Return to Love

Chapter 49

Tom made his way through hamburger and chips,then some of the cakes and biscuits.

John coming down from the shower,had stopped sulking. Then ate his own,a smaller portion He grinned,chewing on a chip. Swallowed it,said.

"Blimey,Pond,has he got hollow legs? I suppose even you couldn't ruining a hamburger?"

Amy,in the utility room,next to the kitchen,was sorting Tom's clothes for the next washing load. She stuck her head out the door.

"Don't talk with your mouth full! Raggedy Man" She chastised. "I noticed you didn't complain about yours"

Noticing his empty plate.

"I was hungry. It was hard work running round at the park"

"Yes" Amy with her arms folded came out towards him.

"Half of it you and Rory brought back in with you!" Nodded back towards the Utility room. "Yours and Rory's jeans are in there now"

"Once I'd scrubbed the mud out. I would have got you to do it but_" She poked him in the chest.

"You would leave half the mud in and knacker up my machine"

"Now,would I do that Pond?" John hand on his heart.

" The cross country run for that charity Masters was sponsoring a few years back? You and Rory threw everything in,turned it on"

Amy prompted,then sat down on the sofa next to Clara.

"Oh,yeah" John smiled. Thinking back.

"It wasn't funny, John" Turning to Clara.

"I was visiting my parents in Leadworth,came back to a machine banging its way across the floor. Swimming in muddy soapy water. The two of them trying to stop water escaping from in there"

Amy pointed her head towards the Utility room.

"Oh John" Clara said,trying to keep a straight face.

"We didn't think the mud would clog it up!" John replied. "Though to be fair Rory did say we should have rinsed the clothes out first"

"Maybe if you had used Sue's at the flat. It has so many progammes,you wouldn't know which button to press_Oh,I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said,John,I_"

Amy looking at him,in anguish. Not sure how John would take her mentioning his wife.

"Amy_ John said stopped her.

"It doesn't matter"

"Really?"

"Yes. Really "

John knelt down touching her face. " You can about talk about her" Glancing over to Clara taking Amy's hand in his.

"It's part of my past and if I'm going to get well,I will have to talk about it,and not only to Dr Barclay. Okay"

Amy threw her arms round him.

"Pond!" He said,falling backwards on to the floor with Amy on top of him.

"Auntie Amy" Said a voice. "Why are you and Uncle John on the floor? Are you wrestling?"

"No" Amy said. Sat on John's middle. Looking back at the little boy in his pyjamas.

"I am going to give him a good tickling though,for bringing mud into my house,do you want to help me sweetheart?"

Tom's eyes lit up.

"YES!" He jumped in on top of them.

Rory came in saying.

"Had my shower,both bathrooms are mud free" To find John on the floor,with his wife and Tom on top of him.

"Stop it! stop it! I give in!" Rory get them off me. Ow!. Clara.!" Appealed to her.

"Don't look at me John" Clara said. " But for the baby,I'd be down there as well "

"Amy,any chance of lunch?" Rory asked. "I'm starving"

"Raggedy Man" Amy said giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Saved by Rory's stomach"

Tom up now,helped Amy to her feet .

"That was fun!" He said grinning,following her into the kitchen.

John still lay on the floor with his eyes closed.

"John,mate are you okay?" Rory asked. Standing near him.

John opened one eye. "Has it stopped yet?"

"Do you want some more?" Amy called from the kitchen,where she was making Rory a hamburger,with Tom's help.

"Wait until I've finished this,then I_"

"No!" John shot up. "I need the bathroom after that" Headed upstairs.

Rory looked at Clara,who was laughing.

"What's going on?"

"Amy was telling us about John and you blocking her washing machine with mud a couple of years,ago,after a charity run?"

Rory smiled.

"Yes,I remember"

"Well,she mentioned,Sue and thought John might have got upset,but he didn't,then she decided with Tom's help to 'punish' John for bringing the mud in"

"I see" Rory replied. "What about me? I brought some in as well"

"You cleaned up" Amy put Hamburger and chips on the table for him.

