Roxan ~ In My Life with the Beatles

19

Saturday Night Lights

I gazed out over the Thames, the lights shining down off Parliament and Big Ben made the river shimmer with colour and beauty. The odd ferry chugging past creating a beautiful scene that I would forever hold dear. 

I had spent the afternoon with Maureen she fussed about and brushed my hair into a style of the day I must admit it looked great but doubt I could do all that preening day in and day out myself. James escorted me down the streets, the venue being around 20 minutes walk away, I loved how he spoke so avidly, pointing out lots of sights and places as we talked and walked.

Once we arrived at the Beautiful Victorian building called The Royal Horseguards we were led to an outdoor venue that overlooked the mighty Thames where I now stood gathering my thoughts, awaiting everyone's arrival.

(Photo above is actual view OF Royal Horseguards at night ❤)

"Arr the lovely Rox. Where have you been these past few days? I missed our chats" I turned slightly to face John who was now standing beside me. Handsome and dashing came to mind his attire was immaculate, his smile sincere.

"You know John I do have a job to do now, can't be idly drinking tea and thumbing the newspaper with you everyday" I responded with exactly what we had been doing up until a week ago. Every day around lunch he would turn up unannounced with the broadsheet newspaper, a tray of goodies and tea for us to share. Usually him alone, sometimes with the boys, but mostly him- chatting, forgetting before and forging ahead into a seemingly nice friendship. Without warning or conscious thought, I came to worry if he was a bit late or left suddenly before we had discussed the editorial of the day's paper.

"I know luv, I just like to banter with you over the latest headline and laugh at those little cartoons with ya" John stated quietly. He was rowdy and loud when the boys were around but alone he was a different person almost- insightful, smart, in a good, worldly way, and very considerate.

The ferry sounded loudly causing me to shift my gaze off John and back to the river. "Perhaps we should have a proper sit down chat next time. I know you want to know about the trial and I would like to, um, try and explain what was going on in Liverpool all that time ago..."

"Look at me Luv.... You don't have to dredge any of that up on my account Rox, its over. You're here, I'm here, we survived- right. I don't want you thinking you need to explain Liverpool to me, I felt your pain that night no more sadness. No more tears or talk of that bastard. OK..... Right. Now. Where's the booze!!" He clapped his hands and spoke loudly on the last few words changing our thoughts in a blink of the eye from sadness to happiness. 

He then guided me over to where there were by now 30 or 40 family and friends gathering for the anniversary celebrations for my bestie and his girl, Maureen. Grabbing two glasses of champagne John handed me one and winked. Yes it is ok to move on and definitely yes, it is ok to smile.

*****************

The music blared around the dance floor and all were upon it except Maureen's nana, but she was still bopping and enjoying herself on her chair, perhaps a few sherry's warming her mood. 

I couldn't believe the night- so many smiles and joyous laughter my mind drinking in all the craziness that was the fab four- Rich rolling his eye and saying zany one liners that had everyone within earshot holding the sides with laughter. George, cuddling Pattie, the beautiful model with a wonderful bright personality, they swayed and danced grinning in love and lust, kissing when a slower song made its way to the turntable then, without warning, George dashing to and from the appetisers table to scoff a half dozen delicious morsels 'for energy' George stated wiggling his eyebrows, thus making Brian roll his eyes. Paul brimming with enthusiasm and zeal, he had brought a friend along, a lovely girl with red hair and pretty flowing dress. Paul was proudly touting that "she was an up and coming actress."