John and C, day 3The next morning, C got up and got dressed really fast, excited about the day in London, as John had promised. She went down to the dining room for breakfast and her stomach went in a knot with the sight in front of her; the room smelled of alcohol and John was doubled over in the corner on the floor. She went close to him and put a hand on his shoulder but he pushed it off. "What's wrong? What happened?" "Not of your business"
, he replied with a slur. "You have been drinking, you look awful".
John turned to look at her but he didn't seem able to focus and looked down again. "How very observant of you"
, he said barely above a whisper. "You don't have to be hurtful now, it's ok, let me help you"
C said, trying to lift him up but John made no effort to stand and started swearing at her instead. C was surprised by his sudden outburst and took a step back. John kept saying hurtful things and C started backing up further, feeling the sting of tears behind her eyes. "Look, if you want to be alone, just say so and I'll leave, you don't have to be rude, I can get a hint"
. John seemed like he didn't hear a thing and kept on mumbling and swearing.
C left, ran up the stairs and went to her room. She stayed there for a while but decided to take a walk instead. She was angry and needed a release of her energy. She went out and walked for a couple of hours, finally getting tired. She came back, had a quick lunch, checked on John and finally settled down with a book in her room.
She must have fallen asleep because she didn't hear the door open. She woke up with that strange feeling of being watched. "What are you doing here?"
she asked John, pulling the covers on her. "Don't be scared, I just wanted to apologise"
"You could have waited until I was downstairs again."
"I know, I just wanted to make sure you're fine. I ruined your day"
"Well, you ruined yours too. I knew you were a bad drunk, I had no idea you could also be so mean though"
"I'm sorry, I tend to hurt the people I care about"
C sighs. "It's ok, we can go to London another time, is there anything else we can do today?"
"No, I don't feel too good, I'd rather stay in, preferably in bed"
"I understand. Come lay down here, I'll take care of you"
C offers him her bed. She gets a basin with water and a cloth and stays with John, until he falls asleep. "Poor troubled soul, you need love"
, she whispers to him but he doesn't seem to hear her anymore. C spent the evening caring for John and had dinner and a chat with the servants. The night was quiet; John slept through it and C managed to sleep good next to him. John and C, day 4C walk up with a startle, feeling John staring at her again. "You should really stop doing this. Do you do that with Jay too?" "Sometimes"
, he said smiling. C rubs the sleep off her eyes. "Well, someone has his smile back." "I want to thank you for being patient and taking care of me yesterday. You're right, I do need love, but fortunately I have a very good angel who gives me plenty"
C blushes as she realises John has heard her the night before. "I'm glad, I know Jay loves you a lot. You must miss her." "I do, but I know I'll be with her in a few days and you're not so bad yourself, you'll do for now"
he said teasingly. "Oh Lord, there's the good old Earl we all know and love"
says C sarcastically. John stands up and looks at their wrinkled clothes. "Let's freshen up, we don't want people getting the wrong ideas, and what do you say we go to London for the day?" "I say it's a great idea!"
C says excitedly.
They are ready in a few minutes and the carriage is outside ready too to take them to London. The rest of the day goes fast; they walk around the city, visit the pubs, the park, the theater, the clothes maker and it's early evening when they decide to head back home. John suggests they stay in London for the night and make the journey back to the country the next day, so they book two rooms in the inn, have dinner there and retire early.
John and C, day 5
In the morning, C wakes up from a knock on her door. The servant announces that the carriage will be ready in 5 minutes and they should be going soon. She gets up, gets ready and is out of the room fast. Outside she is greeted by the servant who helps her in the carriage but John is nowhere to be seen. The servant informs her that he had some business to take care of and he will be joining them later at home. She made the trip back to the country alone, wondering what John was up to.
She had been back to the house a couple of hours already when she heard John coming in, shouting orders to the servants and then climbing up the stairs. She came out of her room and saw him before he entered his. "Let me change and I'll tell you all about it"
, he says. C was curious. She went to the sitting room and made some tea for them. John came soon, made a face at the tea tray, but complied and had a cup. "I wanted to make it up to you, you know, the lost day and all"
C looked at her tea cup. "You don't have to, we had a great day in London"
"I'm glad you liked it, but I wanted to share with you something I often share with Jay. But that will happen tomorrow"
"That is very kind of you, thank you, I can't wait to see what that is"
"Patience. We don't have enough time today, that is why we'll have to wait until tomorrow"
"So, what do we do for the rest of the day today then?"
