Happy New Year Everyone! This took a while. A long while. I hope you enjoy it! Review too please!
Lucy stood outside of the pub, The Empress, smoking yet another cigarette. She knows she shouldn't be nervous to enter the pub but she was. Ringo had told her that he would reserve a table for her and him. He knew she wouldn't feel comfortable sitting with Sadie and Rory.
Lucy smoothed down the skirt of her dress with the hand not holding her cigarette. It was a dress like all the others she owns; falling just below her knees. Her black leather jacket kept her warm from the coming night air. She wanted to look nice for Ringo, having spent the whole day with him walking along the water; she thought he should see the nicer side of Lucy. She had been wearing pants for four days, thinking that she would not see Ringo. She didn't want to get her hopes up so she wore pants while she was with him earlier in the day.
She flicked the last of her cigarette on the sidewalk in front of her. She stomped on it to completely put the cigarette out. Lucy decided to face her fear of the people inside the pub and walked in. The smell of cigarette smoke hit her upon entering the bar. A couple made out next to her as a band played in the back of the room. It wasn't the Hurricanes but they played music like them.
She walked through the pub awkwardly swerving through the crowd. Some people glared down at the small girl, seeing that she was younger than most at the bar. She made it to the front of the pub where the stage began and found an empty table with only two seats. Between the salt and pepper shakers was a folded piece of paper. Lucy lifted the note delicately with two fingers as she sat down in the chair facing the stage.
She unfolded the note and saw Ringo's messy handwriting. It read, "Are you ready for the second half of our date?" with his signature at the bottom. Lucy thought about how it would've been if someone else had found that note. Someone like Sadie. . .
Lucy scanned the pub to find the snotty whore. She was nowhere to be found. Maybe I got through tah 'er? I hope so. I don't want tah see her powder covered face, Lucy thought. She gazed up at the stage, waiting for Ringo's presence to appear. I wonder when she'll start getting fat. . .
Lucy was snapped out of her thoughts as Ringo walked onto the stage to his drum set as the other band was exiting. She suddenly got excited when she saw he was smiling. Something else caught her eye as she watched him sit down before his drums. A microphone was in front of him. Was he going to sing? Could he sing?
Ringo sat down at his drums and looked at the crowd. He turned in his seat with a large smile, having spotted Lucy. He raised a hand holding a drumstick and waved to her. She waved back and watched longingly as the rest of the band walked out.
Lucy had met the other band mates the other night after Ringo had left. It seemed a little awkward at first to her because the lead guitarist, Ty O'Brien had walked right up to her and introduced himself. Then came over the bassist, Lu Walters who seemed more like Ty's sidekick than his own being. The two band members had told Lucy everything she needed to know about the goofy drummer. They took her fear away of being open with him by telling her that he's "mad about her". She had spent a comfortable hour talking to the bassist and lead guitarist before her curfew had expired. Lucy couldn't help but smile as the two walked on stage.
The last band member to enter Lucy's view of the stage was Rory. He always seemed awkward and nervous to sing as though he had no plan for what was going to happen. She glanced at Ringo who looked so confident with his drums. She loved how he was growing a mustache and beard. It made him look good with his hair up the way most boys wore it these days. It's like they all want to be like Elvis.
"What would ya like tah ordah, dear?" A voice said from next to Lucy as the band started playing. It was the waitress. She was a little older than Lucy thought but she looked strangely familiar. Had she just seen her last time she was here?
"Oh, um-"
"Wait a second," the waitress pointed her pen at Lucy in a realization. "You must be Lucy!"
"Well, yeah! How do ya know who I am?" Lucy's eyes were wide with confusion. How did this woman know her? She had only been to the pub one time before.
"Oh, me son wouldn't stop talkin' 'bout ya when 'e got home today!" The waitress pointed to the stage where the band was playing. Lucy finally understood.
"You're Ringo's mother!" Lucy could see why she looked so familiar. Ringo had her smile and her eyes.
"You can call me Elsie" Elsie put out her hand with a smile and Lucy shook it. After Lucy ordered her drink, Elsie walked away; leaving Lucy to watch the band play.
