TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE
THE BEGINNING OF THE END!!!!!
CHAPTER 21
BY SUE
Remember I donÕt own the Beatles or their families. This is a fan
fiction from my warped mindÉÉ.
It had started raining as John and George entered Abbey Road
Studios. It was a drizzle really and they both shook their heads as a dog would
to get the droplets off. Hanging their coats up they walked to studio two.
Opening up the door they saw that theyÕd have to set up the equipment.
John was quiet on the ride over; his head still gave a light pound
to it. He began to set things up as George stood there for a moment knowing
that the time had finally come. He wondered what surprise the alternate
universe had been talking about in the dream last night. He shook his head as
John gave him a look.
ÒYa gonna Ôelp me then?Ó JohnÕs eyes narrowed as he stared at
George and then turned as he moved a mic into position.
Ò Yeah Ò George answered quietly and then took out some guitars,
setting them on there stands. He knew it was just a practice tonight and felt
himself moving slowly as he helped. He couldnÕt help the awful feeling he had.
HeÕd feel better when Rita came. Hell, heÕd feel better tomorrow, or so he
hoped. He didnÕt realize he had stopped and was just staring at nothing.
John straightened up holding his guitar in his hand. He looked at
George staring at nothing and not moving. Ò DonÕt think of it mate. ItÕll just
fuck up yer head.Ó John told him knowingly.
ÒItÕs an eventuality thatÕs stuck in me head. ItÕs goin ta
happen.Ó George stared at the floor, his stomach in knots.
ÒThe more you worry the more you cloud that brain and makin me
nervous. We wouldnÕt be needing your brain all nesh now would we.Ó John winked
at George as he pulled up a chair.
ÒSÕposen not.Ó George smiled thankfully at John who pulled a face
and then sat to tune his guitar.
George laughed at JohnÕs spastic face and then started tuning his
guitar too. They heard the door open and saw Ringo step through it.
ÒHey allÓ Ringo said in a chipper voice and then smiled at his two
friends. He walked over to his drums, and then his face became perplexed. Ò
SumeoneÕs been messin with me kit over here. Ò The drummer said annoyed as he
started to fix it back to the way he had it.
Ò Dunno, havenÕt fingered yer drums luv.Ó John wore an impish grin
as he joked with Ringo.
ÒWell by now youÕd think the gits wouldnÕt be touchin Ôem.Ó Ringo
said calming down a bit from JohnÕs joke as he finished.
A few minutes later the door swung opened as Paul entered with his
arm around Rita. Both entered the room smiling with a glow about them. They
both walked over to the other three Beatles.
John looked up and wiggled his brow, Ò I think sex is in the air.
Look at that satisfied glow on Ôim there mates. Although Rit I could satisfy ya
better luv. Could show ya sume things.Ó John grinned wickedly at her.
ÒOh I believe I am quite satisfied, but I thank you for the offer
John.Ó Rita smiled as she squeezed her arm tighter around PaulÕs waist.
Ò Gizzit a rest son.Ó Paul jokingly warned John.
George got up and walked over to Paul. Ò Need yer keys mate.Ó
GeorgeÕs right palm opened as he held it out. Paul nodded, letting go of Rita
he gave George his keys and then disappeared up into the control room to talk
to George Martin.
Paul walked in dropping his coat on the chair and went over to
George.
Ò We gonna record these right?Ó he asked.
ÒYes I have the tapes already to go when the four of you are
ready. I do need to be home at an early hour though.Ó The producer told Paul.
Paul smiled, Ò WifeÕs been givin you the business has she?Ó
Ò IÕm afraid so. I believe you wonÕt be needing me the whole night
since this is a practice.Ó George said as he fiddled with the console.
ÒNaw, go off early, make the wife Ôappy. We can Ôandle a
practice.Ó Paul assured George Martin.
Ò Good show. Then I will leave in an hour or so. I know you lads
can handle the console if need be and cut it off when time.Ó The older man
waited for an answer.
ÒSure, weÕll cut it when weÕre done then.Ó Paul squeeze the
producers shoulder and then went back to the studio and informed the others of
what George Martin had told him.
No one notice the annoyed look on JohnÕs face as Paul stepped in
and told them all what was going to happen.
Rita cornered George before they started. He looked at her calm
face and the flutter of nerves in his stomach dissipated.
ÒGood, you have PaulÕs keys. I am going to set up a few things in
the next room in case itÕs needed. Then IÕll just watch you all.Ó Rita
explained.
