Well, 1969 started with a bang.  It was January, and just another ordinary day for me.  I had spent the last few days (while Paul was at work) shopping for baby things, as I was due in five months.  We decided we didn’t want to know the sex of the baby until it was born, making it a surprise, so I just bought the standard things that any baby needs, no matter the sex.  I was just sitting on the couch digging through all the new stuff, when Paul walked in the door, looking rather excited.  I turned and smiled at him.

            “Hey, hon,” I said.  He ran over to me and sat down.

            “Love you’ll never guess!” he said out of breath.  I laughed.

            “Yes?”

            “Oh, hello by the way,” he said kissing me quickly.

            “What’s your news?”

            “We’re doing a live performance!” he said eyes big.  I raised my eyebrows.

            “No way!  How’d that come about?” I asked him.

            “Well, I’ve been thinking that you know, since that’s what got us started, it may be a good idea to do it again for good old times.  And not to mention, it might bring us closer musically again—you know how we’ve been fading,” he explained and I was excited for him, but then I got to thinking, “Are you alright love, you look disappointed,” I looked up at him.

            “No, not at all!  This is fantastic, really, I’m just wondering how this is going to affect starting a family, you know?  I mean if you guys are going on tour again…” I said and Paul laughed.

            “Oh love, we aren’t touring again.  Just one performance—believe me, it was hard enough getting them to agree with this.  I think it’s because I just wouldn’t let it go and they were annoyed—that’s why they said yes,”

            “You’re just doing one then or what?  I guess I don’t understand,”

            “Well, yes, but we’re going to record it on film.  We’ve all talked about a doing it at a really gear venue, and well, we haven’t really chosen one yet,” he said looking confused, “First off we booked The Roundhouse in Chalk Farm, but that was cancelled because we decided that wasn’t quite fab enough.  Then we thought of a fantastic idea--we’d film at a place called Tunisia in a Roman Amphitheatre, at dawn mind you, the place completely empty,”

            “Wow that sounds fab!” I said imagining it a beautiful sight.  Paul made a face.

            “Yeah I know, but,” he sighed, “Ringo put his foot down saying he wouldn’t do it because he doesn’t think he’ll like the food,”

            “Oh I’m sorry,” I said somewhat disappointed.  It sounded like a good idea to me.

            “Yeah, but at least we all agreed on the film part.  So we contacted Denis O’Dell, a producer, you’ve heard me speak of him love haven’t you?”  I nodded, “Yes, so, and he suggested that instead of just doing the concert on film, we’d record us rehearsing on film as well.  I thought, ‘Hell!  That’s a fabulous idea!’”  I nodded again.

            “That is smart.  I think it’ll turn out great, I’m happy for you, you actually look happy for once,” I said smiling.  He looked at me confused.

            “Love I’m always happy with you,” he said holding my hand.

            “I know, but, I mean you really look happy—you know like completely,” I said, “Do you know what I mean?”

            “Yeah, I get it and I agree.  I just hope things are going to be good again—no more of this fighting shit all the time,”

            “Let’s hope so, I hate all the tension between you,” I said and he nodded, “So when are you going to start this project?”

            “Uh, Denis has Twickenham Film Studios booked for February 3, for Ringo’s movie he’s doing,”   

“Ringo’s doing a movie?” I asked surprised and Paul laughed.

“Yeah, apparently…he had so much fun in ‘A Hard Days Night’ and ‘Help!’, so when he was asked he said  yes,”

“Weird,” I said and Paul nodded, “Anyway, sorry, didn’t mean to get you off track,”

“Oh love don’t worry,” Paul smiled, “I think he wants us to start tomorrow and just work in there until then,”

            “Good for you guys, I hope all goes well,” I said meaning it. It would be so nice for things to go back to the way they were.

            “Thanks love,” Paul said smiling then picking up one of the baby supplies I had bought, “What’s this?  You’ve gone shopping without me have you?” he asked looking offended.

            “Oh come on, like you would’ve wanted to go,” I said taking the toy from him.  He laughed.

            “Well, it’s my baby too you know, so you never know,” he said shaking his finger at me.

            “I’m definitely not finished, so if you are able to give yourself to me for a day, you can come with the second time around,” I said.  He shook his head.

            “Sorry, love, I don’t do sloppy seconds,” he said.  I rolled my eyes.

            “Oh knock it off,” I smiled and he shook his head again acting serious.

            “I’m not joking love,”

            “Well, we better get a divorce then because I have been with someone before you….you remember Davy?” I asked him.  He scrunched his nose.

            “Of course I bloody remember Davy…I don’t want to play this game any more,” he said and I laughed.

            “I told you to stop,” I said in a sing song voice.  He laughed.

