In My Life

Chapter 27

Paul and I entered the venue only a little behind schedule. It was a large and rowdy music hall with a buffet and a bar, just filled to the brim with party guests. At the front, was a conspicuous stage, laid out with instruments, no doubt for the boys. They would be up there playing soon enough.

"You quite alright?" Paul fretted yet again.

"I'm fine." I lied, presenting him with a weak smile as I tried to burry the pit of apprehension in my throat and stomach eating me up inside.

He nodded, still not fully convinced, but guided me benevolently through the crowds to meet the boys by the bar.

The sheer sight of his face again made me feel sick to my stomach, as he stood drink in hand beside the bar with the other boys.

"Little tardy aren't we McCartney?" He sneered.

Paul didn't release my hand as we acquainted with them again, for if anything, I was squeezing it tighter by John's every word, reluctant to look him in the face.

"I'm sorry John." Said Paul. "I suppose I was just a little disorganised today." He lied.

John shrugged, and told him to get set up with the other boys.

As much as I hated for him to leave my side, I really had no choice but to release his hand. I couldn't seriously have expected him to stay by me all night long.

I winced, biting my lip as he left, him kissing my cheek lightly once more, staining it with the minty fresh scent of his breath.

John chuckled lightly as I watched Paul leave. "Didn't think you'd come tonight." He half smiled at me.

"Yeh, well I'm here for Paul, and Paul alone." I snapped back, causing his smile to fade into a frown.

"Sam," he pouted. "I don't understand why you're being like this. Why do you hate me?"

Still reluctant to look him in the eyes, the question had managed to shut me up.

"We used to be such good friends." He continued. "What ever happened? I miss that."

I could almost see the old John Lennon I used to know shining through as he spoke so genuinely, sparking me with little joy.

"John?" I asked him nervously, this time more sweetly than I'd spoken to him in a while.

"Yeh?" He responded hopefully.

"Promise me you wont drink tonight?" I said softly, taking the drink from his hand, and setting it on the bar counter.

"Um, well sure, if you really don't want me to, I won't." His face dropped slightly. "Why?"

I shook my head. I wasn't willing to have to live through it all again after trying so hard to forget. He was lucky enough I was even speaking to him.

"Right." He nodded awkwardly. "I'd best be off to find the lads then. Hug?" He opened his arms out to me.

I shook my head at him. "Good luck though."