The Hurricanes played a few songs with Ringo singing. Lucy could tell he really enjoyed singing but she could also tell that it was hard for him to focus. His voice was rough and deep as it echoed throughout the bar. Ringo's voice was a lot like Little Richard. Is that his main influence? Lucy loved the way he crescendo and decrescendo at different moments in the song. She could feel what the song meant to be felt. Something told her he sang the songs for her. They were about love after all!
After Ringo sang, Rory took over leaving Ringo in the back with the drums. He was so much better when he could focus on the drumming instead of multitasking with singing. It was a pure sound that showed how much he worked on his skills. He could rest on the whole notes of the song without focusing on breathing with his diaphragm. Lucille was obsessed and star struck.
The drummer stumbled and Lucy was pulled out of her trance. It was a sign of a distraction. She looked around to see that her order had arrived. . . and that a man looking a couple years older than her walking toward her table. His black hair was up in a pompadour and he stroked it back with his free hand. His other hand held a glass full of some kind of alcoholic beverage. He had an air of arrogant cockiness as he walked in Lucy's direction. She looked away from him toward the bathroom. Maybe 'e isn't comin' tah me? Lucy was unlucky. The older man sat down in the seat next to her and put his rain covered boots on the table.
"What's a pretty little thing like you doin' in a dark place like this?" the classic pick up line was said with a steely voice. Maybe from smoking ten packs of ciggies a day?
Lucy ignored the stranger and turned to the band on stage. Ringo was looking everywhere but in Lucy's direction. She frowned and turned toward the stranger sitting next to her. "So now ya look at me!" he smiled a creepy smile as Lucy pushed his boots off of the table.
"I 'ave a boyfriend" Lucy glared at him but his smile only grew larger. He looked to his left then to his right.
"I don't see any boyfriend 'round 'ere" he whispered it in her ear, giving Lucy a large chill up her back. He was clearly drunk or getting there because he smelled purely like alcohol and cigarettes. Lucy scooted her chair away from the stranger. "Me name's Eric and tahday must be yer lucky day. . ."
He leaned closer to Lucy who scooted farther.
"Me boyfriend is on stage akshully" she said it quickly and Eric looked up at the stage. It was more of a glare that went unnoticed by Ringo for he was still not looking in Lucy's direction.
"Doesn't look like it tah me" Eric leaned closer and put his hand on Lucy's thigh. "Nobody's lookin'." His lips were just a mere centimeter away from Lucy's when he was suddenly pulled backwards.
The eighteen year old looked up at her love standing up to the stranger. There was about three inches between the top of Ringo's head to the top of Eric's. When was the last time I was fought ovah? Psh! Nevah! She hadn't even noticed the band stop playing and exit the stage! A crowd started to form around Lucy's table as Ringo yelled at Eric.
"This is my gurl, Eric! I'd really appreciate it if ya'd stay away from 'er!" Eric stumbled as his wrist twitched a little.
"It was just a little fun we were 'avin'! There's no need tah jump tah quick conclusions, Rings!" Eric stumbled again and Lucy sprang up.
"Please! There's no need tah fight ovah me!" Lucy stepped between Ringo and Eric but Ringo pushed himself between Eric and Lucy. He kept one hand around Lucy's waist behind him as she peered over his shoulder.
"Stay away from me gurl, Eric. I can get ya kicked out o' 'ere if ya like" Ringo's expression was serious as he looked up at Eric. He didn't look so small standing up to him. His back was straight, his feet were planted on the ground and he didn't move at all. Eric glared down at him.
"Fuck off" Eric spat then sauntered away, pushing through the crowd as he went by. The crowd started to disperse in disappointment of not starting a fight. Richard turned around in seriousness to look at Lucy. He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked her up and down. He smiled a little then led her to the table with his hand on her back.
"I'm glad tah see yer okay" He placed his elbows on the table with his head in his hands. Lucy scooted her chair closer to Ringo until she was directly next to him. Their chairs were touching as were their legs.
"Don't wurry, Ritchie! I'm perfectly fine" she leaned up and kissed the tip of his nose. He closed his eyes as her cold lips touched his warm skin. She stayed close to him and ran her hand through his hair as he mmmed with his eyes closed. He laughed at himself then opened his eyes because Lucy had sat back. Elsie stood before them with her hands on her hips.
