My Fair Lady

Chapter 16 - 1964

Eliza believed life would become stagnant once the Beatles left. However, the madness had only just begun but life had a mysterious way of working though.

February passed in a flurry of wrapping up photography assignments & attending frequent meetings. Michael was ecstatic with her & Nick. The Telegraph became one of the leading papers in New York for the lengthy Beatles coverage they had provided. Sales went up like fire. Michael claimed that he had never seen such a spike before but Eliza was sure it was his way of riling them up for the next big project.

She never called George on his birthday. She didn't forget it though & spent the day wondering how he spent his twenty first birthday. He probably got his face smashed into cake by the boys. And considering the fans' generosity, he must have received big pile of letters. 

Paul called that same night. She felt momentary shame for not calling first. 

"Ahh Liza love...", he crooned on the phone, "I hope you're not missing us too much."

"How can I when I see you lads everywhere I go?", she countered with a small chuckle.

"Oh, is that so? The papers did say America hasn't gotten over us. It's good to feel so loved by your country Liza."

"I was still brought up in England you know."

 Paul hummed in agreement. 

"Anyways, how are you guys doing? And how's the birthday boy?"

She got no immediate reply. "Hello?", she echoed, wondering if the phone got disconnected.

"Shit!", Paul yelled, followed by a string of expletives.

"We forgot his birthday!", was the last thing she heard before the line went blank. 

That was the shortest call she ever had with anyone in her life. Here she sat miles away wondering how he spent every hour of his day while all this time, no one even remembered the youngest Beatle had turned twenty one. She shook her head at the irony. Paul hadn't even said goodbye. He did several hours later, right before she slipped into bed. 

"Sorry about what happened earlier", he said with a chuckle. "It's a good thing the poor la' went to visit his parents. By the time he came back, we were ready with a cake to have his head smashed in."

She giggled quietly, "Was he mad that you guys forgot?"

"Nah, we played it off saying we had the surprise planned all along. He didn't mind a bit. He was just happy to get his cake. Oh look, he's here now..."

There was the sound of rustling on the other end. Eliza twirled the telephone cord nervously around her finger. 

"Sorry love. He's gone to the loo to wash up. The party just began a while ago..."

"Isn't it like one in the morning there?"

"Ah yes, precisely the time our parties begin."

"Well um - carry on with your party then. You can call me again later. Wish George from my side."

"Sorry again love, this is bad timing. I promise I'll call you some time this week. And yes, I'll tell George. Take care & good night."

He clicked off to the sound of cheers while Eliza was left bummed over not being able to talk to George. It had been only a week but she knew she missed him more than she missed Paul. She hoped his bash went swimmingly.

The week flew with no call more calls. And another...and another. She stopped counting the days after two weeks. Paul did tell her that their movie shoot began in March so she had no reason to resent his silence. The four faces never strayed from her mind though, it was impossible. They were everywhere she went.