Chapter 34

“Olivia, love, are you alright in there?” I heard Paul’s voice through the bathroom door. I breathed out deeply as I stared down at the fresh water filling the toilet. Being pregnant stinks. My voice crackled,
“Yeah, I’m okay,” I said tasting the inevitable flavor in my mouth.
“Well, I’m off to George’s house,” he said. I stood up and opened the door to see Paul leaning on the wall beside it. He smiled weakly, and stood up straight, “I’m sorry you’re feeling like this love,”
“Ah, it’ll be over soon—now that I did that, I’m feeling better already,” I said smiling and getting a toothbrush from the cupboard, “You said you’re going to George’s?” I asked him putting loads of toothpaste on and brushing my teeth. He walked behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, and resting his chin on my left shoulder. He kissed my neck lightly and I had to smile.
“Yeah, we’re going to record a demo tape of songs for our next album,” he explained looking at the two of us in the mirror ahead. He lifted his head from my shoulder as I bent over and cleared my mouth of toothpaste. After rinsing I turned around to face Paul, his arms still around me.
“Oh, well that should be fun,” I told him putting my arms around his neck, standing on my tiptoes, and kissing him. He pulled me closer for a deeper kiss then pulled away.
“I hate leaving you,” he told me resting his forehead on mine. He gave me an Eskimo kiss and I laughed.
“Well, I don’t like you leaving me either, but this is your job. If you don’t go, there won’t be anymore songs for the girls to faint over,” I said and he laughed.
“Ah, sure there will be,” he said smiling, “There are other bands and I’m not the only one in my band that comes up with good songs…the others are very talented too you know,”
“Oh I know, but naturally, I think you’re the best,” I said.
“Thanks love,” Paul replied smiling and kissing the tip of my nose, “Well, I should be on me merry way. You know George’s number, so call if you need anything,” he said looking concerned.
“Paul don’t look so worried! I’ll be fine, plus, I’m going out with Pattie today,”
“Oh really?”
“Yeah, we’re going to go shopping and get lunch,” I said then frowned, “Which I suppose is foolish since I won’t be looking like this for very long,” I didn’t want to get big. Paul grinned, but I could tell he was saddened because he knew what I was feeling.
“Nah, you’ll be back to this size before you know it love, plus, you’ll look beautiful nevertheless once you’re…well, fully pregnant,” he said sputtering on the last few words not clear on how he should put it. He wasn’t about to say ‘when you get fat’. I smiled.
“I’m glad you’re the man I was meant to live with during this,” I said and he smiled genuinely.
“Well, I should hope so,” he laughed, “But the question is, do I want to be living with you once the mood swings kick in? Did the nurse tell you when they happen—you know, so I can be prepared?” he asked and I laughed.
“No she didn’t, but don’t worry. I won’t be moody,” I said and Paul raised his eyebrows.
“That’s what they all say love—John told me about Cyn,”
“I’m not Cyn though, remember? I’m that sweet, innocent, 19 year old girl you met years ago who barely said a word,” I said batting my eyelashes at him. He chuckled.
“Yes well, we both know that’s changed…now I can’t get you to shut up!” he laughed full fledged now, “And we also know, you’re far from innocent,” he added raising his eyebrows up and down at me. I pushed him away from me, laughing
“Go to work you bully, you’re going to be late,” I said shaking my head and smiling. He came back over to me and gave me a kiss.
“Ah, but I’m always late though aren’t I?”
“True--but get outta here,”
“Yes, yes…I’m going,” he said laughing and leaving the bathroom. I sighed.
“I hope Yoko joins you,” I called after him and snickered because I knew he hated her. He quickly popped back into the bathroom surprising me.
“What did you say?” he asked raising his eyebrows at me and trying to hide his smile. I batted my eyelashes again.
“What on earth are you talking about? I said, I love you—Coco,” I said and I couldn’t help myself once I saw Paul close his eyes and laugh.
“You are a crazy bird you know that?” he asked coming to me and kissing me. I looked up at him with big eyes.
“But you still love me don’t you?” he smiled and put his lips on mine again. They were so warm and soft they filled me with tickles.
“Yes, of course I do,” he replied, “I’ll call you later on today,”
“Alright, I love you,” I said to him.