"Let's take a walk, I want to show you the country here"
They were soon out and walked around to the park there and the little forest close to the house. John made his best effort being a gentleman, holding C's hand most of their walk together and talking to her, letting her know the area. Later, they had dinner together and they sat down by the fire reading their favourite passages from books to each other. Later that night in bed, C kept thinking if this will be her life later with her own Johnny. She fell asleep with a smile.John and C, day 6C walk up by the sounds from downstairs. She got dressed and ran down to see John and the servants re-arranging furniture. "What on earth .."
she started but was stopped by John who came running to her. "No, go have some breakfast and don't come back before we call you"
C sat in the kitchen, listening to the noises from the living room and John laughing and cursing according to what was happening at the time. Finally, the servant came in. "We're all ready now"
, he said and guided C to the room.
There was an improvised stage, complete with a curtain and John was sitting on the couch opposite it. He patted the place next to him, C went and sat down and only then he said "This is for you, an exclusive first viewing of my newest play"
She stared with her mouth half open "Is this what you were planning all day yesterday in London?" "I had to get the people, the costumes, the stage stuff, it's a lot of work you know. Please, will you do the honours?"
, he said pointing at a very anxious man dressed in female clothing. C giggled and said "Of course, let's start"
With a swift movement, involving two sweaty men and a few ropes, the curtain slid back and some furniture placed strategically and a few people in funny costumes appeared. Music started playing and in a few minutes a whole play started before their eyes. They had a couple of hours laughing and shouting at the people on stage. C was having a good time and John was delighted with himself and the way he could make it up to her. When it was over, C stood up and started clapping, shouting to each one of a handful of participants complimenting them on their effort.
After a while, they all cleaned up together and John made sure the people where fed and got some money before leaving. John returned to C with a grin on his face. C smiled back. "Yes, ok, I'm impressed, you know how to put on a show, literally"
she laughed. "Am I forgiven for my bad behaviour?" "Yes, you are, for now."
She stepped closer to him and hugged him tight. "Thank you"
she whispered in his ear.
They spent the rest of the day, talking about John's play. He explained the technical aspects of it, where he gets inspiration from, how he planned on his presentation. After dinner, they talked about their week together and C told him there would be a surprise for him for their last day together.
John and C, day 7C woke up from John screaming in the corridor. "It's morning! Rise and shine! Last day together and I need my surprise!"
C couldn't help laughing at his boyish reaction. She got ready and went to meet him in the dining room. He looked happy and excited. "Are you happy you'll get rid of me today?"
, she teased. "No, curious about my surprise and happy I'll see my angel again, but sad you'll leave tonight"
"You know, you're a lovely, charming man, when you want to"
"Yes, now finish up your breakfast and let's get started on this day"
C closes her eyes, crosses her fingers and thinks hard. When she opens her eyes, beach clothes and a picnic basket are on the table next to them. John looks impressed. "You have angel powers?" "Apparently. I didn't know I had I just hoped I did. I'm glad because otherwise I could have ruined our day. Now, let's change"
John looks at his clothes suspiciously. "Are you sure we can go out in public with these on?"
he says holding a pair of bermuda shorts between two fingers. "Don't be intimidated, I'm sure you know this is perfectly legal in my time. Let's move it"
John shrugs but complies.
In a few minutes they're both ready. "I'm not sure I like your idea of a surprise"
he says while making faces at his shorts and t-shirt. "Just trust me. Sunglasses and hat on, please! Now, let's see if the rest of it worked too"
C says as they walk outside and she's right; a convertible is standing waiting for them. "Time for you to see my kind of fun, John"
she says excitedly as she slips into the driver's seat. John sets the rest of their stuff at the back of the car and sits next to her. "I don't know, this is weird"
John says. "Sit back and enjoy the ride"
C smiles at him, turns the music on the car stereo and starts the engine. The Beach Boys sing loud covering the weird noises of a car trying to travel through time and space and finally they find themselves parked beside a sunny beach. "Woohoo! I think I'll like the angel powers!"
C shouts and John has to laugh with her. "Let's not overdo it".
They settle under their umbrella and they spend their day playing in the water or the beach. John is covered with sunblock but he still manages to get a bit red from the sun. C tries to explain to him the use of hats and sunglasses and sunblocks and the dangers of too much sun on his skin and all he can do is smile a little confused and talk about his old cloudy England. Too soon it's time to leave. They pack their stuff and get in the car. C imagines JA and soon they're in front of it, just as the sun sets. Their beach clothes and the car disappear and they're back dressed in their normal clothes in front of a carriage. C looks around her and then at John. "Well, I'd like to thank you for a lovely week"
she says. John smiles. "Although, with a shaky start."
C nods. "It was fine, really, Jay is a lucky girl having you" "Thank you, I'm lucky to be with her and whoever gets you as an angel will be a happy man, I'm sure"
he says and he comes closer to her. "Thank you. So, this is good bye"
, C says. John takes her in his arms. "No, this is not a good bye. I'll see you around in JA again soon. Till then ..."
he kisses her on the cheek. Before she can't respond, John is in the carriage fading in the distance.I'm sorry, this is very long.
Thank you, Jay! He's all yours again. #hug#