Desi and the Dream

In 1933, cheers filled the streets of Pamplona. The adrenaline and excitement were overwhelming to everyone near and far of the event. Desi Baldwin took a long drag from her gold-plated cigarette holder. She leaned over the small balcony and took in the moment. She wasn’t sure of the customs in Spain, but she knew this moment was unlike any she would ever witness in her life again. She traveled with friends across the sea on a whim.

She came from money and was often referred to as a socialite. She didn’t work or have any responsibility to control her days. Desi, however, was not a completely a free woman. She had to escape the confinement of marriage to a stranger and the rules of her family. She was to wed a man she did not know for status. When she spoke against her father, he slapped her. This did not sit well with her.

It was an abnormally chilly summer morning when her friend, Lucy Odas, broke her out of her detention she called “home”. Desi packed a small bag and climbed out a window. Their friend, Richie Loyer, was waiting with his car. He always had a secret liking to Desi, but never acted on it. It would not have been proper. Desi secretly shared the same unsaid feelings.

Richie was tall, strong, and had wavy blonde locks. He was independently wealthy, and could escape without anyone saying a word to him. He had planned on taking Desi far away to live out some freedom before marrying a stranger. He wanted her to have an experience she would never forget. Richie was going to take Desi to Spain.

Desi and Lucy approached the car giggling quietly. They didn’t want to wake Desi’s parents. Richie grabbed her crimson overnight bag and threw it into his green 1930 Cadillac V-16 Madame X Sedan Cabriolet. The car was a rare find indeed. It was his most prized possession.

Desi’s dark hair and Lucy’s blonde curls flocked in the wind. Desi closed her toffee shaded eyes and felt the air brush on her cheeks. This was the first autonomy she ever felt in her life. She didn’t turn around or think twice about it. She did leave a friendly note reassuring her family she would return and was safe.

What she didn’t plan on was falling in love in Spain. Richie took both girls throughout the city. They were having the time of their lives. Lucy called it an early night and let Richie and Desi spend time together. They stayed out all night sharing stories and dreams. The conversation never died down. They were a match, but she was engaged to someone else, who she didn’t fancy or know his middle name. Richie was her friend for many years, but something changed that night. They suddenly were drawn to each other in a different way. They let their emotions out and proclaimed their love for each other.

The next morning, a bull rushed through the street below her balcony and she felt the same freedom. She was uninhibited, uncontrolled, and spontaneous. She was now the woman she always wanted to be for real. She did something crazy early that morning. Richie proposed marriage to her on their walk home and she accepted. Desi was taking one last drag before running off to the chapel.

She woke Lucy up with the ecstatic news. They found a bridal shop and bought Desi an ivory, long silk wedding dress, white T-Strap shoes, and a long pearl necklace to match. Lucy found an emerald silk dress with silver Mary Jane shoes. Desi and Lucy rushed to the chapel to meet Richie.

Desi and Richie exchanged their vows in a small ceremony. They couldn’t be happier than this moment. They shared a kiss and they were officially “Mr. and Mrs. Loyer”. Desi knew her parents would be more than upset, but she was in charge of her own future now. No one was going to tell her how to run her life. Richie only wanted the best for her and would encourage her to achieve her dreams. Desi decided she would send a message to her parents explaining her decision to wed. The letter only said three words, “It’s my life.”