Yesterday - Now Complete

Part 9

Annie awoke after a restless night of dreams about Paul and their life together raced around her head. She heard it ringing again and reached across to answer the phone.

"Annie?"

"Oh hi Phil. I was going to ring you later today.

"That;'s good to know." her agent replied, "Look, I saw the press statement yesterday and was wondering how you're doing?"

"I'm Ok...I think."

"That's good. Look, there's loads of work coming in, some asking for you direct, are you interested or do you still need time off?"

"No, I'm interested Phil. I want to get my life back on track so work is just what I need!"

"Can you come in tomorrow? About 10? We'll discuss some ideas then go from there?"

"Brilliant! Thanks Phil. I appreciate your patience with all this mess."

"As long as you're alright Annie love, that's the main thing!"

"I am!"

"OK. See you tomorrow."

"Bye."

She replaced the phone and sat up, suddenly feeling more optimistic. She could put all the Paul mess behind her, she knew that. Working would be exactly what she needed!

The following day Annie showered and dressed properly for the first time since the news of Paul's arrest. It was now or never she decided, to see whether the press and the fans would do as Paul asked and leave her alone. Once ready, she walked to the front entrance of the building. She found herself hesitating, nervous about what to expect. Bracing herself, she pushed the door open and stepped into the sunshine. Beginning to walk, she headed in the direction of her agents office. She needed work. She desperately wanted to get back into  a work routine and, if she was honest with herself, she needed the money!

The walk to the office was uneventful. Phil, her agent, had been right. There were some good role on offer that she liked to sound of, including some away from London. All sounded very tempting.

 After a fruitful meeting Annie decided to head into Oxford Street to do a spot of window shopping. It was a beautiful day and no one had given her even a second glance. Feeling increasingly confident she felt herself relax for the first time in weeks and enjoy herself. She was wandering through a trendy boutique when she became aware of someone staring at her. Immediately uncomfortable, she began to move towards the door.

"That's her!" said a loud voice suddenly, "The one who was with Paul. Annie McIntosh! She tried to get him nicked* after being dumped by him, the bitch!"

Annie eventually reached the door and slipped through it. The street was full of it's usual bustle  so Annie mingled into the crowds, in the hope of being hidden. After putting some distance between herself and the shop, it all seemed quiet. So now slowing down and sighing with relief, she felt a little safer. However, it wasn't long before she heard voices calling her name. Turning, she saw four girls running towards here. Other members of the public were stopping to let them through. Annie panicked and began to run as fast as she could. She spotted an alley way and slipped into it, crouching behind some very smelly dustbins. She waited again then, after what seemed hours, she stood up and walked back into the main street...and in to the middle of the girls, who had stopped and trying to decide which way she had gone.

She felt herself freeze as they turned and looked at her, venom in their eyes.

She took a step back from them.

"You're a bitch!" said the biggest of the group, now forcing her back into the alley way. "Doing that to Paul just because hew dumped you!"

  "Please... you've got it all wrong!" she pleaded.  "It wan't like that!"

"SO what was it like then?" said another girl spitefully, "He got sick of you didn't he? You wanted to get your own back."

"NO!"

Suddenly they attacked, kicking and punching her. She did her utmost to fight them  off but four against one was made it impossible.

"Now what's going on here?" shouted a voice and pulling the girls away.

They turned and realised that they had been spotted by a policeman.

"Have these girls been bothering you madam?" He addressed Annie.

Silently she shook her head.

"Are you sure?"

She nodded. "Just a silly argument officer."

Realising that Annie had no intention of saying anything else, the police sent the girls on their way. He stayed with Annie and tried to ask her what happened. It was obvious he had recognised her.

"It was nothing," she insisted. "Just fans getting too big for their boots. I'm fine."

The police officer offered to help Annie to a cab to get home safely, an offer which she gratefully accepted. They stood together at a busy junction, looking for a cab. Suddenly a large black car pulled up to the kerb and a man got out.

"Annie?"

Startled, she turned.

"Do you know this young lady sir?"

"He's a friend." replied Annie, "His name is Brian Epstein."

Brian looked horrified at her dishrevelled appearance. "Are you hurt?" he asked her softly.

Annie felt tears fill her eyes and she turned away. This did not go unnoticed by Brian.

"Can I give you a lift somewhere Annie?" he offered.

Feeling the eyes of surrounding people as well as the policeman staring at her, Annie accepted his offer gratefully. Thanking the officer she allowed Brian to lead her to his car and slipped into the passenger seat. As he began to drive, Annie founded herself sobbing with relief.

"My God Annie, what happened?"

Annie froze then turned to the back of the car. To her utmost horror, Paul and Ringo were in the back of the car too.

"STOP! STOP!" She screamed, "BRIAN, LET ME OUT!!!" She tried to open the car door.

"Annie don't!" It was Ringo, "Paul's no going to do anything. You're safe!"

Brian pulled over.

"LET ME OUT!"

"Annie, you're clearly very shaken up after what has happened but Paul will not harm you. I giv e you my promise."

"Look, I'll walk the rest of the way, if that helps Annie feel better."

"No Paul, we're running later already. John and George will have got to Abbey Rd fifteen minutes ago."

"Annie?"

She swallowed. "As long as Paul stays away then please, a lift would be brilliant."

"Where would you like us to drop you Annie love?" asked Ringo.

Not wanting Paul to know where she lived, her reply was definite.

"Abbey Rd will be fine. You don't want to be even later. I can ring for a taxi from there. Thanks."

"Right Bri," said Ringo, "Hit the gas...get us there!"

nicked* - a UK slang term meaning arrested and jailed