Katia didn't know how long she had been asleep, but she woke up to the phone ringing.  She got up and could hear Paul on the phone.

"Yeah...she's here...she's sleeping right now...I took her today... it was hard for her...no, we came straight here...yeah I'll ask her if she wants to go...right...if not she can stay here...okay...I'll call you either way."

"Who was that?" Kat asked as Paul hung up.

"Kat...you're up.  Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, thanks.  How long was I out for?

"A couple of hours." Paul replied as he came over to Kat and grazed her cheek with his fingertips.  "It was John on the phone....he wanted to know if you were here.  No one had heard anything about you since you left Cynthia."

"Oh."

"Are you hungry?"

Katia shrugged.

"John wanted us to head over to Mimi's for dinner...are you feeling up to it?"

"I'd rather just go back to the hotel, actually."

Paul nodded. "Well that's what we'll do then."

"You should go...to the dinner."

"Don't worry about that."

"So how do you manage to walk the streets of Liverpool without getting mobbed, anyway?" Katia asked.  She realized that earlier that afternoon they had gone to the cemetery unnoticed.

Paul laughed softly. "Well...we sometimes use disguises...but usually the people here are pretty nice about not chasing after us. They'll say hello to us and want autographs and at times some pictures...but it doesn't go beyond that. They'll leave us alone for the most part."

"Are you using a disguise tonight?" Katia inquired as they headed out of the room.

"Baseball cap and glasses." he smiled. "Let me phone John to let him know not to wait for us tonight."

Katia nodded as she headed to the living room.

"He said he'd phone you later..." Paul said joining Katia in the living room after a few minutes.

Katia chuckled softly when she saw Paul. He was wearing black rimmed glasses and a baseball cap. "Did you borrow those from John?"

"Very funny...but they do the trick...would you recognize me?"

"Yes...but that's because I know you more than most people do." she smiled.

"That's true...c'mon let's get going."

Once at the hotel, Paul encouraged Katia to have something to eat, but Katia simply wasn't hungry.

"You should join the others ...I don't want you to miss out on tonight because of me...I just need to get some sleep."

"Are you sure?" Paul asked.

"Positive." she smiled.

"Alright." Paul said a bit reluctantly. He had wanted to stay with Katia, but it was evident she wanted some time to herself and he wasn't going to intrude on that.

"I guess I do owe John an apology."

"You see...perfect occasion."

Paul laughed softly and leaned forward to give Katia a kiss on the forehead. "Get some rest then...it's been a long day for you."

Katia nodded and smiled. "Thank you for everything, Paul."

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes. See you tomorrow."

Katia fell asleep shortly after Paul had left. She was awoken by the telephone ringing. When she looked at the time, nearly four hours had passed.

"Hello?" she answered groggily.

"Kat...I'm sorry did I wake you?"

"John...what's going on?" she replied having taken notice that John had been drinking.

"Andrew's on his way home...Ringo is taking him now."

Katia laughed. "Thanks for the report."

John chuckled. "Well I wasn't just calling for that..."

"Clearly. What's going on?"

"Paul apologized."

"Yeah...he told me he was going to."

"I take it you finally told him the truth...about that night?"

"Well not the whole truth...but he knows you and I didn't sleep together. I'm sorry I drug it out so long. I'm sure things must not have been the best between you because of that."

"Don't worry about us, Kat...we're like brothers. We fight and all that, but in the end, we love each other. Things with you and Paul alright?"

"Yeah...everything is fine between us too."

"Just in time for his birthday."

"Yeah...any plans to celebrate?"

"That's another reason I was calling. We're heading to his house tomorrow morning...we'll go pick you and Andrew up around 9 in the morning and then head to Paul's. Sounds like a plan?"

"Yeah of course."

"Sorry for waking you, love."

"You know you can call me at any time, John. I'll see you tomorrow."

***

"He's in his room." Mr. McCartney smiled as he saw John, Cynthia, Andrew and Katia at his front door.

"Happy birthday Paul!" Everyone yelled as John opened the door to his room.

Paul was combing his hair and smiled as he saw everyone coming into the room.

"What are you guys doing here? I thought we were all meeting later today." he asked as everyone gave him a hug.

"Change of plans, Paulie..." John stated.

Just then Ringo, George, Maureen and Patti came through the door.

"Are we late?" Ringo asked.

"Come on in...party seems to be in here." Paul said as he gave Ringo a hug. 

"So we have a birthday present for you Paul...courtesy of Brian." George announced.

"What is it?" he asked.

"A photo shoot for the reporters" he laughed.

"What? Is that the change of plans?" he looked at John.

"Yeah, apparently news got out that we're here and Brian arranged a photo shoot for the occasion." John replied.

The room was filled with groans.

"But to make up for it, he's arranged a party for Paul at his place tonight." George added.

"This party better be good." John commented. "Paul here only turns 23 once! What time is this photo shoot?"

"At noon..."

"That gives us time to go our for a birthday breakfast then." Ringo smiled.

Just then, Paul's dad poked his head in the already full bedroom.

"Paul...I have one more birthday surprise for you." he smiled. He stepped aside and Katia saw Jane walk through the doorway.

"Hi! Happy birthday!" she smiled.

Katia glanced over at Paul and saw he was just as surprised to see Jane.

"What are you doing here?" he asked walking up to her. "I thought you were going to be working?" he laughed as he hugged her.

"I was...but when I got back on location, I thought about last year...and how I had promised you we would spend this birthday together...so I told the director I needed an extra day off...and I got on the next plane back to London...and then came here. Are you surprised?" she smiled.