“Love you too,” he said disappearing for good. I sighed again and wondered if I should cancel my date with Pattie. It was pretty foolish that I would buy clothes for me now, and in 2 months they wouldn’t fit. And who knows, maybe Paul was wrong and I won’t be this size again afterwards…’I hope not’ I thought to myself going out to get some clothes. It was a gorgeous day in London so I pulled out a pink and white mini along with a white lacey top. I folded them and went into the bathroom to shower. I stripped my clothes off and just looked at myself in the mirror, mostly staring at my stomach. I touched it softly and smiled. Paul and my baby was in here. It was hard to believe really, that something so delicate and tiny was growing inside me. I hopped into the shower and scrubbed myself clean. I hopped out, put on my outfit for the day just in time for the phone to begin ringing in the other room. Quickly I ran out to it and picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Hey Olivia, its Pattie,” she said chipper.
“Hi! How are you?”
“Fabulous! You?”
“Great thanks,” I smiled.
“Well, Paul just got here and so I decided to see what time you wanted to meet for lunch?” she asked and I looked at the time. It was 11:32am.
“How hungry are you?” I asked embarrassed that I felt like I could eat a horse. ‘Must be the pregnancy kicking in’ I thought.
“Actually, I’m quite famished,” she giggled. I laughed.
“So am I,”
“Great! You wanna meet at The Living Room at noon?” she asked allowing us enough time to drive there.
“Yeah, that sounds good,” I responded.
“Alright, perfect,” she said, “Oh uh, Paul wants to talk to you, but I’ll see you in a bit,”
“Yep, bye Pattie,” I said waiting.
“Hey love,” Paul said into the phone. I smiled.
“What? You miss me already?” I laughed and so did he.
“Of course, you know me—I miss you the second I leave the house,”
“Ohhh,” I said sweetly and he chuckled.
“I need to ask you a favor,” he said.
“Alright, what’s that?”
“On me night stand is a little piece of paper with a number on it…I think is says Donovan,” he said.
“Uh, hold on let me go over and check,”
“Ta love,” he said and I set the phone down. I searched his nightstand, full of little papers with numbers and song ideas. Finally I found one that said Donovan, but as I turned to return back to the phone, I spotted one of his song ideas. I went back to the desk and picked it up lifting my left eyebrow. It was entitled ‘Why Don’t We Do It In The Road?” I read over the lyrics, and it just repeated that line over and over again, with the exceptional few lines saying ‘No one will be watching us,”. I laughed to myself and returned to the phone and picked it up.
“Okay, I got it.”
“Fab, what does it say?”
“Uh,” I started and he started laughing.
“What is it love, can’t read me handwriting?”
“Yes I can actually, but this I think was written kinda fast,”
“You’re right, I believe it was….just try and read it best you can,” he said chuckling. I started studying the piece of paper with little loops all over the place. He always had so many loops in his writing; it was hard to read normally—especially when he wrote fast.
“I believe it says, 720- uh,” I paused, “34720,”
“34720,” he repeated, “That’s sounds about right.”
“Well if it’s not, I’m sorry,”
“Don’t even think on it love, it was me sloppy handwriting and it’s really not that important anyway,” he told me.
“Hey, can I ask you something?”
“Nah,” he answered and I laughed.
“Too bad, I’m asking you anyway,” I started and he laughed, “What is ‘Why Don’t We Do It in the Road?’” he laughed again.
“Oh so you found one of me song ideas aye?”
“Yeah—where did that come from?” I asked.
“When we were in India, I think you and I, well—,” he lowered his voice to just above a whisper, “I think we had gotten done making love and after you fell asleep, I went out to have a smoke. I was thinking about it naturally. Then I looked up in the tree and spotted two monkey’s just going at it, not a care in the world, you know—they didn’t care if anyone was watching. So I thought, well, why can’t humans do that? Make love anywhere they want to, without a care.” He chuckled.
“Wow, interesting,” I laughed.
“Yes, you’ll have to hear it when it’s finished—it’s directed to you, you know,” he said and I could hear the smile in his voice.
“You’re daft,” I told him and he laughed.
“Ah, ‘no one will be watching us’,” he quoted and I had to laugh.
“Sorry, first off, it wouldn’t be comfortable secondly, no just cuz,”
“Alright love, we won’t do it in the road,” he laughed, although I figured he was never serious anyway.
“Okay, well have a fun day and I’ll see you later tonight?” I asked not sure.
“Yep, I’ll be home before dinner,” he said, “Pattie just left so I should let you go,”
“Alright, bye Paul,”
“Love you Liv’,”
“Love you Paulie,” I said and he laughed. We hung up and I put the piece of paper back on Paul’s stand. I grabbed my purse from the closet and headed downstairs. Years ago Paul had bought me a little green Mini, so I hopped in the right side and headed to The Living Room. When I got there, Pattie was sitting outside waiting for me. She smiled and waved her hands as I came near.
