𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞 (𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴)

❛❛chapter twenty-seven: touched nerve❜❜

"George says he thinks he broke up with Cyn over you."

I pestered, "He thinks? Or knows? There's a big difference! Hassa tends to exaggerate anyway."

"No, he doesn't..." Pattie scoffed, "But erm, he said he thinks."

I nodded my head up and down. It was true that he didn't tend to hyperbole, but it was insane to think John, out of everyone, would leave his girlfriend because of me. I mean, why would he? I think George must be wrong about that. There is no way in hell that Lennon left Cynthia because I did something! What could I have done!? I haven't done anything to him. Nothing that would provoke him to break a sweet girl's heart. I literally can't think of a single thing, which makes me feel quite daft. Was it something I just couldn't see? Or refused to see? No, now I'm overthinking it. Doesn't matter to me anyhow; I have Isaiah to worry about. I feel like we were destined to be together! Soulmates, y'know?

"Eliza! Are you there?" Boyd raised her voice.

I blinked back to reality, "Yes, of course. Sorry."

She sighed, "Take what I said how you will, alright?"

"Mhm, okay. I will... So erm, the kiss, aye?" I changed the subject.

Pattie gasped excitedly, "Oh yes! Yes, yes, tell me about it then! Spill it."

I gobbed on and on about my day and how it ended with Ash's soft velvety lips on my cheek. His touch was gentle, as if he were afraid I'd break like a porcelain doll. It was nice to have someone treat you so sweetly. He made me feel good about myself and not question if I did something wrong. I could be as natural as possible, let my guard down. Even with the lads, I had some sort of a shield up to protect myself. I knew they wouldn't hurt me, but then again, I couldn't be so sure. I had my doubts, but I also felt like an awful human being for possessing them. Who is suspicious of their oldest mates? Bad friends, that's who. I guess I'm the bad friend in that way.

❧May 9, 1963☙

I'd just woken up around three hours ago. During that time, I chatted on the phone with Isaiah while getting ready to pick him up and the lads. John, Paul, George, Ringo, and Brian were all getting home from their vacation. I was excited to see them. I wanted to talk to Lennon about the whole Cynthia thing. I needed to make sure I hadn't contributed in any way. It seemed a bit farfetched that I was. John didn't care enough about anything that I did to end things with Powell. But I just wanted security.

"Ash, I'm gonna hang up now. I'll come and pick you up," I said while grabbing my car keys.

He chirped, "Right, I'll see ya soon, then."

"Mhm, bye-bye."

I placed the ringer on the dialer so it would end the call. Then I swiftly got up off of the couch and grabbed a few things, those being John's jacket, my purse, and my newsboy cap. I'd only worn the hat a few times, but it really fitted my outfit for today, which happened to be my Wrangler jeans, a brown turtleneck, and my red Keds. It was more casual than what I usually wore, but it was rather nice not to worry about looking completely spiffed up. Besides, I wasn't doing anything that required me to dress up. I ran out of the house and jumped into my car. I turned the key in the ignition switch, which caused the vehicle to roar to life. I clicked the radio on and then proceeded to Isaiah's house. I'm planning on giving him a kiss when I see him next, just to solidify our feelings. I'm quite nervous about it too. I know he kissed me the other day, but that took a lot of courage. I guess he liked me enough to risk it, so maybe I shouldn't get all worked up. Ugh, but it's still so crazy to think about! I'm already sweating. I worried myself the rest of the way to his flat. I pulled up to the curb and honked a few times. Not even a minute later, he came rushing out of his house while his little brother was chasing behind him. Kaleb had a dinosaur in his hand that he was whacking poor Ash with. When my prince charming reached the car door, Kal stopped hitting him.