Lucy In The Sky

Getting Better

I was sent home three days earlier than Doctor Robert had planned, it seemed I made a miraculous recovery and was almost in full health when I arrived home the following Sunday. Within the two first days back at home I spent most of my time in my lounge, resting. I didn't have to worry about attending college until next month as it was the Summer holiday and Liverpool had not been warmer or sunnier. It seemed as if the grey smog blanket covering the city had arose and drifted away whilst I had spent my days laying in hospital beds, suddenly the air I breathed seemed purer and the skies clearer. Things were finally starting to get better, not only for me but also for The Beatles.

It was my second day being at home again, I was sat on our settee reading my book accompanied by the continual ticking of our old grandfather clock and my mothers choice of music on the radio; jazz. I was just beginning to enjoy Louisa May Alcott's work, Little Women, when I heard a loud banging coming from the front door. I threw my book across the seat and ran to the door, the banging echoed within the hallway. Mother came rushing through and shot me a concerned look, holding a frying pan in one hand. The banging continued, this time followed by a voice. "It's me, it's me! John! Lemme in!" My mother and myself took a sigh of relief and giggled to ourselves as I opened up the front door for an excited John to come in. 

"John, hi." I said as I gave him a kiss on the cheek. I saw my mother smile in the corner of my eye. When I told her I was engaged she was very weary for me, although understood it was the best thing to do, yet I still had a feeling she disapproved of John. "Why are you so happy?" I asked, laughing. He meandered through to the living room and made himself at home on one of our floral sofas. He looked up at me and smiled as I sat in the tatty leather chair opposite him.

"Well, me and the boys have gotta gig. Well, a contract! The Beatles get to play in The Cavern every Friday night and we get paid 1 pound each! How great is that, Luce?" John yelled, sat on the edge of his seat. I searched his amber eyes, gazing into their bewildering depth and gave him a big smile, I haven't seen him this happy in a long time. 

"John! Oh my gosh, I'm so happy for you!" I exclaimed, standing up to go and hug him. After embracing he pulled me back, sat me on his lap and looked into my eyes. I lifted my hand and stroked his cheek, his skin was soft and warm and my fingertips were tickled by the ends of his mop-top and sideburns. 

"Everything's startin' to work out now, Luce. Ye're better 'nd gonna be my wife, plus I've gotta proper job. Things have finally started to get better, hey." he whispered as he stroked my back, still staring into my eyes. All of a sudden joy overwhelmed me, John was right. Things were getting better and I had not felt happier. My eyes began to water and I gave John what felt like the most genuine smile I've ever given someone, then I kissed him on the lips. 

PAUL'S P.O.V

The much awaited Friday arrived slowly but surely, the band and myself had spent the past few days fantasising about what our first gig as The Beatles at The Cavern Club would be like. Friday grew closer and closer and eventually it arrived, we were beyond ecstatic! 

I was waiting in the wings of the stage, bass slung across my back, I was still a novice at bass playing, I had to teach myself how to play when Stu decided to leave the band so I hoped the crowd wouldn't pay too much attention to me. I walked on stage along with Pete, John and George and took a place in front of a tall microphone at the front. A roar of cheering followed as we entered the stage, something I hadn't encountered since Hamburg, two weeks ago. It was strange to hear the screams again (especially because they were in English), I had such a quiet yet eventful life ever since I arrived home in England and no one had paid much attention to me, although now hundreds of young girls were screaming my name and making a fuss of me. We had played as a band in The Cavern Club several times before, but with different band names and several different members, but we never got paid for performing then. When we performed here previously the crowd had not a clue who we were and were no where near as enthusiastic as they were now. It felt magical, like we were finally being recognised. 

I spotted Lucy, Stu and Vicky in the crowd, at a table near the side of the room. They were joining in with the screaming and were almost as excited as we were when they discovered we would be paid to perform here each week. It was comforting to know we had them supporting us the first night we were performing.

"Hello." John said into the microphone, a wave of screams followed. "As ye may already know, we're The Beatles. We're gonna play ye some rock 'n' roll tonight, we hope ye like it. Although you will like it, we're bloody fantastic! Now over to Paul to get the night started with some Long Tall Sally, go!" John yelled into the mic. I frantically pulled my bass in front of me and began to strum. I hardly had time to think, it felt strange to be back on a stage again, but almost instantly I was introduced to the same feeling of comfort and euphoria I got whilst playing. I felt the adrenaline pump through my veins, the excitement made my heart pound vigorously. I began to sing with all my might and my feet started stomping and my head started shaking. A smile grew across my face as I sang, I was reunited with the joy of performing.

STU'S P.O.V

It felt strange and alien to watch the band perform without me. Going on with life without worrying about the boys or being under some sort of pressure felt good yet odd. I never missed being part of The Beatles, I never wanted to be a musician, I knew that my life meant to go in a different direction to theirs. Art is my passion and I felt as if I had to finish my studies and think about myself for once, Hamburg was a big wakeup call for me; it made me realise I wanted to lead a completely different life to the other boys. 

Honestly, I was sat in amazement. I never had a chance to watch the band perform before because I had always been a part of it, and I hadn't bothered to turn up to any of their band practices to see how they're getting along. The Beatles were fantastic! All four of them put in so much energy when performing, their heads would bop up and down and their feet would stomp the beat on stage. They would scream the lyrics, but gracefully. Their voices were unique and harmonious and they could play their instruments like they were ringing a bell; something I could never do. 

They had improved immensely since before we left for Hamburg, I could tell from the audiences reaction. It was a very small venue yet the place was bursting with young people, the girls were in awe and the even the men in the club seemed pretty astonished. I felt sincerely pleased for them, I had been part of their journey; growing into a well known and loved local band from a shoddy teddy boy skiffle group.