Something Else-A Beatles' Story

Sensitivity

Marianne's point of view

I can't believe it! Why the hell did he do that? I was, once again, lost in my thoughts on our way home, but this time, I just wanted to shut them off. I didn't even know his last name, so obviously, I couldn't even find him like I found oh so many people because of their last names.

"Marianne... I'm sorry," said John, but this time, I wasn't going to weaken and give in.

"Please, just... At least, could you please look at me or even just pretend you're listening?" he said.

"..."

"Good! Don't talk to me then, but be aware; I'll be playing that game too!" He shouted while suddenly walking faster, leaving me alone.

A tear then rolled down on my cheek, followed by another, and pretty soon, I was crying my eyes out: Why the hell have I acted this way? I didn't—I didn't want to make him angry; I simply wanted to stand my position... I simply ended up being stupid and, well...

Then, out of nowhere, a group of those boys—the Teddy Boys, as they were called—showed up and began insulting me. I then realised I had sat on the ground, so I stood up. As I expected, I was shorter than them, so I simply tried to leave, for I didn't want to start a fight.

"Well," one of the boys grabbed my wrist, "look what we've got!"

"She's actually pretty," another one said. "I'd love to take her to bed!"

"Could you please leave me?" I tried to ask, but they simply ignored me.

"I wonder why she cried," said another, "did she just lose her tissue?"

And they all laughed. I was scared—terrified even—but did my best not to show that.

I tried to escape the grip of the one holding my wrist, but I came to the horrifying conclusion that they were... Too strong. I—I can't... The fourth one brought his hand to my throat, and I thought it was the end of me.

"Don't you fucking dare to touch her!" a voice shouted, as I felt relief that I wouldn't die today.

"Who are you, and what do you want?" the boy holding my wrist asked.

"I said," he began, getting close enough for me to realise it was John, "leave her alone!"

"And I think I asked you who you were!" Both were shouting now, and I didn't know if I should feel relief or fear, so I felt both at the same time.

"I'm her brother, you fucking idiot!" John then punched the one holding my throat, putting him on the ground, followed by the one holding my wrists.

As the third boy was defeated by John, the fourth one grabbed a knife, intending to stab my brother. I was the only one that saw him, and I don't know how, but I probably was on adrenaline. I sent that crazed boy on the ground as I felt a warm liquid on my cheek. John looked at me with a look that I clearly understood as "run". So we started running.