Julian hasn't called back to the house since I hung up on him, but he's written me two letters since then. Both of these letters have come in white envelopes, the city 'Ruthin, North Wales' scrawled neatly in the top left on each of them, so I assume he lives there with Cynthia. He didn't say much in his letters, he just talked about our date this weekend and a little about himself, but I wish he wouldn't have sent them at all because I know Linda knows, and surely she's to tell dad.

There's that too: I haven't told my father about my approaching date or even that I'm talking to Julian, and I don't know why. He's going to be okay with it, he's dad but the 'what if' won't leave my mind and I can't bring myself to tell him. This date is also going to be the very first one I've ever been on, and I've never even so much as had a talk with my father about dating. That's not the kind of relationship that my father and I have, its never been. He's always been the one to leave that stuff up to other people, like Jane, Pattie, Maureen, Linda and even John (who answered the "Where do babies come from" question. He told me they came from the sky). I kinda wish it was though, so this would be easier than it is. I'm a teenager, dating should be fun and simple.

Today I will tell him that I'm going on a date with Julian though, before he finds out himself, and before the day of the date comes. I'll tell him when he gets done in the studio, because he's always happier then. But then again, that time is very close and ripping off a bandaid that quickly seems too scary. He said he'd be back by noon, and it's eleven forty-five right now: Just enough time for me to sit on my bed and freak myself out.

Which is exactly what I do. I think about all the good things I can, like how nice my dad is, and how much my dad loves me, and that Linda is going to be beside him when I tell him this information, but I can't help but let bad things slip into my mind. There's the "No," that keeps repeating in my mind, the one thing I fear more than anything at the moment, because everything's all set up. It'd be completely humiliating to have to tell Julian I can't go with him after all. I just hope he doesn't get angry, my dad and I hope he says yes.

When I hear the front door shut and the familiar sound of paws clicking on hardwood floors and giggles, I know it's time. I let out a few deep breaths before pressing a gentle grin onto my lips, then I rise from my bed and walk into the living area. Dad is standing by the door with Linda, taking off his layers of clothing and Linda's helping Mary and Stella do the same.

"How'd it go?" I question. Dad glances my way and smiles.

"Fine. We're almost done, just need to tweak a few more things and it should be ready for release."

"That's good. I'm excited to hear it."

"You could always come t' the next session if you want, you know Ava."

I shake my head no, my grin not fading as I do so. "I'd rather be surprised."

Dad let's a shrug take over his shoulders, before he makes his way over to the couch. He falls back onto the loveseat with an 'unf' and Stella and Mary are quick to the snuggle up beside him. Linda heads off upstairs, to check on James, I suppose. I want her to come back though, because I need her here. I need to tell him now, though and I can't wait for her to come back because I'll have chickened out by then, so instead of following the plan that I've created in my mind, I decide to just do it. Just go through, no interruptions and no waiting.

"Dad," I speak quietly. He looks over at me, arched eyebrows raised in query as his teeth nibble away at his bottom lip. "I have somethin' I need t' tell you." He doesn't say anything, just continues to watch me as I make my way around the chair sitting opposite of him. I take a seat in it, sitting back and folding my hands before looking at him directly again.

"You won't be mad will you?"

His eyebrows fall and furrow. "Stella, Mary why don't y' go see what Momma's doing?" he speaks, patting them on the shoulder. Before I can object to that, they're already headed upstairs, leaving me completely alone with him -- exactly what I don't want. "What'd you do?" he adds, leaning forward.

"Nothing!" I'm quick to say, laughing a bit. "I just--you know Julian right? John's boy?"

He stares at me quizzically, his features growing less scared than they were before. "Yeah," he nods.

"Well when we were at George's he asked me to go out with him, and I said yeah, and I know I should've asked you about it first but you wouldn't stop calling me and I needed t' give him an answer and--"

My father giggles, cutting me off from the rambling I was beginning to do. "It's alright, Ava. I don't mind that you said yes. He's a good boy, I think," he replies, a grin painting across his lips. "I won't hesitate to hassle him a bit if he messes with your heart, though. Don't care if he's the fruit of John's looms or not, no one messes with you beside me, of course."

I huge amount of relief sweeps over me, and a large grin breaks out on my lips before I get up and tackle my dad in a hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I tell him, wrapping my arms around his torso. He returns the embrace, squeezing me tightly and patting my hair before I pull back. He gives me gentle grin when I look at him, and I swear there's a hint of sadness in hues. Then, he opens his mouth and it makes sense.

"You're growing up," he says, his tone a bit sad but proud in a way, and I just want to hug him again. I love my dad, I really do because he's always given me his love, through the ups and the downs. He took when my mom practically tossed me at him when I was three, and despite being a young bachelor Beatle, he didn't leave me behind. He was always somewhere close nearby, holding my hand and caring. And nothing's changed, eleven years, a wife and four more children later. He still loves me just as much as he did day one.

I let into my urge and hug him one more time, but it's quick this time. "It happens Dad but I'll always be around, don't worry."

He sighs. "I know, I know. It just reminds me that I'm getting old, and it makes me a bit sad."

He gives me a playful smile and I mirror his reaction. "I love you, Dad."

"I love you too."

"More than guitars and Ringo Starrs?" I question playfully.

"More than them, yes," he says, before pulling me into another hug. This time it's a long hug and he doesn't let me out of it when I try to pull back. "Just let me love you before Jules comes and takes you away."

"Alright," is all I say, before hugging him back again.

It's hard being a McCartney, with all the cameras and privacy problems, but it's moments like this that make me appreciate it. Rich families are everywhere, but families that love each other are not, and that's what we do. That's what pushes me on.

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ITS TAKEN ME SO LONG TO UPDATE IM SORRY.

I just had to get my stuff together and research a bit but I'm ready for this story again. Also, thank for reading!