All My Loving
This is a story that
jaymie_michelle and I have been working on. I'm writing the odd chapters, she's writing the even ones. It was, I suppose, orginally my idea but it has blossomed into a lovely joint effort. The title is a bit cheesy but we were going for the 'classic soap opera' feel. I would also like to mention that this, unlike most of my other works, is more of a pure fiction. In other words, we made stuff up to suit our needs.
Hope you like it! =)
Part 1: Anna’s story
"You've cut your hair again," I said, taking a quick glance up from my log book.
"Yes, I thought it was getting a bit...what's that word you use? Scraggly," he replied, running his fingers through it, "Why, don't you like it?"
"I'm just not used to your being so...clean cut." I propped my head in my right hand, causing me to lean over the desk, perhaps a bit seductively now that I think about it, but it was purely unintentional.
"I may appear clean cut," he began, leaning over to whisper in my ear, "But I'm as dirty as ever."
He winked at me and turned to leave but paused to get my reaction. He always was one for reactions. I mouthed the word 'cheeky' in mock disdain and went back to my work. He laughed and walked out the door.
On the way out, he met a gentleman in a long black coat. They nodded to each other.
"He's still out of his mind," both happily mused in passing, and I think they both were right.
But, I'm getting ahead of myself.
Best man was such a fitting title for John. I could have married him I think, had he asked me. But that's hardly the thoughts a girl should have had on her wedding day. Dear George, he is a sweetheart, and ever so nice to me. I really do love him. But John...well, what can I say? There's always been something between us I suppose. From that first day I met him, I think that's where it started. He knew I was George's girl, but I'm sure he also knew that I found him irresistible. I hardly think I could have ignored his advances, or have been expected to. George doesn't know, and rightly so. It might break his heart, or at least hurt him quite badly.
I hate that most of all, that I should hurt him. But I don't think he'd ever find out, he's not one to pry and what's between me and John, apart from some sort of 'animal magnetism' as he likes to describe it, doesn't amount to much. I wonder how he felt that day. My...our wedding day, I should say. George's and mine and Paul and Jaymie's. It was a double wedding. I never thought I'd agree to being married in a registry office. I wasn't even wearing white. Of course, I always feel like a fool in white. I seriously doubt anyone actually looks good in white, it's just the lighting put on brides that makes you think so.
Jaymie and Paul looked very happy. I hadn't known her long but we'd become fast friends. We were both wondering that day how John felt. If he thought he'd lost us both forever and at the same time. But no, he hadn't lost me. And had I heard more than a postcard from Jaymie, I'm sure she might have mentioned feeling the same. You'd think it'd be odd but it's not really.
Funny, not getting but a postcard here and there from Jaymie and Paul, of course being on honeymoon for two months, I guess one would find more things to do than write back home. I wonder if we'd have gone on a whirlwind honeymoon, had they not insisted I come back to work at the library. It's terrible that I can't be gone more than a week. All I do it seems is scan books in and out, but that's part of my job, being head librarian. I could have decided to run one of the smaller branches or something, but I liked living in the city and it wasn't too tiresome a job.
I believe I was checking in a few books when George came in that day. Yes, he was wearing that coat that made him look like a member of the secret service. It was meant to make him inconspicuous, which made him stand out even more.
"Excuse me, ma'am," he said approaching the desk.
"No, sir, we do not carry Knickerless Nickelby. Nor do we have any other books by Edmund Wells, including 'David Coperfield with one p.' And," I said, finally looking up at him, "That joke was only funny when Marty Feldman did it."
"Spoilsport," he said. I felt kind of sad, that was one of his favourite bits, but he didn't seem too broken up about it. "I met John on the way in. What's he been doing here?"
"I haven't the slightest idea. He didn't get a book. Maybe he came to read the paper," I offered.
"Cheap as ever, I see. Have you got time for lunch?" He asked.
"I'd love to but I've got work to do, and it's only ten thirty. Why don't you go home, get rid of that ridiculous coat and come back around twelve?"
"Do you really think it's ridiculous?" He said dejectedly.
"No, of course not dear. But you do look like you're up to no good."
He turned, giving me a sideways glance. "Maybe I am," he slyly said. Quite suddenly, he jumped over the desk.