"So I think we'll let you off this time,won't we Tom?" Arm round the little boy stood next to her. Kissed his head.

"Yes,Auntie Amy"

Tom moved over to Clara. Rory bit into the hamburger. Amy went over to her husband. Pinched a chip from the plate. Whispered in his ear.

"Beside,I can think of a more suitable punishment for you in bed tonight"

Rory nearly choking on the mouthful,watching Amy walk back to the kitchen,munching on the chip!

Later...8pm

Tom sat between Amy and Rory on the sofa,they were watching the television.

Tom was yawning and rubbing his eyes.

"Tom,I think it's time for bed,sweetheart" Amy said to him.

"No,don't want to,want to stay here. It's nice" Yawned again.

"How about a story?" She asked. "You could choose from one of your new books?"

"Kay" Tom said to her. "Could Auntie Clara and Uncle John read it please?"

"If you like" Amy looked between Tom and Rory. Then over at John who was sat in one of the armchairs,with Clara on his knee.

John nodded to her that it was alright. Noting a look on Rory's face,that he could not quite work out.

"Uncle Rory will take you up,tuck you in" John called over "I'll bring Auntie Clara up,it's time she was in bed as well"

Clara,looked at him saying "It is?_"

Rory getting up from the sofa,Tom kissed Amy put his arms round her.

"Night,Auntie Amy. I love you"

"Love you too sweetheart." She replied.

Tom took Rory's hand,walked with him,out of the lounge and up the stairs.

"Amy,are you okay?" Clara asked her.

Amy still sat on the sofa,with her hand on the cheek Tom had kissed.

"He said he loved me" Tearfully. To her friends.

"So. He does" John up now,has Clara got off his knee.

Sitting down next to Amy,on the sofa,put an arm round her.

"Amy,you don't mind him asking for Clara and me to read the story do you?"

Amy,shook her head.

"No-no,it's not that John,I'm worried about how he is going to react,when you both go home tomorrow"

" I could explain to him? In one way,it might be a good thing that we are going home. You both can get him into a routine before we come back in two weeks? Right?"

Amy,grateful looked at him.

"Do you think you could,Raggedy Man?"

"I can try" John said. "In one way Pond,this may work out for the best" He got up. "Come on Clara,time for bed. You're tired"

"I am?"_

"Yes,time for a story then we're going to bed,least that's,what I'm going to tell Tom!"

Upstairs,they met Rory on the landing,coming out of Tom's room.

"He's all tucked up" Passing them to go back down to Amy.

John touched him on the shoulder.

" Rory. We're not trying to take over"

Rory shrugged.

"Why would he want me,when Uncle John was the one who rescued him in the park?"

He said bitterly.

'Ah.I see' John thought. Though he said.

"Don't be silly. I'm not going to tell an eight year old kid. 'Oh you can't have a story read by Uncle John or even Auntie Clara,because the person that really should be doing it is Uncle Rory and he's jealous.

Rory's head shot round quickly,from where he stood at the top of the stairs.

"What! I am not" He replied.

"No?" John said, giving him a look. "Rory I won't be here tomorrow,even if I was,you can't ask children to play favourites,it doesn't work like that"

"Look you two." Clara playing peacemaker. "Can we discuss this later,when Tom's asleep?"

"Whatever" Rory going downstairs. John watched him go.

"Oh heck" Turning to Clara. "l didn't mean to"

"I know. This is all new,to Rory,not everyone takes to it has someone not a million miles from here"

"What me?" John replied.

"Hmm!" Clara her arms round him.

"Seeing how you are,with Daisy,also the miscarriage might be still on his mind as well. See to Tom and then you can have a word with Rory,right?"

"Okay"

Tom was in bed,the book open at the page he wanted the story from.

"Uncle John,can I have this one please"

"What's that then,mate?" Taking the book from him.

"Don't you want Auntie Clara to read it to you?"

