The Shadow

Chapter 26 (Something There)

"With all due respect, Dr. Sutcliffe, I believe my patient Mr. McCartney is as ready as can be to get out of the hospital." Dr. Robert paused for a moment to look at the two of the doctors in front of him and check whether any of the two was pursued yet. He gulped down a bit of saliva trying to hydrate his sore throat but all in vain for nothing compared to his desire for a cool glass of water. Well, too bad for him no one could read his thoughts.

"The more he stays in here the longer will it take him to get used to the world outside. There is no need to keep him here. We can't do anything more for his recovery."

Stuart and Richard sat behind their desks speechless while the argument between the three was taking place.

Stuart was attending with much interest on the McCartney topic, occasionally catching glimpses of his friends', especially John's, while Richard was sighing beyond annoyed as the doctors raised their voices as if they would find the solution on the matter sooner.

John Lennon, on the other hand stood by the door's side, back resting on its left joist, arms crossed, mouth shut in a firm line. He refused to show out any emotion as he listened to these men and his father deciding on Paul's life while Paul knew nothing about it.

The auburn haired man grew more and more impatient with each passing moment. He hated himself for always being a coward in front of his father, Alfred's will being, for granted, a command to his son.

But apart from this, he also detested the lack of freedom to speak his mind being only a mere student. Just because he cared for Paul, as he had never cared for anyone else, did not mean a thing to the others. For all he knew, there wasn't even a good enough reason to keep them in here, just to watch an argument taking place and the three men raising their voices and interrupting each other.

Richard, as well as John Lennon, hardly refrained himself from talking. As he, now, considered Paul a friend of his, it was way too hard not to stand up for him.

He had sunk in his seat, his inner thoughts taking over, thinking of his girlfriend and even his dinner, all things but his job. There were times he asked himself why he even chose to follow the career of a doctor. Everyone had said he was good enough as a drummer. He could even make a career out of it, having found the right band to play with that is.

He imagined himself as a drummer, a cool one obviously with beard and leather jeans, with girls swooning over him. He could even sing, and Maureen would be so proud of him. He could live with the media press, yes and the money.

He was so busy making out his rock n' roll image that he didn't realize the three men coming to a common decision after what seemed like an eternity.

"Come on Charles, he has a right you know. There is no point keeping him here if he still takes his medication and visits us once a month especially now in the beginning." Spoke Alfred Lennon turning to Dr. Sutcliffe

"Right," added Dr. Robert "His father could even help informing us for any abnormalities Paul might face"

"So, what shall our final conclusion be Alfred?" asked Stuart's father giving in to the others opinions.

"I think we all can agree that James Paul McCartney shall be let out of the clinic by the end of the month."

John almost jumped as he heard the words leaving his father's mouth. He looked at the other men in the room getting ready to leave and get back to their jobs or as for Dr. Lennon and Sutcliffe get to their office to do the paperwork.

***

John had disappeared from Stuart's sight after the meeting was over. It seemed like the earth had swallowed him. Damn Lennon for always being so secretive even with him now. He thought he and John had something special, their friendship was one of a few until that McCartney lad made his appearance. Well, fuck them both. He had Astrid after all and she was more than he could have asked for.