"Honey, I love you, I do. But you're starting to cause a scene." I said, unconvincingly.
He kissed me and jumped back over the desk. "Good," he said, "See you at twelve." And with that he swiftly walked out the door, his coat fanning out behind him.
"Just like in a film," I thought, "He'd appreciate that."
Part 2: Jaymie's Story
I have started a new life with my [I cannot believe I'm saying this] husband, Paul McCartney. I am probably the most hated and envied girl in the world. But somehow I feel so unlucky, sad, guilty. Why should I feel like this? I married a Beatle for Pete's sake! The best prize in the universe! Is it worth it though?
I remember the first day I met Paul. It was back in the early days in Liverpool. At first he was such an arse- an understatement to say the least. He was so arrogant; completely full of himself. I had met John before he introduced me to Paul, just weeks after they first met. We met at a party, a friend through a friend. I then met Paul and George, while introduced by John, at another party. I always clung to John more though. He was loud, a bit obnoxious at moments, but disgustingly romantic and sweet. The total opposite of me. I was, back then, quite shy and to myself. But I knew when I met him that we had so much in common and our friendship would last a long time. I felt so intrigued by him- everyone around him felt instantly attracted to him.
As years went on, in the early 60's, John and Cyn, his girlfriend and later wife, had some problems. I comforted him during the rough days. We got close- too close. We just clicked. We had such romantic times together- when Paul and John went to Paris, I joined them. Those two weeks were fantastic. I totally tried to ignore Paul the entire time; I tried to just focus on my John. I felt he was mine forever. He's the first person I had ever said "I love you" to. I had been told that before but it's the first time I knew it meant something meaningful. It made my life.
The day we ended our romance was when Cyn found out she was pregnant. I felt that the right thing to do was to end everything. I love Cyn. I respect her. I did not want to leave her alone with a baby. It upset me that John had obviously slept with Cyn during our affair. But I understood. So, we parted but still remained great friends, hanging out all the time, with George and Paul, too. Days later they got married. I was heartbroken. I felt that I could never ever have the man I truly love.
I moved past it though. We still got along amazingly well. Though, during the times of sadness, Paul comforted me. I dunno why, I mean we had never got along as well as I did with John. Paul decided to take me out for an early lunch one day. We ended up spending the entire day and night together. It was heaven. We could relate more now. I found a different side to him. I changed as a person ever since I met Paul and John, and when I was around Paul, he was different than with anyone else. It was nice. I loved being around him. He was very funny, sweet, generous, still egotistical, but how can you hate a face like his? I started to think...differently of him- in a sexual way. We had, definitely, a physical and sexual attraction. I could not help it.
Paul had told me a day later he had feelings for me, despite having a relationship already. I felt the same. That one day...changed everything. I just got so excited to see him when he came over that night. I could not help it- I had to have him. He needed me. We kept everything secret for a while. We acted like nothing ever happened between us. George soon found out that we were doing it after he noticed unusual behaviour between Paul and me. I trusted George though- he would never let me down.
I was worried for John though. How could I have done this? His [former] best girl with his best friend? I felt guilty. But I started to fall for Paul. I knew he had a girlfriend and everything but for some reason when I saw him, before we started our affair, that when he was with other girls, I admit now I felt jealous. Maybe he was jealous of me too. Especially in Paris- he felt lonely, since John and I were being romantic together most of the trip.
I told John. He said it was OK. I knew he felt bad. I felt bad. We went on like nothing happened. But I knew he was angry. We had not been together for a while...maybe he got over me. I know he loves Cyn so much. He gets so jealous if he sees her with another man.
Paul soon asked me to marry him and I told John I had said "yes". I knew his heart was breaking in front of me. But I love Paul, too. I want to be with John. John's taken and so am I.
Anna, George's new wife, is a truly lovely person. We are great friends. We met as soon as George started to go out with her. Anna and John, before she got married, and after me and John ended our relationship, started an affair as well. This was before she was with George, too. She told me everything that went on. But John was married to Cyn. I know Anna still has feelings for John. I know where she is coming from. John just has this effect on you. It's indescribable.
