Roxan ~ In My Life with the Beatles

9

Working for the Man

Somehow during my recovery to a normal face I got a job!

I had always helped stack the crates of pop and beer at the delivery door of the Cavern but when the last boy didn't turn up, the owner said "Well I've been using your labour the last few months free, might as well pay ya now!" I didn't turn it down. Being the last year of school I was going to need every penny I could get for the next part of my life... I was even allowed to sleep in the back room some nights if I didn't want to venture home late.

The one time I did go home, without doing some reconnaissance first, Charlie caught me and gave me another black eye, a few ciggie burns up my arms and let his offsider 'play with me'. In the hands of 2 big burly coppers I was no match. I couldn't fight back, if I did the waddy would come down on my back and thighs repeatedly. It usually got used when I squirmed too much or screamed in pain. Sometimes he threatened to use the waddy itself in me, I would instantly become submissive for the rest of the ordeal.

Mother was at the shops so he had the place to himself.

After they left I raided my room for any clothes I could fit in a satchel, took dads old Polaroid camera, I don't know what for, but I felt it was of some use so stuffed it in too, as many tins of food I could carry and a locket I was given for my 10th birthday. I lugged it all to the Cavern and stashed it in a dark disused corner of the store room.

I wasn't going to venture home if I could help it, any more.

****

In one of my last weeks of school, Mr. Riley the vice principal called me into his office. I sat across from him trying to figure out if I was being expelled or told to wear 'proper' clothing for a female.

His fancy desk, which had lions heads and climbing ivy carved into the sides, down the legs and all along the front, was piled high on the left with dozens of text books, the middle was reserved for his cup of tea and favourite pen, and on the right, was many folders stacked haphazardly.

Glancing up from one folder now in front of him he cleared his throat "Ahemm well Miss Nicolls it has been brought to my attention that although you look like a street hustler..." He looked down his nose, glancing at my attire. I must have glared back as he just continued to talk, staring at me over his thick rimmed specs, the glass looked thicker than coca-cola bottle bottoms "...that you actually do, do your utmost to complete all that is asked of you". He paused speaking for just a moment then continued "and many teachers have expressed that your home life seems to be, how do I say it? In upheaval? (that's a joke - I thought to myself) but your work is immaculate- well done for persevering- you will get far in life- I'm sure"

Get on with it Mister Riley I have 4 pallets of pop to unload before dark.

Riley must have had ESP as he blustered on "Yes well miss I will come to the point. Your excellent work has been recognised by the board and with my blessing...."

Hurry up...

"....Congratulations you have been awarded a full scholarship to the Cambridge University- a fine school..."

I zoned out about that. He prattled on and on about his old school days, old friends, a fine place for a bright young lady blah blah blah....My ticket to ride was here and I was about to be very very happy and more importantly, free!