“Olivia!” she said as we embraced for a hug. Along with Cyn, Pattie and I had gotten pretty close. We would spend many days hanging out, shopping, and going to movies while our men were working hard at making more number ones. Maureen was always with Zac so she didn’t join as often, however every once and a while she would. Cyn was somewhat the same, because of Julian. So a lot of the time it was just Pattie and I.
“Hey, long time so see!” I laughed. She smiled and giggled.
“Come ‘ead I’m hungry!” she said and we headed back to the table. The waiter laid two menu’s down for us and took our drink orders. Pattie and I both ordered wine.
“Gosh, it’s gorgeous today,” I said feeling the soft breeze through my hair.
“Isn’t it though? Unusual for London and Liverpool,” Pattie agreed as the waiter set down our drinks and we ordered. As much as I wanted to order a ton, I kept back to usual.
“So what have you been up to? I haven’t seen you in weeks,” I said taking a sip of wine. She smiled.
“Oh, I’ve been busy. George, myself, Ringo, and Maureen flew to France for the Wonderwall premiere,” she informed me. The Wonderwall was a film in which George wrote the soundtrack for.
“Yes, I heard about that! How was it?”
“Oh Olivia, France is so beautiful!” she said making her eyes big, “I had a blast,”
“I’m glad, it sounded fun,” I smiled.
“So…,” she paused giving me a strange look, “What’s new with you?”
“Uh, not much really,” I said feeling somewhat like she knew that I was pregnant. Paul and I hadn’t discussed keeping it a secret or not, but I assumed we were the only two that knew, “Well, Paul and I set a date,” I said trying to change the subject and taking another sip of wine because my throat was dry.
“No! When, when?!” she replied excitedly grabbing my hand. I laughed.
“A couple days before Paul’s 26 birthday….I think were shooting for June 15,” I told her getting excited myself. I beamed.
“Oh how exciting,” she said, “Big or small?” I shrugged.
“Uh, well, June 15 is in 3 weeks, so we are going to shoot for a medium sized one…you know, kinda like yours and George’s. Invite close friends and family,”
“Am I invited?” she asked and I laughed, “Of course, all of you girls are! I still have to give Cyn and Maureen a call,” ‘In fact, I still have to call my family’ I thought. Not looking forward to that moment I pushed the thought out of my head.
“Gear! I’m so happy for you Olivia…you and Paul are so perfect,” she said and I smiled and swear I saw her hesitate, “Can I ask you something?” she lowered her voice. I nodded.
“Sure,” knowing what was coming.
“Are you pregnant?” she asked so low I barely heard her. I directed my eyes away from her, not wanting to look her in the eyes. I was somewhat ashamed becoming pregnant before I was married. Back in those days, that was really frowned upon, “Olivia? It’s alright, you can tell me…” I looked back at her and she had sympathetic eyes.
“Yeah, 2 ½ months,” I said just as quiet. She smiled sweetly and touched my hand, “How did you know?”
“Well, I guess Paul was talking to John about it, and George naturally wanted in. I’m sorry if I just got Paul in trouble, but-”
“You didn’t get him in trouble…we didn’t really talk about if we were telling now or not.” I smiled. She continued to smile sweetly knowing how I must feel.
“It’s nothing to be ashamed of. You and Paul are so in love, you were going to get married anyway…” she paused, “It wasn’t like poor Cyn and John,” I felt bad thinking about how John probably really didn’t love Cyn and what he did to her with Yoko, “and George said when Paul was talking about it, he really seemed happy,” Pattie continued.
“He did?” I asked and Pattie nodded.
“Oh yeah…George said he’d never seen him so happy. I guess he was jumbling his sentences all around and everything,” I laughed.
“Paul does that anyway,” I said and Pattie laughed.
“That’s true, but this time he was doing it because he was excited. I’m so happy for you guys! You are going to be such a perfect family….The McCartney’s,” she said and I had to smile picturing my future with Paul. We paused for a minute as the waiter dropped our food off and left. I continued,
“Will you go baby shopping and stuff with me?” I asked her and her face lit up.
“Oh will I? Of course, I thought you’d never ask!” she laughed.
“Thanks Pattie,” I smiled.
“No problem—so do you want a boy or a girl?”
“Actually, we are both hoping for a little girl,” I said and Pattie made a ‘that’s-so-adorable’ face, “Any names yet?” she asked curiosity getting the best of her.
“We haven’t really talked about it, but I think Paul likes Stella for a girl’s name. I kinda am particular to Mary for some reason—and of course if it’s a boy, we’ll continue Paul’s generation and name him James Paul. There’s no doubt about that one,”
“Oh yeah, I forgot about that. How many generations have done that, do you know?” I had to think for a second,
“Um, his great grandfather, his grandfather, and his farther…so what? Three,” I said figuring it. She smiled, “Four if you include Paul,” I added.
