You Really Got a Hold On Me

Chapter 2: Beatles Cover Band

Tessa blinked. And blinked again. Then blinked a third time for good measure. However, the sight in front of her didn't change. She was still staring at someone who looked remarkably like a Beatle. And what made it worse was the fact that it wasn't even one of the living ones. This one had died. Nearly 40 years previously, in fact. 

"I said, who are ye?" John Lennon repeated, a note of impatience in his voice.

Neither Tessa nor Veronica answered, too busy gaping at the man before them. There was no way this was happening. It was quite literally impossible that the person they were staring at was John Lennon. Not to mention the fact that Tessa was sure the door they had opened was supposed to lead to the street, not a dressing room. She took a minute to survey her surroundings. The place was outfitted like a typical dressing room, with four mirrors, one chair for each, above a long table upon which there were various combs and bottles of hair product. However, what really caught Tessa's eye was the guitar propped on an armchair in the corner of the room. She would know that instrument anywhere. It was a Hofner Violin Bass, the exact model that Paul McCartney always used back in the day. She was growing more concerned by the second, until a realization hit her and she heaved a sigh of relief. This must be the dressing room of the Beatles cover band! The Cavern often hired cover bands that imitated everything about the Fab Four, including exact instruments and appearance. She glanced at her twin, and could tell that she had come to the same conclusion. Yes, that was definitely it. She laughed to herself slightly. How stupid it was for her to think that she was actually in the presence of the real John Lennon!

 At this point, John was feeling more amused than anything else. Two birds fall through his door, drowning in band equipment, and decide they aren't even going to talk to him, deciding to stare around the room and laugh at nothing instead. That was a fascinating change from the usual fans, who, given the opportunity to be within 5 feet of him, would've already ripped off at least one article of his clothing to keep as a souvenir.

"Tryin' to make off with some of our equipment, eh?" he said, gesturing towards their instruments with mock-anger, "Plannin' on formin' a Birdy Beatle Band?"

"No, these are ours,"  Veronica said, then continued curiously, "Do they make you talk like that? You know, to sound like John even when you're not on stage?"

"Ah yes, ol' Eppy makes me talk like meself whenever I wanna get a word in. It's a drag, isn't it?" John said with fake exasperation, "Really, I talk jus' like me mum did, but Bri thought it'd be bad fer the image." John continued in an extra high voice.

Tessa laughed awkwardly. Did the managers at the Cavern really make this poor guy act like Lennon when he talked to people at the club? And besides, Tessa thought, who would believe that impression? absolutely ghastly.

"You don't have to act like him around us, you know. We won't tell your manager." said Tessa.

"Who, Brian? Nah, I was jus' jokin' 'round. It is me real voice."

"No, really. It's fine." Veronica insisted.

"Can't say I know what you mean, love. I'm just soundin' like meself." John said with a shrug, rocking back on his heels.

 Tessa rolled her eyes.

"Look, guy. We know you're not actually John Lennon, alright? So you can cut the crap and stop with the half-baked impersonation you've got going there." Tessa said flatly. This guy was really starting to get on her nerves. Who the hell did he think he was, the second coming of Lennon?

Veronica stomped on Tessa's foot and addressed her through gritted teeth.

"Tessa, be nice." She said, shooting the man she was currently mouthing off to an apologetic look. Did she think this guy was weird as hell and kinda creepy for keeping up his impression?  Definitely. But she also didn't want to upset him, because she was beginning to assume that he was probably at least somewhat mentally unstable.