John saw us both be taken by two of his best friends. We felt miserable. Anna loves George so much and I do the same about Paul. But we both want the same guy. I feel so bad that Anna wants John so badly. I think she feels the same about me. We don't know what to do. How can we ever know how John feels about us? Should we ask? If he loves me, what can I do now? Not a divorce after an amazingly romantic, wild honeymoon in Italy. God it was great. I do not want to hurt Paul, too.
"Hi, Jaymie, I'm home", Paul said, as he walked in the door of our London flat.
"Hi, sweetheart, I'll be right there", I said, while walking out of my bedroom door, tears rolling down my eyes. I try to wipe them as fast as possible.
Part 3: Think It Over
“Oh! You’ll never guess who called me today!” I said, “Well, actually you probably would guess, but either way, I was surprised.”
“My mother,” George answered, and then suddenly changed the subject. “How about pizza? That’s a change.”
“That’d be fine. Only no meat today, remember. And no, it wasn’t your mother, although I’d love to hear from her. She’s such a dear. No, it was Jaymie! They got back a few days ago but were busy you know, unpacking and being newlyweds, I suppose,” I half hinted to George, unsure of the response I might get.
“We should go see mum, next week. You could make her a cake. She liked that coconut one you made,” he said as if ignoring my remarks.
“Yes, that sounds lovely. I’ll ring her later to see when we should come.” I gave up on my hints and we walked down the street to the little Italian restaurant on the corner.
“I’m sorry,” George said after some thought.
“About what?” I asked as he took my coat.
“Well, that we’ve settled into life so quickly.”
I turned to face him. “Oh, I didn’t mean it like that, George. It’s just that she sounded like they’d just gotten married yesterday and were having ever so good a time and it seems like we’ve already gotten comfortable with each other,” I admitted. There was a pause in our conversation as we found a table and ordered.
“Listen, why don’t you take some time off,” he asked, “I know you’ve got at least three girls that can do your job if they put their minds to it. And we can go anywhere you like, Paris, Rome, New Zealand, anywhere.”
“What about Greenland?” That threw him for a loop. I loved doing that. I guess I like reactions too.
“Sure, but why Greenland?”
“I’ve never been to Greenland.”
“You’ve also never been to my Auntie Evelyn’s, but I don’t think that will change your life much either.”
We laughed. “Okay, not Greenland then,” I said. “It doesn’t really matter where we go, as long as we’re together, I suppose. Do you still have that place in the country you used to talk about?”
“The cottage? Yeah. Well, I mean, a few people were renting it but we could go down there for a weekend or so. How about that?”
“Mr. Harrison, you have yourself a deal.” He kissed me quickly before anyone noticed. Odd, isn’t it how one minute he can make sweeping gestures of affection and the next he goes all shy? Bless him.
The pizza came and we ate. While picking off the black olives, which I find grotesque but he loves them, George suddenly spoke.
“What did Jaymie say again?”
“Oh, not much she’d just got back a few days ago and they wanted to have a dinner party. Heaven knows why, but she’s invited us and the Starkeys and John, poor thing.”
“Why ‘poor thing’? What’s happened now?’ he asked between mouthfuls.
“He didn’t tell you? Cyn left him a week ago. She’d met a German or a Hungarian or something and said she was sorry but she had to leave him. She took Julian with her too, but the last thing John needs is another responsibility. He barely could handle Archie while we were gone.”
Archie is our Scottish terrier. I love him and I guess George does too, even though he’s more of a cat person.
“I’ve never seen Archie so frightened in my life as when he came back from wherever John had kept him,” he laughed, “At least he was fed. That is a shame about John and Cynthia though. I thought they’d really work out, even though…” he trailed off.
“Even though what?” I asked.
“I shouldn’t say. It’s personal.”
“George, I am your wife,” I stopped unable to keep from giggling. “That’s the first time I’ve actually said that. I am Mrs. George Harrison, your wife. Oh, isn’t that wonderful?” I gushed and then regained my composure, “But anyway, you can tell me I won’t breathe a word of it.”
“Well, alright,” he said, giving in, “Apparently, he’d been seeing some other woman for awhile after they got married.”
“Do you know who she was?” I asked, a bit afraid to hear the answer.
