Christmas had been and gone. John had proved a big hit with Kayleigh parents and her Mum had told her how pleased she was that she finally found 'the one.'
Donna and Rick's wedding also turned out to be more fun than expected. John danced the night away with Kayleigh and she had stuck by his side all day and night and thankfully for John she didn't offer anyone a lift home.
John was slightly uncomfortable with the constant "you two will be next." John knew they were probably right and Kayleigh was definitely sure they would be next judging by her face every time it was said.
The trip to Blackpool was not the romantic trip for two John had planned but at least Kayleigh was there. His Mum had been so pleased with the present and with all the family including Nana Rose being there made it a special time.
Kayleigh was thrilled to be included and it seemed to have solidified her part in John's life.
They had a few moments alone and sharing a kiss as they brought in the New Year sealed their relationship from quite serious to serious. John knew there was no running away from this new life he and Kayleigh had created and nor did he want too.
As they returned from the New Year break it was back to work the next day.
The alarm went off.
"Oh god!" awoke John, he nudged Kayleigh who was still snoozing "come on you, back to reality."
"Can't I have 10 more minutes? Hit the snooze button!" pleaded Kayleigh
"No we can't do that, we've just had nearly a week off."
"Spoilsport."
"I'll grab a shower first whilst you make a brew" he said nudging her out of the bed.
"Argh John, stop it, I'll get up in a minute" as she turned over and snuggled up in the duvet.
John wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek "You know what I could really do with right now?"
Kayleigh turned round quick smiling "What?" she said seductively.
"Well..." he seductively said back and moved closer "...what I really really want is...a bloody brew! Get up you lazy arse!" as nudged her right to edge of the bed laughing.
"You're a meany" she said as she stood at side of bed and put her T-shirt and bottoms on.
"You love me really" John headed to door.
"Yeah...I can't remember why though"
"Now whose being the meany" he smiled as he left the room.
Kayleigh smiled to herself, by god she loved him and knew she wanted to be with him forever and she could feel her impatience starting to get the better of her. She wanted it all with John more so than ever now she actually had a taste of being a proper couple. She knew she would never propose to him so she had to play the waiting game...but not forever she told herself.
January – no proposal. However John had his promotion after a successful Christmas Team. He was offered a management job at his current store as Dave was taking on more area management responsibilities alongside Alan Campbell. Dave was at the store still but the main running of the store was down to John. Kayleigh was so proud. But she noticed that a lot of gossip was no longer coming her way from the staff. People were treading carefully around Kayleigh with what they said, which upset her a bit.
John could tell it was awkward for Kayleigh but there wasn't a lot he could do, he still wasn't technically able to manage her so those responsibilities fell to his assistant manager Simon and Dave Thompson when he was in. In fact John avoided Kayleigh at all costs at work, he took his new role very seriously and didn't want to jeopardise it by being part of the gossip. Kayleigh felt quite lonely and nothing felt the same, apart from her growing love for John.
February, Kayleigh had high hopes for a Valentines day proposal, but turned out John wasn't a fan of Valentines day, so just a normal night in. Though he did get her a card as he knew she would love Valentines day. Kayleigh was disappointed but on the plus side things had improved at work and she felt part of her old circle. She wasn't sure what changed but she didn't care as long as she was enjoying work again.
March – no proposal. Kayleigh had been trying to see where John's head was at by asking generic questions about the future.
"Where do you see yourself in 5 years time John?" she asked whilst they were watching television.
"I dunno! I don't think about it. I might get hit by a bus tomorrow."
"Oh John, don't say that!"
"Well I might, especially with you around...have you forgot hedgehog gate?"
"Yeah alright! I know!"
"See, anything could happen?"
"Do you think we'll still be together in 5 years time?"
"Ain't that a song?"
"What is?"
"5 years time...it were by...er...ah Noah and the Whale."
"Noah and the who?"
"Whale. Don't you remember it?"
"No I don't, I've never heard of Noah and the...Ark or whatever."
"Whale...I'll get it on me phone."
Well that was a waste of time Kayleigh thought. Obviously John was deliberately changing subject, she was going to get nowhere pursing this line of questioning.
April was Kayleigh's Birthday month and John had booked them a weekend away in York. "This must be it" Kayleigh thought to herself.
