"One...two...three...four...one...two..." George's rough, gravelly voice rasped into the microphone.

The four lads had gotten back into the swing of things and were now in the midst of rehearsing. Normally, Isabel was one to stand back and stay out of everyone's way. She previously would have experienced a momentary freak-out in the presence of the boys, not wanting to overstep any bounds. Now, however, she was finally beginning to feel secure in her place within the group.

As always, Paul couldn't resist eyeing her from afar. Though Isabel remained quiet in the corner, she never failed to smile radiantly as soon as he made eye contact with her. It was small details like this that made Paul's heart melt; those subtle, precious moments that were shared just by them and no one else. It made him feel like a child on Christmas.

As soon as their practice session came to a close, the lads all exchanged self-satisfied grins and there was a deep sigh of gratification.

"Well!" Gail proclaimed. "I'd say a spectacular effort like that calls for some tea!"

"We'd love some! But you're no longer on the payroll to make it for us!" Ringo pointed out with a chuckle.

"Oh, not from me!" Gail spurted, pressing a dramatic hand against her chest. "But if I were still on the payroll, I would've served tea an hour ago -- and made a batch of biscuits! The new one can't be bothered at all, she's nowhere to be found! I swear, that secretary..."

"Abbie!" John snapped.

"Oh, right, sorry..." Gail took a step back, hanging her head in slight shame.

"Well, if not her, who else can make us tea?" Paul questioned in solemn.

For a split second, they all stared awkwardly at Isabel.

"She can't make tea, she's American!" George blurted.

"...I-I can try..." Isabel offered.

"No need, Isabel, I'll start the kettle for us!" Paul stepped in gallantly.

As he headed to the kitchen, Isabel emerged from her self-enclosed space. There was a calm yet knowing quality to her demeanor as she took a measured step toward Gail.

"So, John and I talked earlier today..." she revealed.

"Oh, I hope he wasn't too rude to you," Gail replied. "I know he can be a little rough around the edges..."

"No, he was actually really nice..." Isabel clarified, perking up at the memory.

"Oh..." Gail's mouth gaped in surprise before her expression shifted to suspicion. "How nice..?"

Isabel giggled, "It wasn't like that. But for once, he wasn't acting all snippy around me. It was just the two of us and I think he let his guard down. It made me feel like I could let my guard down, too. I guess maybe you were right and he did like me, after all..."

Gail nearly choked up at the sentiment, in spite of herself, "I...know what that's like..."

As if on cue, John came strolling back out with Paul, both of them sporting cheeky grins on their faces.

"-And remember when you thought yourself a chef and started chopping all those onions?" John recalled, guffawing.

"Hey, my mother's soup recipe may be strong but it's a bloomin' hearty meal!" Paul stated in defense, rubbing his chest as if both his heart and ego were bruised.

"My tum-tum remembers that soup!" George piped up as he massaged his belly in a circular motion.

John chuckled, "All I know is that those onions made Paulie's eyes tear up a storm! I haven't seen him that emotional since we all listened to Pet Sounds."

All of a sudden, all of Isabel's senses perked up, "You like Pet Sounds..?"

Paul stared at Isabel in blank disbelief, "Indubitably, darling, do you?"

Isabel's eyes twinkled, "Yes, I love it! Brian Wilson is my idol!"

Bewitched, Paul felt like his entire being had dissolved in an instant. This was it. The moment he knew.

"By Jove, she's opening up!" George exclaimed softly as he smiled.

"Of course the American likes the American artist..." Gail remarked with a smirk, rolling her eyes. 

"Well, why wait another moment, dear? Let's go back home and listen to it!" Paul eagerly suggested.

"Um, why don't we finish working on our own songs first, Paulie?" John stepped in between them. "You don't see me running home to have a midday quickie with Cynthia..."

"Why would you need to?" George sneered. "Gail's right he--"

"Okay, let's move on from this topic!" Gail sang in a frantic, uncomfortable tone. 

After a momentary beat of silence, John scowled as he began fiddling with his rhythm guitar. "Yes, let's."

Once again, there was an unsavory shift in mood that Isabel could pick up on. She attempted to meet Paul's gaze but, alas, the despair and remorse had already set in on his puppy dog eyes. His shoulders were tense and rigid.

John then offered Paul a previously concealed joint, which he gladly accepted, and they both took a heavy drag, more than ready to tune out of the conversation.

"You're getting quite heavy into those drugs, aren't ye..?" Gail noted.

"Yeah, what else was left for us to do after you left us?" John sharply retorted.

"Whoa..." she recoiled, speechless.

No longer in the mood for idle chit-chat, Gail uttered a short breath and excused herself from the scene. As she made her way out into the hallway, she was shocked to catch the piercing, blue eyes that stared at her from a distance.

