A Home at Honeysuckle Farm

by Christie Barlow

  He smiled before speaking. ‘Your dad was a local lad, William Hall, a decent kind. His family emigrated to Australia. Your mum dated him a few times, knowing that he would be starting a new life in Oz soon. She was keen on him, but they weren’t in a serious relationship as such. I’m sure it would have developed further if he hadn’t been leaving. The sad thing was, your mum only discovered she was pregnant after he’d left, and she’d no clue which part of Australia he’d moved to, or how to contact him – no social media back then.’

  William Hall. That had been the first time I’d ever heard his name. I’d watched television programmes about relatives tracking down family members because they never felt complete until they discovered who their family were, but I’d never felt that urge – Mum was always enough. However, of course, hearing the name William Hall sparked a little curiosity. I liked the name – very English – and a part of me felt relieved that he hadn’t abandoned me as such. I wondered if things would have panned out differently if he’d known that Mum was pregnant with his baby. Would he have stayed in England? They may have made a go of it, but I supposed I’d never know.

  ‘So, he wasn’t a crook?’ I asked, thinking the worst.

  Grandie seemed to stiffen a little and chewed on his lip. ‘No, William Hall wasn’t a crook, he was of good stock, unlike …’

  ‘Unlike who?’ I arched an eyebrow, not knowing exactly who he was talking about.

  Grandie began to cough and I quickly reached for the glass again and held it up to his lips. As he sipped on the water I was vaguely aware that Connie was back in the room and hovering behind me, but my eyes were firmly fixed on him.

  ‘The nurse is just coming, you gave us all a scare there, Ted,’ she said softly, sitting back down on the chair.

  ‘Sorry,’ he managed a smile.

  The nurse walked in pushing a trolley, followed by the doctor. She filled up his jug of water before examining the numbers on the machine that was bleeping away, and wrote something down on the chart that was hanging from the bottom of the bed.

  ‘How are you feeling?’ the doctor asked.

  ‘Tired, in fact exhausted, my legs seem to feel particularly heavy.’

  The doctor nodded while the nurse took his temperature, followed by his blood pressure.

  ‘As soon as you came in we took you in for a scan and the results show you’ve had a small bleed to the brain.’

  I couldn’t help myself – as soon as the words left the doctor’s mouth my eyes welled up with tears and they began to roll down my cheeks. Grandie squeezed my hand while Connie passed me a tissue to dab my eyes.

  The doctor explained that he’d had a TIA, a transient ischaemic attack, a mini-stroke, caused by a blockage cutting off the blood supply to part of his brain, which was most probably a result of his fall and the bang to his head.

  ‘We need you to stay in hospital, so we can monitor you over the next few days.’

  ‘He’s going to be okay though, isn’t he?’ my voice faltered.

  ‘The symptoms usually last around twenty-four hours, and what Ted needs right now is rest.’

  Connie and I agreed.

  ‘Go home and get some sleep, come back later when everything will be brighter.’ With that the doctor and nurse left the room.

  ‘By the time you get back tomorrow, actually today, I’ll be up on my feet dancing once more.’ Grandie tried to make light of the situation but I could see the exhaustion and worry written all over his face.

  ‘Don’t go anywhere,’ I said, by the warmth of my tone trying to cover up exactly how I was feeling. I knew this was a warning sign, his health was deteriorating. I gave him a hug but was careful not to squeeze him too hard. ‘We’ll be back later but try and get some sleep.’

  He nodded his appreciation as his eyes began to droop. He looked pale and tired.

  Connie and I walked through the silent, clean, white hospital corridors towards the car park.

  ‘I messaged her before, you know,’ I said, taking the phone from my bag and switching it on.

  ‘Who?’ asked Connie.

  ‘Mum,’ I answered, feeling anxious as I waited for the phone to find a signal.

  ‘Any reply?’

  I stared intently at the screen. As soon as the 3G kicked in my phone beeped.

  Connie raised her eyebrows, ‘Is that Rose?’

  ‘Yes,’ I said, quickly swiping the screen with my shaky hand.

  ‘What does it say?’ she asked, looking over my shoulder.