Before they went Mandy and Kayleigh went out for a few drinks for her birthday whilst John spent the evening keeping Steve company.
"So do you think he may propose?" asked Mandy
"Oh don't Mandy...I'm hoping he might, but I don't want to get carried away" replied a giddy Kayleigh.
"Best not to think about it...and anyway York's not the most romantic place on earth for a proposal is it."
"I wouldn't care if he proposed to me in a swamp as long as he did it Mandy!" Kayleigh said adamantly.
"Oh dear you have got it so bad with John."
"I just love him and want to be with him so much...I'm getting so impatient."
"You haven't been living together that long Kayleigh, thought you were taking each day as it comes...I was worried you were moving too fast moving in when you did!"
"We are taking each day as it comes...but...he's so lovely...do you think he's lovely?"
"Yes I think he's lovely you daft mare."
Kayleigh smiled her soppy thinking of John smile.
"Sis your loved up-ness is really sickening" Mandy said bringing Kayleigh back down to earth.
"Oh quiet, I put up with you when you first got with Steve didn't I?...Well didn't I?"
"Yes you did, but I'm sure I wasn't as bad as this" she smiled.
"You were much worse...trust me!"
Kayleigh and Mandy both giggled.
The weekend in York was lovely, walking by the river holding hands and acting like love struck teenagers. John did present a box to Kayleigh, but it was far too big for an engagement ring.
"Thanks John" she said half disappointed.
"They're the right ones aren't they? I hope so you went on about them enough."
"They're absolutely the ones I wanted...thank you" she hugged and kissed him in their hotel room. John had purchased her some boots she had been wanting to get, she loved them and was pleased that he does take an interest in what she says...he's just slow on picking up what she really wants right now. She knew he knew where she wanted it to lead, she made it clear first day of car sharing, what was holding him back? Her mind was going into overdrive so had a strong word with herself, she didn't want to ruin these special moments.
May had started off well, their routines were in place, they were enjoying each other just as much if not more than before. Kayleigh had stopped getting her hopes up and was living in the moment.
However, towards the end of May, John was getting more tense and short tempered. He was still kind but he seemed to have his mind elsewhere. Kayleigh put it down to stresses at work and just offered as much love and comfort as she could.
June came, there had been no improvement with John's mood and she was starting to feel on edge herself. He seemed more interested in going through his CD collection than spending time with her.
One morning on the way into work she decided to ask outright.
"John, are you sure you're ok?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, why'd ya ask?"
"Well, you've been a bit off lately and a bit distant. Have I upset you?"
"You could never upset me. I've told ya before, it's just work."
"Okay, but you know you can talk to me don't you?"
"Course" he smiled at her.
Kayleigh dared not to assume he was seeing someone else again, not after the last time, but something definitely wasn't right.
It was June 23rd and Kayleigh had started to be really worried about the state of her relationship.
That evening after work, John was worked up he had a nervous energy which she couldn't put her finger on.
"Are you alright John?" she touched his hand.
"I'm fine!" he snapped and moved his hand.
Kayleigh was shocked.
"You don't seem it. What's going on John?"
"Nothing...God...can't a man just be with his thoughts without you going on?"
"Going on? You've been like this for weeks, where's John gone, the John I know."
"Maybe you just don't know me as well as you thought."
"I can't believe you're saying this. What's got into you?"
"Nothing...Christ how many times...look let me just take you to your Mandy's tonight to give us a bit of breathing space before we start saying things we may regret."
"Don't bother! I'll get a taxi" she stormed out of the living room and upstairs.
John made a phone call and whispered "hi, it's me. Yeah she's leaving soon for the night...I was quite harsh though...but it's all I could do to get her to leave the house...yeah she was upset...I feel bad...but I don't think she suspects owt (he laughs). You got the CD?...Yeah I hope so...Anyway I've done my bit...just gotta do yours now...ok better go...yep...you too...bye bye."
John sighed.
A little while later Kayleigh came down with her suitcase.
"My taxi will be here in a minute."
"Thought you were going for one night...looks like you've packed for a fortnight."
"Maybe I need more breathing space than you John."
"Don't say that."
"What do you want me to say?" she said welling up.
John was doing all we could to hide his emotions.
The taxi beeped outside.
