"Still, we don't want to take any unneccessary risks," Brian said. "We're going to change at the hotel tonight, then transport to the stadium in an armored truck. Wear good disguises if you go out today." "Alright, then, thanks Bri," Paul said as Brian went back to his room. "So," he said, to Beth, "ready to go catch some lunch?" "Sorry, Paul," Beth said, "but I promised John that I'd go with him. He wants to talk to me about something." Paul scowled.
"Oh, don't look at me like that!" Beth said. "I promised him we'd go out for lunch, 'cause last night, I was *ahem* busy...besides, we do have this evening." "Oh, alright," Paul said. "I'll see you tonight." "Alright, then, dear," Beth said. She walked over to John, who was reading the paper with a cloudy look on his face. "Oh Johnny Beatle!" she said. "It's Sparkle!" "Long time, no see, Sparkle," John said. "Rightly said," Beth said. "So, care to get ready for an afternoon out?" "Most certainly," John said. "You do hold true to your word." "I always do," Beth said. "Now, wipe that needless worry from your face! Go put on a beard or something!" "Yes, ma'am!" John said.
~*Enter Sparkle and Johnny*~
Sparkle, aka Beth, had a thick Louisiana accent. Her black hair fell to her chin and framed a pale face. Sparkle wore black, rhinestone-studded cat glasses, a twinset, a pair of blue jeans, and a red scarf around her neck. Johnny, however, was from Texas. His black cowboy hat and moustache made him look like a cowboy, not to mention his jean ensemble (complete with jacket) and bandanna hanging from his back pocket. His shiny brown boots made any Texan jealous.
They set out for lunch at a small diner. After they ordered, they discarded their fake accents and went back to the old ones. "Here's what I wanted to talk to you about," Johnny said, pulling a paper from his pocket. "It's a song I just started. I was hoping you could help me." "Sure," Sparkle said. "Let's hear it."
"Living is easy with eyes closed
Misunderstanding all you see
It's da da dee da da
Ta ta tee ba ba ba bu bu bum...
And that's as far as I got on that verse," Johnny said. "Oh, and the chorus."
"Let me show you down
'Cause I'm going to go
To Strawberry Fields
Nothing is real
And nothing to feel sad about
Strawberry Fields Forever."
"That's a beautiful tune," Sparkle said. "Some of the words don't quite fit, though. 'Going to go to' is awkward. I suggest taking out the 'to go' part." "Good thinking," John said. "And 'show you down' isn't right either. Maybe 'bring you down.' No. Could 'take you down' be better?" "Yeah, much better," Sparkle said. "That 'to feel sad about' could be reworded. What about 'to get hung up about'?" "Too long," Johnny said. "But if I said, 'to get hung about'?" "Yeah, great!" Beth said. "I don't know what to tell you about that verse except that what you have is beautiful," Sparkle said. "You'll have to talk that one over with Paul."
"Thinking about him?" Johnny asked. "Always, it seems," Sparkle said. "How'd you figure?" "You had that afterglow shining from your eyes," he said. "You've finally fallen for him." And I shouldn't be surprised...but I am. Or maybe disappointed.
"Well, I was almost there before a couple nights ago," she laughed. "He brought me buffalo chicken wings for dinner that night, having discovered that I love those things...I think that was the clincher." He laughed. "I should've known," Johnny said. "Food's the way to my heart, too!" If only I had known that before now!
Speaking of food, the waitress brought their meals around, which they promptly finished. "Ready for some sightseeing, Sparkle?" "Most certainly, Johnny. Check, please!"
From the diner, Johnny and Sparkle explored the tourist spots: the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Smithsonian. At each place, they snapped odd pictures with their handy dandy cameras. Beth almost tried to scale the Lincoln Memorial, but she decided not to after seeing the bouncer-type security guards.
Sparkle impressed everyone with her flawless accent; Johnny made everyone laugh with his obviously fake one. They stopped strangers in the street to ask them if they had change for $100, and took more pictures of odd things.
