Chapter 20— Leaving the Dark House
Joe came down to join The Johnson's for breakfast the next morning. He had managed to use the remaining hours of the night for an interrupted sleep. He felt a sense of peace when he awoke that morning. He freshened up, packed his bags and ended up in some nice clothes and high class shoes. He was ready for the day ahead!
"Good morning to you all!"
"Good morning Dr Joe!" Everyone greeted back.
"Care to join us for breakfast?" Amelia invited him.
"Would be delighted to!" Joe dragged out a wooden chair without arms from underneath the shiny wooden table, and sat comfortably on it.
"Hmm, this is an amazing breakfast! The food looks and smells inviting!" Joe rubbed his palms in excitement and anticipation. Viola smiled meekly.
"Indeed Joe, indeed!" Uncle Millie agreed.
Everyone ate to their fill, clashing the forks, knives and spoons together with the glass plates— which created a lovely dining table music; a simple song that anyone would hear and know that they were eating.
They happily ate and chatted through their breakfast; except William who was too busy eating and reading the newspaper at the same time.
"So what have you decided Joe, are you staying?" Viola whispered closely to Joe's face.
"I've decided to leave, today. I've got my bags packed, on my way to work I'll um– I'll drop my bags off at the other Johnson's house". Somehow, everyone else heard what Joe had said, it's as if they had all tuned into his frequency immediately Viola asked the question.
They stopped eating they all looked a bit sad after hearing Joe's response, they had all hoped the night's rest would give Joe some time to change his decision.
"Alright then mate! We support your decision". William finally ended the silence.
"I hope you enjoy your stay at the other Johnson's house", Amelia added.
"I'll miss you joe", she sobbed, "I'll miss you too Audrey". The room went silent for a few seconds again.
"Well I'm off to work now, wouldn't want to be late for my meeting!" William announced and left the dining room. Amelia followed after.
"Come on now children, it's time for school, come on!" Olivia hurried the kids out of the dining room.
"Bye Doctor Joe!" The kids waved him on their way out.
"Well I'm off for my morning walk!" Uncle Millie decided to leave as well.
"I'll join you!" Uncle Junior hopped out of his chair.
Monica stood up to leave and cleared her throat, "I'll be in the garden. Bye Doctor Joe!"
"Bye Monica", the Doctor responded almost in a whisper.
"I'm off to watch my morning show!" Grandma Johnson announced.
"Wouldn't miss it!" Grandpa followed her.
Soon the room was left to Viola and Joe.
"I'd better go check on how my store's faring".
"I'll drop you off on my way to work. Is that ok?"
"Sure!" Viola shrugged in acceptance.
Almost everyone had left the house that morning, except the grandparents, Monica and Uncle Millie.
Joe and Viola drove off and stopped in front of the 2nd Johnson's house to drop off his bags. Mr and Mrs Johnson awaited for him at the door.
"Hi, I'm Joe!" He smiled at the lovely white faces he saw.
"Well come on in Doctor!" Mrs Joan Johnson gestured him in.
"It's good to finally meet you!" Mr Johnson announced and took Joe's bags from him.
"Oh Mr Johnson no need for that, I can manage".
"Don't be silly, you're our guest! I insist", they began to walk up the stairs, showing Joe to his room. "Oh and please call me Adam!"
"Call me Joan!" She smiled. Joe quickly noted that this Johnsons were really friendly natured.
The house wasn't as grand or as intriguing as the other Johnson's mansion— theirs was just unique!
Joe's new room was simple and lovely, he loved it. Adam dropped his bags on the floor close to the little bed in the corner of the room. Joan handed over a key to Joe, they began to head down the stairs. Joe inserted the key into the lock on the door, locked his room and rode down the stairs.
"Thanks! I'll be back later in the evening", he announced.
"That's alright dear!"
"Gotta fix 'em eyes eh!" Adam enthusiastically added. They laughed.
"Have a nice day!"
"You too ma'am", Joe waved back at them and smartly jumped into his car.
He knew Viola would be waiting for him there. He couldn't afford to waste anymore time; for he would soon be running late for work and he still had to drop off Viola on Dixter road.
He sped off on the cobbled grounds. The shiny Volvo came to a stop in front of Viola's salon.
"You are a life saver! Thank you so much".
"My pleasure", Joe replied softly.
They sat in silence for a few seconds.
"Will I see you again Joe?" She asked looking into Joe's eyes.
Joe could see a little bit of sadness in Viola's beautiful eyes, "I don't know V", he sighed.
Viola got out of the car, waved to the Doctor and walked into her shop.
"Hello ladies!" She announced.
"Hi Miss Viola!"
"Welcome Miss V!" They cheerfully chorused.
"How are you girls doing today?"
"We're good ma!" They replied.
"Miss V?" Cassie ran after her curiously with her thin legs and funny walk.
"Hmm?" Viola answered unconcerned, while settling down in her office.
"Are you going out with the really cute Doctor now?" She dared to ask with one of her hands on her hip.
"Cassie!" Sharon called out to her.
"What? I'm just asking", she rolled her eyes and focused on Viola.
"Come on, leave her alone!"
Viola raised her eyes towards Cassie, "No we're not dating, but I do hope we get there cause I really like him", she began to look elsewhere with daydreaming eyes.
"And I don't think he'll be coming back, not after what we did to him. Ooh I'm such a fool!" Viola struck a fist on her desk.
By this time the other girls gathered together beside Cassie by the entrance to Viola's office.
"Don't worry Miss V, if he's yours it'll definitely work out!" Sharon added.
Viola stared into space hoping she'd see Joe again.