--------------1957----------------
It was my first day in the new neighborhood. I was 14 and hated the idea of moving when my parents proposed it. Of course my opinion was pushed aside and we moved onto Menlove Ave in Liverpool.
Why Liverpool of all places?
I crossed my arms as I sat on the porch stairs.
I was studying the cracked sidewalk when I looked up across the street and found a chubby faced boy watching me from his porch.
I made a face at him and went back to counting cracks. 1...2...3...4...5... "Hello!" 6...7...8...9 "My name's Paul!" 10...11...12...13... "You got a fine house, you know."
"Paul, is it? Please leave me be. I don't want any friends, thank you.." I said, crinkling my nose as I stood and started walking down the streets towards a field my mother told me about. Strawberry Fields.
He got up and followed me, "What's your name?"
This Paul was relentless.
"Judith," I mumbled, looking up at him. I raised my brows as he smiled at me. He was adorable for a Teddy Boy, he had an ageless face that looked similar to a baby's.
I smiled back. He laughed triumphantly, "So, you aren't as hard to crack as you act!"
I pushed him, rolling my eyes, "Ah, shove off, Teddy."
He gave a look of false offense and then grinned, winking. He was quiet for a few minutes then spoke up, "Where are we headed, Jude?"
"/I'm/ going to Strawberry Fields," I looked up at him, emphasizing "I'm".
"Oh," His face saddened slightly. "Hey, Judith?"
"Yeah?" I turned to him, stopping.
"Me and my band are playing at this Gear club tonight. Would you come and see us play?"
"Band?" I gave a look of amusement.
"The Quarrymen," He smiled. "Tonight around 8? I'll walk with ya, you can meet John, Stu, Pete, and Geo."
I thought for a minute. This is probably a bad idea, but it's an easy way to meet people. I sighed and nodded, "If you aren't at mine at 8, I'm putting a record on and locking the door."
"Fair enough," He smiled and kissed my cheek before he walked back towards his house.
I rolled my eyes, grinning widely as I walked through Strawberry Fields. I already loved being a Liverpudlian.
