Time After Time

Chapter 19: Yesterday

August 15, 1964

The sun rose as a canopy of gold, bright amid the blue, bidding the stars to seize their nightly rest. As the darkness surrendered, every color changed from the tingles of charcoal to a vibrancy. Suddenly, the mighty sun breached the horizon and the sky exploded with beautiful colors.

Setting down her teacup, a small smile formed on the lips of Cynthia Lennon as she watched the sunrise. It was a great start to a peaceful morning. She tucked a piece of her soft blonde-colored locks behind her ear, instantly becoming distracted by the sound of her little one in the next room.

A faint grin instantly appeared on her face the moment stepping into the living room, "You ready to see your Nan?" She picked him up from the floor, wrapping both arms around him, "Should we wake up your Daddy?"

Cynthia was in a rather cheerful mood this morning. It was quite some time since she was around her family, particularly her Mother, and was eager that she and Julian would be spending the next two weeks with them.

The Beatles returned just a week prior from performing concerts in Sweden and Cynthia knew John needed time to himself and focus before the next North American tour started again in a few days. Although she felt this trip wasn't ideal during this time since John was away from Julian long enough already, perhaps he would be less stressed by the time they came back home.

While still holding Julian, Cynthia tip-toed through the hallways at their Kenwood home, stepping into their large master bedroom. The slim table lamp she turned on earlier was still lit as if the glow hadn't stirred John from the deep slumber he was in. He lay in bed motionless with the only movement from the rise and fall of his chest.

"John," she whispered, resting a hand on his chest, gently shaking him.

His dream ended abruptly as he was whirled back into reality. John's eyes opened, his eyelashes faintly batting against his lids when he blinked. Everything was blurry. For a second, he couldn't recollect where he was, how he got in bed, or who the voice belonged to. Then, everything filtered as his eyes came in contact with the blonde-haired woman by his side, carrying the little child in her arms.

Then, everything processed. John was back home, in his own time. He wasn't sure just how much time or no time passed since his departure. However, his heart sank remembering that Lauren was now gone.

He groaned, pressing and running the palm of his hand down the front of his face, "Ah, bloody hell, Cyn," he yawned, "What time is it then?"

"It's seven-thirty, John," she exchanged a small smile, "Julian would love to spend some time with you before we leave."

His eyebrows furrowed at her, "Leave? Come again? Where is it ya goin'?"

"Come 'ead, John. I've told ya 'bout this so many times," she huffed, "I'm goin' on holiday to visit me Mum."

He shifted his eyes to Julian, who gawked at him wide-eyed, and a thumb plopped in his mouth. John was still unsure what month he landed in. For him, there wasn't any memory of any discussions he had with Cynthia before he was brought to another time and even if there was, the distraction of Lauren caused him to completely forget about it, "Right then, what's the day?"

Cynthia was truly confused, "It's Saturday, John," she pursed her lips, "Did ya have a bev before bed last night?"

"Of course, had a few, ya know," he lied. To him, yesterday was entirely different. Yesterday he was happy, content, and with the woman that he couldn't get out of his mind. He still couldn't wipe her from his thoughts, even now, "Just tell me what the bloody day is."

Cynthia's head tilted, a little perplexed about the question, "It's the 15th, John."

"Of August?"

"Yes," she lay Julian on the bed, a little baffled, "Perhaps a cuppa will jog your memory," she sighed, "Please spend time with Julian while I finish packing."