1968 was rolling faster than I had imagined. So much has already happened and much more was to come. It had been almost a month since Paul and I had painted the old Apple Boutique and we were ready for a break.
“What say we go to the farm for a week or so?” Paul asked me one night as we played Rummy. I laid down my last pair and discard.
“Ha! I beat you!” I laughed to excited to pay attention to his suggestion. He frowned and chucked down his cards.
“Well, don’t count on it happening again,” he kidded with a sly grin.
“Whatever,” I said shoving him as he laughed. He left the cards on the table and pulled me to him on the couch. I looked up at him as he stared straight ahead with a slight sadness in his eyes. I sat up so I could look at him better, and he slowly turned to me and smiled faintly. Without speaking I leaned forward and kissed him. He held onto me as if when he let go I’d be torn away forever. I pulled away and just looked at him again, “I love you,” I told him. He smiled and ran his fingers through my hair, placing his lips on mine once more.
“And I love you,” he replied. I smiled.
“What is it?” I asked him, slowly caressing his hand.
“What do you mean?” he responded acting confused. I laughed softly.
“What’s bothering you—you seem very distant,”
“Oh, you noticed?” he laughed to himself.
“Of course,” I replied, “So what’s wrong?”
“Love what am I going to do when The Beatles are done?” he asked me and I was shocked by his seriousness.
“Paul, what are you talking about?”
“The Beatles aren’t going to last forever, as much as I’d like that,” he started, “And it’s not that I won’t be happy once we’re though, because I will—I have you and then we can start a family and all, but---it’s just been a huge part of me life for the last 10 years, and well, with the way things are going, I have a feeling we’re not going to end on the best of terms,” I always hated when Paul was in these moods—I never really knew where they came from.
“What do you mean, the way things are going? You’ve been telling me things are fine,” I said and he smiled with a slight cringe.
“Yes well, I lied. I’m trying to tell me self things are fine, when they’re not—it’s easier to cope with that way, you know, when you pretend?” he asked me. I nodded.
“So what’s going on?” I asked.
“Well, for starters the whole John and Yoko thing gets to me, and now the others—we’re all going bonkers with her there. Then there was the incredible fight between us three—I still can’t believe he hit you—also there was the whole argument with ‘Hey Jude’,” Paul paused and shook his head, “The musical arguments just keep coming and coming. John and I aren’t even really writing together anymore,” I was surprised.
“Really?” I asked and he nodded.
“Yeah really—I mean in the old days, there was rarely a song that was just me or just John. We always collaborated with each other some way or another, but now? Now, we just write our own stuff—no input really from anyone. And to make matters worse,” he said and hesitated.
“What?”
“Ringo said he quit,” he said and my eyes grew big.
“What?! He quit? When?”
“Today,” Paul replied and brought his hand up to cover his face, as he rested it on his lap, “Like I said our arguments are getting more and more, not to mention worse. Ringo got fed up and said he couldn’t do it anymore. He announced he was quitting and then just left. We tried calling his place, but he’s not there—don’t know where he went, I don’t know if this if official or not,” he finished running his hands through his hair in obvious stress and defeat.
“Why didn’t you tell me this earlier Paul?” I asked softly. He took my hands in his.
“Because of what I said earlier—I just want to forget. I just wanted to spend tonight with you—not thinking about any of that shit. I’m sick of it, I really am. The more and more I think about it, the more and more I feel like quitting,”
“Paul, you can’t quit!” I exclaimed.
“Why not? I mean all its doing is making our lives all jumbled and complicated. I don’t get to spend as much time with you as I’d like, I’m constantly in fights with the others, they continually tell me I’m trying to hard to take over for Brian and I’m too bossy, we just aren’t really getting along anymore, and then, we’d be able to actually live a normal life and start a family,” he finished pulling me against him and kissing me. I understood where he was coming from, but no more Beatles?
“You aren’t a quitter though Paul, I know you,” I tried convincing him, “They need you. You’re the one who’s kept everything together since Brian passed, and if you quit now, who knows what will happen,”
“Ringo already quit though,” he argued, “It could be final,”
“He’ll be back, I guarantee it,”
“And if he doesn’t?”
