What's New
Off Topix: Embrace the Unexpected in Every Discussion

Off Topix is a well established general discussion forum that originally opened to the public way back in 2009! We provide a laid back atmosphere and our members are down to earth. We have a ton of content and fresh stuff is constantly being added. We cover all sorts of topics, so there's bound to be something inside to pique your interest. We welcome anyone and everyone to register & become a member of our awesome community.

Dreams Can Come True

This next chapter is for:

JAZZY

I'm sorry its been a long time coming, but I wanted to make sure the people that were reading this had caught up and I knew Jazzy was two chapters behind, so I decided to wait for her to catch up before I posted again.

Anyway, here, at last is chapter ten. Thank you and enjoy!

happy.gif


_______________________________________________

-- TEN --

That night, as the wind whistled through the trees and the rain tapped on the window sill outside, Sarah's bedroom door opened and John glanced around slowly. 'Are you still awake babe?' He whispered. 'Yeah.' She replied. 'I was talking to my parents when you went off to the toilet this evening and I think they like you. They said you were a nice girl with a lovely personality.' John smiled. 'Glad they liked me.. At least seemed to.' She replied turning over onto her side and shuffling over further towards him. 'Are you OK, you've been quiet the last hour or so.' John replied. 'I'm fine. I just hope I've got approval from your folks. I don't want to let them down.' She replied. 'You wont, they like you, they really do.' John smiled. 'You sure?' She asked. '100%' He replied.



'I'm glad they like me, I like them too' She smiled. 'I'm glad.. You seem to get a long with them really well, which is great.' John smiled. 'Your dad is very funny and has had me giggling all day.' She smiled. 'Anyway, I better let you get some sleep.' John smiled as she rose from the bed and walking towards the door. 'John?' She whispered. 'Yes?' He replied. 'I love you.' She smiled. 'I love you too.' He smiled as he closed the door slowly behind him.



As he made his way across the landing to his room, Sarah stood at her door watching him. He didn't know she was there and closed his door behind him. She stood there for a few moments before going back into her room. She sat on the end of the bed looking down at the ground. As she climbed in to her bed, her phone bleeped:

'I know you were watching me as I walked into my room a faw moments ago, so I'm guessing you're still awake. If you're not, and I've woke you, then I'm sorry. Come over here, I have something for you if you're still awake xx'



She placed her phone down on the bedside table, put on her dressing gown and made her way across the landing to his room and knocked on the door. 'Come in' John replied. John was sitting upright in bed on his laptop, his head rose from the screen and looked up at her. 'I had a feeling you were still awake' He smiled. 'Did you want me for anything?' She whispered. 'As a matter of fact, I did. To keep me company.' John replied. 'I don't want to be in your way if your busy.' She replied. 'I'm not doing anything. I was seeing if you were logged into Twitter, but you didn't reply so I'm assumed you weren't' He smiled closing the lid on his laptop.



'I don't know why we sleep separately if we're dating and have been for a good few months now.. I mean, I don't mean to seem as though I'm pushing.' John asked politely. 'I wasn't sure if that's what you wanted. I mean.. I wasn't sure if you'd want to give up part of your bed.' She replied. 'For you, I would. I'd like to spend I night with you, properly.. I don't mean that as it sounded. I don't want that if your thinking that's what I'm after, because I'm not' John smiled.

***

Next morning, Sarah woke to find John's arm still tightly around her like it was when she went to sleep that night. She smiled softly to herself. He was a man of his word, nothing happened. She knew for sure now that she could trust him and now was sure 100% that he was serious about her and wasn't after any thing but her love, affection and support. She turned over and faced him. 'Oh good morning' John smiled and kissed her softly on her forehead. 'I told you nothing would happen.' He smiled. 'I know now that you respect me.. Not saying you didn't to begin with, but as you know, it takes me longer now to trust people, what with my past and every thing.' Sarah replied. 'I understand.' John smiled.

***

Sitting downstairs with John's parents, Sarah was chatting to his dad in the kitchen as they, together made the tea and coffee. 'Will we be hearing wedding bells soon then?' His mother asked John. 'Its early days yet mother, lets see how we go shall we? I don't want to scare her away.' John replied. 'She's a star, you've got a good one there, don't let her go. There aren't many people out there like her you know.' His mother replied. 'I know, I truly am lucky to have found her and I never want to let her go' John smiled watching her in the kitchen with his dad.



'How long have you been seeing each other?' She continued. 'A few months now, things are going well and the relationship is evolving' John smiled. 'That why I saw her go in your room last night eh?' His mum winked. 'Nothing happened, you know I wouldn't' John replied as his face went bright red. 'I know, I'm only messing with you.' His mother laughed. 'Its good to see you happy again' His mother smiled.



'This lady of yours can't half make a good Victoria sponge cake!' His dad smiled with a mouth full of cake, as he strolled from the kitchen holding the door open for Sarah. 'Don't talk with your mouth full John!' John's mother replied as she told his dad off. Sarah was stood holding the drink tray giggling in the background. 'You're showing your son up in front of his girlfriend' His mother continued. 'It's OK, I find it kind of amusing.' Sarah smiled. John sat on the sofa with his head in his hands as they continued chatting. 'Are you OK?' Sarah asked as she sat beside him. 'Oh what.. Yeah, I'm OK.' John replied as his head rose from his hands. 'You know, your parents are funny, there's no need to be embarrassed.' Sarah smiled.



'Oh, its not because of that.' John replied. 'Then what is it?' Sarah asked. 'I have a headache, that's all.' John replied as he stood up from the sofa and made his way into the kitchen. As he reached the kitchen door, he turned around and gestured to her to come into the kitchen. 'I'll be back in a moment' She smiled as she left the room. His parents sat and stared at each other.. 'What do you think they're up to in there?' His father whispered. 'I have no idea, but we shouldn't go prying in there private matters.' Marion replied.

***

Sarah and John stood in the kitchen together. 'Why did you call me in here?' Sarah asked. 'I didn't give you what I was ment to give you last night' John replied. John reached into the back of one of the kitchen draws and pulled out a small black box. Contained in that small black box was a silver necklace with the words 'Forever' engraved on it. 'I meant to give that to you last night.' John smiled. 'I'd like you to wear it for me tonight.' John continued. 'Why? What's happening tonight?' Sarah asked. 'I'm taking us all out for a meal.' John replied. 'Oh OK.' Sarah smiled and she walked out of the kitchen and into the living room where his parents were sat waiting..

***

That night John, Sarah and his parents sat having a meal, talking about future plans. John sat looking down at his empty plate, he had visions running around in his head. Images of his future, his career, his family. John stood up from the table and left the restuarant. He stood outside the entrance and looked out over the skyline in the distance. He was scared he was going to loose everything, have nothing left to live for.



For a few days now, he'd felt like the one person he was in love with seemed distant, like she wasn't 100% there, like something was bothering her.. John sat on the small wall, buried his head in his hands and sobbed.. He needed to know what was going on in her head, weather she trully loved him or not.. They'd been together for a good few months and already, things were changing.. He was scared his dream was now shattering to pieces around him.



As he sat there pondering what to do next, Sarah walked out of the doors and sat beside him... 'I need you to be truthful with me - don't lie.. Are you no longer in love with me?' He asked. 'What?! Don't be stupid..' Sarah replied. 'Then what's with the distance.. The change in your mood, the lack of conversation..' John asked. 'I don't know what you mean?' She asked. 'DON'T PLAY DUMB WITH ME!!' John replied his voice rising. 'I really have no idea what you're going on about..' She replied looking worried.



'The other night.. When we were talking, you seemed distant with me, like you weren't there. Like you were in a world of your own..' John replied turning to face her. 'I didn't know I was being like that.. I'm sorry. I love you, I really do.. Its just-.' She began. 'That night, you know, the night we first spent together.. It brought back memories, horrible ones..' She replied. 'What do you mean?' John asked. 'When I was with Andy - we'd been together 6 months.. And he... He tried to..' She replied, tears rolling down her face. 'Oh my-' John replied with horror on his face. 'Did you tell the police everything?' John asked. 'Yes, that's why he got such a long sentence. He may be behind bars, but the visions are still there, still fresh in the back of my mind..' She sobbed.



'I want you to know, NOTHING like that will EVER happen with me. I PROMISE you on ANYTHING.' John replied pulling her in towards him and holding her tight. She sobbed hard into his chest and he held her close. John looked up towards the door, his parents were standing there looking at John concerned. 'Go back inside, I'll be in soon' He mimed. His mother was worried about Sarah, what had been said, what went on, why was she crying..

***

Marion sat back down in her seat and waited for her son to appear through the door. She was still trying to work out what had gone on outside, what had been said and if Sarah was OK. She had a feeling it wasn't John's fault, he'd never upset her, not on purpose. Sarah was a lovely girl and she made her boy happy, the happiest she'd ever seen. He was besotted with her, she meant the world to him, she knew that much, without him having to say a word.



Sarah was the most kind, considerate and caring individual she'd had the privilege to meet and John was lucky to have found her. There was an age gap, quite a big one, but she wasn't bothered. As long as her son was happy, then she was happy for him. She was really hoping there relationship would go from strength to strength. He couldn't do better then her, she was one in a million. He'd be stupid to ever let her go, she was a real gem, a diamond and treasure and she'd be happy to have her as a daughter-in-law.

***

John made his way to the table and picked up his car keys and his jacket. 'I'll be back in half an hour, taking Sarah home.' John whispered glancing around making sure no-one was listening. 'We'll come back with you, don't want you making two trips for the sake of us.' His mother replied getting up from the table. 'OK, but don't ask her about what happened outside, I'll explain it all to you later.' John replied holding the door open.



As they drove down the street towards home, Sarah sat constantly looking out of the window at the world whizzing by. Tears were still trickling down her cheeks, her eyes were red and puffy. She was determined not to make eye contact with anyone. 'Like I said before and I wont go into details. Everything is going to be OK, I promise' John replied looking at her through the interior mirror. 'Is she OK?' His mother whispered. 'She's fine.' John replied glancing at her before returning his gaze to the road ahead.

***

As they arrived home, John swung open the front door and Sarah ran up the stairs to his room and closed the door behind her. She lay down on the bed and buried her head in her pillow. As she lay there, the door opened and John walked in slowly and closed the door behind him. Sarah sat up quickly and panic washed over her face.



'Its OK, I'm not going to do anything, I just want to talk to you. Get to the bottom of this.' John replied. 'I just want to forget about it and move on, but my memory wont let me and I'm scared I'm going to loose you because of the fears in my past.' She sobbed. 'You wont, I understand how you feel and I know it'll take time for you to completely get over him and his horrible behaviour. I promised you months ago nothing will happen to you and no one will harm you and I stand by that statement. I'm a man of my word' John smiled, sitting on the foot of the bed.



'I'm really sorry if I upset you, but its my past, not you. I just need time to get over this.' She replied. 'I wont rush you into anything, I promise. What you say goes and I'll respect your wishes.' John smiled. 'Can I come and lay with you now? I promise I wont do anything.' He asked. 'Of course you can. And I know it wont, I do trust you.' She smiled shuffling over.



As they lay together, a knock came at the door. 'Are you OK Sarah?' Came the voice on the other side. 'Yeah, I'm fine.' She replied. 'I'll be downstairs if either of you need me' And the person walked across the landing and back downstairs.



John sat and smiled happily to himself. Finally, everything was sorted and things were back on track. He could finally smile, laugh and enjoy his life again knowing Sarah wasn't going anywhere. He felt whole again. She was in it for the long haul, she was there to stay - just like he was. His dream was still a dream and he was determined to keep it that way.
 
