* * * * *
"So then I told her, 'Why don't you ask him yourself? You're practically sitting in his lap!' "Beth said. "And that was the end of my first college relationship, and how I got booted out of my first college band." Everyone laughed. "That's really kind of sad," Paul said, "but I have not complaints! Besides, where would we be now?" "We'd be at that Albanian circus," John said. "Beth, you'd be the fire-breathing lady, and Paul, you'd be the fire-eating man!" Again, laughter. "Yeah, John, and you'd be the bearded lady," Beth said. "You'd make your Mum proud." "Yeh, she'd look down from heaven 'an say, 'There's my boy!' "
"You boys certainly are well behaved," Eileen said. "You are much more real than what you're made out to be." "Don't we know the half of that bit," Ringo said. "An image is powerful stuff. It's good to meet people who don't think we've got to be either saints or demons." "I try to keep an open mind, and I encourage the kids to, also," Eileen said. "You seem to be four ordinary fellas that happen to put on suits and a smile every day, whether it pleases you or not." "And that's just what it is," said John. " 'All the world's a stage, and the men and women merely players.' " "And you know your Shakespeare," Ward said. "Very nice."
"I don't want to spoil the fun, but I've really got to run," Harry said. He was quite a sight in his olive corduroy pants, blue paisley shirt with cravat, leather moccasins, and collar length hair. He picked up his bongo case. "Gotta meet with some chums and bang out a few rhythms on my drums. Y'dig? I'll be back 'round four, Mother. Hey Beth, nice meetin' yer brothers. Ciao, and peace out." "Bye Harry," everyone called. He went out the back door, twirling his keys on his finger. Eileen explained. "He's in that sort of rhyming mood," she said. "He's off to another poetry reading, at which he plays his bongos." She sighed. Like many times before, everyone laughed.
* * * * *
By eleven, everyone had gone off to do their own thing. Becky and Carla were in their rooms, Ward was in his study finishing up some hospital work, and Eileen sat at the dining room table working a crosstitch pattern. Beth and the guys sat around chatting, doing nothing in particular. The phone rang, and Eileen answered.
"Hello?"
"Hi Mrs. M, this is Robin. I went to the concert last night. I saw you guys down in front, but it wouldn't have done any good to call out to ya. So anyway, that reminded me that Beth had left her poetry journal over at my place. Mind if I bring it over?"
"Not at all, lass. Come over and stay for a while, if you can. I need to talk to you."
"Okay. I'll walk over now...I've got plenty of time. See you soon."
"Alright, dear. Goodbye."
Eileen hung up the phone. "We're going to have a visitor," she called. "Beth, that was Robin on the phone. She said that you left your poetry journal at her house, so she'll be over to return it soon." "Does she know of our other guests?" Beth asked. "She doesn't even know you're here," Eileen said. "Mutti! She's going to fall over dead. I'm telling you, this time, I'm not burying the body." "Oh, I quit burying them," Eileen said. "Now I put them in the linen closet, behind the pot stash." "It figures," Beth laughed. "They're conspiratorising, or something like that," John said. "A family of convicts, all of them! I wonder how many of us will escape alive..."
"Aaargh!" Paul yelled, clutching his chest. "I've been shot! Someone help....." "I didn't hear a gunshot," George said. "Alright, I admit, it was me," John said. "I used a silencer. I really didn't mean to. Please sir, don't cane me. I've been led astray!" "How original," Ringo said. "Now down in front, I want to see the big death scene." Paul regained his health and put on a fake frown. "Thanks, fellas," he said. "Now I know how you'd act if I were really shot, touch wood."
The doorbell rang. Eileen went to the door and let Robin in. "Here's the journal," she said. "I have a better idea," Eileen said. "Instead of giving that to me, why don't you give it to Beth yourself? Go on into the living room." Robin's jaw dropped. She walked into the living room and saw Beth, and her guests. "Beth!" she said. "And you guys who I can't believe are here...I think I took to much aspirin for my headache, I think I'll leave now." "Rob!" Beth said. "Don't be silly." "I do try," Robin smiled. "Take a seat," Beth said.
Robin followed instructions. "I don't think I need to introduce you," Beth said. "But guys, this is my friend Robin Filpinch. She lives a couple houses down the street." They all issued greetings. "So, what brings you here?" Robin said. "You didn't say anything about this in yer letter!" "Oh, Mum invited us over for dinner last night, but it stormed," Beth said. "You know how those Windy City storms get. So, I didn't feel like it was safe to drive to the hotel, and we stayed the night here." "I'd have been here a lot sooner if I had known," Robin joked. "So, how much of yer time can I steal away?"
