He's Leaving Home

Chapter Two

Present

"So he's left school too?" John drunkenly asked George. John hadn't spoken to George since the night John split up The Quarrymen. He remembered the night clearly despite the alcohol. George and Ringo had shown up together. Apparently, John was the only one Paul had told he was leaving. Every single person in The Quarrymen asked him where Paul was. The bassist had the unfortunate spot of being the last one to practice and the last one to ask about Paul. John had gone insane and smashed a bottle on the bassist's head. It took both Ringo and George to pull John away. George had gotten a black eye out of it too as he was too close to John's elbow. John had screamed at everyone to get out, that the band was through.

"Yeah. Without a trace. It's weird too, you know? I called Paul's Aunt and she said she'd never heard of him. Or Mike! Then she hung up. Just like that." George gulped down the last of his beer. He looked up at John who seemed to be thinking about something. George decided not to push it. He didn't want another black eye.

"That doesn't make sense." John slurred, propping his elbow on the table. George noticed his eyes drooping slightly. He decided John needed to go home. He doubted John's Aunt Mimi would even let him in the house smelling like a sewer and being passed out drunk. But George had to try.

He dragged John down the street to the nearest bus stop. They never ran on time, as was the public transit system in their town. John snored softly on George's shoulder. George couldn't help but wonder where Paul was and what happened. There was something missing that none of them knew and something told George he didn't think they ever would.

He needed to help John though. Maybe something pulled Paul away from John. Maybe he really did want a proper job and maybe he thought John would never do that with him. Maybe Paul spared John's feelings in a way. Whatever it was, George wouldn't ever stop thinking about it.

~~~~

"Both of us? Someone wants us both? That was impossibly quick." Paul stared incredulously at the woman who took them in. He glanced at Mike who had been holding onto his hand for the past hour and a half. Paul had every right to be surprised as it had only been a few days of being in the foster care system. He was assured that he would not be split up from Mike. This woman's family had agreed to take them both in until a better arrangement could be found. He and Mike had been living with the family of six for two days, sharing everything. Paul, however, found a companion in the second oldest daughter, Dorothy, or Dot for short. Paul was a little upset that after he had started to make friends again he was forced to leave.

"Mr. Brian Epstein and Mr. Cliff Jaxson. A nice couple in the Beaumont district which is about a ten-minute drive from here. You won't have to change schools. They're coming here today to meet you and take you out for dinner."

"They're gay?" Paul asked.

"Is that a problem, Paul?" The woman looked at him from her spot at the kitchen table.

"No. I was just wondering." Paul couldn't help but feel more relaxed. He would be able to talk to someone and have them understand. He had lost John. He needed someone.

"Well, they're excited about you. They actually didn't comment on your age. I think they are more than willing to pay for your education." She smiled softly at Paul who beamed with happiness. He really hoped these people would treat Mike better. He hoped they would be proud and supportive. Mike needs to be loved, Paul thought, he hasn't spoken to anyone since our family covered everything up and basically erased us from the family. He needs this, I can't be around forever.

The Rhone family gave them happy hugs. Paul was dragged aside by Dot who gave him a light kiss on the cheek.

"So, um, now that you're not living with my family anymore, would you want to go on a date?" She smiled at Paul. Paul couldn't say no. Not after all her family did for him and Mike. Paul liked her well enough and maybe this way the heartache he felt for John would go away.