Elvis - A Lighted Candle

[Guest]

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I didn't think I'd ever see Elvis again, I mean he had been signing autographs for hours, his hands were scratched from so many girls and women grabbing at him and he had a lipstick all over his face from them kissing him. His dad kept giving him his hankerchief to wipe it off with and it looked like a mess of various shades of blood on that once white cloth! Elvis was friendly, laughing and letting them touch him, so much so his shirt was getting torn and several buttons went missing in strange hands.
He kept tucking that shirt in to keep it pulled together as they were reaching inside the opening and he'd pull their hands out and say "No! I'm ticklish!" and give them a frowning look. I sat on top my uncle's truck and had a good look from there. He was so handsome, and when he looked up at me his blue eyes were a beacon straight into my heart. I had never seen a man look like that, it struck fear into my soul because I thought I would never ever have the luck of actually meeting him, talking to him just being close enough to look into his face and eyes and hear just his voice talking to me! I grew so cold thinking he's going to be gone soon and I won't ever see him again! Suddenly there were sirens every where and police came from all directions, they got out and started moving people away from Elvis who couldn't get to the car he was supposed to go in for all the people. I realized then that he was standing against the building on purpose and his father and two other men were protecting him as best they could and Elvis was being friendly and siging things so the people would be calm and not hurt him. Until then I didn't even think of that-the police were dragging people back, making a path for Elvis and they couldn't get it to go straight to the waiting car so it was creeping forward through the people to the isle the police were making, locking arms and surrouding Elvis as they all moved toward the car now right beside my Uncle's truck! I was going in to shock to think he was going to walk right beside me! I could touch him!
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Elvis was looking at me I realized as he inched along in his pocket of police and friends-girls were reaching for him but their arms were held back by the "police fence." As he came up to me he reached up and said "come here little girl-get down!" And he lifted me down and I felt light as a feather-I am 5 foot 2 and weighed 124 lbs at the time. He said to the men with him, "Bring her along, they're going to crush this whole place when I get in that car-let's get in fast-her too." and he told his dad when that doors open jump for the other side fast cause we've got to hurry daddy and make sure that damn door is locked!" We all got there, one of the men opened the back door, his daddy jumped in, Elvis shoved me in then he scrambed in and slammed the door shut and locked it. He told the driver, move slow but don't stop unless you're runnin' over somebody. Get me the hell out of here as quick as you can" I realized then that he was scared-and had been scared while he was signing things and holding back those many hands and arms. He had bleeding scratches onl his hands, his arms and several on his chest and neck. He leaned forward and asked his dad to help him get his jacket off-he was soaked with sweat beneath it. He looked at me and said he was sorry but he was afraid if he hadn't got me off that truck the crowd would have been dangerous and might have drug me off in their efforts to get to him...if something had gone wrong with their plan. As it was people were screaming and pounding on the car and one man was climbing on the trunk but he slid off as the driver hit the brakes a time or two and he fell loose. It was a slow go as the people were running along with the car-then we came to a main street and the driver ran the light getting into traffic to get away and then we were clear. Elvis asked me where I lived, did I want to go there? I said where are you going? He said to the hotel on the other side of town-how old are you? I said I'm 19 and he looked at his daddy who kind of nodded yes and Elvis smiled and said, your sure you're 19 and not 17? I said want to see my driver's liscense? He said yes I do. I pulled it out and there was my picture and my birthday and he said, well, you'll be 19 in a week-Daddy what's the age in Kansas? His father said, Oh son, son! Elvis said, "No Daddy, what is it?" His daddy said "It's 18 son, it's 18" And Elvis said, "Well little one, you're legal-want to come with me to the hotel? We can have some dinner and watch some tv and talk...or something you want to do? Don't have nothing exciting
planned...but maybe we can think of something-I have
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to go to bed about midnight though, got to work tomorrow afternoon and then at night also. Do you want to call your folks when we get to the hotel?" I said no, they lived in another state and I was staying with friends and going to college. I didn't tell him it was my Uncle and I said, I'll just call them and then they won't worry. He grinned and he was so cute. His hair was all hanging in his face, his eyes were so blue, I've never seen eyes like his, they were so alive, so deep and expressive and they made me want to jump into them. The car airconditioner was on and Elvis was getting cold so his dad pulled out a blanket from somewhere and started putting it around him and I pulled it over on my side around him, Elvis picked up the blanket, slid his arm around my back and pulled me against him under the blanket saying, you'll warm me up fast little one, just hug me up some." His daddy cut him a look of disgust and then looked out the window and Elvis looked at him with amusment and kind of laughed.
It was a long ride through traffic, Elvis kept hugging me, his hands up and down my back and arms and he put my arm inside his wet shirt and then moved me onto his lap and slid over with us both next to the window. His dad kept looking out the window on his side. Elvis pulled the blanket up to cover us and he was kissing my neck and my cheek and then my lips in quick little kisses.
Your sweet, he whispered into my ear and then said, -where the hell is the hotel?" I told him he was so handsome and he scared me when he looked at me. He laughed and said, I'm scared too, man what you make me feel is-is way out!" The driver said, "Okay, we're here, it's just around the corner and it's underground parking so we'll be there in about a minute. He turned into the parking garage and went down the ramp. Elvis pulled back the blanket so he could see and they all checked around for anyone with cameras or anything before opening the doors. Elvis said, "Little one, stay close and hang on to me-we might have to run." So I did and we almost ran to the door and then to the elevtors that were open and waiting. Elvis didn't relax his guard until inside the room with the doors locked, then he flopped down in a chair and stretched out his legs and said a loud Whewwww! Man that was close-did you see those chicks man, they-they wanted blood! And then that wasn't enough...lordy! Where was the cus-cus damn guards? Thought they were supposed to get me out of there! What the hell we pay them for?"
