How to Change the World

Chapter 12

John was excited to begin a new day of recording at Abbey Road, and the chance to see his friends again. This new album had potential to be something special. In his own acknowledged arrogance, John knew he was making something, well, genius.

As he arrived through the gates of Abbey Road Studios, courtesy of his driver, he saw a news crew standing at the door of the studios. At that, he became agitated at the thought of having to do another interview. All he wanted at the moment was to record some good music.

Exiting the car, and approaching the steps of Abbey Roads Studios, a man from ITN-TV approached ready to attack. John hoped that the reporters at least like the facial hair and glasses.

The man came closer to John on the steps, anxiously asking his question,"John, just a quick word?"

"Alright, alright," he said, waiting for the reporter to ask his question.

"Are the Beatles going to go their own ways in 1967, do you think?"

"They could be, you know, on our own or together. We're always involved with each other whatever we're doing, you know."

"Could you ever see a time when, in fact, you weren't working together?"

"I could see us working not together for a period, but we'd always get together for one reason or another. I mean, you need other people for ideas as well, you know. And we all get along fine."

The man tensed for a minute, treading lightly with his next question.

"Has the band been any different since Paul has come out as a homosexual?"

For a minute, John considered answering honestly by saying "Yes", however that would open up too many doors. Plus, he wanted to get in the studio as soon as possible.

"No... we're doing just fine. It rarely comes up anyways, y'know."

The reporter nodded, and seemed as if he wanted to ask another question. John, who was on the brink of wanting to get into the bloody building said, "Well, sorry. I've gotta get back to, y'know..."

Quickly evading the look of the reporter, he briskly walked into Abbey Road Studios, finally able to focus on the album at hand.

~*~

Despite the energy that recording took out of them, they still saved some energy to arrange a small get together at Paul's home. Paul's home was the closest to Abbey Road, in fact, it was walking distance from the studio, but walking was no option as a Beatle. They still managed to gather at his dwelling, and were now sitting around a coffee table smoking fags with Paul's dog Martha resting at the side.

"You've got to visit India, mate," George said to no one in particular. "It's fucking beautiful. The music, too. We should put some on the new record, something of the sort. I was thinking-"

George, who was very into speaking about his new experiences, was interrupted by a chuckle. John, staring into space, burst out laughing, and began clinging to his sides. In his rapid movement, and excitement, the glasses from his face fell onto the ground, scaring Paul's pet into another room. If it weren't for Paul's quick grasp on John's forearm, John would have fallen out of the chair as well.

Not taking for granted the brief contact, Paul referred to John with a question.

"You alright, mate?"

John, giving no answer, continued his laughing session to the amusement of the other three Beatles.

"I didn't think what I said was that funny," George said to the group, John's laughter still in the air.