Michelle

Chapter 2

Walter wasn’t going back to Liverpool for a month, but Michelle was so excited that she packed the second Walter hung up.  She couldn’t sleep anyways, so might as well do something.   She packed her nice summer dresses and a few pullovers to go with them.  She wanted to look good; maybe get a boyfriend that will let her stay at his place.  But she doubts that will happen.

 

“Michelle, you can’t hurry time up.”  Walter stood staring at the calendar that hung on the wall in the kitchen.  Michelle was in the living room trying to find a good radio station to listen to.  

 

“I will try as hard as I can.” She called back to him.  “Can’t we just leave earlier?” She walked into the kitchen when she found some good music.  

 

“I would love to, but the boat to get there isn’t going to be here until the end of the month.” Walter sat down at the small table.  “What are you planning on doing while there?”

 

“I want to see the old house.  Go to Strawberry Fields.  Finally check out The Cavern.  There’s so much I want to do.” Michelle sat across from Walter.  He was smiling at her.

 

“I remember the time you wanted to go into Strawberry Fields, but mom and dad would always tell you and a friend that only teenagers went.  You weren’t old enough.”

 

“Now I am, so they can’t say anything.  I don’t see what’s so bad about going in there.”

 

“Sex and drugs.” Walter laughed.  “I had my first drag there.  Not my first shag though.”

 

“You rhymed.” Michelle laughed too.  

 

“I tried.” They laughed together for a short time before Michelle spoke up.  

 

“Do you remember a Paul?”

 

“A Paul?  Paul who?”

 

“I don’t know.”

 

“Not much help, that is.” Walter poked Michelle’s nose.  

 

“He was a friend of mine.” Michelle swatted his hand away.  “That’s all I remember.”

 

“Michelle, you had so many boyfriends at the age of five, I could never remember any of their names.”

 

“I had no such boyfriends!” Michelle denied.  “They were only just friends.”

 

“I don’t know.” Walter squinted like he was thinking back. “I do remember this one boy that you would always be with.  You wouldn’t come inside unless he could come in too.  I was sure you two would get married.”

“Well, I don’t know who you’re talking about and I doubt I was that close with anyone.” Michelle stood up and went to the pantry.  “Do you want some crackers?”