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

Chapter 18 - 26th February 2002

"David," said the headteacher to a pupil nearby, "Could you go to Mrs Johnson's room and tell her that there's an important phone call for her in my office please."

"Yes Mrs Reynolds."

"Hello? said the head to the person on the other end of the line, "She should only be a few minutes. Do you want to hang on or shall I get Joanne to ring you back?"

"If it's OK, I'd prefer to hang on," said the voice, clearly tearful and anxious.

"No problem. Here she is."

"Who is it?" Joanne mouthed.

"Someone called Mary, asking very specifically for  you."

Joanne quickly took the phone. "Mary?"

"Oh Joanne, thank goodness I've got you at last!" Joanne could hear how stressed and tearful Mary was.

"What's wrong Mary? I get the feeling this isn't a social call."

"Joanne, it's dad. I wanted to tell you before the press got hold of it." Mary choked back tears.

Joanne felt her blood run cold. "What is it Mary?" Her voice a whisper.

"Do you remember how you told me you were worried about dad because he kept rubbing his chest? Well, you were right to be worried!"

Joanne fumbled for a chair and sat down, "What's happened? Tell me he's alright? Please!"

"He's been having more chest pains. At first, dad being dad, he played it down but then Rose found him this morning breathless and in a great deal of pain. Thankfully she ignored his claims he was OK and called an ambulance and he's now in hospital."

"When was this? What have they said?" Joanne closed her eyes. This was a total nightmare! She had known something wasn't whilst she was in France. Every time they had made love....

"Rose found him this morning, apparently he'd been for a run and it started after that. Anyway, as I said, he's in hospital now and they've got him comfortable. They've run tests and have discovered he's got a blockage in an artery leading to his heart. Oh Joanne, he's got to have a procedure called a coronary angioplasty tomorrow morning. What if something happens to him Jo? We can't loose dad as well as mum!"

Joanne fought back the tears and did her best to comfort Paul's clearly distraught daughter. After collecting a few more details, she promised to be in London before the end of the day. Putting the phone down, she put her head in her hands and began to cry.

"Joanne?" It was Debbie, the head teacher, "Is everything alright?"

Joanne looked up and shook her head. "It's Paul. He's been hospitalised suddenly and needs to have a heart operation tomorrow morning. Deb, I need to go to London now! I'm sorry I know I'm leaving you inthe lurch but I need to be with him. I'll take it as unpaid leave if necessary." Tears rolled down her face.

Debbie put her arm around her friend. "First of all, go and take as long as you need to. That's not a problem. Secondly, will you be safe to drive in the state you're in? Why don't I see if there's a flight from Manchester? It'll be much quicker."

Joanne nodded and waited whilst Debbie hit the internet. "I can get you on a flight at 2.30 this afternoon. Gets in just about 3.20. Do you want me to book it?"

Joanne gave her a weak smile. "Yes please!" She looked at her watch. "I've got enough time to nip home, pack some stuff, sort out Martha then get a taxi to the airport."

"Won't there be some of your stuff at Paul's house already Jo? It would save you a lot of hassle. Or even nip to somewhere and buy some stuff. I'll take Martha for you. I've done it before."