The Long and Winding Road

Chapter 38 - Help Me If You Can

Blackpool was crowded the next day when Paul awoke. He was sleeping in some ones hammock outside. Before anyone could find him he got out and walked down the street. Keeping out of the crowded area. He felt hungry and still tired. He saw that they had a live concert at the park. Free, he guessed.

Someone’s voice made him jump and turn around. Mariah with her fiancé were behind him. He swallowed nervously and smiled.

“What are you doing here, Paul?” Mariah asked. “Where’s the others?”

“I’m…they’re…” Paul tried to explain.

Mariah shifted her weight onto the others. “I was at home last night and was told about you missing.”

“I had too.”

“But why? They were worried about you.”

“Didn’t Lidia tell them?”

“She never came around and I never heard her. George was the one to tell me they went out looking for you and John.”

“John’s dead.” Paul said quickly, a hint of anger in his voice.

“How do you know? He could of ran away.”

“This…I don’t know. I'm looking for him. I don’t know if he’s dead. But if hes alive I want to find him. Now!”

“Well, lets do it an easier way. Lets take you home so mum doesn’t worry more.”

“I don’t want to-“

“We could just hang out here though. Want to? You wont mind would you, Wally?”

“Nope.” Wally nodded and smiled.

Paul sniffed and rubbed his nose. Mariah took his hand and they walked off.

“Want something to eat?” Wally asked.

“Yes please.” Paul said softly.

“Well not a lot is open. Lets just get something from the restaurant.”

“Okay. Just get us what you get. I'm going to stay here.” Mariah told him, winking at him secretly.

“Alright, love. Be back!” He walked off.

“So, Paul, what were you thinking running away would do? You know that is a kid thing.”

“I know.”

“Listen, would you rather live at home with a family, or alone. Like you did along time ago.”

“A family.”

“Yes.”

“But I don’t want to do this music career.”

“Why not? You love music!”

“I know. But-“

“I don’t care if you want to stop the Beatles, I mean you started it, but you still need to do what you love.”

“Wish everything was normal.”

“It is! Once we get these criminals.”

“They might of already killed Johnny.”

“Why would they? They’ll probably just scare him.”

“John doesn’t get scared.”

“Paul, haven’t you realized what John’s character is? His personality? On the outside he’s tough, or so he looks, but on the inside he’s scared. John has a bad way of hiding emotions.”

“I wish I could do that.”

“I’d rather have you express them. John holds his anger back to long sometimes, and lets it out on the wrong person. Remember he’s done it to you before.”