"John what...how did...?"

"Can I come in?"

I just nodded and shut the door as he looked around, then at Liam. I looked down at my wide awake cutie and sighed.

"My um, step mom has been taking care of this little guy for a week now. His parents are off in London due to some personal stuff. She didn't give details. I figured to give her and dad a break and since we're here for a visit, I'd take care of him until they get home from work."

John just nodded and sat on the sofa. "Where's Stu?"

"Sleeping. He needed some rest after the long flight."

"I'd think it'd be you who'd need rest." John just looked at me.

I shook my head and sat down. "No. I can manage on my own. So um John, why are you here?"

He fiddled with his hands and looked down at his shoes. "I wanted to see Stu. To settle things. I mean you two just up and left and I didn't know what to think. So much has happened..."

"You really hurt him John. You hurt us."

He stayed silent.

"John he was really broken up about what you said he didn't even want to say goodbye."

"Molly I..."

"I watched him breakdown John. I don't want to start anything and, I don't even care if you still hate me. Atleast be civil for him."

Liam made a cute noise, making John smile at him. Then he spoke to me.

"Molly I never hated you. I just can't realise why Stu would choose you over me. The band I mean. You just came along and that was it. We drifted apart and you did that."

I sighed. "He loves me John. That's all it is. And I love him. Without a doubt our love is real. Our first day together I knew that was it. Maybe one day you'll know what it's like to truly love someone and not care what others think. Maybe one day you'll realise the crazy things love makes you do. How much it opens your eyes."

John stayed silent and we both looked over to see Stu rubbing his eyes, sleepily walking downstairs and stopping in his tracks when he saw John.

"J..John what are ye..."

Before he could finish, John walked over and hugged his friend. I just watched and looked down at Liam as he began to fall asleep. Standing, I walked over and kissed Stu's cheek.

"I'm putting the little one to sleep. You two should do some cathing up. I'll stay out of your way."

"Wait Molly..." John stopped me before I could head up the stairs. I turned to him. "I really want to speak to both of you. Us three in particular have some unsaid things that...I think we finally need to say. Don't you think?" He met my eyes. I held his gaze for a few seconds before looking at Stu.

"Fine. Let me just um..." I nodded to Liam. John nodded as Stu gave a small smile to his baby boy before turning to John.

"Let's wait in the kitchen. I'll make us some tea."
.......

Liam slept soundly as I fixed my hair and made my way downstairs, listening to the muffled sounds of voices. As I entered the room, I fixed Stu's hair and kissed the top of his head. He smiled and pulled me by the arm to sit in his lap. I giggled and pecked his lips.

"Not now baby. Let me make you two something to eat huh?" I stood up.

"Teas fine for now. C'mon Moll." John asked. I sat beside Stu and grabbed the sugar.

"I just want to start off by saying...I've missed ye's. Both of you."

I raised my eyebrows. "Really."

"Really. Look Molly despite our past issues I...I've enjoyed the idea of Stu findin a bird who he liked bein with. I figured at first you two would just have a few nights, you'd warm up his bed and it'd be over with in a month. Just some fun. But then you two moved in and wanted a whole life together..."

"We've been through this john." Stu sighed. "I love Molly. Why can't it be that simple??"

"Because you let me go! You let everyone go! I just don't understand why?? Why her!? What's so special about Molly that you can't help yourself from??"

"I love her John. Look were mates. I love you but Molly gives me the other things I need. She gives me more of an intimate love only a woman can give. What you and I shared was a bond. Like brothers. I don't look up to you the way Paul or George might. I see you as an equal. Why can't you just let it go already??" Stu shook his head. "I'm tired of fighting and a year away....I thought that'd be enough time."

John sat back and crossed his arms. "Maybe I don't understand your love. Maybe I'm just a fuckin selfish prick. But I've just...I dont..."

"You don't have to say anythin John." I reached over and placed my hand on his. "We forgive you."

John just stayed silent and smiled to himself before looking at us. "Stuart told me that little one upstairs is a cousin your parents are lookin after. You told me he's the kid of your step mums friend. So....how long were you two gonna lie to me about your son?"

