After the thrilling evening of the square dance, my good mood took a turn. I was working the late shifts, which meant there was no time for anything, let alone meeting my Pats. It had been over one week, since I had seen her last, and that just wasn't good enough! (It really isn't!) I was getting use to that, once the sun was rising, I knew it was my bedtime: Thank goodness, I'm working days again.

With my nights now free, me and Pats planned to meet at the coffee bar. I must confess, I'd had a bit of a bad day already. Which didn't help matters. Then I found out, that there had been a small fire in the laundry room where she had been working. I couldn't even so much as hold her hand to comfort her. There had been two men sitting close by and to make matters even worse, of all the nights the coffee bar was crowded. My emotions were all pent up and they all came spilling to the surface. I even snapped at one of the men when he asked, if he could buy two pretty ladies a slice of cake. It wasn't even about him. I just needed somebody to take my anger out on. Unfortunately, it just happened to be him. I sure left him looking very confused, as I stormed off out of there.

I also left Patsy behind. I couldn't stay in there any longer. She too, may have been a little bewildered. The way I had been feeling, so despondent. I had not told her, and my words may have sounded harsh. When I said to her, that I felt like we were ghosts, and I questioned about doing what everyone, especially my Mam is so bloody insistent on. The look that was present in her eyes was fear. She grabbed for me to stop and look at her, She asked me what I wanted. I explained, that yes! I did want to get married, to her. The fool! But we can't. So that is that.

I continued to walk on, leaving her standing there bemused in the ally way. She shouted after me, but once she had caught up to me. We both remained silent. After all what could really be said? There was a new kind of tension between us suddenly. Or maybe from me: I returned home with a soundless Patsy by my side. Once the text books were pushed against the door, still wordless she started to unbutton my coat for me. Bringing her lips to mine, we kissed. I guess all that was really left for us to do that night was make love, and that is what we did. Nothing was solved or magically fixed. Nothing was even discussed, deep down I was almost glad about that. I didn't even stay held in her arms after the ecstasy of the moment was through. I left her embrace, and just slipped on my nighty. Patsy then cuddled me from behind as I sat upon the edge of the bed. placing kisses on my shoulder.

She began to make small talk, of how tomorrow she had to put up posters with the nuns, for the Cubs, Halloween night. Running her fingers through my hair as she told me. Turning to look at her, I sighed, I asked if she really needed me to be there on Halloween night. She told me a very firm, Yes! I just nodded to her. Since I had promised to see the Cubs with their lanterns, it wasn't fair to let them down. For the remainder of the night, I was still quiet as Pats filled up the silence. Before she left, I held the side of her face and took a long look at her. She is always so beautiful.

With the lantern parade quickly upon us. I still had no words, other than speaking to the Cubs. Patsy knew I wasn't myself, and she pulled me aside. Even with the Cubs, nuns and people around. That was a real moment of courage for her. I know how closely guarded she kept her emotions in front of others. Staunchly she told me that, we are not ghosts and that we will find a way to be together. She actually held my hand. With a crowd of people only inches away. No words I have, can express what that simple gesture meant to me. It felt like recognition. That our love was real and had a voice. Funny how something so straightforward like holding hands, for most couples is taken for granted. So feeling her hand wrapped around mine, felt nice. Normal. Then and there, I knew she absolutely would truly find a way for us to be closer together.

To my surprise the very next day, while I was sitting on the outside bench of the kitchen area. Needing a bit of fresh air from work. I noticed a very familiar figure walking toward me. It was my Pats. Holding in her hand, a picnic basket. A smile spread across my face so wide that I could of easily been mistaken for the cheshire cat. As I greeted her, 'What do I owe this unexpected pleasure?'

'Hello Deels. I thought you might care for a spot of lunch.' She smiled so proudly, 'It's been quite awhile since we have shared lunch together, while we've both been at work.' She took a seat besides me, 'So I decided to change that, by making you some sandwiches.' She nodded.

'Lunch with you is a wonderful idea, but how did you know that I was out here?' I smiled as she touched my hand.

'You always liked to sit out here before we went to eat our lunch.' She knew me well, 'Yes.' I chuckled as she began to unpack the sandwiches. The two of us would often be at this bench, chatting away as she smoked, while I was munching on an apple. Many good memory's here. Perhaps that is why, I still sit out here.

