Getting a Life by Chrissie Loveday

she any different? At least he was with her now, whatever happened in the future.

Chapter Five
    By the time they were both downstairs, there were shrieks of delight coming from the lounge. The children had not been forgotten and were busily opening their stockings with their parents beside them, supervising.
    'What's the plan for today?' Mike asked her mother.
    'We're doing drinks at eleven and then dinner will be later. About four I think. Is that okay with you?'
    'Of course. I'm a guest here. I wondered if Joanne and I might go for a walk? I'd like to see the area a bit.'
    'That will be fine. It would be nice if you're here for the neighbours coming in. Well, not just neighbours but you know what I mean. You'll have time for a decent walk before all this happens.'
    'Don't you want some help to get things ready Mum?'
    'No. You go out. I'm more than happy to do it myself. Most of it is ready to bring out anyway. You go and enjoy yourselves. Get some peace away from the crowd. The woods are looking quite special at this time of year.'
    'Well thank you. But I'm sure you need potatoes cooking and various stuff to be peeled or something?'
    'Not at all. Go off and get some air. We'll do presents after we've eaten.'
    The two of them went outside and set off for a longish walk. It was crisp and clear, perfect weather for Christmas.
    'I hope all this is ll right for you?' she said as they marched along through the woods.
    'It's all lovely. Stop worrying about what I think. Your family are lovely. A bit like you are really.' She smiled back at him and he reached out to take her hand. It felt wonderful to be walking along with him like this. The stuff of dreams, she was thinking. A handsome man alone with her in the middle of a pretty woodland. She squeezed his hand and stopped. She pulled him towards her and kissed him.
    'That was to show you how pleased I am.'
    'And this one's to say how pleased I am that you are pleased.' He kissed her again.
    'Come on. We'd better go back now. I hope you feel better for some fresh air.'
    'I'm feeling absolutely fine. Thank you so much for inviting me to be with you. It was very generous of you.'
    'Not at all. It's just so good you could be here. What will your folks be doing?'
    'The usual stuff. They usually go out for dinner on Christmas Day. A local hotel. I can't tell you how much I'm missing all that. My sister will be there of course and her family. They meet a whole load of other people at the hotel so they'll hardly miss me at all.'
    'I'm sure they will.'
    'Not really. Mum was delighted I was coming here.'
    'I can't really believe that one.'
    When they arrived back at the house, there were several new additions to the company. The neighbours had arrived and several others. Auntie Ethel and a friend from the nursing home had been collected and the party was getting into full swing. Mike eased into the company very much more easily than Joanne and considering she already knew most of the people, it seemed strange to her. She picked up a couple of bottles and went round everyone to fill them up.
    'Joanne. What are you doing with yourself now?' asked one of the neighbours' sons.
    'Still lecturing. At the college in Barstow. I'm loving doing it.'
    'Really? I never thought you'd last this long there.'
    'Oh you know how it is. Nice students and interesting courses. Must press on now. See you later.' She escaped from him and reached Mike and the group he was chatting to.
    'Jo, our rescuer. We've almost run out of drinks here.' He smiled at her and she felt immediately at ease.
    'Can I top you up?' she asked and the party went on.
    It was almost one thirty by the time people were beginning to leave. Mrs Swithenbank had already started the turkey cooking and the children had eaten far too many cocktail snacks. They were complaining about feeling sick and their mother took them away with her for a rest. The day went on, as does Christmas Day everywhere. Mike was acclaimed as a most successful visitor.