Stu and I looked at each other nervously.

"Well um..."

John stood up. "I'd like to meet him. After all, I am his uncle yeah?"
......

"Aah he's a Sutcliffe alright. He's got that serious look already." John held Liam in his arms as we sat around in the living room.

"John you can't tell anyone yet. If people should know, it should come from us." I said concerndly.

"I won't tell anyone I promise. He's a cute little bugger. He's got Molly's eyes. This lad is goin to be a heartbreaker."

I giggled as Stu walked into the room with some coffee.

"Now Lennon, lets not get ahead of ourselves."

"Maybe he'll be a rock n roll lad yeah? Tough attitude, takin no shit from anyone. You'll learn lots from me you will." John smiled at Liam. "I'm glad you two had him."

"Thanks John." I smiled.

"So? Tell me about New York? What's it like on the other side? As hyped as it seems?"

"It's great John. So much freedom ye know?"

"What part?"

"Were livin in the Village. Greenwich Village really. It's very out there and so different. It takes some gettin used to but it has lots of possibilities. I'm um, takin classes in a school there. You should come over some time! I could show you around, meet some of our mates. I think you'd fancy it more than you think." Stu went on.

"It sounds like a dream. I dunno. Can ye see me in New York? You think I'd fit in?" John asked.

"It'd be nice to have you." I giggled.

John laughed. "Yeah. Then I'd fall in love with a girl from Brooklyn who'll deal with my crazy behaviour and have my babies."

Stu smiled. "Sounds like you've thought about it."

John sighed and looked down at Liam. "I 'ave. I dunno Stu just...right now things with the band are kicking off and we've all been takin the piss out of promoters. I just worry sometimes if this band thing is just some act or...if someone will really take a chance on us. We're gettin older now and ave been at it for three years. Maybe it's time to give up. Find a girl to settle down with and just see where it takes us. I want to be like you two. You're so confident with your love and committed. It's crazy I'm sayin this I know but, I just don't want to care anymore. I want to be crazy and free. New York has definitely changed your way of thinking and....I want that for myself."

I felt bad for John. He genuinly seemed hurt by not feeling wanted. I knew he really took his band seriously and dealing with growing up, girl problems and promoters was taking a toll. I guess us coming at this moment was a good idea. He needed his friend. Some familiarity in his life. Liam sneezed, making us all laugh.

"I think he could use some rest for now." I took Liam out of John's arms. "Besides, tomorrow were taking him to meet his other grandaddy."

"Yeah? Maybe I can set him to nap? I mean...one day I'll learn myself yeah?" John asked with a hopeful eye. I smiled and handed Liam back.

"Okay. Just be careful." I pointed.

"I will don't worry. C'mon lad. Let uncle Lennon tell you some crazy stories about your mum and dad." He said, making his way upstairs. Stu grabbed my hand and brought me down to sit in his lap.

"So? What d'you think? We made the right choice in telling him?"

I kissed his cheek and smiled. "I think so. He seems different. More mature. We all need some catching up to do I just...I'm a little nervous."

"About?"

I bit my lip. "George."

John came back into the room and yawned. "The little lad is out. So? What we on about now?"

"George." I looked at him. "How is he?"

He laughed and sat down. "George. Where do I start off. You know he's got a bird yeah?"

"O...Oh really?" I said a bit taken back. "Who?"

"Some bird he met at the Cavern a month or two ago. Her name is Pauline. It's really funny cause I tease him about him findin a bird with a close name to his mate. I wish it would last but, we're set off for Hamburg again. It usually never lasts when we're that far from home. Unless your Cyn or Moll here."

"You're still with Cyn??" I smiled.

"Hamburg again??" Stu asked.

John just laughed. "You two really need a night out. Maybe tonight we can 'ave a drink or two. We're no New York but we sure can give a good time."

I shrugged as Stu nodded. "Sounds good. Just us?"

"Just us. Although Liam better stay in. Little lad like that will fuckin drink us all out."

I giggled all shook my head. "I missed that humour."
..........