Cloud of Light (Beatles Fanfiction)

Chapter 2

Audrey took a deep breath before she walked to the group of girls that were standing next to the train.  Once again, Frank had managed to pull some strings to get her where she needed to be- this time he had managed to secure a small part in the Beatles new film.  Initially, she was not supposed to report for filming until the end of March, but one of the girls that was to be included in a few scenes fell ill and they needed a replacement. Audrey would be playing a schoolgirl riding in the same train as the Beatles.

“Hello. I’m Audrey” Audrey said as she walked up to the girls. 

Pattie, Prudence and Susan introduced themselves and Audrey quickly felt at ease.  She learned quickly that the girls were no more than 20 years old- Audrey being the oldest at 21.  Audrey smiled and talked with the girls- enjoying the lighthearted conversation, but in the back of her mind, she couldn’t help feel envious.  If only her life was as simple as what each of the girls described.  None of them could possibly have any idea what she had gone through in her short lifetime.  While these girls had gone out on dates with the boy next door, being courted and showered with flowers and gifts, Audrey had been exposed to a life of abuse and exploitation…while these girls were giddy with excitement to see their favorite Beatle, she was here to manipulate and seduce a man who had the misfortune to have crossed paths with Frank…and been stupid enough to steal from him. Yet Audrey knew that if she didn’t retrieve whatever it was he had stolen, Frank would come looking for it- and his life and those around him would be in danger. 

Before coming on set, she had asked Frank what it was that she needed to get from him- but he hadn’t told her.  That was a first for her.  She needed to seduce Lennon first, have him eating out of her hand, and only then would Frank tell her what she needed to retrieve.  He said it was a different strategy because of who she was dealing with, but Audrey didn’t believe him.  There was something more to it…something Frank wasn’t telling her…and it was unnerving for Audrey.  Without complete information, she couldn’t make informative decisions.  She tried telling Frank she needed to know- that it was essential for her work, but he didn’t budge…threatening he’d take care of Lennon himself if she didn’t cooperate with the way the business was now being done. She had no choice but to go along with it.  She couldn’t be the cause of another death…it would be more than she could handle. 

Audrey and the other girls were informed what their roles would consist of.  It was nothing grand- a few scenes in which they met the Beatles while riding on the same train as them.  It was a very minor role, but hopefully enough time for Audrey to catch John’s eye. About an hour after Audrey had arrived, she heard some commotion- there was a roar of screams from the girls that had been waiting to see the four lads from Liverpool. A man quickly rushed her and the rest of the girls onto the train.  Audrey looked out of a window and saw a car pulling up.  She saw all four Beatles get out and quickly wave at the fans who were barricaded at the other end of the station.  The first to come onto the train was Paul, followed by George, John and finally Ringo. 

“Mornin’ girls.” Paul said as he walked past us. 

The others nodded and smiled as they followed him through the train.  Audrey tried to lock eyes with John, but instead caught the gaze of Ringo and he smiled sweetly at her. The girls giggled in delight and Audrey found herself trying hard to join in their happiness- but she knew better-she was here to deceive John and just thinking about it made her stomach churn.

She spent most of the morning just sitting around as the crew filmed scenes with the boys at the opposite side of the train.  Audrey had a lot of time to talk with the girls, hearing stories about their boyfriends and fiancés.

“What about you, Audrey?  Seeing anybody special?” Pattie asked.

Audrey looked at her.  Pattie was beautiful with her blonde hair and blue eyes- it was no wonder she was already engaged at her young age.