Great Expectations. - Now Complete

Chapter 11

Cynthia took hold of her hand.

"Alice," she said gently, "Stop. You can't go anywhere. You and George are mean't to be together." She took the suitcase off the younger woman and placed it back in the wardrobe. "I can understand you're scared. The whole madness Beatle stuff is terrifying! It took me a long time to adjust to it and what it does to your life, and I was with John from the start of it all. But you will adjust. The fans just accept you. They think they love the lads so knowing you make them happy means they decide to like you. I promise neither Maureen or myself have any problems with the fans. I don't know about Jane but I've not been told anything." She led the her to sit down on the bed. She was pleased to see that Alice was much calmer. She sat next to her and just let what she had said sink in. Cynthia heard her sigh deeply. "Feeling any better?"

"A bit," Alice looked at her. "But it's not just the fans Cynthia. It's Tom."

"Tom?" Cyn looked confused.

"The father of my baby. He's violent. He used to hit me. If he knows where I am then I'm scared for myself and for George. He knows too many people who would do things for a few quid. I don't know what to do to keep ourselves safe from him."

"There's things that can be done Alice. Police. Security and stuff like that. Brian is fantastic at making sure everyone is safe." She paused. "Alice, if your relationship with George means anything to you then don't run away. Stand up to the bully! Do you really want to spend the rest of your existence running and hiding from this Tom?"

Alice looked thoughful. There was a polite knock on the door. Cynthia stood up as it opened. It was George.

"Hi, I wondered where you two had gone." he smiled at Cyn, sensing that the two women had clearly been discussing something serious. "Cyn, I've just come to say that Paul and the others have already  gone. John says do you want to make a move or stay a bit longer. He's easy."

Cynthia looked at Alice. "I think we should leave you both in peace. You need to look after this girl at the moment George. She looks tired out!"

"He is looking after me!" said Alice softly, "He always does!"

"I'll see you soon OK Alice." said Cynthia, walking twards the door. "You stay here. I'll tell John good bye from you."

Alice nodded.

George followed Cynthia out of the room and into the living room. John was playing George's guitar and humming to himself.

"Come on Johnnie Boy!" said Cynthia, gently taking the guitar from him and handing it to George, "It's time we went back to our own little lad."

John got up, mumbling something about a really nice chord he had just found. As George took them through to the door, Cyn gave him a quick hug.

"Try and have a talk with Alice," she whispered, "She's feeling very vulnerable and insecure at the moment." She saw his worried face. "It's a combination late pregnancy hormones and recent events. Just give her more TLC than usual"

George closed the  door and made sure it was locked. It was late and he was tired. He walked through back to Alice and found her exactly where he'd left her a few minutes before. She looked sad. Desperately sad. It tore at him to see the woman he loved in such distress.

"I suppose Cynthia told you that she stopped me from packing my bag and leaving you this evening?" She told him suddenly.

George looked horrified. "Leave? Why would you leave me? I thought we had a good thing together?"

She sat in slience, staring at the floor. "Alice?" Still she didn't reply.

"I couldn't leave you George Harrison!" she declared suddenly. She stood up and wrapped her arms around him as much as her pregnant stomach would allow. "I felt intimidated by the fans and the whole mad Beatle thing." She gave him a small smile. "But when Cyn explained it all and how you all stick together. I feel better." She reached up onto her tiptoes and kissed him deeply. "I realised something whilst Cynthia and I were talking. I've realised just how much you mean to me. I've been scared to admit it but I love you, do you now that? I love you so much!"