"We have to be at the hotel before two, so none of this 'taking us hostage' thing," John laughed. "Drat, there goes my plans down the drain," Robin said. "Well, if yer up to it, I'll take ya out to lunch." "I'm starved," Ringo said. "Let's do." "You're always starved," Paul said. "I could say the same for you," George said. "I guess that means we're in agreement," Beth said. "Unless John wants to stay and break our wills." "No, I'm lettin' you off with a warning this time, missy," he laughed. "Don' expect me to say 'yes' the next."
"Alright," Beth said. "Let's go upstairs, and you guys can put in some hair gel." They raced up the stairs, trying to trip each other. "We have to go incognito," Beth explained to Robin. "Without their 'Beatle cuts', they're barely recognisable." "I getcha," Robin said. "And for you?" "I've got some nifty rhinestone cat glasses," Beth said. "I know that's going to be a good disguise. Then I just pull my hair into a braid, and 'presto changeo'! I'm a new person." "I hope not," Robin said. "I was just getting used to the 'new you'."
* * * * *
The Downtown Rockin' Grille was buzzing with life when they walked in to the tune of "Daytripper". It was the premiere restaurant, in its day. It was decorated with rockstar memorabilia, and even had food named after celebrities. "Alright, you're ordering," John....err, Mr. Winston said. "And you think they won't recognise my voice?!" Sparkle said. "If you both stay calm, we should be fine," Ognir Rats laughed. The group chose a booth along the back wall, and looked at the menus.
"Check out the addition to the dessert menu," Robin said. "Oh no," Beth said. "The Beth Anderson 'Dawn of the Sundae'. How dreadful!" "I know," Robin laughed. "But it is pretty funny." Beth declined to choose her namesake, and instead picked the Mick Chick Stick Pick. (Try saying that one five times fast!) The waiter took their orders speedily. Beth almost burst out laughing when John ordered her confection, 'with extra cherries, please." Fortunately, no one recognised their voices or faces, and they had a regular meal.
"Beth, would you mind accompanying me to the powder room?" Robin asked with mock politeness. "Why certainly," Beth said. "Why the both of you?" George asked. "It's sort of a custom," Beth said. "If one girl goes to the bathroom, another has to follow. Trust me on this one." "Whatever you say," he laughed.
They went into the bathroom, made sure no one else was in, and locked the door. Robin and Beth straightened ther make-up out. "Beth, I think Paul's puttin' the moves on ya," she said. "He's puttin' his arm around ya, and leaning over to whisper in yer ear..." "You finally noticed!" Beth said. "We've been going together for a while now." "Really!" Robin said. "So, how involved are you two?" "I've stayed over at his place several times," Beth said. "I really do love him, Rob. I feel different all of a sudden, like I want to get up early to see him more, and talk to him about nothing at all."
Robin laughed. "Sounds pretty serious to me. And I'm guessing that new ring on yer finger is a gift?" "I told him he didn't have to get me things, but he got me that and this necklace," Beth said. Robin's eyes went wide. "But wait, you've stayed over with him? That means you've..." "No, no," Beth said. "Come to think of it, he hasn't asked me to have sex. I probably would if he'd ask me, but he hasn't and I'm fine with it." "Jeez Louise, I think we'd better get outta here," Robin said. "Yer pals are gonna think we fell in or somethin'."
Robin and Beth sneaked out of the bathroom and got back in the booth. "Anything wrong?" Paul asked, slipping his arm back around Beth's waist. "Oh, no," Beth said. "Everything's peachy."
* * * * *
Beth dropped Robin off at her house, then went back to hers and picked up a few things, as well as dropping off some gifts for the family. She hugged her mom goodbye, and joined the guys back in the car.
Beth drove them back to the hotel, where they all cleaned up and readied for the guys' press conference. That didn't take too long, for the only topic was John's "Jesus" remark, which he apologised for over and over. When they were done with that, they went back to the International Ampitheatre to get ready for the second show.
Soundcheck worked out perfectly, everything was tuned, and microphone heights were adjusted. Everyone retired to their dressing rooms to wait, and get ready. Beth spent time thinking and trying to eliminate lingering stage fright, and finding an outfit.