  ‘How are you both? I love you.’

  We stared at each other for a moment.

  ‘What do you think?’ I asked.

  ‘I think that’s progress. She’s asked how you both are, which in my book, means she still cares very much.’ Connie squeezed me tight, pressing her soft cheek to mine.

  My heart leapt a little as I realised Connie was right.

  This was the first sign of mellowing Mum had shown, which meant there was hope, however small. I was going to take this and run with it. All I had to do now was convince Mum to buy a ticket and jump on a flight to England, but one step at a time.

  ‘My mission is to have her on that plane by the end of the week and there is only one way I’m going to achieve that.’

  ‘What are you thinking?’ Connie asked, narrowing her eyes at me.

  I thought it over for a second. I knew I’d made up my mind to stay in Brook Bridge. My future was here – the school and the farm. Not only did I want her here with me, I needed the family feud to end. We all needed a fresh start … There was only one way I could see to entice Mum on to that plane …

  ‘I don’t like to admit it but,’ I paused, ‘emotional blackmail.’

  Chapter 25

  When Connie dropped me back outside the cottage it was just before eight o’clock. There was a couple chatting at the bus stop and early morning dog walkers were pounding the pavements. Even at such an early hour, the sun had already burst into the clear blue sky, promising a glorious day ahead.

  I waved to Connie as the car pulled away from the kerb and I turned towards the cottage. All I wanted to do was climb into my bed. I was exhausted. The curtains to the cottage were still drawn; no doubt Grace was still fast asleep. I exhaled and pushed open the garden gate. Feeling a hand in the small of my back, I jumped out of my skin and spun round.

  ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.’

  Sam was standing behind me, clutching a pint of milk. ‘I didn’t go shopping in my pyjamas,’ he said, trying to make a light-hearted joke.

  ‘That’s good to hear,’ I answered wearily.

  ‘Are you okay? You look terrible … Sorry, I didn’t mean …’

  ‘It’s been a hell of night,’ I replied, completely exhausted and on the verge of tears, knowing how bedraggled I must look, staring down at my baggy olive jumper that didn’t look flattering in the least.

  ‘I thought we’d had a great night?’ His concerned eyes stared deeply into mine.

  ‘We did … of course we did. It’s not that. I’ve just got back from the hospital.’ I tried for a smile, but my insides knotted with emotion and I did my best to hold on to my tears.

  ‘Hey,’ he touched my arm tentatively, ‘what’s up?’ His tone was soft and sympathetic as he studied me closely. ‘You okay?’

  I shook my head, ‘Not really, my grandfather’s had a mini-stroke.’

  ‘Do you want to come inside? I’ll make coffee?’ he held up the pint of milk.

  ‘That would be great,’ I said, giving him a warm, tired smile even though I was completely shattered and was looking forward to snuggling back under the duvet that I’d left hours ago. Another hour wouldn’t matter if it meant spending time with Sam.

  He held open the garden gate and we walked down the path together.

  I’d never been inside Sam’s cottage before, and when we stepped inside I noticed that it had the same layout as Grace’s. Stripped wooden beams ran the length of the hallway and it felt extremel
y quaint and cosy. There were coat-hooks on the wall to the right of the wooden staircase and there was a small oak table to the left with a lamp.

  ‘Come on, let’s get the kettle on.’

  I followed Sam into the kitchen. There was no clutter, no dirty dishes, even the tea towel was neatly folded over the oven door.

  ‘Tea or coffee?’ he asked, reaching towards the top cupboard for the mugs.

  ‘Tea, please and one sugar,’ I quickly added.

  ‘Make yourself comfy in the living room,’ he gestured towards the door. ‘Put your feet up.’

  The characteristics of the living room were completely cottagey. Again, the wooden beams ran across the length of the ceiling, a chair was positioned beside the log burner and a chesterfield and a coffee table were directly in front of the fire. There was a bookcase at the far end of the room stuffed to the rafters, books on every topic you could ever imagine. And there was an antique dresser that was packed full of framed photos and a docking station. I settled on the settee and heard the kettle click before Sam appeared, placing a tray of tea and biscuits down on the coffee table.