ÒIf ya stay in Ôere you need to be quiet, unless yer gonna go to
the control room.Ó George reminded her.
Rita kissed George on the cheek. Ò DonÕt worry I will be very
quiet, you will never know I am here. I donÕt want to sit in that small room.Ó
George watched Rita go into the next room. After Rita set up she
came out and sat quietly in a chair by the door. Rita listened while the
BeatleÕs work their magic to pull a few songs together. The time was floating
by and she got lost in the wonderful harmonies and music they made when they
werenÕt discussing how to improve it. Paul had been a bit critical on his song,
which wasnÕt unusual for him. Rita could feel and see JohnÕs growing annoyance
and frustration as the night rolled on.
Rita looked to George; he turned feeling her stare. He felt the
change in John too, Rita thought as their eyes met. She could see GeorgeÕs face
held a worried look to it.
The night grew on and the lateness made them a bit weary. Cups of
tea scattered the studio with over flowing ashtrays that Mal had tried to keep
up with. Finally they sent him home around 3am knowing they werenÕt done and
seeing their poor loyal friend trying to keep his eyes open.
Throughout the hours JohnÕs gander was growing. He threw out
sarcastic comments, only to be followed by just doing what he was supposed
todo. What Paul wanted him to do. When did he become the leader? He was used
the PaulÕs perfectionisms but this was too much. About 4 am John had had it
when he listened to a tune on the piano for what seemed like the fortieth time
that night. A stupid vaudeville song Paul wrote for his dad. He was used to
Paul sentimental shit, but this was way too much to swallow on an album, which
Paul had thought up and John hated. This intensified the feelings towards
everything as John threw his guitar in its stand.
ÒThis is all bollocks!Ó John huffed as he stormed out of the room
and into the control booth. He turned off the tapes and cut the power on the
console.
Paul watched John, as did the others. He cut everything and Paul
began to simmer. He lit a cigarette and then stormed up into the control room.
Paul opened the door to the room and then went over to the console
to turn things back on. John gave him a scowl.
Ò What the fuck ya think yer doin Macca?Ó John spat out, his eyes
glaring at Paul.
ÒWeÕre not done yet.Ó Paul told him while concentrating on turning
everything back on.
John moved to the console and turned everything off again. He
stood smugly against it so Paul couldnÕt turn it back on.
*********************************************************************************
Rita and the other two Beatles watched as the two started to have
words. They all knew it was coming. The shadows were pulling the strings as
George and Rita moved together, with Ringo joining them.
Ò You think this is it then?Ó Ringo looked at the two.
Ò I think the shadows are now in full control.Ó Rita stated not
taking her eyes off of the two men.
Ò This is my dream.Ó George mumbled. It felt strange to see it
really happening. Everything he had figured out. The months of dreams he had
been having where now a reality.
Ringo shook George from his thoughts. He noticed how George too didnÕt
stop watching the scene in the control room as it unraveled.
Ò But you have Ôis keys. Ôe aint goin anywhere tonight.Ó Ringo
reminded them.
George wondered about that as he remembered what the shadow said.
Rita could feel what George was thinking and knew he was right.
Ò Should we stop them?Ó George asked Rita only taking his eyes off
the two men for a moment.
Ò CanÕt, they would only keep it up. They are puppets in the
shadows hands and donÕt realize it at this point.Ó Rita informed George and
Ringo.
Ò Ya gotta do sumethin.Ó Ringo begged the two of them.
Ò No, it needs to play out some and then it will finish. Paul
canÕt drive without his keys.Ó Rita reminded Ringo. She felt a chill come over
her as she told him this. Was there something else? Something she was
forgetting? She felt the shadows, the chill and the opening of the door to the
alternate universe. She wondered if George was as in tune to this as she was.
She shivered and he automatically put his arm around her and then he too knew
what she had been thinking and feeling. Helpless for now they could only watch
the two friends fight viciously with one another.
**************************************************************************************
The anger rose again inside John. If John had been a bull smoke
would have been snorting out of his nose like one of those cartoons Paul
thought. He held back his laughter knowing it would only further the anger he
saw in his friend.
ÒWho the fook do you think you are? YouÕre trying to take me band
over with youÕre pansy arse ideas!Ó John voiced loudly.
Paul was taken aback by JohnÕs statement, ÒIÕm not trying to take
over the band, just had some good ideas is all. The otherÕs like them.Ó Paul
tried to be calm, but he knew at this stage of the game he couldnÕt reason with
John.