"Yes." he chuckled. "But in London you told me the film was already backed up and you had a lot of work..."

"Yes, we do have a lot of work to get through, but it's your birthday Paul...you're more important than one day of filming." She smiled.

Katia turned away and looked at Andrew. He looked at her and there was no need for words.

"Well how about that birthday breakfast?" John said as he went over to say hi to Jane.

**********

"I guess it was wishful thinking they could steer clear of the reporters for another day." Katia told Andrew during breakfast.

Word had finally got around that the boys were back in Liverpool and a couple of reporters were taking a few snapshots of the Beatles and their significant others. Andrew and Katia kept a low profile, trying to avoid the cameras, as did Mr. McCartney and Mike. John finally told them that if they let them enjoy the rest of the morning with a bit more privacy, they could take all the pictures they wanted in the afternoon during their official photo shoot. That was all it took for everyone to enjoy the rest of the meal.

After breakfast, everyone headed to the pier, where they met Brian and the reporters to begin the photo shoot. Despite the complaints from that morning, the boys seemed to be enjoying themselves. They were carrying Paul around, laughing and goofing off. It was a pretty relaxed ambiance. Katia tried to stay clear of Jane and opted to hang back with Andrew instead.

"So what do you think of Liverpool?" She asked Andrew.

"It's very nice. I can see why you miss it." Andrew replied vaguely. " What do you think of Jane being here?"

Katia chuckled softly. "How long have you been holding onto that question?"

Andrew cocked his head to the side.

"I'm surprised...that's all I can say." Katia replied as she directed her attention to the boys again.

The photo shoot lasted a bit longer than Katia had expected. By the time it was over, everyone was making plans to grab a bite to eat again.

"You guys mind if I take the birthday boy on a lunch date?" Jane smiled as everyone was deciding where they should go eat.

"We'll meet you guys at Brian's house tonight." Paul added.

After lunch, Andrew and Katia headed back to the hotel to get ready for the party. Katia opted to wear a black dress, finding it both elegant and classic. With Jane going to the party, she felt a bit more self conscious. Not even Andrew's compliments eased her discomfort.

When they got to Brian's house, there were already quite a few people there- including the Beatles minus Paul. They walked through the house and Katia saw a lot of familiar faces, faces she had only seen on album covers and magazines. She was introduced to Eric Burdon from The Animals and Peter Noone from Herman's Hermits. Paul and Jane arrived about 20 minutes after them and Katia and Andrew talked for a few minutes with them before they walked off to mingle with the other guests.

While Andrew talked to Peter Noone, Katia looked out into Brian's garden.  She was distracted and feeling a bit anti-social so she walked outside and sat down on a bench that was right under a beautiful oak tree.  From where she was sitting, she could see the party inside.  Paul and Jane were chatting with Cilia Black.  Jane looked at ease in this atmosphere, while Katia, on the other hand, felt out of place.  She saw John pass by one of the windows; he caught a glimpse of Katia and she waved, not really expecting him to come out to join her.

"Hey...what are you doing out here?" John asked as he took a seat next to her.

"Just thinking."

"What about?"

Katia sighed. "You know about what..." she smiled thinly. "Paul and me...and Jane."

"How do you feel about Jane showing up today?" he questioned.

Katia stayed quiet for a few seconds; she could see Paul and Jane through the window.  They were both laughing as they chatted with the party guests.

"Surprisingly, I feel a bit glad to see Jane here today."

"You do?" John asked confused.

"John." Katia said turning to look at him. "Today, when Jane showed up and told Paul he was her priority, Paul's eyes lit up...it was as if he had been waiting to hear that for a long time. And he looked at Jane the same way he used to look at me..."

"Kat...you have to know that Paul loves you."

"I know John...I know Paul loves me...but you know what? I just realized something today...Paul loves me, but he's not in love with me...he's in love with Jane."

John didn't say anything for a few seconds. He looked at Katia, not knowing the words that would comfort her; then, he gave a small smile and responded with one of his classic Lennon remarks.

"So...do you need me to show you a good time tonight then?"

Katia smiled, remembering the night at the Bahamas when she had first seen Jane with Paul.

"No...I'll be alright...what you need to do is show that wonderful wife of yours a good time."

"Yeah. I should get back." John said as he stood up. "You going to stay out here?"

"Just for a minute...I just need to clear my mind." she said.

"Okay."   John said walking back to the house.

"Hey John..." Katia said getting up to meet him. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." John said stopping and  now standing in front of Katia.

"Do you regret not sleeping with me that night at the hotel?"

John thought about it for a split second before answering.

"No..." he began. "And let me explain why.  That night was all wrong.  You were standing in the middle of my room hurt and vulnerable...if I would have done something then, I would have taken advantage of the situation...I would have taken advantage of you. If I had done something that night with you, it would not have been making love...it would have been having sex... fucking if you will...it would have turned out just like any other night...with just another girl... And that is not you at all...you're an amazing friend, Kat...it just so happens I'm a fuckin' horny bastard who is incredibly attracted to you and would love to tear that dress off right now, throw you under that tree and have my way with you. But I can't do that to you...the relationship you and me share...now that is something that I'd regret losing.  Our relationship would have had to have been on a completely different level for me to have regretted not sleeping with you."

"What kind of relationship would we have needed to have?" Katia asked curiously.

John thought about it for a moment. "The kind of relationship you and Paul have."

"I'm confused." she said honestly.

