Personal Preference (George Harrison)

Chapter Twenty-Five: Chains

After a morning of snow and strenuous recording with George Martin, I retired to my flat to rest before I was due at George's birthday party. I have to admit that being around George constantly has truly taken its toll on me, however, I've found it's much harder to live without him.

The nap I had planned was short-lived though, because no longer than an hour after we left the studio Stella was banging on my door. When I finally opened the door, the sister that stood in front of me was not the sister I had last seen at the studio. Stella's face was pale, mascara was smeared and her cheeks were streaked with the trails of her tears. I pulled her inside quickly, asking her what was wrong as I led her over to the couch. The sobs continually wracked her body as she tried to find the words to say. "I-I I'm pregnant, Jo," she finally managed to spit out.

I shook my head, "You're playing me, right?"

"Fuck no, this is reality as much as I'd rather it not be."

"How late are you?" I ask, taking the seat beside of her.

Stella takes a deep breath, "About a month."

I begin to add up all of the numbers in my head, but I'm shocked when I realize that there is no possible way that Frank, Jr. is the baby's father. "Don't tell me you've still been screwing Paul..." I trail off, truly at a loss for words.

Stella doesn't reply and instead drops her head into her hands. "Stella tell me," I continue.

"I couldn't help it, Johanna, I'm in love with him," Stella finally admits.

I'm shocked at her revelation, but I knew something like this would eventually happen to her. I mean actions like these always have consequences. "You're in love with Paul?" I ask, trying to really clarify what I've just heard.

"I know it seems a little far fetched, but I never felt this way about Don or Frank, Jr. but I always need stability and you know that, so that's why I'm engaged," She rants.

I shake my head, "But won't it seem just the least bit odd when you come home with a baby, what six months into your marriage?" I question.

Stella sends a glare in my direction, "You don't have to be snide about it, trust me it's going to take a whole lot of explaining on my part."

"You think?" I can't help but chuckle.

I nod, "Are you planning on telling Paul?" I ask.

Stella shakes her head, but doesn't seem to have totally made her decision. "I don't know, personally I really don't want to make a mess of things especially when I don't even know if Paul would be the father I know this child needs," She rambles on.

"And what of Frank, Jr.?"

Stella stays silent for a moment, "I think I have to make him believe this child is his."

I roll my eyes, "That's not the smartest decision considering the fact that Paul has some of the most recognizable features."

"I know, but like I mentioned before, stability to me, is much better than a good lay with Paul every now and then," Stella retorts. "Besides, he has Jane."

I can't help but scoff, "I hate to break it to you, Stell, but Jane Asher never stopped him before."

"Then there shouldn't have been anything keeping us apart," Stella replied.

"I know Paul really cares about you," I can't help but admit.

Stella shakes her head at me, "Then why the hell didn't he cut ties with Jane?"

Stella leaves my flat in a hurry, eager to call New York to tell Frank, Jr. the wonderful news of his illegitimate offspring. Well, not really, but to tell him about how their last meeting left her knocked up. Even with my countless arguments of why she should've chosen to tell Paul first, Stella still chooses to ignore all of my advice and to really and truly cut ties with the relationship she could of consequently had with Paul in the long run. I realize that her argument for stability has a good point but it's so shocking that the true romantic at heart, Stella, would choose stability over possibly the most stubborn love of her life.