Audrey didn't push Ringo away, but she also didn't respond to his kiss the way she typically responded when a man kissed her. She simply froze.

"Mr. Starr. Your cab is here." The receptionist could be heard from the lobby.

Ringo pulled away and smiled.

"I've been wanting to do that since I first saw you."

"Ringo. This isn't going to change anything." Audrey said.

"I know what you said, love. I don't believe you, but just in case it's true...I had to steal that kiss. It may be my only chance. C'mon...we should head back."

So Audrey and Ringo headed back to the studio. They didn't talk much on their way back. When they arrived, Robert was waiting for them. Much to Audrey's dismay, he was pleasant and Ringo seemed to get along quite nicely with him. Robert informed him that the others were waiting for him to start filming a scene and guided him in the general direction.

"Don't worry about Audrey. I'll keep her company until the girls get back." Robert reassured Ringo.

"I'll see you a little later, okay?"

"Sure." Audrey half smiled.

The thought of dealing with Robert right now, let alone, ever again, made her stomach churn.

Once Ringo was out of range, Robert turned his attention to Audrey.

"I saw you and John together this morning."

"Yeah. So? Isn't that what this job is all about?"

"What did you tell him? About your wrists?" he motioned towards Audrey's wrists.

"That's none of your business." Audrey replied coldly.

"It's every bit my business. What did you tell him?" Robert pressed. Audrey noticed a little concern in his voice.

"If you're concerned that I told him the truth of what actually happened, you can quit worrying. There's a reason why Frank went looking for me. I am a professional. And yes, this also means having to come up with an explanation for the stupidities people like you do. If you actually knew how to handle yourself in the business, you'd know not to call attention to you or to the people you are working with. And yes, I would call causing visible bruises on the person who has constant contact with the target a huge stupidity."

Audrey could tell Robert was fighting the urge to retort. She knew he had a short fuse, but being in public caused him to control his temper a bit more. She was sure, he wouldn't have taken her comments quite this well if they were in private.

"So what did you tell him?" Robert asked with clenched teeth.

"Like I said..." Audrey said, taking notice that the girls were approaching them. "...that's none of your business."

***

March 14th. Audrey had been dreading this day all week and it was finally here. She had been thankful that she would not need to go to the studio for any filming. Today marked three years since that dreadful night. She could still remember it so vividly. She could still hear herself scream as the gun went off. It was three years ago she realized just what Frank was capable of doing. It was also three years ago she made her decision to buy herself out of the business.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us?" Pattie asked Audrey as she grabbed her purse off the table.

"I'm sure. You girls have fun."

"Maybe later, then? George said they didn't have much filming to do today...we could probably all go out for dinner or something."

"I don't think so...I'd rather just stay in, you know?" Audrey halfheartedly smiled.

"Well I'll be back later...hopefully you'll change your mind later tonight." Pattie said before the door closed. But Audrey knew she wouldn't. The last thing she wanted to do tonight was go out on the town.

Audrey reluctantly got dressed and put her hair up before heading down the street to a small liquor store. She bought a bottle of whiskey, a few cokes and tossed in a sandwich just in case she got hungry. She walked back to her hotel and threw the bag on the bed once she got to her room. She looked at what she had bought and opened the bottle of whiskey. She poured it into a glass and then opened the coke bottle. As she watched the coke fizz into her glass, she thought what she had done last year on this date...and the year before that. She had drowned her thoughts with alcohol too. It had become customary for her to spend this date by herself, with a bottle of whiskey- and today was not the exception. She sighed as she put the bottle and the rest of the cokes back in the bag. She walked over to the armchair in the room and put the bag down beside it. She took a sip of her whiskey and coke before setting it on the small table near the armchair. She grabbed a blanket from the closet and wrapped herself in it before sitting down, bringing her knees up to her chest. She took a deep breath and felt a tear run down her cheek. She reached over and took a mouthful of her drink. She could feel it burn down her throat, but instead of setting her drink down, she looked at it for a split second before finishing off the glass. She blinked hard and felt the tears flowing freely now.

"He wasn't supposed to be there! Why did he have to be there?" Audrey sobbed.

She had questioned this time and time again. Why had he followed her?  Why hadn't she noticed?  Why hadn't he just told Frank why he was there? What it was that he wanted!

Audrey cried for what seemed like hours to her and she eventually ended up crying herself to sleep. It wasn't until she heard her name being called softly that she realized she had dozed off.

"Audrey?"

Audrey slowly brought her head up from her knees. She looked up to see Pattie kneeling next to the armchair.

"Hi." She smiled.

"Hey." Audrey said as she rubbed her eyes. When she looked up, she saw that Pattie wasn't alone. George and Ringo had come along with her.

"We had been wondering if you'd like to come out with us tonight, but by the looks of it, you're probably not up to it." Ringo said as he walked towards her.

Audrey tried to smile. "Not tonight. I'd rather just stay in tonight. What time it is?"

"Half past 8." George replied.

"Oh..."

