I'm With the Beatles

Flying

"National Airlines Flight 11 is now boarding."

Murray led us into the terminal, boasting about how great Miami is going to be. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his braggart way of living. I understand you had the opportunity to visit, but leave the surprises as surprises for us.

"Will there be any sharks there?" George pestered, gesturing massive teeth with his hands over Murray's head.

"There's a big chance for that!"

Ringo gave a short whimper and glanced over to me. I sympathetically frowned and lifted my shoulders. I could understand Ringo's fear of the deep blue sea. You never know exactly what lurks beneath the quiet cover of the water. I gave a comforting pat on his back and stepped on board.

The plane was massive! Stewardesses met our every need and demand. I really didn't ask for much, though, since I spent most of the time just staring out of the window. This was the first time I had ever been in an airplane, so I was a bit skittish. The guys acted as if it was just another car ride to them! John even ran up and down the aisles, chasing after the poor girls in blue uniform. George had bought five Pentax cameras before we left the Big Apple and handed them out with two rolls of film each.

"These are going to come out so gear," he cried as he snapped a couple photos of Paul and I together.

"Not now, George," Paul protested with hands up. He was too tired to push the device out of George's hands.

"Can I snap you, Lizzie?"

I peeked over towards Paul, but he was 'resting his eyes.'

"Oh, sure George. I can't bear to see you hurt!"

He showed his big teeth and grabbed me by the arm. Pulling me over to the bathroom, he handed me a black beret.

"Put this on yer noggin, me dear girl," he calmly demanded.

"Who are you trying to make me look like, George?"

"Just belt rip!"

"A belt does not go with this dress," I squabbled, taking one last glimpse in the mirror. I really did like the way that the hat looked on me!

"Er, I meant 'be quiet' in American speak," he explained, rubbing his hairdo in a bit of puzzlement.

"Oh, why don't you just say so?"

I allowed him to lead me away from the lavatory and set me on a row of chairs by myself. He advised me to lay on my side and throw my long hair over my shoulder.

"Now give me a pout," he stated, giving me one of his own.

The way he appeared initiated a giggling fit of mine. George didn't mind and clicked the camera button a few times. John and Ringo joined in on the fun and posed in the pictures with me.

"I can't wait 'til we get these developed," George concluded. He took the used roll and stuffed it into his camera bag.

"And you will let us see how we look when you do get them?" I applied.

"Of course, dear!"

I smiled and handed back the hat. Paul was still knocked out cold when I sat down in my seat. John decided to accompany us as the ride lingered on.

"So, anything bend happen lately?"

"What are you inquiring, John?"

He sort of worried me. I mean, did he somehow find out about the little incident between Paul and I this morning? Paul had better kept his mouth shut!

"Oh, nothin'. It's just that Paul was acting beany earlier. I'm sure it's nothin' serious."  

I nodded as he elucidated. When he realized that I didn't have anything to tell, he leaned his chair back and snapped his fingers. A slim redhead briskly walked up and stood in form.

"Yes, Mr. Lennon?"

"Me dear lass, may I have a towel?"

"Yes, Mr. Lennon."

She disappeared for a few seconds and came back with a white cuptowel. John bowed his head as she handed it over. Then, he placed it over his face as he laid down. Great, now everyone was falling asleep, leaving me awake with no one to really chat with. I rose from the blue chair and quietly stepped over John's legs. Ringo and George were relaxing in the row across from ours. Paul mentioned earlier that Brian had gotten on the plane with us, so I was determined to search for him.

"Um... Mr. Epstein?"

Brian was deep in a New York Times, working frantically at the daily crossword puzzle. He didn't even jump at my presence, because he slowly placed the paper upon his lap.

"Why, hello! You must be the Elizabeth that everyone is talking about!"

"Yessir. I was just wondering if I could sit with you for a bit, since everyone else fell asleep."

"Of course!"

He moved his suitcase from the seat next to him and patted the surface. I noticed that he seemed to be a bit tired himself.

"So, how is it like to run around with the boys?"

"It's great! There's a lot of things that I'm seeing for the very first time. I've never been to Florida before!"

He laughed and nodded in agreement. Motioning to the stewardess, he ordered two waters. She placed the cold glasses in our hands, plus giving us each a bowl of fruit.

"It's from Mr.K. He assures that Southern citrus fruit is 'to die for,'" she informed with her hands clasped.

"Thank you," Brain spoke gently. She curtsied and left for the front of the aisle.

"What's it like to be the manager of the biggest band in the world?" I started after taking a huge gulp of water.

He cleared his throat and played with his pen. I could've sworn that his eyes had a bit of a mistiness to them.

"I wasn't even planning on it. I thought that I was going to be stacking records on tables for the rest of me life. That one day a group of kiddies ran in, begging for the boys' album, I near fell over! So, I went to go watch them perform and decided that they needed more exposure than little nightclubs. I signed for them right away!"

"That sounds... empowering," I stated loudly, faltering as I said the last word.

"Yeah, I can't find a word for it either!"

I pursed my lips in thought and stabbed my fork into a piece of grapefruit. The ruby red juice squirted on my dress. I sighed as I rubbed it away with a napkin.

"So, how are the threads doing for you?" he asked, staring down at my black pumps.

"Oh, I simply adore them! Paul told me that you called for them."

"Yes, but I was kind of worried about your taste. I've never met you before! You are very beautiful, if I may add."

I felt a heated blush begin and chuckled softly. His eyes squinted as he grinned and he glanced out of the window.

"Looks like we're almost there," he mentioned with excitement.

"I can't wait!"

"Maybe you should go wake up the boys. I think John needs to let off some of his steam before we get off the airplane."

I laughed and stood up, handing my empty bowl to the ginger-haired lady. Waving goodbye to Brian, I strolled down the aisle to the quartet.