The next day, I decided to go to my cousin's house. His was just a few blocks away from mine. I needed to know if there's a bar I could go to. He's in this band, and maybe they'd have upcoming gigs I could watch.
"Come on Ritchie! Just one gig! Pleeease?" I asked my cousin who was busy preparing breakfast for him and his mum Elsie. "When are ya lads having a gig again? I miss Rory." "I already told ya I quit Rory's band." He said, flipping the egg he was cooking. "Did ya? I don't remember. What do ya do with yer life then?" I laughed and waited for his answer. Ritchie was like my big brother. His mum, Aunty Elsie was my mum's sister. We grew up pretty close. Being 3 years older, he used to look after me alot when we were kids. And whenever he gets hospitalised, I make it a point to visit everyday, most especially when he fell into a coma.
"I play for this new band, The Beatles. With an A, that is." "The Beatles? Odd name. Why haven't I heard of them before?" I probed, curiously. And partly because I thought the name was ridiculous. "It's because by the time you started going out, they were out in Hamburg trying their luck. I met them there." 'He met them at Hamburg? Those lads might be very good! And good-looking as well!' I thought to myself. I went over to where Ritchie was standing and tugged on his shirt. "Please Ritchie just one gig! Please! I got kicked out of The Jacaranda ya know? I have no place else to go." Ritchie laughed out loud. I glared at him. "Why would ya be kicked out of that club? "I broke a bottle on Jake Williams' head." "Why so?" He asked. "He tried to kiss me..and do things." Ritchie's eyes widened. He was in shock. His cousin, whom he tried his best to keep an eye on for the last 18 years almost got knocked out by a random dope. "Did he hurt ya?" "No, not really. I just had this scab." I showed him the scab on my elbow. I rubbed it lightly and it did hurt. My bum still sort of hurt from him pushing me out. "That bloke. I'll cripple him." "Now don't be silly Ritchie. Just let me go to one gig please!" I could tell he was starting to get annoyed. But I really wanted to go. I wanted to see this band. To go out to a new atmosphere. "There is no way I'm taking you with me. They might think I'm a sissy for babysitting me little cousin on me first gig with em!" Oh poor Ritchie. "I don't think so. They would actually approve of you, ya know. I think they'd find me attractive alright." He gave me a sarcastic look and went to frying strips of bacon. "And that's exactly what I don't want happening. Those lads could be very touchy, ya know."
"Don't be ridiculous! I'd be there to have fun and listen to music, not to flirt with yer bandmates!" "Oh surely." He whispered under his breath while beginning to place 3 plates on the table. I guess I'm staying for another round of breakfast. "Come on Ritchie! Please? Just one gig. One gig, and I promise I won't bother ya no more. I promise." My cousin scratched his head in frustration and pointed to me. "Saturday. Be here at EXACTLY 7PM. The gig is at 10 but we have to be there early to practise. Do not be late. And wear something decent, ya hear me?" It took me about a few seconds til I hugged him and screeched like a lunatic. "Oh thank ya Richard! Yer the best!" "Get off me! Mum! Breakfast is ready." I cheerfully poured our breakfast tea on 3 cups when Aunty Elsie joined us in the dining room. "I heard screaming?" "Oh Aunty Elsie! Ritchie's taking me to this gig of his and his new band! Isn't that fantastic?" Aunty Elsie, being the sweet woman that she is, gave me a kiss on the cheek. "That is fantastic. Ritchie here is a darling brother, aren't he?" Ritchie smiled, not so conscious of him looking too proud of himself.
That Saturday afternoon, I prepared pretty early. I was so excited for this gig. I didn't know why, but I felt like good things are about to happen that night. I finished wearing my fishnet stockings and zipped up my dress. I wore this black dress that went a little above my knees, shaped my bum quite nicely, but did not show alot of breast. Ritchie would strangle me. I worked on my make-up and decided to go a bit dark on the eyes since it was a night, and really light on lipstick. When everything is done, I grabbed my coat and purse, striding to Johanna's room to see if she was ready. "Jo quit doddling around come on!" "I'm coming, I'm coming." When she got out, I dragged her down the stairs and said goodbye to my mum. "Don't have too much fun girls!" She said. "Oh don't worry mother we will!" I answered back at her playfully. "What's the hurry about Laura?" Johanna asked as we made our way to Ritchie's house. "Ritchie told me to be there at 7PM exact. And, I talked to some of my friends and they said they knew The Beatles! According to them, they sound really good, and are ridiculously fit!" I told Johanna enthusiastically, and I could swear I saw her whole face light up at the word 'fit'. "Let's hurry then!" Johanna dragged me as we ran and laughed in hysterics.