They finally returned back to the hotel at four; the concert started at six-thirty. Everyone was moving about and getting ready when they arrived. Laughing and hollering, they came in and did more strange things just for the hell of it.
"Howdy, there, pardner," Johnny yelled at Paul. "I'm Johnny, and this here's Sparkle." "Howdy do?" Sparkle asked. "Oh, I'm lovely," Paul said. "Say, Sparkle, want to come back to my room? I think we could get in a good game of Twister." "Sorry, mister," Sparkle said. "My mama said never to play games with strange men." "I'm not any stranger than Johnny here," Paul said. "So, what do you say?" "Mmm, later tonight, luv," she said, kissing him. "Now, if ya'll excuse me, I have to change into something suitable for the concert." She walked off to her room, while Paul stared with a familiar look in his eyes.
"I'd say someone's fallen hard for a green eyed gal," Johnny said. "Completely," Paul said. "And she for you," John said. "I'd be sure to let her know exactly how you feel if I were you." Then again, if I were you... "Mmm, and I will," Paul said.But not just yet. He strolled off to his room, clicking his heels together and singing a tune.
There was love
All around
But I never heard it singing
No I never heard it a'tall
'Til there was you!
* * * * *
Beth stepped out of her room amid the still rampant confusion. She wore a sleeveless, black, boater-neck shirt and a bright blue A-line skirt. She had a pair of black flats on her feet and her hair flowed freely. The guys gave her cat calls. "Oh, cut it out," she smiled. "Well, someone's dressed nicely," John said. "She's going to sing 'Happy Birthday' to the president," George laughed. "Nope, sorry Mr. Johnson, I'm busy," Beth said. "And I was hoping we could do something tonight!" Paul said. "Nope, I asked 'er to come over to my place to play checkers," John said. "But, I suppose, if you're really anxious..." "Oh, come now, John," Paul said. "I've been yer friend since way back in the 'Pool. You can grant me just a little favor, can't you?"
"Why must we fight?" Beth laughed. "I'm searching for a peaceful solution. We don't have to serve in 'Nam! Send back the troops! It's not our fight!" They burst out laughing. "C'mon, boys," she said. "Let's go lay down in front of the troop trains!" "Actually, the truck will be here soon, so you may want to get ready to leave," Brian said. "I'll come get you five when it arrives."
After Beth's small protest, everyone went back to small conversations. "Oh, good!" John said. "That bruise went away." He tapped it. Ooops, guess it didn't. Beth cringed. "Actually, no," she said. "I did a make-up job on it." "I'm sorry!" John said. "Does it hurt much?" "Well, in matter of speaking, yeah," Beth said. "But bygones. It's fine, and I'm alright just as long as you don't touch it." She smiled. "'Sides, I knocked the wind out of you. I think that and your lovely drawing are payback enough." "Aw, I let you win," John laughed. "Yeah, I'm sure you did," Beth said with a note of sarcasm.
Brian rushed into the room. "Truck's here!" he yelled. "Let's go!"
* * * * *
Beth once again employed the voice talents of Sparkle. "And on your left, gentlemen, you'll see a whole mess of fellas in white bedsheets," she said. "Whoopsy-daisy! No windows. That will conclude our tour of this nation's capital. Have a nice day." "We'll know we're there when the bulletholles begin to show," John said wryly.
"Oh, lighten up!" said Beth, in her normal voice. "The worst thing they could do is storm the truck which, I might add, is locked. But if they do, all we've gotta do is shift into reverse. Then splat!, bigot pancakes." "Thanks for the reassurance," John laughed. The truck came to a halt, throwing everyone to the back of the truck. Someone opened the doors and they all fell out. Yelps and selective curses arose from the mass of bodies.
"Everyone alright?" Brian asked. "Not quite," Beth said. "My ass is one giant bruise." "I think the driver needs a little help on his stops," George said. They helped each other up and dusted the soot off their clothes. No one was seriously injured, so they walked towards one of the back entrance doors.
