...Perfect Catch...
Chapter 10 – I've Got You
It was the first day of October and the fog was lingering over the square. Everyone was on their way from college, school, work or whatever they do through the day. Ronnie and Jack were walking hand in hand across the square while Roxy was lingering behind after being picked up from school by her big sister which Roxy thought was totally un-cool.
"I'm nervous Jack", Ronnie said looking up at him, "After the other day they're going to think I'm a right slut".
"They don't", Jack said reassuring her, "No-one can get any worse than Leanne in that department".
"If that was supposed to make me feel better it hasn't", Ronnie said letting go off Jack's hand.
"Oh! The lover birds have had their first argument", Roxy said knowing it would wind her sister up.
Ronnie stopped and turned round facing Roxy, "It was not an argument, just a disagreement".
"Same thing", Roxy replied rolling her eyes.
"Don't do that thing with your eyes", Ronnie said annoyed.
"What? This", Roxy said rolling her eyes over and over again.
"Let's go Jack", Ronnie said annoyed grabbing Jack's hand and pulling him along as she stormed off.
"How am I going to get in", Roxy shouted after Ronnie.
Ronnie didn't answer and kept on walking leaving Roxy standing there in the middle of the square. Jack came to halt prompting Ronnie to stop and look at him green with envy.
"What you stopping for?", Ronnie said angrily.
"You're sister...", Jack replied making Ronnie look over at Roxy, "...needs the house keys".
"She would of got them if she was nicer to me", Ronnie said raising her voice so Roxy could just about hear making Jack look at her disapprovingly, "Don't look at me like that".
"I'll stop if you give her the keys", Jack said sternly.
"Okay! Okay! You win", Ronnie said irritably before walking over to Roxy and shoving the house keys in her hand. Roxy smugly smiled at Ronnie before strutting off home.
"I could kill her sometimes", Ronnie said frustrated as she reached Jack.
"Wouldn't be normal if you didn't", Jack said smiling at Ronnie prompting Ronnie to let out a small smile, "That's better".
Ronnie kissed Jack tenderly on the lips, "We got a dinner party to go to now".
...
Jack and Ronnie walked into the house hand in hand and sat at the dinner table next to each other.
"Hello love", Reenie said as she starting setting the table.
"Hi", Ronnie replied shyly.
"Where is everyone", Jack asked noticing the house was in complete silence.
"They've gone for a drink down the Vic", Reenie replied, "And left me here to cook".
"Carol left you as well", Jack added.
"Yeah", Reenie said smiling at Ronnie and Jack, "So how was your day".
"Okay I suppose", Jack replied, "It's just college".
"Ronnie there's no need to be nervous", Reenie said as she could feel the awkwardness.
"Sorry", Ronnie replied, "Meeting the parents first time round always gets me like this".
"Technically it's not our first meeting", Reenie replied remembering when she walked in on them the other day. Ronnie looked at Jack embarrassed.
"Mum", Jack said grimly, "You said you won't mention it again".
"Apologies", Reenie replied before disappearing back in the kitchen.
"Relax", Jack said to Ronnie kissing her softly. Ronnie went to return the kiss but suddenly sat back when Max, Carol and Jim walked in.
"I can't believe that Ian Beale", Max said but suddenly stopped when he saw Jack and Ronnie, "Look what we have here".
"Leave them alone Max", Carol said pushing past him and sitting next to Ronnie, "Just ignore him...he's just in a mood cos' him and Tanya are on a break".
Ronnie smiled at Carol feeling a little relieved prompting Carol to smile back.
"Dinners ready", Reenie shouted from the kitchen, "Jim come and help me".
"Why's it always me", Jim said getting up from the around the table and helping Reenie bring in the dinner.
"Thank you", Ronnie said as Reenie handed her, her plate.
"Thanks mum", Jack added, "Lasagne my favourite".
Once Reenie and Jim sat down with their tea everyone tucked in.
"So how long you been dating", Jim asked with his mouth full.
Jack sat there counting on his fingers making Ronnie sigh and speak up, "2 weeks since we got together properly".
"But you've known each other longer", Max said eagerly.
"Since the first day at college", Jack said smiling at Ronnie.
"You make me sick", Max said as Jack kissed Ronnie.
"Just cos' Tanya doesn't want you anymore", Jack snapped back.
"We're just on a break", Max snarled.
"Boys", Reenie shouted sternly making them both shut up, "So Ronnie you just live with your dad".
"And my sister Roxy", Ronnie replied.
"So where's your mum", Jim asked.
Jack looked at Ronnie and spoke for her, "She's dead".
"I had no idea", Reenie replied softly as the whole room went silent. The room stayed silent until dinner was over.
"So Ronnie has Jack invited you to his party", Max asked as they headed into the sitting room.
"What party?", Ronnie asked.
"My 18th", Jack replied as he sat down next to Ronnie, "it's at that club down the road...E20 I think it's called".
"I'm only 16 Jack", Ronnie replied.
"You'll get in with a nice outfit and bit of make-up", Carol told her, "And just wear a low cut top".
Ronnie laughed and looked at Jack, "I suppose I can at least try".
A huge smile emerged on Jack's on face. "Great", he said before kissing Ronnie tenderly.
Ronnie pulled away as her phone went off and said, "It's off Roxy I better be going".
"I walk you home", Jack said standing up.
"No", Ronnie said quickly making everyone look at her, "I mean I would love you too but my dad doesn't know about you yet".
"In that case I take you to the door", Jack said smiling before taking Ronnie to the door and kissing her goodbye.
"She's alright", Carol said as Jack came back in and slouched down on the settee, "One of your better girlfriends".
"Thanks Carol", Jack replied, "Mean a lot".
"Just don't screw it up this time", Carol said hotly.
"I won't", Jack said to him-self smiling away.
...
As Ronnie arrived home the house was in complete silence. She slowly turned the lights on and walked into the sitting room to find Roxy crying on the settee. Ronnie quickly sat beside Roxy and wrapped her arms around her holding her in a tight embrace, stroking her hair and rocking backwards and forwards.
"shhhhhh", Ronnie said quietly.
"It's not fair Ron", Roxy said tearfully, "First mum than dad".
"What's happened Rox", Ronnie said starting to get worried.
"Dad...he's in intensive care...had a car crash...what happens if he dies...what happens if he leaves us", Roxy stuttered crying her eyes out.
"It's okay babe", Ronnie said as one tear streamed down her face. That's all she could let out, she felt nothing for him, the one tear was for her sister.
"Can we go and see him...please Ron", Roxy pleaded leaving the hug and looking at Ronnie.
"In the morning yeah", Ronnie replied.
"Promise", Roxy said quietly.
Ronnie wiped the tears away from Roxy's face, "Promise".