As the days wore on I slowly began to find my way on my own again. That is with a little help from George and even Paul. While Stu was off in classes, the two helped me get my things out of the apartment I once called home and helped me move it back to my old home. Dad and Sarah were estatic to let me move back in. My little sister even began to notice a change in her surroundings. Often reaching for me in her highchair or mumbling happily when she saw me. She was a cute kid. I just didn't plan on changing her diapers.

I moved, found something to keep me busy thanks to Sarah's studio in London. It was basically an apartment full of photographers and workers who owned an open gallery for the public. People thought she was crazy for her work but I had to admit, her photos were brilliant. It was because of her, I found myself beginning to take photography seriously. She became my own personal teacher, often taking me to museums and taking trips to London or just down to a shop for some tea. We began to get closer and closer and it wasn't until the beginning of May, I called her mom. She was all tears and we ended with a crying scene. Dad was thrilled.

As for George and I, we began to become those close friends from before. The two who felt naughty to knick a record or eight from the music shop. The two who stayed up all night listening to Little Richard or groovin to Buddy Holly. We never had sex again. But I didn't need it. We were friends and that's all that mattered. He was a naughty little thing now and then sneaking a kiss or two. And I'd let him. He'd always beg me to come to their practice or gigs. But I didn't. I knew she'd be there. And Peter would just make a scene again. So here I stayed alone being my own person. But not all was always great.

George was failing school. Paul was failing school. John dropped out and managed to talk Stu into focusing on the band and abandon his art completely. It bugged me to be honest. Stu and I made the decision not to rid our marriage. I was still a part of him as he was with me. But this wasn't him. He was changing before my eyes and I couldn't do anything about it. As for Tiffany....
...

Four Months Later
June 23, 1960

I loaded my camera with film that Thursday afternoon, sitting at the kitchen table with my work spread in front of me. Sarah walked into the room with Anna in her arms. She was mumbling and shaking her rattle in her small hand.

"Need company?" Sarah smiled.

"I could use some. Just a bit frustrated."

She sat and settled Anna in her chair to eat. I brushed her hair away from her eyes and smiled as she looked at me.

"Are you still thinking about calling on for the ad in the papers?" She asked, getting some coffee.

"I was yeah. First I have to take these down to the studio."

"Let me see!"

Mom walked over and looked through the pictures of flowers, skies, the trollys and even a few people and mothers with children who let me snap a few for my project.

"What do you call it?" She asked.

"People of Liverpool." I smiled. She giggled and sat down.

"These are beautiful. Our open show is this Saturday. I'd be proud to say these are my step-daughters."

"Thanks. Look I should get going if I want to check out this ad."

"You're not hungry?"

"I'll get something along the way. Bye Anna." I kissed her chubby cheek. She just giggled.
...

I walked along the empty street, just letting my mind wander and think about a certain someone. And to my sarcastic surprise, he happened to be walking right smack into me.

"Ooh!" I dropped my portfolio, sending my photos scattering like loose leaves. I hurriedly kneeled to collect them as he did the same to help me. I looked up and our eyes met.

"Stuart." I said calmly.

"I'm sorry Molly. I didn't mean to...these are beautiful." He picked up one of a garden.

"That one's my favorite." I smiled. He looked at it again before looking through all of them.

"Are these yours?"

"Yes." I shrugged. "I guess after everything I began to take it more seriously. My mom...Sarah's been helping me."

We stood up and he handed me the small stack. I set them in my bag and couldn't deny the awkward silence.

"They're all black and white." He finally spoke. "Why not colour?"

"Someone once showed me the beauty of black and white. Something to lead to the imagination. Maybe to some the flowers can be pink or purple. White or yellow."

He just smiled and looked at his feet. "You remember all that?"

"Of course. That was one of the most special days of my life." I blushed but then bit my lip. "I should get goin.."

"Maybe we can get somethin to eat. I was just off..."

"By yourself? Last I heard you and Tiffany were getting rather close."

