Kayleigh was on cloud nine to be living with John officially just in time for Christmas. Throughout the week she moved the rest of her belongings into John. A lot of her other items were in one of Steve's mates lock ups but she was thinking of selling or dumping most of it.
Kayleigh had told Mandy that Sunday night John had asked and they had a catch up on the Tuesday when John was working late and Kayleigh was getting some of her stuff together.
"So for someone who told you he wanted to take things slow, he's certainly moving fast" commented Mandy over a cuppa in the living room whilst Kayleigh was folding clothes to put in a box. Kayleigh just smiled awkwardly at her.
"Look, I know it's want you want Kayleigh, but are you sure it's what he wants?"
"Why? Don't you think he means it?"
"I'm just worried if he changes his mind when reality hits and you end up hurt...I mean he does have form for that sort of thing."
"Well he seemed sincere, I thought you liked John?"
"Oh I do Kayleigh, he's a great bloke and it's obvious how much you think of each other. I just worry that he's still a bit of a commitment-phobe" said Mandy concerned.
"I know he's had issues in the past Mand, but you didn't see his face...he meant it."
"I'm sure he did, I'm just saying, I'd hate for you to get your hopes up for it to...well...not go to plan."
"Great thanks Mandy! I haven't even moved in yet and you're already got me moving out! God...do you think he will change his mind? Maybe this is too soon. Perhaps I should tell him that it's not a good time."
"Whoa Whoa Whoa! That's not what I'm suggesting, I just want you to be careful. And trust me Kayleigh, I'd love nothing more than for you and John to ride off into the sunset together and live happily ever after. But have you talked properly about this since he asked ya?"
"Well we spoke about getting my stuff over."
"But have you spoke properly?"
"We are always speaking properly, we are just taking each day as it comes. Please just be happy for me Mandy."
"I am Kayleigh, I just know how much he means to you, more than anyone else I've ever seen you with, that's all, I am praying this works for you."
"Thanks Mandy I know you care, but I trust what he says to me, and I love him so much and I know he loves me too."
"You're right Kayleigh, I shouldn't have opened me big gob."
"Don't be daft...anyway do ya want to help me get some of me stuff packed?"
"Course I will."
The sisters hugged and took the rest of their cups of tea upstairs to get packing.
A few hours later John arrived at Mandy's to collect Kayleigh and get todays instalment of her belongings.
Steve opened the door "hiya John, how ya doing bud?"
"Yeah good thanks Steve"
"Come on through."
"Cheers" John followed Steve to the Kitchen.
"The girls are upstairs sorting Kayleigh's bits and the kids are watching a movie, so I'm stuck with the washing up. How's work?"
"Aye, not to bad, bloody busy though. Be glad when Christmas is over."
Steve laughed "Don't let Kayleigh or Mandy hear you say that, Christmas obsessed them two."
"Don't I know it."
"What you doing Christmas then? Now Kayleigh's moving in."
"Don't know really, normally just go to me Mums. S'pose I better check with Kayleigh" John hadn't even considered the Christmas arrangements.
Kayleigh and Mandy came down with a few boxes.
"Right, is that the lot for tonight?" asked John.
"Yeah, there's not that much more left to go really."
"How do you think Misty's going to like it at Kens?" asked Mandy.
"Oh she'll be fine. She loved Ken, and since Maggie, his cocker, passed, it will do him the world of good."
"Yeah, least he can go dogging again eh Kayleigh?" smirked John whilst Kayleigh rolled her eyes. Mandy and Steve were aware they were not included in this little joke.
John stayed for a cuppa and a chat with Mandy and Steve before him and Kayleigh headed off.
Once in the car, Kayleigh was thoughtful and quiet.
"You alright?" asked John.
"Sort of..."
"Why? What's up?"
"Just something our Mandy said."
"Bout what?"
"Bout us moving in together."
"What she say?"
"Right...well...don't take this the wrong way or anything..."
"Well I'm bound to now you've said that aren't I?"
"No seriously don't...as Mandy really likes you and was just looking out for me..."
"Right...what she say then?"
"Just that she's worried once I've moved in you'll change ya mind."
"What!" John felt hurt at this "I wouldn't do that!"
"But...you have in past John...and Mandy knows you wanted to take it slow and now I'm moving in after a few months..."
John sighed.
"So what ya saying? You don't want to move in now?"
"No I'm not saying anything like that...I'm just telling you what was said."
"But...it's going to be hanging over us now."
"It's not honest" Kayleigh said reassuringly.
"Look, I..."
John's phone went.
"Shite...its our Paul...Hiya Paul you alright?"
"Yeah I'm fine, you driving?"
"Yeah I'm with Kayleigh, just heading home."
"Hi ya Kayleigh, when am I gonna meet ya then?"
"Well that's up to John."
"12th of never then...it's just because I'm the better looking brother that's all."
Paul and Kayleigh laughed.