"Wait," Ringo said. "Do you hear that?" A roaring sort of sound was getting louder and Louder and LOUDER.... "FANS!!" Screamed Ringo. They ran to the door they were suposed to enter, and tugged at it. And tugged a second time. And a third. "LOCKED!!" They all yelled. They split up to try different doors. Didn't matter which, they had to get inside. George finally found an open door, and they all piled in just before the crowd met them. He locked the door, and they surveyed the surroundings.
The room was not much bigger than a standard hotel room. "Why someone would build a room like this onto the side of a stadium, I'll never know," Paul said. "Looks like a prep room," Brian said. "But wait...is that a stairwell?" Indeed, a stairwell was cleverly disguised in the corner of the room, only masked by two ferns. "No other doors, so we might as well go that way," George said.
They went down the stairs, and through a long tunnel. At a crossroads, there was a sign:
Tunnel to the infield:
Ahead at the first right
Locker rooms: Ahead at the first left
Refreshments:
Immediate right to next right
Promoter's Office:
Immediate left
"We're headed to another prep area," Brian said. "It's backstage. To get there, we'll follow the infield tunnel, which joins with another makeshift tunnel. There'll be an enclosed area for practice and whatnot, and stairs leading up to the stage from there." He turned from them to go to the promoter's office. "I'm going to take care of business," he said. "Go on out there, and have a good show." "Thanks, Brian," they chorused, running down the hall to the echo of their clicking shoes.
* * * * *
"The Ronettes are up next!" the stage manager said. "I repeat, the Ronettes!" Beth stopped Ronnie. "Ms. Specter?" she said. "Good luck." "Thanks," Ronnie said. "You're Beth, right?" "Yeah," Beth said. "Well, nice meeting you," Ronnie said. "Good luck to you, too." "Thanks," Beth said. She smiled as Ronnie met with the other Ronettes, and went out on stage.
"An admirer?" John asked. "Yeah, ever since I picked up 'Be My Baby,' I've been hooked," Beth said. "She's brave tonight, too, what with all the assholes outside the gates..." "I think they're after us all," John said. "They find the most piss-poor reasons to hate people. Why do they feel this need to put others down to make themselves bigger?" "I don't know," Beth said. "But I am supposing it would be best not to mention my Jewish family past. They'll have a field day! Y'know, for 'Christians,' these guys aren't very Christian-like." And for all the talk I do, the thought of them finding out scares me shitless...
"Ain't it the truth," John said. "Well, I suppose I ought to let you practice. See you later, and good luck." "Thanks, John," Beth said.
Hmm, practice. That's good. She picked up her acoustic and ran through a few exercises, then plugged in her electric to make sure it was working, and ran through "Questions", which she had switched around to be the closer. (She thought it would be nice to give Paul a little breathing room for a while!) Ah, nice. Now, I need to try out this piano intro for "You're Not the Same." I haven't really played it for a while. She took the intro to that song and honed it, then practiced the verse. Great! I'm ready.
The stage manager called Beth to get ready, and she picked up her guitars and stood in the wings. The Ronettes left the stage, and a piano was wheeled out for Beth as well as two guitar stands. Finally, the announcer called out. "And now, welcome Elizabeth Anderson!"
Beth rushed out onstage with a smile. "Hi!" she yelled into the microphone. The crowd answered with many yells. She felt a tremendous amount of power sitting there, all eyes on her. A few people in the audience had brought signs proclaiming, "DC loves Beth!" and "We want Beth!" Of course, a lot of people were waiting for the main event, but the response was still a good one.
