Christmas Time 1964

Curled up on the sofa together, in our flat, cocoa warming my hands, tea warming his. I am hypnotised by the fire burning in the hearth.

"Penny for your thoughts" John smiles over his glasses, I thought he had been engrossed in his book but now he was studying my face intently.

"Just burning my retinas!" I giggle back "Well that and remembering all the things that I'm thankful for. This year has been fabu-beatl-isous"

"I see what you did there- clever" "come here.... closer than that! Little minx you are" John is trying to get me to move into his lap but all I do is shift an inch or so.

"Is it illegal to be this happy, peaceful?"

"I don't know bout that but I could do something illegal to you later" Winks, winks at me as I climb on to his lap my legs swinging over the side like a little kid.

"You're insatiable, man!" I hug him hard making him groan.

"And ya love it"

"Do you want to go out to Richs New Year's Eve party or stay home?"

"Stay In????" John questions my question trying to answer correctly. I'm pouting big bottom lip stuck out like I lost my candy. "Out?!! Of course, we are going to Rings"

"Yay" bouncing up and down on him, I anticipate he is about to burst.

"That's it"

"Arggghhhh!!!" I'm screaming tossed over Johns shoulder like a duffle bag. My Christmas present is to be granted NOW.

*****

New Years Eve 1964.

The hands on the clock tick toward 1965.

The balcony is wide, large enough for most of the guests. Many flitter between inside and out, as it's icy cold. Snow is forecast but not yet arrived. My nose is pink from the chill but I love it. The crispness, the stillness of the air... the snuggles.

Trembling fingers around my waist tell me its time to go inside. Into the warmth of Richards home, it's very late and I wish I had the energy John exudes. He picks me up, laughing heartily as he man handles me through the door toward the centre of the room, not exactly close to the fire but near enough to thaw.

The music plays on and I place a hand on his chest over his heart, my other tangled in his hair at the base of his neck. My cheek eventually joins my hand over his heart. This here is my peace. 

I could sleep here swaying gently, one of his hands gently brushing down my side, dusting over my hip and the other slipping fingers through my hair... but no! The music speeds up and he has me screeching as we twist and spin and bump back into each other laughing  Then off again we go! Round and round.. and around.  The lights of the Christmas tree bouncing off us always. Tomorrow the tree will come down but tonight it is overflowing with sparkling shiny ornaments and a few dozen coloured bulbs twinkle brightly.

We land against each other again. Chests heaving, heart pressed to heart; And I see my heaven, in his eyes...

"John-"

10!

"Syd, it nearly new years!"

9!

The party guests all count down loudly, jubilant for right now and all our tomorrows.

8!

7!

Everyone's happy, tiddly.

6!

"John, I-" 

5!

"Com' on over here quick smart, Syd!"

4!

Pattie and George bump into us as we are all crammed together.

3!

Paul swings Jane around to hold her close.

2!

Richie the loudest of them all, has Maureen under his wing.

1!!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Erupting yells of Happy New Year and hollering of the words over and over tumble over me.

Streamers, Balloons, Sparklers are all there but I see nothing, none at all. 

No frizzly bright light of the sparklers or colourful streamer landing beside me, the balloons at my feet are invisible.... because of John.

No I am mute, incapable of speech.

John kissed my lips on midnight then unexpectedly sank down on one knee. 

Our friends, that were moments before hollering greetings, now gathered around paused, falling silent as they realise what Winks was doing.

"Roxan Nicholls would you do me the honour of marrying me?" John gazed up holding one of my hands, the other grasping a ring, held hopeful, just waiting for my positive answer to slip it on my finger.

"YES oh God YES" I drop down to the floor with him, kissing him silly as he slides the beautiful ring onto my finger. As we stand up I'm jumping around like a loony but John joins in too so I'm not alone! 

EVERYBODY wants to congratulate us, slapping John on the back from the guys, ohs and ahs from the girls over the ring. I'm bursting with joy.

We- are getting married.