The Night Before

Chapter 25

Chapter 25:

9 December 1966

It had been a little over a week since Isaac's funeral. Mo brought Zak and came up here for a weekend to stay with Mady and I. We had just put the two of them down for their nap and now we were going to sort through Isaac's things.

"Are you sure you're ready to do this?" Mo asked.

"Yeah..yeah I'm ready." I began to go through the dresser and pack some of his clothes into boxes. I took out his favourite shirt as I held it close to me, taking in his scent. After going through the closet for a bit, I went over to this dresser. Going through the drawers I came across a small box..a ring box. Slowly I opened it up to reveal the most beautiful diamond engagement ring. He was going to propose. I just stared at it as I felt tears form in my eyes.

"What'd you find?"

I turned to her as I started to cry again. "H-He was going to ask me to marry him.."

"Oh, Addie.. I'm so sorry.."

"I don't know how I'm going to live without him.. When I had nothing, he was there. He helped pick me back up after everything that happened with Paul, he cared for Madelynn as if she was his own. I'm never going to find someone like that again."

She walked over to me and pulled me into a hug. "You will, it'll just take time."

"No I won't! Life hates me. First Paul messes with my emotions and abandons me and our child, then the man who I've loved since I was a teenager dies in an accident. I can't do this!" I fell to my knees and started sobbing. "I-I just feel so lost and alone.. I just want him to walk back through that door. If I would have known that was the last time I was going to see him I would have told him how much I loved him.."

"He knew that you loved him..I know he did." Mo said as she kneeled down beside me. "Why don't we put the ring on a chain so you can wear it and always have part of him with you?"

I have a small nod as I looked at the ring. "I think I'd like that.."

She smiled and began to stand up. "I think we did enough sorting. Let's do make you a cuppa."

I nodded lightly and stood up as we went downstairs. I made both of us tea as we sat at the kitchen table.

"What are these?" She asked as she picked up small newspaper clippings.

"Oh, those are job ads. I'm trying to look for something I can work part time."

"Adaline, you know if you're worried about money Rich and I don't mind helping you.."

I shook my head and took a sip of my tea. "No no, I couldn't let you do that. I'm alright."

She let out a small sigh and nodded. "Why don't you and the baby come spend Christmas with us? We both agreed that we don't want you two to be alone."

"Are you sure we won't be intruding? You probably have both of your families coming over. And what if Paul and the others come?"

"The lads are all spending it with their families, so you won't see him. My parents and Harry and Elsie would love to see you both. Come on, please.."

"Okay.." I smiled lightly at her. "We'll come down for Christmas."

PAUL'S POV

I wonder what Addie is doing right now.. Probably wrapped up in the arms of Isaac or playing with the baby. Wow did I screw up..

"Macca.."

I wonder if Mady has started talking yet. I bet she's almost walking too.

"Paul.."

I should have just gotten her address from Ringo and went up for the baby's birthday. It would have shown Addie I changed. You stupid man..

"MCCARTNEY!"

I snapped out of my thoughts to turn to John. "What?!"

"You were completely zoned out. What's going on? You've been off for a while."

"Nothing. Nothing, I'm fine."

He scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on. You're thinking about Adaline."

"Maybe.." I sighed. "For the last few months I've been missing she and the baby. I have no chance now that she's with Isaac."

"They may not last, you never know. Just go up there and talk to her."

"I've already caused enough stress to her. Maybe I'll try to get them back eventually.."