A Blessing In Disguise
A week had passed since Jac and Joseph had finally revealed their true feelings in the canteen. It had been a lot easier than Jac had thought. Like a great burden had been lifted from her shoulders. But now she had another mountain to climb. Sitting in her chair staring at her stump, she did wonder how someone who had been so independent, strong willed and stubborn could suddenly change and become more accepting of people. It was Joseph who suggested that she should move in with him. He lived in a ground floor apartment. Jac had accepted the offer, if there was one person who she would allow to help her it had to be Joseph.
Joseph walks in looking serious.
JOSEPH: I've just been talking to the police, they have arrested the driver that ran you down. He confessed straight away.
JAC: Good! I hope they lock the scumbag up and throw away the key!
JOSEPH: My sentiments exactly, are you ready to go?
JAC: As I'll ever be, I do appreciate this you know.
JOSEPH: I know.
Joseph bent down and kissed Jac lightly on the lips - something he'd wanted to do for years, but only now was he able to do it. Knowing he didn't have to fight his feelings anymore was a great relief.
Jac had almost forgotten what it felt like to be wanted. She smiled at Joseph. She was certain she was going to wake up from this and discover it was all a bizarre dream. She would have her leg, but no Joseph.
JOSEPH: (Smiles) What are you grinning like that for?
JAC: I just can't believe this is happening!
Jac manages to get up from the wheelchair using the crutches.
JOSEPH: Wow, look at you! You won't be needing the wheelchair soon. I should have known you can't keep Jac Naylor down for long.
JAC: You better believe it!
Jac and Joseph walk out of the hospital. Joseph's arm is wrapped protectively around Jac's shoulders. They see Michael.
MICHAEL: Well well if that's not a sight for sore eyes. Good to see you up and about Naylor. I have to hand it to you Jac, you have more lives than a cat, you know that?
JAC:(Laughs) Yeah but I must have used up a few recently.
MICHAEL: You can say than again, if you lose any more vital organs or limbs there will nothin' left!
JAC: Ha ha very funny!
MICHAEL: Gotta go, I'll catch you guys later.
Jac and Joseph walk across the car park, the sun is shining brightly, and the air is crisp and cold. Jac can't help but take a glance over to where her life so nearly ended. She shivers inwardly. Joseph rubs her arm comfortingly.
JOSEPH: Come on lets go home.
Joseph helps Jac into the car, she realises how tired she feels, after walking the longest distance she had ever managed to do on the crutches.
JAC: Blimey, I'm so relieved you parked near the door, any further and you'd have to carry me. I just wanted to walk out of here. I've spent enough time lying or sitting. It's been doing my head in.
JOSEPH: You never take the easy option, I am so proud of you, you've come such a long way.
Jac looks at Joseph in a mildly disapproving manner saying in typical Jac fashion...
JAC: I've only walked across the car park Joseph, not the surface of the moon.
Joseph smiles as he shuts the car door.
They arrive at Joseph's flat, after a 15 minute drive. Jac hobbles in, relieved that there are no steps to negotiate. She makes her way over to the sofa. For a moment an awkward silence descends on them both.
JOSEPH: I'll um, get your things from the car, I won't be long.
JAC: Yeah OK.
Jac looks around the flat, it hadn't really changed much since Joseph had bought the place. There were some photos on the shelf in front of her. A family portrait of the Byrne's took pride of place. There was a photo of Archie and Joseph together grinning happily at the camera. But there was no trace of Faye to be seen.
Joseph walks in carrying Jac's bags.
JOSEPH: Would you like some tea? Something to eat maybe?
JAC: Tea would be great thanks.
Joseph comes in ten minutes later with two hot mugs of tea. He sits down beside Jac on the sofa. They sip their tea.
JAC: What if I can't do this?
JOSEPH: You can, you're strong. You can't let what has happened defeat you.
JAC: I'm so used to being in control of my life, where I want to go, what I want to do. Suddenly the rug has been pulled out from under me. I took so much for granted.
JOSEPH: I think we both did. But you've got to understand you are not alone in this, I'll be here.
JAC: I remember a time when you couldn't look me in the eye, if someone had told me this was going to happen I'd have laughed at them.
JOSEPH: Time changes things.
Jac rests her head on Joseph's shoulder and shuts her eyes. He lightly strokes her head. Before long they both fall asleep...
By the time the they wake up, it's early evening. Joseph stirs awake first, he yawns. He looks at Jac who is still sleeping peacefully by him. He gently nudges her.
JOSEPH: Hey, wakey wakey,
JAC: Hmm? What time is it?
JOSEPH: 4:30. I'd almost forgotten how innocent you look when you sleep.
JAC: Shut up! She punches Joseph playfully on the arm.
JOSEPH: I'm being serious! You hungry?
JAC: Starving actually.
JOSEPH: I'll go and do some pasta then.
Joseph gets up and walks out to the kitchen, he whistles cheerfully as he prepares the food.
JAC: Just don't burn it Byrne!
Joseph pretends to look offended.
JOSEPH: Are you questioning my culinary skills?
JAC: Yes I am, last time you cooked,for me you nearly set this place on fire!
JOSEPH: That's a slight exaggeration I think you'll find-
The conversation is cut short by a knock at the door.
JOSEPH: I'll get it.
Joseph walks to the front door and opens it. The smile vanishes from his face, replaced by a look of surprise. His mouth is slightly open.
ANNE-MARIE: Hello darling, I hope you don't mind me dropping in? How are you?
JOSEPH: (Clears his throat.) Mother, what a lovely surprise.
Joseph's voice sounds unconvincing even to him. Jac's voice comes through from the living room her crutches make a clacking sound as she makes her way to the door.
JAC: Who is it Joseph?
Jac doesn't need a reply. Both woman stand frozen to the spot...