“Ho! Elvis Presley...Hound Dog? Strange things are happenin’ everyday. What’s my little Snow gonna do?” He fixed the bow on her ponytail as she looked up at the men. She places a finger on her chin in thought.

“I was thinkin’ pitchin’ and slowin’ down Heartbreak Hotel! I heard my daddy would be watchin’ so I think that’ll give ‘em a shock!” She shook her shoulders back and forth as the two men snickered at the thought.

“Did you go to Beth-Ann for the fittin’? I wanna make sure my little star looks like a real one on that television screen!” B.B wrapped an arm around her shoulder and she nodded. She looked up at Elvis as his measurements were checked as well to make sure his outfit was well in order for the performance. He looked ethereal just getting a fitting. She was gonna be a mess for when he performed later, huh?

“I can’t wait! Elvis you’re gonna love my outfit! I promise it’ll be show stoppin’! I’m gonna make my daddy pass out!“ She clapped her hands together and giggled, her feet swinging back and forth above the floor. B.B rubbed her back and stood up. Dusting his shoulders off, he placed his hand on Elvis’ shoulder.

“Honestly, E.P. That dress might make most of America’s men pass out! She’s gonna be a knock out! I told her it might be a little too much for them conservative white folk!” He chuckled as Elvis crossed his arms.

“Damn I might get a little green in the face, darlin’. I’ll try to keep calm durin’ my performance.” He winked as Annalise flushed pink. She was doin’ this really to make her dad upset. That she was no longer an angelic symbol but…teasing Elvis? That sounded like the best plan in her head.

“Now now, kids. Don’t get too excited! You guys gotta make it there first!”

———————————-

“I feel like my entire body is gonna fall, Elvis. I-I don’t think I can do this!” Her hands shook and they felt sweaty. She felt her body shiver and break out into a cold sweat. She thought this was going to be fun but she was going on right after Elvis and she KNEW it was gonna be a tough crowd after that. A gentle tug of her hand releases her from her thoughts.

“C’mon baby. I promise you’re gonna do great! Are you wearing that coat for the performance?” Her breath stopped and she wrapped the coat tighter around herself. She shakes her head and Elvis kisses her on the forehead as his name is called out.

“I can do this. I can do this.” She peaks around the navy curtain and her family is smack dab in the middle of the crowd. Her head clouding with doubt as she’s thinking about performing. Not even Elvis performing can distract her from seeing her daddy’s scorn face. How was she going to sing with him right in front of her face?

“Now, Miss Snow. Let’s take this jacket off and get you a little somethin’!“ Colonel Parker took Annalise’s coat and handed it to some assistant. He smiled as Annalise’s body shook. She took her hands as she smoothed her dress out, sweat becoming prominent in her system.

“How about you just sing your little Hallelujah or Amazing Grace! You’d be beloved for being Hank Snow’s Conservative Lass again! Make your money with your daddy again and Elvis won’t-“ She whipped her head back as he stopped his gaslighting. She raised her finger to his face.

“I ain’t gonna hear another word come out that mouth, Parker! Elvis and I are a package deal!” She scoffed as he put his hands up in surrender. She couldn’t believe the nerve of this man and why Elvis was wrapped around his finger. 

“And welcome to our stage, Miss Annalise Snow!” She dropped the coat from her shoulders and winked at Tom Parker.

“And don’t cha worry, Parker. I can get Elvis to do whatever I want too.” She took a deep breath and shook her hands out. What the hell was going on with her? She walked past the curtain waving at the cheering crowd.

“Miss Annalise, you look gorgeous tonight! Now, Elvis really cut a rug! What’re you gonna do to one up ‘em?” She giggled at Milton and turned towards the audience. She made eye contact with her daddy. His face was etched in surprise, laced with a complete sneer of disgust. She smiled and looked at Milton.

“Imma sing Heartbreak Hotel! Elvis helped me pitch it up and even helped me record it in the studio at RCA! Though y’all will have to wait and see if I release it.” You sent a wink to the crowd and a few men audibly groaned. She covered her mouth and a blush made it’s way to her cheeks. The music began and her body began to relax as she was back in her element.