"I had to come to the room anyway, but I just wanted to make sure you didn't need anything." Pattie said.

"No...I'm fine. Thanks."

"You sure we can't convince you to come with?" Ringo gave one last attempt at persuading Audrey.

"No." Audrey simply said.

"You should eat something. You're looking a little pale, love."

"I will...I have a sandwich somewhere in the room."

"Alright. We'll see you tomorrow then."

"You guys have fun." Audrey managed to say with a half-smile.

Once Pattie, George and Ringo had left, Audrey got up and went to the bathroom. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were puffy and red; her skin quite pale. She hadn't eaten all day and the only thing in her system was the whiskey and coke she had earlier that day. She pulled out the sandwich she had bought and took a bite of it as she poured a glass of straight whiskey in her glass. Setting the sandwich down, she drank the glass of whiskey in a few seconds. She poured herself another before taking her glass, the whiskey bottle and the blanket outside to the small balcony of the room. She wrapped the blanket around her and sat down on the iron cast chair, having put the bottle and her glass on the matching table next to her. She looked out- her view wasn't that great- a building directly in front of her and a busy street below. The air was brisk, but it felt so nice on her skin. She closed her eyes only to be tormented by the image of that poor boy bleeding to death. It was so vivid as if she was seeing it right now. Audrey gasped and opened her eyes. She could feel her heart pounding. She grabbed her drink and took a sip...then another. It wasn't long before she had finished that glass off as well. She grabbed the bottle and poured herself another glass. She stared at the bottle, tracing her fingers across the label. She could feel tears forming in her eyes and she quickly rubbed them away with the back of her hand.

How could she have gotten involved with someone like Frank? But she knew exactly how it had all happened. She had been deceived by him. She had walked right into his game. She was only 16 when she met him. Her parents had just told her they were getting a divorce. She felt lost, helpless. She hadn't seen it coming. It broke her heart...and Frank showed up to pick up the pieces. Or so she thought. He had done everything she ever wanted a man to do for her. But how could he have not? She had confessed everything she was looking for in a man...and then...he just made it happen. She never thought she'd eventually have to pay him back for it.

But it wasn't until that night three years ago that she realized exactly what Frank was capable of doing. Or maybe she always knew, but never admitted it. She had been able to block memories of those awful years she endured to earn enough money to pay back what she owed Frank, but she could never block out the memory of Frank shooting that poor boy.

Audrey felt a drop of rain on her arm. She stared at it and soon the single rain drop became dozens. She sat there, not moving and simply let the rain fall on her. She looked up and wished the rain could wash away her memories. She stayed there for a few more minutes as the rain and her tears mixed together. It was a faint knock on the door that brought her back to reality. She walked back inside and noticed, aside from the knocking, her name was being called. She recognized the voice, but wasn't at all happy about it. In her current state, this was not the most appropriate time to see him. She sighed and opened the door after a few seconds

"Hi." She said.

John's reaction was that of surprise. "Got caught in the rain, did ya?"

"You could say that." Audrey responded as she moved out of the way to let John in

She walked over and sat down on the bed, next to her uneaten sandwich. She looked at it and held it out for John. "Hungry?"

"Not for that...what are you doing eating that piece of crap?"

Audrey shrugged. "It's all I have."

"Well c'mon then...change into some dry clothes and we'll go out to eat."

"Nah...I don't feel like going out tonight.

John looked around the room and walked to the table where Audrey had left a half empty glass of whiskey. He picked it up and drank what was left of it.

"Did I miss the party, then?"

"More like a party for one." Audrey responded.

"You mind if I join it?" John asked looking around for the bottle.

Audrey stood up and made her way to the balcony. There was still a light rain as Audrey walked out and grabbed the bottle of whiskey. She handed the bottle to John and grabbed another glass. John took the cue and poured two glasses of whiskey as Audrey sat down at the table.

"So..." John began as he took a sip of his drink. "What's the story?"

"What story?" Audrey asked not looking at John.

"Well, you're drinking alone...outside...in the rain...there must be a story behind that." John answered.

Audrey took a few seconds before responding. "I think every person reaches a certain point in their life when they try to forget a specific day of the year, you know? Because it just brings so much pain and bad memories that it is just easier to not remember... today is that day...I find it is easier to forget when you add alcohol to the mix." Audrey said finally looking up at John. "And that's the story."

John listened. He didn't question Audrey or try to get her to explain. He finished his whiskey and poured himself another glass.

"Mine is July 15th." John said softly.

"To forgetting." Audrey said as she took a gulp from her glass.

"To forgetting." John repeated and sipped on his drink.

He looked at Audrey and could tell she was having a difficult time keeping it together. Hey eyes were red and puffy- a clear sign she had been crying. In a way, he felt a bit guilty being there because he knew first hand what it was like to try and push bad memories out of his head. He had been in her shoes many times before- relying on alcohol and wanting to be alone. It was never the best idea, but he could relate. Despite this, though, he couldn't very well leave her alone in her current state- he would feel horrible if something happened to her. He knew how depressed she felt and if all he could do was listen, then that is what he'd do.