His daddy said he'd find out and for him to go get a shower and stand under the hot water for a while as he was likely to get a chill. So Elvis hauled himself up and headed to the bathroom after saying "Yes sir" to his daddy. While he was in there his daddy asked if I wanted to call anyone and I did but I didn't tell my uncle where I was-I said at a friends for the night where I often stayed over. He said okay and went back to his tv. Elvis came out and he had shaved and smelled really good and was wearing pale tan pajamas and barefoot with his hair wet and hanging in his face. He looked so cute- He came over to me and said, "What's your name little one?" I said, Cleo and he said Cleopatra? I said no, just Cleo Loraine Diddly and he busted up laughing saying Did-ley? I said no DIDDELY and he said okay, Did-ley-mine's Elvis Presley and I'm glad we met. Want to eat something now? I kinda would like to wait a little while until my stomach calms down some. I said I'd wait as I had just had a late lunch. Why are you so nervous?
He said, Just am, then he turned to his daddy and said, Daddy don't you have something to do some where else? Maybe go rest for a while-in your room? His daddy looked at him, at me and then back at him and said, I guess so son, if you need anything -theres room service. And he left us alone. Elvis sauntered (that's the best word I could find to describe how he moved so graceful and sultry like) over to me and said, Did-lee you ever been with a guy? I said, what kind of thing is that to ask? He said, just tell me damn it. I said no, I won't.
He said, do you want to be with me? I didn't say anything and he came over, pulled me up to him and said, Do you? I don't need this now-I just want to get it on-if it's not you there will be some body else in here tonight. I said are you always such a stupid jerk? He looked at me like he was going to punch me in the nose and then he smiled and said, you're right. I'll take more time, you want me to get something to eat and let's just talk for a while, get to know each other first? is that it? Or what? Then I was shameless and I said, "Strip-take off your clothes-I'm not going to take a pig in a poke-I want to see if you'.re worth it I wish I had a picture of the look on his face-he was so surprised.
Then he laughed and laughed and I laughed at him laughing and he said you really had me going, honey! That was funny! And he pulled off his pajama top over his head without unbuttoning it and threw it at me saying, here, wear this-go get it on and then come back here to me.
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I'm gonna be waiting right here. And he flopped down on the bed. I went in and took a long shower, combed out my long hair that had been braided and rolled up in a net because I had just come from work at a restraunt near the collisum where he had been.
My hair hung to my waist and was my pride and joy. I put on his top and used my finger to brush my teeth with the paste that was in one of the drawers. I have to say he was neat-he had put everything up in line in the drawers-all his shaving things and toothbrushes and paste and combs and a brush. He had even cleaned his shoes off and buffed them with a towel that was folded and laying on the floor along with the wash cloth and his towel he had used. His clothing was also in a pile and I had heard him tell his father they needed to go to the cleaners as he'd need them before they left town. His daddy was going to have the hotel take care of that he said. I was in the bathroom for at least an hour and when I came out Elvis was sound asleep, curled up like a baby holding the pillow in his arms like a teddy bear or something. I didn't wake him, I just slipped in on the other side. It took me a while to go to sleep-he was right there and oh so cute, so just everything and right there! During the night he rolled over and put his arm around me and got really close but he was asleep though it sure woke me up. I didn't know what to do but I wanted to wake him up. I just lay still and let him sleep.
I had been with another guy, but that was over long ago and he was the only one and I thought he loved me. But for Elvis, I decided it didn't matter if he did or he didn't love me-I loved him enough for us both already. It was those eyes-that smile and oh that laugh that came from his soul. At 3:15 am I had to go to the restroom and when I came back and got in bed he turned over murmuring hummmmm oh, tell me yes honey, don't break my heart now. And I said, yes- what's on your mind baby? It was funny how all of a sudden he just changed, he turned into this sweet, kind and loving guy, all the toughness gone, his voice changed, so soft and sweet, he started petting me, my arms, back and kissing where his hands touched , and the thing that got me the most was his hair, how it felt, so cool and soft brushing my skin. I fell in love instantly, there wasn't anything I would not have done to spend my life right there in his arms forever. He was a tender lover, slow and gentle and saying funny things, whispering in my ear and giggling at times, ...I was glad the other guy dumped me! He said, after the show tomorrow, I have to leave-do you want to go with me?
I said I have to go to school-but I changed my mind and said, to heck with school-I'd rather have the lessons from Elvis than that ugly old teacher. And he laughed again and almost rolled on the floor laughing as I told him what the guy looked like to me. His daddy knocked on the door and I ran for the bathroom and Elvis sat down with the newspaper in front of his nose and I heard him say Yeah, come in. I took a shower, washed my hair and braided it up again wet. Elvis knocked on the door and said he needed to shower and get ready so I came out and sat reading the paper while he got ready. He came out looking like a star. Just looking at him was so exciting-he was dressed in a dark pink shirt, gray and black jacket and black pants. His hair was combed and he looked stunning. I told him he was so handsome and he lit up with a big grin and hugged me. He said, you stand backstage so I can see you-okay- You're inspiration for me...I need you to watch me-let me know I'm doing ok.
And I did. I went with him to his next job and then he sent me home on a plane so I wouldn't miss too many classes. I sure missed him. I love him so much and I have never married. I couldn't ever replace him in my heart and in my feelings and don't want to. I have those memories and thats enough. They're mine forever. Now that he's gone it breaks my heart, but all I have to do is close my eyes and remember and he's right here, I feel him and he's right inside my heart and my mind, alive, young and handsome and so very sexy and sweet. There isn't anyone who could replace him on this earth.
not for me. Thank you for your book and I hope you will write many more if you can. For ever grateful for Elvis, Cleo "Did-ly" Diddley (He, his father and two friends had been at a boxing match, the exit he was to use was locked, he had to go out another and was mobbed before he could escape, he saw her, thought she might be in danger, brought her along as he had a police escort and then offered to take her home. She opted to go with him instead. The next day he went to a benefit to replace some one who was seriously ill in the music business and it was a benefit for storm victums and he did sing, then was on his way to record some songs for a movie sound track, she said.)