“Well, since my baby left me. Well, I found a new place to dwell.”

Her daddy’s jaw seemed to go slack as he watched his daughter dance for this audience. She was just like Elvis. Her raw magnetism was pulling these young men (and even a few ladies) into sin! How deplorable!

“Well, it’s down at the end of Lonely Street. At Heartbreak Hotel.”

Annalise couldn’t stop thinking about the way Elvis tore up the stage with Hound Dog. How many of those girls were feeling the same feeling she felt when she met him on the Louisiana Hayride? She gripped the microphone stand and slid her hand down it slowly.

“Where I’ll be, I’ll be so lonely baby, Well, I’m so lonely. I’ll be so lonely, I could die.”

She began to drag the mic stand with her as she walked a little closer to the camera. She sent a kiss and wink as she ended the song. Her way of singing the song was definitely more different than Elvis’. She bowed and waved at the crowd not missing her brother’s enthusiasm as he held a small sign that read, “Annalise Snow’s #1 fan!”.

“Holy, mama. I don’t think I ever wanna sing again. I just wanna hear you sing every single damn song I’ve ever sung.” Elvis’ southern drawl dripped into her ear as a protective hand found solace on her lower back. Her body felt afire.

“Well you didn’t do half bad yourself, Mister Presley” She whispered. Her hands fumbling with his lapels just so she didn’t have to look in his eyes. His electric laugh ruined that plan however. She tilted her head in confusion.

“I saw your daddy’s face out there, darlin’. He was so shocked to see ya rock that song! I’m gonna have to treat you to somethin’ special. Let’s get you ready to go home, baby.” He grabbed her coat and her hand. He laid a quick kiss on her forehead as they tried to run out of the venue as quick as they could.

——————

“Bar Elvis Presley from Television?! This is ridiculous! Just because you’re movin’!” She threw the pile of newspapers to the ground as she ran her hands shakily through her auburn hair. She bit on her nails, large hands grabbing hers as Elvis kissed them softly. The piano seemed so far away from them as she stared at the floor. More and more headlines reading their names.

“They also want you sent back to Louisiana, darlin’. They think your bein’ held captive by me and Beale Street. They got pictures of us there. I-I don’t blame you if you do but-“  “ 

“This is ridiculous Elvis! We’re doin’ what we love! We ain’t hurtin’ no one! Elvis I promised you I’d follow you to the ends of the Earth!” She grazed his face with her fingers as his eyes seemed to slightly soften upon the small act.

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“That’s one of the most childish expressions I’ve ever heard coming from an adult.” Annalise sighed in agreement. She came to rest on his lap. Tom Parker once again graces the pair with his presence.

“The New Elvis Presley! And of course the New Annalise Snow!” Annalise’s jaw dropped at the costumes. A hellish butler tailcoat and what looked like a damn communion dress! The damn thing looked like a large tutu!

“You have got to be kidding! I ain’t wearin’ that! How is Elvis gonna move in those?” She looked wide eyed at Elvis who returned the same look.

“That’s the point! They think you have broken the segregation laws. They wanna send Elvis to jail for his moves…and you to a church to learn the ways of a nun! We will take care of this the easy way!” The man pulls on the outfits on the rack and grins. Time was running out for the next performance and the pair’s brains were reeling. They knew they’d be embarrassed but why was the Colonel so happy about it?

“Just for this show? And that children’s charity concert?” Elvis let out a deep sigh as the Colonel nodded.

“Then we can put this all behind us.” Tom smiled as he placed the costumes in the hands of the two young lovers. The two picked at the costumes and hastily began to change.

“Let’s get this over with, Elvis.”

———————-

“GOD DAMNIT! I know how to do a skit! I-I coulda made it funny!” Elvis growled throwing the tailcoat to the ground. He rubbed his hands over his face. Annalise all but threw herself on the ground as tears poured from her eyes. She’s never been more mortified in her life. She messed up the lyrics and everything as she stared at the audience and could feel Elvis’ unwavering anger near her. She’s never seen him this angry since they’ve been together.

