The Night Before

9. Nowhere Man

    Ringo woke up one Friday morning feeling just as down as he had been all the last week. Ever since Monica’s grandfather died she’s been spending more and more time with Paul and less and less time with him. He tried to ignore the jealousy, and be supportive and happy for her being happy, but it seemed impossible. What made it worse is that Molly broke up with him the day he went to go make things right, she said something about him not being invested in the relationship and not caring enough, which was true, but it still hurt.

    His morning was dampened even further when he heard a chorus of giggles coming from the room next to his. He could hear everything Paul and Monica did through the thin wall, and that meant everything.

He covered his head in a pillow trying to block out the noise which didn’t help much so instead he stood up, got dressed, and walked out into the main living area to be away from the noise. He sat on the couch and sighed. Ringo found it irritating how much he cared for Monica, but unfortunately you can’t throw away feelings, even if they hurt.

Just then Monica came stumbling out of Paul’s room with red cheeks and more giggling. “Just get dressed already!” she called into the room before closing the door and walking into the living area looking dizzy. It took her a moment to notice Ringo sitting there watching her, “Oh, hey Rings!” She greeted him happily. “Good morning.” He replied forcing a smile.

Monica could sense he wasn’t happy, she had a tight bond with Ringo, to the point where they could feel each other's moods and tell when the other was lying. She chose not to comment on her suspicions and instead put on some tea.

Moments later, Paul walked out of the hall looking cheerful and George walked out behind him. They both sat on the couch with Ringo. “The two of us are going out to breakfast, would either of you like to join us?” George asked. “No thanks.” Ringo said shaking his head and standing up. He walked into his room and closed the door. “What about you sweetheart?” Paul asked Monica.

Monica looked at Paul and then down to Ringo’s closed door. “Where’s John?” She asked. “He’s spending the day with Cynthia.” Paul replied. Monica thought for a moment about Ringo’s mood for the past week, he’d been so distant and gloomy, maybe with everyone gone she could finally figure out why. “I already put on some tea, so I think I’ll stay here, but have fun.” She said as she went back to working the kettle. Paul and George stood up, “Ok we’ll see you later then.” Paul called to her as the two boys stepped out the door.

Once they were gone, Monica took the tea off the heat and ignored it, she wasn’t thirsty anyway, she just wanted to talk to Ringo. She walked down the hall and knocked on his door. He opened it up, “Why didn’t you go with them?” He asked.

“Well I realised I haven’t been giving much time to my best mate recently and I thought I’d check in.”

Ringo narrowed his eyes, “No, there’s more to this than that, what do you want.”

Monica smiled, “You’re always seeing right through me aren’t you, you’re right, there’s a little more. May I come in?”

Ringo nodded and allowed her to come into his room. She walked in and sat on his bed cross legged and patted the spot in front of her gesturing for him to come sit. He did as he was instructed and joined her on the bed, sitting directly in front of her with his legs crossed. “What is it?” He asked gazing into her pretty brown eyes.

“You’re upset, and I want to know why.” She said plainly.

Ringo looked at the bed. I can’t tell her what’s actually bothering me He thought to himself, she’d never look at me the same, and she’s happy with Paul, it would do no good. So instead he decided to lie, “I’m not upset, what are you talking about?” He said hoping he sounded convincing.