Chapter Fifteen: I'm Happy Just To Dance With You

Tonight was social reception night. John couldn't go, but I would attend in his place. Ringo, George, Paul and I were getting ready for it. Tonight was the first night I wore the dress and vest the lads gave to me for my birthday. To complete my outfit, I decided to wear the pearl and sapphire necklace John had given me. As I was putting it on, I smiled as I could hear the George, Paul, and Ringo talking outside in the living room of our suite.

"Which tie looks better on me?" I heard George ask.

"They're both blackish, George. What are ya worried about?" Ringo responded. "Just close yer eyes and pick one."

"What if the one I pick doesn't look as good as the other? They've got different patterns on 'em and I don't know which one to pick. Which one d'ya think?" George asked.

"I'd go with the one on the left," Paul said. "It looks better to me."

"Okay, I thought so too. Thanks," George said.

I smiled as I heard their cute conversation. Meanwhile, I checked to make sure I looked all right in the full-length mirror. I was moving the clamp of the necklace to the back of my neck when I heard a voice behind me.

"Beautiful," John said, smiling as he rested on his elbow. He was still in bed since he was sick. "You look beautiful. Just beautiful."

"Thank you," I replied softly, yet gratefully.

"No, I'm serious. You don't have to hide it or be ashamed of it, luv," he laughed as he got up and stood near me. "Turn around, turn around," he told me. I turned myself in a circle for him.

"'Looks even more beautiful up close, luv. I can't even find the right word to explain it ... You're simply ... breathtaking ..." John somewhat finished with a sense of (now I can't find the word for it) ... awe in his voice. He seemed to have drifted off though. He silently stood looking at me, admiring me, but we made no eye contact. I began to wonder what was wrong.

"John? Are you all right?" I asked him, trying to catch his eye. Perhaps from his eyes I could perceive some of his feelings.

"Hm? Oh, yeah, luv, I'm fine. I was just thinkin' ... I stand 'ere lookin' at you, seein' you all dressed up and even more lovely than I could 'ave ever imagined. And I just think ... Me little sister is all grown up," he said with a small smile, as if he were still trying to manifest the thought.

Oh, my gosh, I thought to myself. At first I was taken aback by that statement, not out of shock or surprise, but some feeling ... he was so sweet, so sensitive.

"John, I would never grow out of you. I'll always need you, even if you think I'm grown up," I told him. "I didn't know you felt that way ..."

If one has ever wondered how much love one's heart can hold, any approximation will pale in comparison to the multitude of love in John's heart.

"'Salright, luv, I never told you 'bout it," he said, still with a little smile on his face. "Thank you for your reassurance; I'll always remember it. C'mon, let's go out there and see what the other lads say," John said, this time with more excitement in his voice.

John opened the door, and George, once he saw me, said, "Paulina! You look great!"

"Thank you, George," I said with a shy smile. "You look great, too. What are you up to? Still 'aving tie problems?" I noticed he was still holding some ties in his hand.

"Oh, yeah, could one of you help me decide which one looks better? Paul picked one, but I found more, and-Oh, I just need to decide on one."

"I'll take care of it, Pearl," John said. "But you're all ready, right?" he asked me.

"Let me comb my hair through one more time, and then I'll be finished," I said. I decided to leave my hair down for the reception. John joked that he took forever last night braiding my hair, but he didn't mind and even suggested beforehand that I leave my hair down.

While John helped George with his ties, I was brushing my hair in front of one of the mirrors. A moment later, I saw Ringo's reflection as he came up behind me.

"They really should 'ave a memo or note on that mirror," he said, smiling. "Kinda like they do on cars, y'know? It needs an 'Angels in the mirror are more beautiful than they appear' type of sign."

"Ringo, you're too kind. You look splendid as well," I said.

"Why, thank you, Paulina, but I think you're the one bein' too kind now," Ringo said with a smile. "Ooh, y'know what? You should let Paul 'ave a look at ya. He's the only one that 'asn't seen you yet."

"Yeah, where is he?" I asked, putting my brush on the table.

"He's still in that room, tryin' on jackets right now," Ringo answered, pointing to his suite. After I thanked him, I walked over to the open, suite-connecting doors and slowly entered Paul's and Ringo's room. Paul stood in front of the mirror, comparing jackets, just as Ringo had said. He had some more draped on the chair next to him. He picked one up and put it on, then looked in the mirror again.