“The most stupid, embarrassing humiliatin’ thing I ever did.” Scotty placed his guitar down and placed a hand on his hip. Like he was trying to keep his anger at bay but his words came out seething.

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT ME TO DO ABOUT IT?!”

“WE’RE MUSICIANS!” Scotty raised his hands up in disbelief. The yelling kept ramping up as Annalise tore off her dress behind one of the partitions and got back into her regular clothes as she tried to get between the two arguing men.

“PLEASE! Guys, let’s all just go home and forget about it! It’s been a long day,” the two began to pack up in silence as Annalise went to rub Elvis’ back,” you did great regardless, love.” Elvis froze but smiled softly. His anger still rampant in his eyes but clouded for the moment by his steady still trying to keep those tears in for him. He stopped a tear from falling down her cheek. He grabbed his bag and intertwined their fingers.

“I love you so much, darlin’.”

“I love you more, Elvis.

“Let’s go home, darlin’. Lord knows we need it.”

———————

Fans littered the entrance to Graceland as they made their way to the gates. Fans holding memorabilia dedicated to both of them. Saying they wanted the old them back on signs. Trying to pull at Elvis from outside the car. Annalise shrank herself down in the back. She’d never been out in the top down convertible with Elvis but at least she was in the back. She let Elvis go in first as she stood staring at the house once again.

“Where did I go wrong, Jimmie?” She shook her head and that’s when the yelling started. Where did the path divulge into this mess? She winced as she made her way through the door. It was always apparent when Gladys was drinking and when it was too much.

“It was the most embarrassing moment of my life, daddy.” Elvis was already laying down on the piano bench as she made her way in. Vernon waved her over but she stood awkwardly to the side of his chair.

“Those people were using you to poke fun at the whole South! Gettin’ a laugh at puttin’ a hillbilly in a tailcoat and singing to a dog! And then puttin’ my poor lil’ Annalise in that tragic white trash bag?!” Gladys walked away holding two bottles of beer in her hand.

“Damnit, mama. It was either that or get canceled! Then that’s it for television. Colonel says I’m running out of states that I’m welcome in. A-And they don’t pay unless I can perform.” Elvis began to sit up as he spoke. Annalise clung to the wall and tried her best to keep the tears in her eyes. She bit on the side of her cheek to keep from sobbing. She knew Gladys was drinking uncontrollably lately but it didn’t stop the fear that ran through her body as they fought. Was this Annalise’s fault? If he would’ve stayed with Dixie would this still be happening?

“Someone’s gotta think about keepin’ a roof over our heads.” Vernon said as he lit his cigarette. Annalise tried to cover her cough as he smoked.

“A roof over our head? We’ve always managed to keep a roof over our head, Vernon!” She said incredulously. She huffed and turned around again.

“Colonel has got us all of this!“ Elvis retorted. Annalise just wanted the fighting to end.

“I don’t want all of this! You’re unhappy!” She pointed at her son.

“I AM NOT!” Annalise flinched at his voice as Gladys slammed the table with her hands. The tears broke the dam she was trying so hard to keep closed. Vernon grabbed her hand and rubbed it in small circles as she fell to her knees. How was everything going wrong when it was so right a few hours before?

“You’re losing yourself booby! Look at Annalise! This isn’t the life you both need!” The two stare each other down as Vernon continued to comfort the shaking leaf that was Annalise. Gladys seeming to have a sober bit of empathy went to go towards the girl to comfort her but was interrupted by the group of guys running into the house.

“Don’t track mud in the house, Billy! Get out! Get out of my god damn house! Trailin’ mud in my house doin my damn head in,” he grabbed his coat and rubbed his temples,” Mama, you ain’t ever happy. No matter what I do. No matter how much I give ya. It ain’t ever enough. And I wish you would not drink so god damn much. It’s not good for ya!” He turned grabbing Annalise’s arm and pulling her up. He wiped her tears and took one last look at his mom before running out into the rain to his car. Annalise turns back, shocked. 

