The Little Twister Girl (A Beatles Fanfiction)

One After 909 (Chapter 56)

"George and John never really did like it when I shut them out, you know."

I look to Paul as he drives slowly along the ice ridden streets. I fix my coat around my body and cough slightly. It's really cold outside and it doesn't help that I'm nervous about James' father. Although it's been a while since I've spoken to him sincerely, I have fond memories of both Jim and Mike and would be devastated if something happened to either of them.

"I don't think anyone really likes when people don't open up to them." I don't like when Paul or George hide things from me. It reminds me of Danny and...well, I don't want to think of that right now.

"I'll be more open about things if you want me to." Paul puts one of his hands on my thighs as he speaks.

I look at my fingers and think about the song I found on the floor again. I don't know if that song is even about me - I ought to keep that to myself for now.

"I will too."

~~~~~

"I'm glad you came." 

Mike looks at Paul and I, offering us a seat next to Paul's sleeping father. I look at him and notice his chest rise and fall steadily.

"What exactly is he sick from?" Paul asks, sitting next to me and looking to Mike. Mike looks around and laughs a bit.

"Apparently it's just the common cold - but you know, he's older and all so that's why he's been struggling."

Paul sighs and looks up at his younger brother. "So your saying it's nothing serious?"

Mike looks at me and smiles a bit. "Not that I'm aware of."

Paul laughs a bit and I smile. "You made it sound like he was dying on the phone."

Mike looks at me and smiles a bit to avoid Paul's gaze. "Well, how else would I see you for the holiday season? I'm sure dad would also like to see you and your bride."

"Touche." Paul says, resting his head on one of his hands. He looks to me and smiles a bit, letting me know that he's alright and isn't as nervous as he was before. I'm glad that Paul is spending time with his family but surely Mike could have found another way to bring us to them.

"Well, I don't think we should wake up dad." Paul says, looking at Mike. "Let me know when he's awake and tell him to give me a call."

Mike frowns a bit. "I miss you, James." 

I look at my feet awkwardly and play with my fingers. 

"I miss you too - but I have to write some more songs for our next album and...you know...I don't really have time to just watch dad sleep." Paul attempts to laugh a bit to lighten up the mood but Mike doesn't join in. Instead, he crosses his arms and looks to me for some help. 

"I can't change his mind." I tell Mike, chuckling a bit as he looks away. I wish I could - I think Mike and Paul both need to enjoy some family time together but I also know that Paul is a busy man and can't let his other band mates down. 

"I'll tell him to call you when he wakes up." Mike says, bringing his attention to back to Paul and uncrossing his arms. "I also have something to give you."

Paul raises one of his eyebrows and I fold my hands over my lap. I wonder what it could be. Mike reaches in a brown suitcase, pulling out a box and handing it to Paul.

"This is my wedding/Christmas gift for you." Paul looks at the box in his hand and opens it. It's a silver watch with embroidery saying 'don't forget to leave time for what you love.'