The Life We Once Knew

Paul?

This new flat was nothing like my old one. It was much bigger, it even had stairs that led to a second floor. The fire pit was large enough to fit me inside without having to curl up tightly. It even had a large brick fireplace built around it. The windows were large, almost taking up the entire wall. Two were sliding glass doors that led out to a large balcony. The upstairs had four bedrooms and a bathroom while the downstairs had a living room, kitchen, dining room, and second bathroom. Each was its own room.

This new flat was so large, I felt tiny just standing in it. It seemed like too big of a place for one girl and a baby, but it was perfect. Just across the hall, Paul and Jane lived in a flat just as big if not bigger. Everyone in this building was used to this size of a flat, but I felt out of place. Part of me yearned for the claustrophobia of my old flat.

"It's more like a castle than a flat," I muttered.

Vera glanced up at me and cocked her head. As I unpacked our belongings, she played with her toys. The very first thing she did when we walked into the flat was explore. She could almost climb the stairs on her own, but I was quick to stop her.

Zak was sitting next to her. He was just a few months older than her, but they were around the same size. The older he got, the more he looked like Ringo. He had the same sparkling blue eyes and mop-top of hazelnut hair covering his head. He even did Ringo's classic head shake whenever he was happy.

Ringo had called me the night before to ask if I could watch Zak for the night. Maureen had gone into labour and they couldn't take Zak to the hospital. Of course, I jumped at the chance. Maureen had sent along everything he needed for a single nights stay, including a cot for him to sleep on. She was more prepared than I ever was, I constantly forgot Vera's bottle. The lads were quick to suggest that I take 'Mum Lessons' from Maureen, and, I have to admit, I seriously considered it. 

Just as I began to unpack our record collection, the phone rang. Jane made sure that the phone was the very first thing I put in. She insisted I needed it just in case anyone called for an emergency or the like. So far, I've had six people call me and only two were wrong numbers. Zak and Vera watched me curiously as I went to answer it.

"'Ello, McCartney-Mac-no, sorry, McCartney residence," I answered.

Every time I answered the phone, I almost slipped into my old habitats. Molly and I always answered the phone as McCartney-Mackenzie residence, and I had to keep reminding myself it was just McCartney. The name left a sour taste in my mouth as if it should be different.

"'Ello, Mel!" Ringo exclaimed.

I smiled, "'Ello, Ringo, how's Mo doin'?"

"Wonderfully! Splendidly!" he laughed, "She's sleepin' right now."

"She had the baby?"

"She did! A healthy baby boy."

I grinned, "What's his name?"

"Jason. He looks just like his Mum, Mel, you should see him."

"You said that last time," I mused, "And Zak looks exactly like you."

"This time I mean it!"

Zak came trotting over to me. He pulled on my pant leg and asked, "Daddy?"

"Yes, Zak, it's your Dad," I crouched down, "Ey, Ringo, your kid's asking for you."

"Put him on, I want to tell him the good news."

I held the phone to Zak's ear. His face lit up once he heard his Dad's voice. All the while, I was smiling brightly. I could vaguely hear Ringo tell him he has a baby brother, to which Zak proudly cheered.