[Wanda June Hill]

It's me, I'm now a "guest" on here again, oh well, at least my computer is working. wjh

[Blue Moon]

Well this is better than the juiciest romance novel!!! And what's cool is that Elvis did not toss her away like trash when done with the fun. Obviously he touched her & made her feel special. Gosh and to have never married because no one could measure up to Elvis. I wonder if since '79 if she ever did get married.

[Wanda June Hill]

She is one I was able to reach in the 80's when looking for the writers of letters. She was still single, living in Virginia raising pomeranian dogs and taking care of her father who was elderly. She sounded young and happy and said she had no intentions of ever getting married though she knew a few men who were nice-they just didn't have "it" for her after Elvis. She was in the army for 4 and 1/2 years!!!
And hadnt met anyone who could even remotely change her mind! She said something about her dogs were her kids and she laughed and said she had hope of some day seeing Elvis again in that mansion in the sky-he told her about believing he would have one! That was 62! The man never changed really, he just started talking about it more maybe. wjh I haven't ever read a romance novel-if you mean like those that are so popular and have been for some years. I looked at some of their front covers when I was writing Elvis-Face to Face the first time and thought about maybe having him done on the cover like a painting with women reaching for him-but then I didn't go there.
I thought this letter was a bit racy and almost didn't put it on but it showed him being kind of a cad at first and yet it showed him not quite a saint, just having fun and being decent about it, at least hoped readers would think so. There some letters from young women that slept with him but that was it-and one of them was with him for more than a week! She had not been with a guy before and he treated her very gently, playing games, watching tv, buying her some clothes, taking her to the shows, letting her wash his hair, his back and wear his pajama tops but not much physically at all. She regreted not making him do more she says. And she was 18 years old, had won a couple of beauty contests and apparently very attractive-that's what got his attention in the first place-he picked her up when he met her at a Memphis football game-college game and he saw her talking to friends in the parking lot. He got out of his car and walked over to the group, introduced himself and took her by the hand and said, Do you have a ride home-tell them you're going home with me-I'll see you get home safely. And she said they were all speechless were standing there with their mouths open and she walked off with him he was so handsome, dressed all in black, shirt and tie and wearing a hat with a little red feather in the band, and his eyes were the most brilliant blue she had ever seen and she thought she was in some kind of trance because she didn't remember getting in his car. In the car he asked her name, where she lived and if she was afraid of him. The guy met women everywhere- he never had to be alone if he didn't want to be. Good grief even! wjh

[Blue Moon]

I agree he doesn't come off looking like a saint here, but he must have done something right or she wouldn't have continued to hold a torch for him all these years. Somehow he imbedded some love into her heart & it permanently etched itself into her soul.