            “Yeah, well, I didn’t think you were going to bring back that wonderful image,” he said making another face, “And you weren’t sloppy seconds—it always felt like the first time to me,”

            “Oh!” I said touched.  He laughed and rolled his eyes as I kissed him.

            “Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?” he asked me.

            “Really?” I asked and he nodded.

            “Yeah, we haven’t gone out for a while, and I miss it,” he said.  I nodded.

            “I’d love that,” I told him.  He smiled.

            “Gear, let me shower and we’ll go,” he said. I laughed.

            “Paul you don’t have to shower,” I said, “We’re just eating,”

            “I know, but you know me love, I’ve got to be clean,” he laughed at his habit of always being clean and looking nice.  He headed upstairs to shower and I continued to put the things I bought away.  He didn’t take as long as he normally does, and came out looking and smelling good.

            “Oo, aren’t you handsome,” I smiled.  He winked and walked over to me, putting his arms around me.

            “Thanks love,” he said.  We walked out to the car and drove to a nicer restaurant at the edge of town.  Paul was sick of wearing disguises and decided that we would just go as ourselves.  We sat down at one of the back tables, our usual when we came here, Paul ordering wine and me water.  I usually drank wine at places like these, but there was no way I was consuming alcohol when I was pregnant.

            “It feels nice to go out again,” I said missing it. Paul was never in the mood to go out since The Beatles had been troubles.  When we did go out, it was always to the farm away from people.

            “Sorry I’ve been such a prick love,” Paul said suddenly.  I looked up at him.

            “Where did that come from?”

            “I know how much you like going out and doing stuff, and I normally do too—I’m just sorry you’ve been trapped at home all the time,” he apologized again.  I kissed him.

            “That’s over with Paul, its fine anyway.  Everybody needs times like those, and you needed it then.  Its fine,” I said smiling and he kissed me again.

            “I love you,” he said as the waiter came and took our orders, “What do you think about buying a couple of horses?”

            “Horses?  For the farm?” I asked. He nodded.

            “Yeah, I’d fancy doing a bit of riding.  I’ve always enjoyed it, but never had the time—and I know you love it,”

            “That’s true,” I said.

            “We wouldn’t buy them tell after the baby comes,” he said, “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

            “Yeah, definitely,” I said taking a drink and almost choking.  Paul looked scared.

            “Love are you alright?” he asked moving closer to me.  I nodded.

            “Yeah, I’m fine, I just--” I paused looking straight ahead of me. 

            “What?  Swallow done the wrong tube?” he asked rubbing my back.

            “Yeah, because I was startled,” I said still completely shocked.  Paul moved his head back a bit.

            “Startled?  At buying horses?” he asked and I had to laugh because he was totally confused.

            “No, look,” I said pointing ahead of us.  Paul turned around and looked.  Quickly he looked back at me.

            “Is that Davy?” he asked me.  I nodded as I sat and looked at Davy eating with a girl—pregnant, “Is she pregnant?” Paul asked looking back at them.

            “I think so,” I said baffled.  I had talked to them not long ago, and knew nothing of this.  The girl got up, excused herself, and left the table for the bathrooms leaving Davy alone.  He sipped his wine and looked around smiling and a few people.

            “That’s funny.  Brittany never told you this did she?” he asked me.  I shook my head.

            “No, I wonder…I’m curious,” I said looking at Paul and he read my eyes like a book.

            “You want to go over there don’t you?” he asked me.  I swallowed.

            “I’m just so curious, and I haven’t seen him in so long,” I said.  Paul shriveled his nose, looked back at Davy, and back to me.

            “Love you know how I feel about you being with him,” he said.

            “Paul, I’m married to you, have been for a year in June—not to mention I’m pregnant and I love you,” I said smiling and touching his face, “You have nothing to worry or be jealous of,”

            “I know, but when I see him alone, especially with you, I remember everything that happened between you two and that he actually got to have you for 3 years,” Paul replied.  I laughed.

            “You know what this reminds me of?” I asked him.  He shook his head.

            “No what?”

            “A long, long, time ago when I won tickets to a certain Beatles Concert and my boyfriend was so scared of me seeing a certain Paul McCartney because I fancied him,” I said.  Paul laughed a little.

            “Yeah, but look what happen there, he did have to worry!” he said totally ruining my point.

            “Paul, come on,” I begged not sure how much longer Davy would be alone.  Paul pretended to cry.