“Then we’ll talk about things then, but for now, you have to just hold on Paul. Things will get better. I remember you going through this a couple years ago and things got better didn’t they?” I asked and he smiled.
“’It’s getting better all the time,’”
“See, exactly.”
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. Deep down I don’t want it to end—not quite yet. It’s not our time---but I do think we need a break. I think we should go to the farm for a week or so, you know, get away from it all,”
“Okay,” I agreed.
“Do you want to leave tonight?” he asked.
“Tonight? What about the others?” I asked. Paul shrugged.
“George is out of town already with Pattie—so I just have to call John. I’m sure he’ll be fine—he has Yoko,”
“It’s your decision to make, honey,” I said getting up. He pulled me back down and we kissed for a few moments.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
“For what?” I asked.
“Just being you—being here for me,” he said. I ran my fingers through his thick hair and smiled.
“Anytime,” I said kissing him and standing up, him joining me. I went upstairs and he went to the phone. He came up after a few minutes and informed me that John was in agreement about the break. Paul then called Ringo once more, receiving no answer. However he left a message on his answer phone saying how sorry he was and he knew the others, along with himself would only be happy if he were to come back. He didn’t feel well leaving it at that, but there was nothing else he could do at the moment. We headed off to the farm, away from civilization for a while.

Being the middle of August, the mornings were warm. I felt the heat of the sun on my bare back and heard the waves of the ocean outside the window. I moved slightly, feeling totally relaxed and felt Paul tighten his grip around my waist. I smiled and turned to face him, opening my eyes slowly. He was still asleep as I figured he would be, so I just watched him in silence for a bit. After being awake for a few minutes, I had to use the loo so I kissed him softly on the nose, making him grunt, and then slowly lifted his arm from around me. With the sheet covering myself I scooted to the edge of the bed—the closest article of clothing to me, being Paul’s shirt. I bent down to pick it up then put it on. I carefully crawled out of bed and tiptoed to the bathroom. After cleaning up I made my way downstairs to the kitchen. Martha followed me curiously as I snooped through the cupboards and found the makings for pancakes, eggs, and bacon. I put on a pot of tea and pulled out the ingredients. Before I was with Paul, I wasn’t much of the cooker. I knew how, but I never really did it because Davy was always the type that wanted to go out. I had always thought of Paul being that way as well, before we were actually together, but soon found he would much rather stay home, us being alone, with a home cooked meal from either I or himself. He was really the better cook—he’s made me many a meals and I can easily say that they were all fantastic. I poured myself some tea as it finished and stirred around the eggs in the pan. I was wrapped in my own thoughts that I didn’t even hear Paul come down stairs. I had just set down my tea when he came behind me and wrapped his arms around me. I was startled but knew it was him, turning my head to kiss him leaning on my shoulder. He took a deep breath.
“Hmm, I knew I smelled something wonderful,” he said, kissing my neck softly. I smiled.
“Want some tea?” I asked him.
“Sure,” he said pulling back so I could move. I poured him a cup and walked it over to him standing in front of the window looking out, in just his pants. He smiled as I handed it to him, “Thanks love,”
“You’re welcome,” I replied as he stretched his right arm around my shoulder, kissing my head.
“This place is so perfect,” he said, “Being with you is perfect. I’m still so amazed by you—how I found you, how much I love you, how much I need you,” he finished kissing my forehead. I wrapped my arms around his waist and just hugged him—I loved this man with all my heart. We stood there for a few more minutes before breakfast was ready. I put the food on two plates and Paul and I went outside on the bench and ate. It was a gorgeous day, “This is wonderful love,” Paul complimented taking a bite of pancake.
“Thank you,” I said taking a bite myself. He nodded,
“Yeah—say, I have a surprise for you,” he said.
“A surprise? How’s that? We just arrived last night,” He just smiled.
“I have me ways darling, you know that,” I rolled my eyes.
“Yes, I do. Did you do it last night then?” I asked curious. He laughed.