"Oh...hi, Pattie."

~~~

Brian Epstein loved his boys. One might even say too much. He wasted no time in becoming their honorary uncle, manager and mentor as soon as he met them. In these four rambunctious lads from Liverpool, Brian saw the youthful potential he thought he had already squandered in himself. By the time he began to manage them professionally, he knew he had found his calling. His reason to live. The public and the lads themselves were quick to point out that they were unable to function without him, but he secretly felt that the reverse was true tenfold.

Producer and arranger George Martin shared a similar sentiment. Though he was a great deal older than Brian, they both possessed a mutual fondness and understanding of what they were doing and who they were working with. Blessed, that's how George would put it. That's how he would describe how the boys made him feel. Blessed and alive. He had more energy, more spunk in his step, in his middle age than he had had in his twenties. And he knew exactly who to thank for that. That was the tremendous, magical and glorious affect the Beatles had, not just on him, but on everyone whose ears had been graced by their musical forces.

George and Brian had a deep, intimate bond with each other. And it was because of this bond that they were able to sit in silence for what felt like hours. They were both perfectly content to just sit there, share a ciggie, and let the awe and wonderment of it all sink in.

"Gail has been acting strange recently..." Brian mentioned, breaking the quietude.

George's eyes darted towards Brian. He squinted slightly, "Strange, in what way..?"

"She's just been fidgety ever since she came back, even more so than usual, and she almost comes off unbalanced...just yesterday, she was waxing philosophical about the trees..." Brian explained, recollecting his uneasiness.

George's lips curved into a sneaky smirk, "Well, isn't it obvious why?"

Brian pouted in confusion, "No, what's so obvious..?"

George continued to look at him, still grinning in a suggestive fashion.

Suddenly, Brian's eyebrows raised in realization. With a small smile and quick nod, they both knew there was nothing more that needed to be said.

~~~

"Gail, why don't you and I go out to lunch, just the two of us?" Pattie offered.

"Um...okay," Gail answered, unceremoniously. Anything to break away from the toxic studio atmosphere.

They eventually settled on a semi-casual joint that served house-made Italian. Gail was grateful for the comfort food -- if her taste buds could be taken to a different place, then maybe her mind would follow suit.

As they were waiting to be waited on, a vibrant, young couple took the table beside them. A soft cooing could be heard from the sky-blue baby stroller they had in tow.

The look on Pattie's face upon making this discovery was one of pure joy. She instantly began to jitter and shake as she could barely contain her excitement.

"Oh, good heavens, I love babies!" she proclaimed. "Don't you just want to hold that sweet child close to your chest!? Oh, I just want to kidnap it!"

Conversely, Gail felt faint just from stealing a quick glance at the newborn. The mere look of it was enough to make her feel nauseous.

"Pattie, let's not talk about kidnapping the baby!" she cried, pressing a nervous hand against her blonde companion's arm.

As she began to calm down, Pattie chuckled, a tad embarrassed at her acute display. "I'm sorry, I've just always wanted to have a little one of my own, you know?" she sighed dreamily.

Gail paused in both thought and residual discomfort. She couldn't say she could relate.

"So, tell me, Gail, why are you really here..?" Pattie narrowed her eyes knowingly.

Gail narrowed her eyes back at her, "You invited me here."

"No, silly, I mean why are you back? With the boys? We all know you're not just here on business..."

Gail shifted uneasily from side to side in her seat, "I am," she stated firmly.

Suddenly, a vision of George flashed before her in her mind's eye: Well, if it isn't Gail "not-in-denial" Greene...

Gail promptly made a sour face in response to George's imaginary likeness. His very real wife in front of her appeared to be similarly unconvinced, sporting a crafty smile.

"Well, so what if I have leftover business with Paul and...John..." Gail attempted to hide the defensiveness in her tone.

Then, Pattie's eyes rapidly lit up, filling up with excitement yet again, "Wait a minute! You're in love with John!!??"

Gail's mouth went dry, "I didn't say that..."

"You didn't need to say it!" Pattie exclaimed fervently. "Blimey, and to think yesterday I thought you were going after Paul!"

"I'm not -- I just -- ugh!" Gail abruptly stood up from her seat and shuffled towards the ladies' room. Pattie hurriedly scurried behind her.

"Gail! Gail, wait up!" She was finally able to catch up to where Gail somberly stood, blocking the bathroom door. Sighing, Pattie continued, "Gail, I actually invited you out to apologize. Maureen filled me in about you and John. I didn't know you two had a thing..."

"We didn't have a thing!" Gail mewled, flustered, tearful. "We didn't have any-thing..."

