In My Life

Chapter 14:

A soft knock sounded at the front patio door, reminding Mimi that she had locked it earlier to keep the cold air out. She had completely forgotten about it.

"John," she called out, glancing up from the book in her hands, "The door!"

John was sprawled on the floor of his room, scribbling on a notepad. Paul was there too, helping him with a song they had been working on together. The interruption pulled John momentarily away from his creative flow, but he knew he couldn't ignore her.

He heard Mimi call his name again from downstairs. "For Christ's sake," he grumbled, pulling off his glasses and tossing them onto the notepad. "What do I fuckin' look like? Her bloody butler?" Frustration simmered in his voice as he got up, reluctantly leaving the songwriting session with Paul.

Paul chuckled as he watched John storm out of the room, amused by his friend's irritation. Taking the opportunity for a break, he gradually stood up from his spot on the floor and stretched his arms above his head. Taking a brief pause felt like a wise choice before they returned to their songwriting.

"Can't ya answer it yourself then?" John whined as he stormed down the stairs, just as another knock echoed through the house.

Mimi, unfazed, kept her eyes on her book. "Don't take that tone with me," she replied calmly. "Mozart is on the radio, and besides, it's about time you got out of that room of yours."Her words, both softly reproachful and caring, encouraged John to step away from his usual routine for a moment

He huffed in response, pulling open the door to step into the glass-paneled patio. With a quick motion, he opened the black door, and his arm fell to the side as his mouth gaped open in surprise.

There she stood, just as he remembered her. Though she appeared a bit more polished, she was still the same girl he had fallen in love with. Her hair cascaded down in familiar curls to the crook of her back, and she wore a dark navy blue trench coat adorned with gold buttons. The sight of her brought a rush of memories and emotions flooding back.

A small smile spread across her face as she finally stood before the man she had missed so much. Dropping her suitcase, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a warm embrace.

His arms encircled her waist, holding her tightly as he breathed in her familiar scent. It was as if he had found his way back home. "I've missed you, my love," he whispered in her ear, his words filled with warmth and longing.

A small tear escaped down her cheek as she pulled back from their embrace. Gently cradling his face in her hands, she began to place soft kisses on the lips she had longed for but never forgotten.

"It's good to be home," she sighed, her gaze locking with him again. "I've missed you so much." Her words were a heartfelt confession, encapsulating the depth of her feelings and the joy of their reunion.

John looked at her, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "Why didn't you come in through the kitchen as usual?" he asked, curious as he couldn't remember the last time she knocked on the front door.

She laughed, her eyes glistening with happy tears. "I wanted to surprise you, of course!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up as she saw a wide smile across his face. Her heart swelled with warmth as his happiness lit up the moment.

"John, it's getting rather cold.." Mimi interjected, stepping up behind him. Her face instantly broke into a warm smile as she took in the scene. "Well, my dear..." she began, her delight shining through at Olivia's unexpected visit.

A smile spread across her face as she leaned forward to embrace Mimi warmly. "Merry Crimbo!" she exclaimed, her voice full of holiday cheer.

"For heaven's sake, come on in! We don't want you catching a cold!" Mimi said, stepping aside to allow Olivia to enter. Olivia walked through the door and into the cozy warmth of the lounge room, grateful to be inside.