            “Olivia,” he wined and I just looked at him sadly.  He rolled his eyes, “Alright go ahead,”

            “Thanks,” I said kissing him and getting out of the booth.  I looked down at myself—I didn’t look as pregnant as she did, but then again I was only 4 months along and the nurse told me because of Paul and my petite shapes, that the baby wasn’t going to be that big, and I wouldn’t show as much as some women.  I guess that could me a good thing.  I walked slowly over to Davy’s table, his back facing me, and I was a bit nervous.  I hadn’t seen his since Paul and my wedding almost a year ago—a year.  That was a long time.  I turned to look back at Paul who wasn’t even looking over here, but fiddling around with his napkin.  I smiled—he had nothing to worry about, I loved him too much.  I turned back to Davy and lightly touched him on the shoulder, “Davy?” I asked and he turned around immediately.  I smiled as I saw the complete shock appear on his face as he stood up.

            “Olivia? Wow,” he said and I laughed.

            “Can I have a hug?” I asked him, he laughed embarrassed and hugged me, pulling me away and looking at me.

            “Wow, you look great!” he said, “and what’s this?  You’re pregnant?”

            “Yeah, four months—due in June,” I told him.  His eyes were big.

            “Wow, congratulations,” he said smiling.

            “Thanks,”

            “Are you here alone?” he asked me.

            “No, Paul’s over there,” I said turning and pointing.  Davy looked over and Paul looking now smiled and waved. Davy waved in return. Here was my chance.

            “How about you?  Alone?” I asked.  He looked hesitant,

            “Uh, no actually, I’m here with, Linda,” he told me. 

            “Linda?” I asked not ever hearing of her.

            “Yeah, my wife,” he said throwing me completely of guard.

            “What?  You’re married?!  Since when?” I asked.

            “Um, you can sit down until she comes back if you’d like—I imagine your back’s a bit sore,” he offered.  I smiled.

            “Thanks,” I said sitting down, “So, wow, I’m completely lost!  When did you get married?”  Davy laughed sheepishly.

            “Well, we were initially just dating, but then, well, she became pregnant last July, so we figured we should get married—but it wasn’t that big of deal.  I was planning on asking her anyway,” he informed me. 

            “Wow, Davy Jones married,” I said.  He smiled embarrassingly.

            “I know, hard to believe right?  I always had thought it would be you,” he said quietly.  I swallowed not expecting him to say something like that—especially now.  I turned back to Paul who had his eyes secretly on us the whole time.  I turned back to Davy,

            “Davy--” I began and he stopped me with a smile.

            “Don’t worry luv, I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable or sad.  I love Linda, I really do.  It’s just, funny that’s all.  Well, not funny, sad actually.  It’s sad that you are the one that had to go through all my ‘discovering what I wanted’ stuff.  I was able to settle with her right away,” he said looking at me sadly.  I smiled.

            “Don’t worry about it Davy, we put each other through a lot.  Me with Paul, and well, you with what you just said,” I said, “We’re both happy now, so it was all worth it right?”

            “Right,” he smiled.

            “So, what are you doing here in London?” I asked. 

            “We live in Manchester actually,” he said softly. 

            “You live here?  But what about The Monkees?” I asked.   Davy was silent, “Davy?”

            “We’re aren’t together anymore luv,” he said, “Peter quit about 3 months after you and Paul’s wedding actually,”

            “Peter?!” I asked completely shocked.  He nodded.

            “Yeah, he wasn’t enjoying himself anymore, and he wanted to spend more time with Emily,”

            “Wow,” I said then thought of something else, “So the Bleeding Hearts….”  Davy shook his head.

            “Nope, they’ve been over long before us,” he said and I couldn’t believe it.

            “I can’t believe this,” I said.

            “What else are you supposed to do when you lead singer, and perhaps the best part of the band leaves?  They couldn’t possibly do it with out you for long…I mean I think they are all great, but honestly luv, I started the band with you because you are great—the best out of all of them.  And they knew it too,” he said and I smiled.

            “Thanks Davy,” I said.

            “Are you alright, you look sad,” Davy said.

            “Well, I am I guess—for a lot of reasons.  I mean, I’m sad that both of you aren’t together any more, and well, mostly because neither Brittany nor any of you called to tell me…” I said.  Davy reached over and touched my hand.

            “We wanted too, they wanted too,” he said.

            “Why didn’t you?” I asked.

            “We did, we tried calling you for weeks, but no one ever answered.  I guess we all just figured you and Paul were doing your own things, then after that, all of us back home lost touch, and I don’t know,” Tears welled up in my eyes.

            “Well, I don’t know if you guys have heard, but The Beatles are really not doing so hot right now, so Paul and I have been taking a lot of breaks to our farm in Scottland.  I had no idea you were trying to call!  I thought you just didn’t want to talk to me any more!  I’ve wanted to call you guys for so long, and honestly, almost visited you guys a couple months ago….”

            “Why didn’t you?  We’re all thinking the same thing about you—that you didn’t want to hear from us anymore.  That would’ve been great!” Davy said, his hand still on mine and from the corner of my eye, I could see Paul staring.