"Paul loves you in a way I have never or could ever love you.  And he would never hurt you the way I could.  And the same goes for you towards him.  So you see Kat, that night, regardless of the drinks, or the hurt or the vulnerability...if it had been Paul instead of me, something would have happened...and it wouldn't have been called having sex or fucking...it would have been called making love.  And if that had been the case, if you and I had the type of relationship you have with Paul, then I would be regretting not sleeping with you for the rest of my life."

Katia didn't know what to say; she just kept looking at John.

"How's that for helping you clear up your mind?" John chuckled a bit.

"I think I'm going to have to stay out hear a little longer than I had intended to." she responded.

"Just don't stay out here too long...there's a party in there." he said as he sweetly kissed her forehead.

Katia walked back to the bench, now more confused than ever. A few minutes later, Katia saw Andrew coming towards her with a drink in his hand.

"Hi...I saw John was out here with you, so I waited until he left.  Here, I think you might need this." He said handing her the drink. She took it, but she didn't feel like drinking tonight. Alcohol wouldn't change the truth about Paul and her...and Jane.

"Thanks."

"So talk to me Kat.   I'm worried about you.  I have been waiting for a reaction from you since I saw Jane walk into Paul's room this morning and you haven't even flinched.  What's going on?"

She felt her eyes watering. Andrew pulled her in and gave her a hug. She hugged him back and then looked at him. "I just feel like I can't stay here anymore." she finally said.

"What do you mean? Here as in Liverpool?"

"No..I...I  feel like I can't do this...I can't keep being so close to Paul anymore.  It's hurting me too much Andrew.  Jane showing up today changed everything."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because she finally realized how much Paul matters to her.  She finally put him above everyone and everything else...and that is what Paul was waiting and hoping for. That is all that he's been wanting from her...and now that it's happened...well, I can't get in the way of that."

"Kat...you're not in the way..."

"Yes I am.  When Paul and Jane were having problems, I came back into Paul's life...and the fact that Paul and I had history...well it just made it that much easier for Paul to take a break from the problems he and Jane were having and try and fall back on the relationship he and I had....but now that she's here...and she's willing to work it out...and I see how happy it made Paul to be put at the top of her list. ...I just feel I have no right to be here and confuse him."

Andrew stayed quiet for a few moments. "So what now?"

"I don't know...I mean I don't want to stop working...I can't do that to Brian after everything he did for us...but I have to put some distance between Paul and me...you know?"

Andrew nodded sympathetically. "I just want you to be okay with your decision, Kat."

"I'm confused Andrew...I'll be honest with you." She said looking down. "There's so much memories here in Liverpool that I feel I've been living in the past for the last couple of days...until I saw Jane and realized this wasn't 1959 anymore."

"Things are changing Kat, but you shouldn't be afraid of the change."

"I just like the past so much more."

"But I wasn't a part of your past...." She heard Andrew say. She looked up at him. "And I'd like to keep being in your present and future." he continued.

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean-"

"I know what you meant Kat...but you have to understand that you can't try to recreate your past...if you do, it will never be the same and you will lose out on the future by trying to hold onto something that now only exists as memories.  That's not to say that you can't create something new and wonderful with those same people. "

Katia sighed. "I know...I know everything you're telling me is true...it's just very hard to actually apply it."

"C'mon..." Andrew said getting up. "Stop mulling this over and let's go inside.  Let's try to have a good time, ok?" he said as he took her hands and helped Katia up.

She nodded and smiled.

The rest of the evening went without a hitch. She avoided Paul and Jane in an attempt to keep them off her mind and with the help of Andrew, she actually had a good time.  The party drew to a close a little after 3 in the morning.  Brian offered his house up for the night. Katia and Andrew stayed in the living room, while the Beatles dispersed into the guest bedrooms with their wives and girlfriends.  Jane would be leaving early the next day to London with Brian and then catch a flight back to the film's location later that evening.

Late that morning, Katia heard Brian and Jane leave the house.  Paul had woken up to say goodbye to her and after they left, Katia heard him go into the kitchen.  

"Hi." Katia said coming into the kitchen and sitting at the table.

"Hey... good morning...do you want some tea?"

"Sure." Katia said taking the cup he had poured for himself; Paul poured another cup and sat at the table with her.

"Did you have fun on our birthday?" Katia smiled.

"Yes...a lot of it."

Katia had decided she was not going to bring up Jane to Paul.  Doing so would only make things weird between them and she didn't want to deal with that just yet...at least not today.

"I didn't get to give you my present yet." she said.

Paul raised his eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Well I need to stop by the hotel to change, but after that you and I are going out...you might want to grab one of those famous disguises you guys use to get around..." She smiled.  "It's going to be a busy day."

Before leaving, Katia spoke with Andrew, hoping he wouldn't be too upset for leaving him alone again.

"Are you kidding me?  Leaving me alone?  I only have  three-fourths of the best band in the world to keep me company.  You go on ahead with Paul..."

"Thanks." She smiled as she kissed his cheek.

They did a quick stop at the hotel for Katia to change first.  She grabbed a pair of jeans and a top.  Her plans for today weren't extravagant, in fact, they were rather simple, but she hoped Paul would appreciate the thoughtfulness behind it.  When they reached Paul's house, it was empty, so Katia waited in the kitchen while Paul changed into some fresh clothes.  When he walked out, he was wearing a mustache in addition to his baseball cap and sunglasses.

Katia laughed as soon as she saw him.

