by Nancy M Bell
“I need you boys to give the house a once over, please. Hoover the rugs, and sweep out the grates in the fireplaces. Tidy things up, you know the drill,” Emily said.
“Sure, Gramma,” Coll replied. “We know what to do. Do you want the sheets changed on the beds?”
“Only if they need it, but you could beat the rugs in the hall and by the door to the garden, if you would,” she replied.
“No worries,” Gort replied, speaking around a mouthful of bacon and toast.
Aisling smiled at him indulgently and Laurel just shook her head and applied herself to her own breakfast.
It was just past noon when Emily dropped them at the corner of Wharf Road across from the harbour. “Sarie or I will be back to pick you up by four, don’t be late,” she reminded them.
“We’ll be here. Bye, Em,” Ash called as the car pulled away. Linking her arm with Laurel, they watched the combers crash on the breakwater with a slapping boom.
She held the wind swept hair out of her face with one hand. “I could stand here all day listening to the waves make that sound. I never realized how strong the sea is or how tall the waves can actually get.” Laurel remarked.
“We’d better get a move on if we want to meet Emily on time,” Aisling said, pulling Laurel away from the harbour and toward the shops.
“You’re right. Let’s go spend some money.” She laughed and dragged Ash over to look in the window of New Look at the clothes displayed there.
“We won’t find anything for your folks in there,” Ash advised her. “Maybe in The Dressing Room or Mash, up on Market Jew Street. Were you thinking of clothes for your mum?”
“I don’t know.” Laurel frowned. “Maybe I should look for something that will remind her of Penzance when we’re back home. Is there a local craft shop or maybe an art gallery or something? I don’t want anything too touristy. It’d be like buying a white cowboy hat when you come to Calgary. Lame.”
Aisling thought for a minute. “There’s the Glass House Gallery, they have stuff done by local artists, or there’s the Morrab Studio further along at Alverton and Morrab. They’re a gift shop with some nice things. Let’s try the Glass House first, it closest.”
Two hours later they were laden down with Laurel’s purchases. She’d found a lovely ceramic bowl in shades of blue, turquoise and aqua for Sarie which she planned to add to the present she’d brought from home. They wandered in and out of some more shops and finally settled down at the Victorian Tea Room for a rest. Laurel leaned her chin on her hand with her elbow on the table and watched the people passing by.
“Whatcha thinking about?” Aisling nudged her with her foot.
“Nothing really, just people watching,” she answered.
“Do you think your mom would let you come to visit me next summer?” The idea just popped into Laurel’s head. “I hate that we live so far away from each other. You’d love Carly and you’d get to meet Chance. Let’s just hope he’s got himself a girlfriend by then.”
“That would be super, but I don’t know if Mum will go for it.”
“Maybe she’ll agree if she meets Mom and Dad while they’re here,” Laurel suggested.
“She might,” Aisling agreed. “We’ll have to wait and see, I guess.”
The waitress brought the check and Laurel pulled some bills from her wallet. “Let me get it, Ash. My treat.”
“Ta,” Ash said. She leaned over and tipped her head toward the back of the shop where a blond haired waitress was delivering an order to a table there. “Recognize her?” she whispered.
“No, not really. Although she does look familiar.” Laurel attempted to look in that direction without appearing to be looking.
Ash giggled at her. “It’s Adelle, Stuart’s sister.”
“Really?” Laurel couldn’t resist turning around for a better look at the girl who was chasing after Coll. “Huh, well I’m glad Coll isn’t interested in her. Is Stuart still the miserable ass he was when I was here before?”
Aisling shook her head. “Believe it or not, he’s working on a fishing boat out of Mousehole. He lives over there now. He cleared out once he got his O levels. Old man Pritch spoke up for him and got him a job on one of his mate’s boats. I haven’t seen Stuart in ages. We’ll probably run into him tonight though, at the festival.”
“Something to look forward to,” Laurel remarked dryly and then giggled.
“He’s actually been nice to me anytime our paths have crossed. Maybe getting out of the house has been good for him,” Aisling said.