John spit on the floor, Ò TheyÕll do anything to shut you up.
YouÕre a control freak you are. May I remind you how you got here? Ya joined me
band, if ya hadnÕt you would Ôave never been a Beatle. Would Ôave been a
bloomin English teacher. Me band The Beatles gave ya the image that ya love at
that and I chose to invite ya in laddie. Ò John pushed his index finger into
PaulÕs chest as he finished the last part of his statement.
Ò I know that John and together weÕve made history. WeÕve written
the greatest songs as the Beatles.Ó Paul reminded him, moving back away from
his finger.
Ò No, yer songs are crap, shite they are. If you didnÕt Ôave me
theyÕd never Ôappen. Ya think you can do it without me Macca? I think not! If
things were to end tomorrow, IÕd be the one whoÕd make it.Ó John fumed.
Paul felt his anger starting to get the best of him. He knew John
saw this and also knew heÕd take advantage of it.
ÒMy songs are good and ya know it. We might not be writing
together as we used to, but we still help one another with them.Ó Paul told
John through gritted teeth.
ÒOh right, forgot son ya get all the A sides. ThatÕs only Ôcause
ya sold out and
write what they want to Ôear. Ya donÕt write the truth, from the
Ôeart. I write the truth, I do and people just donÕt always want ta Ôear da
truth. No, they want to Ôear your pansy arse stuff, feel good muzack I think
they call it now.Ó John pushed Paul more, liking the feeling of getting to him.
He could see PaulÕs usual composure fading and couldnÕt wait for it to
completely fall.
PaulÕs face turned red, he put his hands on his hip so he wouldnÕt
punch John. His brow knitted as his brain took in what John was saying.
ÒI donÕt write pansy arse muzack as you put it. I have come up
with some gear ideas and like you, have pushed the boundaries in the music
field and so has George for that matter.Ó
ÒGeorge writes from the Ôeart he does. You just like to control
everything. That Sgt. Pepper shite is just that, a pile of shite, rubbish fer
the bin! What bout that old fart song you want to record? I donÕt want it on
the album, nor do I want that stupid bloody concept stuff. ItÕs bullocks and ya
know it. Oh wait, yer the famous Paul Mcfartney, yer ideas are the most. Cor,
Paul you even listen ta yer stuff? No truth to it, just plain rubbish.Ó John
chastised him. He wanted a reaction, wanted to see Paul blow up at the truth
and make himself feel better in the process.
Paul started to pace around, Ò YouÕre an ungrateful prat! I was
the one to push ya ta write songs, showed ya the right bloomin chords too
instead of that banjo crap!Ó PaulÕs voice raised an octave as he told John.
Ò Me mum showed me those, would Ôave figured the right chords out
soon enough ya berk!Ó John stated defensively then focused back on what he
really wanted. Now, he just had to push a bit harder and maybe theyÕd even come
to have a brawl.
ÒWhy donÕtcha admit it son. YaÕd be nothin without me balancing
youÕre so called songs. Blimey Paul, ya write shite, the best part of yer songs
are the parts I Ôelp ya with.Ó John laughed with angered sarcasm. He stood up
from the console and drew closer to Paul.
ÒYou bloody fuckin egotistical arse!Ó Paul yelled as he stared
incredulously at John.
ÒNo, got it wrong again mate. Yer the Egotistical maniac of the
band and all know it. Sgt bloody fookin Pepper is ridiculous. Yer just a tosser
from the Pool whose Ôeads gotten to big fer im!Ó John stared smugly as he stood
toe to toe with Paul, waiting for the first punch.
Paul didnÕt disappoint him as he drew back his fist and throttled
John with it. John, being caught off guard wasnÕt steady enough to stand up to
the blow as he thought he was. He wheeled back into the wall.
ÒYa want more mate, or you gonna stop this bleedinÕ
shite?!Ó Paul looked hard at John. John pushed himself off the wall and they
fell to the ground fighting. Punches flew, John getting out the pent up anger
that had been growing all night, and Paul defending himself.
ÒFor fook sakes John! Stop this malarkey!Ó Paul yelled, wiping the
blood from his mouth and giving John a disgusted look as he stood up.
ÔI think not Paulie ole boy.Ó John laughed as he too wiped blood
from himself and stood up.
ÒRight then, IÕm offÓ Paul took his coat and found a set of keys
in the pocket. He then marched out the door slamming it hard. He had to go
before something more happened. His feelings hurt more then the beating as
tears stung the cut on his lip. He headed down the hall for his car, determined
to just get away.