"Yeah alright you two...what can I do you for anyway Paul?"
"Oh yeah...it was just about Mum's Christmas present. Didn't know if you wanted to go joint on something special with it being first Christmas without Dad an all."
"Yeah, yeah, sounds like a good idea...erm...let's chat about it at weekend."
"Well why don't you and Kayleigh come over Saturday night for drinks? Or a cuppa in your case."
John looked at Kayleigh and she shook her head and mouthed 'yes.'
"Yeah ok, will come to you bout 8 then."
"Great, see ya then, look forward to meeting you Kayleigh."
"You too."
"Bye" John hung up.
"Oh that was nice, cant wait to meet ya brother."
"Yeah, its a shame the few times you've been to me mums he's not been about...anyway where were we?"
"John, please, forget I said anything."
"I can't, it's obviously bothered ya. I don't know what else I can say or do to make you feel less worried."
"There's nothing you can do, I told Mandy I love you and trust you and she understood."
"Then why so quiet?"
"Because...well...I've never lived with anyone before...what if I let you down and I'm rubbish to live with and you get fed up with me."
John laughed.
"What ya laughing at?"
"Oh Kayleigh...don't be daft. I know you're rubbish to live with. I bloody asked you to move in after you were sick all day and nearly burnt me kitchen down...if that doesn't show I know what I'm letting meself in for then I don't know what does!" he continued to laugh.
Kayleigh giggled "well I am one of a kind."
"Aye, you are that."
Kayleigh smiled.
By the end of the week Kayleigh and John were officially cohabiting. They decided to celebrate on the Friday with a take away and a Mission Impossible movie on Film Four.
"Can't believe we're living together John" said Kayleigh excitedly.
"Can't ya? You were here most of time anyway."
"I know but it's nice to have it official."
"Yeah, I know..."
"We need to discuss the financial side of it though John? I don't want to take any liberties."
"Aye, I was thinking about that and wasn't sure how to bring it up...erm...how about you just help with bills, I don't expect you to chip in with mortgage."
"I can't do that John, I want to pay me way properly."
"Well, why don't you put some money aside each month for a deposit or something?"
"A deposit?! A deposit on what?!"
"Don't panic! I mean nowt untoward. Without being too presumptuous, but down the line we may want to buy our own place, you know, somewhere new, that's ours."
Kayleigh was beaming.
"And...not too put a dampener on it, but if in a worst case scenario things don't get that far...then least you'll have...well a little something behind ya."
"Oh John" she hugged and kissed him "you're so lovely."
"I do me best" and flashed her a smile.
They kissed again much more intensely.
"Right lady...get up them stairs...we'll celebrate properly."
Kayleigh laughed and run off to the stairs, she was quickly followed by John.
Saturday night arrived and John and Kayleigh arrived at Paul's, Kayleigh had purchased a bottle of wine but had told herself she is not drinking...much.
After the greetings were over and Ben and Sophie had said goodnight and went to bed, the adults sat at the dining room table where Claire had put out some nibbles, John and Kayleigh were on one side with Paul and Claire on the other. Conversation flowed easily, as did the wine and tea for John.
Kayleigh noted how much more relaxed Paul was, didn't seem to have the weight of the world on his shoulders like John. Perhaps because he was more settled in life whereas John seemed more put upon and unlucky.
"So Kayleigh, how the hell do you put up with our John?"
"Oh...he's not that bad...really" she replied as they all chuckled.
"Nah, in all honesty he's the best brother I could have asked for" Paul said with sincerity.
"Now I know you've had enough drink Paul" said John embarrassed at the compliment.
"Another glass Kayleigh?" offered Claire.
"Oh no best not, not after last Saturday."
"Aye Mum mentioned you were hungover so couldn't come for dinner" laughed Paul.
"Hungover! Not the word for it, she were a right state" joined in John.
"Alright!" Kayleigh screeched, "honestly I wasn't right until Monday night, seriously hangovers just get longer."
"Think John's got the right idea..." said Claire nodding at his cup of tea.
"Anyway Mum's Christmas present...I thought we could take her away for New Year, like Blackpool or something, somewhere that she'll enjoy but also to think about Dad, he loved Blackpool" suggested Paul
"Aw that's such a nice idea" added Kayleigh.
"For New Year you say?" John asked.
"Yeah...just be a nice break for her after Christmas" confirmed Paul.
"Maybe New Year isn't the best time though" John need to swerve this away from New Year so as not to ruin Kayleigh Christmas present.
"Well when would it?"
"I don't know... what about boxing day for a few days..."
"But we have Rick and Donna's wedding on 28th John."
"Well I could come back for that then back to Blackpool."
"Well that's a bit daft...what's up with New Year John. You got plans you're not telling us about?" said Paul.
"Yeah what you doing at New Year you're not telling us John?" Kayleigh asked half joking half serious.
"What? Nothing...I just think another time would be better."