"Right, I'll see you tomorrow at work then..d'ya want a hand with ya case?"
Kayleigh huffed "No thanks" and walked out into the taxi.
John's heart was pounding, he saw the taxi drive off put his head in his hand and rubbed his face...then smiled to himself.
Meanwhile later at Mandy's Kayleigh was in full flow.
"What an asshole he turned out to be Mandy. He was right once I got to know the real him I didn't like him."
"Maybe he just feels overwhelmed by everything. I keep telling ya not to get ya hopes up."
"But I love him...I don't know what changed?" she sobbed.
"I don't know what to say to ya Kayleigh, but I'm sure once you've both slept on it, you'll both realise how daft ya both being."
"I don't know Mandy...I just feel I've wasted all this time on him...on someone I knew didn't want love or romance! I'm so stupid! I thought he loved me."
"He did Kayleigh...he does...all the love he's shown you over these months...that man loves you...I think you just need to go to bed, and see what tomorrow brings."
"Yeah, you're right...got to get that bloody bus and tram tomorrow. Maybe I'll pull a sickie...make him miss me."
"Don't be daft, I can take ya in."
"What about your work and the kids for school?"
"I've got the morning off work anyway, Steve's Mum can take the kids to school."
"Are ya sure?"
"Yes, now get to bed, you don't want to look a tired mess when you see him tomorrow."
"Yep, thanks Mandy..." Kayleigh hugs her sister "love you, night."
"Night, and try and get some sleep."
Kayleigh goes up to bed, when she settles in under the duvet, she checks her phone. Nothing from John, she decides not to panic and to go into work tomorrow and show John that she is not easy to get rid of.
The morning of June 24th seemed to take forever to arrive for both John and Kayleigh.
"Right, you ready Kayleigh?"
"Yes I am" she said defiantly.
"Good, come on then."
Mandy and Kayleigh were listening to the radio and singing, Kayleigh hated doing this with anyone but John but if she thought too much about John this morning she knew she'd start crying.
"Hang on Mand, this isn't the way to my work!"
"Isn't it?"
"No, you needed to carry straight on."
"Oh I'm sure I'll get back on track."
Kayleigh wasn't so sure, she seemed to be going in the complete wrong direction. This is all she needed she thought.
"Mandy, I think you need to turn round."
"No I'm fine honest."
"But this isn't anywhere near work, if anything this is near my old road."
"Is it?...it can't be...well let's drive down there for old times sake."
"Mandy I haven't got time for detours...what you playing at?"
Mandy stopped the car outside Kayleigh's old home, and what was hers for a while too.
"Now Kayleigh, I need you to sit still as I have to play you a song and the instructions are 'Listen to the words' ok?"
"Mandy, what is happening? Are you unwell?"
"Shh...listen to the words...it's all you have to do."
Kayleigh still looked confused, the name of the song appeared on the CD player.
'You're So Good to me' by The Beach Boys started.
"I didn't know you liked these Mandy?"
"SHHH!"
'You're kinda small
And you're such a doll
I'm glad you're mine
You're so good to me
How come you are?
You take my hand
And you understand
When I get in a bad mood
You're so good to me
And I love it, love it
You're my baby
Oh yeah
Don't mean maybe
Oh yeah
I know your eyes
Are not on the guys
When we're apart
You're so true to me
How come you are?
And every night
You hold me so tight
When I kiss you goodbye
You're so good to me
And I love it, love it
You're my baby
Oh yeah
Don't mean maybe
Oh yeah
You're my baby
Oh yeah
Don't mean maybe
Oh yeah
You're my baby
Oh yeah
Don't mean maybe
Oh yeah
You're my baby'
As the song ended Kayleigh was smiling and then John's Fiat appeared.
"What is happening?"
"Think you need to ask John."
John got out of the car and waited for Kayleigh to approach. Kayleigh and Mandy got out of the car and Kayleigh went to John whilst Mandy leaned on her car bonnet.
"John what is going on?"
"Kayleigh, a year ago today, at about this time, give or take a few minutes, I picked you up from this very spot. It was a day that I'll never forget."
"Because of the wee?"
"Shhh" John Chuckled "Because of the piss but also because despite the fact I didn't even want a Car Share Buddy, and didn't want you singing in my face and despite you being a nosey bitch..."
