I Saw Her Standing There Chapter 3/?
“Ugh.” Alice sighed, twisting on the sofa to find a better place. The old sofa had seen better days and they desperately needed another, but funds were tight. It was more common for them to curl up in bed with a video tape, normally one they had watched until it was in danger of being worn out, than to watch television much. Company never stayed ( Read more... )
Then the insecurity continues with the request to listen in on the phone conversation. AFTER learning that Mo is in a bad way... the lack of trust in Alice seems significant. I can't decide whether Nell has expected that Alice would have shared such a significant part of her life--Maureen being her first, and famous. Or Alice's reason for not doing so...
The letter was great, and erased doubt for sure. I'm sure Nell had a problem with the plea for Alice to see Maureen in person.
Flashback: I like asshole Ringo, and Maureen not taking his shit lying down. Liverpool gal, indeed. And the implication that he should have called ahead, because she might have company? Hmmm... Someone is living a lonely existence.
Both the personalities are beginning to shine through very well. Too often mute Alice, and suspicious Nell.
Excellent.
JB
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It's interesting that you read that Nell wanted to be there for the phone conversation as controlling and Jay read it as being supportive. That kind of interpretation difference is why I ended up in 60k in debt chasing an English Degree, by the way, lol. But in all seriousness, you brought up an angle I hadn't meant for it to come off as, but it's an interesting one. I like.
The letter - hahaha....it was kind of a 'cheat'. I needed something to have Nell back where she belonged, at least somewhat processing the fact that yes this did happen. It is a little summarizing and I didn't know how it would come off. I just couldn't think of anything else for Nell, who clearly needs evidence of things. So I'm glad it came off good.
It was a different dynamic to write about Ringo and Mo but as much as I love them as a couple (ultimately) I have come to the conclusion that Ringo could get nasty.I can't write him physically abusive but from what I read he was brutal to Barb when he was plastered so it only stands to reason he probably got tough with Mo too...plus time period, it's just...a thing sadly. So my compromise- drunk and just a complete asshole. And no, council-flats Liverpool girls take no shit from anybody. Husband or no. Take the girl out of the council-flats, can't take the council-flats out of the girl.
Someone is living a lonely existence
I think all of the wives did. Husband's do what they want, with whoever they want, while yes providing a grand lifestyle and being famous with their own problems. But still, very lonely. Because they have an official on the books nanny, it was probably expected that Zak stay with Stella at least some of the day. So there isn't even that 'being a mum' thing all the time. Not saying Maureen wasn't devoted but the basic day-to-day is handed off. So yeah, lonely lonely woman.
As for Nell and Alice- they've evolved in three chapters a fair bit. They weren't intended to be as unhealthy as they are, but sometimes the story just tells itself.
I'm glad you read and commented (I'll link it on Ticket-to-Read in the AM here, I'm super behind today on all my fandom things)
Thanks for the kind words and I hope to keep you intrigued for a while longer.
^_^
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To me, reaction is everything. Every way Nell has reacted to the letter and Alice's explanation-from what she says to what she does (raised voice, stomping off to the bedroom, etc) points to insecurity resulting in anger (ala John Lennon). Her frustration with not getting sufficient information (read as information to her liking and at the speed she wishes)speaks volumes to me. Therefore, her saying she wants to listen in on the phone call and then adding that it's for support? Rings empty to me. The mention of support meant to make sure Alice agrees.
As to abusive Rings. It feels right for him not to be so, as Liverpool Lass could kick his drunken arse. Despite his slurry, non caring attitude he doesn't seem keen about pushing too hard.
The lonely existence is fascinating. It is implied that she welcomes company regularly, with Ringo's agreement/permission. And I'm not talking intimate company, just folks to entertain and fill her time. It had to be tough for her to go from a working girl to a 'housewife'. You know?
I really don't see Nell and Alice as necessarily unhealthy, but quite normal. Everyone has problems and shit to overcome in relationships, and it would be unbelievable that this letter might not cause some unwelcome confrontations of either one of these girls' past. No one knows absolutely everything about their partner, because no one sits and talks about every moment of their past before proceeding with said relationship.
It's been established that Alice lives in her head a lot, and doesn't share a whole lot unless she has to. If that makes sense. It's how new problems that crop up are handled that folks learn about each other, even after five years.
Shit. Another essay, sorry. Blame Jay. I've been all Charlie obsessed for a couple of days. LOL!!! And I see a bit of Lennon in everything I read, as I'm trying hard to re-create my own Lennon. HA!!
JB
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Yeah, Nell's mostly meant to be someone for Alice to work off of, though in the past day, her backstory has become more clear to me.I can see where Nell could be read as a bit like John with her reaction to everything. There is a bit of insecurity or more than a bit and I can see where her offer might ring empty or even as a command. I can see both takes on it and I'm gonna be battling both outcomes for a while.
I'm glad that Nell and Alice don't read as unhealthy. They are headed on a path that if they don't get their communication under control, it will become dangerous as reactions further letters and phone calls in other circumstances from other people that shakes their world up - not other lovers from the past writing from hospital, but just anything that changes their circumstances (they are in their mid-late 40s, one day that phone call that one parent/in-law has died, or is sick is going to come) - anything like that and if they don't work on it and grow now it's going to put them in a bad spot very quickly.
And yeah, Mo had a culture shock going from poor working hairdresser apprentice, with co-workers and clients to chat with not to mention girl friends to go out with after work, to a life where she's mainly at home, with husband when he is home, with baby some times, with dog most of the time, in charge of fanmail, and managing a small 'staff' (likely older than her) and household. She can't go out as freely as she'd like, and company is tricky. There is something a bit interesting that Alice wasn't there on Ringo's permission, but Mo's own idea and inclination and desire to have company.
Always interesting to see thoughts you have.
^_^
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Fortunately it's very hard to achieve, and more or less keeps us all going. :)
Fun story. Look forward to more.
JB
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