Sorry for getting behind. I'm all caught up now. I hope Sarah doesn't ruin this relationship over that creep Andy!
verymad.gif
 
Really hope you're enjoying this as much as I'm writing this. Anyway, here is chapter 11 - just like I promised Jazzy.

Enjoy!

happy.gif


________________________________________________

-- ELEVEN --


It was now a week since John's parents left for home and John and Sarah were sitting in the garden with a few drinks by the side of the pool. John was browsing Twitter on his laptop. His laptop was a state of the art, Apple laptop. John also owned a I Phone and an I Pad. They were kept safely stored away in a safe in his house.



They were now two weeks away from the start of the filming schedule for 'Tonight's The Night', this would test there relationship to the maximum as it would see John away from home for a few weeks. Sarah wasn't yet a fully fledged Personal Assistant so wouldn't be going away on work business with him. John sat corresponding with his Manager Gavin about the upcoming work schedule:

gavin.barker@barrowman-barker-productions emailed:

Hey John!

Hope you're looking forward to the start of the filming schedule for 'Tonight's The Night'.

I know its going to be a massive step for you, but I think you can do it. It's going to be great and I hope it'll take off for us. This will be Barrowman Barker Productions' first TV project and I'm really looking forward to the challenge, I hope you are too!

Gav

[email protected] emailed:

Hey Gav!

I am really looking forward to filming 'Tonight's The Night'.

A massive step is right, but I'm ready for it, bring it on! I really hope it'll take off too, I could do with more Television work. I'm really looking forward to our first project too.

John



John pressed send on the screen and closed the lid slowly on his laptop. He sat looking at Sarah who was laying on one of the sun loungers drinking lemonade. 'I'll be going away in a fortnight. Filming for Tonight's The Night starts soon. I'll be up in Glasgow for a few weeks.' John smiled. 'What about the holiday next month?' Sarah replied. 'I'll have to reschedule that for some other time I'm afraid. This project is going to be massive if it takes off.' John replied. 'No worries' Sarah smiled.



Do you have any plans for us for the next two weeks before you leave me?' Sarah asked. 'I have no plans yet. And I'm not leaving you, I'd never do that. You can come with me to Glasgow if you like?' John replied. 'I'd probably get in your way, so I thinks its better I stay here.' She replied. 'OK, but if you change your mind, make sure you tell me before its to late.' John smiled and walked indoors.

***

Sarah stood up from the sun lounger and made her way indoors. As she reached the door, John was stood in the living room dancing to 'Burning Love', he was doing the dance routine from the pantomime 'Robin Hood' he did the previous year. Sarah stood watching him before he spotted her in the mirror. John really could dance, even if he was messing around.. He could still swing those hips!



'Ha ha! I didn't know you were standing there.' John laughed as his face turned red with embarrassment. 'Carry on, don't mind me.' She smirked. 'I can't, I know you're stood there' John smiled. 'I know that dance routine, sort of' Sarah smiled. 'How many times did you go and see it?' John asked. 'Hm.. About.. 3 times.' Sarah chuckled. 'Oh honestly! I should of known!' John replied as he paused the CD.



John walked down the hallway into the garage. 'Where you going?' Sarah shouted after him. 'Time for me to start my work outs again.' John smiled as he uncovered the GYM equipment. 'I'll be relocating to Cardiff for panto season in a couple of months and we begin the filming of the new series of Torchwood next year. Plus I'll be going on tour soon too. So, I need to stay in shape.' John smiled.



'I like a man that likes to stay in shape.' She smirked. 'I like keeping fit, it makes me feel good.' John replied. 'It makes you look good too.' Sarah smiled. 'Thanks. Not sure I agree.' John replied. 'Are you kidding me? You look good all buffed up and muscular.' Sarah smiled. 'I think I'll go now before I get myself into trouble.' She laughed.



As she left the room, John wrapped his arms around her. 'I'll miss you when I'm away in Glasgow, can't you come with me?' John asked. 'I don't want to get in your way babe.' She replied. 'You wont, I promise. I don't like the thought of us being apart.' John replied. 'Tough, you're going to have to try and get used to it.' Sarah replied and she turned to face him. 'Oh babe, don't do this to me. Not being with you will kill me.' John replied.



As Sarah stepped away from John and his grip loosened, she winked at him mischievously and walked out of the garage. John stood staring at the doorway looking out into space, he was thinking about her and how beautiful she was. Visions rushed through his head, images of her, there future and being away from her for so long.



As he finally came back to reality, John picked up the weights that were laying on the floor and began to pulse one arm at a time, up and then down again. He stood with his feet shoulders width apart. He placed one weight on the floor and with his empty hand, placed it on one knee and rested his knee on the bottom of pole of the running machine. He'd been in there 20 minutes now, doing the weights, sweat began to fall from his forehead.



His t-shirt had a dark patch on the chest and middle of his back. Removing his shirt and draping it over the running machine, John continued with the weights. He then moved onto the running machine. Doing a steady jog, John dabbed his head with the small hand towel and continued jogging. John pushed the play button the the small stereo remote and music played out of the speakers. He prefered to work out the music, he found it more enjoyable then doing it in silence..

***

Sarah sat in the kitchen listening to John's stereo in the garage. She sat and smiled to herself, she didn't want him being so far away for that amount of time but she knew it would probably be better if she did. After all, as they say 'distance makes the heart grow fonder'. She knew John wanted her to go with him, but wanted him to fight for her. If he was so passionate about her joining him, he had to show her he'd do anything to make her come with him..

***

It was the morning before John was due to leave for Glasgow. Filming would start in a few days so he had to be there in Glasgow ready. As he woke up that morning, Sarah was already up. It was 8am and the shower was running. John sat up for a few moments waiting for his body to wake up before getting changed. Running his hand through his hair, his phone vibrated violently on the bedside cabinet. It was Gavin:

Will meet you at the station tomorrow evening, 5pm. Train leaves at 5:22pm, need you there before it leaves. Have a good day! Gav'



As he placed the phone back on the cabinet, Sarah walked out of the bathroom in a pair of denim jeans, Liverpool top and socks and a towel draped over her shoulders. 'Thought you'd be awake now.' She smiled as she sat on the bed and dried her hair with the towel. 'Have you thought any more about my proposal to join me in Glasgow?' John asked looking at her. 'Been thinking about that..' She replied. 'And?' He smiled. 'Not sure if its a good idea..' She replied. 'Why not? It'll be fun.. Oh come on babe, I promise it'll be fine. Please?' He replied mocking a sad face. 'Don't look at me like that!' She smiled. His face dropped into a sad face and his bottom lip quivered.. 'Pwease?!' He sniffled jokingly. 'Oh OK then.' She smiled. 'Woohoo!' He exclaimed. He was really looking forward to taking her away with him, even if it was only to Glasgow..

***

As they walked down the stairs, John made a comment on her top she was wearing. 'You could of picked a better team' He smirked. 'You can't get any better than LFC.' She replied. 'I have no idea about football, so I'll take your word for it.' John smiled. 'You actually look good in football tops.. Mind you, it seems you live in them.' John replied. 'Well, I don't like skirts and I'm not very girly. Give me a footie top, denim jeans and I'm happy.' She replied. 'You look good in jeans, makes you look all curvy..' He winked. 'Hey now Barrowman, calm down or someone's going to need a cold shower.' Sarah replied as she walked into the kitchen.



'Sorry, I can't help it.' John blushed. 'I just love you, that's all.' John smiled. As she reached up for a cup from the cupboard, John wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck softly. 'I'd be lonely in Glasgow without you, so thank you.' John whispered. 'Its OK, I wanted to come anyway.' She smiled. 'Why didn't you say so then?' John asked. 'Because I wanted to make you ask me a few times before I said yes.' She giggled. 'Cheeky mare!' John laughed.



John sat on the stool by the breakfast bar and watched Sarah standing by the kettle making herself a drink. 'You know, I think you'd make a fantastic part-.' He began before stopping in mid sentence. 'Fantastic what?' She replied, with her back to John. 'Oh nothing.' John replied as his face went red realising what he nearly said. He almost made a complete fool of himself, but luckily she wasn't 100% listening to him and was to busy concentrating..



John sat and thought to himself what had just happened. He was thankful she didn't hear what he was about to say. Luckily he stopped before he made a fool of himself. He knew what he wanted from life, but weather she was in the same mind, he wasn't sure. The one thing he always wanted was to find someone to love, eventually get married and settle down. To have a little family of his own.



Sarah was now that person he wanted to settle down with. For months now, since she moved in with him all he wanted to do was ask her to marry him, but it was hard finding the time. Would she say yes, or no? This was one thing he was dreading. 'Are you all right, you seem to be away with the faires..' She replied looking at him. 'Yeah, I'm fine.' John smiled. Deep down he wasn't, he was thinking how and when to do it, weather she'd say yes, or weather it would push her away..



They'd been together for nearly a year and John was now ready and prepared to settle down. For months he'd wanted to pop the question and hope she'd say yes, but thought it was too early for that. But now, it felt right.. to ask her to marry him, for him to settle down, for him to show her it was her and only her he wanted to be with. He loved her more than anything in the world, he'd die for her, he'd sacrifice anything to be with her, he was 100% committed to her.
 
I would have smacked Sarah if she didn't go to Glasgow with John!
slapface.gif
Why on earth is she giving him such a hard time!
smiley-bangheadonwall-yellow.gif
 
Boogie said:
'Sorry, I can't help it.' John blushed. 'I just love you, that's all.' John smiled. As she reached up for a cup from the cupboard, John wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck softly. 'I'd be lonely in Glasgow without you, so thank you.' John whispered. 'Its OK, I wanted to come anyway.' She smiled. 'Why didn't you say so then?' John asked. 'Because I wanted to make you ask me a few times before I said yes.' She giggled. 'Cheeky mare!' John laughed.
Meanie!
rofl.gif
 
I know its been awhile since I last updated, but I've been side tracked by other things and I haven't been working on this for a while, but I promise, I'll try harder next time.

Anyway.. here finally, is chapter Twelve.

Enjoy

happy.gif


_________________________________________________

-- TWELVE --

As the sun beamed through the window into the kitchen, it gleamed on a patch of the lino on the floor. Opening the blinds in the kitchen fully, the room burst into light and rays bounced off the portraits of his family, friends and dogs on the wall. On the wall by the the side of the breakfast bar was a photo of Jack, Charlie and Harris in thier costumes from Holloween three years ago. Jack as a pumpkin, Charlie as a hot dog and Harris in a sweater. The picture didn't seem much of a Halloween themed photo..



On the right of the kitchen door was a photo of John with his family -- the Barrowman clan was a big family. The photo consisted of his mother, Marion, Father, John, Brother, Andrew, Sister, Carole and Carole's family, Kevin, Turner and Claire. And, Andrews family, Dot, Yvonne, Bridgette and his son, Andrew. John had lots of photo's dotted around the house, mounted on the walls or in frames stood on tables and cabinets and sideboards.



On the left of the kitchen door was a photo of John with his previous dogs, Penny, Tiger and Lewis. Penny was John's baby and she travelled the world with him. She was there to see his career take off, but wouldn't be there to see the end.. She was 17 when he eventually had to make the devastating choice of having her put to sleep. Lewis was Penny's son. All of his dogs he had over the years were all rescues.



On a huge canvas in the living room was a family picture of him, his mum, dad, brother and sister. It was mounted in the chimney breast above the wide-screen plasma television. In the small display cabinet in the same room was a photo of his mum and dad on there wedding anniversary that he'd taken a few years ago. Above that photo, on the above shelf was a trophy he, and his cast mates won at an award ceremony for Best Sci-fi Drama, Torchwood. That category was hard, he was up against fellow sci-fi actor, David Tennant for his role as 'The Doctor' in sister show, Doctor Who.