  ‘Chocolate digestives, I’m impressed.’

  ‘Emergency supply, and I kind of thought they may cheer you up,’ he smiled, holding the plate towards me while passing me a mug of tea before settling in the space next to me.

  ‘Is your grandfather going to make a full recovery?’ he asked tentatively.

  ‘Let’s hope so.’

  He nodded but I could tell something was on his mind. ‘What is it?’

  He blew out a breath, ‘Don’t think I’ve changed my mind, but maybe my involvement in Village Day isn’t good timing, especially with your grandfather’s health … I’m only thinking of you.’ He lightly bumped his shoulder against me and placed his hand over mine. ‘I don’t want to make anything more complicated for you, especially now.’

  ‘You aren’t making anything complicated for me, far from it.’

  ‘Your grandfather is ill, your mum is 3,000 miles away and you’ve got a lot on your mind.’

  Of course, I could see Sam’s point, but I realised I needed his support now more than ever. ‘Don’t you go adding to my problems,’ I half-heartedly joked, hoping Sam wouldn’t back out on me.

  He gave a soft laugh. ‘Okay … but if you change your mind …’

  ‘I won’t.’

  He gave me a lopsided grin that sent my heart into a spin. ‘You are a force to be reckoned with, Alice Parker, and you intrigue me with that funny little accent of yours,’ his eyes danced playfully. ‘And I can’t pretend you aren’t on my mind. In fact, you were the first thing I thought about this morning when I woke up.’ He entwined his fingers around mine.

  ‘That’s good to hear. You’re on my mind too,’ I murmured bashfully.

  Sat there with Sam, it felt natural. I knew I had a lot going on in my life, but I felt relaxed in his company.

  ‘Now you’d best get back and get some sleep.’

  ‘Are you trying to get rid of me?’

  ‘Far from it.’ He gave me a sheepish grin, his eyes firmly locked with mine. He watched my lips, I couldn’t breathe.

  He moved closer towards me, our lips millimetres apart. Looking up from under my fringe, I felt dizzy with anticipation. Just like last night, I willed him to kiss me. He lowered his lips towards mine, neither of us faltered. Sending a shower of sparks through my body, I didn’t want the kiss to end.

  A few seconds later, Sam pulled me in close, resting my head against his chest. I stifled a yawn, feeling content, happy and tired all of a sudden.

  ‘Your eyes are drooping,’ he murmured. ‘Feel free to fall asleep on me.’ His tone was soft and inviting.

  Feeling a bubble of happiness rise as I snuggled into him, I heard the thump of his heart. And there it was again, that tingle, and a flurry of goosebumps every time I was in Sam’s company.

  And I couldn’t think of any place I’d rather be at that very moment in time.

  Chapter 26

  The cottage door swung open and Grace’s eyebrows shot up. Her face was flushed. ‘Thank God, where have you been? I’ve been worried sick!’

  ‘Huh? What’s up?’ I answered, walking past Grace and lingering next to her in the hallway.

  ‘What’s up? Mum claimed she dropped you outside hours ago and there’s been no sign of you since.’ I could see the worry etched all over Grace’s face. ‘I was beginning to think you’d been kidnapped.’

  ‘At my age,’ I laughed. After bumping into Sam outside and being caught up in the moment, I’d never given it a second thought that Grace would be wondering where I was.

  ‘I kind of fell asleep.’

  ‘What, in the garden?’ she asked, following me into the kitchen.

  ‘As if! I’ve been at Sam’s,’ I said casually, trying to suppress my smile while I poured myself a glass of water.

  She raised her eyebrows.

  ‘I bumped into him outside after Connie dropped me home.’

  ‘If you say so,’ she teased, ‘but never mind that now. Mum phoned to say she’s picking you back up in an hour to visit Grandie again. We were both worried when you weren’t home.’

  ‘I’m sorry, I never thought … An hour?’ I began to panic. ‘I need a quick shower and some food, I’m starving!’

  ‘Worked up an appetite this morning, did you?’

  ‘No comment,’ I laughed.

  Grace playfully pushed me towards the stairs. ‘Go and get your shower and I’ll quickly rustle you up something to eat.’

