The Life We Once Knew

All We Are Saying

The complexity of the relationship between Paul and John was something that I still don't completely understand. They two loved each other endlessly, but, in 1969, it seemed as if they despised each other. I had no doubt in my mind that they still did, and still do, love each other beyond what we can measure, but then I had to wonder if they did hate each other.

It was evident in John's marriage to Yoko not even a week after Paul's marriage to Linda. We all knew he was going to marry Yoko, but I thought he would wait a bit. The two were just getting out of marriages, any normal person would wait. John and Yoko were anything but normal. Not only did they get married exactly one week after Paul, but they spent their honeymoon in bed. Literally.

Jane had a play in Amsterdam, and Vera and I flew over for the weekend to visit her. Amsterdam was nice, it was one of my favorite places I have ever visited. Before, I had only ever gone as a Rebel and a companion to The Beatles. Now, I got to go as a tourist and see all the sights I had heard so much about.

"Didja hear what's happening down at the Hilton?" one man asked.

I glanced back at them from the playground. The two men were standing at the bus stop just underneath the awning. From here, I could hear their conversation just as clear as I could if they were speaking into my ear. All I could see were their trench coats and fedoras, meaning they couldn't see me either.

"Yeah, those bloody brits have some weird ideas, don't they?" the second man asked, "What does stayin' in bed all day have to do with peace?"

The other shrugged, "I don't know. It's all a load of rubbish if you ask me."

"He's not a load of rubbish."

"He wasn't," the first man replied, "Until that Ono lady got to his head. John Lennon's gone nutty, I tell you."

My ears perked up at the mention of John's name. I knew he and Yoko were on their honeymoon, but I didn't know where they were or what they were doing. Only John would come up with the idea to sit in bed all day as a call for peace.

"Say they've got everyone coming in like some revolving door," the first man stated, "It's chaos."

The second man shook his head, "Least we're going the opposite direction."

"Thank God."

I heard all I needed to hear. Jane wouldn't be done with rehearsals until late that night, and Vera and I had nothing to do until then. Smirking, I waltzed over to where she was playing in the grass. I crouched in front of her and asked, "Say, Junior, how's about we visit your Uncle Johnny?"

"Uncle Johnny's here?" her entire face lit up.

I nodded, "He's just a couple blocks away. Let's pay him a visit, yeah?"

"Yeah!"

I lifted Vera up and we began to make our trek down the streets. Even in Amsterdam, Beatlemania was prevalent. Both Vera and I wore disguises of coats, loose brimmed hats, and fake glasses. It was enough of a disguise to let us have a vacation in peace, but not enough to make us uncomfortable.

The Hilton was on the corner, right across the street from a department store. From the ground, I could see windows near the top where the curtains were drawn and signs were hung off the glass. Instantly, I knew that was my destination.

Vera and I made it to the lift without any problem. The steward took us to one of the highest floors and dropped us off in a crowded hall. Reporters, fans, and hotel staff alike all crowded the halls, vying for a glimpse of John Lennon and his new bride. None managed, as there were a few bodyguards standing at the door. They only let those invited in, and a few members of the press at allotted times. Everybody would get their chance, eventually.