okwritingandpain

[okwritingandpain]

Penny Lane's Getting Better (The Beatles x Reader)

Epilogue: The End

Date: 2/9/78

Dear John, 

I wish I could have told you how much I loved you. From the first moment our eyes met, to the last shaky breath. I don't know if you remember me anymore, it's been so long since you went off with Paul, George, and Ringo on your grand adventure. I hope everything is going well for you. 

It's been, what, 20 years? More than that at this point, I know...

I tried reaching out a few years ago, but I couldn't get ahold of you because you had stepped away from the public eye. I hope you're happy with your family, and that you release some new music soon. 

Imagine has to be one of my new favorites, keep working away! I miss you, I'll be sure to reach out again soon. 

Love, 

the girl you showed around Liverpool over 20 years ago

Date: 4/16/78

Dear my best friend, 

It's been awhile since our last talk. Nearly 7 years now...how's your family? I hope they're doing well...

John, I, don't know what to say, how we can come together again. I know we are split apart, really and even our music is starting to reflect that. 

But you'll always be my best friend, you'll always be the person who inspired me the most. I love you, John. 

Highest regards, 

the boy you found in Liverpool 

Date 6/26/78 

Dear friend, 

I find your boldness endearing. The words you speak to the world are strong and noble like those of my own. I sometimes wonder how things could have been different, if we hadn't disbanded, but even you know that I wanted out of there more than anyone...more than you. 

Things have been fine over here. I've been soul searching, figuring out myself...especially in these times. I hope you and your family are well. I wish my own was. 

Notify me when you drop that next album will you? I'd appreciate a chance to listen to something that reminds me of better times. 

Signed, 

who they considered quiet 

8/30/78

Dearest friend of friends, 

Recording with you has been the best thing I've done in awhile. The albums aren't doing very well right now. I'm just glad for your contributions. If you need anything, I'm always here so just send a word. 

I haven't seen either George or Paul for awhile, the pretty girl from Liverpool reached out to me and she said she sent you a message a few months back. 

We've been wondering about you John...

Peace and Love, 

Your Drummer

20 years earlier 

"We won't be gone too long," John says, adjusting his cap. You raise your eyebrow as you fluff up his hairs that sticks out. 

"I know, but when you make it big, don't feel compelled to come back too soon, alright?" You reply, stepping away from him.

The train was nearing the station, your heart swelled, seeing your beloved friends going off into the world.

"I'm going to miss you," John whispers to you. He kisses your hand with a slight smirk. You chuckle to yourself, this feeling that he's going to forge his own path...you know that he will have bigger things to think about than you.

At least that's what you thought...

10/9/80

Dear Y/N,

I know it's been a long time since I've written you. My life has changed in so many ways, I can't even explain it. I admit that I wanted to reach out in the past and didn't have the courage too. I really missed you, but I felt I left you behind...

I see that now that I should have just written you. 

I still love you, and always will...

I really do miss you, maybe we can meet up again sometime. It would be nice to meet up again after all these years. I heard you're getting a name for yourself in England. 

Thank you for the birthday card, by the way, you've sent me one every year. 

I hope to see another one next year, 

I love you, 

John Lennon

@sabrielka-133

[okwritingandpain]

Guys!!!!!

The fanfiction is flowing through my blood

[okwritingandpain]

Penny Lane's Getting Better (The Beatles x Reader)

Chapter 7: Two of Us

John's legs ached by the time he made it back to Pete's. He brushes his hair out of his face, the sweat on his forehead not helping him any bit. He bangs on the door, swearing he'll get a splinter from the rough wood.

Pete opens the door, looking confused.

"John?"

He brushes past Pete into the house. Pete's parents jolt off the couch, startled. He glances at them, but continues to the basement door, quickly descending the stairs.

"John!" Pete calls out again, but no answer is returned. John reaches the bottom step, grabbing some of his lyric sheets and his guitar. He had left his aunt alone on the sidewalk in his haste. He hopes she doesn't wait for him because he needed some time to himself...to think.

Pete made it down the stairs with worry.

"Sorry," is all John is able to mutter before he pushes past him back up the stairs. Pete just blinks and watches him go.

"Pete! What is your friend doing?" Pete's mother calls.

"Sorry, Mrs. Best," John says loudly. The front door stayed open as he ran through it. He didn't look back as his legs carried him down the street. This was important, more important than anything else in the entire world currently.

John didn't care about who got in the way as long as he was able to get to Paul...to get to you. It was time to explain everything, time to stop pushing you away.

Acceptance.

"Hey John," the barber calls from his shop.

"Can't talk, but hi!" he shouts back. The lyric sheets were glued to his chest by his arm. The guitar case creaked and screeched as he ran. People stopped and stared, watching him go by with mild disgust.

"Oh, get a life!" He called at some of his classmates. The girls gasped and the boys looked embarrassed. John didn't care.

He ran past his house, past your house...

Your sister was playing out front and she waves at him. He waves back with a kind smile which was quickly replaced by a scowl once he saw his aunt.

"John!" she yells.

"Nope!" he shouts, continuing his sprint to the hospital. Cars avoided him as he crossed the streets, his heartbeat rapidly against his chest.

Finally, the hospital came into view, he let out a breath of relief. He ran to the front doors, nearly hitting a couple.

"Where is Paul McCartney?" he says, breathlessly to the front desk worker.

"Who are you?" the lady asks.

"John, John Lennon," he replies, wiping away some more sweat.

"I don't know if I can let you in-"

"He's with me," a voice calls down the hallway. He looks up to see you at the end of the hallway. You look tired and the scowl on your face didn't make it any better.

"Y/N," he says, practically running to meet you. You glare at him, but he immediately goes in for a hug which catches you off guard.

"I don't think Paul wants to see you,"

"Yeah, well he'll have to," John pushes you away, slightly running into the hospital room. George and Ringo stand up from their seats, surprised by his presence. Paul sits in his hospital bed surrounded by his family. He stares at John for a moment before sitting up slightly.

"John?" he whispers.

"Paul." He rushes over to his bedside. He wanted so badly to hug him and just spill his guts about everything. His words still sat in his mouth while he reached out for Paul's hand.

"Thank you for being here," Paul says. John shakes his head.

"I'm sorry, for everything. I really messed up, Paul," John mutters.

"John..."

"They need to know Paul, I need to tell them," he stammers.

"I need to tell them," Paul says firmly. John pauses, but nods to him. Everyone gathered around Paul's bed, including you who finds yourself at the end of his bed. He looks up at you and then to John.

A year earlier

Paul sat on the brick wall guarding Strawberry Fields. His legs dangled over the edge as he looked out at the rising sun. School was due to start soon, but he always loved watching the sun rise in the morning.

"There you are," a familiar voice says. Paul looks behind him to see John walking towards the wall. His hands grasp the edge and Paul helps him get up.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Paul says, enamored by the morning light. John nods slightly as the birds sing their joyful tune.

"You're always out here,"

"Where else would I want to be?"

"I don't know everything about you, Paul," John chuckles. There was a slight breeze in the air as John's cap almost came off. He removes the cap, whisking his hair back. He gives Paul a smirk before placing the cap on Paul's head.

Paul blushes slightly and then laugh. They sit in silence for a few moments, watching the trees dance with the wind.

"John?" Paul asks, his hands clasped in his lap.

"Yeah?"

"I wrote a song," Paul jumps off the wall for a moment to grab his guitar. John waits expectantly of what Paul has created. Paul takes a deep breath before sitting down in the dirt. He softly starts to play.

"The two of us riding nowhere..." he softly sings. John smiles at the softness of the song. It felt personal and important to their relationship. Paul kept singing, his face becoming a little flushed as he went along.

"You and I have memories, longer than the road that stretches out ahead...." That line felt super special. John wanted to keep making memories with Paul and for them to continue the friendship they had built together.

The band was special. That was no lie, everyone in the group loved playing music and sharing that music with the world. They just needed to love each other for it all to come true.

"That's it," Paul stops suddenly. He blushes slightly once he is done.

"That was amazing!" John cheered. He got off the wall and approached Paul with a smile.

"Thank you and John I..." Paul trails off, unsure if he wants to say what he is thinking.

"Come on, Paul, go ahead," John eggs him on.

"I like you John," Paul whispers. John raises an eyebrow.

"Everybody likes me, is that so hard to say?" John laughs.

"No, I mean I like you, John," Paul reiterates. John stops for a second to think to himself.

"What? You can't be serious," he plays it off as a joke.

"I am though,"

"No," John says, turning around, heading back towards the wall.

"John-"

"I can't believe you right now."

"Just listen to me!" Paul snaps, grabbing John's arm. His hand gripped his arm tightly, not wanting to let go, not even for a moment. John turns back to look at him with a scowl.

"I don't want to listen to you." John hisses. Paul let go of his arm, his face painted in frustration.

"You're not worth my time anyway," he mutters, storming past him to get over the wall.