Looking towards her.

"Oh no" She said "You're Grand Story Master tonight. I'm tired"

"Right" John remembering what he said downstairs.

Picking up the book. "Oh I know this one. Its one of Daisy's" To Clara. "Why don't you and the baby get on the bed with Tom?" His hand out to help her.

John started to read a tale of warriors,princesses,doing all the voices. When he came to the end of the chapter,closed the book.

"Aw! Uncle John more please,it was getting good"

" Tomorrow,Tom" He glanced at Clara,who was nearly asleep herself "I want to talk to you"

Tom looked over at him.

Clara,sat next to Tom on the bed,with her arm round him.

Taking Tom's hand in his,John said.

"Remember when you came with Jane this morning,that Uncle Rory and Auntie Amy live here?"

Tom nodded at him.

"Well. Auntie Clara and I have to return to our home,tomorrow,because I have to go back to my job"

"No-no!_" Tom was starting to get upset "Stay here please,please,don't go!"

Clara cuddled him closer to her. Looking up at John,hand on Tom's face.

"Tom,sweetheart. I'm sorry we can't stay here with you,we would really love to,but have to go home to Daisy. She's missing us" Clara starting crying has well.

"Please don't cry Auntie Clara" Tom wiping the tears on her face. John leaned over took Clara's hand in his saying.

" We'll be back in two weeks,Daisy,too won't that be great?"

Tom didn't look so sure. Clara smiled between the two.

"Guess what. We're getting married in two months,so perhaps you and Uncle Rory can help Uncle John" Poking John in the ribs "Choose a new suit?"

"Hey" John said. "I've got a suit"

"You are not marrying me in that old thing!" Clara said in disgust.

"Uncle John you have to have a new one for Auntie Clara wedding,you have to look nice"

"Oh I do,do I. Well if I've got to wear a new suit. How about one for you too" Putting his head to the little boys.

"Are you going to be a good boy for the next two weeks? Uncle Rory and Auntie Amy I Know have lots of treats planned. You can tell us all about it. When we,phone to see what your up to"

" Promise "_ Tom asked.

"Promise. We both do" Clara replied.

"Auntie Amy will tell us what you have been up to,when we talk to you on the phone. I expect Uncle Rory will has well"

John Looked at Clara,who was starting to droop.

"I think it's time you went to sleep,so I can put Auntie Clara to bed. Lie down now"

Clara,got off the bed,as John settled Tom. Clara kissed him.

"Night,night,sweetheart,see you in the morning"

"You will still be here,then?" He asked worried.

"Tom" Touching his face. "We won't leave without saying goodbye! Go to sleep"

John turned the bedside night light on.

"There,we will leave the door open in case you want Auntie Amy okay?" Tom was asleep, exhaustion,caught up.

Both of them crept out on to the landing,John pausing to shut the door slightly.

"Well,that didn't go to bad" He said. "Now to tackle Rory,find out what's got into him?"

Clara thinking it was what John said to Rory earlier he was jealous.

"John,talk to him,there is something bothering him" Clara said,putting her arms round him.

"That's,if he will talk to me" John sighed.

"Sweetheart. Man to man talk is what's needed. Okay"

"Okay"

They both went downstairs. Amy was on the sofa,trying to watch the television.

"How is he?" She asked.

"Asleep" John replied. "I explained what is happening tomorrow,think its alright,we'll have to see. Where's Rory?"

"He came down half hour ago,went straight into the office,saying he had work to do. Is something wrong Raggedy Man?"

Amy said to him puzzled.

"I'm not sure,Pond. Got this feeling he thinks I'm taking over with Tom"

John sat down opposite Amy.

"I know Rory was jealous of the way I looked after you when we were little,John. Though I thought he'd got that. Do you remember?" Amy asked.

"Some of it" John said. "When I came back to Leadworth. Everything was great Rory,changed he didn't like me. Then he did. Rory. You,Dad. All of you were there for me"

Amy reached across, squeezing John's hand.

