This Boy | j.l. [complete]

Chapter 9

— Next Week —

    We were on the train headed to the boat to take us home, I hadn't called John in a while, I had meant to but I guess I never got around to it. I do love him, he's told me he loves me too but sometimes he makes me worry. He doesn't always stay satisfied for to long. Soon we were home in Liverpool, Will dropped me off at my house and I stood there wondering if I really wanted to face my parents. I came home early, but it wasn't anybody's fault. They had no reason to lecture me and tell me I'll never make a living in music, they have no reason to try and drag me into becoming a nurse.

I walked into the house, my mother was in the kitchen cooking dinner, I assume my father was watching the tv and my younger sister was upstairs in her room. I placed my suitcases on the floor and closed the door quietly behind me. I took a few deep breaths, letting the last one out with a heavy sigh.

"Mum?" I called, my mother popped her head from the kitchen arch and smiled at me, then my dad poked around the living room arch

"My baby," My mother said rushing up to me and hugging me tightly, "How are you?" She asked stroking my hair

"I'm fine," I answered, hugging her back

"Nice to see you home early love," My father smiled kissing my cheek

"Yes, why are you home early?" Asked my mother, breaking the embrace and looking at me with a suspicious expression

"Denis, he didn't make it as in he's dead. Will was really upset so we stopped early and came home," I explained

"Oh my goodness," My mother said in a hushed tone

"I told you that place was no good for a young girl like yourself," My father protested

"Neither is Liverpool," I retorted

"At least you have family and friends here," My father crossed his arms, a serious look on his face

"Yeah, I know" I spoke simply "Listen can I head down to the cavern?" I asked

"Why do you want to down there?" My mother chuckled "You just got home."

"I need to find someone, I feel like they'd be there," I sighed half heartedly

"Who's that?" My mother questioned

"His name is John, I met him in Hamburg," I shrugged

"And are you two...?" My father started

"Dating?" My mother said a little too excitedly

"Depends," I shrugged

"Where does he live?" My father questioned

"Up in Wolton," I said plainly

"A posh boy?" My mother smiled, her eyebrows raising approvingly

"Not really," I chuckled

"We'll go on then be back by nine, no later," My mother nodded

"I will be," I agreed heading out the door.

     I finally made it to the cavern, there was a different band playing. I looked around for John, but I couldn't find him, so I decided I'd leave there was no use in being there it ended up being a wait of my time. I walked out onto the side walk, sighing to myself I lit a cigarette and started walking down the street, when two boys ran around he corner. It was Paul and George, they saw me and stopped in their tracks.

"Ruth?" Paul asked puzzled

"Paul," I said blowing out smoke

"What are you doing back in Liverpool?" George asked

"Long story short Denis is dead, and we came back today," I shrugged

"Well it's nice to see you back love," Paul smiled

"Where were you two heading in such a rush?" I questioned

"Running from John," George smirked which earned a elbow to the ribs from Paul

"Shut it George," Paul hissed

"Why?" George asked confused and Paul gave him a look

"Right," George frowned "You should head off Ruth," George said taking my arm and Paul put a hand on my shoulder

"What are you trying to hide me from exactly?" I interrogated as John walked around the corner and Paul squinted turning me away

"What's wrong?" I asked in a commanding voice

"Well" George started, I turned around to see John with his arm around a well built blonde, I stepped back first in confusion.

John looked me dead in the eye and froze in his tracks. I felt hot tears forming in my eyes, and at the moment I ran off. As fast as my feet could carry me, I didn't care where I was going or how hard I was crying, even who saw me. I just ran until I couldn't anymore. I ran on a broken heart. I stopped down by an alley way behind one of the restaurants, catching my breath. It felt like I was on fire, like my heart was about to explode and not even my own tears could put out the burning sensation.

"Ruth!" Called John, but I just trudged on

"Ruth stop!" He called again, soon enough he caught up to me and spun me around.

"Go away John," I held back tears as I looked him in the eyes, loosening my arm from his grip — I knew Will was right.