A few days had gone by. I was getting ready for my first lesson of the day with Eugene. I got into my dull conservative piano teacher's clothes. Paul and I had talked just before I'd hopped in the shower, he asked me to call him after my lessons for the day were done so he could see me again. It gave me the courage and hope I needed to get through a day with Eugene.

I arrived 15 minutes before the scheduled lesson time. I knocked on the large door and waited patiently for The Pennington's to answer. The door opened revealing both Mr. and Mrs. Pennington, they looked at me disapprovingly. I'd grown used to this as I wasn't an average teacher by most standards.

"Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Pennington," I smiled as I greeted them "I trust Eugene is in the music room?"

Mr. Pennington made a grunting sound.

"We are finding a new piano teacher for our little Eugene" Mrs. Pennington advised. I was shocked! No one had put up with...let alone been able to teach the first few bars of Fur Elise to him aside from me.

"Pardon?" I asked warmly.

Mr. Pennington shoved a newspaper in front of me. There was a photo of Paul and I, along with the interview from his party. I was still confused, my face must've said so.

"We aren't comfortable with someone who associates with such...people...being around our little Eugene" Mrs. Pennington stated.

"I'm afraid I don't understand," I said finally.

"It's all right there in the paper," she said firmly crossing her arms

"No, what I don't understand is why my choice of friends...for that matter my partner, should have anything to do with my ability to teach" I countered.

"You're dating a bleeding rocker!" Mr. Pennington finally said. They both stood staring at me as if I were a horrible person. I knew I couldn't argue, or reason with them.

"Fine then." I said simply "I'll be on my way"

and I left. I got into my car, took a deep breath and decided I'd go to a small café I frequented.

Once I got to the café, I asked to use a phone. I waited as the phone rang hoping for an answer.

"Hullo?" the voice I'd come to adore said into the phone. I smiled automatically.

"'Ello Paulie" I chimed

"Tilly luv!" he said excitedly, "I thought ya' had a lesson right now"

"Things change, I suppose" I sighed "I'm actually about to have lunch and thought I'd see if you'd join me...I could use the company right now"

"Is everything alright?" he asked

"It will be," I said "If I can see you"

There was a small pause.

"Of course," he said warmly "I'll be there in 15 luv"

I smiled. I had been upset over losing a student, even if it was Eugene, over such ridiculous reasoning. I went to the café's owner and requested a more secluded table, I knew Paul's arrival would bring about excitement and much as it was all well and good, I needed him to myself for a bit.

"Sure thing Miss Beckham," the owner said warmly. I saw a few people look up, some with their papers with my photo in their hands.

He began leading me to a different area, I was stopped by a young girl...I'd say no more than 12.

"You're her..." she gushed "Tilly"

I glanced down at the paper in her hands. I hushed her as well.

"shhh, it's me." I admitted "I'm just here for a quick lunch before my next lesson luv, no need to make a fuss over me"

"Oh, I'm sorry!" she squeaked "I was just wondering if you could sign this for me?"

I was a little shocked by it but obliged.

Soon after I was seated in a small booth away from the lunch rush. I looked over the menu, trying to ignore what had happened only recently. Then I heard excited chatter amongst the crowd. Sure enough, I glanced up to see Paul quietly signing a few autographs. I watched as he politely broke away from the chaos and was led to the closed off section I was in, I stood to greet him as he entered. Immediately he smiled at me, which in turn made me feel much better about the day.

"Afternoon luv," he said embracing me "How are you?"

"Much better now," I said looking up at him. He smiled and kissed me before we sat down in the small booth. Already, my spirits were lifted.

"Did ya' finally give up on Eugene then?" Paul asked jokingly as our meals arrived.

"No, not really...I think they gave up on me" I said sarcastically. He raised an eyebrow.

"Apparently, they aren't comfortable with their widdle Eugene being taught by someone who keeps the company I do" I laughed. Paul's expression changed to one of concern.