"You said to grab a disguise while I was at it." he smiled

"Alright...well let's go then. I'm sure people won't recognize you now."

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise!" she said taking his hand.

That day Katia took Paul to a movie. They kept a low profile and sat near the back just in case someone recognized him, but no one did.  Then she took him to lunch to one of Katia's favorite restaurants. The day had gone amazingly well.  They had been able to keep reporters away and had managed to enjoy their outing press-free.

"I have one more stop for today...." She said as she directed him to the Mersey Ferries.  When Paul realized where they were headed he stopped and took her hand.

"You're giving me the same gift I gave you for your 18th birthday!" he laughed.

"It took you long enough to figure it out." She teased. "Now c'mon...let's try to get on the next ferry."

Paul and Katia got on the ferry just in time.  The sun was starting to set and the view was amazing. They looked out to the water, which had just enough beams of sunlight hitting it that it made it seem as if it were twinkling.  The sunset had turned the sky into an elaborate mix of pink, yellow and orange shades. 

"So if today is supposed to recreate the day you turned 18...then I do believe this is in order." Paul said as he started leaning in to kiss her.

Katia turned her face and Paul ended up kissing her cheek.

"Not again!" he laughed.

"If we're actually recreating that day, then that was in order too..." she laughed. "Besides...if I do recall correctly, this was never involved last time..." She said as she peeled the fake mustache off of Paul's face.  "There....now that's better.  And these have to go too." she said removing Paul's sunglasses. "And the hat..." she continued,  grabbing the hat and messing with his hair a bit. "Perfect." Katia said. She looked at him and smiled before she slowly leaned in and gave him a sweet, gentle kiss...just like their first kiss.

"If I remember correctly, the next kiss should be something like this." Paul said as he pulled Katia to him.  This time the kiss was a lot more passionate than the last one...just as it had been all those years ago, except this time, the years of experience from then until now were shining through.  The way Paul was holding her and the way his hand roamed the small of her back were movements that came naturally to him now, not something that was foreign and rehearsed.

When they stopped kissing, they were both breathing hard.

"Somehow, I don't remember that kiss ever being like that." Katia managed to say as she put his hat back on and handed him his sunglasses and fake mustache back.

"Happy birthday Paul...."

Paul smiled. "Thank you...So what's next?" he asked.

"I don't know...this is the last thing I had planned...." Katia confessed.

"Didn't, we end up going to the park..."

"Yes...and then you took me home. I think we may need to change that tonight. " Katia said.

They looked out just as the sun finished setting and the ferry continued moving along the river.

The next stop was at Wallasey and a crowd of people were getting on.

"Paul put on the mustache..." Katia said fearing someone would recognize him.

"C'mon..." Paul said ignoring her comment and taking her hand. They rushed to the exit of the ferry.

"This isn't our stop." Katia said to Paul as they got off.

"It is now. We're gonna make new memories tonight, Kat." he smiled. 

Even after having lived in Liverpool, she had never gone to Wallasey before.

"We played a few shows here...at the Grosvenor Ballroom and the Tower Ballroom." Paul said smiling.

"Where are we going?" Katia asked as Paul directed her through the city.

"To Liscard...it's a park." he smiled knowingly.

"I thought we were making new memories..." Katia laughed.

"We are..this isn't Liverpool." he winked.

Paul and Katia walked through Liscard. They didn't say much during the walk; it wasn't necessary. A full moon guided their walk and Katia began thinking just how much she enjoyed spending time with Paul. She reached out and slid her hand in his. Paul looked over and smiled, holding her hand tighter. Even though they were just holding hands, the connection Katia felt with Paul was greater than she had ever felt.

"Let's go to Wallasay Village.  There's a few shops and we can probably get a cup of tea there too." Paul said. He had not been wearing his fake mustache since the park was somewhat isolated, but he put it back on now that they were heading into a more populated area.  Having taken off his sunglasses, Paul's disguise was now somewhat weak.

"How long has it been since you've been here." Katia asked as they walked through The Village.

"Oh...at least three or four years. We used to come down here and drink after our performances." he laughed. "Now there are more shops than pubs!"

They walked by the small shops and Katia saw there were a lot of souvenir shops with images of The Beatles. She smiled as she thought she was walking next to the ultimate Liverpool souvenir.  In one of the shops, she spotted another popular symbol of Liverpool; the Liver Birds.  The shop had them priced per pair and Katia stopped Paul for a second to look at them.

"Do you know the legend of the Liver Birds?" Paul asked her.

"No." Katia nodded. " I just know that there is one that was built on the Liver Building."

"Well according to popular legend, there is a male and female." Paul said picking up the pair she was looking at.  "The female looks out to sea, watching for the seamen to return safely home, while the male looks towards the city making sure the pubs are open." he laughed.

Katia chuckled softly. "I want them." she said taking them from him and began heading into the store to pay for them.

"Let me get them for you." Paul said as they walked into the store to pay for them.

"But it's your birthday...you shouldn't be getting me gifts...it should be the other way around." Katia smiled.

"You've already given me my gift, Kat." he smiled as he pulled out his wallet.

As they walked out of the store, Katia pulled the two Liver Birds out of the bag to look at them again. "You know, this is my only souvenir from Liverpool...and it didn't even come from there." she grinned.

Paul and Katia found a little cafe at the end of the street and sat down for a cup of tea. They talked and laughed as if they were teenagers. Katia had been having such a great time, she didn't realize how late it was getting.

"We should probably start looking for a place to stay." Paul said after paying the bill at the cafe.