John leaned against the wall smiling at getting a rise from his
mate. He sat on a chair and looked at his watch. Nov. 9th 4:40 a.m.,
Christ, he thought, they werenÕt supposed to drive tonight, Paul wasnÕt
supposed to drive. Fuck, he thought as he pushed himself up from the chair,
swung the door opened and stumbled down the hall.
All John could hear was George and RitaÕs warnings. Sorrow hit him
as he hurried down the hall only to see George running out the door into the
pouring rain.
Rita knew she had to stop John as George went after Paul in order
to stop him. The keys! That must have been what the shadows meant by having a
surprise of their own. She cursed herself for not realizing as she firmly
planted herself in JohnÕs way.
John tried to push by Rita, desperate to get to the door and to
Paul. He couldnÕt understand why this small girl was getting in his way. He
tried to shove by her and was surprised at her strength.
Ò I have to get Ôim! I didnÕt mean it, dunno what came over me.Ó
John pleaded with Rita as she held her hands flatly on his chest.
Ò The shadows John. It was the shadows controlling you. They even
made sure Paul had another key. You canÕt go, you must stay or they will win!Ó
Rita panted as she tried hard to hold John back.
John stopped pushing and looked curiously at her. Ò Those fooking
shadows again. George will be kilt too Rit. We Ôave ta stop Ôem!Ó John told her
fearfully as he thought of his two best mates dying. A tear ran down his face
and then another, he bashfully swiped them away.
Ò No John, they wonÕt. I think if I can help George, connect with
him then there is a chance. He isnÕt a part of this.Ó Rita quickly told him.
She just wanted to get him into the studio and her into the room she prepared
for herself.
Ò ÔOw do ya know they didnÕt put him in me place then?Ó John eyed
her questionably. He stood still waiting for her answer.
Ò They didnÕt ok? Just get back in the studio we are wasting
precious time.Ó She exclaimed excitedly.
John shook his head as he ran after her back into the studio. He
saw Ringo sitting with a long worried face. Rita put her hand on his shoulder.
Ò I need you to keep John here and safe. I need to get to the
other room to help them.Ó Rita told Ringo urgently.
Ringo shot up and looked between Rita and John.
Ò Ya stayin Ôere as the girl says.Ó Ringo spat forcefully.
John had hardy ever seen this part of Ringo. As a matter of fact
he couldnÕt remember the last time. Was it one of the fights John had with Paul
or George? Or was it in Hamburg when John was drunk and out of control? Then
again, he thought he had gotten that way many times since Hamburg. Either way
he nodded at the drummer and sat down, not feeling very happy as Rita scampered
off to the other room.
The rain was torrential as George pushed his way into PaulÕs car.
He could feel his soaked clothes rub against the seat, his hair dripping down
his face and the chill that ran through him. He looked at a very angry and
upset Paul who also sat in a puddle as the water ran from his coat and cloths.
Paul couldnÕt believe George had jumped into the car as he
squealed away from the curb. What the hell was he doing? Did John send him?
Lost in his feelings he didnÕt even remember what day it was or even what was
supposed to happen. All he knew was his best mate had hurt him more then
physically. Hearing the acerbic words from JohnÕs mouth had almost kilt him. He
wiped his dripping hair from his eyes and tossed his shaggy mane back as he
glared at George and then back at the road.
ÒWhyÕda jump in me car?Ó Paul asked defensively. Before George
could answer Paul continued.
ÒJohn told ya ta get me. I know he did. Who the fook does he thing
he is? He say me songs are crap along with me ideas. Tells me I would be
nothing without him and just goes spare on me! IÕm not to keen on bein treated
like this. Pepper is a great idea and me songs arenÕt crap!Ó Paul ranted to
George and then the hurt sent in a little more.
George knew the gravity of the situation, but knew he had to try
to clean this up as quickly as he could.
ÒLook Paul ya know how Lenny is. He spouts off with Ôis gob before
thinkin. Unfortunately he is harsher with Ôis mates. Ya know Ôe didnÕt mean it
and Pepper is a fab idea. Give Ôim sume time to think, ÔeÕll cum around he
will. John never sent me to get ya, Ôe was cumin Ôimself. I just thought better
of it if I came. Ò George explained hoping to calm Paul so he could go on and
remind him of the situation.
Paul ran his sleeve across his face trying to make it look as if
he was wiping the rainwater instead of tears. George knew better, but turned
away as not to embarrass Paul any further.