"Paul," John calls.

"Class starts in 10 minutes, you best get a move on," Paul shouts back. Then he went over the wall. John stood there for a moment, wanting to put distance between him and his friend as best as possible. This changed a lot of things, more things than he wanted to admit it did.

Present.

Paul's parents looked the most surprised. You simply stared at the two of them, feeling that finally some answers were stored upon you. This whole time now made a lot more sense: why they fought, why they fought about you. You thought Paul liked you, but now you see it was part of something a lot bigger than that between Paul and John.

George and Ringo shared an expression of "I knew it" which almost made you laugh. John turns to everyone else in the room and then to you.

"I'm sorry," he whispers to you, "I should have told you; we should have told George and Ringo too. Instead, we probably drove you crazy with our fighting."

"You can say that again," you reply, "I had no idea..." Paul smiles, looking relieved to have this all off his chest.

"I'm sorry too, for not explaining it sooner, it drove a divide between John and I," Paul says, "we should have worked it out sooner especially since you've come into our lives."

“It’s alright, really. It’s hard to accept these things sometimes, and this is something that truly is between you two, depending on how you feel about one another,” you explain.

Everyone is silent for a few moments. The air is heavy with emotion, Paul's family mutters to him. All of them seem to be in shock from what he has told them. George and Ringo listen with amused expressions.

John leads you to the other side of the room. His hand grips your arm firmly, but not painfully.

"Listen, Y/N," he begins with a whisper, "I really am sorry that I hid this from you and how I acted towards Paul. I didn't know how to take his feelings, so I just...didn't face them." You rest your hand on his cheek and smile up at him. His eyes trace over your face and admire your beauty.

"It's alright, John. Just make sure to tell Paul what you just told me,” You explain, "you two need to rebuild your relationship, you know?" John nods with a little chuckle. He grabs his guitar case and sits down in one of the chairs near the bed. Everyone's chatter stops so they can watch what he does next.

"I'm working on a song, it's not quite ready and sounds better on piano honestly, but I have something else to play first," John says. His hands begin strumming the familiar chords that Paul remembers writing himself. The music drifted through the room, carrying the drab feeling of the hospital away.

"Two of us riding nowhere..." John sings.

"Spending someone's hard earned pay," Paul continues with a smile. They sing the song together, with Paul taking the lead on some parts.

"You and I have memories, longer than the road that stretches out ahead," he burst with joy filled lyrics. The two really seem like friends again as they laugh. Ringo and George whoop and holler along with the music.

You glance at Paul's family who all look like they witnessed a beheading of some kind. You couldn't help but laugh yourself.

Paul and John were interesting fellows, who deserved a chance to really explore the relationship that they have. Whether that be their friendship...or something else of that kind.

You can't help but feel grateful for getting to know the people that lived on Penny Lane and everything that they did for you.

You wonder, of course, what the future holds for the band and for yourself. You see great things to come from the future and you can't wait to be by their sides as you grow older.

Who knows what the future may bring, of course. 

Should I end it here? I have one more chapter planned, but this also feels like an ending too lol. I don't know, but I would love some feedback.

@sabrielka-133

[okwritingandpain]

"I was so young when I was born" -George Harrison

The blog turned 2 today! Just wanted to say thank you to all my followers and supporters. I never imagined my writing would get as much attention as it did. I love you all and thank you for everything you've done to support the blog these past two years!

Also a new chapter of Penny Lane's Getting Better might be coming out soon.

Keep your eyes peeled 👀

[okwritingandpain]

Penny Lane's Getting Better (The Beatles x Reader)

Chapter 6: Now and Then

15 minutes earlier...

Paul adjusts his shirt vigorously, muttering to himself. He couldn't believe how John acted. He couldn't understand the gall he had. He had to talk to him. John should be there soon. Anytime. Paul would wait.

"Sir, can you help me?" Paul forgot where he was for a moment. He stood outside the train station, eyes glossing over the brick walls and decrepit structure.

Paul finally looked over at the woman who spoke to him. Her outward appearance was aged, sullen eyes, and a sunken face. Her hair, which once was dark, is now gray in the light.

"Yes, of course, ma'am. What do you need?" Paul asks, meeting the woman's gaze.

"I can't get my luggage out of my car," she says, pointing to the open trunk. Paul walks over, reaching for some of the luggage. He pulls out a couple of bags for the woman. She smiles brightly like a sweet grandmother.

"Is this all ma'am?" He asks, setting them by her and closing the trunk.

"OH, thank you, dear. Any girl would be lucky to have such a sweet boy helping them." The woman says. He thinks about you and then John.

"Yes, any girl..." Paul mutters. The woman raises her eyebrow.

"What's on your mind, dear?" she asks. Paul feels bad that the woman saw he was feeling conflicted. He didn't want to project his issues onto her.

"It's complicated. My friend group is having issues..." he explains, leaning against her car.

"Well, spill it, dear. I don't have all day," the woman croaks. She reminds him of the women who would spread gossip while their kids played. He scratches his neck, brushing his brown hair out of his face.

"I like someone and I think they know I like them...I think everybody knows I like them. Well, except for one person." He shakes his head, picking up the luggage. The woman starts walking closer to the station as he carries the luggage for her.

"Why don't you ask them out?" she asks, waddling along.

"They're dating someone," he replies, nearing the closest platform. He hoped the poor woman didn't have to walk too far.

"Don't let that stop you from telling them how you feel, dear." she smiles at him. Paul can't help but crack a smile at her.

"That’s a little bold for my taste," he says.

"If it's not bold for me, then it's not bold for you," she replies, chuckling to herself. Paul laughs with her as they pass a couple of platforms. Finally, the two stopped. He helped the woman with her luggage onto the train.

"Thank you for the lovely chat." Paul smiles at her.

"Have a lovely day, dear." The woman sits down on the train as Paul gets off. He waves her off and continues looking for John.

He knew John was heading out with the band today. He would be on his way by now. He walks back towards the woman's car, which sits on the side of the road like the rest.

Paul sits on a bench, searching the crowds of people for his friend-he thinks they're still friends-appears.

He thinks about you and John. He thinks about George and Ringo. He thinks of everything he's done wrong. Everything he feels the guilt and embarrassment for.

Paul closes his eyes for a minute, his hands drum on his legs. He blinks a couple of times before noticing something is off. Then, he felt the hollow feeling in his pocket.

"Hey!" he shouts, watching someone run off with some money he had in his pocket. He jumps off the bench and runs after the person into the street. He heard a loud sound, someone yelling, what was it?

In only a few seconds, Paul felt something hit him.

A couple of hours later...

You see Ringo first. He's coughing and looks sickly, but he's the first to make it to the hospital. He's standing outside, seemingly lost in thought as he admires the large building. You walk over to him, hugging him tightly. He hesitantly hugs you back.

"I'm sorry," he whispers in your ear.

"What are you apologizing for?" She looks up (or down, I mean he's 5'8) at him.

"Everything, I've been away for so long..." he shakes his head.

"Your sickness is at fault, not you." You reply. He nods, looking at the hospital's doors. You both walk in, heading to the reception desk. The inside is sleek and dull, unwelcoming. A woman looks up at both of you.

"Are you here for the boy?" she asks, a look of sorrow in her eyes. She knew, you didn't know how, but she knew. It made your stomach churn and Ringo pats your shoulder.

"Yes, ma'am," you reply, holding on to Ringo's arm. George walks in while you wait for the receptionist to fill out some paperwork. He hugs you and greets Ringo, who he hasn't seen in probably forever.

"Where's John?" you ask, clutching Ringo's arm tighter. George shakes his head and shrugs.

"I haven't talked to him in a few days. Did you not see him on the way here?" George asks, fidgeting from his nerves.

"I went to his house when I found out, but he wasn't there."

"What a coincidence," Ringo mutters and you punch him in the arm.

"John had nothing to do with the accident," you say.

"We were supposed to go to the train station, just not today," George says, "our plan was to head out tomorrow."

"Paul didn't know that," you whisper, mostly to yourself. The receptionist lets them in. The boys guide you through the hospital to see Paul.

The whole story had startled you from the inside out. You felt so bad about leaving him now, about John leaving him too. All it took was for them to actually talk to each other instead of just ignoring each other. Wise words that ultimately meant nothing right now, at least not for how Paul and John were acting.

You wished that you knew what kept them fighting. Maybe you could have solved this by now if you knew.

Inside, Paul's family gathered around a hospital bed. Paul is snuggled up in the bed with bandages over one of his eyes and the rest of his body. He isn't talking much, but he looked alright (by car collision standards).

His face instantly perked up when he saw his friends. He even sat up in bed much to his family's dismay. Even though he looked like a total wreck, his smile shone brightly at the prospect of seeing the people he loved the most.

"I'm so happy to see you guys," he cheers. He looks to be in pain as he speaks. His parents lean him back onto the bed. You rush over to his side, gripping one of his hands. He smiles up at you, seeing the fear struck in your eyes.

