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

Chapter 6:- 20th December 2000

 Haigh House. Diggle.

Sat on the stairs in darkenss, Joanne held the phone as the call ended, fighting back tears. Once over, the flood gates opened and she sobbed with disappointment. James had just phoned. He was unable to come home for Christmas due to his workload. He had final dealines to meet in the new year. He had been so apologetic, promising to spend time home once work was complete. Martha came to her, licking her face and whining. Jo couldn't help smile as she stroked her silky head and hugged her, wanting to feel the warmth and comfort of another living thing. She knew Martha wanted to comfort her. She threw on her coat and grabbed her keys, deciding a walk was just what she needed.

Stepping outside with Martha, it was windy and raining. Undaunted, she set off, whistling the dog. The bad weather meant that their walk was completed quicker than usual. Once back at the house, both were soaked through, Jo rubbed Martha's fur vigorously to dry it off before letting her snooze by the fire. She herself, headed for a hot shower before climbing into bed even though it was only 8.30pm. Unfortuately for Jo, sleep eluded her long in to the early hours. As time moved forward, her sadness crept back up on her. Finally she did what she had been longing to do during those wakeful hours, she rang Paul. To her surprise, the phone was answered quickly.

"Hello?"

Jo was surpised. He sounded very awake for just after 2 am!

"Paul, it's me.Jo."

"Sweetheart, are you Ok?"

Immediately Jo could hear the warmth and love in his voice.  She couldn't answer, tears threatening, choking her.

"Jo love, are you still there?" His voice now filled with concern.

"Yeah...sort of. I'm sorry I'm ringing so late. I'm just having a bad time this evening Paul. I'm feeling very lonely and sad. I just needed to hear a familiar voice. Your voice." She stopped.

Paul could hear her crying softly. He waited for a moment. "Jo my love, it's OK I'm here for you, you know that. I know what these bad times are like. Do you know what's brought all this on? I know I get like that when there's a trigger usually. Talk to me sweetheart."

"James phoned," she began slowly, "he can't come home for Christmas. He's got too much work on and final deadlines in the new year. I'm just so disappointed that's all. Grace is already in Spain, where Luke's parents live, for the whole of Christmas. I'm sorry to wake you so late at night for something like that. but the thought of being alone....." She began to cry again.

"Oh Jo love. Does that means you'll be alone for Christmas?"

At first, Jo didn't reply. Instead she cried more. "I'm sorry...." she sobbed, "I'll go now. I've kept you long enough."

"WAIT! Don't hang up!"

Jo hesitated.

"Jo love, first of all, you didn't wake me. I was working on a song. Anyway, even if I had been asleep, I've ALWAYS got time for you. Remember that!  As for Christmas, you could spend it with me. What do you think?"

"I didn't ring you so you'd invite me though."

"I didn't invite you bcause you've rung me Jo. Listen, I was going to invite you to a charity do here in London on the 28th. I thought we could combine the visit so you could meet my kids too. You could either stay here or even with Helena if she's free. What do you think love? "

"I...I ... d..d..dont want you to think I rang for an invite." Jo pleaded, in betwen sobs.

"I know that sweetheart. Look, all I want you to do is think about it. You could spend Christmas with the McCartney clan then a few days later, attend the do with  me. We could come back to Diggle for new year if James and Grace are around. I'm also extending this invitation to Martha.....although not the charity do....I want to show just you off then!"