"DC is quite the town!" Beth said. "Y'know, I'd never been here before until today. It's a nice place." City pride stepped in and the crowd screamed. "Woo! That's a gust of wind," she said. "Anyway, I'm gonna start us off with a blues number. My...only blues number. 'You're Not the Same'! "
Beth skipped through that number like a breeze, and and finished the set like it was nothing, ending this time with the favorite "Questions". The crowd cheered her on fervently. It was quite a power trip, seeing thousands of people scream her name and sing along with her songs. She left the stage bright and happy. The Beatles did their set quickly (they only played ten songs) and left the stage to a soundtrack of shrieks. The noise was awful! They hurriedly escaped back to the hotel.
* * * * *
"What? No party?!" George exclaimed. "NO party," Brian said. "We don't want to run the risk of someone with bad intentions waltzing in here." "Oh, what a shame," Paul said. "Well then, I think there are plenty of other things to do." Like...have sex. Why not? He winked at Beth.
"Oh, yeah," she said. Sometimes I think sex is all he thinks about! "Well guys, see ya tomorrow. I'm turning in early."
"I'm sure you are," John laughed. Heh heh, I never before realised how hard it is to hold this smile in place. "Might as well. G'Night."
Paul and Beth left the room and headed back to Paul's room.
Paul led her over to the bed and had her sit down. "I've got a surprise for you," he said. "I've written you a song." Beth's eyes went wide. Hmm, guess I was mistaken. but it's a pleasant surprise. He picked up his guitar and strummed a G chord.
Blackbird singin' in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arrive
Blackbird, fly
Blackbird, fly
Into the light of a dark black night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arrive
"That is a beautiful song," Beth said. "I...it's just wonderful." "It popped into my head, and I knew it was yours," Paul said. "Now all I have to do is make more verses." "More verses or not, it's lovely, lovely," Beth said, a tear running along her jaw. "It means so much. You are so very thoughtful." "That's me," Paul said, wiping the tear away. He put his guitar down, and held her knowingly. Beth cried imaginary tears, for her real ones were gone. Paul held her tight, and they fell asleep in a matter of minutes.
* * * * *
The next day took the tour to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. More rain overtook the city, as would be the trend along the tour. Backstage at the concert....
"This is great weather!" Beth said. "The perfect kind of rain shows up on these warm, fresh days." "But it's so dreary," George said. "Plus, we have lots of electrical thingies, and I've heard that those and water don't mix." "True," Beth said, "but the weather makes me happy. I can't explain, but I love rain." John laughed.
"What's so funny?" Beth asked. "That's just you, innit?" he said. "Finding a silver lining in everything." "I wouldn't say that," she said. "I'm not really an optimist." "Yeh, but you take crap, polish it over, and make it quality stuff," he said. "That's clever." "Maybe so," Beth said. "Sometimes, I'm not so sure." And sometimes it's just a front to keep me away from what I really feel. But I'll always love the rain. "Anderson on deck!" the stage manager yelled. "Gotta go knock a few outta the ballpark," she said. "See ya later, guys." "Bye, Beth," they chimed.
* * * * *
The tour blew by at a tremendous speed. A death threat here, and a record burning there heralded our heroes' arrival. The concerts were deafening, per the usual. The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine"/ "Eleanor Rigby" Single claimed the #1 chart spot, and Beth's "I Won't Hurt You"/"Questions" slid down from a steady #3 to #9. (Ah well, pretty good for a first timer.) We finally slow the pace of time to catch our heroes in Los Angeles, at the start of 26 August--two days away from the final concert of the tour.
* * * * *
With morning came the bright sun, which pierced the air with its crystal rays and woke Paul and Beth (again in the same bed) from their deep sleep. "Aargh," Beth growled. "The curtains aren't doing much good." She rolled over and squinted at the clock. Eleven? Jeez, I'm a noon or after person when I have a day off. Oooh, two days off is even better. Wonder what we could do on a day like this? Hmm, LA. I think of swimming and shopping. You'd thing I'd be tired of shopping by now...not yet!! Since we have a pool out behind this place, I'll want to go for that first. Shopping will wait.
