Twist and Shout (Choose Your Own Adventure)

Chapter Thirty-Three

You inspect every inch of the note, but there isn't a single clue on it to determine which of the lads sent it. The handwriting is slanted and a bit scrawly but that's about it. No other distinguishing features to be seen.

"Psst!"

Your head jerks at the sudden hissing noise.

"Psst!"

You freeze.

"Psst!"

You whip around quickly... and see a little blue-eyed man standing behind you.

"Ringo!" you cry, nearly fainting from relief. "You gave me such a fright!"

"Sorry," Ringo says apologetically. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"I thought you were some kind of murderer or something."

Ringo laughs. "The Whispering Murderer? That's a new one!"

You frown for a moment then begin chuckling yourself, realizing how silly you've been. Ringo's laughing too. He has a fat, funny laugh that makes you want to laugh as well. You take a good look at him, your head on one side. Why does Ringo suddenly seem so much more attractive than he was before?

Ringo stops laughing and smiles. "I see you got my message."

You glance down at the note in your hands. "Oh! Yeah! I got it."

"I'm sorry for having to do it like this," he says meekly. "I just didn't know how else to get your attention."

"You could have just come up to me and asked to talk," you say.

Ringo shakes his head. "I couldn't have done that."

"Why not?" you ask, intrigued.

"It would be too humiliating."

You blink in astonishment at his answer. Why on earth would talking to you be humiliating? Ringo doesn't seem like the type of guy who would be embarrassed to be seen with anyone, least of all someone like you. You're unsure whether to feel offended or wait for him to elaborate.

Ringo sees your face. "Oh no! That came out wrong! I didn't mean to upset you!"

"It's all right," you say, still slightly confused.

"Lordy," Ringo says glumly, leaning back against the wall. "This is exactly why I didn't want to talk to you! I'm rubbish at talking to girls. I always say the wrong thing."

You stand awkwardly, not sure if now would be the right time to say something.

"I'm sorry for wasting your time," says Ringo. He looks very near tears. You feel awful seeing his little face looking sad and dejected.

"No, don't be sorry, Ringo," you say, reaching out to take his hand. "If anyone should be sorry then it ought to be me. I should have talked to you more."

"I don't mind, really," Ringo mumbles. "I'm just a drummer. No one ever goes after the drummers."

"Oh, Ringo..."

You don't understand why Ringo thinks no one would ever like him. You're realizing far too late that he's probably the nicest member in the band; kindhearted and as sweet as pie, with the biggest blue eyes you've ever seen. 

"It was silly to think you'd ever like me," Ringo continues.

"But I do like you!" you cry.

Ringo stares at you, his mouth slightly open. "You what?"

"I said I do like you," you say.

Ringo blinks his big blue eyes in astonishment, then he gives a shy little smile. "You really like me?"

You nod insistently. "I think you're wonderful."

His cheeks turn a pleasant peony pink colour. "Thank you. I think you're wonderful too."

You reach out, take his hand and squeeze it. He grins and squeezes back.

"Listen," Ringo says. "I know it's a bit sudden, but would you like to go out sometime?"

You beam at him. "Sure. I'd love to."

He smiles, leans in and gives your cheek a shy kiss. 

"Ringo?" you say.

"Mm?"

"Don't convince yourself that no one likes you. Lots of people like you. I like you."

Ringo chuckles. "As long as you like me, love, that's all that matters."

THE END

(Go back and choose another adventure!)