Ringo and George stand on the other side of the bed, muttering to one another. Paul's good eye jumps between the two sides of the bed, looking at your sorrowed face and his dismayed friends.

"Where's John?" he asks. His eyes fill with hope as you look away. You truly didn't know where he was.

"He's on his way...I believe..."

Meanwhile, across town...

"Do you ever learn how to shut up?" John asks Pete. Pete glares at him, returning to playing his drum set.

The boys sat in Pete's basement, where his parents could tolerate their playing. John came to Pete whenever he didn't have any of the other guys to talk to. His head pounded with thoughts that he wished he could erase.

John strummed his guitar in the corner, thinking about how quickly he dipped after you left his side. He immediately left, not wanting to be anywhere near you or anybody for that matter. How could he be so stupid? If only you knew how he felt, how Paul felt...

"You know, every now and then you have to actually be the bigger man," Pete says, silencing the symbol. "Your girl’s not going to take you back unless you actually tell her what the bloody hell is going on."

"I miss her," John whispers, "I miss him. I miss all of them! I wish I could find the words to tell them I'm sorry for all of this..."

"Don't tell them then," Pete replies, "do what you do best. I'll leave you be for a minute." he gets up and heads back upstairs. John stands alone with his guitar, the guitar didn't feel right though. He set it down, examining Pete's very old grand piano that sat in the corner. He said it was out of tune, but John was drawn to it.

He sat down, messing around with a few chords.

"Now and then...I miss you..." he begins, the notes dancing along his fingers with out of tune keys that clash and dissonant with each other. It felt like his friends, it felt like his family.

It felt like home.

"If we have to start again..." John stops playing.

He frowns for a second, seeing something edged into the piano. His smile quickly returns once he sees the words.

"Paul, John, George, and Ringo...forever,"

John knows what he has to do now. He's going to win you back, he's going to fix everything with Paul. They're going to be a band again, they're going to be friends again. Everything will be perfect, he just knows it. It's going to take a little time, a little sweat, but all the glory of music writing that he loves.

"I know it's true, it's all because of you..." he gets up from the piano and grabs a sheet of paper. He frantically searches for a pen to scribble down the words jumbling in his head.

Pete always hid his pens in a compartment in his desk so his brothers wouldn't take them. John practically rips the compartment door off, takes out a pen and begins to write. The words float off the page and surround him in musical bliss that nearly makes him cry.

It was perfect, they would love it.

You would love it.

Paul would too.

"John!" Pete calls from upstairs.

"One second!"

"Get up here now!" Pete shouts back, causing John to roll his eyes. He folds the paper and puts it into his pocket before he makes his way up the old stairs.

"Mimi?" Is the first thing he says. He was surprised she even knew where Pete lived.

"We need to go now, John," she says, ushering him towards the door. John is confused, he's never seen Mimi so in a hurry.

"What's going on?" he asks, looking at Pete for any answers. He shrugs, walking out of the room. Mimi successfully kicks John out of the house, huffing as she does so.

"We need to get to the hospital," she continues, marching her way down the street. Jeez, that woman could move.

"What happened!?" John burst. Did something happen to you? He couldn't bear the thought of you getting hurt.

"Paul got in an accident, a car hit him," Mimi finally answers. John stops suddenly once he hears the truth. It's not what he expected at all.

"Paul's at the hospital?" he whispers. All the fighting and all the hatred that stewed from something he couldn't control now ate at him differently. How could he be so stupid? How could he not protect his best friend? Was this his fault? It sure felt like it. He could scream at the thought.

All he knew is that he had to get to Paul, no matter what it took. He had to explain...he had to fix all of this, but first he needed his guitar which he left at Pete's a block back. 

@sabrielka-133

[okwritingandpain]

Can I just say I did not expect so many people to vote on my poll! Literally, 73 of you have voted! That's so crazy! I checked my blog settings and...106 followers???? When did that happen????

No, seriously, all the support I've gotten on my fanfiction is truly astonishing. I love each and every one of you who reads my stuff and supports me!

It looks like George has the overwhelming majority of you with Ringo at a close second. John is 3rd, and Paul is 4th so far, but that could change! (There’s like 4 days left, lol).

I do want to write some more George and Ringo stuff since I've focused on Paul and John a lot more. I think I'll write some short stories for all of them, but my next big fic will be George. I can't wait to write more!

BTW, the next chapter of Penny Lane is Getting Better is coming out....

Tomorrow! Maybe today! It's like 11 pm for me, lol.

Can't wait to see what the future holds and new stories to tell!

I GOT BLISTERS ON MY FINGERS!!

[okwritingandpain]

Penny Lane's Getting Better (The Beatles x Reader)

Chapter 5: All My Loving

You hate school. You hate it a lot more than you expected you would. Now it wasn't because of your classes, but rather the absolute trash fire that John and Paul's relationship was.

They fought at every hour of every day and you couldn't avoid it. It didn't help that you had recently become John's girlfriend, which made you an easy target for Paul to vent his frustrations. You wanted to rip out his vocal chords, but decided not to as he was a good singer.

"..and then he just walked away!" Paul was blabbering about some sort of argument he had with John earlier that day. It was lunch time, but none of the other guys were around except for Paul. You silently play with your fork, pretending to listen to Paul's lengthy story. When did he become so annoying?

"Are you even listening to me?" Paul suddenly asks. You snap out of your daze and stare at him. He sighs, already knowing the answer. You rub your eyes, hoping Ringo or George would show up already.

"Where are the rest of the guys?" You finally ask Paul. He raises and eyebrow, chomping down on some salad he stole off some girls tray.

"Ringo is sick, remember? George and John dipped today," Paul explains. You groan at the fact you're stuck with Paul for the rest of the day.

"Are you serious? Why'd they dip?" You question, slamming your tray on the table next to him.

You both sat outside in the gray weather. The white lillies bloomed in bushes near the small outdoor area. Usually you and the guys ate lunch together under the nearby oak tree, but recently the group had become pretty divided.

"I heard that John got a solo gig at a local place and he invited George to play bass instead of me," Paul mutters. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a cigarette.

"I'm sure that's not true, Paul," you say with a frown. He shakes his head, muttering under his breath. The cigarette hangs from his mouth as he searches for his lighter.

"I wish you were right." He lights the cigarette and takes a long drag. You cough which makes him snort.

"So what now? Are you just going to follow me around all the time now?" You ask, almost jokingly.

"Pretty much," he replies instantly. You frown. Of course he was serious about it.

"I have a life outside of you and the boys, you know."

"I don't see you doing anything else besides hanging out with us,"

"At this point, I'd rather be on my own than with you guys,"

"Is it that bad?"

"It's worse," you say, poking around your food.

Paul sits on the table, looking down at you. He takes another drag of his cigarette, letting the smoke surround him like a darkening fog.

"You really like John, huh?" he asks, looking up into the distance where the school sits. The gray building is bustling with students heading in from lunch. Class must be starting soon.

"I do," you reply. You're not sure what Paul is getting at, but you can tell he's holding something in.

"I get that." His comment is confusing, but he doesn't look at you. He mutters something to himself and then shakes his head, standing up from the table. He extends his hand to take you back to the school. You roll your eyes and take his hand.

John hasn't walked you home from school in days. You feel a little disappointed, like he didn't want to be around you anymore. Of course, since he hasn't been around, Paul's been following you everywhere.

"If you could be any musical instrument, what would you be?" Paul asks, following behind you. You're passing the fire station which is where Paul throws his cigarette on the ground.

"That's a stupid question," you reply. You were growing tired of Paul, and you honestly wanted nothing more to do with John or the others. Ringo might be the only one who had a pass from her because he was sick.

"It's not stupid, it's a question," he says. He's humming some song that he was writing. The band hadn't met up in awhile though.

"I would want to be any instrument you can't play," you mutter. Paul hears this and smirks a little.

"Than you must be pretty obscure." He grabs your arm, pulling you towards him. His hand lets you go almost immediately as he points at a small bakery across the street. He gives you a quick smile before pulling you towards the bakery.

"Paul, I need to get home," you say, fighting his every move. He doesn't seem to care as you enter the shop. The smell of freshly baked bread wafts through the air, making your mouth water. You try to hide how much you love the smell, so Paul didn't notice.

He stares at rolls, croissants, donuts, and more. It's like a paradise of bread and sweets that you could devour within an instant. Except you didn't have money and you did actually need to get home.

"I'll take two croissants please," Paul tells the clerk.

"Paul, I don't need one--"

"Yes, you do," he cuts in. You roll your eyes, sifting through your pockets for some cash of any kind to give him. You know he would refuse it anyhow, but you couldn't help it. He hands the clerk some money and in return he gains croissants. He walks back over to you with a dorky smile, handing you one of them. You reluctantly take it from him.

