BANG BANG BANG BANG
"TILLY LET ME IN PLEASE. NEAL I NEED TO TALK TO YOU."
Jono shouted through the letterbox, oblivious to the blatant stares and whispers from passers-by.
"Can I let him in Neal? The boy is causing a scene. Tilly quipped half-heartedly. Look, he was honest for the first time today, albeit with the wrong person, he's probably saved Bart's love life, why don't you give him a second chance to save his own?"
"Because Tilly it's not just his second chance."
"HE'S RIGHT. I'VE MESSED UP SO MANY TIMES BEFORE. BUT I AM HERE NOW. PLEASE LET ME IN NEAL."
"I can't keep going over this Jono. I've told you, I am going home."
"Neal, please don't give up on me. I'm so sorry it has taken me this long to see the truth. I don't want to lose you. Please I am begging you. Let me in."
Jono was so focused on his task of getting into Tilly's house that he did not hear the approaching footsteps and playful banter of Bart and Jason as they practically skipped up the drive.
"Jono mate. Are you okay?"
"Do I look okay? He was sat on the doorstep, his head buried in his hands. I need to get in there to see him, to speak with him, but he won't let me in."
"Let us have a go then. TAP TAP TAP TAP. Tilly? Neal? It's Jason and Bart. Can we come in?"
"Now's not a good time guys. Tilly shouted in reply. Maybe give me a call in a bit."
"We just wanted to share our good news."
"You're together, we get it whoop de frikin' do."
Neal mumbled grumpily.
"Alright, there is no need for that."
Tilly chastised him.
"Yeah, I am sorry guys."
He muttered genuinely sorry.
"It's okay. Now is not a great time and we understand, but Jono is beside himself out here. Maybe you could give him one last chance, you know for everybody's sake."
"He's actually upset?"
"Of course I am upset. Neal I…I love you."
Jono blushed as all around him people erupted into awws and ahhhsss.
"What did you just say?"
Neal could hardly believe his own ears.
"I said I love you Neal and I should have told you that last year, if not the year before. Please, please don't leave me. I am so sorry."
Jono stepped back as the door opened forcibly and Neal stood before them, a Cheshire Cat grin on his face.
"Say it again."
"Neal, I love you."
He fell backwards as Neal literally launched himself at him, wrapping his arms tightly around his neck.
"I love you too, Jono. I really do."
"I know. Can we come in? It is bloomin' freezing out here."
"Yeah of course. Bart…Jase. Sorry about you know…but it is amazing that you are together."
"It's amazing you are too, but you won't believe who else is."
"What? Who?"
Tilly enquired nosily.
"That would be my ex-girlfriend and Jason's twin brother."
"Really? I would have said Riyle was more here type."
"I would have too at one time, but the way todays gone I have to admit I no longer have a clue where love is concerned."
"No I know what you mean."
Jono conceded as he kissed Neal fleetingly on the forehead and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
"You know what I think? Bart was suddenly hit by a bolt of inspiration. I think we need to celebrate. To share all our good news."
"I couldn't agree more."
Jono replied with enthusiasm much to Neal's obvious delight.
"So you're thinking what I'm thinking?"
"I think I am. We need to have a party."
"What? When?"
"Tomorrow. That will give me time to get the word out, if I send a status now and time to find a DJ or to update my CD collection."
"And time for us to all ransack our savings to find a location and buy food and drink."
"Location's covered. Myra and the girls are going out tomorrow tonight."
"And they won't mind you having a party on such short notice?"
Jason probed questioningly.
"Yeah well what they don't know and all that."
Bart replied sheepishly.
"How about we have it at Riyle's, him and Mitz are away for the week, that will give us a chance to clear up and whatever and we are less likely to get into trouble."
"You're a genius babe."
Jason flushed at the obvious compliment as Bart kissed him full on the lips.
"Right guys, enough of the lovey dovey. Tilly groaned. We have a party to organise!"
She clapped her hands enthusiastically.