Hmm, something sharp. Something sharp. What about paisley? I really liked the shirt Harry wore today. I know I have something in here... Beth sifted through her wardobe, and found a purple and green silk paisley shirt, the plain button-up kind. Mahvellous! And for a bottom.... Beth put on a form-fitting green velvet number that went to her knees. She put on John's leather sandals and her regular glasses, and then brushed her hair and curled it a bit. After she put on make-up, she looked in the mirror contentedly. Wonderful! Now that dressing is taken care of, maybe I should go hang out with the guys.
Beth left her room, and went right down the hall to the guys'. The same guard from yesterday was stationed there, and he opened the door for her nervously. "Hey!" she said. "Everyone still dressed?" "You ask that as if you want someone to be buck naked," John said. "Well, blame me for trying to get my kicks," Beth laughed. "I'd really hate to be that embarassed." "Or so you say," John said. "Deny it 'til the day you die, but we know the truth now." "Whatever you say, John," Beth said. "So, what have you been doing over here? I could hear you through the walls. Ronnie Spector came over to my room to ask me why I was so noisy."
"Poker," George said. "John's a sore loser." "He's even more sore when he bets his last pack of ciggies and someone else wins," Ringo added, nodding his head towards Paul. "Oh, it was just a bit of friendly roughhousing," John said. "Besides, he wouldn't lend me a smoke." Paul laughed. "And you took the whole bloody pack!" he said. "That's not quite fair." "At least no one's bruised or bleeding," Beth laughed.
"Well, sit down," Paul said, motioning beside him on the couch. Beth obliged, and he slipped his arm around her. "You alright?" he said. "I'm okay," Beth said. "Just a bit dizzy." "Well, I don't want you to get out there and faint," he said. "What's all this about?" John asked. "Oh, it's nothing," Beth said. "It is so!" Paul said. "She's got this thing, where if she doesn't eat for a while, she gets sick and rather dizzy." "Can't have anythin' bad happenin' to you, luv," John said. "George, you're closest to the fridge. Anythin' in there?"
George opened the mini-fridge up and peeked inside. "There's some Coke, Hershey bars, a submarine sandwich," he said. "And there's probably a fruit basket somewhere." "If you insist," Beth said. "Give me a Hershey bar." George brought one over to her, and she ate it. "Guess I needed something after all," Beth said. "I don't have a fridge in my room." "I'll see what we can do about that," John said. "Why didn't you tell me about this?" "I didn't think to," Beth said. "The only reason Paul knew was because I brought home Indian takeout late one night." John laughed. "I don't think I'll even ask about that one," he said.
Meanwhile, Ringo was reading the Chicago Tribune. He stared at the front page of the entertainment section. "Ah, Paul," he said, "have a look at this." "What?" Paul said. Ringo handed him the section and Paul's eyes went wide. He laughed. "I didn't think any of those shots would turn out, what with the stage lights and all...Beth, have a look at this," he said. Beth took a glimpse and stared. "I..ah...hmm, not bad," she laughed. "Not bad at all." "What? What am I missing?" John said. He joined them on the couch and peered over Paul's shoulder.
John laughed. "What a blackmail picture!" he said. He read the caption aloud.
" 'Native Chicago resident Elizabeth Anderson ends her concert set on close terms with Beatle Paul McCartney. She will be touring with the Beatles during the coming weeks, flaring many rumors about the two's romance. More on this in Sharon Berr's column, Rock 'n Romance.' "
"How interesting," John said. "I suppose this means more publicity for you, luv. And angry female fans!"
* * * * *
"Thanks!" Beth yelled to the screaming crowd. She picked up some flowers, and came back to the mic. Paul had already plugged his bass in, and the guys ran on stage. "The Beatles!" Beth yelled. She hurried off as the music (and the screaming) started.
Beth dropped off her flowers in her dressing room, changed, and packed up her stuff. Some of the roadies had already come in to take out her stage clothes to load onto the plane, so she let them in. She picked up her purse and accessory bag and went back out to listen to the rest of the guys' set.
She arrived just in time, for they were on the last song...once again, Dizzy Miss Lizzy. Beth smiled and ran with them as the last chord faded out of sight.
* * * * *
When everyone made it back to the hotel, there was a bit of a party. The wetbar was open and several extra people were there, people who were supposedly important. "Wow," Beth said. "Is it like this every night?" "Just when they catch wind of where we are," Paul said. "It's a tad overwhelming," Beth said. "Want to go watch the telly in my room?" Paul said. "Sure," Beth said. "I'm really not in the mood to drink, and 'I Love Lucy' reruns should be on about now."