"Thank you," you whisper, admiring the golden bread in your hand. He smiles at you, taking a big bite of his own. You can't help but notice the way he is staring at you.

Originally you may have thought he liked you, but this stare feels different. It feels more genuine, more friendly than it ever had been. He almost seems to be holding something back, but you can't quite place what that is. 

"Y/N," Paul whispers, staring at the floor. He looks like he's on the verge of tears. Her heart begins to swell with sadness, what happened between him and John? What happened...

"Paul--"

"There's my girlfriend," John walks into the bakery. He grabs her shoulders and leans in for a kiss. She reluctantly kisses him back. "Hanging out with Paul I see," he mutters. Paul looks up at his once best friend and quickly backs away.

"He was just walking me home since you've wanted nothing to do with me for the last few days!" you snap at him. He glares at you and steps away to the counter. He orders something for himself, while you recollect yourself.

"I'm sorry," Paul says.

"It's not your fault," you reply.

"It might actually be," he replies before John ushers you out of the bakery. You look back at Paul one more time before following John down the street towards your houses.

You both don't say anything, the air is tense and prickly. You want nothing more than to leave his side. You hadn't expected him to act so cruel after you started dating.

"I want to take you out tomorrow," he says. You frown, stopping your pace. He keeps walking but stops to look behind at you.

"I'm not going out with you until you tell me what's going on between you and Paul," you hissed. You were done with all this nonsense.

"What is there to say? Me and Paul aren't that close right now okay!?" he shouts back at you.

"Why?" you ask, quietly. He pauses unsure what to tell you, the truth or the partial truth.

"He likes you," he replies.

"Like you do?"

"Not exactly," John shakes his head, muttering to himself.

"Then what does he feel, John?" You urge. What could they possibly be beating around the bush so much? What was so important?

"I don't know if I can tell you, if I can trust you," John replies. He looks defeated as he collapses onto the street. He sits cross legged with his head in his hands.

"Trust me?" You say, kneeling beside him. You look into his eyes which look back at you with more love than you could imagine.

"It will come with time," he whispers back.

"Then you will go out with me another time," you reply back. Standing up, you walk back to your house without John. You can feel his eyes watching you leave.

"I'm sorry, John," you whisper to yourself before you walk into your house where your family is waiting.

"Where's John?" Your mother asks, but she sounds more urgent than usual.

"He's down the street, what's going on?" you ask, suddenly feeling your heart drop in your chest. Something happened. What happened? WHAT HAPPENED?

"Mimi found Paul a couple miles from here," she says, her hands shaking.

"What the hell's going on, mom?"

"He was trying to catch a train out of the city..."

You feel your heart return. You thought the worst had happened, but it looks like everything is alright.

"Thank god," you whisper.

"John was supposed to take him and the band to a city nearby, but I heard about the fighting...I guess Paul was going to talk to John," Your mother explains.

You glance at your father whose face is stoic, he rubs your sister's back trying to reassure her. She's crying into his side which makes you want to rush over and hug her.

Your mother still seems worried which you don't quite understand. Paul was okay, right?

Paul was okay.

"Honey, he got hit by a car."

@sabrielka-133

[okwritingandpain]

Penny Lane's Getting Better (The Beatles x Reader)

Chapter 4: Getting Better

Dinner that night was terribly awkward. Your parents look miserable as your sister giggles to herself. The drab dining room reflects the scummy feeling you all have. Finally, your father looks up from his new paper. 

"How was your first day, honey?" he asks, setting his paper down. What were you going to tell him? Tell him that you somehow maybe ruined a friendship?

"It was fine," you reply, deciding to avoid the question entirely. Your father doesn't question any farther, but your mother has more to ask. 

"Did the neighbor boy give you any trouble?" she asks, sipping her water. Once again, what were you going to tell her? Tell them about him taking you through the city and causing other students to look at you like you were going to cause trouble. 

"He was very nice. A true gentlemen," you say, not fully believing yourself honestly. Your mother cocks an eyebrow before your sister cuts in with some random fact about her day. You silently thank her for saving you. 

After dinner you sit down at the piano in the hallway. You knew how to play piano, but that didn't mean you were very good at it. Which, in fact, you weren't. That's what the other piano students said, but everybody else you met, praised your ability. 

You place your hand on the worn keys, tracing the splintered wood. The piano had come with the home and was very old. You had no idea when it was used last, but it was evident that no one cared for it properly. It was very out of tune and covered with dust. 

Lightly pressing the keys, an old but loving sound produces from the piano. Sophie runs in to watch you play. She hits the highest keys on the piano as you try to match notes with her. You weren't very good together, but you had to admit that you hadn't laughed that hard with Sophie in forever. 

It was a good way to end the night as your mother called for you to go to bed. You helped your sister to bed as she complained, which you didn't blame her. Usually, you would be complaining too, but you wanted to go to sleep as soon as possible. Tomorrow you would get to see John, Paul, George, and Ringo again. 

You brush your teeth and wash your face. You took off the hideous dress and got into something more comfortable. 

Finally, something breathable and doesn't look like it got ran over. A simple night gown that made you radiate like an angel. 

Your bed was more inviting than ever. You collapse onto the bed, burying you face into the pillow. 

An hour or so goes by when a light tapping sound comes from your window. You glance up, was it raining? No, than what could it bed? You cautiously step out of bed, slowly making your way towards the window. 

Outside it a figure.

You step back from the window, clutching your nightgown. 

The figure taps on your window again. Your stomach churns as a sense of dread crawls up your body. 

Finally, the figure beckons you to the window. You gulp and take a shaky step towards the window. You grab a lamp off the dresser and shine it towards the window. 

Outside, you finally see him. 

"John?" you ask, opening the window. He smiles cheekily at you. 

"Hey," he says, stepping into your room. You suddenly feel very expose in your night gown. He looks at you and smirks. 

You slap him in the face. 

"What are you doing here?" you hiss. He blinks a couple times and rubs his face like a poor puppy. 

"What was that for?" he asks, "besides I was taking you out tonight," he smiles. 

"Wait, what?" you ask. He nods, pointing to the guitar that sat on his back. 

"We're going to a party! Me and the boys have a gig tonight and we thought we would bring you along," he says. He then looks to your chair in the corner of the room. "Hey, it's my Mac!" He smiles. John then grabs the Mac and tosses it at you. 

"A party--" 

"I'll meet you outside! Wear something cool!" he calls and jumps out your window. You watch him descend back into the street. Suddenly your cheeks are red as you look through your closet and dresser. What could you wear that didn't look hideous? 

Wait, you were getting ahead of yourself. Were you really going to follow John to some party after knowing him for a day?

Yes, yes you were. 

Finally, you settle on a dress that you had sewn together before you moved. It was something that fit your personal style, but wasn't ugly like all the other dresses. 

Taking a deep breath, you debate how easily you could get out of the house without your parents noticing. You could go out the window like John did. 

No, that was crazy. 

You go through the window. You shakily place your foot on the roof, debating how far the drop is. Feet sliding, you glance over the edge where John is standing, expecting you to come out of the door. 

"John," you hiss. You can't be too loud or your parents will hear. He looks up and almost burst out laughing. 

"Need some help, pretty princess?" he calls, stepping closer to her. She sits on the edge of the roof. Her heart pounds like she is sitting on a cliff. 

John spreads his arms wide, beckoning her to jump. This was the single most stupid thing you ever done. You close your eyes and push yourself off the roof. You feel like a feather until you feel to hands grab you from midair. You open your eyes to see John staring back at you. 

"Hey," he says with a smirk. You blush. His hair was combed over now, which made you laugh. He didn't seem like the type to be so fancy and to think he did that while she was changing. 

"Uh, hi," you respond with a blush. He sets you down and grabs your arm. 

"Come on! We're gonna be late!" He charges down the street, his instrument rattling on his back. You wonder how long it will take for it to fall off his shoulder as you watch the strap begin to slip. 

"John--" 

"No time!" he calls. 

In the distance near a small tree in an upcoming field is the rest of the band. Paul has his bass strapped to his back and George does the same with his guitar. Ringo just has his drumsticks in hand. He wore a big goofy grin as you and John arrive. 

"There are the two lovebird," Ringo laughs. Paul punches his arm. You blush, but John doesn't seem to notice. 

"No time to dilly dally mates! We have a gig to get to!" he shouts. You swear he probably woke up the whole neighborhood. The other three cheer in response which didn't help your previous predicament. 

Ringo walks towards the sidewalk before jolting into a full on sprint down the street. 

"Hold up, Ringo!" George yells, chasing after him. Paul laughs, reaching for your arm, but John bats it away. Paul frowns but nods. You watch him run after the other two. 

"John--"

"Let's get going." He pushes you forward, forcing you to stay quiet. 

After a short jog, you and the boys make it to the house where the party was at. You walk through the front door, surprised by the amount of students from school were there. They all look at you, a little surprised themselves. 

