<HTML><BODY BGCOLOR="#ffffff">story in progress Stage Sisters chapter 2 Written by & copyright of Andrew Cotton Featuring Laretta Morrigan (Cassie's rhythm guitarist) and Cassie Cassie, the Rock & Roll Vixen http://members.aol.com/rufinoform/Cassie.htm Laretta Morrigan http://velar.ctrl-c.liu.se/vcl/Artists/Richard-Foley/Laretta2.jpg Please read chapter three, featuring Laretta, Cassie, and Vixina at http://members.aol.com/CassieRockVixen2/stage_sisters_ch3.txt All characters created by & copyright of Earl Bacon except Laretta, who is created by and copyright of Andrew Cotton, Alex, who is created by and copyright of Donna Fritz and Vixina, who is created by and copyright of Cloudchaser Shaconage. The cafe was named "Crystalline's," a highly unique eatery that featured standard fare as well as eclectic Continental cuisine.  Cassie thought it the ideal place for a nice lunch with her new companion.  Furthermore, the day was warm and sunny, making it irresistible to eat outdoors. "The Tex-Mex is great here," the vixen told her lupine companion, as they looked over their menus, "but I don't really want to have something spicy in my stomach before a gig." Laretta simply nodded, not wanting to debate that point too strongly.  "This place sure looks like it has a nice selection.  I've pretty familiar with the club strip, since I've played several gigs there, but I've never been to this part of town before.  I'll take your word on it," she replied, complementing the vixen. After the waiter took their orders, the moment was ripe for them to engage in casual conversation, to let themselves become more familiar with one another before they took to the stage.  Cassie was the first to break the ice. "Like I said before, I heard all of your demo tape.  I'm really impressed.   How did you learn to play so well?"  Laretta cleared her throat a little, forcing herself to become more relaxed in Cassie's presence.  "Well, I got my first real start in the clubs near the University, where a lot of new artists go to attract a following.  I didn't get paid much for my first few gigs, but it wasn't long before the manager of Zippy's Cabana*, a really popular student hangout, noticed I was drawing in regular crowds.  I started out by playing variations on the classics - Zeppelin, Hendrix, the Eagles - but I found out folks liked it even more when I mixed in Cajun and Country, or 'C & C', I like to call it. I think a lot of them were really attracted by my looks, too," she said with a slight grin.  It was at this time, though, she noticed the vixen giving her a somewhat quizzical look, and she grew slightly self conscious.  "Is something the matter?" Cassie snapped out of her gaze, realizing she was causing her lupine companion worry. "Huh?  Oh, I'm sorry about that.  I was just captivated by your accent.   It's...different." "Pardon me?"  Laretta asked, still puzzled. "Well, I don't mean to pry," Cassie said thoughtfully, "but I can't help picking up on little quirks like that.  You see, I only got the brief run-down on you from Andy.  He said you were from here in the mid-Texas region, and I could definitely tell that from your twang.  But there's something just a little out of place.  Your whole voice sounds just too, well, vanilla to be true Texan." "Oh," Laretta nodded, seeing where she was coming from, "well, I can explain that.  You see, I'm not originally from Texas.  I was born and raised in Canada, and moved here when I was sixteen. I tried picking up the twang so I wouldn't feel so out of place among the locals." "Aha," Cassie replied, "that sounds quite reasonable.  It's a nice blend you have there, really.  I'm sorry if I put you on the spot." Laretta just smiled and shrugged, "It's all right, Cassie.  We are here to get to know each other a little better, aren't we?"  Cassie smiled and nodded in return, "Well, I'm glad to see that you're loosening up.  I think there's a lot we can learn from each other." The waiter then arrived with their food, Chicken Teriyaki Tacos for Cassie, and Spinach Quiche for Laretta.  Both had ordered iced tea to drink, which constituted a nice light meal before their performance. "You know," said Laretta, continuing from the last point, "I actually would have guessed from your accent that you were Canadian too.  It sounds so much like the dialect, but I didn't want to bother you with asking from where?" Cassie grinned casually and replied, "I'm actually from Massachusetts.  I guess it could be from trying so hard to get it in people's heads that I don't have a Boston brogue." She enjoyed her meal momentarily before going on to the next topic on her mind.  "So, what brought you down to Texas from the Great White North?" she asked. Laretta, having eaten some of her food, smiled thoughtfully and replied.  "To answer that, I'd have to tell you what drew me into music in the first place.  I've loved everything about music ever since I was a cub.  I sang in both school and church choirs, and won several awards in talent contests and such.  Plus, I come from a huge family, and music was a very important part of our lives. Whenever there was a big family get-together, we'd always make music and dance.  My mother, sisters, and I sang, while my father and brothers would play musical instruments."  She was only half aware that she was starting to trail off, lost in the memories of her youth. "That actually sounds like my youth,"  Cassie replied, grinning broadly.   "Both of my parents were musicians, so it was only natural that I'd follow in their footsteps. How about you?  Was it the same story?" "Not really," Laretta replied.  "Music was more of a hobby for most of us.   In fact, I'm the first one in my family to really pursue it as a professional career.  As for how I got to where I am now..." she started, searching for the right phrasing, "It really started when I was fourteen.  