Michelle

Chapter 3

After spending days on a boat, Michelle was thanking the Lord she was finally on land.  She might have liked the rocking of the ship, but that fish smell isn’t going to leave her.  She just wanted to get to the hotel, but she has to sit in a car for three hours until they get there; by then, it’ll be about midnight.  

 

“I’ll just drive the whole way.” Walter said when they got their rental car.  “You didn’t sleep as much as me.”  Michelle groaned in response and got into the car.  She was barely buckled when she fell asleep.  

 

~~

 

“Mich.” Walter gently shook her. “Michelle, we’re here.”

 

“Carry me.” She whined.  Walter sighed and got out.  He went to Michelle’s side, opened her door, and picked her up bridal style.  Walter went up to the desk to get a room and took Michelle up there.  Once he put her down, he went out to get the bags.  Michelle had just enough strength to turn on the radio and fell back asleep to the music.  

 

~~

 

Michelle woke up to a silent room around noon.  She looked over to see Walter wasn’t in his bed.  She almost forgot that he wasn’t here for fun.  He had stuff to do.  

 

She got up and took a shower, then changed into a little sundress.  She couldn’t wait to get out and find out how much Liverpool has changed.  She trotted out of the hotel and went down the street to where a map was at.  Her eyes first landed on Strawberry Fields; a perfect way to start her day.  And it’s walking distance.  Which also means her old house is close by.  The bus would be quicker, and it would get her where she wanted without a problem, but walking is healthier and she can enjoy the view.  

 

As she walked she remembered how much she loved walking around town with her mom and dad.  Walter didn’t really enjoy the long walks with his family when he was a teenager.  Hopefully he’d be up to it this trip.  

 

Strawberry Fields wasn’t far from her hotel.  She came up to the gates and stood just outside of it.  She remembered how the iron gates would intimidate her, but she’s older now and it just looked old and run down.  Somewhat like her.  

 

Michelle almost took a step in, but she suddenly decided she didn’t want to go.  She could go in with Walter.  And now she has more time to check other things out.  Like her house.  

 

~~

 

Michelle wasn’t walking towards what she thought was the right way before she heard some screams.  They sounded like girls.  Why are girls screaming?  She stopped in her tracks and spun around to see some people moving towards her at a very fast pace.  Behind the few leaders, there was a herd of girls.  Michelle wondered what was going on; why these people were running, why these girls were chasing these boys, and shit, they’re coming closer.  

 

She moved to the side just before the boys got too close.  But even with the move to the side, the girls were having to shove by her.  One girl pushed her hard enough to make her fall.  Michelle sat on the grass until the group was gone.  

 

“Need help?” A man came up in front of her with an outstretched hand.

 

“Uh, yeah.”  Michelle took his hand.  He pulled her up and she dusted herself off.

 

“Those damn beetles.” The man chuckled.  Michelle gave him a questioning look.  “You know, like The Beatles.  It’s a band and a bug.  Beetles are very annoying.  The band might have a good sound, but their fans are annoying.”

 

“Oh.” Then Michelle got what he was saying. “They were The Beatles?  The new band?”

 

“Yeah.  Not so new to us, but yeah.  I guess they reached America?”

 

“How did you know I’m from America?”

 

“Accent.  But you sound like you’re from here too.”

 

“I am.”  Michelle thought this guy was weird.  

 

“Anyways, you heard of them?”

 

“Yeah.  I’ve only heard a couple of songs, but I think they’re good.”  

 

“Top.” The guy smiled.  “My name’s Gavin.”

 

“Michelle.”  They shook hands.  

 

“So what brings you to Liverpool?”

 

“I came with my brother while he works.”  

 

“How long will you be here?”

 

“A little over a month.”

 

“Then you better make the stay worth while.  Where were you walking to?”

 

“My old house.”

 

“Care if I walk with you, m’lady?” Gavin gave a slight bow and put his elbow out for her to  wrap her own arm around.  Michelle laughed.  

“Of course not, my good sir.”  They walked arm in arm, laughing and talking.