⇾ 𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐏 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅 𝐌𝐘 𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘 | 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐈

Chapter Twenty-Seven: They Bloody Well Could

October 8, 1961

"Aww, wake up, Donna. You wanted to come."

It was 6:45 sharp and I was bouncing along in Brian's car towards NEMS. John was lucky I cared about him because I could think of a hundred things I'd rather be doing than shelving records at a dingy downtown store.

"I am awake. Just tired." He laughed. I had caught John throwing rocks towards my window last night and I'd told him I'd be working today, but I told him Brian wanted me to.

I had absolutely no idea what I was trying to get him, but I guessed I'd just work up as much money as I could and get whatever I could tomorrow morning before his party that the other Beatles were planning. I'd figure everything out then, maybe I could get some help from Paul or George.

"Ah, welcome to my life," Brian said, sighing. "Did ye tell your friends you wouldn't be home today?"

"I told John. I assume he'll tell the rest." I shrugged.

"How's Hamburg going for them then?" he asked.

"Oh, well, John says it's going well. Their bassist left them for art school, so Paul is taking it up. Overall, they seem to be enjoying it. It's really good for their band as a whole, of course. Maybe they'll get somewhere someday." I sighed. "I think they bloody well could."

Brian nodded. "That's great to hear. They all seem rather lovely, it's just, they also seem...rowdy?"

I nodded. "They're so nice though and beneath all the alcohol, they're really responsible and caring."

He nodded, then sighed. "If I let you go off with them I'd be worried sick, but I know you can't take care of yourself, so you can see where I'm conflicted, right?"

I nodded, looking out at the streets of Liverpool where everyone was just getting up and ready to start another workday.

"What'll I be doing today?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Friday's usually pretty slow until school gets out, so you'll probably be putting things away for the most part, but working the counter some too."

I nodded gloomily. I'd rather it be a busy day than a slow one. Rain began to fall against the windows and I watched as the droplets trickled down the side.

"Hey, Donna," said Brian.

I turned. "Yes?"

"An old Buddy Holly record showed up at the store yesterday." He gave a wink. "I'm sure no one would miss it if we took it."

I smiled happily. "Why would they?" I replied as we pulled into the parking lot, parking and unbuckling ourselves to go on inside.

One of his employees, Thomas, was already there, putting his lanyard around his neck and getting ready to open.

"Good morning, Brian," he said, then smiled when he saw me. "Hey, Donna."

"Donna's working today," said Brian. "If you need any help, she can do it." I nodded promptly. Then, he pointed to some boxes in the corner. "Those need to be put away. That's where you can start." He smiled, going back towards his office.

"What's brought ye in today, love?" asked Thomas as I went back to take a lanyard off the hook behind the counter.

"I've got a friend's birthday tomorrow. I gotta get him something."

"Oh? He doesn't happen to be anyone special, does he?"

I smiled at Thomas, shaking my head. Thomas was two years older than me and him and I had been steady friends ever since I'd caught him kissing a boy behind the shop. It didn't bother me that he was like that, per se, but knowing someone's deepest secret definitely brings two people close. After that day, we'd always chatted when we were both working, about each other's lives, and...well...boys. He was a very delightful person though, and I really enjoyed talking to him.

"No one special," I said. "Just plain John."

"Wait, John?" he asked. "That one that came around a few months ago? Lennon?"

I nodded. "You know him?"

"Only from afar." He sighed. "Is he as charming up close?" he said jokingly.

I rolled my eyes and we went over to begin putting away the records Brian had gestured us towards. "Sure, he is. He's like a magnet."

"You like him!" he whisper-yelled.

"Welcome to the circle," I laughed.

He looked shocked. "For how long?"

I shrugged. "A month or two."

"And you didn't feel this was worth mentioning?"

I shook my head. "Opportunity never presented itself." I shrugged at his aghast face.

He shook his head amusedly. "You're insane."

"Why?"

"You're best friends with John Lennon and you like him. You do know how he acts, right?"

"We've kissed," I blurted and he nearly choked.

"You two making progress?" Brian said from behind us and we both jumped.

"Yes, sir, we are. Almost done with the first box," answered Thomas.

Brian nodded and looked curious a moment before disappearing back into his office.

"You've what?"

The bell dinged. I guess Thomas would have to wait.

"Donna?" I nearly frowned at John's voice.

"Don't say anything," I mouthed to Thomas and he nodded, suppressing a giggle.

"Boo," I said and John jerked in my direction. His eyes flicked discreetly to Thomas, still shelving records and he smiled.

"You got a friend?" he asked amusedly and Thomas snuck a glance behind him.

"That's just—."

"Thomas," Thomas said, jumping up. "I work here regularly." He extended a hand and John shook it feebly.

"Nice to meet you, Thomas. Uh...Donna, I was wondering if sometime today you could get off and get some food with me and Paul? I mean, I was just on the way to Paul's and thought I'd stop by and ask."

I nodded. "I—uh—I get a lunch break at twelve. Then will be fine."

He nodded with a smile. "Brilliant!" He gave a little nod to Thomas and left the building with a wave and a smile.

"Oh my God, Donna, you need to tell me everything."

And so I did.

As predicted, after I'd gotten back from lunch with Paul and John, people were rolling in in heaps and by the time I'd gotten home at eight, I don't even think about all the money Brian had given me before I fell into bed and went right to sleep.