Drinks are everywhere, which makes your stomach churn uncomfortably. People stare at you, looking intoxicated. There are teens from your school but other people look way older than they should for a teen party. 

"Who's ready for a show!?" John shouts over the crowd who clap and cheer in response. You force a smile even if you felt a little uncomfortable with the amount of people staring at you. 

Ringo sets up a drum set that someone brought for him in the corner, Paul tunes up his bass, George plays a couple riffs on his guitar, and John adjusts the microphones. 

You decide to sit relatively close, but still far enough to try and make everyone else here think you weren't here because of them. You didn't want the same looks you had at school when you walked in with John. Everyone just judged you so quickly. Why? 

"If everyone would like to gather 'round now," John says into the microphone. 

People crowd around the four. Were they always this popular? You hadn't really thought about how popular the group was. 

George begins strumming and soon the others join in. John sings the vocals, a light vibrato that resides higher than you expected. He had a nasally voice that was so clear. You almost didn't notice when Paul and George began singing the harmony, mixing with John's voice in some grand choir. 

You were in awe and then it all hit you. They were popular...because they were good! You couldn't help but smile at the beautiful music. 

Other people begin singing along and you join in, suddenly engrossed in their sound.

 John glances at you and smiles, seeing you singing right along with them. 

Paul glances at you too, while he smiles you can still see a look of regret cross his face. He still felt bad about everything with John and you wish you could fix it for him. It seems like him and John are usually pretty good friends, but obviously you did something to John. 

Soon as the song finishes they go right into another one, than another, and then another. A couple hours pass before the band finishes performing. They bow and wipe the sweat off their faces. The crowd cheers and claps their hands with love for the small band of lads. 

Immediately after the band finishes packing up, John runs over to you. 

"Did you like the show?" he asks, breathing loudly. You smile, grabbing a towel and wiping his face. 

"I loved it," you say. He gets a cheeky grin that creates butterflies in you stomach. 

"Uh, thanks," he says in response to the towel. You nod as the rest of the band walk up to you. They all chatter about the performance and you tell them your favorite song. 

You can't help but notice that Paul keeps his distance from you and John. The twinge of guilt returns. Were you splitting them apart?

"Hey, can I talk to you for a second?" John asks. 

"Uh, sure," you reply without thinking. He pulls you into the kitchen where a bowl full of spiked punch is. He makes sure know one is listening before he looks into your eyes. Your heart pounds a little. 

"I was wondering...if maybe you would want to go out sometime?" He gets to the point. Your eyes widen. 

He wants to go out with you? Well then the answer is yes! 

Wait, but what about Paul? You couldn't do this with the state Paul is in. You had to bring them together first, you had to square everything away before you could just accept this. So the answer is no. 

Well, what if John doesn't want to be your friend anymore? What if he just gives up on you and you don't get to go out...ever!

"Are you going to answer?" John asks, gripping your hands. He has a blush on his face and he looks embarrassed. 

"I can't," is all you get out. 

"What do you mean by that?" he asks. John looks distraught by your answer and a little disappointed. 

"I want to go out with you, but you need to fix things with Paul first." You decide to encourage. 

"You can't be serious!"

"Please, I don't want to see you and your friend divided."

"Friend? You think I consider him a friend?" John stops talking, realizing what he just said. He sighs, brushing his hair back. He leans against the kitchen counter. 

"I didn't mean that...I'll try and fix things...I...will," he mutters. You nod, feeling a little bad for letting him down. You hope though, that Paul and him can be friends again. 

"Paul wants to fix things..." you whisper. 

"I know, I just...I don't think you understand exactly what is going on," he replies, "maybe one day you will."

You don't exactly know what to say to that, but you don't say anything. 

"Will you please go out with me? I promise I'll fix things with Paul. I would just love if you would say yes," he urges. You hesitate. 

You didn't exactly want to encourage poor behavior, but you didn't know how this would end if you said no. 

"Yes, I will go out with you," you whisper. He gives a small smile, reaching to hug you. One of his hands snakes down to your back while the other continues holding your hand. 

Maybe things would finally get better after all this drama in your first few days of living here. 

@sabrielka-133

[okwritingandpain]

Penny Lane's Getting Better (The Beatles x Reader)

Chapter 3: Nowhere Man

English was boring. At least it should have been. Paul kept distracting you, he'd told the teacher that he would sit next to you to "help" you adjust to the class. The teacher allowed this, but the teacher had no idea that Paul just wanted to distract you all class. 

He would pass notes and whisper in your ear when the teacher turned her back. You wanted to stab his eyes out, but you restrained the best you could. When class was over, Paul follows you out into the hall. 

"What's your next class?" he asks with a smug expression. 

"Art," you reply, worried you might have to suffer another class with him. 

"Damn, I didn't take art. I think John has that class though. I'd love to be in a class with him," Paul stammers on endlessly. "He's a real great guy, you know? He just is this amazing person he--"

"I need to go," you cut-in, heading towards a random hallway. 

"Other direction!" he calls, making you turn around. 

You make it to Art just in the nick of time. John let's you sit by him as he smiles. 

"Did Paul bother you all of last class?" John smirks. 

"Yes, actually," you reply and he snickers as the the teacher enters the class. 

"It seems we have a new student today, class," the teacher says, looking at you. Everyone turns to stare at you, a thousand judgmental eyes, well except for John. He has a goofy, stupid grin on his face as everyone stares. He's basking in the fact he already knows you while everyone else doesn't. 

See, the more time you've spent with John and his friends, the more you've thought about how unpopular they are with everyone else. It makes you question if you should be hanging out with them, or maybe some of the other girls instead. 

The teacher clears her throat and class begins, she instructs the class on different artistic techniques and shading. Once again, you find yourself distracted by John who scribbles on his paper crude images of other students. He laughs and snickers to himself and the rest of the table. 

"Mr. Lennon," the teacher slams her hand on table next to him. John drops his pencil and looks up at the teacher with guilty eyes. 

"Yes?" he pretends to be unaware that he did anything wrong. 

"This isn't a good impression to leave on our new student," the teacher glances at you. You avoid her eye contact before she moves you to a separate table. The rest of class is boring, John steals glances at you and he smirks each time. Class ends quickly and you shuffle out, looking for John. 

"Hey." he grabs your shoulders, causing you to spin around. 

"Hey," you say back, trying to sound causal. John smirks at you, walking past you to where Ringo and George are standing. 

"It's time to get some food," John says, motioning you over. 

You looked around the boys, noticing George's shy behavior once more. Ringo snickers in his ear and pats him on the back. 

The three whisper to one another as someone comes up behind you. 

"There she is," Paul says, placing only one hand on your shoulder. He smiles at you, brightly and genuinely. He notices your distance from the group and pulls you over to them. "You have to get out of your comfort zone someday," he whispers and places his arm around your shoulders.

John glares at Paul who smirks back. George and Ringo act like nothing is happening, obviously wanting to avoid a confrontation. 

"You said we were getting something to eat?" you say, breaking the tension. John nods and grumbles something under his breath before starting down the hallway. He was like a quiet thunder after a bolt of lighting. George and Ringo follow closely behind. 

"Ladies first," Paul motions for you to step froward. You blush, charging after them with Paul at you heals. 

Sometime later, you and the lads ended up outside. Penny Lane was bustling with people as everyone rushed for items and luxuries during their short break. 

John didn't seem in a hurry, but Paul did. 

There was something so odd about the two of them. They felt so different, but yet they both acted the same sometimes. Like in class, they both distracted you with notes and whispers. 

You didn't get it, but something was going on between them that only George and Ringo seemed to get. 

Maybe that was for the better...

Paul kept near you, walking hastily ahead the group. From time to time George or Ringo would run up to walk with you both, but they usually fell back in line with John behind them. 

"So, are you going to tell me where we're going?" she looks to Paul, but expected an answer from someone else. 

Then the entire group stopped in front of a large red gate. It was surrounded by a large brick wall that read:

"Strawberry Field"

You raised your eyebrow. 

"Welcome to Strawberry Fields," John says, pushing past you to the gate. He pulls on it a couple of times before ushering George over. It was like they were in a circus act as George climbed on to John's shoulders, being lifted over the brick wall. 

"You know I think it says, 'Strawberry Field,'" you say, but everyone ignores you. Ringo is lifted up next, then John helps you over the wall. 

You sit at the top of the wall looking down at the boys like a queen to her knights. George and Ringo are already on the other side, conversing amongst themselves. 

They wait for you to join them, but instead you are more interested in what John and Paul are doing. 

They are whispering to each other, but it doesn't seem to be in quite a friendly way. 

"Back off, Paul," John hisses. 

"I don't know what you're talking about, I am simply being nice," Paul says, calmly back. 

"Bulls--" John gets cut off.

"You boys coming or what?" you call, looking down at them. 

