It's a Wonderful Band

Chapter 1

(Later in the story, the Beatles are put into very unfortunate situations including several examples of alcohol abuse. If you don't like that, then don't read it. Nothing happens to give this story a higher rating on the PG scale, (no swearing, graffic violence, gross stuff ect) but alcohol abuse if frequent)

December, 1962

"Well boys, I have some news that may disappoint you a bit, but chin up and don't worry."

The four looked up at the manager, and John frowned.

"Yeah?" he asked gruffly

"Well, your gig dates at the Star Club are still on. You really shouldn't back down even if you are going back to Hamburg. I know you weren't looking forward to this, but you're going to have to go anyway." The Beatles manger watched the boys' frowns increase and Paul spoke up.

"I thought we were done with that place so what's this about then?" Paul asked, slightly upset at this news.

"We've got to honor our commitments," Brian shrugged. The band was finally gaining popularity since they had a real manager to support them, but Hamburg had become a dreaded topic of conversation. The boys had unanimously decided that Hamburg wouldn't be a place they'd be playing, especially so soon after Stu's death, and news that they were playing there was taken very hard.

"So when are we playing?" Ringo asked, trying to use his easy going personality to lighten the mood.

"Well..." the manager frowned slightly, and then told them slowly, "It's this December and, though you're playing on Christmas eve and day, you'll be back home before too long."

"If we're working Christmas, we'll get off on New Years, right? We can have a party," Ringo suggested.

"You will! You'll be part of the party, but you'll also be providing the party for those who are less musically gifted," Brian smiled.

"Is that your way of telling us we'll be playing for the party?" Paul raised his eyebrows, and Brian nodded sheepishly.

"Blimey, is this really necessary? I mean, I thought we were finally going somewhere and now this?" John glared at Brian, who shrugged back. Brian looked about to say something, when George finally joined the conversation.

"Well, obviously we're not going anywhere if we're going back to Hamburg," George's dark eyes seemed to radiate disappointment and slight anger, causing the other to glance at him, surprised.

"You alright Geo?" Paul asked, confused, and George fixed his stare on Paul.

"No, I am not 'alright', and neither should you be. None of us are alright," George glared at Paul, who shifted uneasily.

"What are you on about?" Ringo asked, glancing at George.

"This is hopeless! It seems we've had our one hit wonder, and now it's back to business as usual. Well not for me!" George turned on his heel and coldly walked away from the group and out into the hallway. George wanted so much to play his guitar and make money for it, but he'd quit the band before when it looked like they weren't going anywhere. He'd hoped that wouldn't have to happen again, but by the looks of it, the Beatles were on their way out.

George stormed down the hall when someone called out his name and he found Paul running after him desperately.

"George!" Paul gave a confused laugh, "What's with you? I've never seen you get so upset about something like this before!"

"Well then maybe it's time you do!" George retorted, trying and failing to ignore a helpless tugging at his heart telling him what he was doing was wrong. "I thought we were really going somewhere, but since I obviously was wrong, I'm strongly considering quitting!"