Disclaimer: I don't own any of the BBC's characters
Chapter 10:
The next morning when Jo got to the hospital after her emotional confrontation with John she saw Nancy holding John's hand and talking to him softly. John smiled at her and Jo gave him a weary smile in reply as she sat down in her chair and held John's other hand, while Nancy was just gazing straight at John. The door to the room opened once again and Charlie walked in followed by her mother George Channing.
"Isn't this cosy," George remarked snidely, referring to John being in the middle of two women who she knew both cared deeply for him.
"Morning George," John said sarcastically, knowing that George would still throw around the insults even while he was in hospital.
"Well, you must be pleased with the turn out, you got what you wanted out of the accident," George said turning and glaring at Jo.
"Leave it alone George," Jo pleaded trying to ignore George's jibes at her and John's past relationship.
"What do you mean?" Nancy said as she was the only one that wasn't up to date with the past history.
"Don't you know darling? John should have told you, though he never has been that good with the truth, has he Jo?" George asked condescendingly. Nancy turned to look at Jo who was looking at John trying to convey a conversation without words like they use to.
"Mum stop, for once in your life just leave Jo alone," Charlie defended knowing that her mother took every chance she had to launch scathing attacks at Jo.
"Oh honey, she can defend herself if not your father will always do it for her," George sniped.
"What's going on?" Nancy asked clearly confused.
"Well when John and I were still married he had an affair with Little Miss Oxfam here," George said pointing to Jo. Jo looked at the ground, knowing that George was about to air all her and John's dirty laundry. "That lasted on and off for what about 15 years. Then Jo finally came to her senses and left when John chased another skirt and that sent John into his little downward spiral. They couldn't be without each other and would always be there to rescue each other." George said looking from John to Jo as Jo sighed and put her head in her hands.
"Mum, that's enough, just go," Charlie said pushing her mother out of the room as George looked satisfied and gave them all her trademark smirk.
"What?" Nancy said standing up and getting angry that she was the one who was left in the dark.
"So everyone knew about this except for me? When were you going to tell me?" Nancy yelled angrily. Jo silently grabbed her bag, gave John a sympathetic glance and walked out of the room to let Nancy and John talk privately.
"Look it happened a long time ago, so I didn't think it was important to mention," John said steadily.
"You didn't think it was important to tell me that she was your ex lover, the one that caused you to sink into depression," Nancy yelled.
"It was a long time ago," John reiterated.
"What is she even doing here? She has no right to be here," Nancy ranted.
"Charlie called her and asked her to come. Even though we aren't together she is still my best friend Nancy and so she has every right to be here," John said naturally defending Jo as he had always done and always would.
"Why would Charlie do that? You have me and that's all you need," Nancy said.
"Jo's a friend, she had to be informed and yes I do need you and I always will," John said through clenched teeth as he obeyed what Jo said about not breaking up with Nancy.
"I'll always be here," Nancy said as her anger died and she went over and embraced John and gently kissed him. John returned the kiss but couldn't help but feel that it lacked the electricity and passion that Jo's kiss always ignited in him.