Be my Starr (Ringo Starr)

Chapter 22 part 1: America

The plane vibrated intensely as it flew over Britain. They'd be in America by noon Linda predicted and she was rarely wrong. Susan sat by the window, her eyes wandering over her reflection. Only a few days ago, she was sure it was the end of her and Ringo. Since that cold meeting with Mr. Anderson, she didn't know what to do or think. She was originally going to cut all ties with the Beatles until the drummer appeared on her doorstep demanding an answer for her sudden disappearance. It was too hard for her to explain then and it was too hard now. She ended up crumbling terribly and giving into the Beatle's desperate attempt to convince her otherwise. She cracked in the end.

Now, she and her two flatmates were on their way to the most memorable week of their lives. Well, for Susan and Barbara anyway. Linda sat in the middle of the two reading one of her mystery novels was probably the least excited out of the three. She only came because she didn't want to be home alone, although she didn't say that to the girls.

"How long now?" Barbara asked Linda for the fiftieth time, peering down at the book page.

"I already told you, an hour max," Linda replied.

Barbara looked over at Susan still staring out of the window. She had been that way the whole flight. After her breakdown back at the flat, Barbara knew there was more to the story than Susan had told her. She just hoped this trip would be the key to making her better.

After a lot of nagging Linda had endured from bored Barbara, they finally landed on the ground. Barbara also managed to stop a taxi after trying for at least 20 minutes. She almost got herself killed in the process, throwing herself in front of them. Susan gave the taxi driver the address and off they went.

New York was fascinating, to say the least. There were lights and sky-high skyscrapers that scared Susan to death just thinking about being at the top. Even Linda was captured by New York's character but not exactly how Susan and Barbara were. She was more interested in the hoards of people in every direction and the number of cars on one road. They were in constant traffic.

Finally making it to the hotel, Susan was excited to see Ringo for the first time in what felt like years. She was full of nerves and her jelly legs were proof. Mr. Anderson's words came over her once again. Was she really going to spy on the Beatles for her prick of a boss? She had to, right? She was being blackmailed, there was no choice. Surely, she could just lie and only Anderson some things. At least, that's what she kept telling herself.

They checked in at reception and were given a single room key for a two-bed room. One was a double, one was a single meaning two of them were going to have to share. It was obvious who, Susan getting a cheeky wink of Barbara filling her with a sudden dread. Barbara was like a worm when she slept, wriggling all over the show. Most frighteningly, her legs were a force to be avoided. Even if it meant losing the covers.

The girls went to their room to unpack and get their bearings when there was a sudden knock at the door. Susan's eyes darted over to Barbara who was already on high alert.

"Who is it?" Barbara asked in a posh tone.

"It's Mal. I work with the boys." A voice said on the other side.

"Boys?"

"The Beatles." The voice answered.

Susan gave Barbara the nod. "Just a minute." She said and turned to Linda. "You go." She whispered.

"What?"

"Just in case." Linda rolled her eyes and walked over to the door.

Opening the door, Linda was greeted by a tall man with glasses and a warm smile. 

"You must be Susan?" The man presumed.

"God no." Linda scoffed, moving aside so Mal could get a proper look inside.

"I'm Susan." Susan raised her hand shyly, quickly putting it down after realizing how stupid that must of looked.

"I'm Barbara, by the way." Barbara smiled devilishly. "In case you didn't know already."

"Yes, I've heard many things about you." Mal nodded. Barbara raised an eyebrow.

"What sort of things?" She queried.

"Sorry, I'm supposed to be escorting you lot over to the boys. If you're ready, that is?"

Susan opened her mouth to speak when-

"We're ready," Barbara said abruptly and gestured for the girls to start walking.

"What?" Linda said confused. "I'm not coming."

"Oh yes, you are." Barbara grinned, lightly pushing Linda in Mal's direction.

They followed Mal to a door similar looking to theirs only with 4 soon to be rock stars on the other side that could be heard laughing and chatting. Mal opened the door and stepped aside, an indication for the girls to go in first.

Susan took a deep breath before walking in. After all, she wasn't completely sure she was ready for this yet. Could she handle it? There was no escape now.