“And when would I have done it? I was with you all night--.” He said slyly and raising his eyebrows a couple times, “and we were pretty busy. You would’ve known if I did anything,”
“’That’s true,” I said nodding and taking another bite.
“You’ll just have to wait and see,” he said grinning like a fool. I just laughed.
“You kill me, you know that,” I said and he laughed.
“Ahh, you’ll find out soon enough,” he assured me. We finished up our breakfast and Paul helped me clean up. We went upstairs to shower and Paul told me that we would be taking a drive to my surprise. I was getting more excited by the minute. He led me outside,
“Are you going to tell me now?” I asked and he laughed.
“No, you have to wait, silly girl,” he responded and we got into the car. The drive wasn’t long and when we arrived it looked like some sort of Ranch, “Where are we?” I asked.
“A man named Ronald Maxwell, he owns this Ranch,” Paul explained as he parked the car. He came around and helped me out like always and we walked towards the front door. An older man came out with a smile.
“Paul! How are you?” he asked shaking Paul’s hand as we walked up the stairs. Paul smiled,
“Hello Ron,” he greeted and Ron smiled at me.
“Nice to finally meet you Mrs. McCartney,” he said in a very friendly tone. I smiled.
“You too—and you can call me Olivia,” I said and he nodded with a smile.
“Did we come at an okay time?” Paul asked. Ron nodded and pointed towards the back of the house.
“Yep, sure did. They’re in the back, help yourself and have fun,” Ron said smiling and going inside to answer his ringing phone. I must have been making a face because Paul began laughing.
“What’s that all about?” he asked me.
“What?”
“That face you’re making,” he laughed.
“I was making a face?” I asked and he nodded, “I didn’t even realize it! I’m just confused I guess; how do you know him?”
“From when I was a boy—Mike and I used to visit him,” Paul explained and we rounded the corner of the house and I looked to a smiling Paul with surprise. In the back there was a corral of horses.
“Horses??” I asked.
“Yes, love, horses. I’ve continuously promised you we’d buy horses for the farm and go riding—well, unfortunately we haven’t got the time yet to have horses, but I remembered Ron and gave him a call last night asking if we could--” he stopped as I jumped up to hug him.
“You’re wonderful!” I said kissing him and turning back to the horses. I hadn’t ridden since I was dating Davy and had been yearning to ever since. Paul laughed.
“I love you,” he said kissing me, “come ‘ead, I’ll show you Bernard,” he said taking my hand and leading me towards the horses.
“Bernard?” I asked.
“Yeah, he’s the horse I used to ride when I was a boy—uh, there he is!” he said pointing. We walked over to the fence to a black horse. Paul petted his snout, “’Ello Bernard ol’ boy,” I smiled.
“He’s pretty,” I said touching him myself.
“Yeah, I love him,” Paul responded, “I have the perfect horse for you,” he said opening the gate. I stood outside,
“Should we go in there?” I asked not realizing how afraid I was. I had always had the horse brought out to me, never, did I just walk in to a corral of over 25 horses. Paul laughed and walked towards me, taking my hand.
“Sure, they’re not going to attack you—it’s alright,” he said seeing the slight bit of fear in me. I smiled hesitantly and walked slowly with Paul, “I’ve been around horses for quite sometime, everything goings to be okay,” he said comforting me and kissing my cheek. We walked towards the middle of the field to a gorgeous white horse. Paul stopped and touched her on the back. She neighed and I stood back slightly. Paul noticed and gave my hand a squeeze.
“It’s alright love, see,” Paul said as the horse put her nose up to his face gently. I had to laugh and so did Paul, “Sorry there Jasmine, I’m only kissing this girl these days,” he told her cocking his head towards me.
“Her name is Jasmine?” I asked and Paul nodded.
“Yeah, she’s been around since Bernard, as a matter of fact,” he said looking around the at all the horses, “That tan one way over there, see him?”
“Yeah,”
“He’s the offspring of Jasmine here and Bernard,” he told me and I raised my eyebrows.
“Oh really,”
“Yeah, see, so it’ll be lovers on lovers,” Paul said acting like he was incredibly smart. I laughed.