“Wow, that’s a lot of generations! Very gear though,” she said and I nodded. We ate in silence for a while and my mind was just racing with thoughts. Afterwards we paid the bill and walked out of the restaurant towards downtown.
“So, where to first?” Pattie asked. I shrugged,
“Hey do you think it’s dumb that I’m shopping when I won’t be able to fit into my clothes for the next 6 months,” I asked. Her face was full of thought.
“Hmm, I don’t know. Being so skinny, you’ll probably get right back to this size, so you could purchase a few things,” she suggested. I agreed and we were off. I did buy a couple things and we parted, me heading back to Paul and my house at Cavendish Ave. I walked in and Martha greeted me.
“Hey Martha, are you hungry?” I asked her and she barked. I moved my way into our kitchen and fixed Martha a meal. I looked at the clock and it was 5pm, Paul should be home soon. As Martha gobbled down her food I put my clothes upstairs. I made my way downstairs as the phone rang.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Olivia luv, how are you?” I recognized the familiar woman’s voice and smiled.
“Hello Aunt Jin, how are you?”
“Oh perfect, dear. Yourself?” Aunt Jin asked.
“Very well, thanks,”
“Guess what I made?” she asked me and I had to think.
“Is it food?”
“Oh dear girl, what a question! Me, make food?” she asked and I could hear the laughter. It was a pretty dumb question to ask her. She was known for her homemade pies and cobbler—one of Paul’s favorite as a kid, and now mine. She was a fantastic cook.
“I suppose that was rather foolish of me. Clue me in Aunt Jin, I can’t stand it anymore!” I laughed.
“I made you and Paulie’s favorite, just fresh out of the oven,” she said and my stomach churned with hunger.
“Oh you can’t be talking about your Berry Cobbler?” I asked and she laughed.
“I wouldn’t speak of anything else!”
“You’re making me drool!” I laughed.
“Have you and Paulie eaten yet? Jim is just putting in a roast with potatoes,” she said, “I was calling to see if you two would like to join us for dinner. We haven’t seen you in so long,” I smiled. I loved his family.
“Paul and I actually haven’t eaten, but Paul’s not home. He should be soon though,” I said looking at the clock that now read 5:30pm.
“Alright, well when he gets home tell him his dear Auntie called and would like you two to join us. If you’re late, we’ll save some for you and you can heat it up when you get here. We’d love to see your glowing faces,” she said and again I couldn’t help but smile.
“Will do Aunt Jin, thank you so much. I’m sure we’ll be there,”
“Fabulous,” she answered, “I’d better get going and help Jim in the kitchen,”
“Alright,”
“Love you dear,” she said.
“Love you Aunt Jin,” I replied and we hung up. I walked over to the couch and pulled out a book and began reading. It wasn’t much longer till Paul was home. I turned to see him come through the door.
“Hey Paul, how was today?” I asked him and he smiled at me as he set his keys down on the entry table. He walked over and crashed down on the couch next to me.
“Oh it was great. Got a lot of things done—however, I’m famished. Are you hungry?” he asked kissing me hello.
“Yeah, but we’ve been invited somewhere,” I told him. He raised his eyebrows.
“Oh yeah? By who?”
“Well, about an hour ago a lovely lady called and informed me that she had just pulled Berry Cobbler out of the oven,” I started and Paul sat straight up, eyes big.
“Aunt Jin!?” he asked and I smiled.
“Yeah, she invited us over for dinner. Your dad is making, well made, roast and potatoes. She said if we don’t make it for dinner they’ll save some for us and warm it up when we get there.”
“Hell yeah! Anything for me dad’s roast and Aunt Jin’s Berry Cobbler!” Paul said standing up. I stood up with him, “You do want to go don’t you?” he asked me.
“Of course!” I said and he leaned over to kiss me.
“Gear, let’s go,” he said grabbing his keys once more from the entry table and he locked up the house. We walked to his Austin Princess and headed towards the McCartney’s. Paul held my hand, and suddenly squeezed it. “Hey love, I’ve got great news,”
“What?” I asked turning to him.
“I called St. Barnabas Church…” he started. St. Barnabas Church was located on Penny Lane and Paul belonged to it’s choir and a young boy so we decided to get married here. It was really a beautiful antique looking church with stained glass windows. I looked at him eagerly.
“And? And what did they say?” I asked and he laughed.
“We’re in. We’re reserved to get married at St. Barnabas Church on June 15,” he said leaned over and kissing me quickly. I beamed with delight.
“You are incredible…it’s going to be so beautiful,” I said squeezing his hand, “I can’t wait,” he smiled.