By the side of the display cabinet was a large laminated certificate from The Dogs Trust, thanking him for becoming and patron of the charity. John sponsored a lot of charities, but The Dogs Trust was his passion, he loved dogs and loved to help promote them when he could, however he could. He spent his childhood with dogs, he grew up with them, so to him, helping dogs find a forever home was a joy and a great sense of achievement knowing he helped them find there new families.



Just inside the front door was a huge, life-size black Darlek with a plague engraved with the word 'TORCHWOOD' on him. He was placed there so he was the first thing people met when they entered the house. Even people who knew he was there, would still get a shock from time to time. It made John chuckle when people jumped. He'd then say 'Oh yeah, watch out for the Darlek' - after people had had jumped of course!



Sarah loved that Darlek, she thought he was cool - standing there in the doorway, like he was guarding the house like a fortress. On many occasions he'd scare the living daylights out of her - even though she knew he was there! She called him Kahn, after Darlek Kahn from Doctor Who. She was waiting for the day he'd have a Cyberman or a Weevil standing in his study. But somehow, she couldn't see that happening. She loved the Cybermen, she said they were better than the Darleks, more superior.



John's study was neatly arranged, things in there places and paper sitting in the printer tray ready for use. The seat was a black leather swivel chair and was sitting neatly by the desk. John would spend many hours sitting in here on the desktop computer printing documents or arranging his schedule on his desktop calender. John was a very organised person, he liked to keep everything written down so he wouldn't forget or miss interviews. His laptop and other expensive things would be kept safely stored in the save which was equipt with a secure combination lock.



The safe was hidden in the locked cupboard in his desk. The key was kept safe in a hiding place, in the display cabinet out of sight of praying eyes and grubby fingers. The only people to know where the key was stored was him and of course, Sarah. Sarah rarely went into the safe, but if she ever did, she knew where the key was stored. At night, John would lock away thier expensive items before he made his way to bed.

***

John sat staring into space, he was thinking about how to do it, how to ask her, when to ask her.. As he sat daydreaming, his phone buzzed violently on the breakfast bar '1 Message, Carole' it read. Opening up the message, it read:

'Hey little brother, hope you're well. Mum tells me you've got yourself a lovely girlfriend. Be sure to treat her well, take her out for meals, spend time with her, enjoy each others company. If you mess up, you may loose her. Don't forget to love her back, support her, encourage her, be FAITHFUL to her. Because one day you'll realise you lost your moon, whilst counting the stars. Xx' It read..

He replied:

'Hey, Carole. I'm fine thank you. Yeah, mum's right, I do have a lovely girlfriend. Don't worry, I don't plan on loosing her, she means the world to me. She's amazing, really funny and great company. She makes me smile, makes me laugh. Makes me love life again. I never thought I'd ever meet someone like her, she's something special.
smile.png
' He replied.



As John placed his mobile on the breakfast bar, Sarah turned around and lent against the work top, sipping her hot drink. 'Anyone interesting?' She asked. 'Yeah, that was my sister.' John replied. 'I was thinking..' He continued. 'Go on..' She replied. 'Do you like picnics?' John asked. 'Yeah, why?' She replied. 'Fancy going on a picnic with me today, before we leave for Glasgow tomorrow evening?' He asked, spinning his phone around on the worktop. 'Yeah sure, sounds good.' She replied, putting the milk back in the fridge. 'Great, we'll have to get a few bits for it then. We'll take a stroll through the park.' John smiled.

***

Walking through the park together, this was their first outing in public as an item. They were still keeping it away from public consumption and the media still didn't know about it, and they both wanted it to stay that way - for now anyway - they weren't making it obvious, they walked past people in the park like friends - just talking about general things - like dogs and TV.



As they walked a long the narrow footpath, they met a man with his dog. 'Aren't you that guy from the telly?' The man smiled. 'I might be.' John smiled. 'My daughter loves you, she thinks your dreamy. She talks about you quite a lot, its cute really.' The man smiled. 'A lot of people talk about me, not always in a good way either.' John replied. 'Shame, you seem a lovely man.. Anyway, I better be off. The Mrs will be wondering where I got to. Have a nice day' And he continued on his way down the path, around the corner and out of sight.



'He seemed a very nice chap' Sarah smiled. 'Yeah, I get stopped quite often, just a part of my daily life now. Its nice, I enjoy the different conversations, just a shame they sometimes feel intimidated by me. You know, because of my fame and stuff I guess. Its sad to think people think I'm snobby because I'm on the telly and in the public eye, when I'm quite the opposite - as you can see - makes me angry when some people look at me like I don't belong here, that I belong in a snobby place with the other 'celebs' it really gets on my nerves.' He replied walking slowly a long the footpath.



As John's gaze dropped to the ground, Sarah stopped him, placed her hand under his chin and lifted his head. 'You belong here like the rest of us. Here, with me.' She smiled softly. As the continued walking, a small, gentle smile washed across his face. The smile of happiness, love and comfort. He knew now that what he felt for her was being reciprocated. She was showing signs of commitment, faithfulness and happiness. Her behaviour was changing - for the better - he knew now that she WAS the one..



As they reached a large patch of grass, where the sun was beaming, He unfolded the picnic blanket and lay it down on the ground and took a seat. Helping her to the ground he looked up at her and smiled softly. She crouched to her knees before finally resting on the blanket comfortably. She placed the picnic bag on the blanket and began laying out the food. In the picnic bag were several sandwiches, crisps, sausage rolls, and cakes. They'd packed squash and a bottle of water to share. The sun was beaming down on the ground, it was a nice surrounding. It was quiet, peaceful and romantic..



John felt the urge to pop the question to her there and then, but he didn't - He didn't have a ring for her after all - This would of been a perfect setting to ask her. So much for a perfect opportunity and the perfect surroundings for a romantic

proposal. Typical Barrowman!



'I knew you were something special the day I first set my eyes on you. I just didn't know what it was..' John replied playing with a blade of grass. 'I was thinking to myself, was she really that beautiful, or was I just seeing things? I know now I wasn't. You are beautiful. In fact, your smart, funny, energetic and enthusiastic. You've got a kind heart and soul. There's not one thing bad I could say about you, really, there isn't.' He continued. 'I'm flattered, I really am, thank you.' She smiled. 'Good, so you should be.' He smiled.



'You know, for years now I've waited to find someone who sees me for what I am, loves me no matter what I do and supports me through any career path I choose to take. My ex was nothing like that, he was nothing but a nasty, hurtful bully who made me feel small. I've not told you everything about him, because I was scared you'd lash out, but I now feel comfortable to tell you.' She replied opening a packet of crisps.



'Go on, I'm listening.' He replied softly. 'He was, in fact, worse than a bully, he was a woman beater. I told the police all of this, but I've not told you the whole story. At times he was nice to me, you know, like he loved and cared about me, then suddenly, his attitude would change..' She explained her gaze moving to the ground. 'And then what?' He asked placing his hand on her leg. 'Well.. A few times he'd locked me in the house, locked all the windows and doors so I couldn't leave. He'd be gone for hours on end and I'd have no food in the cupboards. He once tied my hands behind my back and beat me. Beat me so hard I couldn't stand..' She replied looking up at the sky, fighting away the tears.



'Its fine, you don't have to explain any more, I understand. He's away behind bars now where wont harm you. You're safe with me, I promise.' He smiled softly. 'Here.' He smiled handing her a tissue. 'I've not used it, its clean' He laughed. 'Thanks.' She smiled. They sat together talking - like they'd been together for years. As the temperature outside rose to 21C it was now getting rather warm, but it was nice just the two of them, spending time together. 'I love you' He whispered wrapping his arms tightly around her and kissing her neck. 'I love you too.' She smiled.



'I promise you, that everything will be OK, that he wont be bothering you any time soon and that I'll look after you, no matter what. I love you and I promise you I'm nothing like him.' John smiled. 'I know you're not, that's why I told you all of this. I trust you and I feel safe with you. I just needed you to know what I went through instead of me bottling it all up and keeping it to myself.' She replied. 'Well, I'm glad you trust me babe' He smiled.



Lying down on the blanket, John looked up at the sky and smiled. Today was perfect, it was just him and Sarah, together. No interruptions, no distractions, nothing. Just fresh air, sunshine and each other. 'I could get used to this. You know, me and you, like this. Spending time together, having fun and relaxing.' John replied. 'Me too, we should do this again sometime.' Sarah smiled watching a man playing Frisbee with his dog. John sat up slightly, leaning on his left elbow and running his right hand along the bottom of her back.



'I never want this to end. I want us to be together forever. I love you and I'm scared of loosing you' John replied. 'I'm not going anywhere' She replied. 'One day maybe we'll have kids, take them to the park, swimming and school. I want all of that, with you and only you.' John continued. 'I've been wanting to do this for ages and I've never had the time to say it.' He smiled. 'What are you on about?' Sarah replied turning to face him. 'Will you marry me?' John asked awaiting her response. 'Are you serious?!' She beamed. 'Never been more serious in my life babe.' He smiled. 'Well??' He continued. 'Yes' She replied. John pulled her in slowly and kissed her on the lips, not caring about people walking by staring, he was happy, she said yes.
 
woot.gif
He finally popped the question and she said yes!
happydance.gif
 
-- THIRTEEN --​

It was now the morning of their train trip to Glasgow and John was packing the last few bits to take away with them. They weren't going to later that evening, but John wanted to pack and get it out of the way. Today they'd be looking around jewellery shops in the high street for an engagement ring and to collect a few final bits for thier trip.



In a few days time, John would begin filming 'Tonight's The Night' a programme where he'd make people's dreams come true. This was going to be a big major project for Barrowman Barker Productions and the BBC so he wanted it to do well. After packing the final bits and zipping up the suitcase, John made his way down the stairs to the kitchen where Sarah was waiting for him.



'Are you ready now?' Sarah smiled picking up her phone from the breakfast bar. 'Yeah, packing is done, just need the last few bits, but I can get them while we're out.' John smiled. 'OK, lets get going then' Sarah replied. 'Be good boy's' John shouted to the dogs who were all sat in the living room. 'I still can't get over the fact you said yes' John smiled tapping the Darlek on the head and closing the door behind him. 'I wasn't going to say no if you were being serious.' She replied putting her sun glasses on.



'I was a serious as anything, I meant what I said, I want to be with you forever. I love the bones of you and I want you and the world to know that.' John smiled wrapping his arms around her and smiling. 'Put me down!' Sarah laughed. 'Don't worry, I know where you've been' John winked mischievously. 'Hey, now stop being rude!' Sarah blushed. 'Who said anything about me being rude, hm? Now you're just being naughty' John smirked. John laughed and let her go, opening her door before walking around to the drivers side.



'For the record, I don't mind you being rude - I do it all the time after all - so you don't need to be shy with me. I'm a rude minded person to, so you're fine.' John smiled putting on his seat belt. 'Me rude? I don't know what you mean!' She smirked. 'OK dear, whatever you say.' John laughed as he turned the key in the ignition, clicked the car into reverse and rolled backwards down the driveway, and off down the street.



Twenty minutes later they arrived in the City Centre and found a car park to park up in. Walking across the car park to the shopping centre, John was met by a crowd of females outside Argos who wanted photo's with him and autographs and he kindly obliged. Signing a lady's DVD case of his tour she's coincidently just bought, he glanced at his watch and noticed the time and wondered where Sarah had vanished too. 'I have to go now guys, I have to be somewhere. If you're still around later, I'll do some more then.' John smiled as he walked off around the corner. 'Phew, sorry about that babe.' John smiled glancing around to make sure they weren't following him. 'Its OK, I'll get used to it.' Sarah smiled.