“No, John won’t say. But I can’t imagine she meant much to him, he didn’t speak of her but once and then he tried to hush the whole thing up. Maybe she was a foreign dignitary or something, he had to keep it very ‘hush-hush’,” he said with a little laugh.
My heart ached a bit, I almost wanted to cry, but I tried my best not to show it. I was partly shocked that John had mentioned it, but I was almost touched that he’d tried to hide it. Being the boaster that he is, I mean. He’d brag about anything, even table tennis. Dear John, for he really could be a dear when he wanted, he’d done that for George and for me. I wondered, it was nearly three months after the wedding and even longer since our…should I call it a break up? It was more of just a mutual understanding I think. Still, I wondered if he had feelings for me.
“That explains some things though,” he said.
“What?”
“Well, if Cynthia was leaving him, that’s why he needed the cottage. He asked if anyone was using it and I told him he could stay there as long as he wanted. I guess he was trying to get away from everything that reminded him of her.”
“We should’ve seen about him. I feel awful knowing he’s been there all this time, sad and alone.”
“Not much we can do now though. I’m sure he’s alright, he’s gone through moody spots before, and he seems to come out on top.”
“I just wonder how he’s going to handle the dinner party being the odd one out,” I mused.
“Don’t worry, love. Whether he’s out or in, he’s always been an odd one,” he said with a smile.
George and I carried on conversation as usual. We decided that we would be able to go to the party and as we walked back home we talked about what dress I should wear and if he needed a new jacket. I love little chats like that, so normal so every day; it makes you forget you’re not exactly living a normal life. But sadly my mind was elsewhere. Although I’d be surprised if George noticed, while deciding on the orange shirt that he looks so handsome in, my thoughts were more focused on John.
Part 4: Another Girl
"Are ya almost ready, Paul?” I say, preparing the food for tonight's dinner.
"Yes, sweetie", Paul replies.
Tonight is our big dinner party at our flat. I'm expecting Anna and George, Ringo and Mo, and John. I feel so terrible that Cyn left him for another man. But this can be good. John is all depressed now. Maybe it's a good time to make a move. No, wait, what am I thinking? I'm married. And I do not even know if he loves me back.
"How is the food coming along?” Paul says excitingly, as he skips into the kitchen.
"Oh", I reply apprehensively. "Just fine thanks. The chicken and shepherd's pie are in the oven. Potatoes are roasting. I have all the drinks out. Cake is there for dessert."
"So, I heard about John today. It's crazy, eh? I thought everything was going well between them...” Paul said. I could hear the scepticism in his voice. He looked deep down into my eyes, like almost as if he knew something.
"Apparently not", I reply, turning my head, facing the ground. "I feel terrible, ya know, just kills me."
"Don't worry...everything is going to be alright. I mean, I heard that he was with another girl. That's probably why they broke up. Ya know, John and his antics. He's been with so many birds ever since they, Cyn and John, ever started goin’ out. She is probably fed up with him. I heard that the girl he was with felt like she was the one, ya know, but somehow, I don’t believe it."
"Mhmm, yeah, yeah, I know", I say, while mixing vegetables and potatoes in the frying pan, trying to distract myself from the conversation. "Paul, why don't ya set up the cutlery on the table, eh?"
"Sure thing", Paul said.
Could it be me he's thinking of? Did Cyn find out about me and John? Is it Anna? What if it's Anna? What's left for me now? I feel lost. I feel that Paul is the second love of my life. I want John so badly. When he walks in that door tonight, I am going to feel the need to rush up to him and give him the most passionate kiss.
7:00 rolled around and the table, food and drinks are all set up. Ringo and Mo first showed up. We sat down on the couch and we each had a drink. Anna and George then walked in the door. My heart started to beat a million times a minute. I gave them each a hug and a kiss. I knew there was tension in Anna's back. She was worried about tonight, too.
The boys started to talk about their music career, song ideas and such, when suddenly, the doorbell rings. Anna and I both looked at each other in worry.
I answered the door. It was John of course. He was wearing all black, and had his signature sunglasses on. He looked miserable...and drunk.
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So what did you think? If you like it, I'll post the rest. If not...well I'll probably post it anyway. lol.