"I'm sorry luv," he said seriously, he placed a hand on mine "I never wanted us being together to cause this sort of thing"

"Oh God, don't think that!" I said surprised "I think it's silly. It shouldn't matter who I'm dating really, and I'm happy with you...you've no need to apologize"

Paul smiled weakly, I knew he was concerned over it all.

"Besides, why should you be apologizing for other's stupid judgments"

He smiled wider, then brought my hand close and kissed my fingertips. I could've cared less about Eugene's family at that moment.

"You're too good to me luv" he smiled

Much as I could've stayed in that little café with him all afternoon, I had one more lesson for the day. I could only hope it would go better than the Pennington's.

I knocked on the familiar door of the Chatsworth family. Mrs. Chatsworth answered.

"Afternoon Miss Beckham" she smiled. Ok, a smile...that's a good start.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Chatsworth," I said amiably.

"Seems you're everywhere nowadays" she smiled. My heart raced, noticing she had the paper as well. I didn't want to lose Vivian as a student.

"Mrs. Chatsworth, I assure you my personal life won't interfere with Vivian's lessons" I explained nervously.

"No need to explain lovey" she laughed "You're her favorite teacher, we can't just let you go! Besides, she's absolutely ecstatic over the news!" she whispered.

I smiled.

"Vivian is in the music room," Mrs. Chatsworth said allowing me to enter the home.

Vivian sat at the large piano playing her warm ups.

"Good afternoon Vivian," I said upon entering.

"Tilly!" she exclaimed. I sat beside her on the piano bench.

"What's he like?" she whispered eagerly.

"Vivian, I think we need to focus on your lessons right now, there will be time for questions after" I advised. Vivian pouted a little but complied with my request.

"Well done today Vivian!" I said as she finished.

"Thank you" she smiled. She then grinned wider "So, what's he like?"

"I don't know if young girls should be asking such questions of ladies" I teased.

"Can I meet him someday?" she said with wide eyes. I winked "We'll see"

"I see you've gone over your time yet again Miss Beckham," Mrs. Eddlesworth's voice said behind me. I cringed, Vivian groaned in protest.

"Just wrapping up, if it's any of your concern," I said packing my music

"You could actually learn a lot from Miss Beckham Vivian," Mrs. Eddlesworth sneered "Of how not to act if you want to be a lady...and most of all what company to keep"

"How did I guess you would have some say on all this?" I challenged.

"How could I not? It's absolutely deplorable finding out you'd be seen with a musician, at least one of his caliber" she said turning up her nose in disgust.

"I find it quite fitting" I laughed.

"If only you could've been more like your sister, perhaps you'd earn the respect of a real gentleman," she said. I bit my lip.

"My sister is the most disgusting, wretched human being on this bloody planet...." I hissed "I'm glad I'm not like her. If THAT'S what being a proper lady is considered, I'm glad I'm a bloody urchin"

I stormed out of the room. Vivian ran after me

"Miss Beckham! Wait!" she called. I stopped and turned to face her, putting on a fake smile.

"Vivian, you should be in your lesson dear," I said softly, hoping Mrs. Eddlesworth wasn't behind her.

"I like you how you are," she said "and I want to give you something"

I cocked my head slightly and crouched down to her level. Vivian procured a piece of paper with a drawing on it. There on the paper were two people drawn in crayons, one small with yellow hair, the other taller with black hair. Around them were music notes, birds, trees and clouds.

"It's me and you" she explained "I wanted to make you something because Mrs. Eddlesworth is so mean to you all the time"

I reached out and hugged the young girl. It was such a simple gesture but it meant so much.

"Thank you, Vivian," I said. "Never listen to a word that woman says" I laughed softly.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Eddlesworth knew just what would get to me. And it did, I was disappointed in myself for allowing her statement about Daphne get under my skin. That night, Sam decided we needed time in and called Ginny over for a few lagers and dinner.

"I don't know why ya' listen to what others think on ya' Tilly" Sam slurred "You're bloody gorgeous!"

"And you're dating a bloody Beatle!" Ginny laughed drunkenly "Have I mentioned how jealous I am?"

"A few times yeah," I laughed. "It's just hard, all my life I've been told 'why can't you be more like Daphne?' bla bla..."

