⇾ 𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐏 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅 𝐌𝐘 𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘 | 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐈

Chapter Twenty-Three: Let's Become Inseparable Before All That Sappy Stuff

August 21, 1961

The rest of the day was a breeze. It didn't seem like the Beatles were bound for Germany the next day.

"I feel like we should do something," John had said that morning.

And so we found ourselves where all teenagers wound up: the drive-in.

George had brought Mary along and had briefly introduced her, but hustled away quickly, seemingly like he knew that John and Paul were bound to do something stupid. She seemed lovely. Paul had brought along some girl named Dorothy or something. Either way, we all came separately, so that left John and I alone, again.

Although, something was different tonight. I guess he had just kissed me last night and chosen not to say anything about it. Perhaps that's why he'd suggested we all went separately. Maybe he wanted to talk about it finally. At least, that's what I was secretly hoping.

We had all met up and chatted before the movie, which I couldn't remember the name of by this point, but had gone our separate ways when people started to complain about us being too loud.

For the first few minutes of the movie, John and I had sat in his car, silent. Just watching the movement on the screen, not knowing what the movie was remotely about.

"Who's this bloke?" John asked to break the silence as a plump and short man came onscreen.

I laughed. "I'm not sure."

"This movie's a drag, Donna, what was it called?"

I shrugged, unaware of the fact he couldn't see me.

"Hm?" he asked.

"Oh, I don't know."

He sighed. I looked at him. He suddenly seemed nervous. He was bouncing his leg up and down quickly and running his hands through his hair.

"You okay?" I asked.

He turned. "Okay, so, Donna, I know I haven't mentioned what happened last night and I—." He looked back at the screen and back to me, looking frustrated with himself. "I just didn't know what to say. I mean," he laughed dryly. "What do you say after something like that happens when you've wanted it to for a while now? And even worse, when you're leaving the next week. I just—." He paused again, taking time to breathe a moment. I just sat in silence, surprised by his sudden outlet of words. I understood what he said. It's a tough situation from what I could tell.

"Okay, wait, that came out wrong," he said with a sigh, grinning as he got himself together. "I guess what I'm trying to say is: it's not fair for you, Donna, if I go off after asking you out and leave you alone. I really like you, but right now just isn't a good time, y'know?"

I nodded understandingly. "I get it. Besides, why rush it?" I replied. "Let's become inseparable before all that sappy stuff."

He smiled happily. "I think that's a good idea." And then he put his arm around me and we tried in vain to follow the crappy film we were watching, both commenting on everything we found entertaining.

Overall, it was an enjoyable time and by the time it was over, every little thing between us cleared and there was no tension in its wake. We met up with the others at a diner down the road. I was happy to see that George had made the brave decision to bring Mary along to properly meet us all. Paul's girl had come along too, although I still couldn't remember her name, and frankly, I was too timid to ask.

"How was the movie?" John asked as we walked in last and sat down in front of everyone.

No one said anything.

"It was an atrocious film, wasn't it?" John then asked.

George nodded and John noticed Mary sitting by, looking rather awkward.

"You must be Mary?" he asked, sounding friendly.

She nodded nervously and I saw George sneak his arm around her discretely.

John smiled. "I'm John, and this here is Donna, and I'm sure you've met Paul-." He snuck a glance at Paul's guest, but decided to not say her name.

She nodded and looked down.

"So, John," said Paul, clearing his throat. "When are we leaving tomorrow?"

John looked at him. "I dunno," he responded. Typical John, not organizing a trip of his own. "Sometime before the sun goes down?"

"You all are gonna be lost on your own," I said and they chuckled.

John shrugged. "We'll have Stu...he's pretty good at keeping us in order. Oh, but we'll be so lost without our Donna!" he said sarcastically. "And she'll be so lost without her Beatles!"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm sure I'll be just fine."

He raised his eyebrows. "But without me?"

I blushed and looked down as Paul cleared his throat again. "Hey, Donna, you know you can always come down and visit."

"Yeah, like I can just drive on down to Germany every weekend."

"Well, you know what I mean."

"Do I?"

Paul frowned. "If you don't then you're pretty dumb."

"Mhm, and don't worry, I'll turn in that project and get an A on it, but I think leaving school may count off just a few points for you, you baddie." I shrugged and he laughed.

"Well, you can tell Mrs. Hampton that she'll regret not liking me when she sees the Beatles stamped across every kid's shirt that circulates through that classroom." Paul smiled smugly.

"I'm sure you'll get there." I looked at the three band mates and saw hope in their expressions. They definitely had what it takes to get to the top, they just needed something to boost them there. Perhaps that lucky break would come soon enough, eh?

We sat at the diner a while, and after a cycle of a few milkshakes and convincing Mary to talk to us, we left and parted ways with one another.

That night, John and I found ourselves on the ground separating our houses. He was lying flat on the ground, his hands behind his head, and I was leaning against the side of my house.

"That bird Paul was with?"

I had finally mustered up the courage to ask someone about her. I was too curious not to, really. I nodded.

"Ah, thats Dot," he said. "He met her a few years ago, actually, they've been going together on and off for quite some time. She's actually really lovely once ye get to know her, I guess." He shrugged.

"Well, to me she looked a little scary. Sitting over there looking at me like I shouldn't be there." I laughed.

John chuckled. "Ah, don't worry, no one will give you any trouble as long as I'm around."

I smiled. "That's encouraging."