𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞 (𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴)

❛❛chapter fifteen: snowy day❜❜

❧December 20, 1960☙

Pattie and I sat at a table in the local coffee shop. I'd called her up and told her I needed help, but I didn't get more specific, so I didn't seem like a drag.

"So, what's the deal?" The blonde asked.

I rested my head in my hands, "It's a long story."

"Well, tell me the short version then." She sipped on her tea.

"John and I got in a fight, which lasted months— We finally talked again, but he has a girlfriend now— And before I tell you what I did, I know it's stupid..." I put a finger up, "I told him I was seein' someone too."

"Are ya?" Pattie quirked a brow.

I dreaded looking up in her eyes but did it anyway, "No."

"Oh, Eliza... Babes." She put a hand on mine in an understanding way.

Pattie was a lovely girl. She was smart, caring, and helpful. I quite liked her as a friend. I didn't and don't have many girl friends. She brushed the hair from my eyes, uncovering my eyebags.

"Love, Jack isn't goin' to be happy if you keep on not takin' care of yerself. Ya look dead."

My mouth formed a thin straight line, "Thanks."

"I don't mean it in a mean way! I am just worried about ya. I could help set you up with someone, and then you can forget about John. Who needs him anyway?"

"Me..." I groaned.

"Well, let's fix that." She smiled, "Say, I know a guy! He lives 'ere, and he does photography! What do you think?"

I nodded and gave her a quick grin. I was exhausted and not really comprehending all that was about to go on. She grabbed one of the paper towels and took a pen out of her pocketbook. She scribbled a bit on the white tile before handing it to me. It was a number to the guy, with his name above it. Noah Kip.

"When I get 'ome, I'll call him and let him know that I gave you his number!" Pattie sounded more excited than she should've.

I pouted, "Is he anythin' like John?"

❧February 9, 1961☙

No, he was nothing like John, yet I enjoyed his company so much. Noah and I had gone on a few dates, getting to know each other. He really seemed nice and well put together. Kip had short brown, almost black, hair. His nose was like the Romans, his eyes were like pearls, and his face had sharp, distinct features.

Every time we went anywhere, he would bring his camera and take photos of me because he needed to "capture my beauty." His words, not mine, it was awfully sweet of him, though. I never knew I was using the camera wrong till he showed me how. I didn't not know, but I wasn't doing it professionally.

Currently, I was walking with him along the street to catch the boy's first gig as The Beatles at the Cavern Club. One thing I did notice about Noah was he didn't like music too much, and he didn't like John. Those things were significant to me, but I'm sure I could fix it.

We walked down the stairs into the humid and hot cavern, which was quite a change from the cold crisp air outside. I could already hear music playing. Different color lights lit up the place, brick made up the walls, and posters and metal signs decorated the club. I walked to one of the tables nearest to the band, and I waved and the boys on the stage. Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw Cynthia. I was still getting used to her and trying to get rid of my feelings for John. She sat by herself, looking a bit lonely. Something in me wanted to call her over to sit with Noah and me.