September 21, 1964. London Airport, England.

[peter_brown64]

I had driven up to the airport to pick Brian up. I was going to happily bring him home and get him unpacked and drunk. Probably help him into a nice hot bath. He would need something of that sort after being with that lot on tour the whole time. I was feeling much better about not having been able to go on tour. I'd made it through security and

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[mr_b_epstein]

After everything I'd just been through, both on the plane and in America, it was a blessed relief to see Peter waiting for me, with open arms, no less. I fell into them, for once not caring what anyone else would make of it.

"Peter, you've no idea how good it is to see you." I said, well aware of how strained my voice sounded. I was probably still pale too, a complete mess. I could only imagine what assumptions Peter was making about what had gone on.

[peter_brown64]

He did look a mess. Tired, pale, over stressed. I could see it all written out over his face. I hugged him tightly and clapped him on the back a few times.

"Are you all right? Here come with me, let's get you in a car and bring you home. You look terribly tired, a little pale even," I brushed the back of my hand against his forehead.

"Are you sick?" I helped him grab up his bags and we headed out to the parking area through a secure walkway. Bypassing all of the madness of the Beatles' fans outside the airport.

[mr_b_epstein]

Normally, I'd make sure to see the boys through security, settled in their respective cars, before even thinking of leaving. But I couldn't face John or Paul, and being around George just made me remember our last night in the hotel. I would have a complete and utter breakdown if I stayed with these boys even a moment longer, so I let Peter lead me out of the airport without complaint.

I laughed bitterly at his questions, stowing my luggage in his trunk. I paused, leaning against the car for a moment as I rubbed my hands hard over my face, trying not to think of Paul and John...

"I'm most certainly not alright, Peter." I said quietly. "The farthest thing from it, to be perfectly honest."

[peter_brown64]

My eyes widened as I listened to him and I opened the passengerside door. I wanted to get him home as quickly as possible. He looked done in.

"What's wrong?" I hadn't seen him this withdrawn for awhile. I couldn't help but feel a little bit worried.