I think I might have been a little omniscient in some parts but that's not intentional
Comments/Criticism is appreciated. Thanks! =)
Love,
Anna
jaymie_michelle and I have been working on. I'm writing the odd chapters, she's writing the even ones. It was, I suppose, orginally my idea but it has blossomed into a lovely joint effort. The title is a bit cheesy but we were going for the 'classic soap opera' feel. I would also like to mention that this, unlike most of my other works, is more of a pure fiction. In other words, we made stuff up to suit our needs.
Hope you like it! =)
Part 1: Anna’s story
"You've cut your hair again," I said, taking a quick glance up from my log book.
"Yes, I thought it was getting a bit...what's that word you use? Scraggly," he replied, running his fingers through it, "Why, don't you like it?"
"I'm just not used to your being so...clean cut." I propped my head in my right hand, causing me to lean over the desk, perhaps a bit seductively now that I think about it, but it was purely unintentional.
"I may appear clean cut," he began, leaning over to whisper in my ear, "But I'm as dirty as ever."
He winked at me and turned to leave but paused to get my reaction. He always was one for reactions. I mouthed the word 'cheeky' in mock disdain and went back to my work. He laughed and walked out the door.
On the way out, he met a gentleman in a long black coat. They nodded to each other.
"He's still out of his mind," both happily mused in passing, and I think they both were right.
But, I'm getting ahead of myself.
Best man was such a fitting title for John. I could have married him I think, had he asked me. But that's hardly the thoughts a girl should have had on her wedding day. Dear George, he is a sweetheart, and ever so nice to me. I really do love him. But John...well, what can I say? There's always been something between us I suppose. From that first day I met him, I think that's where it started. He knew I was George's girl, but I'm sure he also knew that I found him irresistible. I hardly think I could have ignored his advances, or have been expected to. George doesn't know, and rightly so. It might break his heart, or at least hurt him quite badly.
I hate that most of all, that I should hurt him. But I don't think he'd ever find out, he's not one to pry and what's between me and John, apart from some sort of 'animal magnetism' as he likes to describe it, doesn't amount to much. I wonder how he felt that day. My...our wedding day, I should say. George's and mine and Paul and Jaymie's. It was a double wedding. I never thought I'd agree to being married in a registry office. I wasn't even wearing white. Of course, I always feel like a fool in white. I seriously doubt anyone actually looks good in white, it's just the lighting put on brides that makes you think so.
Jaymie and Paul looked very happy. I hadn't known her long but we'd become fast friends. We were both wondering that day how John felt. If he thought he'd lost us both forever and at the same time. But no, he hadn't lost me. And had I heard more than a postcard from Jaymie, I'm sure she might have mentioned feeling the same. You'd think it'd be odd but it's not really.
Funny, not getting but a postcard here and there from Jaymie and Paul, of course being on honeymoon for two months, I guess one would find more things to do than write back home. I wonder if we'd have gone on a whirlwind honeymoon, had they not insisted I come back to work at the library. It's terrible that I can't be gone more than a week. All I do it seems is scan books in and out, but that's part of my job, being head librarian. I could have decided to run one of the smaller branches or something, but I liked living in the city and it wasn't too tiresome a job.
I believe I was checking in a few books when George came in that day. Yes, he was wearing that coat that made him look like a member of the secret service. It was meant to make him inconspicuous, which made him stand out even more.
"Excuse me, ma'am," he said approaching the desk.
"No, sir, we do not carry Knickerless Nickelby. Nor do we have any other books by Edmund Wells, including 'David Coperfield with one p.' And," I said, finally looking up at him, "That joke was only funny when Marty Feldman did it."
"Spoilsport," he said. I felt kind of sad, that was one of his favourite bits, but he didn't seem too broken up about it. "I met John on the way in. What's he been doing here?"
"I haven't the slightest idea. He didn't get a book. Maybe he came to read the paper," I offered.
"Cheap as ever, I see. Have you got time for lunch?" He asked.
"I'd love to but I've got work to do, and it's only ten thirty. Why don't you go home, get rid of that ridiculous coat and come back around twelve?"
"Do you really think it's ridiculous?" He said dejectedly.
"No, of course not dear. But you do look like you're up to no good."
He turned, giving me a sideways glance. "Maybe I am," he slyly said. Quite suddenly, he jumped over the desk.
