Chapter two . . . what can I say about it? It's long-ish, background info, and not too much Beatlesness. BUT DON'T WORRY! It'll all work out! So, as always, enjoy:

I awoke to the pitter patter of rain hitting my window. I could feel the cold wind on my face because I'd left it open the night before. Did Liverpool ever see the sun? I thought as I shivered in my bed. My eyes were still closed and I had no intention of opening them. Unfortunately, my sister barged in as I was about to doze off again.

"Hey, Lazy! Breakfast is ready!" she barked as she sat down on my bed.

I rolled over and groaned in response. She could be so irritating sometimes. As least she promised not to tell our mother about last night. I had told her that I'd been out with my friends – which was the truth. I hadn't told her about Paul, however. That would have only led to more scolding. Instead, I told her I had taken the long way home – which wasn't a total lie. Climbing through Paul's bathroom window did technically make my walk home longer . . . Plus, Josie didn't need to know everything. She was a little too nosey if you asked me. I mean, she was my sister and I loved her, but still!

"Come on, sleepy head!" she said as she shook me. I rolled over onto my back and stared up at my ceiling. My James Dean poster looked back at me. He was so cute. . .

Josie lied down next to me on my bed. "Isn't it a pity?" she phrased it as a statement more than a question.

"It really is! Why'd he have to die so young? I was gonna marry him!" I sighed at my fantasy.

"Speaking of getting married, Brad called earlier," she told me.

"Oh. . ." was all I said in response.

" 'Oh'? That's it?" she asked sitting up. She looked down at me in shock.

"What?" I asked confused.

"I don't know . . . I thought you really liked him. Ever since you met him, you haven't shut up about him!" Josie looked me, searching for answers.

It was true. Brad and I had met at college and were inseparable now. We weren't dating yet; we were just friends. Lately though, I got the feeling that he wanted more. And I had wanted more. But now I wasn't sure. At the mention of Brad's name I didn't get that feeling anymore. Last time I had that feeling was when Paul had walked me home last night. Wait, what was I thinking? I hated Paul . . . right? Of course I did! Brad was perfect for me. . .I think.

"I do really like him!" I said trying to convince myself more than my sister.

"Okay . . . well like I said, breakfast is ready," she repeated as she stood up from my bed and left my room.

As I watched her leave, I thought how funny my sister was being. She was three years older than me, but completely wrapped up in my life. It was as if she wanted to live through people rather than live her own life. I guess she was afraid to live, though. Our father had been living a normal life and look what happened to him. Maybe by living through me, my sister could still enjoy life, but only to a certain extent – a safer extent almost. If only she could see how ridiculous that was.

I sighed at this thought as I got out of bed. I grabbed my bathrobe hanging on my door and headed to the bathroom to shower. After I'd showered, I returned to my room and began looking through my closet for something to wear. I selected black pants and a gray three quarter sleeve sweater. I put my silver bracelet and favorite ring onto my right hand and slid a black headband in my already dry hair. Before going downstairs, I checked myself in my dresser mirror. Eh, good enough.

When I reached the kitchen, my mother was already cleaning the dishes in the sink. Great, left out again, I thought as I slumped down into a chair across the table from my sister. Josie smirked at me as she finished the last bit of scrambled eggs on her plate. I gave her a sarcastic smile back trying to show her that I didn't care. My mother shut off the sink and turned around drying a dish.

"Oh, good morning Michelle," she said smiling at me. "I left you a plate of food by the stove."

"That's okay, mom," I assured her, "I'll just have some orange juice." I stood up and walked over to the refrigerator.

"Are you sure?" my mother asked with concern in her voice.

"Yeah," I answered taking the carton out and closing the refrigerator door. "I'm gonna go over to Suzie's pretty soon anyways."

"Oh, well . . . take an umbrella with you," my mother instructed as she returned to washing dishes. She sounded hurt, as if not eating breakfast was the worst crime I could commit. Oh, well, I thought, Josie was gonna be home all day to cheer her up.

After drinking a glass of orange juice, I said goodbye to my mother and sister, grabbed my coat and shoes and left. I didn't bother taking an umbrella; I like walking in the rain. It had a peaceful feel to it. Plus, it was more of a drizzle than steady rain now.

When I turned the corner at the end of my street, I heard someone calling my name. I turned around and saw Brad running toward me. I smiled and waited for him to catch up.

"Well fancy meetin' you 'ere!" he said in his Liverpudlian accent. I giggled at his humorous comment.

"Haven't you heard?" I joked, "Meeting at street corners in the rain is the latest fad!"

He laughed at my joke. "I was just at yer 'ouse and yer sis said you were on yer way tah Suzie's."

"Aw, my secretive plan was foiled again!" I said pretending to sound disappointed. "Darn her and her evil ways!"

