High on Love & Ginger Ale

"Groovy," said Beth. "So tell me, will it be...ah...more exciting? I mean, Your other albums were great, but there's so much people are afraid to try in music....and all you sang about a couple years prior was puppy love.." "That's what I said, luv!" said John. "We had to wear that peppy image to get into the business, but now, we get to sing what we really want!" Paul smiled. "This album goes in a new direction--while in the same time blending in bits of what you heard on 'Rubber Soul', like 'The Word' and 'Norwegian Wood'....at least I think that's what was on the American release...."

"Oh, I buy the British imports, anyway," Beth said. "The American releases confuse me." "That's another thing we're going to clear up," said John. "On our next album, there will be one release!" John was clearly excited at the prospect of having more control over those sort of things.

"Thinking of excitement and jubilation, isn't George having a party tonight?" Paul joked. "Yeah. He told me to tell you to 'Bring your chickadee and to ask John for directions'! What a smartass..."

Beth and Paul yawned simultaneously and gave each other a look. Tea is waaaay too early in the afternoon. "I'm sorry, but we're going to have to cut our visit short," said Beth. "Sparkle and Macca need a nap." "I know it's just an excuse to shag," said John. "But if you insist. Just not in my house!"

"Yeah, yeah," Beth said. "I'm sure plenty of shagging has gone on in this house." "Ah! You scorn me and my nations!" John yelled in mock dismay. "Out! Out of my house!" "Spoilsport," Paul said. "C'mon, Beth." They scurried out of the house as if they were being attacked, and ran to the car as fast as they could.

* * * * *

Beth and Paul hurriedly drove home. They walked into Paul's house quietly and stood in the living room. Beth yawned and stretched. "I have got to get used to the night life," said she. "I am so incredibly sleepy, that this carpet looks inviting. Care to join me?" She threw down her jacket and threw herself to the floor. As an aftersight, she took off her glasses and put them on the coffee table. "Don't mind if I do," said Paul, joining her. They kicked off their shoes, and relaxed. "Interesting," he said.

Beth giggled. "The floor's the first place I saw, save for the wall, and I don't think it would be very comfortable to sleep on the wall." "You do have a point," he said. "It's not too bad down here. Care for a little melody?" "I do," she said. Paul sang them to sleep. They blissfully rested in each other's arms.

* * * * *

When the couple arrived at the Harrison abode, the party was well underway. Patti met them at the door and invited them into the house's main meeting room. "Watch your step," said she. "George has some demos lying around-'his babies', he calls them-and doesn't want them to come to any harm."

A Jimi Hendrix record was on the turntable and boomed through the huge speakers set up. "Fire" rocked the room with its intense guitar parts.Some people danced, while others lounged on couches, discussing the cosmic solution. Food and drugs were aplenty.

"I see the discotheques are gathering dust tonight," Beth said nervously. "You'll get used to it," said Paul. "Hey there, Paulie!" a voice boomed. Enter, stage right, John Lennon. "What fun!" he said. "I can stay with you two, and no one will notice I'm dateless!" "Just as long as you don't take mine," said Paul. "And if I do?" said John. "C'mon, Beth, let's dance." Beth shrugged as John dragged her into the fray. Paul simply laughed, but couldn't help being jealous.

"So, how's it go, Sparkle Woman?" asked John.

"Good. Finally got some rest."

"By the look on Paul's face, I'd say less rest, more-"

"Think no such thing! We took a nap."

"Together?"

"Yes."

"In a bed?"

"No, on the floor."

"Sounds kinky."

"A nap!" Beth protested. "He sang me to sleep." John was confused. "That's sweet, but I don't understand." "What's there to understand?" Beth asked. John paused. "Well, why you fell asleep on the carpet together, uh-" Beth tried to put it into words. "It was one of those times when you're happy just to be with someone, whether it's someone you're in love with, or your friend...." John was still confused.

A slower paced song came across the speakers. "I guess the only way is to show you," said Beth. "Care to try it?" Wordlessly, John put his arms around her. Beth returned the gesture, and they swayed there. They sang softly together, and John realised what it was about. He also realised that Beth was very much like him, so much that it was uncanny. This made him know that Beth would be his friend to the very end.

Paul had noticed Beth and John dancing, and was curious, but curbed his anger until he heard it from them. They strode away from the makeshift dance floor, and Paul came to meet them. "What's up?" he asked. "It's a direction, the opposite of down, the-" Beth stopped John and explained. "Just bonding, Paul," she said. "John needed a friend, and God knows I could use another." She leaned to whisper in his ear. "Nothing to be jealous at."