            “Well, it was a rough situation.  I actually had left Paul for a week and-”

            “You left Paul?!” Davy asked rather loudly and pulling my hand away from his I put my finger to my lips, sure that Paul already heard.

            “Only for a week—this tension and things with the Beatles were getting really bad, and I just needed a break.  I was with my family for that week, and I was going to come and surprise you all, but I couldn’t be without Paul any longer,” I explained.

            “Luv, I wish you would’ve.  I mean, I’m not living there, but I know they would’ve loved it.  They all miss you—Brittany told me she’s not going to marry Micky unless you are at the wedding,” Davy said and tears came back again.

            “Really?” I asked and he nodded.

            “I really need to call her, let her know I still care and are not neglecting them.  I need to explain about how I’ve been away a lot lately,” I said and Davy nodded.

            “I think that would be a good idea,”

“So what are you doing now?” I asked him.

   “Well, honestly, Mike, Micky, and I, are thinking about making albums without Peter, you know continuing the Monkees.  But for know we are all just taking a break and starting families, you know,” he said and I nodded.  I noticed he was suddenly looking up behind me.  I turned and got up seeing Linda reappear.  She looked at us confused as Davy stood up next to her.

            “Linda love, this is Olivia, a very old friend of mine,” he said and she smiled shyly and slightly unsure as if she may of heard of me.

            “Hi, nice to meet you,” I said holding out my hand.  She returned with a smile as Davy introduced me to her.

            “Are you the one that’s with Paul McCartney?” she asked me and I had to laugh.  I swear that’s the first thing people notice about me—I’m the lucky girl with the ‘Cute Beatle’.

            “Yeah, that’s me,” I said looking over at Paul looking bored out of his mind, “In fact, he’s just over there, and I feel like I’ve left him alone long enough,” I said and she turned to look at him again as he looked up at us, smiling his famous Paul McCartney smile.

            “He does look rather bored,” she giggled.  Davy smiled.

            “It was nice seeing you again Olivia,” he said giving me another hug.  I smiled.

            “Same to you Davy,” I said, “We’ll have to all get together some time now that we are much closer,” He nodded.

            “It’s a deal,”

            “Nice meeting you again Linda, and congrats on the baby,” I smiled.  She smiled pleased and looked at Davy.

            “Congratulations on you and Paul’s baby as well,” Davy smiled and Linda nodded.

            “Thanks,” I said.  We hugged once more and I made my way back to Paul.  I sat down next to him and when I looked at him he had his eyes shut and snoring.  I hit him gently and he opened his eyes laughing.

            “That was much longer than I anticipated,” he said rolling his big eyes and taking a sip of wine.

            “I’m sorry, but there was a lot to catch up on,” I said.

            “Oh yeah?  Like what?” he asked.  I told him about how the Monkees split up shortly after we were married, how The Bleeding Hearts are no longer together (in which he said the same reason as Davy), how Davy is married because he got Linda pregnant, but that he really does love her, and how he and the other three excluding Peter, may continue to make records in the future.  By this time our food came, and I was telling him this over our meal.

            “Holy shit, we have missed out on a lot,” he said taking a bite of pasta.  I nodded.

            “I know.  I still can’t believe that they all broke up, it’s just unreal,” I said looking up at Paul.

            “They were great and all, but you think that’s weird—wait till The Beatles are no more,” he said staring down at his food.  By this time I was no longer going to lie to myself and him by saying it wasn’t going to happen.  I honestly believed, as well as Paul, that by 1975 for sure, The Beatles will be no more.  He looked up and seeing my face he smiled, “I’m sorry love.  I didn’t mean to bring that up, but, this is all just so crazy.  Nothing like the way it was when we first met,”

            “Oh I know, I’m still getting over how much everything has changed.  Time has gone by so fast,” I said and he nodded.  I continued to tell him about why the other’s haven’t called me and he thought like I did—that I should call them and let them know why I haven’t been home to answer their calls.  He even offered to talk to them and tell them what was going on in The Beatles and apologize for me.  We finished our meal, paid, and said one last goodbye to Davy, Linda funnily enough getting Paul’s autograph as they met.  We left and drove home going straight to bed.  Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day for Paul. 

            Paul usually woke up early to go to the studio to work, leaving me alone, but this particular morning he woke me up.

            “Paul, what do you want?  I was sleeping,” I said shortly rolling away from his touch.  I heard him laugh.

            “Hey now, grouchy pregnant woman,” he said through little laughs.

            “Well, I was sleeping,” I said again somewhat annoyed.  I had already had slight little mood swings and Paul took them well.  He found humor in every time and in the end usually ended up making me laugh.