"I'm glad yer not like 'er," Sam said after taking a large drink of beer "Met her once, bloody cunt she is" (Ah yes, the meeting of Sam and Daphne...it was a bloody disaster! One that Sam and I hit the pub afterward)

"Sam!" Ginny exclaimed. Out of the three of us, Ginny was always the most proper.

"Ah stop it, Ginny! Have ya' ever met Tilly's sister? Have ya' ever seen what she's done to Tilly?" Sam challenged. I shot her a look to shut up.

"Well, no...I've only heard Tilly's account" Ginny confessed.

"And I wouldn't lie on that," I said bluntly. The phone rang just as Ginny was about to say her next piece. It was late, all three of us had an idea who it might be...all three of us jumped up and scrambled to answer, Ginny...somehow, got to it ahead of me and Sam (she practically pushed me out of the way).

"'Ello?" she answered. I laughed as she visibly swooned.

"Um...yeah...can you just hold on a moment?" she turned red. Sam and I both in a heap on the floor laughed at her.

"Tilly, it's Paul" she said dreamily.

"I figured that out," I said as I got up and made my way to the phone.

"Hullo luv," Paul said into the phone. I smiled instantly.

"Miss me already?" I laughed.

"that's a given isn't it?"

Paul was always incredibly sweet to me...even on the phone, he'd made a habit of calling once a night to see how I was. Even if he'd seen me that day.

Being as I had rehearsal the next afternoon, I called it a night early (for us) that night. I had been feeling much better and was excited for a performance the next day.

Twisted metal. Sirens. Voices I was unfamiliar with. I started coming to, my head ached horribly.

"I don't care, take care of my daughter first!" I heard dad saying. We were heading out for ice cream...I didn't recall if we'd actually gotten there. I glanced over to my father, blood. He, in his mangled state, was more concerned about me. I was pried from the car screaming for him.

"Tilly, everything will be ok." He said "you need to be strong luv"

I cried out for him again before things became hazy.

I awoke later, everything was so white and clean. I sat upright "Dad!" I screamed. A nurse told me to lay back down, she'd take me to see him soon. My head hurt. I felt around it trying to calm the pain, there was something cloth around my head. My body ached horribly, this shouldn't have been a pain experienced by a 9-year-old.

"You're very lucky luv," the nurse smiled at me "it could've been a lot worse"

"Tilly!" my little sister came running into the room. Lucy, was only 4, her face was red from crying I assumed "Your head...it's icky"

I didn't doubt her. Soon after, my mother and older sister followed.

"Tilly lovey," my mum said hugging me gently. She had been crying as well, she stroked my cheek softly "I'm so glad you're ok"

My mum looked to the nurse.

"Can we take her to see him?" she fought back tears. The nurse nodded.

Dad had to be ok, didn't he? I mean, I was going to be fine, shouldn't he as well?

The three of us and mum sat in his hospital room, much as I was in pain and had been given pain killers, which made me dizzy and tired...things were sinking in slowly. He wasn't going to make it.

"Girls," he said to us "I need a moment alone with your mother"

With that, the three of us slowly walked into the hallway and waited.

"This is all your fault," Daphne said to me. "if it hadn't been for your bloody piano lessons, dad would be ok"

I hung my head. She was right.

Soon after, mum came out and told Daphne to see dad.

I knew I'd be next, I wasn't ready. He couldn't leave...

Daphne came out of the room and told Lucy to go inside.

Had he forgotten me?

Lucy after a few moments came out of the room sobbing, trying to tell me to go into the room. My heart was in my throat. I didn't want to face it, but I knew what was happening...

I entered the cold hospital room. Dad laid in the bed...bandaged and hooked up to multiple machines. I shivered at the sight.

"Tilly lovey," he whispered "come see your dad"

I sat on the bedside.

"Tilly," he began. Immediately I felt tears stinging my eyes "Tilly, I know you have had a rough go of things...but I need you to be strong." He reached out for me.

"No" I protested "You can't leave me"

he laughed softly. It was almost pained.