“Oo, clever…”
“I know,” he said smiling, “Come on let’s get them saddled up,” We walked out to the barn with Jasmine and Bernard. I didn’t know how to saddle up a horse so Paul did them both; showing me what he was doing along the way. Seeing him in this environment made him completely different—even so after being with him for four years. He was wearing just a plain old t-shirt, nothing dressy about it, with grubby jeans (an outfit very uncommon for him). Anyone just looking at him would have no idea he was one of the biggest idols and most famous people in the world—and that’s one of the reasons I fell in love with him. He didn’t act famous—he wanted more than anything to be ordinary and live an ordinary life. He very rarely took advantage of the luxuries of a famous life. Once the horses were ready, Paul lifted me up and put me atop Jasmine, hopping on Bernard himself.
“Ready for some fun?” he asked. I nodded.
“Definitely—lead the way James,” I said winking and he laughed. He clicked his tongue and the horses took off on a nice little walk. Paul just left his car at Ron’s and the horses walked side by side down on the different paths Paul and I explored. Without my knowing Paul had packed a picnic for us so around noon we stopped in a field full of flowers to eat. We tied up the horses and sat down on the blanket, “This is so great, thank you,” I said kissing Paul. He smiled.
“You’re welcome,” he said kissing me again, “I couldn’t imagine spending this day any other way,”
“Can you get any sweeter?” I asked laughing and he put on an innocent face and shrugged. We ate our lunch, which was delicious, and then packed up ready to head back to the horses. Paul was packing up and a little piece of paper escaped.
“Oh no!” Paul exclaimed watching the paper fly, landing on the ground just a few feet away.
“I’ll get it,” I said standing up and walking to it, as I leaned up to get it, the wind blew and it went sailing away from me, “Ah!” I shrieked and ran after it. I could hear Paul laughing behind me, and soon he joined me as we chased this stupid piece of paper around. Finally Paul made a dive and grabbed it.
“There we go, no littering here,” he laughed. I laughed out of breath and collapsed next to Paul.
“That was fun,” I breathed.
“It was really,” Paul agreed, “Funny how just chasing a piece of paper with the person you love can be fun,” I nodded and we got up, Paul packing the paper securely in with the left over food. We mounted back on the horses and went on a few more paths, laughing and forgetting every problem that lingered at home. When it began to get dark we headed on back to Ron’s. We put the horses away and thanked him. We headed back to the farm and by the time we got there, we were incredibly sore—well, riding horses all day long will do that to you.  Paul walked up to the door with his legs spread open wide and I had to pause due to hysteric laughter. He knew what I was laughing at and stopped with a smile.
“What are you laughing at missy?” he asked.
“Do you really have to walk that way?” I asked still laughing, and walking up beside him.
“Yes, I do. It’s a bit worse for guys—we have extra things down there you know—more to be sore than you,” he explained and I just laughed again.
“I suppose, but you look ridiculous,” I agreed following him in as he continued to walk funny. He stuck his tongue out at me,
“I tell you what, there’ll be no lovin’ tonight---I’m too sore,” he laughed to himself.
“Ahhh,” I whined kiddingly. He looked back at me.
“I know love, it’s a shame—tomorrow,” he winked, “I’m off to the loo, I’ll be back,”
“Alright,” I said collapsing on the couch, Martha looking up at me with longing eyes. I looked back to see if Paul was looking and encouraged her up softly. She obliged and gave me kisses for my kindness.
“I know she’s up on the couch,” I heard Paul yell in a sing song voice from the bathroom. I laughed.
“How?” I asked.
“Because I know you,” he responded, “You’re sly,” I laughed and told Martha to get down explaining it was Paul not me. He returned from the bathroom, taking a seat next to me. He laid down, resting his head on my lap.
“I know I already said this, but today was wonderful. I loved it,” I told Paul, caressing the side of his face as he laid there with his eyes shut.
“Me too,” he said placing his hand on my thigh.
“What’s on the agenda for the rest of the week, anything special?” I asked.