"Goodevening Aunty Elsie, is Ritchie ready yet?" She greeted me and Johanna with a kiss. "He'd be down any moment. Richard your cousin's ere!" Just as after she yelled, he was making his way down the stairs. "Surprised yer not la-what are ya wearing?!" He asked angrily. Johanna had to laugh at my reaction. "What? I always dress up like this when I go out."
"I told ya to wear somethin decent."
"Do ya want me to dress up like a nun?"
Johanna and Aunty Elsie were laughing at mine and Ritchie's row. "Change those clothes now!" "Don't be ridiculous Richard Starkey! What are ya being so paranoid about? Come on yer going to be late. Goodbye Aunty! "Bye darlings! Have fun!"
We got into Ritchie's car, with me in front and Johanna at the back. "When we arrive at The Cavern, I want that coat buttoned, ya understand?" "It's hot in there! Like hell!" He kept his eyes straight on the road. "I don't care." I rolled my eyes at him, irritated. "Come on Richard cut her some slack! It's not like she's gonna get raped or something by those mates of yours, is it?" Johanna said, defending me. "Whatever those blokes tell ya two, don't fall for it easily." Ritchie said seriously just as he pulls over to the club.
Upon entering, the club was still lit and there was no one out, except for a ridiculously good looking lad sitting on the stage, tuning his bass guitar. "Hey Paul." Ritchie greeted him as we made our way to him. Paul looked up and his perfectly shaped eyebrows immediately caught my attention. He also had long, thick lashes that gave emphasis to his lovely eyes. "Hey Ringo. Well, you got yourself here lovely birds don't you?" Paul said, his eyes glued to Johanna's breasts. "Uhh, this is Laura, she's me cousin I told you lads about. And th-" "Hi I'm Johanna. I'm Laura's bestfriend. I'm pleased to meet ya." She shook Paul's hand and they exchanged flirtatious looks. "Hello Johanna, you're very friendly aren't ya?" I was laughing at the pair, especially at Johanna who was evidently elated at the sight of Paul. "Ringo my dear boy! Are ya ready for tonight's show?" A voice came out from one of the tunnels of the Cavern. Then came out two more ridiculously good looking young lads. "Oh, and ya are?" The louder lad came up to me and kissed my hand. I felt my cheeks flush, and Ritchie's stare at him. "I-I'm Laura. I'm Ritchie's cousin." "Ritchie? Oh Ringo! I'm sorry mate." He backed away and nodded at Ritchie. "He's John. And this one's George." John was the louder of the pair. He had his hair pushed up in a Teddy Boy way. He was gorgeous and his teeth were tiny and straight. George, on the other hand was very quiet and reserved. "Hello Laura." He simply said and flashed a crooked grin, which made my heart beat really fast. George was beautifully pale. He seemed a bit younger than the rest, probably the same age as mine. We stared at each other for quite a long time. He literally captivated me. "Hello George." I said shyly and smiled. For a moment, the room fell quiet, as if everyone was watching me and George until Paul broke in. "We're going to get some drinks." Everyone agreed. "Ya and George were quite adorable for a moment there. Later luv." Johanna whispered to me and ran after Paul.
The rehearsal of the band took quite long, but it was worth listening to. They were all very creative, even quiet George brings in good ideas. Their music was quite different from the other bands I've watched. It was so good to listen to. George played so well. You could see the passion in him as he plays, yet was still sort of mysterious. After the rehearsal, I realised that I was looking at George the whole time. He interested me in a peculiar way. I wanted to know him.
"Laura. Laura. Ya spaced out."