One Moment In Time- Joanne Oneshots

2003

New York City

Dianne lowered her sunglasses as she listened to the radio. She looked like the epitome of relaxation as her boyfriend Joe paced nervously in their lounge. They shared a small two-bedroom apartment in the city and were happier than ever. Joe looked at himself in the mirror and decided that he needed a jacket. Not just because of the unpredictable weather, but because he needed to hide something from his girlfriend. Not for long, just until he could pluck up the courage. 

"Joseph?" he heard a sweet voice coming in from their tiny balcony. He quickly hid the box from her sight and turned to face her. 

"What's up my love?" he said, clasping his hand in hers whilst seamlessly transferring the box to his back pocket. 

"I can't decide what to wear," she whined. 

"Hm, now that is the biggest dilemma of the millennium," said Joe, earning himself a light punch on the arm. 

"I want to be comfortable because we're going to be sat down," she said. Joe nodded and looked at her side of the wardrobe. He picked out a light blue dress and a leather jacket. Dianne pouted her lips for a kiss. 

"How do you always know?" she said smiling at him. 

He shrugged his shoulders "I know you so well," he sang before traipsing to their living room. 

While he was waiting for Dianne to get herself ready, it occurred to him that he had no idea what he was going to say. He knew he loved her, of course he did. They weren't the kind of couple to shout it from the rooftops though. But she knew how he felt about her. However, thought Joe, it's pretty monumental so I probably should make an effort. 

"I'm ready!" called his girlfriend as Joe threw the third piece of paper in the bin. It was no good, he contemplated, I'll wing it. 

//

The couple left the theatre at a late hour and began the walk home. It wasn't a particularly long walk back, but Joe and Dianne stuck close together. You never knew who would be around at this time of night. 

"Joe?" her voice drew him from his thoughts. She sighed, he hadn't been listening again. 

"Sorry what?" he said. 

"Nothing," she said, her face set in a stormy expression. 

"What's the matter?" he said, utterly perplexed. 

"It just seems like you're away with the fairies half the time Joe. You didn't even notice those guys catcalling me!" said Dianne. Joe could tell she was really annoyed. 

"Who was doing what to you?" he said, getting more tense. 

"It doesn't matter. But it just seemed like you didn't care in the slightest-"

"Oh my god Dianne, if I'd heard whatever they said I'd have been annoyed. I'm just a bit on edge tonight," he said, trying to take her hand. 

"I hadn't noticed," she said sulkily. "Look I'm sorry for being an arse it just irritated me that you didn't even react,"

"No I'm sorry my love, I should have been more alert," he said drawing her into his arms. 

"Why are you so on edge anyway?" asked Dianne, nuzzling her face in his neck. Joe looked around. The street was lit up and seemingly deserted. He had planned to do it back at their apartment after a lovely evening but there was no time like the present. It might even be a nice story to tell their grandkids and teach them that the biggest things in your life don't always go to plan. 

"Well I-" he was cut off by the sound of booming laughter and a plethora of voices. Dianne instantly grabbed his arm and he rubbed his thumb over her hand reassuringly. A large group of men stumbled into the street and walked smack into them.