  ‘Thanks, Grace.’ I turned and bounded up the stairs with a spring in my step.

  A few hours later Connie and I were back from the hospital. Grandie had appeared bright and cheerful, all things considered. The two of us had battled through the crossword in the paper to keep him occupied, with the help of Siri, which Grandie found extremely fascinating. ‘The youth of today! If you wanted answers to questions in my day, you had to get on your bike, ride to the library and look up things in an encyclopaedia.’

  ‘What’s one of those?’ I kept my lips flat-lined for a second before the laughter escaped.

  Now feeling tired, I was looking forward to a girly night in with Grace.

  Tomorrow was a jam-packed day. The ladies of the WI had jumped at the chance of a night of glitz and glamour and were keen to begin their training routine for Brook Bridge Goes Strictly. There was so much to do. The dance school needed a good airing and a quick sweep of the floor; there was the music to organise and Jim had kindly offered to paint a backdrop for the staging. Connie had agreed to take care of the outfits and Sam had texted me to say his dance friends had agreed to take part, which was a huge relief. It was all coming together.

  Grace placed two calorific hot chocolates down on the coffee table and slumped on to the settee, waggling her pink fluffy striped socks in the air.

  ‘This is just what I needed.’ I plunged the long-handled spoon into the top of the cream and scooped up the mini-marshmallows while Grace stuffed a piece of margherita pizza into her mouth.

  ‘How was Ted?’ she asked, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

  ‘He’s looking a lot brighter but I think it’s been a gentle reminder for him that he needs to take things easy.’

  ‘It must be so frustrating when you’ve always been active, then to suddenly be told you need to slow down. Did you update your mum?’ asked Grace, grabbing the remote control and flicking through numerous film options.

  I shook my head, ‘I’m still pondering … kind of.’ My mood flipped as thoughts of Mum flooded through my mind.

  ‘About?’ she asked.

  ‘In fact, I’m not pondering at all, I’ve made a decision. Please don’t judge me, but desperate times call for desperate measures now.’

  ‘Go on, I’m listening.’ Grace looked worried as she waited for me to speak.

  I took a deep breath, ‘I’m going to twist the truth a little,’ I admitted, feeling very underhanded
. ‘The minute I stepped off that plane, I felt like I’d come home. Before Grandie even offered me the farm, the dance school, I knew this was where I wanted to be.’

  ‘But the only dilemma is Rose.’

  I nodded. ‘So, I’ve been thinking, and I know I am about to play with fire.’

  ‘What are you going to do?’ Grace sat up straight and looked at me wide-eyed.

  ‘Stretch the truth?’ My hands were trembling as I picked up my phone. ‘I can’t physically drag her here, but this situation can’t go on. They need to see each other and speak, and how can they do that if they are miles apart?’

  I began to type a text to Mum and just before I pressed send, I closed my eyes and exhaled.

  ‘Done.’

  ‘What did you say?’

  ‘That Grandie is asking to see her.’

  Grace gasped. ‘Yikes, that is stretching the truth.’

  ‘Believe me, I’m not proud of myself, but how else am I going to get her here? If this doesn’t work, nothing will. I’ll just have to deal with the consequences when and if I have to.’

  I felt awful sending that text, it was dishonest, I was the first one to admit that. Everything could go wrong, even Grandie might never speak to me again when he found out what I’d done. I could lose it all. But hopefully Mum would take the bait, book her plane ticket and once they were both finally in the same room they would get over this silly feud and let bygones be bygones.

  Grace gave me a warm, encouraging smile, but inside I was far from smiling. I was on tenterhooks, waiting for a reply, nausea surging through my body.

  Within a few seconds my phone beeped and startled us both.

  I couldn’t even bring myself to read the message. ‘Grace, can you read it?’ I asked nervously, sliding the phone over towards her, my chest pounding.

  Grace nodded, faltering for a moment before she picked the phone up.

  ‘And breathe, it’s from Ben.’ She gave a forced laugh, the relief written all over her face.

  I rolled my eyes, remembering the last encounter I’d had with him. ‘What does he want?’

  ‘He’s asking if you can talk,’ she said, handing back the phone.