"Paul?" Beth asked. "Care to go swim a bit?" "Nyah," Paul grunted. "Too early." "Oh, come on," Beth said, playfully paddling his bare stomach to "Revellee" with her hands. "You know how I love to swim. The water's just too inviting." Paul rubbed his eyes, smiled, and kissed her. "Alright," he said. "Anything for you, honey pie." "Thank you, dear," Beth said. "Now, let's get our suits on and get out there! I'm ready to go."
Beth jumped out of bed and streaked down the hallway (thankfully past closed or empty rooms) to her room to dig through a suitcase, while Paul sluggishly (but cheerfully) crawled over to his. Beth took her time to make a decision. Wow...I brought more suits than I thought. Fitting for a swimmer, though. Nothing too showy today, but something slightly more daring will be in order. AH! This red two-piece will do nicely. Paul, however, grabbed the first trunks he saw and put them on. They met in the hallway, towels in hand, and high-tailed it to the pool.
Beth tipped her special sunglasses and checked out the pool scene.Huh. All the guys are here! George lying on a towel, John trying to splash him, Ringo doing a cannonball from the diving board... The water covered the deck and quite nearly drenched the newcomers. "Ah..." Beth stuttered. "Thanks, Rich." "Oops," Ringo said. Paul, however, wasn't as calm and composed. He dove into the water after a fleeing Ringo, and they duked it out. (All in the spirit of fun, though. Nonetheless, it was one hellraiser of a splashfest.)
Beth put her towel over the fence to let it dry, and took off her sunglasses in favor of swim goggles. She intended to do a few laps of exercise, and then fool around. But as she prepared to dive, John yelled, "HEYYYY SPARKLE!!" "What?!" Beth said, lifting her eyepieces. "Ow, grouchy," John said. "I'm not grouchy, just frustrated!" Beth said. "I'm trying to exercise!!" "Whoa, okay," John said. "Now I know another time not to bother you." "Yeah, so bug off," she laughed. She dove cleanly in, and swam 500m.
After her burn session, she swam out of the lane and into the open pool. "Alright, what?" she said. "Oh, just wanted to know what you thought of your pre-pool shower, courtesy of Ringo," John laughed. "Yes, most amusing," Beth said, smirking. "Tell Ringo to do it and avoid the heat yourself." "Who told you?" he grinned. "You just did," Beth laughed. "C'mere!"
She jumped his back and dunked him for a few seconds. "Didn't see that one coming, did you?' she said triumphantly. "Just as much as you see this one," he said, pulling her off his back and giving her a noogie. They went into fits of laughter. "Well, this is pointless," Beth said. "We pull the same tricks on each other! Too predictable." "Nah, you're just trying to get out of the crook of my elbow," John said. "Pleeease?" Beth asked. "Hmm...oh, alright," he said, releasing her. And since when have I been a softy? Maybe it's just her.
They stared over at Paul and Ringo still wrestling, with George also in the fray. "Wow," Beth said. "They're still at it." "Actually, it's over something different than before," John said. "You see, George got tired of them splashing water on him, so it's every man for himself. I got off the hook from splashing George because now he's focused on a bigger problem." "You Slick Johnny!" Beth said. "You get out of everything." "Indeedy do," John grinned. "That's me." They stared longer. "Care to sneak up on them?" Beth said. "My thinking exactly," John said. "You get Paul, and I'll ambush George and Ringo."
They cautiously got into their places, and with a cry ambushed the unsuspecting three. John had quite a bit of a fight trying to pull Ringo and George under while they were fighting like crazy, but eventually succeeded. Beth easily dunked the off guard Paul, but he returned the favor soon after. They came out of it laughing, but John, George, and Ringo were still struggling for dominance. "Hey guys!" Beth yelled.
They paused in mid-splash. "Cool it," Beth said. They took a strange look in their eyes, gestured to Paul, and came closer. Paul held her still by her arms, and the rest of them pushed her up in the air. "Prepare to be thrown," Paul said. "Paul McCartney!" Beth yelled. "You let me go THIS INSTANT! John? George? Ringo? Put me down! I'm warning you..."
