Okay my lovely readers. This is my first As Time Goes By Fic so please be kind. I've been so unsure of how to begin this story. I've watched the series over and over again ever since it was first shown. I can't describe my love for Dame Judi Dench, because she triumphs everything else. She's a true National Treasure. Enjoy and I want to say a massive thank you to Liz1967 for your help in getting me started, love you darling.

As Time Goes By

Jean/Lionel

Chapter 1

It was the banging and clattering that woke Lionel from his deep sleep. He turned over and looked at the alarm clock and noted that is had just gone 8am. He sat up and grabbed his dressing gown before heading down the stairs. He walked into the livingroom to find Jean doing the housework. All the ornaments had been removed from the fire surround and she was busy dusting the rims and edges.

"Jean."

"Good morning." She answered in her usual happy tone.

"What are you doing."

"Well what does it look like. I'm dusting."

"It's 8am."

"Well there's no law that says I can't do the housework at this time of the day, is there."

"Well ofcourse not but my point I'm trying to make is why."

"Well isn't it obvious. Penny and Stephen are coming."

"They're not coming until tomorrow."

"Yes I am aware of that but you know what Penny's like. She'll be into every nook and cranny checking for dust, criticizing every little thing. You know what she's like, poor Jean this and poor Jean that. She's always finding fault."

Lionel walked over to her and took the duster from her hand and sat her down on the sofa.

"You need to stop fussing over every little thing everytime Penny comes."

"Well that's easier said than done. Oh Lionel, why can't she just see that I'm not poor Jean anymore. I'm happy with my life. I have you in my life again."

"I know she can be annoying but she does care about you. That's why she acts the way she does."

"I know she does. She likes you."

"Well she doesn't have much choice does she. You married me."

"Oh Lionel, you know just what to say to cheer me up. Right come on."

"What now."

"Well I agree with what you said but it doesn't change the fact that Penny is the way she is and she'll still find fault. I need this place immaculate."

"Can I at least have some breakfast first."

"Fine but you'll have to make it yourself. I'm too busy."

Lionel made his way through to the kitchen and put some toast in the toaster and put the kettle on.

"Do you want a coffee." He yelled through to her.

"I haven't the time."

Lionel sat down and waited for the kettle and made a start on his morning paper. Judy and Sandy appeared a few moments later in their pj's still looking half asleep.

"Morning you two."

"Morning Lionel." They said in union.

"Couldn't you sleep either."

"I don't think we had much of a choice. What is Mum doing cleaning at this time in the morning."

"Penny and Stephen."

"They're not coming until tomorrow." Sandy said.

"I know, I know but you know how Jean gets when Penny shows up."

"Yeah crazy." Judy replied.

"Something like that."

"She always stresses. It's not good for her."

"Look Judy, do you want to go and try telling her that because I've already tried. She won't listen."

"Oh god, she's hoovering now." Sandy stated.

They sat eating their breakfast when they heard an almighty thud and Jean screaming.

"What on earth." Lionel said. Jumping up from his seat.

He rushed through, followed by Judy and Sandy to find Jean lying at the bottom of the stairs.

"Jean, what happened."

"What does it look like. I got my foot caught in the lead of the hoover."

"Here, let me help you up. Can you stand on it."

"Oooww, no. Oh Lionel it really hurts."

"Mum put your arm around me too and we'll get you sitting down."

Jean did as she was told and they helped her through to the livingroom and gently sat her down on the sofa. Sandy grabbed a cushion and put it on the coffee table and Lionel gently lifted Jean's foot and placed it on the cushion.

"Judy, go and get some frozen peas from the freezer would you. It'll keep the swelling down."

Judy did as she was told and rushed to the kitchen. Lionel was trying to examine Jean's ankle but he could see he was just causing her more pain and he hated to see her look like that.

"Sandy, do me a favour and call the Doctor would you. The numbers by the phone."

"Ofcourse."

"Lionel I don't need a Doctor I'm alright."

"You are not alright. You can't even stand on it."

"Here's the peas Lionel." Judy said, passing them to him.

He took the packet and placed it on Jean's ankle, causing her to tense up with pain again.

"Sorry love."

"No it's alright."

"The Doctors on his way." Sandy said, re-appearing.

"Oh thanks Sandy."

"Look I'm supposed to be going out with Harry but if you need me to stay."

"No, don't be silly. You go and get ready, I'll be alright. Judy isn't Alister picking you up soon."

"Mum it's fine, I'll cancel."

"No you won't, go and have fun."

"But you want this place tidy for Aunt Penny coming tomorrow."

"Oh it alright, Lionel can manage."

"What." He asked, looking surprised.

"What is it, you don't want to help." Jean asked, looking at him sternly.

"No, it's fine. Had nothing planned."

"Good, you two go and get ready. I'll be alright."

To Be Continued…

Okay so what did you all think. I'm cutting it up into Chapters because I still have way too much to add on, but I thought this was a pretty good start. Again Liz1967 thank you for your help and Prosper-the-XVIII, I told you I'd get round to it. How do you add As Time Goes By as a category because it's not in TV Shows. At present it will be under Misc Tv Shows.