My Fair Lady

Chapter 5- 1959

George didn't have to do much to make up to Iris that day. All he had to do was find her in Oakhill Park, sweep her off her feet & embrace her tightly. She forgave him instantly.

Unfortunately for George, not everything worked out his way.

Alan, although immensely pleased with his guitar skills didn't take him into his band for he was too young. The same year that he was rejected, George met one slightly chubby boy who went by the name of Paul McCartney on his school bus rides. George had momentarily stopped practicing new songs on his guitar after Alan had let him down. It came as a partial relief to Iris. However a few weeks later, he picked up his electric instrument with rekindled interest.

When she asked what triggered him, he told Iris about his bus mate & now close friend Paul. He told her how he was in a band & had promised George an audition. Iris passed this information to Eliza with some weariness on her face. 

She had been happy by the attention George seemed to shower upon her those few weeks following Alan's decision. But after meeting Paul, George was back to ignoring her in favor of strumming his guitar to new tunes. By this point she was practically surrounded by guitar playing lads, her brother leading the pack.

The days when the Cavern club would be shut, Alan would invite the local Liverpool bands over to his house. He rechristened it to Stormsville. Much to George's delight, Paul & his band i.e. the Quarrymen would come over sometimes to jam out. He'd make sure he was there every night they performed, watching his friend's band play Buddy Holly & Elvis songs with boyish fascination.

Eliza wasn't keen on such gatherings & much to her introvert self bailed out on them. Initially, Iris was annoyed that she missed out on the fun. But the annoyance didn't last for long. So much was going on at her home & life that she conveniently forgot her best friend was missing out on the jam sessions every weekend.

She met up with Eliza in school during breaks & they'd talk about Alan, his many bands & George. Eliza had begun to see less of him now that his guitar infatuation had reached a fever pitch. It oddly saddened her. She missed their playful banter. Iris seemed to miss him less. She had begun to train as a dancer & thus became as busy as her boyfriend.

Eliza would forever remember 1958 as the year that promised both beginnings & endings.

For one thing, George & Iris didn't seem to be as keen on each other as they were months ago. Alan was rising to prominence in Liverpool, having played several successful gigs in different pockets around the city. Eliza would be done with her own schooling in a year & her father had hinted at his family moving to the States with him once she was done with her Liverpool education.

By the time 1959 rolled around, Eliza could sense things were about to change.

The New Year was welcomed by a party at the Caldwell's. Iris practically dragged Eliza to it, knowing she wouldn't come on her own will. With every step they took back to Iris', Eliza grew more anxious. She hated mingling in a social bunch especially one where she knew everyone would be piss drunk. But she bravely bit her tongue back from complaining & allowed herself to be dragged by the arm to the party.

When they reached the front door, it swung back on their faces & a boy with slightly droopy eyes gazed back at them with a stupid smile.

It was her first meeting with Paul.

"Oye, the life of the party is here again! George has been going barmy looking all over for ye girl. Where were ye?"

"I was gone for like ten minutes Paul."

"It felt like forever", he drawled, placing a hand on his heart.

She rolled her eyes & Eliza tried to stifle a smile.