"We're staying here?" Katia asked surprised.

"The last ferry left a couple of hours ago, Kat.  There won't be another one going back to Liverpool until tomorrow morning."

"And you knew this before we got off?" Katia inquired.

"New memories...remember Kat?" Paul smiled.

"Well you better find us a place to sleep because I'm not sure I'd like these new memories to be of us sleeping on the streets...."

"That's not exactly what I have in mind." he laughed.

Paul and Katia walked a bit around the city until they found a hotel. The man at the reception desk was an older gentleman and he didn't seem to take notice of who was going to be staying in the hotel.

"Name?" he asked looking at Paul.

"Bernard Webb." Paul answered.

"How many nights will you and your wife be staying?" he asked.

"Just for tonight." Paul smiled.

Katia had to admit that she liked the sound of that...you and your wife...if only it were true.

The man gave them their key and directed them to the room.  They went up to the third floor and made a right, finding their room with no problem.

"It's bigger than I thought." Katia said as they walked in. She immediately noticed that there was only one bed in the room. She knew it didt really matter; Paul and her had slept in the same bed before and nothing had happened, except tonight felt a little different.

Paul threw himself on the bed and stretched out. He turned on the TV and motioned for Katia to lay down next to him.

"I think I'm going to go take a hot shower before I go to bed. " Katia said as she declined his invitation.

She came back into the room wearing one of the robes that were in the bathroom. Katia was towel drying her hair when she suddenly felt Paul standing behind her; he slid his hands around her waist and she abruptly stopped drying her hair. She set the towel on the desk in front of her and Paul began kissing her neck, slowly turning her around.

"You look beautiful Kat." he said moving her damp hair off her face and putting it behind her ear. He leaned in and kissed Katia again sweetly.  He brought their bodies closer and Katia felt his hands trying to undo the knot from the robe.

"No." She said softly as she moved back.

"Kat...please don't push me away." Paul pleaded.

Katia looked down; she knew she had to talk to Paul; she just didn't know how to go about it.

"I'm sorry, Kat. I'll stop." Paul said as he went back and sat on the bed.

Katia walked over and sat down next to him.

"I don't want to push you away, Paul." she said looking down at her hands. "But I need to tell you something first..."

"What is it?" Paul asked.

Katia hesitated.  She didn't respond right away; in fact, she didn't even look at Paul.  Paul stood up from the bed and knelt down in front of her, sitting on his heels.  He took her hands in his. "Please tell me." he said softly.

"You remember when I went to Hamburg...that second time when Cynthia couldn't come with me? How you and I got into that fight?" Katia asked finally looking at Paul.

"Yeah...of course."

"Do you remember why we fought?"

"You were getting involved with that bloke...uhhh...I can't even remember his name now."

"His name was Edgar."

"Right...Edgar."

"And I compared you to him...and you got so mad at me...telling me if I thought you and Edgar were the same, then I really didn't know you."

Paul sighed. "Kat...I already apologized for what happened at the club...but I would never force you to do anything you didn't want. I'm nothing like that bastard. I promise. " Paul replied.

It was evident to Katia that Paul was not understanding where she was going with this.  She was hoping she could be vague on the subject, I but Paul wasn't catching on.

"I know you aren't...that's not...where I was going with this story."

"Story? There's a story having to do with you and Edgar?" Paul asked.  Katia could feel his voice tense and the grip on her hands had gotten tighter.

Katia nodded. "Yes." she said barely whispering.

Paul didn't say anything for a few seconds, but the look on his face was enough for Katia to know he was putting two and two together.  Paul let go of her hands and stood up.  He paced for a few seconds, running his hands through his hair.

"Paul." Katia said softly.

He looked at her and slowly knelt back in front of her, this time taking her face in his hands and looking deeply into her eyes.

"Please tell me he...didn't force you to have sex with him." Paul said with fear. 

"He tried..." she said as a tear fell down her cheek. "...but Stuart stopped him."

"Oh Kat..." Paul said, a bit of relief in his voice.  He let his hands slide down to her neck, and leaned in so that both of their foreheads touched.  "Why didn't you tell me before?"

"At first, I was embarrassed...and I didn't want you to do anything stupid while we were in Hamburg.  I honestly hadn't thought about that night ...I guess I had pushed it out of my mind...until that first night at the hotel with you.  It just came flooding back.  I didn't realize how traumatized I was over it. I didn't mean to push you away, but...it seems that every time you touch me, that memory seems to haunt my mind ..." Katia confessed.

That night at the hotel with John, Katia had been drunk and despite the temptation of sleeping with him, she hadn't found herself so close to performing the actual act as she had been and was with Paul.

"Kat...it doesn't have to be like that." Paul said.  "This can be so wonderful. Let me make you forget...let me replace that night with something beautiful...a memory that will make you smile every time you think about tonight."

Paul stood up and pulled Katia up to her feet as well.  He rested his hands on her hips and kissed her gently.  "Don't be scared...it's only me...I won't hurt you." he said pulling back to look at her.

"I know." she managed to say.

Paul sweetly took her in his arms and carried her to the bed, gently setting her down.  He sat down next to Katia, looking at her adoringly and stoked the side of her face with his callused fingers.

"Oh Kat..." Paul said leaning in to kiss her again. He placed his hand on the back of Katia's neck and tilted it slightly so she would meet his lips.  Katia responded to his kisses.  It was a mixture of sweetness and desire.  When Paul pulled back, he simply looked at Katia, but didn't say a word.