"Honey, I love you, I do. But you're starting to cause a scene." I said, unconvincingly.
He kissed me and jumped back over the desk. "Good," he said, "See you at twelve." And with that he swiftly walked out the door, his coat fanning out behind him.
"Just like in a film," I thought, "He'd appreciate that."
Part 2: Jaymie's Story
I have started a new life with my [I cannot believe I'm saying this] husband, Paul McCartney. I am probably the most hated and envied girl in the world. But somehow I feel so unlucky, sad, guilty. Why should I feel like this? I married a Beatle for Pete's sake! The best prize in the universe! Is it worth it though?
I remember the first day I met Paul. It was back in the early days in Liverpool. At first he was such an arse- an understatement to say the least. He was so arrogant; completely full of himself. I had met John before he introduced me to Paul, just weeks after they first met. We met at a party, a friend through a friend. I then met Paul and George, while introduced by John, at another party. I always clung to John more though. He was loud, a bit obnoxious at moments, but disgustingly romantic and sweet. The total opposite of me. I was, back then, quite shy and to myself. But I knew when I met him that we had so much in common and our friendship would last a long time. I felt so intrigued by him- everyone around him felt instantly attracted to him.
As years went on, in the early 60's, John and Cyn, his girlfriend and later wife, had some problems. I comforted him during the rough days. We got close- too close. We just clicked. We had such romantic times together- when Paul and John went to Paris, I joined them. Those two weeks were fantastic. I totally tried to ignore Paul the entire time; I tried to just focus on my John. I felt he was mine forever. He's the first person I had ever said "I love you" to. I had been told that before but it's the first time I knew it meant something meaningful. It made my life.
The day we ended our romance was when Cyn found out she was pregnant. I felt that the right thing to do was to end everything. I love Cyn. I respect her. I did not want to leave her alone with a baby. It upset me that John had obviously slept with Cyn during our affair. But I understood. So, we parted but still remained great friends, hanging out all the time, with George and Paul, too. Days later they got married. I was heartbroken. I felt that I could never ever have the man I truly love.
I moved past it though. We still got along amazingly well. Though, during the times of sadness, Paul comforted me. I dunno why, I mean we had never got along as well as I did with John. Paul decided to take me out for an early lunch one day. We ended up spending the entire day and night together. It was heaven. We could relate more now. I found a different side to him. I changed as a person ever since I met Paul and John, and when I was around Paul, he was different than with anyone else. It was nice. I loved being around him. He was very funny, sweet, generous, still egotistical, but how can you hate a face like his? I started to think...differently of him- in a sexual way. We had, definitely, a physical and sexual attraction. I could not help it.
Paul had told me a day later he had feelings for me, despite having a relationship already. I felt the same. That one day...changed everything. I just got so excited to see him when he came over that night. I could not help it- I had to have him. He needed me. We kept everything secret for a while. We acted like nothing ever happened between us. George soon found out that we were doing it after he noticed unusual behaviour between Paul and me. I trusted George though- he would never let me down.
I was worried for John though. How could I have done this? His [former] best girl with his best friend? I felt guilty. But I started to fall for Paul. I knew he had a girlfriend and everything but for some reason when I saw him, before we started our affair, that when he was with other girls, I admit now I felt jealous. Maybe he was jealous of me too. Especially in Paris- he felt lonely, since John and I were being romantic together most of the trip.
I told John. He said it was OK. I knew he felt bad. I felt bad. We went on like nothing happened. But I knew he was angry. We had not been together for a while...maybe he got over me. I know he loves Cyn so much. He gets so jealous if he sees her with another man.
Paul soon asked me to marry him and I told John I had said "yes". I knew his heart was breaking in front of me. But I love Paul, too. I want to be with John. John's taken and so am I.
Anna, George's new wife, is a truly lovely person. We are great friends. We met as soon as George started to go out with her. Anna and John, before she got married, and after me and John ended our relationship, started an affair as well. This was before she was with George, too. She told me everything that went on. But John was married to Cyn. I know Anna still has feelings for John. I know where she is coming from. John just has this effect on you. It's indescribable.