            “And now you are awake, so don’t be a ‘meanie fishie’,” he quoted from years ago.  I had to laugh at that.  I turned to face him, my eyes open and seeing a smile on his face, “Ah, there we go.  There’s the smile I love to see,” I stuck my tongue out at him and he grabbed it making me laugh again.

            “Hey now, I have a right to be grouchy.  I’m carrying another human being inside me—thanks to you,” I said kidding around. 

            “Ooo, blaming it all on me are ya?” he said making a face at my snip, “Didn’t you mum ever tell you that it takes two?  That’s means it was you too darling,” Paul said running his hand down my arm and I laughed.

            “Yes she did, and I’m thankful,” I said kissing him.

            “That’s better,” he said kissing me a second time.

            “Now seriously, why did you wake me up?” I asked.

            “Because I want you to come with me today,” he said.  I looked at him confused.

            “To the studio?”

            “Yeah,”

            “Are you being serious?”

            “Why wouldn’t I?”

            “Well, isn’t one of the biggest reasons you’re mad at Yoko because she’s not supposed to be there…you know your pact and all?” I asked confused at his current hypocrisy.  He laughed.

            “I think the pact has pretty much gone to hell by now,” Paul said, “If he’s going to bring her I’m going to bring you—if anything maybe he’ll see that it should really just be us four and things will be the way they should be,”  I was offended.

            “What?  Paul I’m not going to be a scheme to get back at John.  I’m not going to be your Yoko,” I said and Paul quickly realized what he had just said.

            “No, no, love that’s not what I meant.  I’m just saying that’s the worse that could happen,” I continued to frown at him and he kissed me, “’Liv you know that ever since we’ve been together I’ve wanted to bring you into the studio with me, but I couldn’t.  Now I can because John brings Yoko,”

            “Oh,”

            “And what do you mean, be my Yoko?” he asked with a face then laughed, “Sweetheart you are NOTHING like Yoko Ono, thank the Lord,” he said and I had to laugh.

            “That’s a compliment I suppose,”

            “Hell yeah it is!” he laughed, “So, are you going to come with me?  I’d love your company, it’ll make things much easier I think,” he said with his puppy eyes.

            “Alright, I’ll go,” I said.  He smiled.

            “Thanks love,” he said.  We got in the shower and headed off to the studio.  I felt a bit awkward because I didn’t want George and Ringo to look at me as another Yoko.  I had no intention of putting in my ideas against the others—I was just going to watch.  We entered the building, Paul’s arm around me, and when we walked in they all looked up.  George and Ringo smiling, John and Yoko staring.

            “Hey mates,” Paul said taking off his coat and helping me with mine.

            “Hey Paul, Olivia,” George said.

            “Hello,” Ringo greeted and I smiled at the two of them, Paul swung his bass over his shoulder and I took a seat on the couch a few feet away from them.

            “Hope you guys don’t mind that I brought Olivia along,” Paul said and I smiled.

            “I’m just gonna watch you guys,” I said and Paul smiled at me.

            “No problem, we all love you Olivia,” George said smiling at me. I smiled in return and felt bad for Yoko—I don’t think they ever said anything of the sort to her. 

            “So what have we got today?” Paul asked the others.  They fiddled through some papers.

            “John’s got one called ‘Don’t Let Me Down’, and it’s really great,” Yoko said.  The others looked up surprised as John just nodded along with her.  Paul side glanced at George.

            “Uh, that’s great, any one else?” he asked looking to the others.  George fiddled around with some papers.

            “I’ve got one I’m working on, it’s called ‘All Things Must Pass’,” George said.  Paul nodded.

            “And I’ve got one too,” he said, “It’s called ‘Two of Us’,” he said glancing up at me and I smiled remembering it was the poem he had written when we took a break at the farm.

            “I think we should work on ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ first,” Yoko said again.  Paul looked back over to them, George glaring rather hard at them.  Paul tried to smile.

            “I suppose we can do that, John?” Paul asked and John just looked up at him.

            “John agrees with me,” Yoko said.  I could feel the tension rising in the room with every second and it honestly sent chills of uncomfortable ness down my back. 

            “John have you lost your voice today?” Paul asked looking directly at John.

            “No, I’ve decided Yoko knows best so she’s talking for me from now one,” John said and I couldn’t believe it.  Paul leaned back in his chair, his face full of shock and anger.

            “What the hell do you mean?” Paul asked.

            “He just explained,” Yoko replied.  Paul turned to her,

            “No offence Yoko, but I think John needs to speak for himself as far as the music.  Only he knows what he wants,” he said staring into John.

            “Yeah, what the fuck John?” George asked sternly. John shot a glance at him.

            “I say if you aren’t going to fookin’ talk, we’re just going to work on our songs, and leave yours to you and Yoko,” Paul said turning towards George clearly annoyed.

