The Night Before

Chapter 23

29 October 1966

ADALINE'S POV

Today we're celebrating Madelynn's first birthday. My beautiful little girl turned one on Tuesday; I couldn't believe it. I had just finished decorating the house while Isaac was playing with her.

"Mama!" Madelynn said as she crawled over to me. Picking her up I kissed her cheek.

"There's mummy's little girl. Are you ready for your party?"

She smiled and clapped her hands. Soon we heard a knock on the door as Isaac went over to it as we saw my brothers and sister-in-law walk in.

"We have arrived! Where's the little birthday girl?" Alex said as he looked over at us. "There she is! How's my beautiful niece?"

Mady just giggled as I passed her over to him.

"How have you been? It's been a while since we've seen you." Lily asked as she hugged me.

"I'm good. I'm so glad you all came up. We've missed you."

"And we've missed you too."

There was another knock on the door as Paul's brother, Mike, walked.

"Mike, hi. I'm glad you made it."

"I got a bit lost on the way, but I'm here." He said with a laugh. "Thank you for letting me come. I know under the circumstances it's probably a bit uncomfortable, but I still love my little niece more than anything. And I promise my brother doesn't know I'm here."

"Of course. It means a lot that you still care about her."

"She's my only niece. My brother's foolishness won't keep me from her."

"Adaline!" I heard as Meredith came over and hugged me.

"It's so good to see you, Mere!" I smiled and turned to Mike. "Oh I'm sorry. Meredith, this is Paul's brother Mike. Mike, my friend Meredith."

She turned to him, looking him over before shooting me this annoyed look. "And why is one of Paul's relatives here?"

"I don't agree with my idiotic brother." Mike chimed in. "Like I told Adaline, Mady's my only niece and I love her. I'm not letting my brother keep me from her."

"I see you're the smart one. Looks like you went after the wrong McCartney, Addie."

They both smirked at each other as they walked away and went into the kitchen.

"Am I the only one who saw a spark there?" Isaac said as he wrapped his arms around me.

"Nope, I saw it too. I'm glad. Since she and Mason broke up she's been down and out of it. Mike's a good guy."

"Hullo hullo!"

"Ringo! Mo! It's good to see you." Isaac said as he went over to take their coats.

Mo set Zak down as he came running over to me. "My goodness, you've gotten big!" I smiled as I picked him up. "You're looking more like your dad every time I see you."

He giggled and looked around. Seeing Madelynn he began to fuss until I put him down as he ran over to her.

"Every time they're together those two are inseparable." Mo walked over and hugged me. "How does it feel having a one year old now?"

"I can't believe she's one already! It feels like just yesterday we were finally able to bring her home."

"Since everyone's here do we want to sing her happy birthday?" Isaac asked.

"Yeah we can do that. Let me go get her." I went into the living room to find her playing with Zak. Kneeling down I turned to her. "Come on, baby girl, it's time for birthday cake!"

I picked her up and carried her to the kitchen, setting her down in her high chair and Isaac put a small birthday in front of her.

PAUL'S POV

I knew what today was. Since early last week the thought of today had haunted my mind. My daughter was turning one and I wasn't going to be there. Ringo and Mo were up in Northampton for her birthday party. I badly wanted to go, but I didn't want to cause any problems and ruin it. But calling would be okay, wouldn't it? Of course it would.

I went over the phone and dialled her number, nervously waiting for her to answer.

"Hullo?"

Wait. Is that..?

"Ringo?"

"Paul? Mate, bloody hell, what are you doing calling Addie?"

"I think you know why. Why are you answering her phone?"

"She's busy with the baby and Isaac asked me to answer it. I really don't think you should be calling."

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "Mate, I don't mean this in a bad way, but this is between she and I. Now go get Addie and give her the phone."

"No. She's enjoying the baby's party and I'm just going to leave her be."

"Ringo give her the phone now." Now I was angry. One of my best mates taking her side. I couldn't believe this.

"I'm sorry, Paul. I'm going to go. See you in the studio."

"Don't you dare—" and before I could finish he hung up on me.

I let out a sigh and fell back onto the couch. Picking up the bottle of whiskey I decided to drown myself in alcohol for the rest of the night.