“I’m surprised he didn’t want to be a cop like his dad.” Laurel gathered up her parcels.
“I’m not. From what Emily’s said after talking to Sam Pritchard, Stuart doesn’t want to be like his da in any way. Him working on a fishing boat is a direct stab at Ted. He always spouts off about how fishermen fish ‘cause they can’t find anything better to do,” Ash replied.
“That can’t make him very popular in Newlyn or anywhere hereabouts.” Laurel shook her head.
“That’s very true, but Ted doesn’t seem to care, just hides behind that badge of his.” Aisling glanced at her watch. “We’d best get going or we’ll miss our ride.”
Laurel hurried along behind Ash wishing she hadn’t bought quite so much stuff. “I can’t believe that Mom and Dad will be here soon. I never thought he’d ever set foot in Penzance, or even England. They’re on the train right now, maybe they’ve even crossed the Tamar at Plymouth and are actually in Cornwall already.” She lengthened her step and drew even with her friend.
“What’s he like, your da?”
“He likes to act like he’s tough, but he’s really a big marshmallow inside. Mom can usually get him to do whatever she wants. The only time he’s ever held out on her was about Gramma Bella.” She laughed as a thought suddenly occurred to her. “I bet he’s wearing his hat, even on the train.”
“Why is that so funny? Lots of men wear hats.” Aisling looked up at her.
“Not western hats,” Laurel chortled.
“You mean a cowboy hat, like in the movies?” Ash’s eyes widened.
Laurel nodded, still chuckling. The wind picked up as they turned down New Town Lane. Ash glanced up at the sky.
“It looks like rain. I do hope it holds off for the festival tonight.”
“Me, too. Although it’s kind of nice to be out in the rain. Some years we don’t get hardly any at home.”
“Oh, look! There’s Sarie, and the boys are with her.” Aisling pointed with her free hand. “Gort, over here!”
Coll and Gort came to meet them and relieve them of some of the packages. Coll’s hand lingered on hers as Laurel passed him the bags. Her face flamed with heat and she couldn’t bring herself to look at him.
They hurried across the street and piled into the car. “We have just enough time to get home and put things to rights before we need to meet your folks at the station,” Sarie announced.
“Do you think your da will like me?” Coll whispered in Laurel’s ear.
The feathery touch of his breath sent shivers over her skin. “There’s no reason he shouldn’t…but he does seem to be pushing Chance at me all the time.” She met Coll’s gaze. “Besides, it doesn’t really matter what he thinks, you’re my friend and that’s what counts.” He reached for her hand and twined his fingers with hers, the worried look leaving his face.
“No canoodling back there,” Sarie called from the front and Laurel jumped guiltily. She glanced sideways and smiled. Gort and Aisling were untangling themselves from each other, twin flags of red highlighting Gort’s cheeks. Ash grinned and straightened her hair.
When they reached the farm, they made short work of the chores and putting things away. Laurel and Ash dashed upstairs to change the sheets on the bed in the spare room and put clean towels in the WC.
“Dad’s gonna make a joke out of that, you know,” Laurel said.
“Out of what?” Ash glanced over her shoulder.
“Callin
g the bathroom the WC for water closet. He’ll start calling the outhouse by the barns the OH, just wait and see.” She giggled.
“I think I’m gonna like your da,” Ash decided.
Finished with the upstairs, they clattered down to the kitchen. The yeasty scent of baking greeted them along with the rush of hot air when they pushed through the door. Sarie was just lifting a batch of scones and saffron buns from the Aga.
“Mmmm, saffron buns.” Laurel took a deep breath. “My fav.”
“I thought we’d have a cream tea for your folks when they arrive and then after they get settled a bit it will be time to scoot over to Mousehole.” Sarie set the baking sheet on the counter and transferred the buns to a cooling rack.
A swirl of cold air announced the boys’ arrival from the outdoor chores. Coll carefully set the basket of eggs by the sink and washed his hands. Gort appeared a minute later from the mud room, drying his hands on a towel which he tossed to Coll.