Ò Ya just canÕt do that ta people over and over again and expect
them to fergive ya or to turn a blind eye to it.Ó Paul answered quietly.
Ò No you canÕt, but thatÕs our John and I know Ôe will apologise
fer Õis ways. We have more important things going on right now.Ó George
emphasized the last part to Paul.
Ò DonÕtÕ you remember itÕs the 9th and about
the accident? I took yer keys and the alternative universe made sure you had
another set in yer coat. Ò George watched PaulÕs reaction and then looked out
at the roadway. The car sped along faster then George wanted and the rain
poured down in buckets making it hard to see.
:Ó I took yer keys remember?Ó George pushed his hand into the
pocket of his wet jeans. It was hard to get his hand in them as he fished for
the keys he had taken from Paul earlier. To his surprise they were no longer in
there.
ÒTheyÕre not here!Ó George exclaimed.
Paul realized what George was saying and for the first time in an
hour all the events leading up to this moment came flooding back into his mind.
ÒCor George I reckon I fergot about it. The shadows gave me back
my key so their destiny would play out?Ó Paul glanced over wondering if he were
correct.
George sat sideways, his hand on the dash so he could both see
Paul and the road.
ÒYes and they played you and John like puppets to have that fight
remember?Ó
Paul shook his head, bewildered on how he had forgotten and let
them take over.
Ò I made sure John stayed so heÕd be safe and now you have to stop
the car so weÕll be safe.Ó George explained. It was then that he realized that
his dream was again happening. The car was once again going in the opposite way
that Paul had been driving and was head towards Charring crossing. Alarmed he
looked to Paul.
Ò Paul weÕre Ôeadin fer the intersection. Like the dreams and
visions the car has been put in the direction that the alternate universe wants
it, just like they took the keys from me pocket and put it back in yours.Ó
Both Paul and George noticed that the car was now moving
faster and the rain veiled over the windscreen like a curtain making it hard to
see.
George watched the familiar area and he could feel his heart
thumbing in his chest.
Ò Ya gotta turn around Paul!Ó George told him more urgently.
Ò Ya know I canÕt. I have no control. I wasnÕt heading this way
and now itÕs as if they are controlling me to drive this way!Ó Paul voice great
louder the fear emanate in it
ÒShite!Ó George said his own fear coming out. He could see PaulÕs
face had paled at the realization of what would happen.
Paul was scared out of his mind. Now, instead of John he would take
George with him. Why hadnÕt he thought? How could he have forgotten? Everything
played quickly through his mind. Oh God please donÕt let us die! ThatÕs what
screamed in his head as he took in the sights that would lead them to their
death.
George felt just as Panicked. What was he to do know? How could he
stop this from happening? Suddenly a calmness fell over him and he heard RitaÕs
voice talking to him.
Ò George you are not a part of this. You must take over and
drive the car. Stop this from happening.Ó Rita told him as calmly as she could.
Ò How? Ò George answered her back in his mind.
Ò Push over and get between Paul and the wheel. Kick him if you
must or do what you must to make him release the wheel and move his foot. Then
you can bring the car under control.Ó Rita explained.
Ò Will it work?Ó George asked.
Ò It must. You are not a part of this; you cannot be controlled
as he can. Now move swiftly and be safe.Ó Rita answered and then her voice was
gone.
Suddenly George slid to the right and threw his leg over the
console onto PaulÕs lap. He found himself half on PaulÕs lap and half on the
console.
ÒWhat are you doing Harri?Ó Paul asked startled at the sudden
weight of George halfway on his lap.
Ò I am not a part of this and I can stop it now. Move your hands
from the wheel!Ó George tensely shouted.
ÒCanÕt, I canÕt move me feet or hands!Õ Paul shouted excitedly
back at George.
George hated to do it, but it was the only way. He kicked an
unexpected Paul, hard in the shin and then pounded his arms. The pain made
PaulÕs hands and foot move as George wanted. Before he could put them back
George was on PaulÕs lap, his hands on the wheel and his feet on the pedals. He
had driven mini go-carts in the states and a few racing cars, so the closeness
to the steering wheel didnÕt bother him. He felt awkward about sitting on
PaulÕs lap, but the thought left as he saw the intersection coming up ahead of
them.
ÒGeorge the intersection and the light just turned Red!!!!!Ó Paul
yelled fearfully.
Ò I know hold on!Ó George shouted back to his mate as both saw a
pretty blonde girl standing under an umbrella to protect herself from the rain.