If I Fell

~61~

24th Jan 1965 Empire theatre Liverpool Concert

Dedicated to Chuck berry (18th Oct 1926- 18thMar 2017)

"Come on" John shook me awake and I pulled another pillow over my sleepy head not listening really to who or what was shaking me.

Then it dawned.

I bounced up!

John!

"What are you doing here!"

John had been off in Sardinia with Richie and Maureen and I wasn't expecting them back til at least next Friday.

As he jumped on the bed I grabbed him for a cuddle, I missed the warmth, the humour and the love he shelled out for free when he was around, always generous to me.

"I missed you so much, it's been dead borin' here"

John fell abruptly on the bed, I got a wink and a kiss and I couldn't help but grin ear to ear.

Paul was off with Jim as they had errands to run with solicitors and such for Jim's care. Now that Jim was more himself he had decided that he wanted all his affairs in order. After being back at Jim's with the family after Christmas, Paul and I had finally got back into town only for him to be called back out to da's two days later.

"I heard you were a tad lonely and decided to come home and surprise you. Come 'ere. I missed your kisses, Abbs" As I sat on Johns lap I was excited that he was back.

This year was going to be different.

I would finally be able to make an appearance on Johns arm as his girlfriend, the last few months had us ducking for cover from the press and fans, we did it but it was horrid at times.

I would never see him except here at the house or when I visited the studio with the boys and then I needed to make sure I was in everyone's company not just his.

"Get dressed in something nice. We have a long drive and I want to get going" Now he was talking!

I dashed into the bathroom after grabbing my new Christmas mini dress John had given me. I teamed it with black stockings and white boots, I hadn't had an opportunity to wear them out as Pattie was off with George and I really hadn't had the chance to go anywhere special. Even though it was bloody cold outside I was determined to wear the outfit adding the stocking, and would take my thickest ruby coloured coat to keep warm.

"Crikey how am I going to concentrate on anything with you wearing that! You look lovely" As he laid across the bed I gave a little twirl and small curtsy for his fun. "Bring your overnight as well luv"

"Where are we going? Will this be ok or should I put trousers instead, I might freeze" I was grumbly about the cold but he could see I was itching to go out in the dress.

"You'll be fine I'll keep you warm. We'll go see Mimi and then, my girl, we are going to a concert" He laughed as I shoved all my crap in an overnight bag, spare clothes, makeup and hair accessories. "I said overnight, not three weeks. I've only what I stand in"

"Yea well we all can't stink now, can we" I tossed my favourite perfume in after spraying around myself accidently on purpose putting a bit on him.

"Ping off with that. I'll have half the teds in the 'pool after me!" Grabbing my bag John gently pushed me in front of him to go down the stairs to the front door. "Ready...." He looked worried I wasn't sure if the worry was for him or myself.

The gate birds were out in force and they knew that only John and I were here together, alone. I nodded, we made our way to the car.

John waved as the girls screamed mostly baying for Paul then suddenly remembering and realising that he wasn't here, they then decided John was their favourite 'John give us a kiss' 'John where are you going' 'Are you taking Abigail- Why' 'John PLEASE one picture!' the screams echoed the small courtyard of Pauls home.