In My Life

Chapter 8: July 6th

"Just follow the lorry!" John gestured to his mother Julia, who was passing him his small red acoustic guitar.

This would mark The Quarrymen's second show in front of a Liverpool audience, and despite his excitement, John couldn't shake the nerves about how they would be received.

Olivia dashed to the side and sent a kiss flying to John, "I'll see ya there!"

John glanced her way returning her gesture with a wink and a warm smile. It melted John's heart to realize that someone he cared for believed in his dreams, sharing in the excitement of the upcoming performance just as much as he did.

While everyone eagerly anticipated the procession, the journey on the lorry proved to be quite challenging. John and Eric Griffiths struggled to maintain their balance as they played, grappling with the swaying motion. With the lorry cruising steadily, they found themselves constantly shifting and readjusting their instruments, determined to make sure their music was heard clearly amidst the bumps and jolts.

An hour later, the lorry had arrived at St. Peter's Church Field in Woolton, joining the other vehicles. The crowd appeared to be even bigger than the previous year, and that only increased the excitement among the band members.

As John leaped off the back of the lorry, he spotted Olivia rushing toward him. She wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight embrace, exclaiming, "You were incredible!"

He planted a gentle kiss on her lips and grinned broadly at her. "That's just the beginnin', love. In a few minutes, you'll be witnessin' the next Elvis take the stage," he exclaimed, swinging his hips back and forth.

"Elvis! Elvis! Oh my, just take me now!" Olivia dramatically placed her hand on her forehead, pretending to swoon like one of his adoring fans.

"John, John!" Two young girls with matching auburn hair dashed toward him, their hands waving excitedly. "We saw you!"

John knelt to embrace his half-sisters, Julia and Jackie, giving each of them a gentle pat on the head. As he looked up, he noticed his mother approaching them with a smile. "I thought you'd struggle to keep up!" he teased.

Little Julia rushed up to him and gave his arm a light pat. "I reckon you don't need any more guitar lessons."

John exchanged a slight smile and shrugged. "Ay, don't tease me now. I'm not that great, but it's a start." His gaze drifted over the crowd, scanning for a familiar face. "Do ya know if Mimi's here?"

Julia's smile gradually disappeared as she cautiously glanced over her shoulder, a hint of worry crossing her features, fearing that Mimi might be right behind her. The bond between Mimi and Julia had been strained since Mimi discovered that John had been ditching school to spend time at Julia's place learning music.

Noticing the frown on Julia's face, John reassured her, "Come 'ead, now. I invited her, too, ya know," he said, pausing to look down at the ground, "I've got somethin' to prove to her that I can really do this."

Olivia sensed the tension building between Julia and John and quickly stepped in, wanting to prevent any argument. "Well, I know you'll be absolutely brilliant!"

Her bright smile was just what John needed to calm his nerves. "Ah, you're just sayin' that 'cause you're me number one fan," he said, a relieved smile returning to his face.

"Oh, come 'ead now with the romantic shit, Lennon," Pete said, rolling his eyes as he grabbed his washboard, "Can we go set up now?"

John gave him a playful nudge, "Ah, keep your knickers on now, son. We aren't late yet!" He shot a grin at Olivia and added a dramatic sigh, "Wish me luck then."