"Chantilly," he smiled warmly "I'm not leaving you. You'll always have me with you and you'll always be my songbird"

with that, I stopped fighting the tears. I curled up into my father's arms on the cold bed and sobbed.

"Be strong for me. I love you more than words can say" he said softly. I cried harder.

He held me close.

"Tilly, my little songbird, sing me a song" he pleaded.

"I can't dad" I cried "I just can't..."

"No? Then let's sing one together" he said. "I know the perfect song"

I sniffled. I knew what song he would pick, it was one of our favorites. From my favorite movie growing up; The Wizard of Oz. I remember begging dad to let me have a little Toto dog, that all seemed so insignificant now. He cleared his throat and started to sing softly.

"Somewhere over the rainbow

Way up high

There's a land that I heard of

Once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the Rainbow

Skies are blue

And the dreams that you dare to dream

Really do come true"

I apprehensively joined him.

"Someday I'll wish upon a star

and wake up where the clouds are far behind me

Where troubles melt like lemon drops

Away above the chimney tops

That's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow

Blue birds fly

Birds fly over the rainbow

Why then, oh why, can't I?"

I continued on alone...

"If happy little bluebirds fly

Beyond the rainbow,

Why, oh why can't I?"

I then realized why he wasn't singing. I began sobbing uncontrollably and clung to him with all the strength my 9-year-old body could muster. The rest of my family came rushing in, I had no idea what their reactions were, I still clung to my dad's body desperately hoping he'd hear me beg him to come back until I was pried from him by the staff on hand....

I awoke that night with a start, my face wet with tears. Another flashback. I threw on my robe and ran to the bathroom still crying, hoping the cold water would bring me out of it. I should've known better, it never worked that way. I then found our phone and carefully, so I didn't wake Ginny in our living room, picked it off its perch and hid in our coat closet as I slowly dialed a familiar number.

"Hullo?" a tired voice answered on the other line. I'd had no idea what time it was.

"Paul?" I said choking back a sob.

"Tilly" he yawned "Is everything alright?"

I lost it.

"No, it's not" I sobbed. I could hear him wake himself up.

"What's wrong baby girl?" he asked.

"I miss him," I sobbed "I miss him so much"

"Aw Tilly lovey," Paul soothed "I know. He's not worth it though...I make ya' happy yeah? I try. I kno—"

"Not Cedric!" I said realizing he'd understood me wrong "My dad..."

"Oh luv," Paul sympathized "I'm sorry."

"I dreamt of him, the accident, everything....I miss him Paul" I sobbed.

"I understand luv," he paused a moment "I still miss my mum"

"I need to see him," I said suddenly. "and I need you, could you meet me at his site?"

It was bold. I knew it was, I would understand if he said no, I'd dated Cedric for a year and he never went with me.

"Alright Tilly luv," he said "I'll be there if ya' need me"

I was surprised but gave him the directions and was on my way out the door.

I made my way in the dark, I'd been there many times before, finally, I stopped at a tombstone

Giles Lewis Beckham

I sat at the plot and sobbed.

"I miss you so much dad" I spoke to the stone "I haven't forgotten you."

I always had conversations with him like this. It was all I really had of him.

"I'm still teaching...still singing. Lucy is doing well in school...Daphne is getting married..to Cedric. Things will never be good between the two of us, but I'm stronger now. Oh! I did get a part in a film recently. It was fantastic! I met a lot of marvelous people there...I even met a special lad da" I added smiling slightly "You'd like him, he loves music. He's quite good at it too. He treats me well too" I smiled. I heard someone else walking through the dead leaves.

Paul bent down beside me, placing his hands on my shoulders.

It was a cold evening. It was late. But we sat like that for what seemed like hours. Neither of us saying a word. The simple gesture of just being with me said much more.

Eventually, Paul did say something, only it wasn't to me. He looked to the tombstone and said simply

"You have an absolutely wonderful daughter."

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A/N:  slowly but surely I'm getting files off my laptop (and updating...writing more as well :) ).  Think you for the votes and for reading!

Soundtrack:  Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Judy Garland