The Night Before

Chapter 6

2 July 1965

ADALINE'S POV

I was now in my fifteenth week. My brothers had slowly eased up to the idea of me having this baby, my mum and dad not so much yet. Hopefully they'll come around soon.

I had told Ringo and Mo about the baby, which I mean I wasn't able to hide that well anymore. The two of them felt horrible knowing the whole backstory with Paul, but were happy that I was excited. Ringo had promised not to say a word to any of the lads which was a relief to me. Out of the four of them I knew he was the only one I could trust.

Over these past few months I had become very close with he and Mo. Since Mo and I were only a few months apart it was a bit of a relief to have someone else going through all this baby stuff. Then there was Ringo and I. He had practically became another older brother to me. He'd constantly check in on Meredith and I.

Anyway, Meredith had to travel to Manchester for most of the week to visit her boyfriend Mason while he was away for work, her car was currently in the shop, which left her to take my car and left me at home without one for a few days. The date of my appointment had completely slipped my mind when I told her she could use my car. Though I continuously said I was more than happy to take a cab to my appointment, Ringo insisted on taking me since he had the day off and Mo was out with her mum. He said it gave me an excuse to disguise himself and have fun with that for a day.

"Ringo, you really didn't have to bring me to my appointment. It's early and I hate having to drag you out just for something silly like this."

"Silly? Addie, yer practically me little sister now. And we want to check up on the little one. Do you have any feeling of what you're havin'?"

"Meredith thinks for sure I'm having a boy, but I feel like it's a girl. I really hope it is a girl, but I'll be pleased with either as long as they're healthy."

Soon we arrived at the office. Gladly there weren't a lot of people there.

"Adaline Mitchell." The nurse called.

I stood up and turned to Ringo, before I could speak he just smiled.

"I'll just wait here. But I'll come back if you want me to."

"I should be alright, thank you."

I then followed the nurse into the back and was put in a room.

"The doctor will be in soon."

"Thank you."

A few minutes passed and soon Doctor Newman walked in. "Ms. Mitchell, it's good to see you again. How are you feeling?"

"I've been doing well. My morning sickness has calmed down, thank goodness."

"I'm very glad to hear that. Does your husband want to join us? The nurse told me he's sitting in the waiting room."

I blushed as I shook my head. "Oh, that's not my husband, just a friend."

He looked at me with the surprised look before giving a light nod. "Oh I see. Well, let's get your check up started."

I smiled lightly as he did my check-up.

"Everything seems to look good." Doctor Newman said. "You have a perfectly healthy little one. I'll see you again in a few weeks. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything."

"Thank you, Doctor Newman." I smiled and stood up, going out to the waiting room to Ringo. "We're all good. We can head out."

"Alright. The little one doin' well?"

"Yes, we have a healthy baby." I said, smiling lightly as we went downstairs and headed home.

While we were on our way I looked out the window, seeing this young couple walk down the street pushing a baby carriage. I looked down and placed my hand on my stomach. "Ringo.. Has Paul asked about me at all?"

"Paul's been kind of distant lately. He doesn't talk to us much other than about the film." He told me with a small sigh. "I'm sorry, I know this is hard for you to do."

I shook my head and looked out the car window. "No, no. I'm fine. I can do this by myself. I don't need him."

Soon we arrived back home. Before I could get out or say anything Ringo turned to me and took my hand.

"Adaline, please. We've become close these last few months, you don't 'ave to lie to me. I know part of you is wishing that he was the one with you back in the room. And you wish he knew about the baby and all."

I turned and looked at him sadly. Though I've only known him a few months, Ringo could see right through me. "You're right, I do wish I wasn't doing this alone, but I have to be realistic. Paul is with Jane and I don't want to break them up. Those two are happy together, I'm just some girl Paul met months ago and accidentally knocked up. I don't want someone to be with me because they feel pity for me."

"You're such a strong person. And for being as young as you are you're very wise." He said, smiling widely at me.

"Thank you for everything, Ringo.." I said as I squeezed his hand lightly. "C'mon, your birthday's coming up soon. At least let me make you an early birthday/thank you lunch."

He just smiled and we went inside. I made the two of us lunch as we sat at the table and ate.

"So are you and Mo getting excited?" I asked. "You're getting closer."

"We are. Sometimes it's hard to realise I'm goin' to be a dad."

"You're goin' to be a wonderful dad, Zak will be lucky to have you."

"We're hoping it'll be Zak. If not we'll figure out another name. And thank you, love. I'm so excited for he or she to arrive." He said with his beaming smile. He constantly would go on about Mo and the baby, it was bloody adorable.

Soon there was a knock on the door as my brother, Alex, walked in. "Addie! Your favourite brother is here!"

I rolled my eyes and smiled lightly. "Hi Alex, you hungry? I'm guessing so because you don't usually come over unless you want food."

"Ye know me so well." He walked over and sat with us at the table. He looked over at Ringo as his eyes narrowed. "Is this the lad that knocked up me sister?" Alex said, cracking his knuckles and walking towards Ringo. I quickly stepped in front of him before he could throw a punch.

"A, no, this isn't him. This is Ringo, he's me neighbor. Rings, my brother Alex."

"Oh, I'm sorry about that.. I just thought." Alex rubbed the back of his neck embarrassed.

"That's alright, I completely understand you're protective over your little sister." Ringo shook his hand. "Ringo Starr. And you're Alex. Nice to meet ya."

"You too. So yeah, I mostly just came over to raid your place for food." He said, going into my pantry and grabbing random things. "You two always have so much food here and I swear you barely eat any of it."

"Well now I'm eating for two, so that'll change." I said smiling.

"Now I feel like I'm taking food from my nephew.."

"You think it's a boy too?"

"I do. It'll be fun havin' a nephew. Either way I'll be the fun uncle." He said with a goofy smile. "I'll pay ya back later for this. Thanks for the food, sis."

"Welcome, bye A."

And with that he left. Ringo turned to me, leaning back in his chair. "If you and Mo both have boys I could see them being playmates."

"I could too." I smiled. "Thinking about things like that make this whole crazy thing completely worth it."