"We always will be John" Pausing saying suddenly" Do you think I've put pressure on Rory,to foster Tom? I mean its not like he's our child " Looking up at John.

"Amy. I dont know what is bothering him,but i'm sure its not Tom. Its only the first day,you have to get use to being a family. I will talk to Rory"

Walking towards the office door. Clara was half sleep in the chair. John said.

"Sweetheart,why don't you go to bed? I'll be up myself,soon as I've talked to Rory"

"Hmm" Clara,stretched,yawning.

"I will, got some packing to finish anyway,how come you always end up taking home more than what you brought with you!" Kissed John "Don't be long? Night Amy"

"Night,Clara,sleep well" Clara went upstairs.

"I will talk to him" John said. Squaring his shoulders,he knocked on the door.

Rory looked up as he walked in.

"John. Tom okay?"

"Course. He's asleep"

"He would be if you had something to do with it. Anything,else? I'm busy,got to finish this" Nodded to what he was typing on the computer.

"Rory,if there was a problem,you would talk to me,right?"

Rory shrugged his shoulders. "There's nothing wrong,go away,I'm busy"

John knew then something was not right.

"No. I know you,Rory Williams,not until you tell me what's wrong.I'm not leaving this room" John sat down in the chair that was in front of the desk.

Rory shook his head.

"Your a stubborn bastard,John Smith"

"I've learned from the master,not moving till you tell me,mate" John sat with his arms folded.

"Oh. What the fuck!_"

Rory, throwing his arms up. Turned the computer off.

"I give up,not going to get this finished,tonight. You always get your own way. John as usual"

Getting up walked over to the window.. Rory had his back to John. He was silent for a minute,then.

"How do you do it?"

"Do what,Rory?" John puzzled.

"Get people to like you" He continued.

"People like you" John said back to him "That's one of the reasons you became a solicitor,your need to help. Look if this is because of Tom? Do you think I'm hustling in? Rory"

"He doesn't like me" Rory said suddenly turning round.

"Look how he was with you and Amy earlier,when you were on the floor in the kitchen,having fun. I mean you and her have always got on now,adding Tom to the mix"

John sighed.

"Rory,mate,I thought you had got over this. "You love Amy?"

"Course I do. Have since we were little,you know that!"

"So,have I. Not in the way you do. Oh I liked the way she mothers me. We argue,essentially the daft stuff"

"Yes,you do" Rory smiled.

"Both of you are very important to me always will be,but I love Clara"

"What about Tom? How do I make him like me?" Rory asked.

" Can't do that" John replied.

Rory gave him a look.

"Because he already does. It's also a work in progress. I know you have a job,but_When you're home,play with him,do things together..love him!"

"It sounds so easy" Rory said to his friend. "Daisy. _"

"Daisy is different" John said before he went any further.

"She was looking for a Daddy,because she already had half a family with Clara. Tom needs the whole deal,the two of you " He grinned at Rory.

"Stop being a pilock and get on with it. Now I'm going to seej if Clara's finished packing,then bed. I'm got work myself next week"

John moved to the door,Rory said to him.

" Thanks John,see you in the morning"

"Think on what what I said. Night Rory"

John went out and shut the door.

Sunday 10am

"I'm telling you it won't close_" Clara's voice came from the open door of their bedroom.

They had the one suitcase that needed to go downstairs to the car,but the lid of it wouldn't shut while they did up the catches.

"Why not sit on it!" John suggested. Perhaps the added weight will hold it down "

"Are you calling me heavy. John Smith. You'd better not be" Clara retorted.

John grinned at her.

Tom came into the room, then.

"Tell you what" John said."Both of you sit on it then I won't know who's the heaviest"

"I'm so going to smack you when we get home" Clara said under her breath.

Tom,laughing climbed on the case,pushed down on top.

Clara pushed down on the catches,it finally closed.

Lifting it off the bed, John said.

" Clara!. What have you got in here?"