“Neither can I love,” he said, “There is something else though,”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, see, I know the wedding is a secret and everything, but you know the press…it’s bound to get out. So, I’ve devised a plan.” He said acting like a detective. I had to laugh.
“And what is this brilliant plan of yours Mr. McCartney?” I asked as if I was a reporter and he chuckled and with a lower more manly voice said,
“Well, Miss Newton, and future Mrs. McCartney, the only people we are to tell about St. Barnabas Church is the people invited. However, rather than letting the press snoop around, I’m going to announce our marriage, instead saying it’s at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral--still on June 15. That way they’re more than likely to show up there, but by the time they realize that nothings going to happen, they’ll be too late and miss ours.” He finished nodding, “Now what do you think about that?”
“I think you are a brilliant man Mr. McCartney!” I said kissing his cheek as we parked in front of the McCartney home.
“Fab-ulous!” he said laughing at himself. Speaking normal as we got out of the car he added, “Of course there are going to be some press there. It’s impossible to completely dodge them,”
“I understand, and I don’t mind.” I said as he took my hand and he helped me out. I stopped him once in front of his father’s gate.
“What is it love?” Paul turned back to me.
“Um, I know you told the guys,” I said and Paul had a guilty face.
“I’m sorry love, I didn’t know if I wasn’t supposed to or not. I was just so happy I had to tell someone—they aren’t going to slip, I promise,” he said moving closer to me. I smiled.
“I’m not angry with you Paul, I was just wondering if we could keep it from the families. You know, don’t tell mine or yours till closer to. They’ll figure it out no doubt, but, I’d just feel more comfortable…I don’t want them to get a wrong impression on why we are getting married,” I said and Paul smiled leaning down and kissing me.
“It’s done love, the family won’t know a thing,” he said and I smiled, “I was actually thinking along the same lines of you. I think it’s almost impossible to gather wrong assumptions for our marriage, considering we’ve been previously engaged and planning on it baby or not, but I can also see how being our families they might take it wrong. So yes, no family knowledge of the baby till after we are married,” he said kissing me again.
“I thought I heard someone out here!” Paul and I pulled from each other, grins spreading across our faces. Paul took my hand and we walked through the gate.
“Hey Aunt Jin, how are you?” he asked giving her a hug. She embraced him then moved to me.
“Wonderful! Are you kids’ hungry then?”
“Famished,” Paul said grinning and we followed her into the house. His dad was sitting on his normal chair reading the paper, and I saw a quick glimpse of Mike as he walked through the living room.
“You two sit down and I’ll heat up your supper,” Aunt Jin said.
“Alright, thanks Auntie Jin,” Paul replied and his dad turned around with a smile. He set down his newspaper and stood up giving Paul and hug.
“Hello son, haven’t seen you in a while,” he said as they pulled away.
“Yeah, it’s been a while. How you been Dad?” Paul asked smiling.
“Fine, oh fine,” he answered Paul with a smile, “Hello Olivia, luv, how are you?” Jim asked me hugging me and giving me a kiss on the cheek as he always did. I smiled.
“Good Jim thanks. It’s so nice to invite us over for dinner,” I said and he smiled.
“Oh, no need for thanks dear, we’d love for you to come around more often. We don’t see enough of our Paulie,” he chuckled as he messed Paul’s hair. Paul laughed.
“Ah, Dad,” he whined as if he was fifteen again and his dad was embarrassing him.
“Is that the Whacker I hear?” we heard Mike’s far off voice. He entered the room smiling, “It is the Whacker!” he laughed approaching us. Paul laughed.
“Hey Mikey, how’s it hanging?” Paul asked giving his younger a big hug.
“Ah, Paul you know I hate it when you call me Mikey,” Mike said making a face then embracing me. I smiled.
“Hi Mike,” I said.
“Hello luv,” he replied, “How are you?”
“Great thanks,” I said and Paul scuffed Mike’s hair.
“Ah, Paul,” Mike huffed.
“Mikey, my little brother, do you not know by now that it just gives me great pleasure annoying you? I’m the older brother it’s me job,” Paul laughed along with myself and his dad. Mike rolled his eyes.
“Older by bloody 18 months,” he shot back acting two. He fixed his hair and Paul messed it up again laughing. Mike gave him a brotherly slug, the fire of a challenge burning in his eyes. A grin crept across Paul’s face.
“Oh so you wanna play like that do ya? Mikey, Mikey, Mikey,” he said shaking his head, grabbing Mike (who was taken buy surprise), putting him in a headlock and giving him a noogie, “I’ve beaten you at this since we were kids…what makes you think it’ll change?”