"Coming!" Paul yells, pushing past John and jumping on to the wall. You help him up the rest of the way and he smiles as he sits next to you. John glares at Paul and jumps on to the wall. 

He gets up fine on his own before Paul smirks and pushes John off the wall. 

You cover your mouth in surprise as Paul laughs. John grumbles on the ground and George comes to his aid. You quickly get off the wall, afraid that Paul might push you off too. 

"John? Are you okay?" you help him up as he mumbles under his breath. 

"He's fine," Paul says, jumping off the wall and standing next to you. 

"What's gotten into you?" John snaps at Paul. He then storms away farther into the fields. To your surprise, the fields were covered in strawberries just like the sign had said. 

Paul huffs and you glares at him. 

"What has gotten into you?" you whisper, following after John with the other boys.

Paul stays where he is and sighs. 

You rush after John through the strawberry field with George and Ringo on your heels. 

"I can't believe Paul is acting so--"

"I can't exactly blame him," George cuts, probably being the most words he's ever said to you. 

"What do you mean?" you ask, stopping in your tracks. Ringo gasps for breath as George stares at him. 

"It's obvious that something is making them jealous," George says. 

"Or someone," Ringo adds.

"Jealous?" you ask, "You don't mean..."

Ringo and George exchange glances. 

"They both--" George is cut off as Paul runs out from the the brush of strawberries. 

"There you four...three are," he says, fixing his hair. George and Ringo continue walking away and leaving you with Paul. You turn to Paul, maybe confronting him was the best thing to do. 

"What's with you and John?" you ask, stopping him from following the others. He sighs, brushing his hair back. He looks as if he's trying to avoid the question. 

"It's complicated," he mutters. 

You glare at him.

"Fine," he hisses, glancing around. 

"Listen, John and I have been through hell and back, but neither of us can agree sometimes." Paul explains, pacing around the rows of strawberries. He picks one of the strawberries and eats it. 

"What's that supposed to mean?" you push, it seems nobody in this friend group could just be forward with their explanations. 

"John likes you, okay?" he crosses his arms. 

"He does?" you can't help but smile a bit. 

"Don't get all smiley on my now," he snaps, walking closer to you, "you don't understand. John likes you, but I...I can't have that." He frowns, holding himself like a hug. He doesn't face you, but you know that there is something bothering him. 

"Why?" is all you say. Your frustration was disappearing as you walk closer to him. 

"John and I are close. Terribly so, I worry about him all the time. His parents aren't around, he lives with his aunt, he's always getting into trouble...I need him to be protected. " Paul sits down surrounded by strawberries. "That's all I want for him, but sometimes I get a little greedy, I supposed. I just worry you'll take him away from me."

You sit next to him and lean your head on his shoulder. 

"I'm not taking him away from you, Paul. I just want to be a part of the friend group, you know?" you smile as his face brightens up. 

He take your hand. 

"Thank you," he whispers. 

"George said there was jealously between you and John...could you maybe explain that?" you ask. 

Paul blushes. 

"Well, I've never told anyone but--"

"Oh, look who it is," John hisses, walking out from the brush with the other guys. Paul let's go of your hands and stand up quickly. 

"John, I'm sorry about what I did--"

"Save it," John says, grabbing your arm and pulling you up, "Class is starting again soon, let's go." They walk towards the gate again. Paul sighs, nodding to you and following at the back of the group. 

"John, maybe you should listen to him," you whisper to him. 

"Shut it, he doesn't know what he's talking about. I can't believe I took his ass in sometimes, such a nowhere man..." he helps you over the wall again. 

You head back to school and wonder for the rest of the day what Paul was trying to say to you. 

@sabrielka-133

[okwritingandpain]

Penny Lane's Getting Better (The Beatles x Reader)

Chapter 2: Penny Lane

The sound of your mother's knock on the door awakes you. Your eyes feel heavy like rocks and your body feels worn. A day of moving had tired you more than you thought. 

"Come in..." you muster, rubbing your eyes. Your mother quickly rushes in with a dress in her hand. 

"Come on, rise and shine!" your mother urges, basically pulling you out of bed. 

"What's happening?" you mutter, yawning. 

"You're supposed to meet the boy next door in an hour!" your mother lays the dress out on your bed. 

"Is that seriously what I'm wearing?" you say, staring at the hideous thing. (Mind you, it's 1950 something, so dresses were expected.) 

"This 'hideous thing' cost me three times your the meals you had in the last week," your mother says. The dress in question was blue with a white polka-dot dress with a blue cinch belt. This sounds good until you notice the blue is already fading with brown at the bottom. Your mother got ripped off, like usual. 

You frown as your mother starts rushing you again. 

"Get dressed, come downstairs and have some breakfast, and I'll help you with your hair." she leaves the room, leaving you alone with your thoughts...and a hideous dress. 

While you hated the fact you had to wear the dress, you didn't want to get on your mother's bad side on the first day of school. 

You quickly start dressing, glancing in the mirror, feeling like you were some house wife in the dress. The dress doesn't look bad on you, but it wasn't the most flattering dress in the world. 

Would John see you in the dress? No, no, why would that matter? Why would a thought like that cross your mind?

 You fight off a blush and head downstairs where your mother has breakfast ready. Your sister and father are sitting at the table, munching on back bacon and egg. Your mother smiles at you, seeing you in the dress. 

"Quickly, we have to do your hair." your mother ushers you into your seat. 

"You look funny," Sophie says, munching on a piece of egg. 

"That's not nice, Sophie," your father says, glancing up at you. Your mother sets a plate of food in front of you. 

"Eat, eat!" she waves her hand, crazily. 

"Let her breathe," your father says. Everyone is silent around you as you eat your food. 

Sophie didn't have to go to school yet, and that bothered you. Your mother wanted you to start school again quickly, incase English school is different from American school. You didn't care, you knew you would pick it up quickly enough. 

"Who's the neighbor boy again?" your mother asks, washing her hands. 

"John," you reply, quickly. Your father raises his eyebrow at your response while your mother nods. 

"John?" he repeats, now glancing at your mother. "When were you going to tell me about this...John?" This causes you to glance up at your mother. 

"He's the neighbor boy that's walking sissy to school," Sophie cuts in. Both you and your mother shoot daggers with your eyes at Sophie. Your father looks back questioningly. 

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" he looks at your mother. She shrugged, turning away from him. 

"It's not important, Dad," you say, even though it feels important in your head. Your mother checks the time, gasping and pulling you out of your chair. 

"It's almost 8! Let's get that hair fixed!" She rushes you into the bathroom, spraying and combing your hair into what she considered the perfect shape. 

She looks pleased with her creation, promptly grabbing your school bag and pushing you out the door. You don't even get a chance to say goodbye before you were on the street. 

"Hey," you hear the familiar voice. Jolting around, you see him standing next to you. He has his school bag and what looked like a guitar case on his shoulder. 

"Hi, John," you hide your blush. You hate the dress and hopes he doesn't pay much attention to it. You see is eyes look you up and down, but his smile never seems to waver. 

"You ready?" he asks. You nod and he pulls your arm as he jogs down the street. You stumble, trying to keep up with him and his firm grasp on your arm didn't make it any easier. 

"Why are we running?" you ask, nearly tripping. 

"You don't want to miss the daily lives of the people of Penny Lane, don't you?" he yells back, stopping suddenly in front of a barber shop. You take a moment to catch your breath before turning to him. 

"Why are we here?" you ask, feeling his hand leave your arm. He chuckles as the barber points to a picture on his wall in front of a client.

"That's every head he's had the pleasure to know," he whispers in your ear. It sends a shiver down your spine. 

"Is this where you get your hair done?" she smirks. He does the same back, dragging her into the barber shop. The little shop is small, but cozy with checkered flooring. The barber has a brown mustache and a balding head. 

"Morning, John," he waves at him, "who is this?" John walks you closer to the man. 

"This is Y/N, and that is my photo." he points to the wall. You nod, sheepishly. The barber shakes your hand, greeting you with kindness. 

You didn't stay long as John ushered you out of the shop like your mother out of the house this morning. He jogs down the street again, firmly grasping your arm. You didn't know how he did it with his guitar and school bag on. 

He stops in the street and points at a man on a motorcar. Some younger children laugh as he rounds the corner. 

"There's the banker. He's a fool, you know? It's supposed to rain today and he doesn't even have a Mac!" John laughs like the children. 

"I don't have a Mac either," you say, slightly embarrassed. John shrugs. 

"At least you don't know the real reason we say he doesn't wear a Mac." he laughs. You look at him questioningly again. 

"But--"

"At least you have an excuse not having a Mac, you're new. We don't judge newcomers unless you judge us, you know?" he smiles, this time grabbing your hand as you rush through the street. 

"It's so beautiful here," you say, admiring the blue suburban skies. 

"Luckily, Penny Lane is everywhere. In my ears...in my eyes..." he gives a soft smile. 