An older friend from my school took me with her on a trip to Toronto.  I was really excited to see the 'big city' for once.  That's where I discovered my love for rock and roll." "How so?" asked Cassie. "Well, while we were there, we went to see a Rush concert.  It was amazing!   I've never heard anyone sing like Geddy Lee.  He was just incredible!  And the guitars..." Laretta seemed almost entranced. "I fell in love with Alex Lifeson on the spot.  It's like he made the guitar come to life!  I couldn't tell whether it was music or magic I was hearing!" She really started to become giddy, recalling that she briefly had a crush on the guitarist. Cassie had to laugh at this revelation, "Hey, that's another thing we have in common! He's one of my favorite guitarists, too!  So, was that all there was to it?   Rush inspired your love for rock and roll?" "Not entirely," Laretta continued, "While we were there, we went to record stores, and that's where I discovered all the classics - The Who, Van Halen, the Beatles, and so many more.  I just devoured everything I heard!"  She paused slightly with a coquettish grin, "Just for fun, she also took me to a specialty clothing store and gave me a complete makeover.  I felt funny about it at first, but the look grew on me, and it's become a standard for all my performances.  Boy, you should've seen me try to wear high heels for the first time.  I could barely walk one block without falling flat on my face!"  she laughed. The vixen laughed as well, getting into the conversation.  "So, how did your parents take to your new interest in music and fashion?" "Not very well, unfortunately," Laretta continued, less enthusiastically, "They just didn't like rock music and they really didn't like me showing myself off.   They accused me of 'wasting' my talent.  It was hard not having their support, but I loved my music too much to give up on it." Cassie nodded sympathetically, "I'm sorry to hear that.  My parents were completely supportive of career decisions.  Did things just fall apart from there?" "No, it wasn't that bad," Laretta spoke up, "You see, they're just conservative, down-to-earth people.  They knew I'd pursue a career in music, and that I had a spark and drive to go through with whatever I wanted to do.  They loved me and always told me that they were proud of me for accomplishing the goals I set.  They also made it clear, though, that if I was serious about playing rock music, I'd be better off doing it away from home.  I wasn't feel very inspired to develop new musical styles in snowbound, little old Petit-Lac-du-Garreau*, anyway." "So then what happened?"  Cassie asked. "Well, I worked for the lumber warehouse where my dad was manager, and also helped my mom with her home nursing and midwife practice for a little while.  My oldest brother Bryan also taught me how to how to play a guitar.  Once I saved up enough money, I came here to live with my brother Edmond and his wife and two kids.  He's a system administrator of one of the businesses in town.  They've been very supportive of my career ever since." The two companions passed the time chatting amiably among themselves, telling funny vignettes about their lives, but nothing too personal.  Cassie seemed to particularly enjoy Laretta talking about her growing up with four brothers and two sisters.  Any life like that would have to make a girl tough as nails, she thought.  Laretta fondly recalled the hockey games she would play with her siblings, and relished the mild surprise Cassie expressed from learning she would often play goalie, and that she planned to take karate lessons once she had the spare time. (Earl, if you tell me a couple interesting tidbits about Cassie that would make for good, casual conversation, I'd be really grateful.) "Say Cassie, isn't it about time for us to be getting back to the studio?"   Laretta asked, noticing how long they had been there.  Cassie checked the time - ten minutes until one, and they had hardly finished half their meals.  "Heck, yeah.  Time sure flies when you're having fun."  Laretta turned to get money out of her knapsack, but Cassie gently dissuaded her.  "Remember, it's my treat," she said with a gentle smile. Again, Laretta didn't feel like arguing, so she let Cassie pick up the tab for their unfinished meal.  She did make a mental note, though, to repay her in some way. Their heels clicked on the pavement in a quick staccato rhythm as they hurried to Cassie's car, hoping they wouldn't hold things up too much. "So, Laretta," Cassie asked as they fastened their seat belts, "what would you feel like starting out with for our practice session?"  Laretta wasn't quick to reply, and answered with what she felt most at ease, "Oh, I'd actually like for you to pick out something.  I'm sure there's a lot you'd know, and I'd feel more comfortable adjusting to your style." Cassie nodded, focusing on driving without getting into a fender-bender, mentally cursing the less considerate drivers. "Well, don't let me grab all the credit.  You sound like you could take the lead pretty well, once you get a good lick going."   Laretta just smiled and responded evenly, "I know, but I don't want to impose on you.  Once I get a feel for your rhythm, I'll have a better idea of what we can play well together." "I'll find something easy enough for you to pick up on," Cassie replied, exposing her fangs slightly with a grin, "I think we're going to have a great time together."  Laretta just smiled and nodded back, getting herself in the right mood for the upcoming session. She was amazed at how quickly she was becoming friends with Cassie.  Now her only concern was how well they would get along on stage. END OF CHAPTER 2 latest revision: March 11, 2001 *NOTE:  Zippy's Cabana and Petit-Lac-du-Garreau are, to the best of my knowledge, fictitious and only casually modeled on the regions in which they would be located.</HTML>