The Last of the Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens

Author:Mary-Lou Stephens
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HQ Fiction
Published: 2021-06-14T16:00:00+00:00

Dinner was indeed a rowdy affair. Michael, now thirteen and starting to test his boundaries, was sent from the table without pudding. Eric, not to be outdone by his older brother, attempted to be banished as well. Scott argued with Paul about who was going to win the TFL grand final, which was months away, and Greg, who was in Catherine’s Grade Two class, attempted to impress her with his knowledge of rocks. Only Angela was quiet, as she sat in her chair, bolstered by cushions, and ate her dinner of shepherd’s pie without any fuss.

Dave pushed his chair back from the table. ‘Delicious dinner, girls. Eric and Paul, you’re on washing-up duty. Decide between the two of you who’s washing up and who’s drying.’

‘But, Dad,’ Eric whined.

‘You know the roster. That’s why your mother had so many children – to help with the chores around the house. You want to eat, you’ve gotta work. A hard lesson in life, son, best learnt early.’

Annie whispered to Catherine, ‘I’ll have to wash them again afterwards but they are getting better.’

‘I’m going to warm up the TV.’ Dave stood, stretching his back. ‘Gotta watch GTK tonight.’

‘No, Dave.’ Annie’s voice held a warning.

‘What’s on the show?’ Catherine didn’t have a TV at the cottage. She had books and a transistor radio to keep her company, and Tim.

Dave hovered awkwardly. ‘Oh, nothing really.’

Catherine didn’t believe him. ‘I think I’ll watch it too. Consider it payment for making the apple charlotte.’

Annie seemed perturbed. ‘Boys, time to do your homework.’

‘So we don’t have to wash up?’ Paul asked.

‘You can do it later,’ Annie said, her mouth pinched. ‘Out. Now.’

As the children filed out of the kitchen, Annie was quiet.

‘What’s going on?’ Catherine was baffled.

It was Dave who answered, keeping a careful eye on Annie. ‘Mark’s new band is on GTK tonight to launch their latest single. Mark tells me it’s the best song he’s ever written.’

Catherine swallowed. Part of her wanted to make excuses and leave, but her overwhelming desire to know more won out. ‘So, he’s been in touch with you?’

‘Yeah.’

Catherine realised how naive she’d been in assuming Mark had cut off everyone when he’d left the valley. Of course Mark had kept in contact with his best mate. And he hadn’t missed a beat from the sound of it. He’d happily carried on with his glamorous, famous life while she pined for him back in Wattle Grove, wondering what she’d done wrong and agonising over why he’d never got in touch with her. ‘I want to watch it.’

‘What?’ Annie looked startled.

‘Let’s hear this fantastic new single.’ Anger stirred inside her.

‘I don’t think that’s such a good idea.’ Annie looked to Dave for support.

He moved towards the door. ‘I promised Mark I’d watch it. If either of you want to join me, that’s fine.’

Catherine followed him out of the kitchen, leaving Annie at the table staring at her hands.

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