Roxan ~ In My Life with the Beatles

40

Life goes on while you're busy making other plans.

Richie's first born son came into the world in the month of September '65 so celebrations were bigger, happier and lovelier that Christmas, although it all came and went far too quickly.

Pattie and George got married at the end of January, Richie and Brian attended as Paul, John and I were in America on holiday. Well they holidayed and I talked shop in New York.

I managed to get a new associate on board in Britian but he wanted to go back to his home country so he was there to start up my company in the USA! ...and I would consult by phone. It was a huge risk but we went for it. New York was a bustling metropolis of activity, even if we didn't get business from entertainment people we would see any old Joe Blow off the street.

"I'm so damn proud of you Syd, New York! You're a monster in the law world darling" John hugged me as we jetted back to Britain. Another album was in the works and the holiday had given Paul and John plenty of ideas and passion for the months ahead inside the four walls of the studio.

I was unwell for the Japan tour, a terrible cold keeping me in bed, so that crossed out Germany and Philippines too. Lucky I suppose looking back... When they got home it was like they had all been hit by a huge emotionally terrifying truck.

The Philippines had been horrid to them, and scary. I have never seen John like he was on return from that trip, blood shot eyes and a slight tremble to his hands when he recalled the events to me. I cried for him as he wouldn't, or couldn't, let the tears roll.

Another tour of America crept up on us. After months in the studio producing fresh sounds and dynamic music the lads were annoyed that the new sound, so lovingly and intelligently crafted, would not fit the stage.

Songs from a few years ago had to be rolled out again and again as the amount of technical advances they added to the new music produced could not be played live.....

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'Breakin' Up is hard to Do' blared from the radio in the lounge room. I danced around the kitchen singing along to the catchy tune.

"What's this?! Bloody Sedaka on the radio Syd?! Can't have you listening to that stuff" John strolled through the kitchen as I swung and twisted around him, dancing and laughing. He made a grab and I ran into the lounge room.

"....And now here's..... 'Sweet Sixteen' Another Sedaka spin, stay listening to Radio BBC2, this is Vince Lord's Smooth Hits afternoon" The radio announcer called across the airways, and we danced. I was hopeless but John was fun and we slipped through the moves fluid together, nothing wrong or right with the footwork, I was dipped and kissed then serenaded by my love as I walked around his kneeling frame.

"It's August and I still love you, some sort of record I would think" John hugged me to him and we danced with my feet on his cool leather Beatle boots, him shuffling us both about. "A prize? A medal perhaps?!"

"A kiss"

Then we kissed. Savouring this wonderful thing we had going. We kept moving, shuffling boots being careful of bare feet. I ran my fingers through his hair.

He was with me as we moved.

He was happy with me.... but sadness was simmering somewhere below the surface. And I always knew when something was amiss "Ok, spill it Lennon"

"What my darling?" John kissed into my hair.

"Somethings wrong, the trip? America?" Stepping back from his strong hold I turned the radio off and silence settled around us. John grabbed me from behind, touching and caressing my neck. Romantic and clingy in one.