If the Sun Has Faded Away (UNDER REWRITING)

Chapter 3: As alike as chalk and cheese?

Standing on the stairs, Crowther seemed to be waiting for us—or rather, waiting for me to return alone.

"I'm sorry I kept you waiting, Crowther," I said as John and I reached him, offering an apologetic smile.

Crowther returned my smile gently, but didn't say anything.

"This is John, my friend," I added, introducing him. "He had something urgent to tell me." I quickly added this to justify John's presence. I gave Crowther another smile, knowing it was weak and unconvincing.

Even though I wasn't looking in John's direction, I instantly felt the heavy glance he shot me. By now, he was probably thinking I had lost it.

First, I had invited him to meet Crowther... and now, I was scrambling to justify his presence.

"Glad to meet you, Crowther," John smiled at him, though I could see that it was a forced smile. "Sorry for dropping by unannounced."

"No problem," Crowther replied, returning a smile that was merely a faint echo of his usual warmth.

I noticed that Crowther had stiffened a bit. He seemed tense and lost. The Crowther who had opened up to me just moments ago was gone, replaced by the usual reserved version of himself. He was clearly uncomfortable, though he was trying his best to appear casual.

Just a few seconds ago, introducing John and Crowther had seemed like a lovely idea—a natural thing to do. But now, I mentally scolded myself for even considering it.

John and Crowther were as alike as chalk and cheese. Would they find something to talk about? I already knew the answer to that question. Silly me.

"So... Crowther... You're the youngest person to teach at Stockton Wood Primary School, right? That's something to be proud of..." John awkwardly initiated the conversation. I shot him a side glance, surprised that he remembered this detail I had shared with him a while ago during a rather insignificant chat.

"Yes, I joined only three months ago," Crowther replied with a shy smile. "I do feel proud of it. But most of all, I'm just happy to do what I love."

"Yeah... It's important to do something you love for a living. Although I definitely can't say the same for studying," he chuckled. One moment he seemed lost in thought, the next he was being his cheeky self. That was John for you.

"To each his own, I suppose," Crowther smiled. "What about you? Still studying?"

"Please, no," John said, in a mock dramatic voice.

As he spoke, he took out his cigarette packet from his jacket pocket, pulled one out, and lit it.

"Want one?" he asked Crowther.

"No, thanks, I don't smoke," Crowther replied, smiling shyly.

The slight frown that appeared on John's face the moment Crowther spoke didn't escape my attention. I could tell Crowther was the first man of his age John had met who wasn't a smoker.

John silently nodded as he took a long drag from his cigarette.

"I'm actually in a band with three of my mates. One of them, Paul, attended the school where you teach, by the way." Now John was beaming with pride, clearly thrilled to talk about his passion.

"You're a musician?" Crowther sounded astonished. He paused for a moment before continuing, "Are you able to make a living from your music?"

"Well, yeah... It's not always easy, but we do play gigs at The Cavern sometimes." Pride radiated from John's face. "Have you ever heard of The Beatles?"

"The Beatles?" Crowther seemed to think for a moment. "Oh... Yes... The Beatles!" he exclaimed, making me jump slightly. Never would I have thought Crowther would have heard of the lads' band.

"Well, that's us!" John chuckled.

"So... You're John Lennon?" Crowther asked hesitantly. "And your friend Paul is...?"

"The one and only Paul McCartney," John said, his excitement barely contained. I could see how overjoyed he was to be recognized for the musician he was, his smile lighting up his entire face.

As for Crowther, I couldn't help but notice he had relaxed a bit in John's presence. Seeing John and Crowther engage in casual conversation was a relief to me. It seemed chalk and cheese could get along after all.

I didn't feel the need to step into their conversation, so I simply remained a silent observer while they chatted.

"I saw you perform at The Cavern some time ago. How could I not remember earlier?" Crowther smiled. "I was dragged there by a friend. Though I hardly know anything about rock 'n' roll, I still think you were quite good. You guys have such energy on stage. It's amazing!"

Seeing Crowther get so animated while talking about rock 'n' roll music left me speechless. It's true what they say: appearances can be deceptive. I had to admit I hardly knew Crowther for the true person he was. Today, I felt I was discovering a whole new side of him.

"Thanks, mate," John replied, a beaming smile on his face. He was clearly overwhelmed with joy and pride. Wait... did he just call Crowther "mate"? That was a first.

"You should come again to The Cavern sometime... you know, to see us perform." John took another drag from his cigarette.

"This invitation also applies to you, by the way," he added, turning to me.

"You've never seen The Beatles perform at The Cavern?" Crowther asked me, looking genuinely surprised. "How come? I mean... John and you are friends, and yet..."

"Lucy never came to The Cavern," John interjected. "She's not used to this kind of place." In the look John gave me, I saw what I interpreted as a hint of sadness. The glint in his eyes had faded.

Though he had never opened up about it, I knew he regretted that I had never seen any of the gigs the lads had performed at The Cavern.

"You know I'd love to come, John," I said, finally speaking after ten or fifteen minutes of silence. "It's just... The Cavern is always so crowded and so loud... I wouldn't feel comfortable there." My last words came out as a mere whisper. I genuinely felt bad for never getting the chance to show my support for the lads during their gigs.

John and Crowther stared at me in silence for a couple of seconds. John stepped closer, gently placing his hand on my shoulder.

"Don't feel bad, Lucy. You know this isn't how I meant it."

I smiled back at him, reassuring him that I didn't hold any grudge. Why would I?

"Next time I go to The Cavern, I'll take you with me, OK?" Crowther winked at me.

"It's a deal." I couldn't help but chuckle.

"For now, I'm just asking you to come to our rehearsal tonight," John said, looking me straight in the eye. I did mention he could be adamant when he wanted something, didn't I?

Before I could respond, John turned to Crowther. "Do you mind if I borrow Lucy for a sec, mate? I need to talk to her."

Crowther simply nodded his approval.

"Thanks. I'm glad I met you." John extended his hand for Crowther to shake.

"Same here," Crowther smiled as he accepted John's handshake. They exchanged a warm greeting.

"Thanks, Crowther. I'll be back in a few minutes," I said with a smile, feeling as though I was abandoning him for John, which I knew wasn't right at all.

As John led me outside, his hand locked with mine, I mouthed another "thank you" to Crowther.

"Wait! What am I supposed to say if your parents come looking for you?"

"Tell them the truth," John said with a grin, turning back to face a startled Crowther.

"You can tell them," I reassured Crowther with a smile before John and I exited the house through the gate.