            “Hell McCartney,” John blurted, “Don’t be such an ass,”

            “Me an ass?!” Paul blurted as a camera man stuck his video camera in their face and I suddenly remembered they were recording this. Paul turned to him, “Can you cut this please?” he asked.  The man nodded and held down the camera, “Look John, if you want Yoko to speak for you or whatever, I don’t bloody give a shit.  But in here while we’re making the film can you please speak for yourself?” Paul asked.  I could see Yoko’s icy stare towards Paul.

            “Fine,” John said.  Paul nodded,

            “Thanks, now what’s this song of yours?” he asked as the camera began rolling again.  They went through a few verses and tunes, and then rehearsed it.  At first listen I didn’t’ really care for it, but as they continued it grew on me a bit more.  They worked pretty hard at John’s song for a couple hours and George decided that he’d rather wait on his, and that to work on Paul’s ‘Two of Us’ would be the better choice.  They all agreed and Paul read of the lyrics to them and told them his idea of the music portion.  Everything seemed to be going smoothly until George and Paul began feuding. I couldn’t hear everything from where I was sitting but the whispers I did hear were quite harsh.  As their conversation continued they got a bit louder.

            “Well what the hell do you want me to do Paul?” George asked frustrated.  Paul rolled his eyes.

            “George, it’s not that difficult.  I’m just asking that you play the notes a bit faster and maybe a bit more clear.  They seem to be jumbled all together,” Paul explained.

            “I don’t know what you mean, it sounds fine to me,” George argued.  Paul shook his head frustrated himself.

            “Well it’s not fine.  That’s not the way I want it,” he said and just like John, Yoko, Ringo, and the camera man I watched them intently somewhat afraid.  I could tell by Paul’s tone and the fact that he was being a bit pushy something was more than likely to burst from this.  

            “Well fuck Paul, why don’t you place the damn solo by yourself!  After all I’m just the fookin’ lead guitarist!” George yelled voice raised.  Paul pointed at him.

            “Hey, cool it man!”

            “Then get off me bloody back!  Nothing’s ever bloody good enough for you!  ‘It’s not the way I want it’ ‘It’s too jumbled’ ‘Play it faster’!  If you’re so damn talented bloody do it yourself!” George yelled again and I could see the anger arising in Paul.

            “George don’t fookin’ start with me now,” Paul warned.

            “Stop being such a bossy son of a bitch!  You are our bloody God!”

            “George settle down,” John said suddenly.  I turned my attention to him as well as the rest of him.  George set his guitar down and stood up.

            “Shut the hell up John!  Who are you to be talking!?  You don’t contribute a damn thing around here!  It’s like you don’t bloody care any more!” he yelled.  John just looked at him not saying anything.

            “He brought you into the band George,” Yoko said and at this moment I wanted to run out of Abbey Road.  The anger and tension was so strong it was like a bubble waiting to break.

            “That was bloody years ago when he actually cared and did a damn thing!” George said.

            “George maybe you should just sit down,” Paul suggested and George turned fiercely to him.

            “No! No!  I’m sick of all this shit,” George said holding his hands up and shaking his head, “I’m bloody sick of your bossiness and I’m sick of John acting like a fookin’ vegetable,”

            “George--” Paul started again.

            “I think we should break up,” he said and they all just sat there speechless, including myself.

“George come on now,” Paul tried again.

“I’ll see you guys round the clubs, I’m outta here,” George said walking out of the set.  I sat quiet as I had done the whole time, my mouth open.  Paul breathed out and looked over at me.  I could see the pain, confusion, and anger in his eyes.  By this time the cameras were off, and once again Paul told them to keep it out of the film.  It was completely quiet and Paul walked over to me.  He held out his hand and I grabbed it getting up.  He led me toward the door, but we didn’t have our coats.

            “Where you going?” John asked.

            “Gonna get a sandwich,” Paul responded and we left.  We walked down the hall in silence.  We got our sandwiches and before going inside I pushed Paul against the wall and just kissed him.  He pulled me as close as he could and just kissed me back for minutes.  I pulled away from him and just looked in his eyes, not a word of comfort coming to my head.  He smiled and touched my face with his free hand.

            “I’m sorry you had to be in there for that,” he said.  I smiled and shrugged.

            “What can you do?  If that’s what you’ve been going through these last few weeks, I’m so sorry for treating you like you were over reacting,” I said and he laughed, “Baby I’m so sorry,” I said and he pulled in for another kiss.

            “Believe it or not, you being here is so much better.  I’m not even mad anymore, I actually don’t even care because you are here,” he said and I kissed him once more before we went in.  Paul and I sat on the couch and ate our sandwiches talking and laughing to each other.  After we were finished Paul put his arm around me and I just leaned my head on his shoulder.

