The mad stalker fan girl. (Part 1 complete)

Chapter 3

Joanne knew she was lucky to have been able to make the journey back to Helena's house without  any problems. She let herself into the house and began to make the evening meal for them both.  Joannne debated with herself as to what to tell her friend she had been doing all day. Part of her wanted to tell Helena that she had seen her hero but part of her was embarressed to admit she'd gone back there again. Her dilemma was spared explanation as it was 7pm by the time an exhausted Helena arrived home, apologising that she had to work the following day too.

Later that evening Joanne lay in her bed in Helena's guest room. She pondered the events of the day, reliving the moment when she first saw Paul and how he acknowledged her. She smiled to herself, wishing she'd had a chance to actually meet him. She thought of her two teenage children, both away at university. She knew both would disown her for acting like some mad stalker fan girl! She chuckled to herself, imagining their faces if they knew how she had spent the last two days.

The following day she dressed and once more set off on the journey that would take her back to Cavendish Avenue. Taking her place opposite the house, she could see a large car in the driveway.  It wasn't the same car as yesterday she noticed. Maybe this meant Paul was at home! She laughed at herself and her own wishful thinking! Glancing at the house, she saw someone looking out of a downstairs window. Without thinking, she waved. To her surprise, the someone waved back! She stood for a short while longer. Suddenly she began to feel foolish, she'd spent three days behaving like some mad teenager! It was time to go she decided. Taking one last glance at the house, she turned and began to walk away.

"Hello there!"

A sudden voice made her turn. The gates to Paul's house were open. Unbelievably, it was HIM, the man himself, stood there, looking at her.

" Oh, you're going?"

She stared at him, stunned.

"That's a shame. I thought that since you'd been here so quiet and for so long, I'd come out and say hello. Are you coming over?"

Not really sure what to say or think, Joanne crossed over the road. Paul held out his hand.

"Hello. I'm Paul."

Joanne took his hand. "J...J...Joanne.." she stammered, "Nice to meet you. Thank you for coming to speak to me." Her mouth was dry, her heart pounding, she could barely breathe..

"You're freezing."

Pardon?" Joanne was confused.

"Your hands are very cold. You must be frozen having been out here all this time. I know I wish I'd put a jacket on." He shivered slightly, "Would you like to come inside and have a hot drink with me?"

All Joanne could manage was a nod. Paul led the way. Once at the back of the house, Paul stood to one side and gestured for her to go on ahead of him. Nervously she climbed the three steps then hesitated.

"The door isn't locked, just go in."

Nodding, she obeyed his instructions. Pushing the door open, she found herself in a large but cosy kitchen. Dominating the room was an oak dining table surrounded by six chairs.

"Take a seat Joanne," said Paul moving forward, "I'll just put the kettle on."

Nervously she sat down.

"Would you like tea, coffee or hot chocolate?"

"Coffee would be lovely please." Her voice came out as a whisper.

She looked around the room discretely. There were lots of what looked like family photos on one wall. There were decorative shelves holding what looked like nicknacks and general family clutter. On the fridge, held on by a magnet, was a child's drawing. Across the top of the picture, was a message, written in an adult's hand but then over written by a child. It simply read "To the best grandad in the world." It made her smile. She turned her attention back to Paul. He was humming something as he made a pot of coffee and a pot of tea. He grinned at her as he placed milk and sugar on the table. She gave him a small smile in return, hoping it was hiding how nervous she felt.