Perhaps he had heard someone come in because he began, "Hey, Ringo, how do I look in ... this ... one ...? Paul lost his train of thought as he stood frozen, looking at me.

"I think you look wonderful in that one," I responded with a smile. "But you better stop makin' that face or it'll freeze that way, and you won't look good in anythin'."

"Oh, my gosh ..." Paul managed as he slowly approached me. "You look magnificent, stunning, so poised, elegant, exquisite--"

"I didn't want you to compliment me that far. A simple 'thumbs-up' sign would've been fine too."

Paul laughed. "Ah, that wouldn't have been enough to express my opinion. Even the words I used aren't enough."

"Thank you, Paul," I said. Jeez, I knew that would happen: I was blushing in front of him again ...!

"Done it again, haven't I, luv?" Paul said, smiling. "But keep makin' that face 'cos I want it to freeze that way. You're so cute when you blush."

Why'd he have to make me do it again! He did that on purpose, I thought and laughed to myself.

"Another point for me, Paulina," he said, still smiling as he saw me blush the second time around. "Do I get bonus points for doin' it twice in one day and in less than a minute of each other?"

"I'd say you earned them," I replied. Paul giggled at that.

"Are you all up and ready to go then?" I asked.

"After getting your opinion about me appearance (and makin' you blush ... twice!), of course I'm ready!" Paul said, quickly adjusting the jacket he was wearing. "Let's get George and Ringo now and get this over with as soon as possible."

The four of us were about to leave, and John wished us goodbye. "'Hope you all 'ave a marvelous time," he said, rolling his eyes but smiling as he did so.

"Oh, we'll try just for you, John," George said.

"And lads, remember ..." John said as he looked at the three of them warningly.

"I know, I know, and you know I know," Paul responded. "We'll take care of Paulina."

George and Ringo nodded in agreement after Paul's statement.

"It's okay, John. We'll be back soon," I said as I gave him a hug for extra reassurance.

"Don't bloody worry so much!" Paul added. I checked for John's reaction. I think John was satisfied, even if he did look at them warily.

"Okay, I'll see you four later tonight," John answered. "I'll be waiting ... just in case."