“Nah, just whatever we want,” he replied. I bent down and kissed his cheek. That night got a bit chillier—odd for the nice weather of the previous day. We turned on the fireplace and cuddled down in front of it, watching a movie and falling asleep in each other’s arms like always. The next few days were nice and we spent the time outside, but on the second to last morning we woke up and it was raining. Paul and I got ready and ate breakfast.
“Ah, we can’t go outside,” I said looking at the rain falling down and bouncing off the rocks.
“Sure we can,” Paul said walking up behind me, “Yeah lets—it’ll be fun,”
“What?” I asked as I watched him walk to the closet by the front door. He pulled out two raincoats. I raised my eyebrows and he put one on, “You’re serious?”
“Don’t be daft, of course I am! Now come on, here is yours,” he said holding it up. I laughed and walked over putting on the yellow raincoat. He pulled up his hood and tied it, as well as tying mine for me. I laughed.
“Well don’t you look cute,” I said.
“Not so bad yourself love,” he smiled and opened the door. I watched the rain come down and Paul ran outside like a little boy. He turned around and noticed I wasn’t coming, “What are you doing? Come ‘ead!” he said waving his hand. Martha was already out with him bouncing in the puddles. I shook my head.
“Nah,” I said and he raised his eyebrows getting that playful look in his eyes. He began walking towards me and I took off into the house.
“You can’t go very far in this house,” he said once inside. I laughed as I stood with the table in between Paul and me.
“You’re all wet and you’re inside!” I pointed. He looked down at himself and shrugged.
“Ah, water dries. Now come outside or I’ll have to come and get you,” he warned. I smiled and shook my head.
“I don’t wanna get wet,”
“You’re wearing a raincoat!” he argued laughing, but I continued to shake my head. More for the game now, “You asked for it,” he said coming towards me. I really did have myself stuck with no place to go and I screamed with laughter as he caught me. He picked me up in his arms and carried me to the door—bringing me outside. I indeed got wet, even with the raincoat but Paul proceeded to hold me.
“Aren’t you going to let me down? I’m outside,” I asked.
“I’m not so sure you won’t run back inside,” he said looking at me. I smiled.
“I won’t, I promise,” I said. He glared at me unsure, but then set me down. I immediately started running towards the house.
“I knew it!” I heard Paul shout running after me—he was actually pretty quick and at the last minute I decided to change my mind and continue running. Martha saw Paul chasing me and figured it was a game, going in on the chase. She of course had already messed around in all the mud, and being such a big dog with lots of fur, she was covered. She barked happily as she ran full fledged towards Paul. He noticed and now was running from her more than he was trying to chase me. She was obviously faster than him and caught up, the look of play in her eyes. As Paul turned to see her coming he knew she was going to jump.
“No, Martha, no!” he yelled but it was too late. The muddy mop jumped on the wet mop-top. Paul went tumbling on the ground, right into a muddy puddle—Martha on top of him. I stopped running and just stood from afar laughing. Paul was covered in mud and Martha was already running somewhere else. He turned to look at me, still sitting on the ground, “So you think this is funny do ya?” he asked. I nodded my head.
“I’m sorry, but yes!” I said still laughing, but felt bad, “Here I’ll come help you,” I said running towards him. I was too busy laughing that I wasn’t paying attention to where I was running, and I ended up running right through a muddy puddle, making myself slip. I landed right in the center of the watery hole splashing all over me. As my eyes were shut during the splash, I could hear the laughter of my dear husband. I opened my eyes, and I was only a foot away from Paul—laughing. I nodded and wiped the mud off my face as best I could.
“Alright, I deserve this,” I said. Paul crawled to me and with his muddy face, he kissed mine.
“Its karma love, what can I say?” he said laughing. I joined him in laughter for a bit, before my stomach hurt from laughing too hard. We just sat there on the wet ground for a few moments.
“Hey what’s this?” I asked looking down at the ground. Sticking out of the grass seemed to be a little lever of some sort. Paul crawled to the other side of me so he was closer to it.