"Aren't you quite poetic?" you laugh. He stops running, standing in front of the fire station. 

"I try my best," he says, "there's a fireman with an hourglass in there." 

"Why an hourglass?" you ask, trying to peer into the fire station. He shrugs, watching the door to the station lifting. 

"He keeps a portrait of the Queen in his pocket too, the old man," he laughs to himself. Of course, you had heard of the Queen, but never had you actually realized that she is a very important figure to where you live now. 

"He cleans that fire engine every day and night, I tell you. It's quite the clean machine if you ask me." he smirks at you, giving your hand a playful squeeze. You blush before he pulls you away again. 

You run down the street, now keeping pace with John who now was sprinting. Did he do this every morning? Or did he just do this for you? 

You then smell the scent of food, wafting down the street. It made your stomach growl as your mother had cut off your breakfast. Then you realize, it's fish. You didn't mind fish, but still, you wished it was something better. Maybe some sort of treat or even anything more breakfast like. 

"You up a four a fish and finger pies?" he smirks, jokingly. You raise an eyebrow at him. "I'm joking of course," he says, "you don't know what that means do you?" You shake your head as he hold back his laughter. 

"What does it mean?" you ask. 

"I think it's best you don't know, just if a guy asks you that, punch him and run," he says, turning back around and sprinting. You are now very confused, but choose to just look past that interaction. 

John soon pulls you towards a roundabout where there looks to be a shelter. John blushes at one of the nurses selling poppies. 

"They sell those every November for the veterans," he says, standing closer to you than you liked. 

"That's very sweet of them," you reply, your face a little hot. He blushes at the nurse, but looks at you and his face turns entirely new shade of red. 

"We better pick up the pace or we'll be late for school." he grips your hand again, but glances back behind him. You stop too, and look in the direction he was. 

"I think the banker's getting a trim today." Then the rain hit, pelting you both in water. John reaches into his bag and pulls out his Mac. He grins and throws it over you. "Wouldn't want you're dress getting ruined now," he yells over the rain. 

You blush remembering you were even wearing the hideous thing in the first place. 

"I can't accept this!" You yell back. 

"I don't care!" he yells back, smirking. 

He grips your hand, pulling you towards the school. You both make it to the front entrance with the rest of the kids. People comment on John's soaking wet appearance, but he doesn't seem to care. 

The school was dull and gray especially with the weather. Golden lights shown from classroom windows, the cramped hallways were dimly lit. 

He walks you into the school past multiple teachers who are already giving you the stink eye. Being associated with John maybe wasn't a good thing in their eyes, or anyone's eyes except for maybe...

"Paul!" John shouts for everyone to hear. The person he called out to turned as the crowd split away from him. The boy was cute with brown hair and dark brown eyes, he gave you a sweet smile. 

"Is this the new girl you talked about, John?" he asks, glancing at you. 

"This is Y/N," John says, tugging at the Mac. You take it off, handing it to him. You didn't quite know what use it would be to him now though. 

"Pleasure to meet you." Paul extends his hand and you shake it. "I'm Paul, by the way." 

"Nice to meet you," you say. Suddenly out of nowhere another boy appeared from behind Paul. Both you and Paul jump, a little startled by the appearance of the new boy. 

"Hello, you must be Y/N, I'm George," the boy also extends his hand which you shake. He then retreats behind Paul. He had dark brown eyes and dark hair too. You noticed that the boys all looked similar. 

George must be shy. 

"Sorry about him," John says, "he's a little shy around girls."

"Am not," George snaps. 

"Are too," Paul replies. 

"Is George still afraid of women?" a third boy walks up to them. He's shorter than the rest and compared to the others he has blue eyes. 

"Afraid so, Ringo," Paul says with a smirk. Ringo turns his attention towards you. 

"Y/N, am I right? I'm Ringo," he extends his hand and for the third time today, she shook his hand. 

Finally the whole group was together at last. 

John made a playful jab at your arm after a few seconds of silence. Paul seemed to notice, forming a forced and fake smile. You wondered what that was about. 

"Well, shall we get to class before I get threatened to be expelled again?" John says, causing the other guys to burst out laughing. You just smile, not sure how you fit in with them yet. 

"What's your first class?" Paul asks and you hand him your schedule, "ah, perfect, English is with me. Come on!" He motions for you to follow him. 

He begins walking away and you turn to look at John who already is distracted by his other friends. You sigh, this was the beginning. 

You catch up with Paul, leaving John for the first time that day. 

@sabrielka-133

[okwritingandpain]

Penny Lane's Getting Better (Beatles x Reader) Chapter Index

Chapter 1: Because The World is Round

Chapter 2: Penny Lane

Chapter 3: Nowhere Man

Chapter 4: Getting Better

Chapter 5: All My Loving

Chapter 6: Now and Then

Chapter 7: Two Of Us

Epilogue: The End

[okwritingandpain]

Penny Lane's Getting Better (The Beatles x Reader)

Chapter 1: Because The World Is Round

"It'll be fun! A new school, a new home, and new friends!" your mother says, looking back at you in the backseat. Your father was at the wheel and your little sister sat next to you.

"Fun? If you mean that I won't have a clue who anybody is," You say, leaning back in your seat. You stare out at the passing cozy red brick houses. They gave off a warmth that could only be compared to the fire from a fireplace in the chill of winter. You notice a sign reading: Penny Lane. What a silly name for a street. At least, that's what you thought...

"Cheer up," your father says, "I think you'll like it here." He turns the car, coming up on a beautiful two-story red bricked house. Instead of giving off warmth this house gave off cold despair, like no one had ever settled in the home. There had to be something wrong with it based off how many owners it had in the past...or maybe the neighbors that surrounded it. 

Your mother had mentioned that you were moving in next to a woman and her nephew. He was around your age, maybe a little older, but he was supposed to introduce you to everything. You just hoped he wasn't a jerk or something like that. Maybe he would be sweet, kind, considerate...maybe even cute--but that was most likely not going to happen. 

"Here we are!" your father cheers, parking the car. You step out of the car, taking in the old and worn looking house. This was going to be a very interesting start. 

"Come get your luggage," your mother taps yours shoulder before passing you to head up to the house. Your sister dances past you to join your mother's side. She skipped freely with the joy of puppy. Sighing, you turn to grab your bags from the backside of the car. 

The bags were not heavy  as your mother insisted starting anew, which meant almost anything you owned that was not essential was donated to charity. Only a few of your belongings survived the donation including your brush, makeup, bass guitar, and your childhood stuffed bear. There were more but those were the only worth mentioning. 

"This place looks beautiful," your father says before closing up the back of the car and leading you inside. 

Inside the place is polished, clean; it was obvious someone had recently cleaned it out. The front door connected to the front room where a sofa, coffee table, and piano sat. You resisted the urge to brush the piano keys as your father ushered you past. 

The next room lead to the living space and kitchen area. The kitchen already held some cooking supplies which made your mother squeal with excitement. You rolled your eyes, just wanting to go to your room. 

"You should take your sister upstairs," your mother said, guiding you and yours sister to the stairs. 

"Yes, mom," you rush up the stairs, excited by what could be up there. Your sister tried her best to keep pace, but found it difficult. "Come on, Sophie," you say, peering into every room as you head down the cramped hallway. 

"You're too fast," she huffs, stumbling after you. Finally, you find your room at the end of the hall next to the bathroom on the left and Sophie's room to the right. 

Your room is small but cozy. There is a nice space by the window for writing and reading like you had dreamed so often. You set your luggage down by the bed that already sat there. 

Looking out the window you could see into the neighbors yard and home. 

There was a boy outside with a guitar in his hand, you wondered if this was the nephew your mother had mentioned earlier. 

As you stared at him, he seemed to have guessed your presence and looked up at your window. He gives a goofy wave, running up to the fence and peering over it at you. You open the window to try to talk to him. 

"Hello there," he smiled, cheekily. You notice his brown hair and eyes that peered into your own with certain glimmer of mischief and laughter. A cap sat on his head making him look like a news boy.

"Hi," you reply simply, unsure of what to make of the boy. 

"Who are you? I've never seen you around here before. I reckon you're moving into Anderson's old house huh? She was a real piece of work," the boy shouted. You can't help but laugh a little at his remark. Who was this boy? 

"Wouldn't you like to know," she calls back, laughing. 

"Well, I'm John," he says, taking off his cap and waving it at you. 

"I'm Y/N," you say. John smiles, placing the cap back on his head. Suddenly, your door jolts open and Sophie runs into the room. 

"Who is that, big sister?" she asks, peering out the window. John notices her immediately and waves at her. 

"Name's John," he says again, being overly friendly. This John was so nice, but you couldn't help but feel this was a false opening to a show of twists and turns. His accent pinched his words in the wrong places like he was hiding something...pretending to be something he wasn't. 

"We should go down and meet him, big sis," Sophie says, leaving the window and barreling down stairs. 