They went back to his room and locked the door, just in case a very curious person might pop in. Beth switched the TV on and changed the channel. Sure enough, 'I Love Lucy' was on in all its black-and-white splendor. They sat back on the bed and watched. "What's the matter?" Beth asked. "Oh, sorry, I just don't get it," Paul said. "Must be an American sort of thing." "Yeah, it is," Beth said. "I think it's hilarious, but then again, I don't understand some of those British shows..." "Ah well, what is, is," Paul said. "Say, I have an idea."
Paul reached under the bed and pulled out his shaving kit. Inside were a few long, white cylinders that looked like "loosies", or handmade cigarettes. "I know you're rather wary of drugs," Paul said, "but listen to me before you decide anything. These are marijuana joints. Pot has never caused me, or anyone I know, to have a reaction like you did on acid. It's actually sort of mellowing. What I'm getting at is, would you like to try some?"
"Ah...hmm. I'm rather hesitant to try any drugs right now, after what happened..." "Beth, I promise you this: I wouldn't ask you if you wanted to try this if I knew it would hurt you."
Beth paused.
"Well...sure." Paul gave her a joint, and took one himself. He took his lighter from his pocket, and lit them both. "Ever smoked?" he said. "Yeah, but it didn't really agree with me, 'cause of the smoke," she said. "This is a bit different," Paul said. "Watch me." He took a drag, held it in for a few seconds, and exhaled. "See?" he said. "So there's not much smoke, and that's how you get a buzz. It's easy. Try it."
Beth slowly took it in, held her breath, and let it out. She tried it again. Innnn, hold, ouuuut. Everything became fluid: her movements, thoughts, speech. "Wooow," she said in awe. "What a trip!" "Precisely!" Paul laughed. "Just sit and think. It's a laugh." Beth turned inwards, and saw things, kind of. Actually, it was more like a feeling of seeing, and she felt as if she could see her subconscious.
"Is it supposed to be like this?" Beth asked. "What do you mean by 'like this'?" Paul said. "Y'know, like this," Beth said. "Oh, you mean, 'like this'?" Paul asked. "Yeah, like this," Beth laughed. "It's a 'down the..uh..' moment!" " 'Down the..uh..'?" Paul asked. "Yeah, 'down the..uh..'!" Beth said. "Whoo! This makes me feel as if I'm drifting in a pool of thought, or ink, whichever's handy. So THIS is why you guys like pot!"
Beth got up and changed the channel to a "Looney Tunes" Cartoon. (It was the one in which Bugs Bunny's home is flooded and his mattress floats to a mad scientist's castle.) She lay back down on the bed and concentrated more than necessary. "Bugs is strong enough. Why doesn't he just bop the red guy and get it over with?" she said. "I dunno," Paul said. "Which one is Bugs?" "He's the one with the ears that are so long they stick out of the TV," Beth said. "Ah, rabbit ears. I get it now!" Paul said. "Hmm, I didn't know ether did that to you!"
"Sure it does," Beth said. "It's kinda like now. Everything is floaty and slow, and rather muddled." "Are you sure?" Paul asked. "Oh, yeah," Beth said. "It happens at the dentist all the time. The nurses are all dancing in circles, and the doctor jumps and hits the ceiling.." "What a snesational lie!" Paul said. "Sounds almost real." "But it is..in my head!" Beth said. "Whoo! Is it just me, or is it hungry in here?" "One too many drags, dear," Paul laughed. "But if you are hungry, we could go out there and get some food. The crowd should have left by now." "Sounds peachy!" Beth said. "Let's go."
She stood up, and felt strange. She felt as if she had to coordinate her movements carefully at first, but then they flowed like a stream. She followed Paul out into the common area, where she sat on the couch and proceeded to politely devour a bowl of dinner mints. "I'll go down and get something from the place downstairs," Paul said, donning a cap. "Sit tight, and don't eat the apples, Snow White." "Whatever you say," Beth said. Paul slipped out the door of the suite.
John noticed Beth's strange behaviour, and sat down beside her. " 'Eh, luv, what's up?" he asked. "Ah, I'm just stoned," Beth said. "Nothing big." "And you tried this after what happened not too long ago?" he said. "I'm sure you'e done it before," Beth said. "Like I said, nothing big." "Are you okay?" "I'm fine! I'm peachy! Just splendiferous! Causitively blunderful!" "I suppose it's your decision." "Really, I'm okay. No need to be alarmed." "I worry sometimes..." "Why should you? Hey...are you drunk?"
