Lonely People

Here, There, and Everywhere

Molly and I decided to stay in Liverpool for a few days after the funeral. The family needed to grieve together, Molly needed her siblings. Even Alastair came back with us, staying in what was once Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie's room.

When Mr. Mackenzie died, Molly completely broke. It took months for her to be able to piece herself back together again, and that was with a little help from her friends. Now that both parents were gone, she was completely devastated. Every piece of her had shattered into a million different shards. I wasn't sure if she could ever be pieced back together again, but that wasn't going to stop me from trying.

Death changes people, especially the death of a parent. Molly would never be the same again, and that was alright. I would love her no matter what. She could change in a thousand ways over a thousand days, and I would still be standing next to her. I couldn't put her back together again, not even she could put her back together again, but that wouldn't stop me from loving her. She could be broken beyond repair and I'd still show up with duct tape and superglue.

All I could do for her was be there as a shoulder to cry on. The day after the funeral, the best thing I could do for her was to step away. I left The Mackenzie household completely to give the family time to grieve by themselves. A lover could comfort you, but only a family felt the same pain you did. Sometimes, that was the greatest comfort of all.

That night, I had plans to visit Dad, Angela, and Ruth. I hadn't seen them since the wedding and, surprisingly, I began to miss them. Before then, I had plans with someone else.

The Liverpudlian train station had become more familiar to me than my childhood home. I had spent many an afternoon running from car to train and train to car. Several times I spent sprinting through the platforms trying to catch my train. I could navigate that station blindfolded and deaf.

It was easy to find my brother, all I had to do was follow the fangirls. I was smart enough to put on a disguise that morning. It was impossible to go outside without one, unless you wanted to get mobbed and possibly killed. Usually, Paul wore one as well, but this was the one day he forgot.

"'Ello, yes, lovely to see you," I heard his voice through the shouts of the fangirls, "Please, I've got to meet my sister."

"Paul! I love you!" one girl shrieked.

Another nearly fainted, "Please, don't go!"

"Paul!"

"Paul!"

Paul managed to break through the crowd at a full sprint. I was three columns down the platform. When he broke out, he sprinted down the station with fangirls at his heels. I stopped mid-walk and my eyes widened. Paul saw right through my disguise and grabbed my hand as he sprinted past.

We ran all the way from the train station to a deserted park just a few blocks down. The girls had gotten lost among all of the twists and turns we took. It gave us just enough time to hide in the bushes and catch our breath.

"I bloody hate your fans," I muttered.

Paul chuckled, "At least they didn't throw shoes."

"This time."

Paul only shook his head. I dug in my rucksack and pulled out a spare hat and costume glasses. Paul gratefully took them and slapped them on his head, "How'd you know I wouldn't have a disguise?"

"Lucky guess," I replied.

I peered through the bushes to check for any signs of fans. The only thing left was a lost handkerchief stuck in the branch of a magnolia tree. For the time being, we were home free.