Brad closed his eyes as he chuckled at my comment. Our conversations were always like this – full of silly jokes and random comments. It was how we created our little world of us.

Once Brad opened his eyes again, he put his arm around my shoulders and began walking me in the direction of Suzie's house. I reached my hand up to intertwine my fingers in his. He looked over at me and smiled his happy, carefree grin. His deep blue eyes met mine and I could feel butterflies in my stomach again.

See, I told you he was perfect for you! my inner voice told me. And you know what? I was starting to believe it. Brad was caring, funny, and intelligent. He wasn't some womanizing musician I'd just met who I happen to think was good looking. I actually knew Brad and had a relationship with him.

"So are you free today?" I asked with a hopeful feeling.

"No, I hafta work tahday," he said looking at me again. "Sorry luv." He could obviously see the disappointment in my eyes.

"That's okay. . ." I replied trying to hide the hurt in my face.

"So what are you and Suzie gonna do tahday?" he asked, attempting to raise my spirits.

"I don't know . . . She said she had some big news she wanted to tell me. I really hope it's not Beatles related!" I said coarsely.

Brad chuckled. "Knowin' 'er," he said, "It probably is!"

I softly laughed when Brad stopped walking. We had reached Suzie's house.

"Well, I better go inside," I said, "She get's impatient." I turned and started walking up the small staircase to the front door. But Brad grabbed my hand before I could reach it.

"Wait," he said.

"What is it?" I asked curiously. I stepped off the first step and onto the pathway so I wasn't taller than him anymore. I looked up at him searching his face for a sign. His dark brown hair was covered in tiny droplets of water and his sparkling eyes looked nervous, but content.

"Michelle, I was just wondering . . ." he began.

"Yes?" I asked, trying to contain myself.

"Well, since we've met . . . I feel like we've known each othah forevah and I know that sounds bloody stupid, but that's how I truly feel," he said taking my hands in his, "So, I was just wonderin' . . . would ya like to be me gurlfriend?" he asked looking deep into my eyes.

"Yes!" I practically squealed as I wrapped my arms around his neck. Brad pulled me into a hug as he draped his arms around my waist. I giggled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. As I pulled my head back, our eyes met and Brad began leaning into me. I closed my eyes and waited for our lips to meet. When they did, I smiled inwardly. His lips were soft against mine and I could feel his hand caressing my cheek. But . . . something was missing. Before I could figure out what it was, Brad gently pulled back.

"I gottah go or I'll be late fer work," he whispered breathlessly.

I nodded in response, not wanting to ruin the moment. He gave me one last kiss before leaving. I need to talk to Suzie about this! I thought as I raced up the stairs to her front door. I rang the bell about a million times before she answered.

"What?" she yelled at me in annoyance. "Oh, it's you," she said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes at me.

"Nice to see you too Suz!" I said cheerily as I walked in and sat on the couch. Suzie took a seat in the chair across from me. She was wearing light sea foam green pants and a black short sleeve shirt. Her dark brunette hair was pulled back in a messy bun, quite the opposite of my curly, dirty blonde hair. As she sat down, she pulled her legs under her so that she was sitting on her knees sideways.

"So, have I got news for you!" I told her excitedly.

"Wait, wait! Me ferst!" she said putting up her index finger.

I gave her a displeased look but gave in. "Fine!" I said in a defeated tone.

"Okay, but befo' I tell ya," she began, "You gottah agree to come with me to the Cavern tonight . . ."

"What? Why?" I asked in confusion.

"To see The Beatles!" she said as if I should have already known.

"Ugh. Suzie you know I can't stand them!" I said defensively. "Their leader thinks he's so smart, the guitarist is afraid of his own shadow, Paul thinks he's God's gift to women and that drummer has no rhythm whatsoever!"

At that exact moment, someone walked in from the kitchen and set down a tray of tea on the table in between Suzie and me. I looked up in horror at him. His light blue eyes were full of hurt as he stood up straight. He walked toward Suzie and sat on the arm of her chair as he began playing with one of his many rings. Suzie rubbed his arm softly trying to console him.

He finally looked up at me and quietly asked, "So ya say I got no rhythm, do I?"

I only stared at him with my mouth wide open. Ringo Starr was the last person I expected to be in Suzie's house . . . and the last person I expected to insult. Now, I had to own up to it.

Why must I always get myself into these situations?

Bet ya didn't see that coming! Soooo what's Ringo doing at Suzie's? Will Michelle find out what's missing with Brad? And will Michelle go to the Cavern? Review to find out! Seriously, review! It's the only thing that keeps me going! If no one reviews, that makes me think people aren't liking it and so I don't feel like updating as quickly as I could. So for Beatles' sakes, REVIEW! XOXOXO