Taking a bite of the cheese and cucumber, housed deliciously in two slices of bread, I asked, 'Won't the nuns notice you're not eating with them today?' Wiping the corner of her mouth on a napkin before she answered, she told me, 'I'm on district rounds today, and I found I was finished a little earlier than usual. With the kitchen free, I made our lunch before Mrs B needed the area. I left a note on the table, explaining I was taking my lunch with you.' Her tone matched the amount of love that was clearly displayed in her eyes for me.

'Thank you, Pats.' I smiled, we both knew my gratitude wasn't just for the lovely picnic. Nodding, she reached into the basket again.

'I have lemonade.' She waved the glass bottle with pride as she fished out two glasses. Holding the tumbler for her as she poured, I peered into the basket, with a gleam, 'Is that a bag from the bakery shop, I spot in there?'

'You would be correct, Deels. After all I know how to spoil my girl.' She looked down coy, as she took a sip of her lemonade, 'It's a custard slice.' She added.

'Mmm my favourite.' I practically licked my lips, subconsciously Patsy licked hers too and that sent a tingle throughout my body, 'I know.' She replied with a nod, referring to the cakes.

'What's that, in that brown paper bag?' My eye brows arched with curiosity as I glanced at her.

'It's a present.' She said simply, 'We'll get to that after we eat.' She continued eating another bite of her sandwich. Leaving it at that, my mind wondered on what she may have got me. The shape of it looked like a 45" vinyl record. I don't recall, telling her about a song that I wanted. My inquiring mind went into over time.

After enjoying that rather tasty cake, Patsy was telling me about her day. Throwing her cigarette to the ground. She finally picked up my present, with a big beaming smile, 'Is someone rather anxious to know what I have brought them?' She teased playfully.

'Not at all.' I joked, not very convincing I might add.

'Oh? In that case...' She pretended to put it back in the basket but I held her arm. Placing the brown paper bag, tied around with string on my lap, I smiled at her before glancing back down to my present.

'When did you buy me this?' I asked her.

'While on my rounds this morning.' She replied, but as I went to open it, she stopped me. 'Delia.' Her voice sounded more serious so I looked at her and listened, 'You know I don't always find it easy to show how I'm feeling. I just assume that you know how much I care about you, love you. I need to tell you more often, just how much I adore you. You know me, so instead of hearing me go all tongue tied, I thought the words of this song, sum it all up. I love you, Delia.' She explained in a hushed voice as we were so out in the open. I could feel my eyes start to well with tears, as she gave me the nod to open my gift.

Carefully pulling at the neatly tied string bow, I slid the vinyl record from the bag, and egarly glanced at the title. 'Let it be me.' By The Everly Brothers. Happily greeted me, 'Oh Pats!' I sounded rather astonished as I flung my arms around her. I knew I couldn't hold on for too long, but I was pleased to feel her squeeze back as tightly. 'You're welcome.' She tried to sound chipper but her voice was also cracking with emotion.

'You can think of me, when you listen to it. For the times that I am unable to be there, but know Delia I always, so want to be.' She whispered before she broke the embrace. 'I love you.' Was all I could reply, equally as quiet. Staring down at the 45" in my hands, I didn't feel like 'ghosts' anymore.

Picking up the watch upon her uniform, she let out a sigh, 'Gosh, lunch has gone so quickly today. I...must be getting back.' She sighed again as I touched the back of her hand. I knew she wanted to stay but work was calling.

'Thank you, sweetheart. Lunch has been lovely.' I told her as she gathered up the picnic basket.

'Perhaps, I could see you tonight?' She glanced down to the ground, with a blush appearing on her cheeks.

I very much wanted that too, I needed to thank her properly for my present and for the lovely picnic.

'Shall we meet at the usual place?' I asked as I walked with her to her bike.

'How about I just come over to the nurses home?' The blush in her cheeks turning a deeper shade of red. 'See you tonight then.' I smiled as she climbed onto her bike.

'See you tonight.' She repeated, as we lingered there. Both of us were desperate to lean in to each other for a kiss, but we had to resist. We could do plenty of kissing tonight. 'Bye, then.' She nodded with a half smile. 'Bye.' I waved as she began to peddle away.

Turning behind her, she waved again before she rode off. Taking in a deep breath, I clung onto my 45" and skipped back into work.

A/N - Thank you all again for the reviews. They do make me smile. If you would like to listen to 'Let it be me.' I thought the words fitted rather well for Pats and Deels. Oo as for the first bit of this chapter, I wanted to make it all a bit hazey, because I figured we all knew the episode well enough. Who could forget, one of Deels stand out lines, 'We don't like cake!' Next chapter soon. x