In My Life

Chapter 44:

January 19, 1962

The smokey underground cellar was filled with chatter, giddy screams, and anticipation as many stood and sat, waiting for The Beatles to make their appearance once again on that small stage in The Cavern Club.

This time, Olivia sat on a wooden chair under the centre archway on the left-hand side of the Cavern with her blonde wig on, also anticipating seeing them from a closer angle. On her left sat her new friend and acquaintance, Freda Kelly.

Although she hadn't known her for too long, she had already had a sense of trust in her. Olivia had frequently made trips into Brian's office with John almost every day and would always spot Freda at her desk, typing away on the typewriter. She had become to know her quite well and had started going to The Cavern with her since she enjoyed Freda's company. She was shy, quiet at times, but always had something witty to say, especially to the lads. Every time Freda had a conversation with them, she lit up like a Christmas tree decorated at Christmas, especially when they had invited her out and about with them.

Nobody knew Olivia was still in town and as part of Brian's contract, it wasn't supposed to be known. Granted, there were rumours swirling around of John and Olivia after they had greeted each other publicly just a couple of weeks ago but she had to turn down and dismiss.

Olivia looked down at the gold watch on her wrist as her nose twitched at the heavy smell of sweat that surfaced around The Cavern. The boys were due on the stage at any moment and Olivia herself was becoming anxious.

"It's nail bitin', isn't it?" Freda laughed, watching the rapid tapping of Olivia's shoes on the concrete floor, "I see 'em almost every day and I just can't get enough of their music."

"It's wicked, it is," she smiled back at her as she giggled, "I feel as though every time I hear them, they get better and better."

"Who's the bird, Freda?" A voice had startled the both of them from behind.

The unfamiliar blonde-haired and what seemed to be friendly girl exchanged a smile at both of them, curiously.

Freda searched Olivia's eyes in desperation, unsure of how she should introduce Olivia to others. Since Olivia had signed the contract, Freda was sworn to secrecy of anything of the Beatles personal lives, including Olivia.

"I'm her.. cousin, Catherine," Olivia smiled warmly at the girl, offering her hand as a greeting.

"Ya didn't mention ya had a cousin comin' by, Freda!" She exclaimed, playfully nudging Freda's shoulder.

She softly smiled and shrugged, "I begged her to come with me for lunch. I was ravin' to her 'bout the lads and she had to come to see them for herself." Freda pointed to the girl, "Catherine, this is me mate from school, Charlotte.

"Pleased to meet ya," Olivia proudly nodded, internally giggling to herself, "I've been hearin' all sorts of wonderful things and figured, why not?"

Charlotte nodded in excitement, exchanging a wide grin, "Just ya wait 'til ya hear 'em. Bloody fantastic. Right so and they make me knees go bent, if ya know what I mean."

There was a smile that came to each one of their lips, knowing what she said was completely true.

"Which one do ya fancy?" Olivia glanced over at Freda, then back over at Charlotte.

"Ah, are ya really makin' me choose just one? They're all a bit of alright, ya know?" A tint of pink came to her cheeks, "Freda fancies Paul, am I right?"

Freda's face suddenly flushed a bright carmine red, eyes widening as she quickly looked around, almost afraid that someone might have heard, "Char, are you mad?"