"All right, then, we'll see ya later!" Ringo said cheerfully. And the four of us were on our way.

~~~***~~~

The ballroom the reception was held in was any typical ballroom designated for formal parties. The color theme for the decorations, balloons, and table setting was white and a lovely shade of peach. There were round tables forming a U-shaped flock around a stage with a live band. In front of the stage was a dance floor. The music was great to me, at least. The live band mixed in some classical as well as some instrumental versions of some rock and roll songs, which surprised me. It was interesting to hear instrumental versions of 'A Hard Day's Night' and other songs, even non-Beatle songs, with the tempo toned down a bit. The lads were a bit shocked at it though.

"Aie, what are they doin' to our precious rock and roll numbers?" Paul asked, slightly irritated at the music. "It's all right, but they should 'ave asked us first."

"At least they stick to the classical stuff too. 'Don't think the ambassadors would really care for the rock and roll versions anyway either," George said.

"They invited us 'ere because of our rock and roll," Paul pointed out. "Not because 'It Won't Be Long' sounds nice on violin, even if it does."

"We're just standin' around 'ere doin' nothin' again. This is what we always do at these things. These receptions are boring; I'll bet none of 'em 'ave ever been to a real party," Ringo said with a sigh. He took a sip of Coke from his glass.

"You already answered all their questions as to why you're missin' a member. I even had people come up to me and ask about John," I added.

"Some of 'em didn't even know who you were, right?" George asked. I nodded.

"Jeez, I wish I could keep some sort of low profile like that," Ringo pondered.

"Well, they've all probably run out of things to ask us," Paul said. "'Sounds unbelievable, but it does 'appen sometimes. Maybe we intimidate some of them, who knows. But now what do we do?" Unanimously, we decided to sit back at our table and just talk.

"How long do we have until we can go?" Ringo asked George.

"Not for a while," George answered. He checked his watch. "Yeesh, we have ... two hours left. From seven to nine." The others just groaned.

"Hey, we 'ave to do something to pass the time," I said. "We can't just sit around looking daft. How boring will that get?"

George got on his feet. "Hey, she's right, ya know. We're 'ere already, we should spend the time 'aving fun despite that we're not where we'd like to be on a night like this."

"All right, Paul and I will follow you later," Ringo said, now smiling after seeing we were determined to make the best of our situation. Paul also smiled after seeing us.

"C'mon, Paulina," George said, smiling as well. "I have an idea."

"What is it, George?" I asked as he took my hand and was leading me to somewhere. He led me to the dance floor where other couples were elegantly dancing.

"May I have this dance?" George joked, using the best of the Queen's English.

"Oh, of course," I said, using the same tone as he was. "But I never had any idea that you knew how to waltz, Mr. Harrison," I teased him.

"Of course I do. Heh heh, sure," George said, still smiling. "I was shown how to do it, but I don't recall it. Lemme guess: You, my dear, know how to waltz."

"Aunt Mimi taught me how," I replied, smiling back to him. "Here, I'll help you remember. You make that box-step pattern, like this." I took his hands and slowly we began to move, began to waltz. I could tell that George was trying to remember how; he was trying to get it right. At first, it was a little awkward, since he wasn't used to it or getting the hang of it yet, but after a little more practice, it was working rather well. He was recalling it quickly.

"Thanks for the marvelous idea, George. And wow, you remembered fast. Are you sure you 'aven't done this recently?" I complimented him.

"Oh, well, I try. Thanks," George said. "You know, this so reminds me of a little song I sing," he added as we danced.

"Does this mean we're gonna have to dance all night?" I said, paraphrasing some of the lyrics.

"In this world there's nothin' I would rather do," he replied. We both laughed.

"No, just as long as we're havin' fun," George said. "We can stop anytime you like."

I shook my head to indicate not any time soon. I noticed the tie he wore. "Hey, that's a nice one you decided on, then. Wasn't hard to pick on out, right?"

"Nah," George said with a smile. "John helped me pick it out. But you, you look wonderful. The necklace really looks nice on you too."

"Thanks," I said. We continued to dance through several songs. At least we were doing something. But I loved every minute of it since it was fun to spend some time with him. It's not often all of us can just kinda go out and relax and spend time like this.

Later, Paul came up to the both of us while we were dancing. "Excuse me, may I cut in? George 'ere is doin' everything all wrong, messin' up every dance step in the book, and--" Paul had a playful look on his face.

"If somebody tries to take my place, let's pretend we just can't see his face," George sang as he looked to me. I looked back at him and smiled, but I also smiled to Paul too.

"It's up to George, Paul. He was the one who started it."

"Hmm," pondered George. "Hmm, all right, I feel sorry for the lad, so he can 'ave a go at it. That is, if that's all right with you, Paulina."

"Sure, it won't hurt, right?" I said. "Oh, by the way, where's Ringo?" I added, realizing that if Paul was here, Ringo might be alone.

"Ah, he loves to dance you know, so he's gotten himself a partner already after he saw you two."

"So poor little Macca was left all alone, huh?" George said slyly. He smiled as he stepped aside with a wink at me. I winked back to George, who then perhaps went off to look for Ringo. Paul took my hands and we started dancing. I glanced up at Paul, who was giving me this other "look."

"We're only teasin' you because we love you, Paul," I told him.

Paul laughed. "Aw, I know, luv. I know."

Eventually, all three of them had the chance to dance with me. I didn't get too tired, so that was all right. We were having a great time. Ringo was the pro when I danced with him; he knew every step and he threw in special steps so the presentation I bet looked great. He was the best dancer. George danced much more casually. His style was soft, delicate, easy-going. Paul was more graceful when he danced. It seemed stronger, smoother, a little more confident from George's style, but not firm or harsh.

"I loved that, Ringo," I said since he was my partner at the time the song was over. "Thanks again."

"You're welcome, but thank you too for dancing with me. C'mon, let's 'ave a seat. You've been up on your feet for a while now."

I could have gone on, but I didn't mind taking a break either. We resorted back to talking at our table-Paul and George were there too-and more people came up to us and asked us questions and the like. But that was about it.

"What should we do now?" Ringo asked after they left. "We've run out of ideas. And we still 'ave to be 'ere for how long, George?"

"For another hour and a quarter at least," he replied. "Time goes by slowly 'ere."

Now what were going to do? We sat and thought about it for a while, not wanting to do something "illegal" (the lads laughed mischievously at that), but something that would still pass the time reasonably ...