John saw us both be taken by two of his best friends. We felt miserable. Anna loves George so much and I do the same about Paul. But we both want the same guy. I feel so bad that Anna wants John so badly. I think she feels the same about me. We don't know what to do. How can we ever know how John feels about us? Should we ask? If he loves me, what can I do now? Not a divorce after an amazingly romantic, wild honeymoon in Italy. God it was great. I do not want to hurt Paul, too.
"Hi, Jaymie, I'm home", Paul said, as he walked in the door of our London flat.
"Hi, sweetheart, I'll be right there", I said, while walking out of my bedroom door, tears rolling down my eyes. I try to wipe them as fast as possible.
Part 3: Think It Over
“Oh! You’ll never guess who called me today!” I said, “Well, actually you probably would guess, but either way, I was surprised.”
“My mother,” George answered, and then suddenly changed the subject. “How about pizza? That’s a change.”
“That’d be fine. Only no meat today, remember. And no, it wasn’t your mother, although I’d love to hear from her. She’s such a dear. No, it was Jaymie! They got back a few days ago but were busy you know, unpacking and being newlyweds, I suppose,” I half hinted to George, unsure of the response I might get.
“We should go see mum, next week. You could make her a cake. She liked that coconut one you made,” he said as if ignoring my remarks.
“Yes, that sounds lovely. I’ll ring her later to see when we should come.” I gave up on my hints and we walked down the street to the little Italian restaurant on the corner.
“I’m sorry,” George said after some thought.
“About what?” I asked as he took my coat.
“Well, that we’ve settled into life so quickly.”
I turned to face him. “Oh, I didn’t mean it like that, George. It’s just that she sounded like they’d just gotten married yesterday and were having ever so good a time and it seems like we’ve already gotten comfortable with each other,” I admitted. There was a pause in our conversation as we found a table and ordered.
“Listen, why don’t you take some time off,” he asked, “I know you’ve got at least three girls that can do your job if they put their minds to it. And we can go anywhere you like, Paris, Rome, New Zealand, anywhere.”
“What about Greenland?” That threw him for a loop. I loved doing that. I guess I like reactions too.
“Sure, but why Greenland?”
“I’ve never been to Greenland.”
“You’ve also never been to my Auntie Evelyn’s, but I don’t think that will change your life much either.”
We laughed. “Okay, not Greenland then,” I said. “It doesn’t really matter where we go, as long as we’re together, I suppose. Do you still have that place in the country you used to talk about?”
“The cottage? Yeah. Well, I mean, a few people were renting it but we could go down there for a weekend or so. How about that?”
“Mr. Harrison, you have yourself a deal.” He kissed me quickly before anyone noticed. Odd, isn’t it how one minute he can make sweeping gestures of affection and the next he goes all shy? Bless him.
The pizza came and we ate. While picking off the black olives, which I find grotesque but he loves them, George suddenly spoke.
“What did Jaymie say again?”
“Oh, not much she’d just got back a few days ago and they wanted to have a dinner party. Heaven knows why, but she’s invited us and the Starkeys and John, poor thing.”
“Why ‘poor thing’? What’s happened now?’ he asked between mouthfuls.
“He didn’t tell you? Cyn left him a week ago. She’d met a German or a Hungarian or something and said she was sorry but she had to leave him. She took Julian with her too, but the last thing John needs is another responsibility. He barely could handle Archie while we were gone.”
Archie is our Scottish terrier. I love him and I guess George does too, even though he’s more of a cat person.
“I’ve never seen Archie so frightened in my life as when he came back from wherever John had kept him,” he laughed, “At least he was fed. That is a shame about John and Cynthia though. I thought they’d really work out, even though…” he trailed off.
“Even though what?” I asked.
“I shouldn’t say. It’s personal.”
“George, I am your wife,” I stopped unable to keep from giggling. “That’s the first time I’ve actually said that. I am Mrs. George Harrison, your wife. Oh, isn’t that wonderful?” I gushed and then regained my composure, “But anyway, you can tell me I won’t breathe a word of it.”
“Well, alright,” he said, giving in, “Apparently, he’d been seeing some other woman for awhile after they got married.”
“Do you know who she was?” I asked, a bit afraid to hear the answer.
