Nowhere Boy

Chapter 4: Paul

     The local fair was today. The Quarrymen would be preforming and John hadn't stopped talking about it all week.

     We all gathered to watch them. I saw a familiar figure in the crowd. It was Julia. She had two little girls with her; presumably her daughters. It looked like John didn't know she was there either, for when she shouted an encouraging few words, he just stared at her.

     "I've lost you," he said, not taking his eyes off of her. Finally, he snapped out of it, "Oh no I haven't. There you all are." The band started and I watched, smiling the whole time. I wasn't standing with Mom, I was standing a few feet away with some of the other kids at school. They had actually been alright lately; probably because John was in a band. I could see Mom and Aunt Julia shooting each other looks through out the performance. You know, for grown women, they aren't very good at resolving problems.

      Just a little to my right was a handsome lad, though he looked a few years younger than I was. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see him glance at me several times, then look back at the band. He looked impressed. I was too; I was very proud of John.

     John was fooling off on stage, making faces while playing his guitar and singing.

     I went to meet the boys after their performance.

     "Not bad, Johnny-boy," I patted him on the back, smiling up at him. He was about to say something, but was cut off by a boy as he walked in.

     "Hey John," he called. The handsome lad was following him with a guitar. The boy that had spoke pointed to him, "Paul. Met him at school. Paul plays too." John turned around, letting me have a better look at Paul.

     "What, with himself?" John asked as he looked Paul over, sizing him up. I hit John's arm, giving him a look and rolling my eyes as he ignored me. "I do. All the time; it's good for the wrist muscles," he offered his hand to Paul to shake, "I'm John."

     "Paul," the lad replied, shaking John's hand.

     "Want a beer?" John questioned.

     "I'd love a tea." At this I laughed quietly. Paul seemed to notice, as his eyes fell on me. John must not have liked that, because he got Paul's attention back quickly.

     "Is there any tea left, boys?" John's 'boys' quickly answered.

     "No; no tea left John."

     "No, didn't think so." I rolled my eyes at his back. "So, did you watch us play?" John continued, taking a sip from his beer bottle. Paul nodded. "And?"

     "Yeah, you're alright," Paul responded, licking his lips. I smirked; Paul was in for it now.

     "We're alright?" John asked, staring Paul down. Paul looked slightly intimidated, but didn't retract his statement. John cracked a smile, patting Paul on the shoulder, "You're alright. Ivan likes you and he's alright. How alright are you with one of those?" John motioned towards Paul guitar.

     "I'm alright," Paul replied, moving the strap over his head to play it. I stepped up beside John to watch him.

     "You've got that back to front, haven't you, mate?" I asked him, referring to the strings. He had them set up as a right handed guitar, yet he was playing it left handed. It was clearly a new guitar. His eyes met mine and I smiled, waiting for him to play.

     "Any requests?" he asked as he pulled a pick out of his blazer pocket.

     "Yeah. That pink carnation is pretty dandy. Can I borrow it?" John joked. Again, I smacked his arm.