“Booby! Wait!” Elvis picked Annalise up and she slid to the passenger side as Elvis hopped on after her. The engine roared to life and they whipped on out of there makin their way to the gates. Annalise panicked looking for something to hide her face. Elvis pulled her arm down. His eyes were afire in rage.

“No hidin’ now, Darlin’. I’ve got nothin’ left to lose.” The gates opened as Elvis pressed through the channels on the radio. He ignored the fans and flashing lights as he pulled out. Trying to outrun the cars he knew would follow. Annalise took a deep breath. The crisp air hitting her face and slowly relaxing her racing mind. What the hell happened to them?

————————

“Elvis, we’ll get killed if that damn Parker finds out we’re here!”The neon of Beale Street beginning to call her to the streets of her heart. She smiled but knew if they were caught that was the end of them. She could see B.B hanging out one of the windows of Club Handy. A crowd of people surrounded Elvis as he exited the car. He came around and once again picked up the shaking girl. He spun her around in his arms as people around them squealed and hollered. He placed a soft kiss to her lips and she finally smiled.

“Please, darlin’. I wanna just forget today. Let’s go have some fun, yeah?” He tilted her chin up with his finger. She nodded as she twirled around to talk to a group of women. The pair began signing autographs and hugging fans trying to make their way to the club doors.

“E.P.!”

“B.B.!”

The lovers make their way to Club Handy and finally breathe as they see the performer for the night. Annalise left B.B and Elvis to talk in the back as she went to the front. She danced with her dresser Betty-Ann and her daughter, Sally. Annalise hollered as Little Richard bent forward taking her hand. She fanned herself and giggled as the girls did the same.

“I saw your dress on the television the other day! Momma did a bang up job on ya, Miss Snow!” Sally clapped and rubbed her moms shoulder in support.

“Honestly, Miss Snow is one of my favorite customers. And not because of those way too big tips, lil thing.” Betty Ann grinned and spun around.

“I’ll always be your customer! Maybe when I get real famous I’ll hire you to be my personal wardrobe designer!” Betty-Ann jumped for joy and squealed. Her best customer and her against the world! She would’ve been delighted.

“And Sally can come with and do your hair, lovie! You better keep your promise, youngin’.” She pushed her shoulder and embraced her. The trio went back to dancing and continued to cheer on the performer. Annalise twirled and twisted. Her body intertwined with the music as the night went on. Forgetting about how awful the whole day had been.

“Hey, can I cut in? Time to dance with my star client! Right, little snow?” B.B wiggled his body, the girls snickering. B.B and Elvis made their way to the little group the girls had created. Elvis held her close and wanted nothing but her body as close as possible. With everything going on what if she was sent back to Louisiana? He didn’t even care about the jail time anymore. He cared about her being safe and in his care.

“Baby, I’m so sorry about all of this goin’ on. I-I want you safe and I-” She cut him off by grabbing his face, kissing him as hard as she could. Her lipstick staining his lips slightly. He stared down at her while B.B and the girls oooo’d. Annalise knew Elvis was overwhelmed and she knew he wouldn’t tell her that. She was going to be there for him like the good steady she was.

“Come on, Mister Presley,” his eyes seemed to darken,” dance with me why don’t ya?” His hands curled around her waist and she threw her head back in laughter. Their foreheads resting against each other as they danced.

Soon enough she’d find that picture in the paper along with the pair dancing with the others. What Annalise saw was a family and an amazing time. What the world saw was politics. The club started to wind down.

“There are strange things happenin’ everyday.”

Elvis and B.B went to the fire escape and she stayed to help clean up. She swayed to the music but all she could think of was the charity concert. She wasn’t allowed to perform at it after the police said it would put her in ‘danger’. She fought but was ultimately denied. She was told however she could sit in the front or the side by colonel.

“I’m worried, Miss Beth-Ann. I-I don’t know what I’d do if Elvis was put in jail.”

“You fight for him.”

“Fight?”

“You show those little white men who the hell they messed with, baby!”

Annalise nodded and picked up the cups on one of the tables. This was her boyfriend and she would do anything for him. Anything. To the ends of the Earth, Presley.

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