"Hullo Mum" Ringo smiled at the older woman. "This is Lucy, she's me new girlfriend"
"I've already met 'er, honey!" Elsie smiled at her son and Lucy, "Nice to meet you again" she turned back to Ringo, "You did very well tonight"
"Thanks mum. I did get a little distracted near the end. . ." his cheeks burned red and he looked away. Elsie shook her head and walked away to tend to the next table.
"Yer mum is so nice, Ringo! I wish me mum was still around. . ." Lucy looked down and fiddled with the zipper on her dress.
"What 'appened? If ya don't mind me askin'"
"No, it's alright! She just. . . got up and left us one day. She took everything but left a note and a signed divorce papah. The note didn't say much. . . just that she wasn't 'appy anymore. It was tough at first without her but I was real young so I don't remembah much. Me brothah 'as been 'oldin' us all together since. Me dad lost 'is job a little bit aftah that and went tah drinkin' booze to satisfy himself. We still don't know where he goes after his new job. . ." Lucy trailed off and took a sip of her drink.
"Oh. . . I'm so sorry, Lucy. I shouldn't 'ave asked ya such a personal question" Ringo looked down at his rings with a frown.
"Ringo, I told ya! It's alright! You can ask me anythin' ya want! You've told me enough 'bout yerself. I think I deserve tah tell ya a little bit about me past!" Lucy rested her head on the knuckle of her hand as someone walked by almost bumping into her chair.
"So. . ." Ringo looked down and a chill ran down his back from the door of the pub opening. "Where do ya think yer mum is now?"
"I 'aven't really thought about it much actually. I guess I imagine 'er makin' a new life without me or me brother and dad. I still wonder why she left" a tear ran down Lucy's cheek and Ringo put his fingers through hers. "I don't remembah what it's like tah 'ave a mother around. To have someone tah 'old me when I can't sleep or tell me things will get bettah. I yearn for something like that. . ." Lucy looked straight ahead, emotionless.
Ringo pulled her closer and put her head to his chest. Tears started pouring down Lucy's cheeks as she slowly moved her arms around his neck. "I'll be there for ya, Lucy. I promise" Ringo whispered it in her ear as he stroked her hair. They felt like they were the only ones in the pub; just sitting at their own table with a little light between the salt and pepper shakers.
Lucy moved her body up, putting her face in Ringo's neck and sitting on his lap. He could feel her warm breath on his neck right under his ear. Her breathing was calming as she felt more secure in her current position.
A couple minutes passed as Ringo rested his chin on Lucy's shoulder. He watched the people around them dance and drink. Lucy started to move on his lap but he pushed on her back. "Don't let go" he whispered in her ear and Lucy ceased moving.
Ringo turned his head to look at a table a little ways away from his and Lucy's. It sat five. One was a girl. She had long blonde curling hair and she wore an extravagant dress. She stuck out above everyone else in the pub in her bright colors and expensive jewelry. She turned and spotted Ringo with Lucy on his lap. She frowned at him and looked away.
"Who're ya lookin' at?" Lucy asked him as she sat up.
"Uhh no one" He responded and looked down at Lucy's knees as she turned to see what her boyfriend had been looking at.
"Oh. . . You were lookin' at her. . ." Lucy returned to her own seat. She felt a little betrayed that he had locked eyes with Sadie. She shouldn't feel that way about him simply looking at another girl but she had trouble trusting people. He could leave her at any moment. . .
"It's not what ya think Lucy! I'm just curious 'bout the baby is all" They both turned to see Sadie walking towards them. She walked like a model down the catwalk with one foot in front of the other. Each leg went over the other with ease and it seemed like the crowd parted just to make room for her. She was taller than Lucy it seemed and older. But that could just be the heals on her feet.
She stopped in front of the couple's table and put one hand on top of the other. She looked down without locking eyes with Lucy. When she raised her head, she only looked at Ringo. Her face was slightly a different color from her neck while her lips were pinker than they usually are.
"Can I talk to you privately, Richard?" Sadie bit her lip, getting a little lipstick on her white teeth.
