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 subtle tweaks. "Let's track this one properly."

The Beatles, fiddling with their instruments in the studio below, looked up at him, frustration flickering in their eyes. This wasn't the first take of the day, and the weariness was starting to show. They shared glances filled with anticipation and determination, hoping this time they could finally capture the magic they all felt inside.

"Ah, shite," John's voice grumbled 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 fatigue evident in his eyes. The long hours in the studio dragged on, and they were all feeling the pressure to complete the song and finally put it behind them.

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

The room instantly filled with music, effortlessly enveloping everyone present. The sound surged around them as they harmonized, pouring their hearts into the lyrics of "I'm A Loser."

The song they were working on was mainly John's creation. Lately, his personal life had taken unexpected turns, and this song became a way for him to express his true emotions. As he sang each line, he was overwhelmed by his feelings. The more he poured his heart into the music, the more his thoughts wandered to her, memories of their time together resurfacing and intensifying the emotions behind every note.

She was one in a million. The memory of her crystal blue eyes, ever focused on him, and the way her honey-blonde hair gently framed her oval-shaped face lingered in John's mind. A warm smile remained on his lips as he sang, each note serving as 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 and had a young child at home. If only their paths had crossed in a less complicated time, when their lives weren't so tangled with challenges. The weight of his responsibilities made his feelings even more bittersweet.

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, exchanged surprised glances at the unexpected interruption, momentarily diverting their attention from the music.

In the control room, she stood frozen, gasping for breath, her gaze fixed on Brian and George Martin in shock. Their scowls mirrored her astonishment, creating a tense standoff that hung in the air, thick with unspoken questions and emotions.

'This was a bad idea,' she thought to herself, fully aware of Brian's disdain for her presence. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was an unwelcome interference in his eyes. Regret flooded her mind as she caught a glimpse of the disapproving glare from his furrowed brows, making her heart sink.

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 numerous attempts to resist, her heart had led her here, drawn to him. Lacey felt compelled to see him, believing it was the only way to confront the turmoil 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 know very well that he can't have disruptions during takes," he added, his voice firm and unwavering.