Annie
‘Toast!’ I shout, grabbing one of the remaining glasses of champagne from the bar. ‘Toast!’
I watch as Flora gingerly gets to her feet, it’s clear to see that she’s delicate in spirit and soul. Today’s events were enough to flip her over the edge, thankfully she was released without charge. An impromptu celebration was the least we could do. I look round the gathered crowd, each clutching their pint or champagne flute, and witness a sea of empathy flowing towards her.
I might be annoyed with the locals for many things: drunkenness, gossip, nosiness but when it really counts in our village, we always have and hopefully always will, come together to support each other.
I brush a tear from my eye, this doesn’t bode well if Flora’s about to do a speech.
‘I’m not good at these moments, so I’d like to say a quick thank you to you all… I arrived here nearly two months ago and yet, I feel I have always lived here. This village has definitely given me a sense of belonging – which sadly, I’ve never truly known, but in recent weeks you’ve given me what I’ve needed the most… a background and roots,’ her voice cracks on the final word.
A murmur of whispers circulates as Flora composes herself.
‘I have so many people to thank…from my devoted parents who’ve shown me nothing but love,’ she turns to blow them a kiss. I nod, pleased that Janet and David had made their way up from Bushey as the emergency unfolded, to be here when Flora arrived back. ‘And Annie and Mick… Dad…’ her cheeks colour at her own subtle correction.
I raise my chin and smile, as all around me the neighbourhood pretend not to be shocked by the recent revelation disclosed so sweetly.
‘I’d also like to thank Father Maguire, Major Matthews, Darren, Gene, Melanie, Kathy, Betty, Old Nancy… then there’s Denny and Donnie plus a whole host of others such as my best friends Lisa and Steph who have supported my journey.’ She pauses for breath, takes a swig of her champagne. ‘Oh, I’m supposed to be keeping this for a toast, aren’t I? Anyway, it goes without saying I am truly grateful for everything and I hope my quest hasn’t caused too much trouble. I hope I can repay your kindness someday! So, could I ask you to raise your…’
I cough loudly to interrupt her, she’s forgotten someone. Someone special.
‘Annie?’
I nod towards the bottom end of the bar, where a young man stands listening to the proceedings, drink in hand, strapping across his cheeks and eyes as bruised as the corner shop’s bananas.
‘See… I said I was useless at such moments. I nearly forgot to mention and thank… my dear friend…’ she stops mid-sentence; her final words linger in the air like a child’s helium balloon.
I whip round to view his expression, ignoring the puffiness, swelling and purple haze, his eyes are locked on her. Time appears to have frozen.
‘Excuse me…’ Flora begins to move, easing through the silent crowd in his direction. Joel simply watches her approach, not a flicker changes in his expression or posture. Scott, standing beside him, becomes flustered, looking from Joel to Flora and back again, his gestures quickening as she nears their position.
Flora stands in front of Joel and places her champagne flute on the bar beside his pint glass.
‘I’ve been foolish and utterly selfish. I never meant what I said earlier, honest. I was consumed by my own hurt… and I thought you were embarrassed about us and I tried to make you feel better and then… everything I said came out wrong. I acted like a petulant child.’
A tiny nod confirms he’s listening, Flora continues as the rest of us hold our breath.
‘I’m so very sorry, I nearly made the biggest mistake of my life by not thanking you… and that’s probably because, unlike any other person in this room… words simply aren’t enough.’
Her hands lift to his face, cradle his jawline and gently lower his face to hers – she kisses him.
The crowd go crazy. We watch in awe, he responds by changing her gentle kiss into a deep and passionate embrace made for Hollywood. In a crowded pub they are totally alone.
I blush, unsure what to do.
‘Well, a toast to Flora and Joel!’ I announce, as we watch the proceedings.
‘Flora and Joel!’ is chorused around the pub like a strange echo.
‘Get a bloody room!’ shouts Gene, from the other end of the bar.
Scott’s face instantly drops.
‘Oy, less of that, Gene – that’s my…’ Scott struggles to speak, as the crowd switch their attention to his outburst.
Flora and Joel release each other, looking suitably embarrassed to find a room full of onlookers.
‘What was that you were saying, Scotty?’ shouts Gene.
‘That’s my sister!’ shouts Scott, as Flora launches herself in his direction for a sibling embrace. Joel looks on as proud as punch.
‘To a new brother and sister!’ shouts Gene, wrapping his arm around our Mick’s shoulders and pulling him close. ‘And daughter, and niece!’
‘Get off, you soppy git!’ chunters Mick, ducking his twin brother’s affection.
‘Oh Mick, he cares about you,’ I joke, averting my gaze from the sibling embrace. Scott looks on, trying to hide his smile behind a pint glass.
I scan the crowd for Flora and Joel but they’re nowhere to be seen – the only clue is the swinging door chime.
*