I can see.”

“What’s that, doctor?”

“Just about every nurse on this floor have the Summer Rose album. Your hand may be stiff after signing all the autographs. You are so much more than the lad that we operated on last time, and your fame needs us to make sure nobody sneaks in to take pictures.”

“I’m not famous, doctor. I’m just a musical schoolgirl.”

“Yeah! And I’m Florence Nightingale.”

“Hello, Flo. What do you know, you just got back from a theatre show.”

“You, my girl, are going to light up the clinic while you’re here.”

“Why, thank you, doctor. I’m no match against you.”

The doctor grinned and left her. When her father came in, she had gone to sleep naturally, so he was given the details and allowed to look at her clutching her Tiger. He smiled, thanked the nurses and went home. He told Wendy what their daughter had said that morning, so they snuggled on the sofa and took her advice. That evening, Purple worked its magic once more, or it could have been twice more. Ashley was now aware of the springs and told Wendy that they needed to shop for a new base and mattress.

Oddly, the days didn’t drag for Willow. The nurses were attentive, and she did have to sign a few CDs and posters. She had her notepad to write lyrics and came up with some that could fit the MRI sounds. She gave the song the working title of ‘Fractured’.

On Tuesday evening, she was bright and cheerful when Wendy came to see her.

“There’s a package in the house that Gina gave me last night. It’s a drum machine. I asked her who we should pay for it, and she told me that it was a gift from Brent.”

“That’s right. I asked him to get me one when he got one for himself. I offered to pay but he wouldn’t hear of it. He said it was the least he could do.”

“Gina told me that the plans were under way on the drive in this morning. She suggested that you have a look at the band website.”

“I’ll do that. I’ve been on my laptop for a little while today, and I have a lot of good wishes by email, even one from the Head. They tell me that the catheter comes out tomorrow, along with the drip. It appears that I’m a quick healer. Then, I’ll be able to have a shower and tell them what they can do with this hospital gown.”

“I hope that you’re not being a difficult patient.”

“Oddly, Mum, this time I’m much easier about being here. It gives me time to think and to get my thoughts into some sort of order. It will be interesting to see what I look like, down there. The doctor says that I’ll be just like all girls when the bruises fade. I’m not looking forward to the first pee.”

“You’ll be all right. You already sit as a matter of course and I’ve told you to wipe front to back. Your father has told me that we’ll be looking for a new bed this week.”

Willow giggled.

“Did you watch Purple last night?”

Wendy laughed.

“Are you sure that you’re still only thirteen?”

“You have to remember something, Mum. I did grow up among boys, even if they weren’t kind to me. There was a lot I knew about in primary that wasn’t on the curriculum. If I meet them again, I can now tell them that girls aren’t the ice maidens they thought they were.”

On Wednesday, Willow had the drip and catheter removed, and had the shower that she craved for. In one of her own nighties and her own gown, she was allowed to sit in an armchair while her bed was remade. When Ashley came in, she was able to give him a hug. He made sure that she was all right and kissed her forehead when he left.

By Thursday afternoon, she was walking to the nurses station and back. Thursday evening, Wendy was told that she could be picked up on Friday, by Ashley. She would have been checked over and given fresh covering that was waterproof and should stay on until she came back to have the stitches out.

Before she left the hospital, Willow was walking almost naturally and had spent some time in the café. She had also started a couple of songs based on young love, which could be added to the song of the same name. She had also made some decisions about the MRI song. She would start with a staccato drumbeat from the machine and add the jagged synthesiser sounds. If it ever got recorded, it would after she had broken up with Jacob. She hoped it would never be needed.

She had also studied a few of the websites. The Cathedral one had pictures of her and Gina with a link to the services and Evensongs that they would be playing for. The Summer Rose website now had a range of merchandise, including a charming pendant shaped like a red rose, on either a silver or golden chain. She emailed Peter to ask if he could send two dozen to her home for giving out to deserving relatives. The website also listed the physical CD and DVD set with an order form link. When she looked at the video, it now showed more than a million views.

Peter emailed her back to say the pendants would be sent to her home by courier next week, and that that she should expect a TV crew and reporter to visit her on the Wednesday evening. She emailed him back to tell them to find her at the club with her singing group practise.

Marianne Gregory © 2025