"If ya 'ave somethin' tah say, you can say it in front of me girl, Lucy" Ringo put his hand on Lucy's thigh as Sadie shot a quick glare at the eighteen year old.
"Well uh. . . I really miss you. . . My mum was talking to yours a few days ago at their book club. She started telling me what you were up to and it made me sad thinking about losing you completely. . ." Sadie fiddled with her fingers and didn't meet Ringo's gaze until she said, "I'm really sorry, Ringo" then she walked past them to the bathroom without waiting for him to accept her apology.
Lucy stood up a moment after Sadie left their table, surprising Ringo in the process. "I'm ready tah go 'ome, Rings" She slung her bag across her chest as her jacket settled on her arms. Ringo stood up next to her.
"Lemme take ya 'ome, Lucy. It's a little late. I don't want ya walkin' alone" He grabbed her hand and she shrugged it away a little.
"It's completely out of your way though. . ." Ringo slipped his jacket on and put his arm around Lucy's waist.
"Don't wurry 'bout it, luv. It's not that far at all, as long as I'm with you" Lucy looked down as he led her outside.
The two walked down in the opposite direction of Ringo's house. There was snow everywhere, which was late for March but it felt comfortable. Ringo kept Lucy warm but she stayed quiet in his arms. What was she supposed to say after that confrontation with Sadie? She barely looked at Lucy and when she did, it was a glare, as though she still had feelings for Ringo. . . .
No it's not possible! She's engaged to Rory and happy about it! She can't have feelings for Ringo. Not for Lucy's boyfriend. She wouldn't let her get that far.
"Whatcha thinkin' 'bout?" Ringo asked Lucy with a smile.
"Honestly? I'm thinkin' about 'ow Sadie just walked up tah our table back there!" she gestured her thumb backwards towards the pub that wasn't in view anymore.
"Oh. . . I'm really sorry 'bout that, Lucy. Believe me, I care nothin' fer it! I'm glad she apologized tah me but I would nevah return to her! I love you! And only you!" He kissed her on her cheek. Lucy smiled and laughed at him.
"This is my house" she stopped in front of a small brick home. It had two top windows and two bottom windows. It was a thin house that meant it must be long in the back.
"It's lovely. May I come in?" Ringo asked with a wink and Lucy's cheeks went red.
"Uhh Okay! I can't guarantee that everyone will be asleep. . ." Lucy led Ringo up the front stairs by his hand where he kissed her on her lips. He took the key she was already holding in her hand and turned it in the keyhole as they kissed. Lucy turned away from him and opened the door.
The front room was dark besides a light in the living room behind the stairs. Ringo stayed close to Lucy as they peered around the corner of the stairs. In the living room, sitting on the couch, was Lucy's father. He had a glass of liquor in one hand and a picture frame in the other. The television was on but all the two could hear was the father's weeping.
Lucy looked down at her feet and Ringo lightly pushed her back to go up the stairs. At the top was another hallway with four doors. Ringo suspected that one was a bathroom and the others were bedrooms. All of the lights were off in this hallway. The two crept slowly down the dark hallway to the first door on the right being Lucy's room.
Ringo stopped once he closed the door. A simple room beheld him with posters, record covers and pictures all over the walls. A small bed was in the middle of the room in front of the window. That might be a small problem. . . Ringo thought. A bureau was on one side of the bed while a vanity sat on the other. A closet was next to the door.
"Do ya like my room?" Lucy asked with a laugh as she noticed Ringo's eyes looking at everything.
"It's comfortable" He said as he started walking around the room, picking up anything he could get his hands on. Lucy sat on the edge of her bed and slipped her shoes off. She waited for Ringo to notice her sitting on the bed. He turned around to look at her with his hands in his pockets. "So, whatcha wanna do?" He asked with a smile.
"Hmmm. . ." Lucy thought with her finger to her lips "I 'ave an idea!" She winked up at him then pulled him down onto the bed with her.
Her fingers laced through his hair as he slipped her dress off. Her lips gently kissed his neck as her hands moved down his body. They felt perfect for each other. It felt like the perfect time and the perfect place. They shared their love in different ways that night. With words and actions. They felt perfect and happy.
Wasn't that ending beautiful? Review please! Love you guys!