“It looks like a trap door or something,” he said getting in position to pull on it. He pulled a few times, but nothing happened. He almost gave up, but curiosity got the best of him, making him go for one more pull—in which the thing flew open. I moved next to Paul and looked down into the hole. It was rather dark, “Should I go in?” Paul asked.
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah, don’t you want to know what’s down here?”
“Yes, but what if it’s dead bodies or something?” I asked and Paul smiled.
“You need to stop watching horror flicks love,” he said. I shook my head.
“Oh, it’s nothing to do with horror flicks—it’s all from when I hung out with the Monkees. You know the crazy things that happened—and when we were in that room—that gross head….” I said and Paul’s smile faded.
“Hmm, that’s true—kinda forgot about that,” he continued to stare down the hole.
“What are you going to do?” I asked him because I could still sense and see the curiosity in his eyes.
“I’m going to go get a flashlight, that’s what,” he responded, “I’ll be right back,”
“Okay,” I said and he ran towards the farm and returned within minutes with a flashlight. He aimed it in the hole and we peered in.
“Doesn’t look half bad,” he commented, “I think I’m gonna go in,”
“What?”
“Yeah, I’m going in,” he said handing me the flashlight, “hold this please,” he said lowering himself down the hole.
“You’ve been hanging around John too much,” I said, referring to his sense of adventure into unknown and potentially dangerous things. He smiled devilishly.
“I know,” he said taking the flashlight from me. He shone it in front of him and walked away from the direct entrance so I couldn’t see him. The light slowly faded away. A few minutes past and there was no sign of Paul.
“Paul?” I called out—there was no reply, “Paul?!” Still nothing. My heart raced and I screamed at the top of my lungs, “Paul!? Where are you!?” When I didn’t get a reply that time I was really scared. It was like Paul to play a prank on me, but when he knew I was really scared he wouldn’t continue. I poked my head in all the way and didn’t even see the glow from the flashlight anymore. I looked around wondering what I should do, turning back to the hole. I waited a minute before hopping in—with no flashlight. It was rather dank and cold down here, and I suddenly got the fear that someone from above was going to latch the door on us. I walked a bit further, seeing only a bit because of the entry light, “Paul? Paul are you in here?” I called out. He didn’t reply and I began crying softly—I knew he shouldn’t have gone in this dang hole! But did he listen…noooo. I entered a pitch black stage, away from the entrance, and used the walls around me to define where I was going. As I walked a ways, I could see a faint yellow light. I sped up and when I got to it, it was just the flashlight sitting on a barrel. I grabbed it, tears flowing, and looked around.
“Olivia love, what are you doing down here?” I heard Paul’s voice from behind me. I whipped around, dropping the flashlight, running to him and latching on. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my forehead, “Are you alright?” he asked.
“Am I alright?! Why didn’t you answer me!?” I asked angry because he scared me to death.
“When?” He asked.
“Just now, for the last few minutes. I’ve been screaming you name, and you weren’t answering….” I faded off shaken up by the thought of losing him.
“Love I didn’t hear you, I was—are you crying?” he asked trying to look at me closer.
‘Yes—I was scared that something happened to you,” I said. He pulled me into his arms once more.
“Oh love, I’m so sorry. I really didn’t hear you, I was back too far,” he said breathing out and kissing my forehead and neck, “I’m sorry I scared you, I’m alright,”
“What were you doing?” I asked calming down.
“Just crawling back in this hole looking around,” he explained, “Here come on, let’s go back inside,”
“Okay,” I said with no fight at all. He walked over to pick of the flashlight, when, with all of our luck, the batteries went dead.
“Shit,” Paul said, “Where are you?”
“Right here,” I answered holding out my hand. He found it and held onto it.
“Uh, hell, this sucks, I don’t know which way to go,” Paul muttered.
“Are we going to get lost in this bloody hole?” I panicked. Paul somehow found humor in it and as I heard him laugh, it made me laugh.
“No, I might have a match in me pocket come to think of it,” Paul said and I could hear him rustling around.
“This is the only time I’m thankful you smoke,” I commented and Paul laughed.