Before she could say another word, they tossed her into the air and she smacked into the water in the deep end. She flipped underwater and rocketed to the surface. "No fair," she moaned, rubbing her sore skin. "I'm outnumbered!" All the rest of them could do was laugh at Beth's disheveled appearance. Her hair had fallen out of its ponytail and was covering half her face, which was a bright stain of crimson.
She pouted and treaded water, and they eventually brought the noise down to a dull roar. "Aw, don't look so pitiful," John said. "We had to." "Yeah, and you get away with it, 'cause I'm outnumbered and can't get you back!" Beth said. She bobbed underwater and took her hair out of the way. "I'll just get out and do something, then," she said. "Sides, the chlorine's nasty on my hair." "Oh, c'mon, honey pie," Paul said. "We're sorry. Right guys?" "We're sorry," they said.
"Nope, I have to go do something here. It's LA!" Beth said. "I've never been to the West Coast! I need to do some sightseeing by myself, and get some lunch." "Well, alright, if you really want to," John said. "Just don't be out past curfew!"
* * * * *
Beth disguised herself in a peasant blouse and a full gauze skirt, while adding sandals and a long, curly, red wig to the ensemble. Taking plenty of money with her, she set off first in search of food. Finding a small Indian restaurant, she stopped in for some curried rice and veggies.
After lunch, she hit the yet smaller boutiques for odds and ends, and came out of that with many interesting trinkets and clothes. The coffee houses were running at full speed with the lunch time rush, so Beth stopped in at a few to listen to the house bands. After meandering through the lesser known ones, she came upon a bigger venue: the Whisky A-Go-Go.
Although a bit trashy, its appearance was dispelled by the band on stage; they called themselves The Doors. The lead singer wore tight leather pants and a long-sleeved, white gauze blouse that hung on him loosely. He was an enigma; one moment he sung huskily, directly into the mic, the next he was screaming from center stage. He seemed to be a double person, a Dr. Jekkyl and Mr.Hyde at the same time.
The organ player was also very noticeable from the floor. He showed his emotions when he played, and let the music move him. (Besides that, this guy had talent!) Beth was definately interested in this band.
Beth stayed for the rest of the set, and became more enthusiastic as it progressed. These guys were great! She had to find out who they were, and why they weren't in the studio making music. She took off her wig and stuffed it in her huge purse, showing her true identity. (Getting back stage would be easier because of star power.) She went past the security guards with a word and knocked on a door marked, "The Doors."
"Come in," a voice called. She walked in face to face with the lead singer. "Hello," she said, holding out a hand to shake. The singer took her hand and shook it casually. "I'm Elizabeth Anderson. I just wanted to congratulate you and the band on a great show." "Hey, I've heard of you," the man said. "I'm Jim Morrison. Wait here just a minute, I've got somebody you'll want to meet."
Jim returned from the back room and pulled out a guy with blonde hair and glasses. "This is Ray Manzarek, our organ player," Jim said. "He's a big fan of yours." "Wow! Somebody likes me!" Beth laughed. "Hi there, Ray." She shook his hand, too. "Hi," said Ray, shocked. "Wow! So what brings you to the Whisky?" "I was cruising," Beth said. "I stopped in and caught your set. You guys pull off a great act." "We try," Ray said. "You know, you've made a really nice record." "Thanks," Beth said. "Speaking of albums, why don't you guys have one out?"
"I'd love to say we do and prove you wrong, but the companies just don't dig our groove," Jim said. "You're just ahead of your time," Beth laughed. "Would you care if I put in a good word for you with my American retailer?" "That would be great," Jim said. "We can use all the help we can get." "Alright, until next time, stay cool," Beth said. "Maybe I'll hear from you fellas on a right and proper record someday." "We wish," Ray laughed. "bye, and good luck!" "Bye!" Beth said, strolling out the door.
