I knew something was off between Stuart and Astrid about a month ago. Nothing too forward but something different. The way they talked and spent the nights downstairs in the living room talking about art began to bug me. Stu would sometimes come to bed around four in the morning, yet he'd still swaddle me in his arms and kiss the back of my neck before falling asleep. It wasn't a matter of him cheating that bothered me. It was more of the leaving me behind and excluding me from his mind that bothered me. I was his muse and his encouragement to be who he wanted. It just seemed lately Astrid has become his new friend that he shares his artistic elements with. It bothered the hell out of me. Especially since everything that's to come.

Stu, Astrid and I headed to the club where the others worked out a set list. It was nice seeing everyone get along.

"Heya." John stood up and kissed my cheek and smiled even more to see Astrid. "Ye came! Already wanting another shoot aye?" He nudged her side. She laughed and ruffled his hair.

"Oh John stop it."

"Oh um, you had a shoot with the guys." I asked a bit confusedly. Stu just glanced at us as Astrid spoke.

"It was just a small group photo is all. The band out for some fresh air and a chat." She smiled.

"I see." I said quietly.

"It was brilliant. Our Astrid here is a great photographer." Paul smiled. I nodded and looked down.

"Aye Molly look at this!" George waved me over to him as he sat alone looking at a magazine. I saw what he was looking at and smiled.

"It went through!"

"Don't look too bad now do I?" He joked. I giggled and nudged him.

"You always look great Georgie. Is this the latest?"

"Straight from Liverpool!" He showed me the cover. I blushed.

"They used my photo as the cover too!"

"You're famous!"

I laughed and shook my head. "Don't be silly Harrison. Glad to know someone appreciates my work."

"What d'ya mean?"

I sighed. "Nothing. You better join the guys before they throw a fit."

"Yeah. You coming to the party later?" He asked.

"Party?"

"Didn't they tell you already? John's 'avin a fuckin blow out tonight after the gig down at the club before for his birthday."

"Oh right." I lied. "Yeah I'll be there."

"Good. We can 'ave a dance maybe?" He stood up.

"I'd love that."

"Good. Well, I better get on." He kissed my cheek and headed to where the guys stood chatting. Stuart and Astrid talking and laughing while John told a story. Tiffany with Paul too busy in their own world. I still carried my bag and sighed, deciding to head off to the attic to drop things off and change.
....

When I entered the building, I was met with Klaus coming down the stairs with a box.

"Stuart not with you?" He asked. I shook my head.

"At the club."

"With Astrid?" He asked. I nodded. He sighed and shook his head, heading off to the front door.

"Klaus wha....what's going on?"

"Astrid didn't tell you?"

I laughed sarcastically and shook my head. "Everyone seems to be keeping me out of the loop lately."

He nodded. "Astrid and I are no more. She broke it off with me two days ago."

I couldn't believe my ears. They were so cute and loving! I never expected....

"Why what happened?" I asked. He shrugged and opened the door.

"She said she's in love with someone else. You got a letter. It's on the table."

And with that, he shut the door, leaving me alone in the cold hallway.
.....

After my run in with Klaus and getting a check from work, I was feeling off about everything around me lately. I knew I had to put up with it but the fact this girl suddenly comes into our lives and steals everyone's attention....it was overwhelming.

I dressed, threw on Stu's overly large coat and headed to the club with a camera around my neck. The smell of beer and the sounds of laughing made me feel more comfortable when I entered. Standing back and taking a photo, I squeaked when I felt arms move around me.

"Where we're you?"

"I had to put my things away. Miss me?" I couldn't help giggling.

"Very." Stu kissed my cheek and turned me to face him. "You feelin alright? I mean with..."

"Yeah I'm fine. I just...I'm not feeling too comfortable....."

"Stu come on we 'ave to get ready for the gig!" John yelled. Stu nodded and looked down at me.

"Molly I..."

"Go ahead." I sighed.

"Molly we can talk later alright? I promise." He kissed the top of my head and headed to the others. I just stood silently, watching them head to the stage as Bruno let in the crowd.
....

Astrid stood beside me as usual, snapping photos of the guys and smiling in content as John smiled at her. Tiffany on my other side love struck with Paul. And then there's me, watching Stu silently as he plucked at the strings. My eyes fixated on his every move. He was so handsome and tall in his black attire. Sunglasses on and serious tone. I put the camera to my face to take a photo when Astrid bumped into me and I lost focus.

"Oh I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to!" She apologized. I wanted to be angry but there was something about Astrid that was genuinly sincere.

"It's alright. I think I just need some air." I said, giving one last look at the guys before walking through the crowd of people and out back in the alley. There was always a terrible smell when the clubs were full. Sweat with cologne, cigarettes and vomit. My head throbbed as I breathed in the refreshing night scent.

"Molly hi!"

I turned to see Richard walk over, smoking a cigarette. His smile was always uplifting and even in a mood like this, he managed to make my lips curve.

"Hi Richard. Ready for your first night?"

"Yeah just 'avin a nervous ciggy before showin off. You alright?"

"Yeah I'm fine. Just a bit overwhelmed."

"With what?" He tipped his head to the side. I couldn't help breaking a small giggle.

"With some personal things."

"I see." He took another drag before tossing the cig on the ground. I just watched it fizzle out until he spoke again. "You seem distant."

"Do I? I don't mean to I guess just alone."

He chuckled. "Alone with all of us around?"

"A person can get awfully lonely even in a crowd. My um, Stuart's been odd with me lately. I mean not in a bad way just a bit distant himself. I'm beginning to wonder if what Rory said earlier is going to happen with us." I sulked.

"Aye, nobody listens to half of the shite Rory babbles out. Besides, you seem like a groovy bird." He nudged me with his elbow. I blushed and looked down.

"You're too kind Richard."

He just smiled until Rory popped his head out the backdoor of the loud building.

"C'mon Rings we need to get on before the bloody crowd wants those Beatles fellas to take our ticket. Hello Molly. You gettin on alright?"

"Just having a chat with Richard here. I feel much better actually " I smiled.

"You coming along to take more photos of us?" Rich asked, heading over to Rory. I thought about Stu and the guy's party. Then Astrid. Would she be there? Of course. Since her and Klaus are no longer a couple, she'll use this as an excuse to hang around the guys more. Besides, they all want her more than me. Why couldn't I have a little fun with a band who wants me???

I walked over to them and snapped a photo of the two eager fellows awaiting my answer.

"Count me in." I smirked.
.........