“Yeah, see,” he said taking away his hand and lighting a match, “There. Not much light, but a little.”
“Let’s go,” I said getting creeped out. Paul smiled.
“You aren’t scared of the darkness are you?” he asked.
“No, of course not. I just wanna go in, I’m hungry,” I lied, making Paul laugh.
“Now that’s bullocks, you’re never hungry,” he said as we made our way down the tunnel, “It’s alright if you’re scared—but you shouldn’t be. I’m here to protect you,” he said sounding macho.
“Good,” I said, “Because if any-”
“Holy shit!” Paul suddenly screamed and ran ahead. I ran too not knowing what he was screaming at.
“What? What was it?!” I yelled. Paul slowly shone the light towards where we just were, and sighed.
“Ah, jeez,” he groaned.
“Uh, I don’t get it. It’s a mud chunk on the ground,” I said.
“I know,” Paul muttered and I finally got it. I grinned looking at him and he rolled his eyes.
“That scared you didn’t it?” I asked.
“No,” he replied,
“Yes it did!” I laughed, “Looks like I’ll be protecting you!”
“Laugh it up chuckles,” Paul replied with a smile and we continued further. It was almost like a replay with the whole mud slipping thing, that dang karma, but I must say I had more right to be scared on this one than did Paul. As Paul’s match (now the second one) didn’t give off much light, we really couldn’t see in front of us all that well. It was only a minute or two after I had just made fun of Paul and I ran into something long and slimy hanging from the mud ceiling.
“Ahhh! There’s a snake! Oh my gosh!” I screamed and ran away from Paul—and continued running as we could see the entrance. I ran as fast as I could up and out that hole standing looking down on it, looking around to make sure that snake didn’t follow us. I heard Paul’s laughter come closer as he made his way through the hole.
“You were scared of this?” he asked holding up a baby snake about the size of a pencil—I swear it was a lot bigger. I backed away quickly.
“Yuck Paul, put that down,” I said. He made his eyes big and walked towards me pretending to throw it, “Paul McCartney!” I screamed covering myself. I noticed Paul was just playing with me as he laughed hysterically and I kiddingly glared at him, “Real cute. Say, are you my brother or my husband?”
“Oh, I’m sorry love—I’m just playing,” Paul said letting the snake go back into the hole. He walked up to me, “Forgive me?” he pleaded, arms around my waist.
“I don’t know,” I responded. He pouted.
“Come on, I’m your husband—if I were your brother I’d understand, siblings are harder to forgive, but me? Come ‘ead you love me,” As much as I tried not to I smiled.
“Yes I do,” I replied kissing him, “Now let’s really go inside,”
“Lets,” Paul responded. We went inside, and Paul made some good old fashioned American Coco. We sat in front of the fire once more as Paul jostled down notes on a piece of paper.
“Whatcha writing?” I asked him. He looked up.
“Uh, just me thoughts about this last week spent with you, I really enjoyed it,” he replied,
“I did too,” I responded, “Is it a song?”
“A poem actually,”
“A poem? Can I read it?” I asked
“Sure—I might turn it into a song sometime, I don’t know yet—I haven’t got any tune in me head--but lot of me songs are that way. So for now it’s just poem/expression of thoughts,”
“Read it to me,” I asked. He rolled his eyes.
“Alright, it’s called ‘Two of Us’,” he began,

“Two of us
Riding nowhere
Spending someone’s
Hard earned pay.

You and me,
Sunday driving,
Not arriving,
On our way back home.

Two of us,
Sending postcards,
Writing letters,
On my wall.

You and me,
Burning matches,
Lifting latches,
On our way back home.

You and I have memories,
Longer than the road that stretches,
Out ahead.

Two of us,
Wearing raincoats,
Standing solo,
In the sun.

You and me,
Chasing paper,
Getting nowhere,
On our way back home.
We’re on our way home,
We’re going home,”

“And that’s pretty much is it,” Paul finished. I just sat there.
“Is there anything that you come up with that’s not pretty?” I asked and he laughed.