"Sophie!" you call, wanting to talk to her first about this instead of jumping into the ocean of sharks. You chase after her, but you don't catch her until she makes it to the front door where your parents are perched, intrigued by your sudden fight.

"What's going on?" your mother asks with her hands on her hips. You quickly explain the situation with John which causes your mother to push you outside to go meet him. 

Outside, John had ventured from his fence to the sidewalk, waiting to meet you. Behind him stood a very imposing woman who you assumed to be his aunt. 

"You must be John," your mother says next to you. Her hands clasped together in a calm and welcoming gesture. John gave a nervous smile, glancing at his aunt. 

"Yes, this must be your daughters...this is my Aunt Mimi," He gestures towards the imposing woman. She took a drag from her one of the many smokes you would see her have over the next few months. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you young ladies, I hope my son as been kind to you...especially since he wasn't to the last guests." Mimi glared at John. 

"Ms. Anderson was the worst teacher ever!" he argued, but he quickly shut his mouth after another glare from his aunt. 

"He has been delightful," you say, hoping this would ease the tension between everyone. Mimi nodded, seeming to relax for now. John gave you a thankful smile. 

"Is John walking you to school tomorrow?" Mimi asks looking to your mother. 

"If he would like to we would greatly appreciate it," your mother replies. John looks at you again, giving a slight smile at her words. 

"I can take her," he says, winking at you. You didn't quite know what the wink meant yet, but you were going to find out soon enough. 

"We'll see you tomorrow at 8 than," Mimi says, ushering John back to their home. 

"Have a good day!" you mother acts extra cheery, waving and all. Once they are gone, your mother pulls you and Sophie back inside. 

"Are you really sending me to school the day after we move in?" you ask, a little frustrated and stressed. 

"Tomorrow is the first day of school and you need to make an impression." Your mother walks into the kitchen, preparing for supper that night. You sigh, heading back upstairs to your room. 

You can't help but look out the window once more, you see John rushing outside excitedly followed by three other boys. You smile watching them dance around, holding instruments of their own. 

Maybe, just maybe tomorrow was going to be a good day. 

[okwritingandpain]

[okwritingandpain]

[okwritingandpain]

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da: The Beatles x Reader

Thank you!

I just wanted to end this by thanking everyone who read this fanfiction (and hopefully enjoyed it). This was a wild ride as this was my first fanfiction that got really any kind of real traction which was pretty terrifying. I'm thankful for the hours that were spent writing this and the hours spent for people who read this. I really appreciate you all and I do hope you stick around for the next one. I never thought a Beatles fanfiction of all things was going to get off the ground like it did and I couldn't have done it without all of you. I really do hope you enjoyed my crazy storytelling and my very amazing mediocre writing skills on my quest to writing my first book.

 I did manage to finish writing it and now it is going through editing so yay! I started writing this fanfiction at the same time I started writing my book and writing this helped me stay motivated through writing a 300+ page novel. Anyways, I won't waste anymore time! Thank you once again for everything and I wish you all well.

My book is called, "The Burlot Hotel" and a free preview will be posted close to the release of the book. 

Also, my friend write fanfiction so I will shamelessly link her account to the end of this.

[okwritingandpain]

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da: The Beatles x Reader

Chapter 25 (The Paul Ending)

"Who first?" Paul asked, tapping the book.

Who did she want to see? There was Ringo, George, and John, but she felt that there was something that she needed to do first. 

"You." She said, rubbing her arms for comfort. She had felt bad for Paul...he had lost many people in his life and she failed not losing herself the first time. Once things were fixed then everything was perfect for him, right? John and her had started something in the past, but she knew Paul had liked her too. Even George, but...she had to make it up to him. 

"Me?" Paul asked, confused. "Why would you want to see me? Haven't you seen me enough?" He gave a small smile as his words faded. He looked as if he was fighting back the urge to say something. Something important that he just couldn't say no matter how much he wanted to. He turned to a blue door that was covered in riding gear and horseshoes. Y/N gripped the scrapbook tightly and walked over to the door he had looked at. Paul frowned and followed her. She opened the door to reveal a mesmerizing sight of the countryside. While it wasn't a large area, it was certainly impressive. Two horses were eating hay in a small stable next to the door. 

"You have to be F****** joking!" She freaked, "You have a whole stable and..." Paul was taken aback by her language. He was not used to her speaking this way. 

"Uh...yeah. It's a hobby and all." He said with a nervous smile. Y/N couldn't believe her eyes and based off of Paul's reaction he couldn't believe her reaction. 

"That's so cool! We can go over your scrapbook pages and ride horses!" She cheered, opening the book as she tried to find Paul's page. 

"Have you ridden horses before?" He asked, nervously. 

"A little when I was younger." She replied as Paul grabbed the book from her. 

"Here we are." He said, handing the book back. The section was called, "On the run with Paul and Y/N" which was a bit cringy in her opinion, but sweet nonetheless. There were pictures of Paul and the band during Beatlemania along with pictures that consisted of Y/N and her apartment. They mostly featured her and the other band members more than Paul...mostly because he was the one taking the pictures. 

"This is amazing." She smiled, looking over what felt like thousands of pictures. Paul chuckled as he walked over to one of the horses and petted its sides.

"That's years of work for you, luv." He said, retrieving a saddle from the stable. "You want to go for a ride?" He motioned to the horse and Y/N's face lit up  with excitement.

"Really?" She asked, closing the book and running over to the stable. She quickly retrieved the saddle and watched Paul put the saddle on his horse. Y/N tried to replicate it best she could. Paul ended up having to help her, but she shrugged it off as she finally got the chance to actually ride the horse. She had the largest smile as she rode on the horse. 

"How is it?" Paul asked, watching her steer the horse. It had been a while and her riding skills were definetly rusty. 

"Wonderful!" She replied with a grin. Paul just smirked as he led the horse over the countryside. Y/N still didn't know how this was possible, but why care? It was cool! Everything was as calming as a cool spring shower. It felt as if the world was at peace just for a moment. Y/N thought about the scrapbook and how she longed for the old days. The days when they all were living normal lives out in Liverpool. Paul hummed to himself as they looked out across the land. "What are you humming?" She asked. 

"Maybe I'm Amazed." He replied. 

"Maybe I'm amazed at the way you love me all the time..." She sang, making Paul cringe.  

"You don't have to sing that, Y/N." He acted embarrassed. 

"Maybe I'm afraid of the way I love you. Maybe I'm amazed at the way you pulled me out of time. You hung me on a line..." She sang it softer than Paul did. She thought it fit better for the mood and Paul still looked like he was trying to block out her song. When had he become so embarrassed by singing. Paul's face began to fade as he looked younger again. "Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you..." She stopped singing as she didn't want him to suffer more. He sighed. 

"Maybe I'm a man. Maybe I'm a lonely man who's in the middle of something..." He added, reluctantly. He couldn't deny the smile spreading on his face though. 

"That he really doesn't understand..." She laughed as his face turned red like a tomato.

"Maybe I'm a man. And maybe you're the only woman who could ever help me. Baby, won't you help me understand?" He sang louder and prouder. His confidence seemed to be building as the Paul Y/N remembered came back. She then let out a chuckle. 

"No." She simply said. Paul looked taken aback for a moment before catching on to what she meant. 

"You're a sly one." He smirked, turning back towards the stables. He looked down at his hands and let out a gasp. "My hands..." He muttered. 

"Yeah, guess who's younger again." She said, nervously. It was still nerve racking to see Paul young again. It was natural, but still very unnatural at the same time. 

"What are we going to do!" He freaked, "This isn't how it's supposed to be! Is the timeline even more messed up!?" Paul began to panich which made his horse start to panic. 

"Paul, calm down." Y/N reassured, noticing the horses discomfort. "Get off the horse--" Paul jumped off the horse. He almost fell, which would have been scary if he was still old. The horse ran back towards the stable and Y/N shook her head with a laugh. "Calm down! Don't worry about that right now. We'll fix it if we need to." 

"If we need to to?" 

"Did I stutter?" She smirked and he shook his head. 

"What am I going to do with you?" 

"What are you amazed?" She held back her laugh as he let out a chuckle. 

"Maybe I am amazed." He replied, motioning for her to follow him back to the stable. 

"Maybe I'm amazed at the way you're with me all the time. Maybe I'm afraid of the way I leave you." She continued singing to herself. Paul kept glancing back at her.

"Maybe I'm amazed at the way you help me sing my song. Right me when I'm wrong..." He helped her off the horse and she smiled at him. 

"Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you..." She kissed him on the lips which made his eyes grow large. He let out a chuckle. 

"I didn't quite expect that, luv." He blushed, "Thank you for everything." 

"No, thank you." She hugged him. Paul embraced her and she felt at ease again. Everything had come full circle and it made the experience worth being there. Who knows what more could be in store. Who knows what lies ahead. Either way she was happy to be with Paul and he was happy to be with her.