Chapter 7; 

Once John finally agreed to go see his mom, with the exception of taking me along. They talked for a long time, and once John had emerged from the room he took me with him, straight out of the door with a box in his hands. 

Apparently, his mother will be leaving to go with her new husband to France for a year, at least. John's mother, Julia, wanted to talk too him, so he knew she actually cared and that he loved her. Inside the box was some old family albums with her and John and some even with his father. John also had a record player, records and an old banjo, along with money that she had wanted to put into an account but never got the chance to.

"What am I to do know?" John asked, we were sitting on a park bench after school, he plucked at the banjo. 

"What were you doing before?" 

"Causing trouble... Mostly." 

"And you like that?" 

"Not as much as I like being able to go out with you during the weekend. And actually understanding math." 

"Exactly." 

"What math?" 

"No John. You didn't like what you were doing before, so don't do it. Do something new, something you've always wanted to do." 

"I want to start a band." John said, playing a note on the banjo. And that's exactly what he did. No less than three days later, John, Stu, Pete, Pete's neighbor and another boy were starting a skittle band. Even if they weren't too found of the music. It's what they had and that's what they began to work with. It was Friday, and on Saturday they were due on stage. 

"Ellie!" Charlie panted, I was walking to my last class of the day with John. "God! I've been calling yer name forever!" 

"What's up Charlie?" 

"Hi, John. Do you... Mind..?" 

"No, no. I'll be in class." John said, walking away from us. 

"Okay! So happy for you and John! And I cannot believe they're in the band!!! aND THEY'RE PLAYING TOMORROW! AND PETE ASKED ME TO GO WITH HIM!!!" Charlie yelped out, in less than a minute, making my brain fry with all the new information. 

"Wait what?" 

"Well you already know about the band! And Pete asked to go steady!!! But I'm more excited for you and John?" 

"Yay, I'm happy for ye! Yet... John and I, huh?"

"Oh God... He didn't ask you yet..." 

"What're you talkin' 'bout?" I asked, grabbing at her as she tried to slip away. Then the one minute bell started ringing, making me let go of her. We both ran off into separate directions. But John and I? There's nothing going on. Or... Is there?

After John had walked me home, and informed me he'd be here at two to pick me up, I couldn't think straight. I wanted to go and lay back down on my bed. Yet something stopped me... My dad. 

"Eloise?" 

"Yes father?" I asked, walking towards his voice. I wanted to get some rest, yet I didn't want to be rude to him. 

"Who's that boy that keeps walking you home? Whenever I get 'ere earlier than you. I always see 'im." 

"That's John. John Lennon, I assure  you he's very sweet. And if you'd like... You could meet him... Tomorrow he's picking me up at two." 

"For what? Yer goin' on a date so soon?" 

"No daddy. It's his band-they're playin'. Plus I'll be with a lot of friends too." 

"Is 'e any good?" 

"He just started. But picked up fast." 

"I was in Jim McCartney's band once!" 

"Does Paul play?" 

"I don't know. We'll ask 'im tonight though. They're comin' over for dinner. Make sure yer room is okay." 

"Alri'. Thanks dad." I said, giving him a quick. It's weird being close with him... But nice too. 

Dad was right, at seven o'clock sharp I was setting the table and Jim and Paul were at the door. Apparently Mike had gone to a friend's so he didn't get a chance to come along. But if I were him I wouldn't have wanted to. At the end of the night I didn't even want to be there. "Paul?" My dad asked him out of the blue. 

"Yes sir?" 

"Do you know this John Lennon character?" 

"Somewhat. He's a grade 'bove me. But I know Ellie knows him." Paul said jokingly, winking at me. This is what I dreaded. Poor Paul. He didn't know how bad I'd hit him tomorrow. 

"You've heard of 'is band?" 

"I know they're playin' tomorrow. They've been looking for someone." 

"Then why don't you try out Paulie?" I asked suddenly, trying to get the attention off of me and John. 

"I doubt I'm as good as they are." 

"Non-sense Paul!" His dad said, patting his back. "I taught you everthin' you know." 

"Anyways, they've just started. John had just gotten a banjo from his mum. And now they 'ave this band." 

"They've got no experience?" 

"Barely. I know Stu doesn't have much but has a bass so he's learning. What do you play?" 

"He sings, can play the bass, guitar and piano." Jim said proudly. 

"Well 'course you should audition. I'll put in a good word for you to John and Stu." 

"Okay. Then it's decided. Paul will go with you and John?"

"No!" I said way too quickly and then lowered my voice. "I mean he'll be really early and there won't be much to do. You shouldn't leave till around 2:30." I told him honestly. 

I didn't know how John would feel about this. But I know we needed to talk. All of the things my dad and Charlie have said today makes me nervous. I have no clue wear I stand. Unleveled ground.