"You last bought things" She replied "Stuff for the baby,not sure where we're going to put all when we get home?"

"It will have to go into my room at the hotel for the time being,then we can move it later as we have to" John said.

Rory appeared at the door.

"Anything else to be put in your car,John? Amy said breakfast is ready"

"Only this" John pointing to the oversized case,but think I will need help getting it downstairs"

Rory tried to pick it up.

"Blinking heck,perhaps if we took half each? What are you going to do at the other end though?"

"It's going in my room at the hotel for now,it's baby stuff,not needed at the moment,we can use the hall porters trolley. Need to get it in the car "

"Tom,Why don't you take Auntie Clara down for breakfast,while, Uncle John and I do this? Tell Auntie Amy,we won't be long. Don't eat all the sausage sandwiches will you? Eat Uncle John's,save me one. Okay?"

"Yes,Uncle Rory,I will" Grinning,took Clara's hand. They went out.

Then Tom popped his head back in.

"I won't eat yours,either Uncle John" He said going again.

"Thanks,mate" John called after him.

Looking back to Rory. "How's he been?"

"Awake since Seven" Rory replied. "Jumping up and down on our bed by quarter past_"

"No more lie-ins then!" John asked.

"Wouldn't have it any other way,I'm also reading him a story you started last night,with voices" Rory looked to John.

"Got to do the voices,mate,that's part of the fun_"

John slapped him on the shoulder. "Come on let's move this,there will be no sausage sandwiches left. I've seen Tom eat"

By midday,the car was packed. John and Clara,were ready to leave.

John had nipped back upstairs to check,nothing was left.

Clara hugged Amy.

"Thank you for everything" Turning to Rory "Especially you,come here" Holding on to him slightly longer.

"Thank you,for looking after him,I know how much trouble he's been"

"Clara,anything for him,alot of it wasn't his fault" Put his hand under her chin.

"He still has some was to go,and I will help him on that way,with Dr Barclays help"

"Thank you" Clara said wiping at her eyes.

John came back then.

"Think thats it. Are we ready,do you need to go,Clara,before we leave?"

Clara rolled her eyes,at Rory.

"Been twice while you were finishing loading the car" She said.

Rory,moved over to John.

"Here you go,mate" Handing over the car keys to him. "Moved it out to the front for you.

"Cheers,thanks Rory" Taking them from him. Shook his hand,then pulled his friend towards him.

"I expect,Clara,has said thanks to you,but.I'm really grateful for everything" Pulling away.

Looking between Rory and Amy.

"Borh of you"

"You look after Clara or else" Rory said. "I will see you at Dr Barclays on Wednesday. Speak to you before then,let you know how this one's doing,okay?" His arms round Tom then.

Bending down to his level,John said.

"Be good,look after Auntie Amy and Uncle Rory,talk to you later. Okay?" _

Tom nodded at him.

" Uncle Rory does even better voices than me " Looking at Rory over Tom's head. standing,turned to Amy,hugging her.

"Pond. I will see you in two weeks,maybe your cooking will have improved by then?_"

Amy pulled her face away his neck,saying tearfully.

"You always say because,Tom's here,you're not getting a smack. Raggedy Man!"

"Don't worry Amy" Clara said." He's got half a dozen coming when I get him home"

"Auntie Clara,will you smack his bottom?"

Tom asked.

Amy,still with her arms round John was in hysterics. Clara was trying to keep her face straight.

Rory said coughing. "What a very good idea!"

John walking out the front door ten minutes later when everyone had calmed down,said to Clara.

"I will smack your bottom when I get you home." Has they both got in the car.

"You will have to catch me first!" Clara put her tongue out at him.

They drove away,waving to the family stood on pavement.

A/N

So John and Clara are going home,to Daisy.

John as talking to do with his 'Mum'

About the hotel and other things.

They will find out what sort of wedding Clara wants.

There is also going to be a shock for them both.

Please read and review.

Thanks.

Chapter 50 soon.