"What are you thinking?" Katia asked softly after a few seconds.

"How I should have done this a long time ago...I love you, Kat...you know that, right?"

"I love you too, Paul."

Paul began to unbutton his shirt and peeled it off in a matter of seconds.  All Katia could do was look and convince herself that this was really going to happen.  After so many years, she and Paul were going to make love.  Paul smiled at her.

"Kat...trust me...if you want me to stop, I'll stop...I promise." he said with a raspy voice as he reached over again to untie the knot on Katia's robe.  This time, she didn't stop him though.  When he undid the knot, he looked over at her, looking for reassurance from her to continue.  Katia gave him a small smile despite how nervous she felt.  She knew what Paul was about to do and she had never been in such a vulnerable spot before.  Paul slowly slid one side of the robe to the side and then proceeded with the other side until she was laying there, fully exposed for him.

"You're so beautiful, Kat.  I can't believe I've been missing out on such pleasures." Paul said.

Paul and Katia made love that night and she turned into a woman in his arms.

The following morning, Katia woke up next to Paul. Paul had lived up to his promise of making her forget Hamburg, but she knew that nothing would ever make her forget last night.  Paul had taken her from being a girl to a woman; a transition that would be etched in her heart forever.

She tried to not wake up Paul as she began unwrapping herself from his embrace, but she suddenly felt his grip around her tighten.

"And where do you think you're going, love?"

Katia turned around and saw him smiling.

"To take a shower."

"May I join you?" he inquired.

"Yes...you may." Katia laughed.

***

Paul and Katia headed back to Liverpool for a late breakfast. Once breakfast was over, they headed back to Paul's house. She was expecting to see Paul's dad and brother, but the house was empty. Paul smiled and took her hand as he led her to his room. They both felt like teenagers, sneaking into his room to make out. They were in full foreplay when the phone rang.

"Maybe you...should pick...up...It may be...important." Katia said in between kisses as the phone continued ringing.

Paul reluctantly pulled away and walked to the phone. Katia got up and readjusted her clothes before heading to the bedroom door. She heard Paul pick up the phone.

"Hello?...oh hi...I'm fine...how was your trip back?...a lot of work, right?...sorry, I wasn't home...no...I went to visit family...yeah...I just got in." Paul said into the phone receiver.

Katia knew instantly it was Jane on the other end of the phone conversation. She felt a knot in her stomach begin to form. She didn't want to hear the rest of the conversation, so she went back into Paul's room.

Last night had been absolutely amazing. She had tried to recreate one of the happiest days she had shared with Paul...and not only had she done so, but she had created new memories...memories that would be with her forever. But Andrew had been right all along- you couldn't recreate the past...at least not long term. That phone call had brought Katia back to their reality.

Paul walked into the room a few minutes later and saw Katia sitting on his bed.

"Hey..."

"Paul, we need to talk." Katia said softly.

Paul immediately took notice of the sadness in Katia's voice and knew what the topic of conversation would be about. "Do we have to talk about this now?" he asked as he sat down next to her.

"That was Jane on the phone, wasn't it?" Katia asked ignoring Paul's question.

"Yes..." Paul said knowing there was no point in denying it.

"Paul, yesterday was so wonderful." Katia said looking directly at him. "I felt like we were teenagers again...and last night...well last night was absolutely amazing. What I shared with you...what I felt with you...I can't even put it into words...it was so special...but that is not our reality." Katia said sadly.

"Kat, I-"

"Please...let me finish or I'll never be able to say it. Paul, I don't want to be the other woman...I'm not cut out for that nor do I deserve it...but I'll never be more than that if we continue this...because you're in love with Jane, not with me."

"Kat...you know I love you."

"Yes...I know you love me...but loving someone is not the same thing as being in love with them. Can you honestly tell me...promise me that you'll break if off with Jane for good?"

Paul didn't say anything. He looked down and silence filled the room. Katia reached over to him and stroked the side of his face with her hand. He looked up at her, his face having gone a bit pale.

"You can't...I knew it the moment Jane walked through this same room on your birthday...I recognized that look...it was the same look you used to give me." Katia smiled weakly as a tear fell down her cheek.

Paul took Katia's hands and kissed them.

"Kat, I don't want to lose you."

Katia pulled her hands away and reached for the locket Paul had given her for her 16th birthday. She turned it around.

"Read what this says." she instructed Paul.

He leaned in and read it aloud. "Truth and tears clear the way to a deep and lasting friendship."

"Paul...the beauty of friendship is that regardless of time or distance the love between friends will always be there. You and I are always going to be friends...but I can't compete with Jane on this level...because I'll never win. And if I try, I will end up losing you...and I can't risk that." Katia said trying to smile with tears in her eyes. She blinked and the tears fell from her eyes. "So I have to keep my distance from you for a while...I have to give you and Jane the opportunity to make your relationship work."

"But Kat...last night-" Paul started.

"Last night was long overdue. I should have made love to you a long time ago. And last night was perfect. I'll never forget it...I'll never regret last night, Paul...ever."

Paul leaned in and sweetly kissed Katia's lips. He could taste the saltiness of her tears as he pulled away.

"Kat, when you left Liverpool, I was so...broken. I couldn't even function for a while...I tried to focus on my music, but even that couldn't keep my interest for very long. After you left, there were other girls...but it took me a long time to even feel anything when I was with another girl...nothing could even come close to what I felt when I was with you..."

"Until you met Jane..." Katia said softly.

"Yes." Paul said looking down, somewhat ashamed.