            “What now?” Ringo asked still behind his drums.  Paul shrugged.

            “I don’t know,” Paul answered.

            “Will you guys back me up on something?” Yoko asked.  Paul turned from Ringo to look at her.

            “What?”

            “I have something I wanna do, but I need you to back me up,” she said sitting on George’s blue cushion.  I could tell Paul was slightly annoyed at that, but he didn’t say anything.  He just shrugged.

            “I suppose,” he said leaving me alone again on the couch to get his bass.  He strapped it on, “What are playing?”

            “Just play some bluesy background or something,” she said.  Paul, still not caring, shrugged and counted off—John and Ringo joining.  It was sounding nice until Yoko began singing.  In fact, I actually plugged my ears when she started, thankful her back was to me.  Paul laughed to himself as he looked up and the saw the horror on my face and my ears plugged, but what would you do when a little Japanese woman, mouth covering the mic, was screeching, and I mean SCREECHING, endless non notes into the amps.  I couldn’t stand it anymore and got up saying I needed to use the bathroom.  Thankfully when I came back they were finished and Paul was putting his bass away in its case talking to John.  I took a seat a bit closer to him on the piano bench.  Yoko was no where in sight.

            “Looking pregnant there ‘Liv,” John said smiling.  Something that I hadn’t seen him do in a long time.  It seemed he was always himself when Yoko wasn’t around, but the minute she appeared he was somebody none of us knew nor liked.  I laughed.

            “Well for one I am,” I said and he laughed.

            “Yoko had a miscarriage,” he said his smile fading.  Paul looked up at him.

            “Are you serious man?” he asked and John nodded.

            “Yeah, they think it was from all the stress of being arrested a while back,” he said.

            “John I’m so sorry,” I said and he shrugged.

            “Don’t be sorry, it’s not your fault,” he said smiling as best he could, “We’re just going to try again,”

            “At least you are still optimistic,” I said and he nodded just as Yoko walked in.

            “Yeah, we figure if you can do it again, she can for sure,” he said looking at Yoko.  And to me his comment stung—Paul caught it too.

            “What the hell does that mean?” he asked him. 

            “I think I’m healthier than her,” Yoko said.  My mouth dropped open.  Since when had I ever been mean to her!?  Since when did I ever speak to her!?

            “Come on Paul, Yoko can do anything she can and more,” John said.  Paul stood up.

            “What the hell is wrong with you?  Where do you come off saying the shit you do?” Paul asked frustrated.

            “It’s true Paul—after all she’s American—they’re a bit more slutty over there, getting diseases and such,” John spatted and with that Paul was on him.  Yoko and myself pulled the two of them apart and Paul just glared at John.

            “Come on Olivia, let’s get the hell out of here,” Paul said grabbing his coat and leaving without waiting for me.  With tears in my eyes I walked over to John and he watched me approach him.

            “You’re such an ass John,” I said a tear falling.  He just looked at me and something in his eyes told me he didn’t mean it and he was sorry.  But I didn’t even know anymore—I didn’t know him anymore. He was so different around Yoko and I didn’t like it one bit.  I walked out in the hall where Paul was waiting for me, and he immediately grabbed me to him kissing the top of my head.  We stood there for a few moments before finally heading off to the peace of home.  I called Brittany that night and she was more excited than I’ve heard her in years.

            “Olivia!? Olivia Newt-uh, McCartney?!  Is that you!” she shrieked into the phone.

            “Yes, it’s me.  How are you!?” I asked so glad that she was happy to hear from me.

            “Great now!  Where have you been?  We thought you didn’t want to hear from us anymore,”

            “I know, I actually ran into Davy yesterday and he told me everything and I felt so bad,” I said as I explained to her why I hadn’t answered her calls.

            “Wow, what is going on with everybody?  Us, The Monkees, now The Beatles!  I can’t believe they may break up…I think I’m gonna cry,” she said and I had to laugh.

            “Oh, don’t cry,” I said, “At least you get to remember all them in their best years.  You don’t get to be here with all the drama and tension,” I told her looking at Paul laying next to me on the bed watching TV.  He smiled and grabbed my hand.

            “Yeah, that’s true.  I just wish we all stayed in better contact, you know?  I mean our band already failed because we lost you, and now there are no more Monkees, and you are thousands of miles away!” she said sounding like she was going to cry.  I was on the verge too—I missed my friends so much.

            “We’re going to have to fly you guys up here some time,” I suggested.

            “Oh that would be awesome!  I’ve never been to England!  And in Paul’s house??” she asked.

            “Hey it’s mine too,” I laughed knowing she was back to her stupid fan awe.

            “At least I’ll be able to see my favorite after they break-up—thanks Olivia for picking him!” she said and I laughed.