[Barbara Lea]

WANDA IN WHAT PART OF VIRGINIA?BECUASE I LIVE IN VIRGINIA TO. THAT STORY IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF, WHAT A VERY, VERY, LUCKY GIRL FOR SURE! FOR THE LOVE OF ELVIS!! BARB!!

[Wanda June Hill]

I think it was a small town close to Richmond...can't remember the town's name but it was near as she went to Richmond to see him when he appeared there for several years-never talked with him again though. wjh

[maral]

are you sure it was 62? elvis didn't tour in 62.......

[Barbara Lea]

THANKS WANDA SO IT WAS RICHMOND, MY GIRLFRIENDS MOM LIVES NOT TO FAR FROM RICHMOND. BARB!

[Wanda June Hill]

Elvis did some chairty appearances after he came out of the army-they were not considered tours etc:...he showed up at a few places, signed autographs, etc: and didn't perform.or just did a couple of songs. ( My Aunt saw him at a theatre in Kansas City Mo way back then-he came for a movie opening and was a surprise guest-she shook his hand or rather his finger tips as he was reaching over people to her.) I don't know if this girl has the dates right or not- but He did do a couple of shows in Kansas City Mo. He may have just been doing a walk on thing for something and got trapped outside by the crowd. That happened several times in his career. A few were terrifying for him and his daddy too. He did a performance for a new wing of a hospital for burned victums and that was the last thing he did live I think. As I said, you all most likely know more than I about those days as I didn't know him and wasn't a fan then at all.
I have no idea-And he was out making movies as well. She said 62 in her letter so I don't know the details. He did film Girls, girls,girls in 62 I think it was and when was it he performed for the benefit for the memorial built out there in Hawaii? For the sunken ship Arizona? Maybe it was that-I haven't a clue. I don't have records of any of his performances at hand to check on them. So you all probalby know more than me about those things. I am only quoting what was written-I'll check the first page maybe she tells more about that in it? Maral, glad to see you back on! wjh

[Wanda June Hill]

Okay, on her first page she says that she worked across the street from the coliseum and there was a big fight held there a boxing match and Elvis, his daddy and two friends had gone to see it. They were supposed to have guards helping get him out to the car but the door they were to go out of was locked and so he had to go out the front entrance and people saw him and cornered him and the guards were late getting there. The show he did was a benefit for tornardo victums in a town that had been hit and a school torn up. Elvis appeared did three songs and there were several other people who also performed. That was it, he did not have top billing, he voluntereed to perform and the only advertising was on local radio stations and adjoining states. I know he said he did some things like that when he heard about them when he had time-as when he performed in Mississippi to help them after a big storm. He even bought his own ticket and gave all his salary to them.
Only his band members etc: were paid their salaries. Some of them made donations also. She says that he was going somewhere to record some song tracks for his next movie and was going to Hawaii just before he sent her home. I know he was always going somewhere almost constantly, where I don't know but he was home, then gone, home then gone, even before he married and a lot afterward as well. Even before he was doing concerts again-off with the guys going some where or another all the time. And usually he was signing papers or meeting somebody about films, songs, records, whatever-constantly back and forth. I know that one year before he was separated from Pris, he was home just 119 days out of 365 and he was not doing live shows then...just movies and so forth. And when he started doing life shows, the last year they were together sort of-he was home 67 days according to the calander she kept. I think I w ould have found a way to go with him, baby and all. oh well. wjh

[Rainbow Light]

The show he did was a benefit for tornardo victums in a town that had been hit and a school torn up. Elvis appeared did three songs and there were several other people who also performed. That was it, he did not have top billing, he voluntereed to perform and the only advertising was on local radio stations and adjoining states. I know he said he did some things like that when he heard about them when he had time-as when he performed in Mississippi to help them after a big storm. He even bought his own ticket and gave all his salary to them.

How typical of our boy to do something like above?!

[Rainbow Light]

Just reviving this thread for newer members to read and anyone who didn't get to read first time around also!