One day at a time. (Part 2 of the story of Joanne and Paul. Now complete!)

Chapter 2:- 4th December 2000.

Cavendish Ave. London.

It was three days since Paul had sent Joanne the text yet he had heard nothing in reply. The level of dissappointment he felt surprised Paul himself. He had pinned so much hope into that original text from Joanne. Hope that his life would start to move forward once more, become less...empty he admitted to himself. He found he was constantly checking his phone in the hope of finding something from Joanne once more. As this was something of unusual behaviour for Paul, his daughter Mary had noticed immediately.

"Dad?" She asked one afternoon, over a cup of tea. Her son Joe was sat on his grandfather's knee colouring a picture.

"Yes love?" Paul looked over Joe's head at her.

"I hope you don't mind me asking dad, but is everything OK? You seem out of sorts. You're not feeling ill or anything are you"

Paul knew how the children watched over him carefully since loosing their mum. He knew he had to some how reassure her. "I'm fine Mary. honestly. I'm not ill." He gave her a small smile. "I'm just feeling a bit down again. It'll pass, you know it always does."

Mary looked doubtful. "Are you sure dad? Its just that you keep checking your phone. You're not expecting news about something."

Paul looked at her. He knew she was referring to the day they had sat and waited for that last call as to whether Linda was still in remission. He decided to be honest.

"I got a text a few days ago from Joanne. I sent her one back so now I'm hoping for call from her." he replied.

Mary smiled at him. "Joanne? Is that the very pretty woman in the red dress you introduced me to?"

Paul nodded.

"Do you like her dad?"

"I do. A lot." he confessed, "But unfortunately  I'm not too sure if she feels the same." he shrugged his shoulders.

Mary looked surprised at his comment. "Why wouldn't she dad? You're still a good looking man. You're kind, intelligent, smart."

Paul laughed. "It sounds l;ike you're my number one fan Mary my love." He squeezed her hand. "Still I suppose a daughter should be her dad's number one fan!"

Mary smiled. She could tell that despite his attempts to joke, the situation was upsetting him. "No, come on, be serious!"

"I think it's because she's widow with two children. Both children are at university. You know what I'm like Mary. I think I rushed things a bit too much so she's backed off." Paul shrugged. "I thought I'd blown it but she sent me a text out of the blue."

"Did you reply?"

Paul nodded, "I did but it's all gone quiet again."

Mary suddenly hugged her father.

"What was that for?"

She looked at him seriously. "I know you've been lonely since we lost mum. I can tell how much you like this woman. But dad, you've got to remember that if she's widowed then you need to show her how you understand what she's going through. Offer support and let her see you don't have another agenda. Be her friend first then see what grows."

Paul nodded. "When did you get so wise mary. That's the kind of answer your mum would have given."

"I know and like you dad, I miss her and wish she was here." Mary looked at her father. "The thing is dad, mum's not here anymore. And if you feel ready to move on then it's OK with us, As for this Joanne, as much as you may like her, you may also have to understand that she's not ready for a relationship with another man."

He gave her a sad smile. "That's what I'm afraid of Mary. And I really do like her a lot!"

Mary looked at him, "Finger crossed then?"

"How would you feel if I did started dating Mary? Is it too soon after your mum?"

Mary looked thoughtful. "I think," she said slowly, "that only you and Joanne would know if it felt too soon Dad. But I also know that mum wouldn't want you to be lonely like you are now. She'd want you to be happy. So if being with Joanne or someone else makes you happy then it seems OK to me."

"You think?" Paul was surprised by his daughter's comment.

"I do, but Dad, don't assume that Stella or the others will bethe same!"

 After two very long waiting days later Paul found a letter waiting for him. The post mark told him it was from Joanne. In his heart he expected a 'Dear John'......letter, telling him she wasn't ready for a relationship. Bracing himself for the disappointment, he sat down and opened the envelope. Inside he found a piece of bright yellow paper. The colour made him smile. That was so like Joanne...bright and bold. Unfolding it, he found a  neat handwritten letter with a delicately hand drawn and coloured border. He was immediately touched by how much time it must have taken to do. He read it slowly, wanting to take in every word.

Dear Mr McCartney,

You are cordially invited to spend the weekend, beginning the 10th December 2000 at Haigh House. You will find us on Standedge Road. Diggle. Lancashire OL2 6SR.

I really REALLY hope you're free that weekend Paul. (Fingers crossed!)

 With love

 Joanne.

PS Dress code:- comfy, warm, waterproof, informal. Walking boots a must!

RSVP:- by text please. Sorry about the short notice!

Paul cheered loudly and punched the air in delight. Joanne sounded interested in him he thought. A letter like this was more than just wishful thinking.. Grinning widely, Paul picked up his phone and replied.

 Dear Mrs Johnson,

I would be delighted to attend your weekend soiree. Packing comfy, warm, waterproof, informal, walking boots a must as we speak.

Aiming to arrive Friday 7pm (traffic permitting!)

Can't wait to see you!

Love

Paul

xxxx

He hit send then sat rereading her letter over and over. Suddenly life didn't seem quite so dark and so bleak!