In pity, Pattie outstretched her arms, "Bring it in..."

Tears streamed down Gail's cheeks as they hugged. "Thanks," she said after a long, deep exhale. "You know, at first I didn't really like you all that much..."

Pattie gazed at her and smiled, "That's okay! I didn't really like you much at first either, but we sisters need to stick together!"

Gail chuckled quietly, "I guess so..." In all her years fantasizing about having a sister, Pattie was not the first person to come to mind.

Then, Pattie gasped excitedly, snapping Gail out of her reverie, "I know what I can do to make it up to you! I'll bring you and John back together!"

Gail's eyes widened with panic, "Oh, Pattie...that's really not necessa--"

"Don't even fret about it!" As if to underline her point, Pattie's irises sparkled in an unsettling way. "Just leave everything to me!"

~~~

The four Beatles sat in a circle. Each looking completely concentrated yet zoned out as they passed around the joint. Paul, however, struggled to get into it. Usually, he was a huge champion for this type of indulgence. Ever since their friend, Bob Dylan, introduced them to the wonders of cannabis, it felt like their entire world changed in the best possible way. Alas, Paul's mind was already elsewhere.  

"Now, where the hell is Pattie!?" George spat. Evidently, the high hadn't hit him yet either.

"I don't know, ask Gail, she's been out frolicking with her," Paul answered.

"Has she, really? I didn't even know Pattie stopped by..." George remarked.

"Well, keep better track of your women next time!" John cracked.

Unamused, George scowled at his bandmate. He had already made the mistake of throwing Gail in John's face once today. This time, he chose to hold his tongue. 

Ringo inhaled sharply, "This stuff is great, isn't it!?" He proceeded to chuckle in a giddy fashion.

"Ringo, I think you smoked the whole joint again..." Paul mentioned.

This caused Ringo to chortle more loudly, "Oh, I guess I did!"

"Excuse me, lads," Paul announced. "I'll be back in a bit..."

~~~

Isabel stood still in the shower, content to let the looming blanket of steam encompass her. It was always the hardest for her to resist biting her nails in the shower. Her mind would go blank, her eyes would glaze over and her hand would go directly to her mouth, kick-starting the self-soothing ritual.

Paul had searched high and low for Isabel before realizing she had walked home by herself. Silently, he cursed himself for yet again failing to look after her. When he arrived at his abode, he noticed the steam coming from bottom of the bathroom door. Visions of Isabel's wet, naked body then flashed before his eyes, invigorating his senses. 

A mild disappointment overcame him when he spotted her already draped in a robe, though the dark maroon color did look quite fetching on her. As she quickly brushed past him, not making eye contact, Paul couldn't help but envision her creamy curves dancing underneath the thick fabric.

Isabel wasted no time and immediately plopped into bed, her robe still neatly intact. Feeling depressed, she pulled the covers over her head. Paul chuckled, as he found her coy manner endearing, but underneath the covers, Isabel was not chuckling. 

"You live a very isolated lifestyle, don't you?" Paul noted. 

Isabel nodded, fighting back tears, unbeknownst to Paul. 

Slowly peeling back the duvet, he revealed a quietly sniffling Isabel. She attempted to wipe the sadness away from her dark, glistening eyes. 

Frustrated at the sight, Paul smacked his forehead, "Gah, I'm so daft! I should've seen what John was telling me sooner..." 

Still rubbing at her eye, Isabel offered Paul a watery smile, "I'm sorry, I know this isn't very pleasant. You can come back in a couple hours and maybe then I'll be beautiful..."

As she sat up, Isabel noticed Paul's rough, calloused hands. The desire for his hand to touch hers was suddenly overwhelming. Briefly, she allowed their eyes to meet.

"You're already beautiful..." Paul spoke softly, beaming as he stared into her soul. 

Isabel's cheeks inevitably flushed pink as she beamed back at him. 

"But you'll be even more beautiful when you grow out your nails..." Paul said as he took Isabel's hand and squeezed it. 

"No!" Isabel yelped, her heart quivering as she pulled her hand away once more. "I'm not ready to give that up yet!" 

"Relax, love," Paul cooed. "I'm not going to hurt you..."

As her rocking subsided and her breathing steadily returned to normal, Isabel permitted herself to sneak a peek at him. The dashing young man who was sitting unbearably close to him on a still slightly damp bed. His look was one of longing and intent. It confused her, but nevertheless, mesmerized her. 

Paul then placed a tentative, comforting hand on her knee. Isabel tightened up at Paul's sensual touch, avoiding his loving gaze. She wasn't naive about sexuality; there were times in the past when she would awaken from her sleep with those feelings. However, it wasn't something she was overly-interested in seeking out. At least not here. Not now. 