Katia reached over and brought his gaze back to her. "Paul, you don't have to be ashamed for being in love with Jane...she's a great girl. You two just happen to lead very public lives which pull each of you in different directions...it's hard on a relationship."

"Is it worth it, Kat? To be separated for weeks...months at a time?" Paul replied.

"Jane loves you very much, Paul...and I know you do to, otherwise...otherwise you wouldn't have asked her to marry you." Katia finally said.

Paul looked stunned. "How did you know that?"

"The day Jane arrived in London, she stopped by EMI Studios to take you to eat, but you had all left  on a business lunch...so she invited me to go instead. She told me you had proposed to her while you two were on holiday..."

"But she said no." Paul said hurt.

"She said not yet." Katia corrected him. "Paul...Jane told me she wasn't ready to become Mrs. Paul McCartney. She wants to make a name for herself first. She doesn't simply want to be known as the wife of Beatle Paul. She loves you and she said it was one of the year hardest things she's had to do."

"Why are you telling me this?" Paul asked confused.

"Because I love you...and I want to see you happy...and you need to know that the girl you're in love with is also in love with you...and just because she wasn't ready to say 'yes' doesn't mean she doesn't want to marry you one day."

Katia's heart was aching. She had lost the fight with Jane a long time ago and the only thing she had left was to hope she would make Paul happy...and for that she needed him to know the whole truth.

"You need to give yourself a real chance...and you can't do that with me here."

"What are you saying?" Paul asked with fear.

"We need some time apart."

"You just came back into my life and now you want to leave? No I won't do it , Kat.  I won't let you walk away from me. Not again." Paul said shaking his head.

"Please Paul... don't make this harder than it has to be." Katia's voice broke.

"I can't...I won't let you go!" Paul said taking Katia's hands in his again.

"And I can't lose you! I won't allow myself to lose you! Don't you see this is the only way? It hurts too much to be close to you. I need some time...away from you." Katia cried as she pulled away and turned her back towards Paul.

Katia felt Paul wrap his arms around her waist and nuzzled his face against her neck. She placed her arms on top of his and took in a deep breath as a tear ran down her cheek. Paul tightened his hold on her for a few seconds and Katia heard him sniff. She gently rotated her body so she was facing him; Paul's hands still holding onto her waist. He looked down at her and she noticed his teary eyes. He blinked and the tears fell from his eyes. She reached up and wiped them with her thumbs.

Katia wrapped her arms around his neck and Paul pulled her closer, resting his head on her shoulder. She gently stroked his hair. They hugged for about a minute before Katia began to pull away.

"I have to go." she said, her voice barely audible.

Paul nodded. "I'll walk you out."

"No...I can't say goodbye again." Katia said before slowly leaning in and gently kissing his lips. Paul responded, bringing the sweetness of the kiss to something deeper, more intense. Both of them could taste each other's tears as they kissed and it was Katia who finally pulled away. They looked at each other one more time before Katia walked out of the room and out of the house. As she walked to the bus station, she knew that things would never go back to the way they were. She was thankful that she reached the bus station just as the bus was driving down the street. As she waited to get on the bus that was now coming to a stop, she heard footsteps coming from behind. She turned around and saw Paul running towards her.

She tried to get on the bus before Paul could reach her, but just as she was going up the step, Paul grabbed her hand.

"I know you didn't want me to come here, but I needed you to know something before you left." Paul said out of breath. "I never thought of you as the other woman, Kat...to me you have always been my first love...and no matter how many women come after you, you will always be my first love."

"And you mine." Katia said crying as she pulled her hand away and got on the bus.

***********

Katia walked into her hotel room, her eyes puffy from crying.

"Andrew...I wasn't expecting to see you here." she laughed trying to hide the sadness she felt. "I figured you'd be out somewhere with the boys."

"We made plans for later tonight...I thought I'd come back to the hotel to see if you'd made it back." Andrew said as he watched Katia come into the room. He could tell she was trying to avoid looking at him.

"Oh...that sounds like fun. Where are they taking you?" Katia asked trying to steady her voice.

Andrew didn't answer; instead he walked over to Katia and turned her around so she'd look at him.

"You've been crying..."

Katia looked down, but Andrew lifted her chin so she'd look at him.

"You were right, Andrew."

"About what?"

"About not being able to live in the past. It's over...Paul and I are over...for good." she said as she threw herself into his arms and began sobbing.

That night, Katia informed Andrew of her decision to head back to London earlier than they had initially planned. She needed to keep her distance from Paul and being in Liverpool was not the most ideal place for that to happen. Andrew wanted to go back with her, but she convinced him that it would be better for him to stay. She felt she needed a few days alone to just think and he respected her wishes. It was Andrew who told Paul and the other Beatles that Katia had gone back to London early. In fact, Katia received a call from a confused John, but she agreed that she'd talk to him when he got back from Liverpool and explain everything then. Brian, being a very private man himself, never questioned Katia for having come back to London without the others.

John stopped by the NEMS office a couple of days after the boys came back from Liverpool.

"Keeping busy, love?" he said popping his head into her office.

"John...I thought you guys had a full day at the studio today? Andrew said George Martin is really pushing you guys to finish the album." Katia said as she went over to him and gave him a hug.

"Yeah...I kind of sneaked out for a bit...I wanted to see if you and I could chat later tonight."

"Umm...yeah, sure." she replied wondering why John simply hadn't phoned her.

"How about I stop by your flat tonight after we finish recording?"