Reaching the first of many jewellery stores, John opened the door and gestured Sarah inside 'Ladies first' He smiled. Standing at the counter was a young lady in her early 20's waiting patiently for there custom. As they approached the glass cased jewellry cabinet, the lady smiled and walked over to them. 'Can I help you?' She smiled. 'We're OK for the moment thank you.' John smiled hoping she wouldn't draw attention to him. 'I'll be over there if you require any assistance' She smiled and walked away.



Looking into the display cabinet at some of the rings that were on display, a lot of them looked rather expensive but nice 'Any of them take your fancy?' John asked looking into the cabinet. 'There are a few I like in there, but they're really expensive' Sarah replied. 'Yes, they are rather expensive, but the ring has to be one you like and you'd feel comfortable in. You only get an engagement ring once, so make it special' John smiled putting his arm around her. 'You know, you can buy cheaper engagement rings and such in Argos, I've bought a lot of rings from there.' Sarah smiled.



'I know you're worried about the prices in these sorts of places, but I want you to have the engagement ring you've always dreamed of. I want it to be special, just like you.' John smiled. 'Are you sure?' She asked. 'Certainly. You only get one, so make it special. If you like one, you can try it on.' John smiled. 'I don't want anything to fancy.' Sarah replied looking back into the display cabinet, but I like one.' She smiled. The ring she'd picked out from the cabinet was a white gold engagement ring with five diamonds in it. It was a lovely ring and was probably one of the cheapest on display. With its excellent hand crafted design, it was stylish yet simple and she'd really fallen in love with it.



'That ring looks beautiful and I think it'd look stunning on you, it really would.' John smiled. It really would look stunning on her, he wasn't lying, it was beautiful. 'You like it?' Sarah smiled. 'Yes, its a stunning piece of craftsmanship.' John smiled. 'Want to try it on?' John smiled. 'Yeah OK, lets see how much it needs taking off - hopefully not a lot as that would be expensive.' Sarah smiled. 'Nothing is expensive for you.' John grinned. 'Are you sure about this?' She asked. 'Sure about what? Marrying you? Of course!' John replied. 'No, I mean the ring.' She replied. 'Yes.' John smiled softly.



After sorting out the sizes, prices and payments, the ring was now hers. She loved the look of it and it felt really good on her. She strolled happily to the car park where John was, once again, greeted by his fans. After signing things and having photos taken with people, John finally made his way to the car. Sarah was sitting on a bench by the car park, waiting for John to appear and for his fans to disappear out of sight so they could be together again.



'I know you're probably getting frustrated with the attention I'm getting and having to act like you're a secret, but I promise you, it wont be for much longer.' John replied. 'I don't want to live like this, I don't want to have to hide away from the public.' Sarah replied climbing into the car. 'And you wont, I promise.' John replied. 'Am I that much of a disappointment to you that you're afraid to be seen out with me?' She asked. 'Of course not, I just assumed you weren't ready to go public yet.' John replied. 'I'm ready when you are.' She smiled. 'In that case.. No more hiding from the public, I'm ready to come out and tell the world.' John smiled kissing her softly on the lips.



'I love you babe and I'm sorry I've been such an idiot. I never knew you were ready to come out to the public, I just assumed you weren't ready. I'm sorry.' John replied driving out of the car park and back towards home. Sarah sat in the car, wondering what sort of a response she'd get from John's fans. Would they hate her, would they mock her, would they be out for revenge against her.. She wasn't sure, but she was ready to come out with him. And together, they'd face his fans and the media..

***​

That evening as John and Sarah sat on a bench on the train station platform waiting for Gavin and Rhys to arrive, crowds of people on there way home from work were gathering talking on hands free headsets, blue tooth earpieces, texting friends or loved ones - probably telling them they were on there way home or if they were coming out for a few beers tonight - John wrapped his arm around Sarah and she lent against him happily watching the world go by.



As the first train of the evening pulled up at the station, the sun was begging to set and it was getting chilly. People were hustling by the carriage doors, awaiting passengers who'd been on there journey to get off. A pregnant lady with a toddler stepped off the train and was bashed into by what looked like three burly businessmen on there mobiles. A few yards away, waiting to get on was an elderly lady with her shopping cart was being pushed out of the way by three young youths who tried to rob her trolley. John sprinted over to her and as they began climbing aboard the train, John collared one of the three boys and pulled him out of the carriage door, at which point, both his friends got off.



'Come here you.' He replied grabbing the lad by his arm. 'Get off me!' The young lad replied. 'You give that lady back her shopping or I'm calling the police!' John bellowed. 'You can't make me!' The young lad exclaimed. 'Hey, give her back her shopping!' He roared. At which point the lad handed the old lady her shopping back and ran off down the platform laughing with his friends. 'Are you OK?' John asked the lady as she put her shopping back in her cart. 'I'm fine, thank you dear for saving me from those nasty little vandals.' She smiled and stepped onto the train. 'You're welcome' He smiled and walked off back to the bench where Sarah was sitting.



'You know, its people like them that really get on my nerves. There's no need to be like that, they need bringing down and peg or two. There parents musn't really care about there safety or what they get up to, which is disgusting!' John replied watching the train leave the platform and off down the track. 'Are you OK? You seem..not all there..' John smiled as Sarah sat looking down at the ground. 'I'm fine, was just in a little world of my own.' She smiled. 'You sure?' John asked. 'Yeah, I'm fine.' She replied.

***​

As the sun finally disappeared over the station, Gavin and Rhys arrived, pulling there suitcases along with them. 'Oh, she coming too?' Rhys asked looking at her. 'Shut up, Rhys. No need to be like that.' Gavin replied. 'Hey Sarah, are you OK?' Gavin smiled. 'Hey Gavin, I'm fine thanks. Yourself?' She asked. 'I'm fine' He smiled.



'I wasn't being like anything, I just asked if she was coming too.' Rhys replied. 'Seemed like it too.' John replied glaring at him. 'I was! Jeez, can I guy not ask a question around here..' Rhys replied rolling his eyes taking a seat on the bench. 'Look Rhys, I know you're probably sick of me going everywhere with John, but he offered and I excepted.. If you don't want me to come along, all you have to do is say and I'll head home.' Sarah replied.



'No, I don't mind you going, I was just never told. Thought we only had three tickets??' Rhys replied. 'I bought her a ticket. I wanted her to come with us.' John replied. 'I wasn't told either Rhys, but I don't mind. The more the merrier.' Gavin smiled. 'See, Gavin has no problem with her coming, so why do you?' John asked. 'I don't' Rhys replied. 'Liar.' John replied.



'Oh shut your face, Barrowman' He mumbled. 'Excuse me??' John replied. 'Nothing, didn't say anything.' Rhys replied. 'If you've got a problem with me, say it to my face.' John replied. 'You did say something Rhys, I heard you mumble something.' Gavin replied. 'Who's side are you on?' Rhys asked. 'I'm not taking sides, but you did say something.' Gavin replied.



'If you're going to be moody Rhys, go home. I don't want to spend six weeks in Glasgow with a miserable get.' John replied. 'Who do you think you are??' Rhys asked. 'YOUR boss. I employed you, I can send you home if I wish.' John replied. 'Oh you know what, sod it! I don't need to sit here and take this!! Oh.. And for the record, your girlfriends a miserable cow and I hate her!!' Rhys replied walking away. 'Oi come back here, Rhys. You take that back and apologise!' John roared. 'No I wont and I meant what I said!!' Rhys roared back.



As Rhys made his way down the stairs, John pounced on him and pinned him against the wall. 'You go up there and you apologise to Sarah for that horrible comment you just spouted!' John replied. 'No.. She's not even much to look at. How can you date her? She's as ugly as anything.' Rhys smirked. 'You don't have much thought of people's feelings do you?' John replied letting him go. 'Nah, not really. Not for her anyway.' Rhys replied adjusting his jacket. 'You make me sick! After all I've done for you, you ungrateful sod! You know what, forget it. You and me, we're finished, I no longer want you ANYWHERE near me and I NEVER want you to darken my door way again!' John replied walking away.



As John appeared on the platform, he was fuming. There was no need for Rhys to say what he did. How horrible can someone be. He sat on the bench with a face like thunder, ready to explode. Gavin and Sarah looked at each other in confusion. They had no idea what had gone on down there and they weren't sure they wanted to find out. What they did know, was to leave John to cool down and keep quiet..

***​

'I think its better if we leave John to calm down, Rhys has obviously said something he didn't like.' Gavin smiled looking at Sarah. 'He'll be OK soon. Don't go thinking he's mad with you, because he's not. He thinks the world of you.' Gavin reassured her. 'It is me, I should never have come. This would never have happened..' Sarah replied. 'No babe, I wanted you to come. Rhys is a spoilt little brat, take no notice of him.' John replied turning to face her. 'Your feelings mean more to me than anything else.' John smiled.



'What exactly was said?' Gavin asked. 'Rhys called her ugly and I flipped.' John replied. 'She's not!' Gavin replied. 'I know, that's what I said.' John replied. 'I always thought he was OK with her..' Gavin replied looking a little confused. 'So did I.' John replied. 'Did he ever say anything to you that came across as nasty or anything?' John asked Sarah who was watching the clock. 'Not that I noticed, he seemed nice enough to me..' She replied looking at John with a smile.



Deep down, she was thinking how horrible he really seemed and the fact he put her down all the time and how much he reminded her of Andy.. He was nasty to her when John or Gavin were never around and he made her promise she wouldn't say anything.. He'd hit her before and he made her cover it up. He hit her when she never did something correctly. He was a perfectionist, he wanted everything his way. She always wore a long top to cover up the marks and bruises from him violent rampages.. Rhys was a bully, just like him...



'If there's anything you want to talk about, never be afraid to talk to me, or Gavin. We're here for you. Any time you need to chat about everything and anything, we're here.' John smiled. 'Thanks guys, I really appreciate it.' She smiled. As she sat on the bench, her phone vibrated in her pocket... She stood up and walked toward the ticket kiosk. 'I'll be back in a sec, just need to stretch my legs.' She smiled. 'OK' They replied.



The message was from Rhys..

'Don't even think about telling John or Gavin what went on between us! You made me a promise, don't go back on your word. Or you'll regret the day you ever crossed me.. You've been warned!!' It read..



As she closed the message, John appeared behind her, smiling. He had no idea what was going on. She smiled back and wrapped her arms around him tightly like nothing had happened. She knew, deep down, that she'd have to tell one of them, but she wasn't sure when or how..
 
Wow, I never excected something like this to happen. This is awesome and writing at the very best level.
clap.gif
Now, I can't wait for the next chapter as I feel like going after Rhys myself!
cursing.gif
 
-- FOURTEEN --

The first class carriage was quiet. There were only a few people sitting with friends or work colleagues. Sarah sat staring out of the window watching people board the train, she was keeping her mouth shut about the whole incident with Rhys. She was planning to tell Gavin, but needed John to be out of ear shot. She knew, if John was to find out, he'd go mad and storm in Rhys' place like a bull in a china shop and she didn't want that, she just wanted to get it off her chest and forget about it.



As the train pulled away from the station and the platform slowly disappeared for view, John wrapped his arms around her and she leaned in towards him and smiled. She knew she was safe, that Rhys was gone, and that he wasn't coming back And that John and Gavin had her back and that they'd fight her corner if she needed them..