After sitting in silence for what was only a moment but felt like ages, Paul put on a coy grin and suggested they move elsewhere.

~~~

As they both nestled at the piano, Paul began to play strings of various tunes -- some sounded familiar to Isabel and some didn't. He appeared engrossed, consumed, basking in his own little musical paradise. 

"Do you know The Girl From Ipanema?" Paul asked.

"Unfortunately, no. But I do know the song..." Isabel replied with a smile.

Paul chuckled and began to play the enthralling Bossa Nova melody. To his surprise, Isabel began to hum and chirp along, her singing voice nearly a whisper. 

"You have a beautiful voice, my dear..." Paul commented. 

"Thank you," Isabel croaked, her long hair obscuring her face as she looked away. 

Paul continued to gaze at her in admiration, "...You're so delicate."

~~~

A few hours passed and the two were now settled on the couch, a light conversation filling the room. 

"Did you always know you wanted to be a musician?" Isabel inquired.

"More or less," Paul responded. "I think the urge became stronger after my mum died. I almost went to school for something entirely different, though. I was going to be a teacher of all things..."

"What would you say has been the best day of your life so far?" 

"The day we hit America!" Paul spouted with enthusiasm.

"What was the second best day of your life?" 

"The day I met you...I just didn't know it yet!" Paul winked, leaning closer. 

Isabel's mouth gaped, "Well, what about Ja-"

"-ip!" 

"And Ga-"

"-ahp! When I look at you...there is no Jane and Gail!" 

"...Really?" Isabel's brows rose together in skepticism. She wasn't entirely convinced by the sudden spouting noises Paul made interrupting her train of thought. 

"Yes, really!" Paul nodded, beaming.

"I don't know, Paul, I'm nothing special!" Isabel stated, shaking her head. "I'm no stunner like Jane..."

Paul snorted, shortly and dismissively, "You're prettier than Jane. That's not the most important thing, though. That's not the main reason I like you..."

"Well then, what is the reason?"

Paul grinned, "I know there's an answer on a certain Beach Boys record..."

~~~

I know perfectly well I'm not where I should be

The Pet Sounds album spun melodiously on the vinyl. Though Paul at first simply seemed moved by the music, Isabel noticed him becoming increasingly more emotional with every resounding note. He avoided eye contact with her as he sat on the edge of the couch, riddled with guilt and despair. 

I've been very aware you've been patient with me

Isabel scooted closer and patted Paul's back as his face sank into his hands. When he lifted his head up, he revealed his bloodshot eyes.

"No one ever sees me like this..." he confessed, sniffing wetly as he blinked away the stray tears. 

I try hard to be strong but sometimes I fail myself

"Paul, it's okay. You're allowed to be human," Isabel continued to pat his back as she reassured him.

And after all I've done to you how can it be?

You still believe in me!

Looking up, Paul placed a grateful hand on top of hers, "Isabel...you and I both know I don't deserve you. I know you don't think you've done much but you've done absolute wonders for me the past few days..."

"It's my pleasure, Paul, I'll always be here for you..."

I want to cry.

~~~

They both sat in a cozy silence as the next song started to play. Turning their heads, they simultaneously stared into each other's eyes. 

I can hear so much in your sighs

And I can see so much in your eyes

There are words we both could say

Paul groaned as they embraced and he felt Isabel's full, supple breasts pressed up against him. Martha eagerly approached them, wagging her tail, but Paul shooed her. 

Don't talk, put your head on my shoulder

Isabel's then put her head on Paul's shoulder; her long, tangled hair was partially in his face, but he didn't mind. 

Come close, close your eyes and be still

For once, Isabel was impeccably calm, still and content in the moment. There was not a ghost of a doubt clouding her mind. Paul wrapped his arm around her and nuzzled her.

Don't talk, take my hand and let me hear your heart beat

Paul took Isabel's hand and it felt like their hearts were beating perfectly in sync. 

Being here with you feels so right

We could live forever tonight

Lets not think about tomorrow

Without realizing it, they had both leaned in towards each other, their lips tantalizingly close. But before they could both let themselves be swept away, they were interrupted by the pesky sound of a door unlatching. 

Paul gasped, "Jane!"

~~~

NOTE: Heeeeyyyyyy, guys! Hope you enjoyed this new installment! John's being a jerk again in this chapter but, oh well, we love moody John! Pet Sounds, which clearly inspired this portion, is a front-to-back a straight-up masterpiece! I can totally see why Paul stanned that album! Gotta love the snail's pace slow burn I've got going for Paul and Isabel! ;) I was extremely tempted to go full-on sexy with them here but I had to resist! All in due time! As always, I'm not sure how I feel about this chapter after I post it. So, any feedback is appreciated!