* * * * *
Beth caught a taxi back to the house. As she was unlocking the door, she noticed a letter in the mailbox with her name on it. She picked it up, went in the house, and locked the door behind her. "Anybody home?" she called, slipping off her shoes. Huh. It's only three o'clock, and everybody's gone. Odd. Wait, somebody's in the pool.Beth put her things down on the table and tiptoed to the glass. Hmm, it's John! He needs to be taught a lesson...hmmm... She took off her wig and jewelry, and silently opened the patio door.
John was sunning on a raft at the edge of the pool, drinking a coke and reading a book. His back was to the door. Beth crept up to where he was, and made sure he wouldn't be hurt if she were to do...something. With a great yell, she sprung and toppled his raft, bringing him down with her. She came back up, adjusted her glasses, and met him on the surface. "How'd you like yer bath, Johnny?" she laughed.
They both broke out laughing. "I should've known!" John said. "C'mere..." Beth tried to outswim him, but he pulled her under and dunked her. "Ha ha!!" Beth said. "I'm not finished yet!!" She jumped his back and pulled him under. He struggled and brought them both back up, pried her off his back, and hurtled her into the air. she landed with a great sploosh!, but swam back after him. He darted underwater just in time, but she circled around and caught him in the crook of her arm and noogied him, her legs clamped tightly around his midsection. "How's it feel?" Beth said. "C'mon, say mercy and I'll quit!" "Aaah! Mercy!!!" John said.
They heard claps from the doorway. The missing "family members" had suddenly appeared, and they had seen practically the whole thing. Beth laughed. "Could ya do that one more time for the photographers?" she asked. "Oh, c'mere," John said, going after her. She hurriedly jumped out of the pool and ran into the house, dripping all the way. John was equally drenched, and right on her tail. "Aack!" she yelled, running upstairs into her room and locking the door.
John pounded on the barricade. "Lemme in, ya dirty double crosser!!!" he yelled. "I'm changing clothes, you can't come in!" Beth yelled. "I'm all wet and soaked!" "Well how'd you get that way?" John said sarcastically. "Lemme in!" "And just what are you going to do to me?" Beth yelled. "I'm gonna wring yer scrawny neck!!" John screamed. "You wouldn't want to do that," Beth said, changing into shorts and a tank top.
"I'm ready to do about anything right now!" John yelled. "Calm down," Beth said. "I'll come out when you've learned to manage your temper, and when you realize you deserved that." "Fine!" John yelled, and he stormed downstairs. I didn't know it would make him that mad...I'll go say sorry to him later. I have to let him cool off.She lay back on the bed.
A knock came at the door. "Cooled off already?" Beth said. "No, it's Paul. Can I come in?" he said. She jumped up from the bed and unlocked it. "He's really mad," Paul remarked. "Well, he's gonna have to live with being embarassed sometimes," Beth said. "That's the whole reason he stormed after me." She shut the door. "S'pose you're right," Paul said. "He does hate being embarassed." "I know what you're thinking, and I don't intend on just letting him sit there and be mad!" Beth said. "He'll come around. But if he doesn't right away, I'll just have to make up for it somehow."
Paul laughed softly. "You really aren't afraid of him, are you?" "Course not," Beth said. "He likes me too much to rough me up." "That's one of the things I like about you," he said. "You're fearless." "And you are charming," Beth said, settling down on the bed. "Come closer, dahling." Paul sat beside her and kissed her deeply. "Miss me, did you?" she laughed. "Very much," he said, silencing her again. "So, what did you do today?" "Oh, I shopped, did the club circuit. Oh, and I found a nice little beach. I didn't see anybody out there. Y'think the guys would want to go on an outing?" "I dunno," Paul said. "Why don't we ask them?"
*Continue on to Chapter 14!*
Links
No. 14!
Return to Chapter 12.
Get back to the Intro.
Travel that 910 back to Sally's Haven.