“Well if I remember correctly, you didn’t think ‘WhyDon’t We Do It in the Road?’ or ‘You Know My Name’ was very pretty,” he said and I laughed.
“That’s true,” I agreed, “But, seriously, that was really nice. I liked it—you’re a fabulous writer,”
“Thanks love, but all they are, are just me feelings most the time, you know,” Paul said,
“I know but you express them so well,” I complimented him. He smiled and pulled me against him, kissing my forehead.
“Want to know another reason I fell for you?” he asked.
“Sure,”
“Well, I’ve always loved how you are always just so laid back, you know? You’ve got a very ‘loose’ approach to life. I mean my life is getting so hectic right now with schedules, obligations, and fights, but with you—I can just forget that I’m a Beatle, you know, I never think about it when I’m with you--and this whole week? I never once thought about back home and all the things I’ve got to do when we get back. Me life has always been so bloody organized, but with you, we just do whatever the hell we want. For instance, chasing paper—who does that?” He asked smiling. I laughed.
“Us,” I smiled.
“Exactly—everything we do is so unpredictable and so amazing because of that fact. I just love it, I love you,” he said smiling lovingly. I returned his smile with a kiss, and, well let’s just say that night Paul wasn’t sore anymore. 

The next day, we hauled all our stuff together along with Martha and traveled back to Cavendish Ave. Paul called John to let him know he was back and asked if they’d heard from Ringo. John said they had, apparently Ringo flew out to the Mediterranean to think and get away. Paul had decided he wanted to do something special for Ringo as he agreed to come back and talk about things with the group. The boys, along with my and Yoko’s help, smothered Ringo’s drums in flowers. I was to pick up Paul that day, September 3rd, from the studio and when I did all them were talking and smiling.
“Knock knock,” I said softly as I opened the door. Paul turned,
“Ah, come in love,” he said.
“Hi, guys--Ringo,” I smiled. He smiled in return.
“Hello Olivia,” he replied.
“I’ll be with you in just a sec love, I’ve got to run something over with George Martin,” Paul told me giving me a kiss on the cheek.
“No problem,” I replied as he, John, (of course followed by Yoko) and George left. It was quiet between Ringo and I, but I broke the tension by asking him what had happened that made him so frustrated. He laughed light heartedly.
“Oh it was a mix of things. I just felt really tired and discouraged…like I wasn’t doing me best anymore. So I decided to take a week’s holiday. Things are better I think, I mean today we didn’t record or anything—we just talked and everything’s okay now,”
“Good, I was so worried for a while there,” I admitted. He laughed.
“No need to get worried luv,”
“So you just left because you weren’t doing your best? Doesn’t everybody have those days?” I asked thinking that kinda a petty reason to leave. He smiled.
“No, that’s not the entire reason,” he said hesitantly.
“What else?”
“Uh,” Ringo pause and I had a funny feeling in my stomach.
“Was it Paul?” I asked him and he just looked at me.
“Don’t get me wrong Olivia, I love Paul very much. He’s been a wonderful friend—we’re all like brothers—besides, Paul is the greatest bass player in the world, no doubt about that,”
“But…..” I began for him and he laughed,
“But, he is also very determined—you know that,” he said and I nodded,
“Yes he is,”
“He goes on and on to see if he can get his own way. While that may be a virtue, it means that musical disagreements inevitably arise from time to time,” Ringo finished and I didn’t know how to respond—I mean, he was putting down Paul…what was I to say?
“So you basically left because of Paul?” I asked feeling bad for him—he was the only thing keeping them together. Who cares if he was a little bossy at times—they must’ve needed it. Ringo shook his head heavily.
“No, by no means. Like I said, it was a mix of things. Yoko’s driving us all up the wall, I was feeling discouraged, Paul was getting at me, John always fighting with Paul, Yoko putting in her bloody opinion all the time---so no, it wasn’t just Paul, I assure you,” I smiled slightly as the door to the room opened.
“Alright, ready to head home love?” Paul asked as he walked in the room, the others behind him.
“Ready when you are,” I replied getting up. I said goodbye to the others and Paul and I left heading back home.

Onto Chapter 41....