'What a lovely evening, not to hot, but not to cold..' Gavin smiled. 'Yeah, its been nice.' John smiled. Looking down at Sarah, John noticed she was covering her hand. 'No need to hide it.' John whispered in her ear. As she looked up at him he winked. 'Sorry.' She replied. 'No need to be.' John replied with a smile. 'What are you to whispering about?' Gavin smiled. Looking at each other with a smile, John gestured to her ring on her finger. She looked down then looked back up at him and nodded.



She was ready for John to come out and tell him what had happened yesterday. He didn't know yet that John had proposed and didn't know she was wearing an engagement ring. He was a man of his word, John was going to come out and tell people. But, they both decided not to go to over the top and were going to let fans and the media speculate over it before he made an official announcement.



'I've got some news and I forgot to tell you about it.' John smiled. 'And what would that be..' Gavin replied awaiting his response.. 'I saw of..well..proposed..' John smiled. 'You did what?' Gavin beamed. 'I saw of..asked Sarah to marry me..' John repeated. 'And what did you say?' Gavin asked Sarah. 'Yes of course!' Sarah beamed and showed him the ring she'd chosen. 'Wow, that ring is beautiful.. Really sparkly.' Gavin smiled. 'I like sparkly things' Sarah laughed. 'My teeth aren't as dazzling as that ring, but its beautiful, just like you' John smiled kissing her softly on the lips.



'How long is this train journey anyway?' Sarah asked turning to John. 'A good few hours. Could be longer if the weather gets any worse, its just started raining..' John replied looking out of the window. 'Wow, its awfully windy out, hope we don't get stuck.' Sarah replied. 'I'm sure we wont, but if we do, we'll look out for you.' Gavin smiled. John turned to face Gavin and gestured to him for his bag on the seat beside him. 'Can I have my bag on the seat beside you please Gav' John smiled. 'Sure' Gavin replied handing him the bag.



'Before I do anything else, I must nip to the little boys room, I'll be back in a sec.' John replied getting up from his seat. This was Sarah's chance to tell Gavin what had happened, but she was worried of his response. Leaning over to get Gavin's attention, a lady walked past with a toddler. Bashing the table, the little lad knocked the contents of Gavin's water all over the carriage floor. 'Oh I'm really sorry about that, let me get you another one.' She smiled. 'No, its ok.' Gavin replied. 'No, it was my fault, I'm sorry.' She insisted.



As the lady handed him a napkin to wipe down the table with, John walked down the carriage, helping a heavily pregnant lady to her seat. As he approached the seats, the lady froze in shock as John stood there looking at her. 'Are you OK?' John asked her as she straightened up and began to shake. 'Look mummy, its Captain Jack!!' The little lad beamed. 'I know... Oh my god, I can't believe it! John I am a HUGE fan and I love you.' She beamed. 'Thank you.' John smiled and sat down in his seat.



Sarah's chance to tell Gavin was gone, she'd now have to wait for another opportunity to say something. As the lady walked away shaking, Gavin looked over at Sarah. 'Did you want me for something?' He asked. 'I forgotten, sorry.' Sarah replied. She sat there quiet for a few moments before John's voice broke her daydream. 'You OK?' John asked her as she sat staring out of the window. 'Uh what? Uh, yeah I'm fine' She replied. 'You were in a world of your own again, weren't you?' John smiled. 'Yeah, something like that' She replied.



As the train approached the first of many stops, the lady with her son, who knocked Gavin's drink over got off the train and disappeared into the night. It was now 5:45pm and the rain was lashing down, bouncing off the pavement of the platform. A huge clap of thunder boomed over head and the pregnant lady a few rows behind was startled as she jumped to life from her sleep and dropped her book on the ground. Leaning over to try and reach it, John dashed from his seat and picked it up for her. He made his way back to his seat just as the train was leaving platform and continued to use his laptop.



Looking over his shoulder, Sarah noticed he was 'tweeting' on Twitter. One of his tweets read 'Some people get really nervous around me and some are nuts, its rather bizzare jb' Another read 'On our way to Glasgow to begin filming for TTN, its throwing it down!! jb' Looking around the carriage, she was feeling a little un easy, she wasn't quite used to being out and about with John and Gavin as John's 'official' partner, it was still surreal..



Looking back at his laptop screen, he was replying to fans questions one read: @Team_Barrowman how'd I get tickets from TTN??' He replied: 'Tickets are not available yet, but keep checking my website johnbarrowman.com for information when they become available. Jb' Another tweet read: @Team_Barrowman, will you marry me, you're hot. Lol xx' He replied: 'Thanks for your kind words, but I'm going to have to say no I'm afraid, sorry x jb' Sarah smiled to herself, she knew it was her he was with and it was her he was staying with.



Sitting looking out of the window of the train, the weather outside was dreadful, it was really windy and the rain was horrendous. It was horrible and she knew, if it didn't stop soon, they'd have to walk to the taxi in it.. Watching Gavin typing on his laptop, she wish she'd packed hers. She sat watching a young lady, sitting with earphones in, reading a book. As the lady turned the page in her book, John's voice rang in her ear. 'Are you al right? You're not travel sick are you?' John asked. 'No, just daydreaming..' She replied still watching the lady reading her book. My I pad's in the bag if you'd like to use it??' He smiled. 'Are you sure?' She replied. 'Sure, I packed it for either of us.' He replied taking it out.



As she turned on the I Pad, another clap of thunder boomed and a flash of lightning lit up the evening sky. 'Sounds like its getting closer..' Gavin replied looking up from his laptop. 'I love thunderstorms' Sarah replied. John laughed to himself. 'What?' She asked. 'Oh nothing, just the thought of you getting all excited over a thunderstorm, its cute.' John replied. 'I hate the rain, but I love thunderstorms.. As long as it doesn't put people's lives in danger of course.' She replied. 'Somehow, I can't see us being in the best of places during a thunderstorm, the trains are electric these days' Gavin replied. 'If we were that much in danger, I don't think the trains would be running, somehow..' She replied. 'She has a point' John replied.



'You women have an answer for everything!' Gavin replied. 'Not everything.. Just most things.. We know more than you think.' She replied. John starting chuckling to himself at the sight of Sarah and Gavin having a debate. It made him smile, knowing she and Gavin got on really well and could have a laugh with each other and no one would take it to heart. 'Women are knowledgeable beings.' Sarah replied. 'Women are better off in the kitchen.' Gavin replied. 'Atleast we can cook, if men were put in the kitchen, the house would catch fire.' Sarah replied. John laughed out loud at her comment. She was, in some ways, right about that statement. Some men cannot and should not be put in the kitchen.



'You two make me laugh!' John smiled. 'Well, its true.' Sarah replied looking at the I Pad screen. 'You women THINK you know a lot, whereas, us men, we DO no a lot.' Gavin smirked. 'OK, so answer me this then.. Why is it, that when you ask a man to do the simplest jobs, like ironing, they look at you as if you come from a different planet?' Sarah asked with a smirk. 'Because ironing is a woman's job..' Gavin replied. 'I can iron, its not hard.' John replied. 'Ha ha, you've been out voted there, Mr 'I know a lot'. I don't know why we're debating about what women should and shouldn't do, you'll never win,' She laughed. 'Honestly, you two are hilarious' John laughed.



'Are you sure you weren't a woman in a past life?' Gavin asked John jokingly. 'No, I'm all man, I'm afraid.' John replied. 'You know, you've already been out witted and John's a man!!' Sarah smiled knowing she was right about that last debate. 'OK, how come, women know sod all about cars? It would be useful' Gavin replied. 'As a matter of fact, there are a lot of female mechanics working in garages these days a good friend of mine is a mechanic.' Sarah replied. Gavin didn't respond, he knew he'd, yet again, been outed by a woman. 'Are you even going to win an argument Gavin, or are you just doing this to look stupid?' John laughed. 'I will win a debate.' Gavin replied. '...Eventually' She laughed. John sat and chuckled to himself, he knew Sarah was a good debater and that, if it was a subject she was passionate about, she'd debate and debate. And debate...



'Anyway, moving on..' Gavin replied trying to chance the subject. 'Yeah, anyway... Anyway what??' John asked. 'I don't know, I haven't got that far yet..' Gavin replied. Sarah chuckled. 'What?' John replied. 'Nothing, was just laughing at Gavin. He makes me giggle.' She smiled. Sitting, finally using John's I Pad, Sarah logged into Twitter and began tweeting.. 'I love a good thunderstorm, they're great to watch!' She wrote. She re tweeted the following 'Tweet' from Team Barrowman.. 'Some people are nervous around me and some are nuts, its bizarre!! jb' Sarah had finally found Gavin on Twitter and was also following him and he was following back.



She tweeted.. @Team_Barrowman, hope you have a safe journey to Glasgow! Can't wait to see TTN! x' A few moments later, he replied. '@LFC_JFT96_YNWA, thank you. Hope you're having a nice evening x' She then, again, replied.. @Team_Barrowman, I am thank you, just relaxing for the evening, going to try and get some tickets for your show! x' Sending the 'tweet' John laughed at the sight of her and him talking over Twitter, but knew, they had to make it look like they weren't together. John then tweeted 'Right guys, I'm off to chill for a while, tweet later jb' and he logged off.

***

Arriving at the next stop, the platform was heaving with people and suitcases. People were rushing around with umbrella's up, talking on mobile phones. The heavily pregnant lady stood up from her seat and made her way off the train and onto the platform. As the doors closed, a young man in mid 30's walked up the train towards the food counter, mobile in one hand, laptop case in another and a newspaper under his right arm and ordered himself a takeaway coffee and a ham and cheese sandwich. Sarah sat and watched him as he went to his reserved seat, talking on his mobile, without so much as a thank you to the lady behind the counter.



Sarah shook her head in disgust and continued to read a magazine. She'd found it laying around the train on her way back from the toilet. One of the articles made a brief mention on John and his upcoming TV show, 'Tonight's The Night':

Barrowman To Start New Poject
Entertainer, John Barrowman is to begin a new project in co-production with the BBC and Barrowman Barker Productions. Filmed at BBC Scotland, Tonight's The Night, is a new entertainment show, which will see Barrowman making fans dreams come true. Its to slot in with prime time weekend television. We understand, at the moment, as it stands, it'll air on Saturday night's on BBC 1. The time is yet to be confirmed. Good luck, John. We're sure it'll be a great success!!

***

Looking at the clock on her phone, it was now 6:10pm and she was starting to get a little hungry, but realised she had now change on her for a little snack. As she fumbled through her pockets, hoping to find a few pound coins John turned his head and looked at her for a moment before speaking. 'What are you looking for babe?' He asked with a smile. 'I thought I had a bit of change on me, but I don't think I have.' She replied. 'Do you want something to eat?' John asked. 'Yeah, but if its to much bother, I'll pass.' She smiled. 'Nonsense, you have to eat.' John replied taking out his wallet from his jeans pocket.



Standing up from the table, John made his way to the food counter and bought her a cup of coffee, prawn sandwich and a packet of prawn cocktail crisps. And for himself, a turkey salad sandwich, cup of coffee and a packet of cheese and onion crisps. 'I got you prawn because I know you don't like cheese and onion. I also go you a prawn sandwich, I can't have prawns, I'm allergic to them.' John smiled and took a seat.



'Thank you. Didn't want you wasting your hard earned cash on me though.' She smiled. 'Its never wasted, not on you.' John replied giving her a huge hug. 'John, people will start talking..' Gavin whispered. 'So? And besides, they'll just think we're really close friends anyway. But, to be honest, I don't really care if people start talking, I love her and that's all that matters to me, Gav. They can say all they like, but I'm happy.. We both are and that's how its going to stay.' John replied. 'Oh and I got you this from the Disney store a few weeks ago, was meant to give it to you, but I forgot' John smiled handing her a Tigger cuddly toy with a love heart that had 'Forever & Always' written on it. It was cute, Sarah adored Tigger.



