Sam

So there was no movement in the house, no sound was heard, not even a mouse. Well that was a few minutes after all the children were lead to bed. I took off to get into my pj's and brush my hair out.

"Knock, knock"

"Come in if your Mick"

"You promised" he swung round the door frame of the bathroom, waggling his finger at me.

"I said pleasant not change my preference of rock star" I turned back to the mirror holding my brush like a microphone and pouting my bottom lip out a 'la Jagger.

"I made tea"

"OK OK, you're my favourite!"

"Easy when you try, isn't it luv... meet you in the kitchen, yeah?" John took off as nodded while washing my face. Free of bruises I was almost half way to looking decent. I needed a haircut though, perhaps Jas and I could go out next week.

I wandered into the kitchen and leaned on the counter as John took the teabags out of the teapot, we both like a medium brew we have discovered. "Bikkie?"

"No thank-you, I think I ate my weight in chocolate tonight" I spotted a pile of brochures and pamphlets on the table.

"No peeking"

Sitting the steaming cups on the table John added sugar to each and a splash of milk. Two biscuits grasped in his hand to dunk in the tea.

"John"

"Hmmmm.... sit, luv"

"John, it's too soon isn't it?"

"What? The tea- it's a bit hot"

" You. Me. The stuff" I waved my hands back and forth between us.

"Stuff?"

"You are determined to make me say it" I whispered, John nodded smiling sweetly and shoving a biscuit in his mouth. "I just got divorced, you are recently divorced. Ummm oh geez I haven't done this before.... We get along, we tease and have moments...."

"We like each other?... Hadn't noticed" I kicked him under the table and he dropped half a biscuit in his tea. Scooping in with the teaspoon, he tried in vain to save the mushy mess.
"Hate biscuit slop. Yes Sam, I like you, you like me. Answer me this.... When was the last time you were truly happy in your relationship. For me I would say '78. And I don't mean the kids and stuff"

I stared at John, and pressed my mind to trawl back through my marriage. I can feel the emotions flood over my face, I can feel hits and burns, then I see it. "It was to do with the kids. It always was, when I was happy. The morning Jas was born" I can see the four of us in the hospital room, Stephen cuddling his little sis, Matt being a doting dad.

".....'72" John shook his head "That long, I didn't even realise it was so long" John leaned over and held my hand "It's over, he's gone and can't hurt you or them anymore, ok" I shook my head and looked away out the window across the city lights.

"Sorry I was young, naïve then alone" Tears threatened but I was angrier at myself now, so they abated.

"Look, don't be sorry for a weak man's choice of cruel pastime, he was a bastard to you" John stood with the teacups "Come on, ditch the kitchen, let's move rooms"

"Can I turn on the radio?" I wanted to have a breather from the heavy conversation. I tuned the dial to a late night music show and found a song I have grown to love since the movie came out earlier in the year.

The song floated over the room, beauty and light is how I felt when I heard it:

Come take my hand
You should know me
I've always been in your mind
You know that I'll be kind
I'll be guiding you

Building your dream
Has to start now
There's no other road to take
You won't make a mistake
I'll be guiding you

You have to believe we are magic
Nothin' can stand in our way
You have to believe we are magic
Don't let your aim ever stray
And if all your hopes survive
Your destiny will arrive
I'll bring all your dreams alive
For you

"Xanadu. Olivia. She's nice girl" John wandered over and held out his hand "dance....."

We swayed close together and I caught myself singing along with Olivia singing 'Magic' from the movie soundtrack:

From where I stand
You are home free
The planets align so rare
There's promise in the air
And I'm guiding you

Through every turn I'll be near you
I'll come anytime you call
I'll catch you when you fall
I'll be guiding you

You have to believe we are magic
Nothin' can stand in our way
You have to believe we are magic
Don't let your aim ever stray
And if all your hopes survive
Your destiny will arrive
I'll bring all your dreams alive
For you

John let me sing softly, holding our hands down beside our bodies, he leant back as the song ended "Not bad. 'Magic' very apt"

Xanadu the title song followed on, the radio seemingly turning up by itself. The song wasn't a slow one so the sway turned into a ditch and drop onto the couch. "Sing again"

"Too high, at the end, she has a vocal range out of this world" I covered my face as I sung the chorus and stopped the end notes too high. I got up and turned the radio down to a quiet backing track to our relaxed state.

"So, what's this you wanted to talk to me about" I spoke to John over the rim of the teacup, setting it down as he jumped up and dashed from the room.

"This" John bounced down beside me poking an envelope under my nose. I glanced at him, his excited face beaming, he was itching for me to open it.

I pulled the page out unfolding it slowly, John was nearly out of his skin with anticipation. I scanned the page, an itinerary for a holiday, a big holiday.

"Read it aloud please sweetie" John tried to grab the sheet but I was too quick, I shot him a look of 'this can't be real'

"Itinerary November '81 . flights for five to Brisbane Australia, connecting transfers to Hamilton Island (With separate parties meeting at wharf as discussed). What's that mean?"

"It means all us lads and wives and kids and Magics are holidaying together" My mouth hung open.

"You sorted it all out with George and Paul and Ringo! I'm so happy for you all but, no.... I can't, I'm not family"

"You're coming, you have to. You're the guide. Just keep reading would ya!"

"2 weeks Hamilton Island. Return transfers to Brisbane domestic. Hire vehicle collection from airport. Accommodation - Roma" I faltered, I could see what was coming. John pushed my gaping mouth closed "NO accommodation required- Two weeks. And return transfers to NYC."

"Meaning!?" I knew in my heart what he was going to say but I just couldn't believe it.

"I'm taking you home"

"Home" Tears trickled from my eyes as he smiled gently.

"Yep home. I got in touch with your mum and dad, thank-you Stephen. It's all set, we stay with your parents for two weeks, or more. Or more...  if you want to stay there......."

"You spoke to my.... My parents?!"

"Yep they are very excited to see you all. And I asked if they minded if Sean and I joined you and the rest of the troop, package deal us lot."

I leapt onto his lap and showered him in kisses "Thank you .Thank you. Thank you!!!! This is too much but I don't care I'm going to see my parents!!" I started to sob happily and John hugged me so hard. But it was ok, as I was hugging him hard too.

"November! That's only a few weeks! I need to pack. I need to buy some gifts, no dad hates that stuff, maybe a stetson...something for mum!"

"Slow down!" John kissed me hard to take all the wind out of my packing sails and light the fire in the pit of my stomach. I kissed him back, then broke away. "Can I ring them!!?!? Pleaseeeee"

"Go!!" John shoo-ed me away, laughing at my sudden burst of energy and zip. "I'm turning in, I know this call will be long and Sam, you don't have to ask... ever"

I dashed back over to John and pulled him up to his feet, hugging him again and planting kisses on his cheeks. "Right ummm well I'm off to run up your phone bill!!"

I ran off to my room to use the extension, calling good night over my shoulder, listening to Johns laughter as I disappeared round the corner.