The Night Before

Chapter 16

9 January 1966

PAUL'S POV

Today was one of my days off from the studio and I also needed a day away from the house. John invited me over since Cyn and Julian were out for the day, so now he and I were writing songs and bullshitting. Songwriting wasn't going to well..

"You're pretty off today, mate." John said as he lit another ciggy. "What's on yer mind?"

"Why didn't you tell me this parenting thing is this difficult?" I asked as I fell back into my chair, letting out a sigh. "Since we brought Mady home she never stops crying. Adaline's always on edge. Apparently she has postpartum anxiety and depression. I just can't handle it."

"The first few months are hard, but it gets easier. We were the same way after Jules was born."

"At Christmas she didn't even want everyone to come over because she thought it was too much for the baby. We argued almost all day." I sat down my guitar and went over to get myself a drink. "Like what is she thinking? I don't understand."

John got up and followed me. "If there's one thing I can tell you it's that women don't always make sense, but when it comes to parenting they know more than us."

"Wow I expected a more snarky remark from you."

"Y'know as well as I do that Cyn is a better parent than me. I'll give her credit on that." He said as he got himself a drink and sat back down.

"That's very nice for you to say about her." I sat down. "Becoming a parent was beyond unexpected for me. I didn't even find out until she was about five months along. I could've had more notice. I just want to get some sleep.." I said resting my head in my hands. "And I just want some intimate time with my girl, but she won't give it to me.."

John smirked. "Awe is little Macca having some trouble gettin' some?"

"Shut it, Lennon." I shook my head and took a sip of my whiskey.

"How long has it been?"

I just rolled my eyes and shook my head.

"Ye broke up with Jane back in July and I think I remember you saying something about you and Adaline doin' it in August, so it's been a couple months." He began to laugh. "That's unfortunate for you, mate."

"Maybe I better head out. I'll see you at the studio later." I got up and began to put my guitar away.

"Hey hey, look I'm sorry. I had to joke." John shook his head and looked over to me. "You know, you could always do what I told you.."

I turned to him. "Do you really think she would though?"

"I would think. We both know that you need it. Just ask, the worst she could do is say no."

"You know, I think I will." I stood up and went over to the phone, making a few calls. Once I was finished I sat back down and turned to him. "You were right. We're going to in an hour."

"There you go Macca, this will be exactly what you need."

I packed up my guitar and turned to him. "Thanks for today, sorry we didn't get a lot written."

"It's alright. You go do what you need to do." He gave me his famous smirk. "Have fun, mate."

Getting into the car I drove to the outskirts of London to this small hotel. I made my way inside and up to the room. I sat there waiting until I heard a knock on the door. I opened the door as she walked in. "Hello, love."

"Hi. If I'm being honest I'm surprised you asked me to do this."

"I'm glad you came though. It'll be nice for us to have some alone time..it's been a while."

"There was a reason for that.." She walked away and went out to the balcony.

"We both made mistakes, I'm sorry.." I followed as I wrapped my arms around her. "But I want you to know that I need you.."

At first she didn't say anything, but a few seconds later she turned around and kissed me lightly. "I need you too."

I took her hand and went back into the room, going over and pouring both of us a glass of champagne. "Maybe this can be a new start for us."

"If you're completely sure, I'm not playing games Paul."

"This is no game. I want you Janey.."

She went over and sat down on the bed. "I thought you had moved in with that other girl. Don't you have a baby now?"

"Well, that was a surprise to me. I didn't want to leave the poor girl to deal with this alone, y'know? But now I just feel like I was thrown into this. I'm not ready for that yet." I shook my head. "That doesn't matter, what matters is us.." I then laid her back on the bed and I think you can guess what happened from there..