“No, John won’t say. But I can’t imagine she meant much to him, he didn’t speak of her but once and then he tried to hush the whole thing up. Maybe she was a foreign dignitary or something, he had to keep it very ‘hush-hush’,” he said with a little laugh.
My heart ached a bit, I almost wanted to cry, but I tried my best not to show it. I was partly shocked that John had mentioned it, but I was almost touched that he’d tried to hide it. Being the boaster that he is, I mean. He’d brag about anything, even table tennis. Dear John, for he really could be a dear when he wanted, he’d done that for George and for me. I wondered, it was nearly three months after the wedding and even longer since our…should I call it a break up? It was more of just a mutual understanding I think. Still, I wondered if he had feelings for me.
“That explains some things though,” he said.
“What?”
“Well, if Cynthia was leaving him, that’s why he needed the cottage. He asked if anyone was using it and I told him he could stay there as long as he wanted. I guess he was trying to get away from everything that reminded him of her.”
“We should’ve seen about him. I feel awful knowing he’s been there all this time, sad and alone.”
“Not much we can do now though. I’m sure he’s alright, he’s gone through moody spots before, and he seems to come out on top.”
“I just wonder how he’s going to handle the dinner party being the odd one out,” I mused.
“Don’t worry, love. Whether he’s out or in, he’s always been an odd one,” he said with a smile.
George and I carried on conversation as usual. We decided that we would be able to go to the party and as we walked back home we talked about what dress I should wear and if he needed a new jacket. I love little chats like that, so normal so every day; it makes you forget you’re not exactly living a normal life. But sadly my mind was elsewhere. Although I’d be surprised if George noticed, while deciding on the orange shirt that he looks so handsome in, my thoughts were more focused on John.
Part 4: Another Girl
"Are ya almost ready, Paul?” I say, preparing the food for tonight's dinner.
"Yes, sweetie", Paul replies.
Tonight is our big dinner party at our flat. I'm expecting Anna and George, Ringo and Mo, and John. I feel so terrible that Cyn left him for another man. But this can be good. John is all depressed now. Maybe it's a good time to make a move. No, wait, what am I thinking? I'm married. And I do not even know if he loves me back.
"How is the food coming along?” Paul says excitingly, as he skips into the kitchen.
"Oh", I reply apprehensively. "Just fine thanks. The chicken and shepherd's pie are in the oven. Potatoes are roasting. I have all the drinks out. Cake is there for dessert."
"So, I heard about John today. It's crazy, eh? I thought everything was going well between them...” Paul said. I could hear the scepticism in his voice. He looked deep down into my eyes, like almost as if he knew something.
"Apparently not", I reply, turning my head, facing the ground. "I feel terrible, ya know, just kills me."
"Don't worry...everything is going to be alright. I mean, I heard that he was with another girl. That's probably why they broke up. Ya know, John and his antics. He's been with so many birds ever since they, Cyn and John, ever started goin’ out. She is probably fed up with him. I heard that the girl he was with felt like she was the one, ya know, but somehow, I don’t believe it."
"Mhmm, yeah, yeah, I know", I say, while mixing vegetables and potatoes in the frying pan, trying to distract myself from the conversation. "Paul, why don't ya set up the cutlery on the table, eh?"
"Sure thing", Paul said.
Could it be me he's thinking of? Did Cyn find out about me and John? Is it Anna? What if it's Anna? What's left for me now? I feel lost. I feel that Paul is the second love of my life. I want John so badly. When he walks in that door tonight, I am going to feel the need to rush up to him and give him the most passionate kiss.
7:00 rolled around and the table, food and drinks are all set up. Ringo and Mo first showed up. We sat down on the couch and we each had a drink. Anna and George then walked in the door. My heart started to beat a million times a minute. I gave them each a hug and a kiss. I knew there was tension in Anna's back. She was worried about tonight, too.
The boys started to talk about their music career, song ideas and such, when suddenly, the doorbell rings. Anna and I both looked at each other in worry.
I answered the door. It was John of course. He was wearing all black, and had his signature sunglasses on. He looked miserable...and drunk.
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So what did you think? If you like it, I'll post the rest. If not...well I'll probably post it anyway. lol.
I think I might have been a little omniscient in some parts but that's not intentional
Comments/Criticism is appreciated. Thanks! =)
Love,
Anna