Audrey didn't talk to John...in fact, she hardly looked at him and he didn't say anything to her either. She kept staring at her now empty glass. John had not offered to refill it and she was balancing it on its edge. It finally fell to its side and this caused John to pick it up and take a hold of her hand. She finally looked at him.

"Why don't you go change out of those clothes while I order something to eat. When was the last time you ate?"

"I don't remember." Audrey said slowly.

"Well you need to eat something then. Go and change. You'll feel better in dry clothes."

Audrey nodded as she stood up. Her motor skills were a bit off, but she managed to get some clothes and go into the bathroom to change. Meanwhile, John took to the phone to order some room service. John was sitting on the bed when Audrey came back. She sat next to him and he offered her a coke.

"Isn't this missing something?" Audrey questioned.

"We'll continue the party after you eat something. I don't want you passing out. That will end the party too soon." John smiled.

"Alright." Audrey agreed and took the coke. She took a sip before putting it on the nightstand. She laid on the bed and looked at the ceiling. John looked at her and felt compelled to get to know this girl that seemed to be going through such difficulties.

"So...tell me a little about yourself." John finally spoke.

"There's not much to say, really. I was born in a humble neighborhood...lived next to a bakery...my favorite toy was a puppy that lived down the street, until my younger sister came along...I saw a little bit of everything growing up...there were a lot of widows...a lot of children without fathers...some crazies too." She scoffed. " When I started school, things changed. I learned to read and it opened this whole new world for me...there were so many things I wanted to be...so many places I wanted to see, but they were all dreams. My parents didn't have the means for all the things I imagined my life to be."

"What did you want to be?"

"More than this." Audrey responded quickly. After a few moments, she continued. "My parents divorced when I was 16. It broke my heart and tore my world in two. You know, people say that it's harder when you're younger...but I don't think it is. See, when you're a child, parents at least try to shield you from certain things...things they don't want you to know so that you won't get hurt. They try to pretend things are better than they really are...but when you're older- they somehow forget they are your parents...they no longer see you as their child, but as a friend, and you learn things about their relationship that you have no business knowing. But they tell you anyways...despite the hurt and pain it causes...they forget how to be parents and just want you to be their friend...to take their side. It changes your outlook on your own relationships too. I mean, if my own parents who had been married for years couldn't make it, what makes me think I can make it...you start questioning everything about your family structure and the foundation that once held your world just crumbles to the ground. You have nothing to stand on or rely on...and...your dreams become...grey." Audrey said, still staring at the ceiling as a tear slid down her temple.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Must be the food." John said as he got up to answer the door.

Audrey sat up as the food was being brought in. "Who else is coming?"

"I didn't know what you wanted...and you're probably famished." John smiled.

"Thanks...but this is entirely too much food for two people."

"So eat what you'd like...George, RIngo and the girls will probably get back with an appetite."

"True." Audrey said as she took a bite of an apple from a fruit basket.

Both John and Audrey ate without talking. Audrey hadn't realized just how hungry she really was until she began eating. John, on the other hand, just nibbled on his food. He wasn't all that hungry, having eaten not long before, but felt the need to accompany Audrey while she ate. That and to avoid the awkward silence that was filling the room. For the first time in a long time, John didn't really know what to say. Audrey had been so honest with her regarding very intimate details of her life. He wanted her to know he related to her. He had been a child of a broken home too, but he restrained himself. He didn't want to continue such a difficult conversation. Instead, he relied on his humor to ease the tension a bit.

"Who knew a girl your size could eat half the food cart. " John winked at Audrey.

"This." Audrey finished chewing. "This is what happens when you have not eaten all day and have food brought up to a Beatle. I have to take advantage of that." She smiled for the first time that day. "You think I would have gotten the same service? No, Mr. Lennon. Not me..." she said taking another bite. "Plus I can't afford it, so I hope you're paying."

"I'll pay for the food since you paid for the drinks." John said as he reached for the whiskey bottle.

"Works for me." Audrey said as she got up to get the two glasses that were still sitting on the table.

After a half hour or so of small talk and drinking, Audrey finally addressed the question that had been on her mind since John had shown up.

"So, what exactly are you doing here, John?"

John looked a bit taken back by the question.

"I mean, not that I'm complaining. I'm glad you're here, but what made you stop by."

"I wanted to see you."

"Oh?" Audrey smiled. "Why?"

"Well Ringo and I talked and--" John began, but Audrey interrupted him.

We kissed, you know?" Audrey said leaning against the bed frame.

"Did you now?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"A girl doesn't kiss and tell." Audrey teased.

John chuckled. He leaned in towards Audrey. "Boys tend to kiss and tell. It's just a fact."

"Would this boy..." Audrey said poking John's shoulder. "Kiss and tell?"

"Depends who I was kissing." John winked.

"Let me rephrase. Would this boy..." Audrey again poked John on the shoulder. "...kiss this girl and tell?"