John tilted his head to the side. "Ever since I can remember," he laughed. "You're right, not a problem. 'Sides, who ever freaked out on pot?" "I don't know of anyone," Beth said. "Exactly," he said. "Say, you've built up quite an appetite with that crap! How much did you have?" "Oh, a drag," she said, "Or two, or three..." John laughed. "Smoked it down to the butt, did you?" "Not quite," Beth said. "I think it was somewhere near the pelvis."
Paul burst in quickly, slammed the door shut, and locked it. "Hmm, I need a better disguise, I think..." he said. He sat on the couch, on the other side of Beth. "Well, hey, go sleep that stuff off," Beth told John. "I ought to," he said, standing up. "Actually, I think I will. Don't expect to sleep in though...you'll all be having a morning marathon, under my supervision." "Sir, yes sir," Beth laughed. "Get outta here!" John laughed and stumbled off to his room.
"I'm not sure I want to know what that's about!" Paul said. "Oh, it's silly," Beth said. "Of course you don't." "Well then," Paul said. "Here's your food." He pulled out two boxes, each enclosing a burger and fries. "Looks good," Beth said. "Why, thank you!" Paul said. "Not you, the burger!" she said. "I feel rejected," he said. "Oh, you're the top of the list, and you know it!" she said. "Now eat." They did, and raided the bar for drinks. After a long while of talking, they went to their separate rooms, and got a good, however strange, night of rest.
* * * * *
The next day, everyone packed up and the plane took them to Motown, or Detroit, Michigan. They got in around midday and stopped off at a nice sti-down place for lunch. However, the fans were not willing to leave them in peace, so they piled in their rental car and high-tailed it to a fast food joint.
"Alright, we're here," Neil said. "Mal and I will go in and get the food. What's everyone want?" "Three cheeseburgers, chips, and a chocolate shake," John yelled. "Same here," said Ringo. "And here," chimed Paul and George. "My, you fellas eat a lot!" Beth said. "Just get me a cheeseburger, some fries, a chocolate shake, and a coke to wash it down."
"Very well, then," Neil said, scribbling down the orders. "We'll be out in a snap. Fellas, and lady, don't get into trouble." "Yes, mummy," they said in unison. As soon as Mal and Neil were out of sight, Beth yelled, "Chinese Firedrill!" The guys gave her a look of confusion. "Oh, it's an American thing," she said. "See, what you do is get out of the car, run around it like you're on fire, and get back in in different places. It's great fun at stoplights. So, what are you waiting for?"
They piled out of the car and ran as if they were mad. Everyone popped back into the car and attempted to look as if nothing happened. Beth got squished beween John and Paul, with Ringo beside Paul. George comfortably sprawled out in front until Nell and Mal returned.
Nell gave them a strange look. "What did I miss?" he said. "Don't ask," Paul laughed. Nell didn't, and they drove away to the stadium.
* * * * *
The guys went to their room, and Beth went to drop off some things in her room before joining them. She opened up the door, and immediately noticed a huge basket on the coffee table. She shut the door, and curiously inspected the basket's contents.
Inside, there were an assortment of candies, and a note.
Dear Beth,
I thought you might want something to keep you going. Wouldn't want anything bad to happen. Eat up, and stay on the healthy side. The fridge is stocked, too. There's enough Coke (sniff-sniff) to turn the Mersey a dark brown instead of its present tan.
Love,
Johnny Beatle
PS- Aristotle once said that a friend is a single soul dwelling in two bodies. So, take care of my better half!
Beth smiled. She quickly ripped the paper off a Hershey bar, scribbled down a note, and took it and her food down the corridor to eat with the guys.
She knocked a few times, and Ringo opened the door. "Hey, Beth," he said. "You don't have to knock." "I guess I'm too used to having guy friends," she said. "Most of them are pretty touchy if I walk in on them nonchalantly." "Oh, but you're just one of the guys!" John said. "Oh, ha ha," Beth said. "I was only tryin' to get a rise out of you, luv," he said. "Come 'ead. I saved a seat for you by yer Paulie."
* And on to Chapter 12! *
Links
Coming Soon....Chapter 12!
Get Back to Chapter 10!
Get Back to the Intro!
Why Leave Me Standing Here? THIS is the way to the Haven!
