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

Chapter 26 - 23rd June 2002.

Joanne stood in the office, facing her 'boss' and long term friend, Debbie, who was staring at her in disbelief.

"Resign? Joanne NO! You can't resign! This school needs you!"

Joanne felt tears prick her eyes. "Don't Deb," she whispered, "Please or I'll cry!"

"But why? Why now? Have you found a better job or something?"

Joanne shook her head slowly. "I love this school, the children and the staff. There could be no where more special to me. And I'm so grateful for all the time you've allowed me to take whilst Paul's been ill, seriously, I'm so grateful but..." she paused, "...I don't have any choice. I have to resign."

"Why?"

Joanne took a deep breath and handed her a second envelope.

"What's this?"

"Just open it and see Deb. Please."

Joanne watched as the cream vellum envelope was torn open. A folded piece of cream card was removed. Deb read the front of it. "Wedding Invitation." She looked up a Jo, "You've set a date. You and Paul I mean. You're getting married?"

Jo nodded. Her friend got up and hugged her in excitment. "Oh Jo, I'm so happy for you both but...well this doesn't explain the need to resign."

Joanne nodded sadly. "It's exactly the reason why I have to resign." She sat down suddenly, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Hey, you're about to marry a man who loves you, what's the tears for?"

Joanne wiped her eyes. "I love Paul dearly Deb but..."

"Jo?"

"....Paul and I, we've spent hours and hours discussing where we're going to live once we're married. No matter what we come up with, there's basically no way that Paul can run his business affairs and not be based in London. I've got the choice to either pack up my whole life and move down there to him. Give up everything, my home, my friends, my job or not marry him! I love him, don't get me wrong, and I want to marry him but I just WISH it didn't involve having to uproot so much."

"Does Paul know how upset you are about all this? About having to uproot so much?"

Joanne shrugged. "Kind of. The thing is, I promised him that once the doctor said he was well enough, we'd set a date. He was so excited I couldn't tell him how sad it was making me! Well, sad but happy at the same time!"

Debbie shook her head sadly. "I know you've made a decision which is right for you Jo, but I'm devastated to be loosing you. You're going to be a very hard act to follow!"

Joanne gave her a weak smile.

"Are you sure that's all that's bothering you Jo? You seem really out of sorts?" She watched as Joanne suddenly burst in to tears. "Oh Jo....what is it?"

Debbie handed her a cup of coffee, which Joanne sipped gratefully.

"Thanks," Jo whispered, "It feels so much better talking about it."

"So Paul doesn't know?"

Joanne shook her head, a horrified expression on her face. "I can't tell him that, can I? Think about it!"

Debbie nodded thoughtfully. "And what did the doctor say?"

"He's referring me to a consultant. I should hear in a few days."

"Have you told anyone else? Not telling Paul, I understand to some extent, but what about Grace?"

Again Joanne shook her head.