“There won’t be room for all of us to meet the train. Emily will be here soon and I’d like you boys to stay here and help her get things ready,” Sarie declared.
Laurel smiled at the relieved look that crossed Coll’s face. He really was nervous about meeting her dad. “Can Ash come?”
Sarie nodded. “Yes, as long as there isn’t too much baggage to fit in the boot we should all fit.”
Laurel controlled her impatience. The urge to see her parents surprised her. It wasn’t like she’d been away for months or anything.
Finally, Sarie was manoeuvering down the lane. A light mist gathered on the windscreen so she was forced to turn on the wipers. The sun had long since vanished in the mist and cloud, the head lamps failing to offer more than a few feet of visibility. They pulled into the car park just as the First Great Western arrived at the platform. Laurel jumped out of the car, and without waiting for her companions, raced past the station house toward the blue and yellow train. She saw her dad first, stepping out of the First Class car and lifting down the bag in the doorway, Mom followed, pushing another suitcase which Dad deposited on the platform. Her mom jumped lightly down the last step and looked around.
“Daddy!” Laurel barrelled into him and he caught her around the waist, lifting her up and swinging her in large circles like he did when she was little.
“Well, princess. So this is the place you’re so in love with?” He set her on her feet and shook the moisture from the brim of his Resitol. He kept one arm around her.
“Hey, Mom.” She reached out and gripped her mother’s hand. “I’m so glad you guys are here. I missed you like crazy.”
“We missed you too, honey.” She turned to smile at Sarie and Aisling as they approached a more sedate pace. “Sarie! It’s so good to meet you in person. I feel like I know you after all the letters we’ve exchanged over the years.” She enveloped the older woman in warm embrace. “And this must be Aisling.” Anna smiled and extended her hand to Aisling. “I’ve heard so much about you, it’s wonderful to put a face to a name. I hope you’ll think about coming to visit next summer. The least we can do is return your hospitality to our girl here.” She grinned at Laurel.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Rowan.” Aisling gravely put her hand in Anna’s.
“Please call me Anna. Mrs. Rowan makes me sound so old.”
Aisling blushed a bit, but smiled. “All right then, …Anna.”
Laurel pulled her dad forward by the hand. “This is Ash, Aisling, Dad.”
Colton removed his hat and tipped his head down. “Pleased to meet you, Aisling.” He extended his huge paw of hand, which totally engulfed the girl’s smaller one.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Rowan,” Aisling’s voice was barely above a whisper.
“We don’t stand on formalities much, just call me Colt.” Dad smiled and his eyes crinkled merrily at the corners.
Laurel slid both arms around his waist and hugged him hard. “This is Sarie.” Laurel kept his hand in one of hers and the other pulled Ash along with them.
“Colton, I’m happy to finally meet you. You have your mother’s chin, did you know that?” Sarie held his gaze with her own.
Laurel stopped breathing at the mention of Gramma Bella and Dad’s arm felt like steel under her fingers. Please, please don’t let him blow his stack. Why couldn’t Sarie have waited to mention Gramma? She caught the look her mother sent to her husband and Laurel’s shoulders relaxed a little. That was Mom’s “you best be on your good behavior or else” look.
“Nice to meet you as well, Sarie. Thank you for looking after our Laurel,” he replied, ignoring the reference to Bella.
“Let’s get out of this wet. We’ll just run back to the house and drop off your gear and get some food into you. Then there’s a festival to go to later on.” Sarie took the handle of one of the bags and pushed it across the platform toward the car park. Laurel walked with her mom, pushing the other suitcase, her hand firmly enclosed in her mom’s. Dad followed behind, beads of moisture dripping off the wide brim of his felt hat, three other smaller bags slung across his back and another in his hand.
“Can I take anything for you?” Ash offered shyly.
“Thank you, but no. I can manage.” His smile flashed white in the shadow thrown by his hat.
Aisling politely walked beside him.
“So where are these two young hooligans I’m always hearing about?” Colt asked her.
“They’re at the farm with Emily, that’s Coll’s gramma, waiting for us,” Ash replied.