            “No problem, glad to make you happy,” I laughed.

            “Can I talk to him?” She asked.

            “Who, Paul?” I asked

            “No Martha, of course Paul!” she laughed, “Just put him on another phone,”

            “Hold on,” I said.  I covered the phone with my hand, “Paul, get on the other phone,” I said.  He looked up from the TV.

            “Why?” he asked.

            “Because Brittany wants to talk to you,” I said.

            “She does?” he asked seeming surprised.  I nodded.  He got up and grabbed the phone across the room.

            “Hello?” he said into it.

            “Paul!  How are you good buddy?” Brittany asked and Paul laughed.

            “Good thanks, yourself?”

            “Great!  I miss you guys so much!” she said.

            “Same to you, sorry to hear about your band,” he said looking across the room at me.

            “Thanks, but there was no way we could last without Olivia,” she said and Paul smiled.

            “I don’t think that’s why Brittany,” I said.

            “Um, yeah it is,” she argued.

            “So, how’s your little band going Paulie?” she asked.  He laughed.

            “Little?  Excuse me ma’am but last time I checked we were the biggest group in the world,”

            “Oh, Mister Cocky,” Brittany said on the other line and Paul laughed again.

            “I’m  kidding, uh, yeah, we’re going, that’s about it,”

            “I’m sorry,” she said, “I told Olivia I think I’m going to cry,”

            “Cry?  Why would you do that?” Paul asked.

            “Because I love you guys, you can’t break up,” she insisted.

            “Well we can’t be in the band forever you know, we’ve got to have actual lives,”

            “No, I don’t want you to,” she argued and Paul laughed.

            “Sorry luv, but it’s gonna happen that way,”

            “At least I can still talk and see you guys,” she said.

            “Yeah, see, you aren’t losing your favorite,” Paul said and I smiled.

            “Hey that’s what I said to Olivia too!” she laughed and Paul smiled.

            “So what’s new with you and Micky?” Paul asked.

            “Well, we’ve been engaged forever now, and I told him I wasn’t going to get married if you guys weren’t at the wedding,” she said.

            “Davy told me that—that’s so sweet,” I said.

            “Olivia, you’re one of my best friends!  I can’t get married without you!” she said, “However, because I thought you were ignoring me, we planned for June 31,” she paused, “I was going to call you one last time to see if you would come, but, now it looks like it doesn’t matter!  You can come right!?”  I looked across at Paul.

            “Uh,” I started.

            “Uh?  What?!  You can’t come!  Don’t tell me you can’t come!” she squealed.

            “We want to, it’s just that Olivia’s due on June 24^th, and-”  Paul started explained.

            “Whoa, whoa!  What? Due?  Olivia are you pregnant!?” Brittany asked and I forgot she didn’t know.  I smiled.

            “Yeah, four months,” I asked.

            “Oh my gosh!  I’m so happy!!  Everything is okay?” she asked.

            “Perfect,” I replied.

            “You are actually going to have a baby!”

            “And I know, it’s with Pa--” I started kidding around with her.  She shrieked.

            “No!  Olivia, not when he’s on the phone,” she said embarrassed and I laughed.  Paul looked confused.

            “What?  What were you going to say?” he asked.

            “Nothing, never mind,” Brittany snapped, “Well, I suppose a week after having a baby is a bit soon to be leaving—we’ll push it to July sometime.  I’m sure Micky will understand,”

            “Brittany are you sure?  I don’t want to conflict anything,”

            “Oh you’re fine!  We haven’t really done anything besides pick the date anyway.  I’m not getting married with you!”

            “Alright, alright,” I laughed.

            “You are a persistent one aren’t you?” Paul asked laughing.

            “Paul, shut up,” she said and he laughed more.

            “Well, we should get going—it’s been a long day,” I said yawning, “Plus I’m not feeling so hot anymore,”

            “Ugh, it must suck being pregnant,” Brittany said.  I smiled.

            “Sometimes, but not all the time,” I said.

            “I wish guys had to have the babies,” Paul laughed.

            “No thanks,” he said, “But love if you aren’t feeling well…” he started looking at me sympathetically.

            “Yeah, Olivia, you should get going—get some rest.  Thanks for calling, it was nice to hear from you both and I’ll give you a call in the next few days, okay?”

            “Sounds good,” I said.

            “Bye guys,” she said.

            “Bye Brittany,” Paul said.

            “Bye,” I said and we hung up.

            “Well that was nice,” Paul said coming to me.  I nodded.

            “Very,” I said yawning again and feeling a wince of pain.  I cuddled up with Paul in bed and we drifted off to a peaceful sleep both forgetting the hectic time at the studio and that if you really think about it—George had quit.  What does that say about The Beatles as a group then?