The mad stalker fan girl. (Part 1 complete)

Chapter 5

Joanne opened her eyes and peered at the bedside clock. It was almost 9am! She wondered why Helena hadn't woken her sooner? She stetched and tried to muster up enough strength to get up. She was tired. It had taken her a long time to fall asleep last night. The phone call from Paul had gone round and round her head for hours! Finally, she roused herself enough to wander downstairs. Helena was sat on the sofa drinking a cup of coffee.

"Hi!" she said on the way to the ktchen.

Helena got up and followed her. "You look terrible Jo. Are you OK?"

"I had some trouble sleeping that's all. I'll be OK after a brew and something to eat."

Helena looked at her friend. "Are you sure you're OK Jo? You seem really out of sorts." She watched as her friend's face crumpled with tears. "What is it Jo?"

"Today should have been Rob's 50th birthday." she said softly, in between her tears. "It dawned on me last night when all I could think about was Paul's phone call. Poor Rob, It's like I've forgotten him already!" She began to cry even more. Helena put her arms around her friend and let her cry. As she quietened, Helena spoke quietly.

"Jo love, I knew you and Rob right from when you first met him. I know how much you loved him and how much he loved you but I think you're being too hard on yourself."

Joanne wiped her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"You were lucky Jo. You had a great marriage and two fabulous kids. Poor Rob's death changed your life but Jo, you're still young and you're gorgeous! You're allowed to have a life again. You can think about or see other men. Missing Rob is fine but you have a right to be happy again. I know that's what he would have wanted!"

Jo lifted her head and gave her friend a watery smile. "I know what you mean and I know you're right but..."

"But what?"

"It feels wrong."

"What do you mean... wrong?"

"I don't know.....confusing! Scary!" Joanne stared laughing at herself. "As usual, I'm over thinking things." She hugged her friend."I'm OK now. Come on, lets go and get eady for our trip to Liberty!"

 It was half past ten by the time Joanne and Helena arrived at Liberty. At first, as they walked in, Joanne felt very underdressed, as most of the customers were clearly very rich. She whispered this to Helena. who just laughed. They toured each floor, drooling over clothes, furniture and jewellery they could never have afforded to buy. Finally they reached the floor Joanne had been looking forward to the most. Both women, became engrossed with the fantastic patterns on the fabrcs on display. They were in deep discussion about which they would use the fabric if they could ever have afforded to buy it when suddenly they were interrupted by a shop assisstant. The assistant who appeared to resent them having such fun without actually making a purchase. She asked them to leave. Both women were greatlyembarressed as the department was busy and other customers were staring at them, open mouthed. However, before they could protest, enraged, they were interrupted by a now familiar voice.

"I have never heard such rudeness to customers, young lady. I am appalled that an employee of Liberty would speak to anyone like that. These ladies are with me." Joanne and Helena turned. Paul gave them a wink before carrying on. "I think both the ladies and myself need an apology, don't you?"

The assisstant stammered an apology to all of them. She was clearly so mortified when she realised it was someone with Sir Paul McCartney she had dealt with in such a way. Joanne almost felt sorry for her. She walked away, leaving Joanne and Helena with Paul. Helena was, much to Joanne's  amusement, totally starstruck and speechless.