NoWhere Boy:A John Lennon love story

We Can Work It Out

I sat on the piano seat facing mum and Mimi who sat on the couch. Mum sent Jules and Jacs to play outside as to ensure the privacy of this conversation. I honestly had no clue what this was about, my only hope was that it had nothing to do with John. If mum finds out that I have been friends with him, that he has been the one sneaking in, she would never forgive me.

I find it odd however, that not only is mum acting like she hadn't been out and about for days leaving me to take care of the girls again, but that she has Mimi here as if nothing ever happened. I cleared my throat, "So, Mary, it's a pleasure to meet you, but what brings you along today?" I started.

She smiled at me, she knew I was on her side with John but she also knew that mum can't know that. "Well, it really was a conversation between your mother and I but she insisted you know. You see Camille, you have a brother who is the same age as you, his name is John. I'm not sure you go to the same school but I just thought it best you were aware of this before we began."

I nodded but replied, "Oh, um, I'm not Julia's daughter, not by blood anyhow, when I was five she found me and when the police said that they couldn't find my parents she offered to take me in. It was either that or an orphanage. I am immensely grateful for her and Bobby, and I call her mum and him dad because not only did they take care of me all these years but I find it's a healthier environment for the girls. As for John, I don't believe I go to school with him but I'm aware of his existence. I was always in the car when mum would come to your house to." I stopped and looked at her, she was playing with the end of her dress and was biting her lip. I knew this was stressing her out so I stopped talking and gave Mimi a look.

"We never keep secrets," Mum blurred out, "Not me and Cam, we don't tell the younger girls much since it could change their lives. Cam is more of my best friend than my daughter, and she knows everything. She's too smart to lie or hide stuff from anyhow." My heart twinged. I have been lying to her for so long.

Don't get me wrong, in my heart she was my mother regardless of blood. She wasn't though, sure she raised me but like she said, she was more of a friend. For the first few years she acted like just my friend and I referred to her as such since we didn't want to lose hope for finding my parents. Bobby understood completely, but when Julia was born I decided on my own that we shouldn't confuse her if I were to stay a while. I was always mature for my age and though mum thought I was a drag sometimes, Bobby found me helpful with the girls, things around the house, and most importantly mums own sanity.

"Well Julia, that's very adult of you." Mimi said, "I'm sorry Camille, for your circumstances, now about John." I saw mum twitch. "He has been getting rowdier at school and I find it harder and harder to get through to him. George has been doing pretty well with it but even he can't do it sometimes. He has taken an interest in art school, while I'd rather he take his talent to somewhere like law school. George says that regarding his future I should talk to you." She glanced over at Julia but really was looking at me.

"This is a surprise." Julia looked at her elder sister not sure how to react. "Well, if you think he could have a good future as a lawyer I guess I wouldn't have a better say than that." She quietly agreed.

Mimi nodded, "Well then, now that it's settled." She began walking towards the door and mum scurried after her.

She stopped short and looked down and her flats, she turned and I hugged her. "I'm going to walk Mimi to the nearest cabby, yeah? Not safe for a woman like her to be out and about alone." Kissed the top of her head and sent her to the living room.

I followed Mimi out the door, locking it behind me. We walked up the road a bit in silence. Once we reached the stop sign at the end of the avenue she spoke. "Didn't have to walk me dear, I'm more than capable."

"You stared at me." She glanced over to me slightly. "George may have told you to talk to Julia but you found her at the market. You and I both know what she has been up to the past few days. You are a smart woman and I would like to believe I'm a smart woman as well. You wanted my opinion not hers."

"Very bright. You know Camille, somehow being raised by my sister has made you much like me. It must be that we both have taken care of her far longer than she deserved." She spoke calmly as if she wanted me to agree. Saddest part was that I partly did, I didn't want to grow up any quicker than I already had but every day I take on her responsibilities. It hurts me to admit that Mimi somewhat has the right idea. "So what do you suppose I do for John?"

"Well," I began, "I personally don't think any of us should have a say in the matter. If this is what John chooses then he will go to art school. Nothing stops that boy from doing what he wants, he's stubborn, but he isn't unreachable. Mimi, this stays between us, Julia doesn't know I'm friends with him still. I'd like to keep it that way for a while if that's alright with you. I've been keeping it for a while, but he is in a much healthier place with you and George. I really don't want to be the one to mess that up, and Julia isn't mentally prepared for this kind of thing yet."

Mimi smiled, and to be completely honest it looked real to me. "You know, I like you more than I'll ever tell. If you ever want to come over for dinner just give me a ring." She handed me a note with her extension. "As for the girls, if you ever need help with something call but we must be discreet about it." She waved her hand and a cab came to a halt. She turned to me slightly, "Girls includes Julia." And with that she hailed got into a cab and drove away.