"Okay."

"Great." John said as he began to leave. "Hey Kat..." he stopped before walking out. "You doing alright?"

"Yes...of course." Katia forced a smile.

"We'll talk tonight, then." he winked.

That evening as Andrew and Katia were watching TV, they heard a knock on the door.

"That must be John." Katia said as she got up to answer the door.

"I'll make myself scarce so you two can talk." Andrew said walking to his room and shutting the door.

"John...come on in."

"Sorry if it's a little late...we got a bit delayed in the studio."

"It's not a problem...how is everything?" she asked as they went to the couch to sit down.

"It's not the same without you. I'd gotten used to seeing you every day."

Katia smiled. "I miss you too."

"So Paul told me what happened between you two."

"He did?" Katia asked a bit shocked.

"Yeah...about you wanting to keep your distance."

"Right." Katia replied realizing Paul hadn't told John about the night at Wallasey.

"So...you're actually going through with it."

"Was there ever a doubt?"

"Yeah...both Paul and I doubted it."

"Well...thanks for the vote of confidence."

John chuckled. "Paul's been dying to stop by to speak with you, but I've talked him out of it."

"What did you tell him?"

"That you deserve better."

Katia looked at him, a bit taken back by his comment.

"Don't look at me like that Kat.  It's the truth...you deserve better than him... you deserve a man that gives you his entire heart...and Paul can't do that... "

"What did he say when you told him that?"

"Nothing...he couldn't say anything...he knew I was right...I told him that unless he could live up to being that man, he needed to keep away from you."

"Thanks John." Katia said softly. "I just don't know how I'm going to keep my distance from Paul with the new tour coming up. Part of the reason Brian gave me this job is because he wanted me to travel with you guys..."

"Do you want me to let you in on a little secret? A secret that will benefit both of us?"

"What's the secret?"

"The truth is that the request for you to travel with us was put forth by Paul and me. The job in itself doesn't require you to travel...we just wanted you close." he smiled.

Katia chuckled softly.

"I'll talk to Brian tomorrow...get you off the hook, huh?"

"Thanks...but John, why did you say this secret would benefit both of us?"

"I need some distance too." he said softly.

"From me?"

"Yes. Kat... every day that passes, I find it harder and harder to just stay friends with you...I'm afraid that one day I just won't be able to resist...and I'll screw everything up."

Katia took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "I understand..."

"Can I ask you something?" John inquired.

"Anything."

"You're probably the one person who knows exactly what I'm feeling right now... so how hard is this going to be?"

Katia smiled sympathetically. "Well...let's just say that what I feel for Paul doesn't go away just because I don't see him. The fact that he's far away doesn't just void the memory of him...I still miss him even when I try to forget him. I can't just erase our story...he's on my mind constantly. So...it's going to be very hard."

***

"Hey!" Katia said as she saw Andrew come through the door.

"Hi...how was your day?" he asked as he came over to the couch and kissed the top of her head.

"It was very long...I thought that when I stopped working, the days would be more relaxing than this, but it isn't the case." Katia laughed.

"Well I'm sure they'll get even longer." Andrew smiled.

Katia had stopped working for Brian recently and Andrew and her had decided to move into a bigger flat.  Andrew had started classes at the University of the Arts a few months ago and therefore, they had moved so he could be closer to the university.  He continued working with Brian, but he had cut back on his hours considerably since he went back to school.

"Bills, bills and more bills?" Katia asked as Andrew flipped through the mail.

"Just about...except for this." He said handing her an envelope.

"What's this?" She asked taking it from him and opening it.

"What is it?" Andrew asked sitting down next to her.

"It's an invitation...to a promotional dinner party for The Beatles' new album... Brian is hosting it." Katia responded.

There was silence in the room for a few seconds.

"So...do you want to go?" Andrew asked.

"It's been a while since I've seen any of the boys." she said.

"It might be a nice change." Andrew said encouragingly.

"I don't have anything to wear." she smiled.

"I'm sure you'll find something" Andrew chuckled. "You still have...two weeks to find something." Andrew added looking at the invitation.

The night of the party, Katia felt nervous. She didn't think Brian expected them to show up, but the fact that Andrew had suggested they go had been enough to convince her.

"How do I look?" Katia asked as Andrew stood in the doorway to the room.

"Beautiful."

"I've gained some weight since they last saw me. You think they'll notice." Katia questioned.

"You look amazing Kat." Andrew laughed.

The arrived to Brian's house on Chappel Street. There were already a few cars outside his home and Katia could see a few journalists going through the front door.

"I wonder if Brian told the guys he had invited us...you think they're expecting us?" Katia asked Andrew as they went into the house.

"Kat...I'm sure Brian himself is not expecting us...you've rejected every invitation to every party they've thrown thus far." he smiled.

Katia and Andrew walked into Brian's house; as they looked around, Katia was reminded of his impeccable taste. His house was filled with marvelous pieces of art and at times she felt as if she was in an art gallery as she admired the artwork. Suddenly, at the corner of the dining room, she spotted someone very familiar; it was Paul. She turned around to see where Andrew was, but he was already occupied, chatting with Mick Jagger. Katia turned back to look at Paul who had been pulled away by an older gentleman and was now in conversation with two other people she didn't recognize. She contemplated waiting until he was free, but in the end decided to go up to him anyway.

"Paul?" Katia said as she tapped his shoulder.

"Kat." Paul said recognizing her voice before even looking at her. "Kat, you're.." he said as he turned around to look at her, "...pregnant."