"It's not like that."

I hid my anger and jealousy and swallowed the lump in my throat. I can only guess they've been sleeping together but haven't called eachother a couple so they won't be tied down. "I see." Is all I said.

"It's been awhile Molly. I want to catch up. Nothin wrong with that."

I nodded. "I should really be going."

"I'll make it worth your time." He smiled lightheartedly.

I couldn't resist his shy tone. Why couldn't he be this way anymore? It only showed when we were alone.

"Alright." I gave in.
...

"You 'aven't been to any of our gigs."

I lit a cigarette and took a long drag. "I've been busy with things. Going to clubs and partying with people isn't on my agenda as of lately."

"Oh."

I gave the waitress a smile as she handed my pie and coffee infront of me. Stu, just a coffee. I looked at the time and looked at him.

"Shouldn't you be taking your pills?"

"I stopped about two months ago."

I just stayed silent and stirred. "How are the others? Everyone in the group getting along?"

"Yeah I suppose. Everyone but George. He's been a bit of a spoil when it's time for practice and Tiffany's around."

I couldn't help feeling a bit thankful for George's hostil attitude towards the ones who've done me wrong. It must have been pretty great since I didn't realize I was smiling. Stu looked at me.

"Are you happy he's bein a sore thumb??"

I couldn't help laughing a little and shook my head. "I'm sorry it's just....I don't blame him. You've all hurt me, he's my bestfriend what do you expect?"

"I guess you're right. I just miss you is all."

"I miss you too Stuart. But for other reasons."

"Like?"

"Your art. What have you decided?"

"I've decided to forget about it and stick to my playing. I've gotten better you know."

"The apartment?"

"John's livin with me."

"Our marriage?"

He looked out the window and avoided the question.

"We've been booked for Hamburg."

I stayed silent and raised my eyebrows. "Hamburg? As in...Germany Hamburg??"

"That would be it. We leave early August. We could be there for a few months."

I couldn't help feeling a bit saddened. They'd all be leaving...George would be leaving.

"I see."

He looked at me. "Is that all you 'ave to say?"

"What else do you want me to say Stuart? This has just dawned on me and my feelings are mixed. All of what used to be my friends are going away and I'll be here all alone. If you're really serious about this band..."

"I am." He interrupted. "Molly the only reason I bring it up is because...I want you to come with us. George tells me you're all alone and you're beginning to stress over losing everyone.."

"I have lost everyone Stuart. Even you. All for this...band." I said disgustedly. "Besides, I've found a job I'm interested in and I plan to make my own money for a place of my own."

He made a face and sat back. "What job?"

I pulled out the newspaper and handed him the column with the ad. He smiled and looked at me.

"I can get you this job easily."

"What? How??" I crossed my arms.

"A mate of mine is the editor for these papers. I can make a call and get you an interview without waitin."

I couldn't help smiling like an idiot at his kind gesture. "I...I would love that Stuart! Oh my god thank you!"

"That is...if you do me a favor."

"Anything." I smiled.

"Come with us to Hamburg."

My cheery mood faded into a serious tone. "Stuart..."

"Look I..I have to admit a part of me is a little scared. I can't do this alone I need...."

"You have Tiffany."

"I need you. We may not be gettin on but you still mean a hell of a lot to me. You give me a different sort of comfort nobody else can give. Please Molly."

"What about my new job?"

"We can make it work somehow. Please...I really need support from my wife."

He looked genuinly worried. I knew Hamburg was a huge deal for John's band. He always spoke about making it big, how the worthy bands played in Hamburg where the promoters went to seek for the newest thing. The Cavern was great fun but breaking out of familiar territory and finding a following elsewhere was always huge for a local band. Stu didn't want to disappoint John but to my knowledge I knew he was the one that had something to do with mine and Stu's problems.

But setting my differences aside, I wanted to do this for Stuart. My husband. With that, I extended my hand out to him.

"Deal."

He smiled and shook my hand. "Deal."
........