Lipstick Lily

Thank-you Girl

Gazing at the doorway she felt Deja' vu. The events of the night before, the rocking on her heels, Johns lips, Pauls fingers, tea, smiling at George, being called 'Sweets' by Rings. All flooding back as she stood in the darkness, adrift and alone.

Lily would have to move now, Norman had her address and even if that wasn't reason enough, she would have to move because she hasn't a job, she hasn't money for rent. Licking her lips, she tapped her teeth together, serves him right, he wanted something without asking. So, without thought, she bit down~ hard. He screamed, and his eyes bulged; And the blood that she had somehow made run... when he spied it...made him scream again.

She shouldn't have come tonight, she didn't want them to get into trouble and with her, it seemed she was always trouble. Even Paul felt trouble last night although she managed to shift his thinking to more pleasing entertainment. And what is it with that. Norman. Her father. Her father's clients. They were all so horrid and terrible but these boys/men - John, George, Paul and Ringo she would likely move mountains for, she would let them touch her, she would willingly make them grin ear to ear.

Was it because of Liverpool and what they did, was it payment for services rendered? Lily contemplated her night away; she didn't really think it was that. She liked them, they were sweet and nice to her, they chatted with her and joked about, and let her speak, even though she hadn't much to say.

Neil walked out of the building and stood on the bottom step, they hadn't yet met, would he know of her past? Would he look at her with pity or lewd pursuit? Lily stepped forward, she would see the boys, smile with them, laugh at their antics, even enjoy a cup of tea in their company. Then they would leave and she would turn about and try and live another day.

"Hello Lily" Neil offered his hand and she shook it politely.

"Hello. Evening Nell, Neil?" Lily was instantly comfortable again, that inane feeling he was one of the lads overcoming her, steadying her in his presence.

"Neil, but the goofballs call me Nell for some weirded-up reason" Neil shrugged, he didn't mind much, as long as sheilas didn't pick up on it and look at him different. "Come on I'm on orders to deliver a pretty Lily to the studio tonight, no loitering in shadows getting me in to strife tonight, yeah?"

"Oh, I didn't mean to get them upset with you"

"Not much early on, but I got a bollocking from Brian when only half the quartet turned up at the hotel..."

Lily blushed. She was blushing, what was wrong with her? She was a tart she didn't even know she carried such emotions around.

Lily quickly trotted after Neil; he was walking with purpose and impatience- not with her- but just a no-nonsense stride of determination, Lily jogged a few steps and Neil spun to face her.

"Sorry Lily, bad habit of taking off when I'm on a mission"

"All good, let's get me delivered then"

**

Earlier in the day

"George, what's it mean when you blush?"

"I'm not blushing"

It was bright and sunny and George was the only one there. Lily had stood waiting on their last day in London and George was the only sod to get out of bed. So here they sat on a wooden park bench in a park down the street, watching the current swirl eddy's, and boats motor by.

"I didn't mean you. I meant a person. When someone blushes, what does it exactly mean. Say when some girl blushes"

"You're kidding right? Pull the other one"