“You never know, I’ve gotten stronger than you!” Mike said grabbing Paul around the waist. Paul laughed and I just watched them intrigued, ah brotherly love and sibling rivalry—even when one is 25 and the other is 23. Mike pulled back hard on Paul’s waist sending him flying straight backwards and landing on his back, Mike hovered on top of him. I jumped back. Paul looked like he had just gotten the wind sucked out of him and for a moment I was worried. Jim saw my face, smiled, and touched my arm.
“They’ve been doing this since they were old enough to talk,” he informed me. I smiled and turned back to Paul laying with Mike on top of him. Apparently, his dad was correct because Paul was now smiling and wrestling back with Mike. I sighed.
“What is it with boys and wrestling?” I asked following Jim as he sat on his chair shaking his head at his two twenty-year sons fighting on the floor. I sat across from him at the couch. He chuckled.
“I wish I knew luv,” he informed me picking up his paper. Aunt Jin came out of the kitchen.
“It’ll be a few minutes before your dinner is-” she paused catching the glimpse of her nephews on the floor, “James Paul and Peter Michael, what on earth are you doing!?” she shrieked her hands up in the air. I laughed as did the boys. Mike turned back to Aunt Jin.
“Ah, we’re only playing Jin,” Mike said innocently.
“We have company,” she protested through smiles.
“Ah, it’s only Whacker’s Fiancée,” Mike replied.
“Off guard!” Paul yelled shoving Mike backwards, tackling him down to the ground and laughing with triumph.
“Ah, you only got me cuz I wasn’t looking,” Mike said, and they continued to wrestle again. Aunt Jin came and sat next to me.
“Boys,” she said shaking her head. I laughed.
“It’s hard to think I’m going to marry him,” I said and Aunty Jin laughed.
“Yes, he doesn’t seem the husband type at this moment now does he?” she said and we laughed.
“Boys, come now, we have a guest,” Jim finally spoke up.
“Oh, Jim, I don’t mind,” I said and he smiled.
“I’m sure not, but they don’t need to be acting like this. They’re grown men,” he chuckled to himself, “Oh by the way dear, call me dad. Your pretty much family,” I smiled.
“Thanks,” I said. Paul and Mike laughed at themselves and Paul nailed Mike down one more time.
“Once again, little brother, I win,” he said scuffing his hair. Paul stood up out of breath, sweaty and flushed. He came over and sat next to me.
“Yeah, yeah…” Mike muttered, “I’m going to the loo,”
“Was that fun?” I asked Paul, who was still breathing heavily.
“Loads! I love kicking his butt,” he laughed and a buzzer went off in the other room. Aunt Jin sat up.
“Alright dears, that your dinner,” she said. Paul kissed me on the cheek and helped me up. We went into the kitchen followed by Jim, and later Mike. They all sat around the table chatting as Paul and I ate. Soon we cleared our plates and Aunt Jin set out five little dessert plates, accompanied by warm Cobbler.
“You guys didn’t wait for us did you?” Paul asked; finally back to his normal coloring and breathing.
“Yeah, but we wanted too,” Jim said. Paul smiled.
“Thanks Dad, guys,” he said helping Aunt Jin pass out the dessert. I took my first bite and it tasted like heaven in my mouth.
“Aunt Jin this is delicious!” I said and she smiled.
“Thanks dear,”
“So where’s Angela?” Paul asked Mike.
“She’s at a friends’ with Petie,” Mike responded taking a bite. Paul nodded,
“Oh, I have news!” He suddenly burst.
“What’s that?” Aunt Jin asked surprised by Paul’s outburst.
“Olivia and I have set a date,” he informed them, taking my hand under the table and smiling at me. I smiled back giving him a soft squeeze.
“Did you really? When?” Aunt Jin asked happily. Paul thought for a moment,
“Well, uh, things with the Beatles have been getting quite busy,” he started and I could tell he was searching for a story to cover why the wedding was happening with such sudden invites, “We talked it over and if we were to wait till after our next album it would be months before we’d be able to get married,”
“So what did you decided on son?” Jim asked taking a delicate bite of cobbler.
“Uh, June 15…at St. Barnabas Church,” he said and quickly apologized, “I’m sorry it’s so sudden, but this is the latest we could get without having to wait months,”
“Don’t apologize, this is great Paul. Congrats, guys,” Mike said smiling. I smiled.
“Thanks Mike,”
“St. Barnabas you said?” Jim asked with smiles in his eyes. Paul nodded.
“That’s right. However, I’m going to announce it as being at the Liverpool Anglican Church—you know for press reasons,” he explained and they all nodded.