“So, do I have anything to worry about? The young’un behaves like a gentleman around my daughter, does he?”
Aisling was startled into glancing up at him. She relaxed and smiled when he winked at her.
“Dad! I heard that. Don’t be looking for dirt on him before you’ve even met him,” Laurel protested.
They stopped by the car and Sarie opened the boot. The two larger cases fitted in. “The rest will have to go with us,” Sarie declared.
“You get in the front, Colt,” Anna suggested. “There’s more room for your long legs. I’ll snuggle in the back with the girls.” She ducked into the car and settled with an arm around each girl on either side of her.
Colt folded himself up into the passenger seat. “Makes me appreciate my pick up,” he remarked, removing his hat and setting it on his knee. He crammed two of the smaller bags by his feet under his knees.
Sarie handed the other two to Laurel who put one between her feet and the other on her lap. She grinned as Sarie gunned the car out of the station and onto the coast road toward the roundabout at the A30. Dad reached out a hand and clutched the dashboard, the knuckles turning white as they neared the heavy traffic careening around the traffic circle. Laurel glanced over at Ash and grinned. Her mother ruffled her hair. “Don’t give him a hard time, it’s a big step him agreeing to come here,” she whispered in her daughter’s ear.
Laurel nodded, but couldn’t keep from grinning at the way Dad leaned away from the oncoming traffic in the front seat.
Presently, the car bumped up the narrow lane toward the welcoming lights of Sarie’s cottage. She reversed into the spot nearest the mud room door and parked. Emily came out to greet them before Laurel could get out of the car. Coll and Gort hovered behind her. She kept an eye on Coll’s face when her Dad unfolded himself from the front seat and straightened up. He looked even taller and more imposing with the added height of his hat which he put on as soon as he was free of the car. Coll’s eyes widened and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed a number of times. Gort came forward to take one of the small bags from Aisling and Coll hurried to do the same for Laurel.
Sarie opened the boot and Colt came around to lift the suitcases out. Anna swung her legs out of the vehicle and stretched as she stood up. A smile lit her face when her gaze landed on Coll. He ducked his head and rushed off into the house with one of the suitcases and a smaller bag slung across his shoulder.
Coll and Gort hauled all the bags up to t
he spare room and returned to the kitchen. Laurel introduced Emily to her parents and turned at the sound of their footsteps in the hall just before the door opened. “This is Coll,” she pulled him forward, “and this is Gort. These are my parents, Colt and Anna Rowan,” she announced. Behind her back she crossed her fingers that Dad wouldn’t go all protective parent on her.
“Nice to meet you,” Gort stepped forward after first glancing at Coll, who was staring at Laurel’s dad like he expected him to explode at any second. Gort shook her dad’s hand and turned to her mom. “I’m glad you came, you’re even prettier than your pictures.”
Her dad turned his burst of laughter into a cough and lowered his head for a moment to hide his face. He’d put his hat back on after greeting Emily. Aisling pushed Coll forward. He reluctantly approached Laurel’s dad.
“Nice to meet you,” he managed to get out and stuck out his hand.
“Same,” Colt responded. “I don’t bite, son. What stories has Laurel been telling you?”
“N-nothing, sir.” For once it was Coll and not Gort who stuttered. “You’re just a lot bigger than what I was expecting,” he blurted out before he could stop himself.
“I’m very happy to meet you, Coll. Laurel has told me a lot about you.” Anna came forward to save him from further embarrassment.
“Thank you, I’m happy to finally meet you too.” Coll turned to her, an expression of relief on his face.
“Come and sit, the cream tea is ready,” Emily announced.
“Oh, I can’t wait to taste this. Laurel raved about the cream teas when she came home last time.” Anna clapped her hands.
“It’s got like a million calories, Mom. But it’s so good you just don’t care,” Laurel said helping herself to a scone and slathering it with a thick layer of clotted cream and blackberry preserves.
“This is very good,” Colton spoke around a mouthful of scone. “You were right, princess. There is nothing like this at home.”