Looking out of the window at the word whizzing by, it was now pitch black outside but the rain was still lashing down and the wind was still howling. Sarah sat and thought about the incident with Rhys, before coming to the conclusion that it needed to be said and she no longer cared what John thought, she just wanted to get it out in the open and move on. She just wanted to be happy and forget about him and her past and move on and look towards he future, the one she had right in front of her. The one with her and John, finally being happy..



'There's something I've been meaning to say all day, but I didn't know how or when or what to do. But, I need to say it, get it off my chest and hopefully we can all move on and just forget about it.' She began. 'Uh.. OK.' John replied. 'Its about Rhys...' She replied taking out her phone. 'What about him??' John replied looking confused.. 'Its been going on for months, I tried to tell you, but he swore he'd hurt me if you ever found out or if I ever told you.. I don't want this going any further, I'm tired of being the victim in everything. If you go bursting in, all guns blazing, he'll kill me and I know it would, he told me. I don't want to put either of your lives in danger and I never wanted to have to tell you this, but I feel its only fair you know about it..' She explained. 'Rhys, he... He.. He hit me and not just once, quite regularly. He'd hit me if I did something wrong or it wasn't to his liking. That's why I haven't been going to see him for awhile and why he was being so off towards me. He hates me, he beat me, he's spat in my face, he's threaterned to kill you if I was to ever breath a word to you.' She continued.



'Here, I have the texts to prove it..' She replied showing John the messages she had on her phone from him.. One read 'If you so much as mutter a word to John, or Gavin I will kill you and don't think for a moment this is an empty threat. I will come to your house and murder you while you sleep, you and lover boy. Its time you knew your place and its down there, on the ground, scrubbing steps and moping floors. Women like you do not deserve to be happy. I hope, one day, John realised this and slings you out of his house and out of his life for good. He'd be so much better off without you.. You worthless piece of dirt. Sleep tight, I'm watching you....' John sat in silence for a few moments before placing the phone down on the table and walking off, down the train towards the toilets.

***

Locking the door behind him, John sat crouched on the floor, clutching his knees.. Tears flowing down his cheeks and onto the floor. 'How can somebody I've worked with for the past 4 years be that vile and hurtful towards someone as kind and caring as her?' John whispered to himself. 'She's been through enough crap the last few years, but nothing has shocked me as much as him.. Rhys Jones, the man I had working for me for almost 5 years.. How can someone be to sick and twisted as to say they'd murder her in her sleep.. I don't get it.. Why??' He continued. Thinking about it made his stomach turn. Rising to his feet, sweat dripping from his forehead, John was scared for her safety, but knew, or at least hoped.. If he'd sacked him a few hours ago, he'd never return..



Making his way back to his seat, wiping his head with a piece of tissue, John sat and thought that Rhys was gone now, out of sight and hopefully, out of mind. Maybe now, she would finally have some peace and be able to get on with her life...

***

'I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to upset you.' She replied. 'Its OK, I was just in shock, I'm fine now. Hopefully we'll never see him again.' John smiled. What he said was true, hopefully they wouldn't see him again. As she leant in towards him, John kissed her loving on the forehead. Hopefully, he'd make her happy. 'And for the record.. I will NEVER leave you. We belong together, forever. I love you, never forget that' John reassured her. 'This wont go any further will it??' She asked. 'No, we'll keep it between us, I don't want to put any of our lives at risk. You can sleep soundly at night knowing Rhys will never EVER find out that we knew about this.' John replied.



Laying against him snuggling in as tight and as close as she could, Sarah finally, after 2 and a half hours of travelling fell asleep, in John's arms, where she belonged. With his arms tightly wrapped around her, John sat talking to Gavin about what had been said and how angry and upset it made him feel. 'I always thought, when I hired him, that he was a nice man with a warm heart. Not once did I ever think he'd ever be like that. And that scares me.' John whispered, trying to to wake Sarah as she lay there, fast asleep. 'It was going to come out sooner or later, John. It just goes to show you, she really loves you and trusts you with her life. After all, she did say if she was to tell you he'd kill her. But because she knows your a man of your word and will never let him know you found out, she told you.' Gavin smiled. 'I know and I really appreciate that, I know now and I knew anyway, that she trusts me' John smiled.



After an hour and a half of sleep, Sarah finally woke up and looked around sleepily rubbing her eyes. She'd forgotten she fell asleep on the train. 'Hello there sleepy head. You OK?' John smiled looking down at her softly with a smile. 'Uh what.. Yeah I'm fine. Sorry, still half asleep.' She smiled. 'So I noticed.' John replied. As she sat up and streched, John her a his cup of coffee. 'Here, this should help wake you up.' John smiled. 'Thanks' She yawned. 'Sleep well?' Gavin asked. 'Yeah, not to bad.' She smiled. 'You're actually rather warm. Quite surprised you didn't need the loo whilst I was asleep.' She smiled. 'No, but even if I did, I wouldn't of been able to go anyway, because you were leaning on me' John smiled. 'That's true..' She replied.



'Anyone texted me whilst I was sleeping??' She asked. 'Your friend Alan texted, I replied telling him you were OK. Made it look like it was you texting him.' John replied. 'Wasn't sure if he knew about me yet.' John replied. 'Oh, no he doesn't, been meaning to tell him. Just not got around to it yet.' She smiled. 'Thought as much, he didn't ask about me. Kinda realised he didn't know about me. You Going to tell him?' John replied. 'Yeah soon.' She replied looking at he phone screen. 'You al right?' He asked. 'Yeah, just had a bit of a bad dream, that's all nothing major. Just dreamt Rhys was running after me..' She replied confused. 'He's gone now and he wont be coming back, you're safe.' John reassured her.

***

As the train came to a stand still on the platform, they'd finally arrived in Glasgow. It was late and cold, but the rain had stopped. John took hold of Sarah's hand and escorted her to the waiting taxi to take them to thier hotel room, where they'd spend the next couple of weeks while John was filming 'Tonight's The Night'. Closing the door to the taxi, it took off down the road and around the corner to the high street.



As they came to a set of traffic lights, Sarah's phone rang, it was Rhys. Gesturing to John and Gavin to stay quiet, she put the phone on loudspeaker.. 'Hello?' She answered. 'I trust you haven't told John or Gavin??' He asked. 'No, I haven't' She replied looking at John who was concentrating on the conversation. 'Good girl. Knew you'd keep your promise' He replied. 'What are you ringing me for?' She asked looking confused. 'Making sure you haven't blabbed to the lads, wouldn't want them worrying about you.' He laughed. 'Got to go. And remember... I'm watching you.' And he hung up.



'Change your number, he wont bother you then..' John replied. 'I have a spare sim card in the bag, I will give it to you when we get to the hotel. Just give the new number to the friends and family you talk to most.' John smiled. Sarah was worried Rhys knew he was on loudspeaker and sat there in silence for the rest of the journey.
 
Kind of a boring train ride but train rides are like that. Glad she decided to tell Gavin and John!
 
-- FIFTEEN --​

Arriving at the hotel, holdall draped over her shoulder, Sarah dropped the bag on the floor and looked around at the décor and paintwork. The reception was clean and tidy, the desk was clear of clutter and unwanted paperwork. The floor was pristine and sparkling, it gleamed under the lights on the ceiling. Sitting on the leather sofa to her right, John placed the suitcase by her feet and went to check them in to their room he had booked.



On the walls were artistic paintings. To the left of the reception desk, stood three vending machines, one which served hot drinks, one that served bottled water and the other stocked with confectioneries, like chocolate bars, crisps and the odd few sweet bags of Wine Gums, Fruit Pastilles and Midget Gems.



To the right of the desk sat four, empty but tidy computer cubicles, equip with web cams, built in microphones and headphones for private conversations, or for personal music usage. The hotel was fabulous, the area in which it was situated was quiet and peaceful. It was located in a small, area of Glasgow. Surrounded by trees, fields and old fashioned stone buildings. And just down the road was an old style corner shop selling everyday essentials. Like tea, coffee and milk. You know, the sort of place that sells any thing and every thing..

***​

John stood at the desk, looking over his shoulder to make sure Sarah was alright. Something that had happened was bothering her, or at least, it seemed it was. In the back of his mind he was trying to work out what was wrong. Had he done or said something wrong that had upset her? He knew he had to find out, one way of another.. It worried him to know she was bothered by something.



'Hi, can I help you, sir?' A lady replied snapping him out of his inner thoughts. 'Oh sorry, I've got a room here, under the name Barrowman' He replied glacing over his shoulder again. She was still sitting there, staring into space, thinking.. 'Ah yes, room 241 on the second floor.' She smiled and handed him the key card. 'Thanks you' He smiled and walked by to where Sarah was sitting.

***​

'You al right?' He asked looking at her softly. 'Yeah, just thinking about that phone call..' She replied. 'Here's the sim card I told you about' He smiled handing her it in a small see through plastic sleeve. 'Give this number out to close family and friends and us of course and Rhys will no longer be able to contact you' John replied. 'Thanks' She smiled taking the back off her mobile phone.



Placing the new sim card in the back of her phone, she put the battery back in and snapped the cover back on the phone before turning it over and switching it back on. 'Its a pay as you go one, but it is set up with free texts if you want to use them. It'll help to keep you in contact with your friends, family and us when we're not together. Its £10 a month, and you get unlimited texts.' John smiled. 'Oh that's fantastic.' She smiled.

***​

Walking into thier room, Sarah placed the bag on the floor by the desk and sat on the bed. The bed was ready made, neat and tidy. Looking out of the hotel window, the view seemed spectacular - even if it was dark. Off in the darkness, Sarah could see light coming from the stone farmhouse in the distance. To the right was a pig field, full of sty's and lots and lots of mud. Wet, boggy and stinky mud. She sat and gazed out of the window for a time before John's voice broke her daydream. 'I'm going to jump in the shower before bed, do you need the loo before I use the bathroom?' John asked from behind. 'No, I'm fine' She replied, still looking out of the window.



It wasn't just Rhys she was worrying about. Something else was bothering her, not just bothering her, but scaring her too. She was scared in case she was right and it wasn't just her over reacting. She sat staring out of the window at the quiet countryside outside and listened to the water from the shower. She lay down on her side on the bed and stared at the wall. The thought of it all made her sob to herself. If she was right it wasn't in her head, what would happen if John found out. Would he loose his temper and walk out on her or would he stay?



Hearing the bathroom door open, she suddenly wiped away the tears from her eyes and cleared her throat. She didn't want him to find out she'd been crying. She stayed lying on her side, not wanting to turn over until she was certain her eyes weren't red and puffy. As John sat on the side of the bed, wrapped in his bath towel on the opposite side of the bed, she sniffled quietly and waited for him to speak.



'You know, I've been thinking... A year and a half ago, I never thought I'd be sitting here, a new television project in the pipeline, a strong and loving relationship and a wedding to plan for. I'm at a great place in my life right now, nothing could get any better.' John explained ruffling his head with a small hand towel. 'My life is great and its you I have to thank for that. You've been my rock, my life, my soul mate. I love you unconditionally and nothing and no one will ever change that' He continued. 'Bless you' She replied clearing her throat.



'Are you OK? You seem very quiet and have been all day.' John asked. 'I'm fine.' She replied with a sniffle. As she turned over and looked at John, her eyes began to fill and small tears fell down her cheeks. 'Are you sure you're al right?' John asked again. 'I'm fine, I'm just tired and feeling run down, I'll be fine after a good night sleep.' She replied. Deep down she knew that wasn't the truth and it was something else that was bothering her.

