Time After Time

Chapter 2: Gone

August 14, 1964

"Alright, let's return to the chorus," George Martin said as he moved his chair closer to the massive soundboard, adjusting a few buttons and making some tweaks. "Let's track this one properly."

The Beatles, each tinkering with their instruments in the studio below, glanced up at him, a hint of frustration evident; this wasn't the first take of the day.

"Ah, shite," John's grumble echoed through the microphone, reaching their ears. "Right then, get on with it," he sighed, readjusting his guitar. He rubbed a hand over his tired face; the hours in the studio dragged on as they struggled to complete the song, hoping to finally put it behind them.

Meanwhile, Paul's spirits remained high. Perhaps the pouring rain outside brought a smile to his face, the thought of being cozy and dry indoors. "Ready, then?" he asked, his hazel eyes scanning his bandmates—first John, then George, and finally Ringo. Seeing them all prepared and waiting, he began the countdown: "One, two, three... Four!"

The room instantly filled with music, effortlessly enveloping everyone present. The sound rushed around them as they harmonized and sang the lyrics to 'I'm A Loser'.

The song they were working on was primarily a composition by John. Lately, things hadn't unfolded as he had anticipated in his personal life, and this song became his outlet for expressing his true emotions and thoughts. With each line he sang, he was consumed by his feelings. The more he sang, the more he thought about her.

She was one in a million. The memory of her crystal blue eyes, always fixed on him, and the way her honey-blonde hair gracefully framed her oval-shaped face lingered in John's mind. A permanent smile remained on his face as he sang the song, as it was a heartfelt tribute to her.

However, the situation was far from simple. As much as John longed to be with her, he couldn't ignore that he was still married, with a little one at home. If only their paths had crossed in less complicated times when their lives weren't so intertwined with challenges.

As the song neared its conclusion, the sudden sound of a door opening and slamming shut disrupted the atmosphere. George Martin and the dark-haired man seated next to him, Brian Epstein, the Beatles' manager, were taken aback by the interruption.

In the control room, she stood frozen, gasping for breath, her gaze locked in shock as she stared at Brian and George Martin. Their scowls mirrored her astonishment, creating a tense standoff between them.

'This was a bad idea', she thought to herself, fully aware of Brian's dislike for her. She couldn't shake the feeling of being an unwanted interference in his eyes. Regret flooded her mind as she observed the disapproving glare from Brian's furrowed eyebrows.

Her honey-blonde hair was drenched, soaked through by the rain, and streaks of mascara stained her cheeks, remnants of tears shed along the way. Despite her many attempts to resist, her heart had guided her here, drawn toward him. Lacey felt compelled to see him, believing it was the only way to confront the trouble in her heart.

"Ms. Hughs, we're in the middle of a recording session," Brian announced sternly, rising from his seat and closing the distance between them with a scowl. "You're fully aware that he can't have disruptions during takes," he added firmly.

"But I need to speak with him," she pleaded, her eyes darting to the small puddle she had inadvertently created on the floor from her rain-soaked attire...

Brian stared into her eyes, recognizing the desperation and a hint of sadness within them. Though unaware of all the details, he understood that denying John the chance to speak with her would only create a constant distraction. Reluctantly, Brian decided to allow the conversation to take place.