A Light in the Dark // Flicker Series Part I #wattys2019

Is it Springsteen or {Teenage} Dream{s}

This record store that Niall and I are standing in now holds its own set of memories for me. February 25th 2012, on my 16th birthday, I begged my parents to let me skip school so I could get my license that morning. It took weeks to convince them but eventually they caved. I passed on the first try and that afternoon, when Nora got home from school, I drove the two of us here.

This was undoubtably one of my favorite places in town, so there was no question where my first self-driven adventure would be. I had gotten some money from my grandparents for my birthday and I'd had my eye on the Hotel California record by the Eagles that had been sitting in the glass case at the store for 3 weeks. After seeing me eyeing it for weeks and sensing the sheer buzz of excitement radiating off of me that day, the owner cut me a little deal on the price and wished me a happy birthday after congratulating me on my license.

That was a really good birthday. 

The place isn't owned by the same man anymore, and I definitely don't come in every weekend to see what's new in the glass case, but I can't say i'm not sad to leave this place behind.

"This! Now this is a classic!" Niall is beaming when I pull myself from my memories and look at him across the bins of records.

"Can't be more of a classic than what I've just found..." I wager, laying eyes on one of my favorites at the same time.

"Is this a challenge, Miss Michaels?" He smirks.

"On three, we flip 'em." I instruct and Niall nods in response.

When Niall's fingers reach three we both bring our chosen records into view, each breaking into smile at the sight of the other.

"Rumors, Fleetwood Mac!" Niall exclaims, reading the cover of mine.

"Born in the U.S.A, Springsteen." I smile, reading his.

"Ooof. That's tough." He winces. "Favorite Track?" Niall asks after we've exchanged records to examine the track lists.

"What do you think? Dreams, of course. Not just my favorite track, it's my favorite song of all time."

"Really? I didn't know that!" He smiles and I can practically see him making a mental note of one more little thing about me.

"You?" I ask, holding up the Springsteen record.

"I don't really have a favorite of all time...it's too hard to choose. But from that record, it's Dancing in the Dark."

"Good choice." I nod in agreement. "My parents played both of these around the house growing up." I smile at the memories of Nora and I dancing around our living room to songs older than both of us combined.

"Mine too." Niall agrees. "Sounds like we should continue the tradition for our new house then?" He suggests, giving me butterflies at the thought of our house. I still can't believe that we have a house. I don't think it will feel real until we are actually living in that house, but I can't wait for that to be our reality.

Briefly, a vision of a little boy and girl flashes through my head. They're dancing around to our favorite songs in our home while the records play and Niall plays guitar and we all sing along.

"Sounds perfect to me." I smile, following Niall to the cash register.

We pay for the records after a quick conversation with the stores owner, who recognizes Niall and asks to have a photo of him to hang on the artist wall.

"Have you met any of them?" I ask, holding our purchase up in front of us as we step back onto the street to continue our shopping.

"Yeah, I know Mick & Stevie. They're as lovely as you would imagine. They love Harry, but then again who doesn't." Niall says, making both of us laugh. "Bruce is my idol...I saw him a couple years ago and got to meet him as well. I had to keep pinching myself!" He laughs. "I'm thinking about covering something of his on tour. If I decide to do that, I'd love to try and have him join me on the road for a show."

I hope that happens for him.

Niall has had more 'pinch me' experiences than anyone could ever hope for or dream of, but I know this one would also mean a lot to him. I really hope he's able to make it happen.

There is this look about him every time he talks about tour, and I love it. It's a ways off and something he's undoubtably a little nervous about, but I know he's excited to do it again and truthfully I can't wait for it either.

"I can't wait to go on tour with you." I smile, tucking into his side while we walk.

"I can't wait for you to be there." He replies, kissing the top of my forehead.