Kayleigh smiled and looked down as John grabbed her hands and moved a step closer.
"I knew by the end of that day, I wanted you back in my car. When you left here and moved to Bury, I knew I had to get you back in my car. And when you left me in that traffic jam, I knew I had to get you back in my car and my life."
Kayleigh was welling up as was John at this point.
"I loved you Kayleigh from this exact moment a year ago and..." John let go of Kayleigh's hands and reached in his pocket as he got down on one knee and opened a box with a ring inside.
"...I would like to ask you if you would do me the honour of becoming my wife. Will you marry me my Car Share Buddy?"
"Oh my god John! YES! YES! YES!" she clapped her hands as John grabbed her ring finger to put the ring on. He then kissed and hugged her picking her up and spinning her round.
"Congratulations you two" said Mandy walking over to congratulate the couple hugging and kissing them both.
"How long you known about this?" asked Kayleigh.
"About a month, he needed ya ring size and needed my help to put you off the scent."
"Yeah, I think I took it too far..."
"So all these weeks, you've just been pretending to be off?"
"Sort of, it didn't start like that. I always knew when I was going to propose, but as the time got nearer I was getting nervous and worried, thinking you may just laugh in me face. But when you picked up on things it seemed easy to go down this route" he looked guilty.
"I did try and tell him Kayleigh it could backfire, but that's where I came in, had to keep you strong and stick up for this one" Mandy points at John.
"I'm so glad you did Mand. And I love the song that I had to listen too."
"I hoped you would, you are kinda small" John chuckled.
"I can't believe it, we're engaged John!" she kisses him.
"I know...I am truly the luckiest man in the world" he kisses her back "right best get to work."
"Work! Are you serious John?" Kayleigh asked disgusted.
"Yes, we've got to go to work."
"But we just got engaged!"
"I know...but we still got to work. Got to recreate our first Journey...minus Pissgate" John smiled.
Kayleigh laughed, hugged Mandy and got in the car with John and they drove off.
"I still can't believe you did this today, I completely forgot the date...I had been to busy worrying about you."
"I'm so sorry if last night upset you...I just needed you to be out the house so I could meet you at your old place to pick you up. I felt so awful, praying I hadn't buggered everything up...but I knew if it went well it would be worth it."
"I literally had given up on you proposing...it was such a lovely surprise...the best surprise!"
"Good."
"Is that why you had been going through your CDs?"
"Yeah, there are so many songs that I could have picked...but that first line of You're So Good To Me...I just couldn't resist" he smiled.
"I love you so much John. I can't wait to have all your babies" she smirked.
"Eh!...Oi one step at a time" he grabbed her hand and squeezed it with a big grin. "Ey I found a another song when I went to me Mum's for inspiration. D'ya want to hear it?"
"Yes I'd love too. What is it?"
"Well Mum's a big Neil Diamond fan...so was me Dad...so this is from me to you, it reminded me of us."
Play me by Neil Diamond started.
'She was morning
And I was night time
I one day woke up
To find her lying
Beside my bed
I softly said
"Come take me"
For I've been lonely
In need of someone
As though I'd done
Someone wrong somewhere
I don't know where
Come lately
You are the sun
I am the moon
You are the words
I am the tune
Play me
Song she sang to me
Song she brang to me
Words that rang in me
Rhyme that sprang from me
Warmed the night
And what was right
Became me
You are the sun
I am the moon
You are the words
I am the tune
Play me
And so it was
That I came to travel
Upon a road
That was thorned and narrow
Another place
Another grace
Would save me
You are the sun
I am the moon
You are the word
I am the tune
Play me'
"It's beautiful John."
"It's a bit old school like..."
"But so are we?" she smiled.
"Yeah...yeah we are."
"Can I tell people at work?"
"You won't need to with that rock on ya finger?"
"Oh yeah...I'm never taking it off" she looks at it grinning happily.
"You can tell who ya like. People probably expecting it anyway."
They arrived at work they smiled at each other and shared an embrace.
"Hey give over we're at work John" Kayleigh teased.
"Oh yeah...so we are...come here" he said as he lunged in for a full on kiss.
"Enjoy your day 'Mrs Redmond to be'"
"Enjoy yours too hubby to be."
They left the car ready to face the onslaught at work smiling happily.