"I think New Years is our best bet John. Or it's not much of a Christmas present unless you have any better ideas."
"Well...er..." John struggled.
"Blackpool for New Years it is then...lets get it booked now..." said Paul rubbing his hands together.
"OW!" screamed Claire "did you just kick me John!?"
"John!" squeaked Kayleigh.
"Shit...I'm so sorry Claire I was aiming for our Paul."
"Why me?"
"What's going on John?" asked Kayleigh.
"Oh for Gods sake!" exclaimed John "I do have plans New Years ok?"
"What?" said Kayleigh hurt "Who with?"
"With you , who else?"
"But I don't mind you going away with ya Mum, probably only end up staying in anyway."
"There you go. Sorted" said Paul.
"I booked New Year away in Edinburgh as Kayleigh's Christmas present...well one of...but it's bloody ruined now."
"Oh John!" she clapped her hands excitedly.
Claire got up from the chair and was hobbling.
"Ere ya Claire I'll help ya" as John got up still feeling bad and held Claire's arm.
"No, I'll be fine John."
"No, what do you need, I'll help."
"I'm going to the loo John, so no help required."
"Sorry" John said bashfully and sat down as Kayleigh and Paul sniggered.
"Well, John, can you postpone the trip? I think it's much more important to do this for ya Mum" Kayleigh offered.
"I know but I know how you wanted to stay over for the wedding as a night away and I wanted it to be special."
"John, anywhere and anytime with you is special."
John smiled at Kayleigh and held her hand as Kayleigh returned the smiled as the locked eyes.
Paul coughed "right you two...what's the plan?" this shook John and Kayleigh out of their trance
"Right...yeah...well...It was a chain Hotel I booked so I can see if they have one in Blackpool and see if it can be transferred there."
"You'll come to Blackpool with us won't you Kayleigh?" asked Paul.
Claire entered the room "Oh yes you must Kayleigh.. it will be fun...if I can walk by then" as she hobbled to her chair.
"I am so sorry Claire."
"So you should be, kicking me wife" Paul laughed.
"Well I thought it was just a family thing" said Kayleigh.
"Shut up, you're living with our John now aren't ya...that's as good as family to me."
"John?" Kayleigh looked at him "what do you think?"
"I'd love you to be there and least we still get our nights away."
"Ok looks like I'm in!"
"Well that deserves another glass Kayleigh...John go and get the bottle from the fridge...I don't think I can walk that far" Claire smirked.
"Oh yeah of course" John jumped up as the others started laughing.
"What?" asked John innocently.
"Only you brother!" said Paul.
As Christmas day neared John and Kayleigh had sorted out their Christmas Day arrangements. John and Kayleigh would have lunch at his Mums and tea at Kayleigh parents with Mandy and kids.
John hadn't met Kayleigh's parents yet so was a bit nervous, he decided to probe a bit further on Christmas Eve on the drive home after the store finally shut.
"So...meeting the parents tomorrow?" John asked tentatively.
"Yeah...we don't have to stay long at my parents."
"It's fine...whatever you want. Do ya think it's odd I haven't met them yet? Do you think they'll think I'm not good enough for ya" John laughed awkwardly.
"Course they won't think that. I'm so glad I've got you to show off and prove them wrong."
"Eh?"
"Oh John...it's just a bit awkward."
"I know you've never really said much about them."
"Well it's not interesting really...I'm just not really close to them...nor is our Kieron."
"Ok...but why?"
"Well me and Kieron were always a law unto ourselves. I was a party girl and Kieron had no cause until he joined the army. Mandy settled down and became the stable one, whilst I was the disappointment."
"Well I'm sure it's not like that."
"Oh it is John. The only reason me and Kieron got the house is because we were nowhere near moving out."
"So how'd that work?"
"Me Dad got a good pension when he took early retirement and Mum decided it would be good for a fresh start...without me or Kieron...she said we were old enough to be living on our own etc. Anyway, me Dad felt sorry for me and sold the house to us. Gave us money for the deposit and me and Kieron got the mortgage. Me mum weren't pleased but got us out of her hair. Had to give deposit back mind when we sold it."
"Oh right. So your Mandy close to them then?"
"Oh yeah, because of the kids. And they are really good with them, guess I just never lived up to their expectations..."
"Sounds like it's going to be eventful then."
"We'll Mum will be pleased...or shocked I've finally settled down."
"Better make a good impression then."
"Oh you will. Sorry I haven't mentioned it before."
"Not a bother...I never asked before."
John smiled at her, he was pleased that she opened up to him. He felt bad he'd never asked before but better late than never.
Shaking Steven's Merry Christmas Everyone came on the radio.
"Oh I love this" screamed Kayleigh as she turned it up "Come on Jonathan...sing with me."
"Do I have too...sick of this one!"
"Sing!"
They sang together despite John's reluctance...excited of what their first Christmas will bring.