***​

The next morning as the sun rose over the hills outside the window, John sat up and looked over at Sarah who was still fast asleep, curled up in a tiny ball. As he quietly leaned over to his bedside cabinet and put on his glasses, he rose slowly from the bed and made his way to the bathroom. Glancing over and looking at her briefly, he made sure he hadn't woke her.



He stood in the bathroom staring at himself in the mirror. Had he done something wrong, had he upset her? Why was she being so quiet.. He wasn't sure. Placing his glasses by the side of the sink and began to swill his face with water in order to wake him up properly. As he ran his hands down his face, his eyes began to fill and tears trickled down his cheeks and into the sink below. He wanted to help her any way he could, but he didn't know how or why she was being like she was.



Sitting down on the side of the bath, he ruffled his hair with his hands. Looking over at the cabinet, his watch was sitting by the side of the sink by his glasses. He put on his watch and made his way into the bedroom and sat on the bed. Something was wrong with her and he was determined to find out - one way or the other..

***​

After getting changed, he sat at the desk in the hotel room and began to draft Sarah a little letter:

Dear Sarah,

I know we've had our ups and downs and I know its been tough for us both, but I want you to know, I love you and I want to be with you forever.



Over the last 24 hours I've noticed you've been very quiet. I don't know why this is, but I hope its not because of something I've said or done. If it is, I'm sorry, I never meant to upset or hurt you.



I want to hear your side of the story and get whatever it is that's bothering off your chest. I want you to share your worries and thoughts with me, however big or small they made be.



I want you to know, whatever it is, we can talk about it and sort it all out, once and for all. I don't want to loose you. I want my baby back, the girl I met. The shy, but funny and humorous girl I asked to marry me. The girl who'd do anything for me, be there for me and be my rock. I love you babe and I want the old you back.



I'm going to be leaving to meet Gavin soon, but if, while I'm away, you want to talk, text me and I'll reply as soon as I can. Remember.. Forever and always, I promise.

John

xXx




He placed the letter by the side of the kettle and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him..

***​

Later that morning, Sarah rose from her slumber and looked around the room in confusion, forgetting for a moment that John had left for the script read through with Gavin. She sat and stared at the wall for a few moments, before getting up from the bed. Making her way to the desk, she clicked on the kettle, not realising there was a letter sitting on top of her cup addressed to her. As she turned to approach the bathroom, she caught a glimpse of the letter and sat and read it..



Thinking about the letter she'd just read she burst into tears. She never knew John thought it was his fault. It wasn't his fault and now she felt bad. Sitting with her head in her hands, her phone buzzed, it was Alan: 'Sorry I haven't replied till now, didn't realise it was you, didn't recognise the number. Sorry! Hope you're OK.' After sitting staring into the mirror, her phone began ringing on the desk, it was Gavin.



'Hey there, just making sure you're al right.. John's worried about you. He's worried you've fallen out with him over something' He replied. 'Oh no, far from it. I'm OK, I've just been thinking about a lot of stuff over the last few days, that's all.' She replied fiddling with the pen on the desk. 'So long as you're OK.' Gavin replied. 'Any way, I'll speak to you later, no doubt. Bye for now.' And he hung up..

***​

John sat at the huge table in the conference room of the hotel with Gavin and the BBC Scotland production team, going over the weeks schedule. This week would concentrate on the music and lighting part of the pilot. John sat reading through the transcript of the show, making notes and changes in places.



'As you can see, we've drafted some song choices for you to choose from. As its part produced by you guys, we thought we'd let you decide.' The executive producer replied. 'I'll let John choose, its him who'd be performing the number.' Replied Gavin. As Gavin looked over at John, he sat fidling with the pen on the desk and reading. 'What do you think, John?' Gavin asked. 'I was thinking, Tonight's The Night? To go with the show?' John replied. 'Good idea!' The executive producer replied.

***​

Gavin watched John closely as he sat and fiddled with his pen. John wasn't 100% concentrating, something was bothering him. Gavin started to worry about him, had something happened he didn't know about? Had John and Sarah had an arguement? Gavin stood up from his seat and asked to pause the meeting - he wanted a word with John.

***​

Standing in the corridor, Gavin closed the door quietly behind him. 'Is everything OK, John?' Gavin asked. 'To be honest?! No, not its not.' John replied looking down at the ground. 'What's wrong, what's happened?' Gavin replied. 'Its Sarah. She's been acting really strange the last few days and I don't know what to do to help her..' John replied taking a deep breath, stopping himself from crying.



'I spoke to her on the phone earlier, she told me she was fine, that everything was fine.' Gavin replied. 'That's the thing, everything is NOT fine. She's scaring me Gav! I feel she's slipping through my fingers and there's nothing I can do to stop her. She's being quiet and I know something is up, but I don't know what.' John replied, tears falling down his cheek. 'I don't understand..' Gavin replied looking confused..



As John sat on the floor, head in his hands, his phone rang. Not looking who it was, he answered. 'We need to talk. Meet me in the cafe across from the hotel at lunchtime. Come alone' Came the voice. 'Are you OK?' John replied with a hint of panic in his voice. 'I'm fine. See you at lunchtime. I love you..' And the call ended.

***​

Sarah sat at the desk, holding the phone in her hand thinking to herself how she'd tell him, when she'd tell him and how he'd react. As she placed the phone on the table, it buzzed.. It was a message from John:

'Look, I know you're probably upset about something, but I'm sure we can sort it. Just give me a chance to hear what you have to say and we'll go from there. Whatever it is, we can sort it out. I have to go back into the meeting now, so I'll see you at lunch. And remember.. I love you xx' It read.



Smiling, she knew he'd hear her side, he was a man of his word and together they'd sort it. They were inseparable, they were meant to be together, this was forever and she knew it.
 
Awesome chapter and again, great attention paid to details. I could almost feel myself in the hotel. The suspense now, however, is going to kill me.
icon_lol.gif
Can't wait to read the next chapter! Keep up the awesome work Boogie!
clap.gif
 
Going on holiday really pays off! I got to read two
biggrin.gif






-------------------------

Off Topix's Treasure Hunt

matt-tc.png


Ey ole' Matey! You've found a Treasure Chest! Congrats and make sure to claim your prize!

-------------------------
 
I know its been awhile since my last update, but Sixteen is finished, seventeen is under way. Sorry for the wait guys, but miracle's cannot happen overnight, they take time.

Anyway, here you go, chapter sixteen

Enjoy

happy.gif


____________________________________________________​

-- SIXTEEN --​



Sitting in the cafe, awaiting John's arrival, the cafe was quiet, no one was in there. The only person to be in there with her was the figure of a man, a young looking man sitting at the far side of the room. Not taking much more notice of him, she orders herself a drink. She had the feeling in the back of her head that somone or something was watching her, watching her every move. As she proceeded to look around but not to look to obvious, the man had moved and was now sitting a few seats away from her in the cafe. His head was down, looking at the ground, his hood was up, covering his face, she began to panic. Who was this person??



As the waitress placed her glass of Orange juice on the table, Sarah asked the woman quietly if she'd seen him before, if he was a regular. 'I've never seen him before, sorry. Would you like anything else?' She replied. 'I'm OK thank you.' Sarah replied and the lady walked off. Sitting on her own, looking out of the window to see if John had arrived yet, the man coughed. As she took the phone out of her pocket, the man spoke..



'I know who you are, you know who I am. I know why you're hear, I know who you're waiting for..' He began. 'He wont come for you, he wont save you, no one will.' He continued. 'How'd you know who I am?' She asked, not taking her gaze away from the window. 'I know a lot about you, Sarah.' He replied, sitting next to her. 'I don't know you, leave me alone.' She replied. 'You do know who I am, Sarah. Look at me, go on.. Look...' He told her.



She turned her head slowly and looked at him. 'Rhys' She replied. 'I told you you'd know who I was' He replied. 'Why have you not had your phone on, I've been trying to call you. Are you avoiding me?' He asked, knowing full well she was scared of him. 'I don't have a phone any more, I couldn't afford to keep it.' She replied. 'Then how'd you keep in contact with John and Gavin?' He replied. 'I text Gavin from John's phone..' She replied twitching in her seat.

***​

John stood by the doorway of the cafe and watched closely as Sarah sat twitching in her seat. He was waiting for the right moment to grab him. Rhys was sat with his arm stretched across the back of the sofa. As she sat looking at him, fear in her eyes, John waited for Rhys to strike her, like he knew he would if he got nothing out of her. Rhys began to stroke the back of her head and leant in to kiss her. John immediately spang from the door way, dragged Rhys by his shirt collar and punched him square in the face.



As Rhys clambered to his feet, John hit him again. Seeing the fight breaking out in the cafe, the staff ran up to John and restrained him from lunging at Rhys again. 'I'm going to KILL you Rhys Jones! I told you NEVER to darken my life again.' John boomed trying to free himself from the grasp of the large man holding his arms. 'Let go of me!' He protested. 'I'll throw him out for you.' As John was freed from the grasp of the young man, Rhys rose from the floor and cleaned his nose up, wiping the blood on a nearby napkin.



'You and me, one on one in the car park, if you think you're tough enough!!' John roared from the doorway. 'Come on, Jones!! You think you're hard picking on a defenceless woman, TRY ME!!' John roared again. As Rhys walked out of the door, John slammed him hard against the wall. 'I told you once NEVER to cross my path again.' John roared. 'Get stuffed!!' Rhys smirked and John lay into him again. Rhys clambered to his feet and swung at John, hitting him in the side of his face and cutting his lip. John struck at Rhys again, this time twice in his lower abdomen and again in the face. Rhys flew to the floor, crippled in pain.



John watched as Rhys stood up and walked away quickly, not even wanting to look back. 'STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM US, YOU HEAR ME!!' John bellowed as a young lady and her boyfriend walked past. Rhys ran off into the distance, holding his ribs and wiping his face. As John's anger subsided, he made his way into the cafe where Sarah was sitting, watching the event unfold right before her.



'I am really sorry about that, but I thought he was going to hurt you. I couldn't let that happen. I know what I did was wrong, but I couldn't stop myself.' John protested as Sarah sat there stunned. 'You saved me, thank you.' She smiled and held him tight. 'So you're not mad with me?' John asked. 'Of course not, Rhys deserved that.' Sarah smiled. 'Anyway I want to forget about that and talk about the real reason why I asked you here.' She began. As John sat down a young man came over and patted him on the back 'Well done mate, nice one' He smiled and gave John a free coffee. 'Cheers' John smiled.



'Anyway, what's this thing you want to talk to me about?' John asked. 'I know I've been quiet for the last 24 hours and I realise now that its starting to worry you, so I thought I'd meet you here to talk to you about a few things that have been on my mind lately.' Sarah began to explain. 'If its something I've said or done, then I'm sorry, I never meant to hurt or upset you' John replied. 'Its nothing like that.' She replied. 'Then what is it?' He asked, a look of worry on his face.



'Over the years, I've done some pretty foolish stuff in my life, that now I look back on, I regret. But, what I am about to tell you, I can honestly say, I've never been so scared of a response in my life, as to what I am about to say to you.' She replied. 'Go on.' John hesitantly replied. 'I don't want this to jeopardise what we've got and our future together as a couple, but I found out some news the other day that's been worrying me for some time now.' She replied taking a deep breath. 'What's the matter, are you going to be OK?' John replied worried. 'I'm fine in myself, but I'm scared at the same time. I don't want this to split uis up, I can't live on my own, not now I've found you' She replied, starting to cry.