"I've been thirsty since we've been here," said Beth, changing the subject. "Care to get something with me?" "Certainly," said Paul. They left a contented John to do as he pleased. They found a drink table, and chose their poison. Beth picked up a glass of Ginger Ale, and Paul made himself a Scotch-Coke.

Following this, they found an empty couch to occupy. Ringo stopped by to chat, and revealed that he had been at the Blue Angel a few nights ago, and answered Beth's "Mystery Man" question that had been following her. He also told them that he'd heard a lot about them repeating the routine together. "John," they chorused.

"At your service, dear, " John replied, seating himself in Beth's lap. "And hello again," Beth said. "Are you smashed?" "Actually, haven't had a drop," said John. Beth took a sip of her Ginger ale and tried to keep a straight face. All at once, John's face loomed over hers and looked menacingly evil. Her drink seemed to float out of its vessel onto her blouse. She laughed, and kept laughing. "Oh, no, I'm all wet!" she giggled. She threw her head back and positively cackled, but stopped abruptly when she realised that no one else was laughing.

Ringo and Paul stared at her wide eyed, and John looked into her eyes. He spoke, but it sounded as if he were in a tunnel. "Her pupils are dilated. Did you give her something?" he asked. "No, you know I won't try that stuff!" Paul said. "The only way she could be tripping was if something were in her drink..." John stood up and replaced Beth in his lap. "Beth, hon, how do you feel?" he asked tentatively. "I'm.....scared," Beth breathed. "You were so tall....now you're glowing..." "Definately acid," John confirmed.

He cogitated over the matter. "Well, we've got to bring her down, but you wouldn't know where to begin," he said. "Besides, overdoses can make people freak out, get violent. Or even worse, black out." "What!?!" Paul said. "Oh my God....what have I let happen....?" "Calm down," John said. "I'm gonna take her home, and bring her down." "But what about Cyn?" Paul asked. "Cyn moved out today, temporarily, to her mum's," John said. "Took Julian too. All my fault. But anyway, I have more important things to worry about." He stood up, and picked Beth up. "I don't know about you, but we're leaving."

* * * * *

John carried Beth into his house up to his bedroom. She had blacked out, so he lay her on his bed, carefully, as one places a porcelain doll in its box. He ran downstairs to the kichen to get some ice water.

In an instant, he had returned. He sat Beth up and tried to get her to come to. "C'mon, luv, you're scarin' me," he whispered. He fumbled for an ice cube from the glass and ran it up her arm and on her face. The chill shocked her into conciousness. Beth shivered and opened her eyes wide. "What's goin' on?" she asked, looking to John. She became rigid and looked about wildly. John held her close to try to comfort her. "Shh," he said, "calm down. You're at my house." She searched his eyes trustingly. "What's wrong with me?"

"Someone slipped some acid in your drink at the party," John said. "And from the looks of it, a lot. I broought you here to my place. I thought you might pass out or something like you just did, and Paul was already half mad with worry. He'd have gone berserk." "But I feel so awful," Beth said. "I'm seeing the shadows move, and the color of things is all wrong...and I have a hell of a headache." "It's understandable," said John, letting her drink some water.

She sipped the water, not taking the glass from John's hand. She noticed that his hands were much like hers. Hmm. Very beautiful hands. delicate, long fingers; impeccably clean nails. But they are changing....how'd they twist up like that? Not again... Beth phased out again and was very frightened.

"I'm seeing things again," Beth said. "I don't like it at all." John looked her in the eyes. "Trust me, it's not fun, but you've got to work with me," John said. "Now, I want you to relax. Just forget about where you are for a moment and relax." Beth thought about what he said and calmed down. But as she began to feel relaxed, she became very cold and huddled in a tiny ball.

"Alright, this isn't workin'," said John. "Would it help to get some rest?" Beth managed to nod and uncoiled her stiff body. John pulled the comforter out from under her as she lay her head on the pillows. He draped it over her, and lay beside her to keep her warm.

She drifted off, but he lay awake for a while. Been a long time since I've slept with a woman in a bed! At least, one I love. I dunno if Paul understands it, he might even be jealous. Oh, I love her, but not like he does. She's the me I hadn't met until a few days ago. Yet...she's innocent, unspoiled like I once was.

