⇾ 𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐏 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅 𝐌𝐘 𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘 | 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐈

Chapter Fifty-Three: Like a Little Baby

December 26, 1961

Brian didn't really question John's arrival. I suspect he already knew what we would use as an explanation. Harry and Queenie took everyone out to eat later that night. I sat back in the corner, feeling melancholy for seemingly no reason. It was just a day where everything seemed to be upsetting and everything made me feel sad. I couldn't really tell you why it was that way. In truth, there was nothing to be upset about. Perhaps it was my lack of sleep, all the stress I'd felt in the past 24 hours, or maybe it was just meaningless. I always found a way to be sad. It didn't even surprise me at this point.

"Love, you okay?" John leaned over and asked.

"Yes, I'm fine," I said.

He frowned. "You're gonna have to try harder than that, love."

I sighed. "It's true. Nothing's wrong. I don't know why I'm like this." I gave a halfhearted laugh.

The waiter came back and started handing out drinks. When he'd handed me my water, I sipped it absently, just desperate for something to do. John rubbed my back comfortingly. "You already got onto me for saying it's gonna be alright, so I'm not exactly sure what to say." He smiled at me.

Before I could respond, Brian started conversation from across the table. "So, John," he began.

"Hm?" asked John, dropping his arm from around me and folding his hands on the table.

"We'll leave on the 29th," he said, his eyes bright with excitement. John smiled. "On the first we—."

"Do I...have to stay here?" I cut in.

Brian shook his head. "Not if you don't want to." I nodded with a slight smile.

"Anyways, on the first," he said. "We'll go down to the studio and you'll record fifteen tracks."

John nodded understandingly. "Any particular tracks?" he asked.

"Whatever shows the best of your abilities," Brian said with a glint of mischief.

John grinned, sitting back further in the chair. "I think we can manage that."

"Well have to meet with the others at the shop tomorrow when we get back," Brian said.

John nodded. "I can arrange that."

December 27, 1961

We left the next morning at 8:00 sharp, making it home at 12:30. John again tried to be nice and take a train back like he had coming down, but Brian, of course, dismissed the idea.

The car ride was long and boring. I was shaken awake when we arrived back in Liverpool by John, properly notifying me that I can't ever stay awake in a car.

"C'mon, love," his coaxing voice had said. "I'm gonna take your blanket if you don't get uppp," he sang.

I opened my eyes, frowning. "Don't take it."

He laughed. "C'mon out. Unless I need to carry you like a little baby?" He raised his eyebrows.

I shook my head, bolting upright. "No," I responded promptly, putting an end to the conversation all together. He chuckled again and I opened the door and stumbled out, going to get my bags from the trunk.

"Thanks for the ride, Brian," John called to Brian up on the porch. "I'll have the rest of the group to you soon."

"Could you do three?" Brian asked.