“Oh Paulie dear, you’re mother would be so touched to know your getting married at St. Barnabas,” Aunt Jin said softly. Not only was Paul part of the choir there, but his mother Mary, was very much a part of the congregation—friends with everyone. Paul smiled saddened and I kissed his cheek.
“I know she would,” he said glancing at his father who was smiling softly.
“That’s one of the reasons we’re doing it there,” I told them.
“You two are so adorable!” Aunt Jin said coming over and hugging us, “You are the most perfect girl in the world! Paulie’s so lucky to have you!” she said as she hugged me. I smiled genuinely, looking at Paul over her shoulder. He smiled.
“I know I am…luckiest bloke in the world,” he said leaning over and kissing my lips after Aunt Jin moved away.
“Ah, get a room, get a room!” Mike laughed. Paul smiled devilishly.
“There are a few upstairs…I could,” he threatened messing around with Mike again. Mike laughed and Jim shot Paul a glance.
“James Paul,” he said and Paul tried to keep from laughing.
“Sorry dad,” Paul said smirking. I had to keep my laughter inside.
“All finished?” Aunt Jin asked me looking at my empty plate. I rubbed my stomach.
“Ah yes, thank you very much. It was wonderful,” I said complimenting her. She smiled.
‘Glad to hear it dear,” she said the reached out for Paul’s empty dish, “I’m assuming you would like another piece?” she asked him smiling. He laughed.
“Like always Aunt Jin,” he replied and she helped him to another piece. Again conversation flowed as Paul and Mike ate their second helpings of Cobbler. I started to feel a bit woozy and prayed I wouldn’t get sick here. Although it was called ‘Morning’ sickness, it seemed to affect you anytime…I quickly stood up.
“Excuse me I need to use the loo,” I said quickly turning and leaving the kitchen. I had to sprint by the time I got to the hallway. I reached the bathroom, slamming the door, making it to the toilet and sure enough got sick. I wiped my mouth and flushed, although the feeling hadn’t gone away. I heard a knock on the door and it opened, not caring who it was I continued to hang my head over the toilet, just in case. I felt a hand on my back and turned to see Paul looking lovingly at me. I smiled as best as I could.
“Oh love,” he said moving his legs around my body and pulling me to him. I rested my head against his chest as he rocked me back and forth. Out of nowhere I began to get utterly tired and started crying softly.
“I hate this feeling,” I said through tears. Paul kissed the top of my head.
“I know love, I know,” he breathed softly, “Is there anything I can do?” he asked.
“Just be here with me,” I whispered and he kissed the top of my head again.
“I’ll always be here with you,” he told me, “You never have to worry about that,”
“I hate how it just comes out of nowhere,” I said almost asleep. Paul didn’t respond, but continued to rock me and caress my back and face with his fingers. We sat there a few minutes and the next thing I remember is Paul shaking me slightly.
“Olivia, love, Olivia, wake up,” I heard him say. I opened my heavy eyes and looked up to Paul. He smiled, “You fell asleep love,”
“Did I?” I yawned and made a face, “Ooo, I really need to brush my teeth.” He laughed.
“Come ‘ead, let’s stand you up.” He said helping me. I was still drowsy and somewhat nauseous, almost falling over. Paul, holding onto my side as I leaned on him, searched the cupboard with his right hand, “Ah, here we go,” he said pulling out a brand new toothbrush.
“Oh, I love you,” I said taking it as he handed it to me. He laughed.
“I love you too,” he smiled, “You brush you’re teeth and I’ll be right back,” I nodded and began brushing like mad. He left the bathroom and shut the door. The minute it shut I heard Aunt Jin’s worried voice.
“What happened? Is she alright? Was it my cobbler?” she asked and I had to laugh. I heard Paul next.
“No, she’s alright. She’s coming down with the flu though I think….” He replied and his voice faded off. I finished brushing my teeth, feeling refreshed and clean—however still a little drowsy and only the slightest bit dizzy. I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself as I did this morning. I lifted up my shirt and for the first time I looked at myself from the side. My eyes grew big in a big of surprise as my stomach stuck out about an inch and a half more than usual. I had read in something a couple days ago that at about 10 weeks, which I was at, that the uterus is about the size of an orange. That would explain why my stomach is starting to stick out already—it’s not used to having an orange in there. Discouraged that it was only going to get even bigger I put my shirt down and sat on the toilet waiting for Paul. I was too embarrassed to go back out to his family. Minutes later the door opened and I looked up from my doze. Paul smiled.
“Sleeping again love?” he asked coming in and shutting the door. I smiled.
“Not on purpose,” I replied.