'Its OK, I'm sure we can sort it out babe, if you just tell me whats wrong. I love you and I want to help you, but I can't if you wont tell me' He replied. 'I'm pregnant.. I'm pregnant, and I don't know what to do. I'm scared I'm going to loose you and be left on my own.' She replied with a sniffle. 'Are you sure?' He replied. '100%. I did a test this morning - three in fact and they all came back positive.' She replied, burying her head in her hands as she began to sob. 'I'm scared I'm going to loose you, I'm scared I'll be left on my own, having to fend for myself, having to bring up our child alone.' She continued.



'I know this will make a big difference to your career and I know you have so many future plans, I'm just so sorry I had to tell you this, but you have a right to know. This is your baby too. Just promise me one thing - You wont leave me' She sobbed. 'Never. Never in a million years would I ever leave you. I was brought up to support and stand up to my responsibilities. You were right to tell me and I'm glad you did.' John smiled. 'So, where do we go from here, what happens now?' Sarah replied.



'I just want you to know, whatever we decide to do, I'll love and respect you, no matter what. We belong together, and that's how we're going to stay.' John reassured her. 'So, you're not mad at me?' She asked. 'Mad at you, why would I be mad at you?' John asked. 'I don't know, because this news could ruin your career and our future.' She replied. 'Nonsense. Your health and well being come before anything else' John smiled. 'What do you want to do?' He asked. 'I have no idea, that's why I wanted to talk to you about it, this baby is as much yours as it is mine.' Sarah replied.



'If you think we'd be better off waiting, then I'll have a termination.' Sarah replied. 'When we first met, I knew from that very first day I saw you, that you'd be the one. I dreamt for days, when we began talking on Twitter that we'd be together, get married and have kids, I just never knew it'd come true.' John explained. 'You were, and still are my shining star, my guiding light, my angel from above and the answer to all my prayers. God created us and love brought us together and we've always been destined to be together.' John replied.



'What are you trying to say?' She asked. 'What I'm trying to say, is that this feels right, we feel right and the timing feels right.. I want us to be together and I want us to have this baby together. I love you and I want this baby with you. Whatever happens, I'll be with you every step of the way through all of this, you wont be alone, I promise.' John smiled, kissing her on the forehead.



Sarah knew in her heart that she and him were meant to be together and that this baby was a sign of their commitment to one another. She knew, John was her soul mate and that, god had destined for them to be together and love had found one another. Finally, they could both be happy and settle down, knowing the time was now and it was right.

***​

Walking across the road, back to the hotel, the sun was shining, but the sky was dull. The street was buzzing with people. Sitting on the table outside the cafe, a lady was reading a book. Glancing at the cover quickly, John realised it was 'Anything Goes', one of the two books he and his sister has wrote. Making a quick dash down the street, so as not to be stopped, John pressed the button at the traffic lights and waited patiently for the green man. Sarah stood by John's side at the crossing and waited.



People were stood the opposite side of the street. Not wanting to be noticed, John put on his sun glasses and proceeded across the street. Two business like men walked passed, barging John in the shoulder. Not wanting to draw attention to himself, he continued walking as if nothing had happened. The men hadn't even realised who they'd walked into - and even if they did, they probably wouldn't care. John wasn't too bothered about them, he was concentrating on getting Sarah back to the hotel without any problems or hold ups.



As they approached the entrance, John grabbed hold of the huge door handle and pushed open the door. Its swung slowly so far and then stopped. As John gestured Sarah inside, ladies first. He spotted Rhys across the road, watching him. 'Oh crap' He thought to himself. Letting go of the door and it closing slowly, John told Sarah to take a seat. John dashed out of Sarah's ear shot and called Gavin. Waiting and waiting and waiting there was no answer. 'Come on, answer your phone you fool!' He whispered to himself.



Looking out of the window, Rhys was still standing there on the opposite side of the road, looking directly at John who stood there, not knowing what to do next. As he went to hang up, Gavin answered. 'Where are you?' John rushed. 'In the conference room where you left me' Gavin replied. 'Come out to the lobby of our hotel and make it quick!' He replied and hung up. Standing looking around, John had an idea. Grabbing the nearest security guy, he described to him what Rhys looked like and pointed him out in the crowd over the road.



As the man radioed in for police back up, John took Sarah upstairs to thier room and settled her down on the bed. 'Now, I don't want you worrying, because I'll sort it, but Rhys knows where we are and I have a feeling he's up to something. I need you to stay really calm while I bring Gavin up here' John reassured her, kneeling by the bed. Calling down to reception, he asked to speak to Gavin. John whispered into the receiver to come up to his room.

***​

As Gavin arrived in their hotel room, John was pacing, worry in his eyes and panic in his voice. 'What the matter, what's going on?' Gavin asked as John looked out of the hotel window directly at Rhys who was now talking to the police on the side of the road. 'Its Rhys..' John panicked 'What about him?' Gavin asked confused. 'He knows where we are, he knows where Sarah is and he's out to get her.' John explained. 'I don't understand..' Gavin replied. 'I hit Rhys, I punched him in the face, I had a brawl outside with him' John replied. 'And? He probably deserved it' Gavin replied. 'Don't you get it, can't you see?' John paniced. 'I hit him three times, I told him never to darken my life again and now I've put all our lives in danger. All four of us!' John replied tears in his eyes.



'What do you mean four of us?' Gavin asked. 'Sarah needs protecting, she needs to be kept safe I can't let anything happen to her.' John sobbed. 'But I still don't get the four of us reference..' Gavin replied. 'Sarah's pregnant. She's pregnant and now she's in danger and its all my fault. I should of reasoned with him instead of hitting him!!' John shouted. Collapsing in a heap in the floor, John began to cry. This was all his fault and he knew it. All their lives were in danger and it was all because he didn't think before he acted. 'Just tell the police the truth, if it comes to it. That way, you wont be arrested and all will be fine.' Gavin replied.



As Gavin looked out of the window, Rhys was escorted off into a police car. 'Its OK, he's gone. They've just taken him away.' Gavin explained standing by the window as the car took off. 'I'm sure he wont be bothering you any more' Gavin smiled. 'We need to move!!' John replied. 'What?! But where??' Gavin replied. 'I don't know, somewhere safe, some where where nobody will find us.' John replied. 'I don't mean leave the country, I mean move addresses' John replied. 'If I can move addresses, Rhys will never find us and we'll be free of him. I have to do something, this is the future we're thinking about here, Gavin!' John replied sitting on the bed.

***​

Waking the next morning and turning on the telly, the news was on. A breaking news bulletin began scrolling across the bottom of the screen 'Sailcome realised on parole, awaiting court hearing Monday' it read. John sat for a moment, that name sounded familiar.. Then it dawned on him. 'He's out?!' John exclaimed! Sarah rustled in her sleep, turned over, threw the cover over her head and went back to sleep. 'Sorry babe' He whispered.



Switching off the telly, John made his way to the kettle to make himself a coffee. As the kettle sat and boiled, John went to collect his glasses from the bathroom. Sarah turned over under the duvet and soon fell back asleep. John stood and watched her for a moment before the kettle clicked and broke his daydream. Pouring the hot water into the kettle, he glanced in the mirror at her and smiled. Soon they'd be parents and they'd be married and settled down together with a family, like they'd always wanted.



John's phone began ringing on the desk. Before the ringing got any louder, he answered, it was Gavin. 'Are you really thinking about moving??' Gavin asked. 'Yes, just to a different part, but I want to stay in Cardiff or Wales if I can' John whispered so not to wake Sarah. 'Will get on the hunt for you. Anything in particular?' Gavin asked. 'A house with more than 4 rooms, still need to take into considering my parents staying with us and need a room for a nursery, of course' John explained. 'OK, will see what I can find for you. And, congrats by the way. Talk to you later, will arrange a coffee meet up, would like to see Sarah again, its been ages.' Gavin replied. 'Sound good, speak to you later.' And he hung up.



Placing his the phone on the desk, Sarah began stirring. Walking over to the bed, John sat and waited for her to wake. As she tossed and turned, trying to get comfortable, John lay down on the bed watching her. Placing his arm over her, Sarah suddenly woke with a panic. 'Shh shh. Its OK, its just me, you're safe.' John whispered, rubbing her arm softly, trying to calm her down. 'Sorry. I had a nightmare, I dreamt Rhys tried to kill you.' She explained her voice calming. 'He wont touch me, I wont let him do anything to me, I promise. Rhys is nothing but all words and no actions.' John replied. 'But, you don't know that, you don't know what he's capable of' Sarah replied.



'Trust me babe, nothing will happen to me. Look, I have to head to work soo-' Sarah interrupted him. 'You.. You mean you're going to leave me here, all by my self?!' She panicked. 'All by my-' John was about to burst into song, when Sarah stopped him.. 'No John, I'm serious!!' She replied. 'Trying to lighten the mood for you.' John laughed. Sarah just sat there.. 'Look, if it'll make you feel better, you can come too. But, I don't think it'll be that interesting and you'll probably get bored' He replied. 'I wont, I'd love to know how the show is put together' Sarah smiled dashing up from the bed.



'Look, take it easy, stop rushing about, you'll make yourself ill.' John replied. 'But I want to come with you, I'd love to see how the shows put together.' Sarah replied. 'I know, and you will, just stop running about, you need to take it easy.' John smiled. 'I'm sorry' She replied. 'Good, now sit down and I'll get your things. Stop over doing things, its not good for you.' John replied, picking up her phone from the desk and coat from the back of the door as Sarah got changed.



As they made there way down to the lobby of the hotel, Gavin was sitting by the window, waiting for them. 'Nice to see you Sarah, how are you feeling today?' Gavin asked. 'Not to bad, thank you for asking. What's on the cards for today then? John said I can tag along, is that OK?' She asked. 'Of course you can!' Gavin smiled. As they made there way to the waiting car, John looked around suspiciously. He was making sure Rhys wasn't around. 'Have you lost something?' Gavin asked opening the door for Sarah. 'No, just making sure he isn't here.' John replied, his voice lowering like he was hiding something. 'He's not here, now stop panicking!' Gavin told John as they got into the car.

***​

Arriving outside the studio, the sun was beaming and the weather was nice. Today John would be involved in the lighting and sound arrangements for the show. This show was his first project and he wanted it to do well and, hopefully, be very successful and popular amongst the nation. Stepping into the lobby, the revolving door turning behind them, John looked around at the decor. The building was massive with its huge, tall ceilings and lights.



'Ah, you must be John.' Came a man walking down the corridor to the lobby. 'Yes, that's me.' John replied. 'Nice to meet you, I'm Steve, Producer of BBC Scotland, nice to meet you.' He smiled shaking John's hand. 'This is Gavin, my manager.' John introduced pointing in Gavin's direction. 'We've spoken on the phone, nice to see you, Gavin' He replied. 'This must be your PA?' He asked looking at Sarah. John hesitated for a moment, Sarah went along with it 'Yes, that's me. Nice to meet you.' She smiled. 'This way, follow me.' He smiled.



'What are you doing?!' John whispered. 'Relax, I know what I'm doing.' Sarah replied. 'She was rather quick responding, I'll give her that!' Gavin whispered with a smile. 'I'm just going along with it, chill, it'll be fine! I am, after all, wanting to get into that field and work for you.' She smiled. 'She's got a point' Gavin replied. 'OK then.' John replied holding the door open.



'So, what's on the agenda for today then?' Sarah asked, looking around the studio. 'Sound and lighting for the show this week, then music rehearsals and pyrotechnics next week and finally wardrobe, dance routines and Autocue rehearsals the final week, if all goes to plan.' The producer replied, standing by a prop that was being set up. 'Sounds like you've got a busy few weeks ahead. Hopefully, the pilot will take off and it'll become a regular thing' Sarah replied. 'I hope so, I've been looking forward to doing something like this.' John smiled, looking around the room'
 
Back
Top Bottom