Beth slept in a position reminiscent of prayer. The moonlight lit up her face. John smiled and stroked her hair. Young and beautiful, but old in soul. Either I have one hell of an ego, or I speak the gospel truth! Comparing myself to 'er at every moment. Sure, I'm a genius...but I wouldn't want her to be callous and spiteful, unloved. Like me. He sighed. I must be pretty damn lucky to have met her.

* * * * *

John awoke the next morning squeezing Beth tightly, and scared himself when he realised what he was doing. He noticed that Beth was peacefully sleeping, and decided to get them some breakfast. John carefully slid his arms away from her and went down to the kitchen.

* * * * *

John soon returned balancing a tray of hotcakes and syrup, toast, and milk (of the chocolate variety). He was rather proud of himself for having prepared the meal on his own. He sat the tray down beside the bed and kneeled at Beth's eye level. "Wake up, luv," he said. He rubbed her neck, and she awoke. "Mmm, 'ello John, an' good mornin'," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. "Right back at you. Hey, I figured you'd be hungry, so I made us breakfast," he said, holding up the tray. He picked it up and made his way to the other side of the bed. He set the tray between them, and they ate. "Feeling any better?" John asked. "Famished, and my head still hurts, but otherwise fine," Beth commented. "Thanks for everything." "Not a problem. I care."

"It's good to know someone does."

"Not just me, and you know it. Paul loves you too."

"You love me?"

"Yeah, I love you, but-"

"I understand. Completely."

"Good. And that's why."

"Likewise."

"But really, you know he loves you," John said. "I know," said Beth. "But I'm still not sure that I do." "He doesn't care, luv," said John. "Paul will be there when you decide." "And I'm glad," said Beth.

Breakfast was finished, and Beth stood up to take the tray to the kitchen (if she could find it!). A wave of dizziness washed over her, and she had to put the tray down. She fell to the floor, but sat up. John rushed to her to see what was the matter. "Whoo! I hadn't thought I'd be so dizzy," she admitted. John moved the tray, picked up Beth, and deposited her in the bed. "Let me get this," he said, motioning to the tray. "Yes, sir," said Beth, saluting. "Seriously, I don't want you getting hurt," John said, picking up the tray. He left to clean up, but hurried back.

When he returned, Beth had fallen asleep. Perhaps I woke her to early. He checked her over to make sure she was alright. He then decided to change. He took some jeans from the dresser, and grabbed a dress shirt from a hanger. John stole into the loo to change.

Meanwhile, Beth woke up. Oy vey, drifted off there! She noticed the opened dresser drawer, and the light pouring from the bathroom, and realised that John must be changing. She inspected her own stained blouse, rumpled skirt, and ruined nylons and realised that she would have to so the same. I wonder if he'll take me back to my flat?

John stepped out of the bathroom and saw that Beth had awoken. " 'Ey John, would you mind taking me back to my flat? I really need to change and take a shower," she said. "Well, here's the plan," John explained. "I was planning on taking you out to see a bit of London today, and your flat's a bit out of the way. Would you mind cleanin' up 'ere an' borrowin' some of Cyn's clothes? She's got a room full of 'em." "Sure, but don't you think she'll mind?" Beth asked. "You'll be okay as long as you don't sacrifice them to the clothing gods," John joked. He took her by the hand to be sure she didn't topple and led her to the bathroom. "The towels and the like are in this closet," John said, opening a door. He left her to take her shower.

* * * * *

As soon as she was cleaned up, Beth took the towels she had prepared and dried herself off. She wrapped them tightly around her to ensue that they didn't fall off. She then grabbed her pile of clothes she had worn the night before and came out of the bathroom.

John was a bit surprised to see her standing there in nothing but some towels, but managed to show her Cynthia's clothes room without blushing too much. Beth stepped inside and shut the door. He really wasn't joking. A whole room for clothes! Beth put on her bra and underwear from the day before (which were still pretty clean) and went about looking for an outfit.

Hmm. Something casual. Jeans! Beth searched the drawers until she found some jeans. She checked the size and discovered that Cyn wore just a couple inches bigger waist size, and that any of her jeans would fit. She chose a comfy, loose-fitting pair.

Next, she looked for a shirt. Beth found a mint green, long-sleeved wrap top in one of the closets. It was covered in embroidery. She tied the straps in the back, and removed her "turban" from her hair. On top of one of the dressers was a brush, and she used it to straighten her hair. As an afterthought, she pulled her hair out of the bristles and buried the clump in the wastebasket.