“Well, I think we’ll stay here tonight,” he said. I stood up, getting dizzy. Paul caught me in his arms and held me there.
“Paul, I don’t want to be any trouble-” I started and Paul pressed his lips on mine to silence me. It worked.
“Love you’re not trouble. I told them you’ve been coming down with the flu, so they insisted we don’t go home tonight. I agreed,” I was too tired to argue with him.
“Okay,” I said giving in. He was obviously shocked.
“That’s it? No arguing?”
“No, I’m too tired to argue,” I answered, “What time is it?”
“Uh,” he looked down at his right wrist, “9:30pm” I nodded.
“Yeah, I think I need to sleep,” I said closing my eyes. I felt Paul kiss me again bringing me to life, as I kissed back.
“Let’s get you to bed then,” he said, arm wrapped around my waist as we left the bathroom. Nobody was out in the living room as we headed upstairs.
“Goodnight!” I heard Paul yell, Aunt Jin came to the bottom of the stairs.
“Oh, dear, are you alright? I feel horrible,” she said. I smiled.
“It’s not your fault Aunt Jin, you and Dad’s dinner and dessert was wonderful….” I said and she smiled.
“You are such a dear,” she said shaking her head slightly, “Get a good nights’ rest and feel better!” she said.
“Thanks, I’ll try,”
“Goodnight, Paulie,” she said looking to Paul. He smiled.
“Goodnight Jin thanks for everything. It was delicious.”
“Anytime dears,” she said leaving and Paul and I headed upstairs and into the bedroom we always stayed in.
“Are you feeling any better?” Paul asked me as I sat on the bed and he joined me. He caressed my hand and wrist with his thumb. I nodded.
“Yeah, I don’t feel dizzy anymore…however, I’m getting really hot,” I said rolling my eyes, “You are so lucky you aren’t a girl,” I looked at him and he smiled guilty.
“Yes well, that may be, but I have to live with knowing I made you like this. If it weren’t for me you’d be feeling completely normal,”
“And if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be pregnant with what I know will be a beautiful baby,” I said smiling. This got a loving and genuine smile out of him. He leaned in and kissed me. My hormones were going crazy but I was too tired to give in.
“I gotta get out of these clothes,” I said and he laughed.
“Boy do I love hearing you say that!” I laughed and he helped me strip down to my bra and panties.
“Hey, look at this,” I said standing sideways in front of him.
“You’re gonna have to tell me where to look, cuz me eyes are wondering all over ya,” he smiled. I laughed softly.
“My stomach,” I said and saw his eyes move in front of him. Before long he raised his eyebrows, “Do you see that? I’m already starting to show a bit,” He nodded slowly and continued to look at my stomach, slowly bringing his hands up and touching me softly.
“That’s amazing,” he said, “Our baby’s in there…I just can’t get over that.” He said shaking his head slowly. I smiled.
“Isn’t that wonderful?” I asked turning so I was completely facing him. He looked up at me.
“Yeah, it really is,” he said, looking back down at my stomach and touching it again. I moved and sat next to him. We kissed a little more, and well, I gave into my hormones—Paul and I ended up making ‘silent’ love that night. He laughed softly in my ear afterwards, holding onto me tight.
“What are you laughing at?” I whispered, not understanding how this could possibly be funny.
“I’ve never had sex with a pregnant woman before,” he giggled. I had to laugh at the sound of it.
“Well, now you have,” I said. He laughed again.
“Yes, I have. And it’s better than I thought,” he said kissing my ear, then my cheek.
“I’m glad I made it a pleasant experience for you,” I said laughing.
“Oh yes, very pleasant,” he said kissing my cheek again and holding me tighter.
“It’s probably one of the last times though,” I said sadly.
“What do you mean?” he asked, and I could hear the surprise in his voice.
“Well, I’m not going to do this when I’m 6 or 7 months pregnant,” I told him.
“Why not?” he asked and I laughed at his innocence.
“Because Paul! For one, I’m not going to be in the mood I’m sure, and I can’t imagine how hard it would be with a big bowling ball in between,” I said laughing at the picture in my head.
“Oh, it’ll still be hard trust me,” Paul snickered quietly.
“Ah! You’re horrible, I’m going to sleep,” I said smiling in the dark. Paul laughed.
“I know you’re smiling…” he said.
“So, you’re still horrible,” I said once more.
“I can’t help it love, I’m a horny young man what can I say?” he asked.
“Nothing I suppose,” he kissed me once more and quite quietly he got serious.
“I love you Olivia, and it’s amazing, I already love our baby…” he laughed quietly. I smiled.
“So do I,” I responded. We kissed once more and then snuggled close falling asleep.

Onto Chapter 35