Now, what to do about shoes....Most women have smaller feet than I, so I doubt Cyn's shoes will fit. Oh well, might as well look. Beth found Cynthia's shoe closet. As she suspected, what was left was smaller than her foot. No 42's. Wait... Beth found a larger-looking pair of leather, cork-bottomed sandals hanging up. Yes! A size 42. I wonder why she'd have these? Oh, I get it! They must be John's! Beth put them on and folded up her dirty clothes. She took them with her as she went back into John's room.

John was finishing a conversation as she walked in. "Alright then, I'll tell her," he said. "See you there." He hung up the phone and saw Beth come in. "Who was that?" she asked. "Oh, I called Paul to let him know you're okay. He told me a couple things..." he teased. "And what would those be?" Beth queried. "First of all, he told me that George got the Ginger Ale, too, and found the culprits, so no worrying about that," John told her. "Last of all, he says he loves you." As he had a time before, John gave her an I-told-you-so look. Beth smiled. "Oh, and he told me that he wouldn't cut me into tiny pieces if I brought you back safely." This made her laugh. "So, what are we waiting for?" John said. "Let's go!" "Where should I put these?" said Beth. "Leave 'em in here, we'll get them later," John said. "And your purse is in my car. C'mon!"

* * * * *

They started out the day by shopping. John thought he'd dicovered Beth's weakness, which was true. They started out at a bookstore, which both of them enjoyed. Whenever one of them came upon a book, they agreed to share it because they both wanted to read it. "Hey, I'm buying them anyroad," John said. He picked up a book that was hidden behind some of the others. "Hmm, The Illustrated Kama Sutra. Don't worry, I'll let you borrow it when I'm done," he said. Beth was horrified! "What's wrong?" John asked. Beth stuttered. "I've n-never...." John laughed. "Oh, that's all," he said. "Nothin' to be ashamed of." "Still," Beth said. "I think that can go back on the shelf." John laughed and they made their way to the checkout.

After paying, they stepped outside to the car. They put their bags in the technicolor Rolls-Royce and walked down the street. They stopped at a women's boutique to look at clothes. "Well, I'm not too big on clothes," John laughed, "but I thought you might like it. Try some stuff on!" Beth got right to work.

She tried on a very art deco sleeveless sheath. It had large, distorted circles on it of many colors. Then she tried on a light Indian embroidered dress. It was featherweight, and it was black. She then tried on a few other things, which John agreed were great on her. He insisted on buying them, even though Beth protested. They then went off the stop at a few more places, and grew hungry. They made their way back to the car to go get something to eat.

John took them to Piccadilly, where they found a place to have some fish and chips, and some pints of beer. From there, they decided to play the tourist gig. John put on a hat that he could tip over his eyes so that he was hardly recognisable.

The first place they visited was a cathedral. It was known for its stained glass windows. Beth was amazed at how beautiful the whole place was. John also liked it, although he had been there before. Beth suddenly came up with an idea. "Hey, let's go out to the graveyard," she said. "I want to take a look at something." John followed her, although he was a bit confused at her motives.

"Now take a look at this," Beth said. They bent down to look at an epitaph on a gravestone. "Molly McCue, 1640-1699. Beloved wife and mother. Hers was the gift of gab, which could not be mistaken. Loved by many, and never forsaken," she recited. "See! There are so many of these stones that tell you about a person, and tell you what he or she was like. It gives one a sense of connection." "Yeah, that is pretty neat," John agreed. "Look at this one!"

Beth inspected it. "That's great! Y'know, I'll have to put something really neat on my stone. Something really interesting." "You talk as if you were going to die soon! Don't do that!" John said. "Don't worry, I won't die off any time soon," Beth assured him.

After visiting some more churches, they tok a trip to see Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. They also went to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. John found someone to use his camera to take a picture of them at the Beatles' exhibit. She posed with her arm around the figure of John and acted surprised as John pecked her on the cheek. (Needless to say, all parties involved had a laugh when the pictures were developed.)

Their next stop was at Abbey Road Studios. "Why are we stopping here?" Beth asked. "I promised Paul we'd stop in," John said. "Can you tell me why?" she asked. "No, but I'll give you a hint: A bird with a song is worth millions without." Beth was bewildered by this comment, but shrugged it off. They went inside to meet Paul.

Hey, that's the end of Chapter Four! Be sure to check out the next Chapter!

Needless to say, this work is copyrighted. All work is mine alone and shall not be copied directly. All information given is fictional; this didn't really happen. You may borrow ideas, but only if they have distinctly different product in your work.