Blackberry Way (Tales From Appleyard Book 4) Read online

  To her surprise a tall, very elegant lady directly opposite her got to her feet and fixed Laura with a beaming smile. She was even more surprised when she signed Hello, I’m Natalie.

  Tentatively she signed back. Natalie smiled again, and then looked to Stephen, giving him a nod. There was a momentary pause and then her hands began to fly as Stephen started to speak.

  ‘Well, this is a first for me,’ she began to sign, ‘and so before I launch into what might yet turn out to be the worst best man’s speech you’ve ever heard, I’m going to ask you all to be patient with me. I know that most of you here are well aware of the gory details of my past as far as Sam and Freya are concerned, and could be forgiven for wondering how on earth I’ve ended up giving a speech at their wedding… So, I’m also going to ask you to be lenient with me as I try to explain how I think that’s happened. Firstly, though, I’d like to welcome you all here today, and of course thank you for coming. I genuinely don’t think there’s a soul left in the village, but Appleyard Orchard has been at the centre of our community for a very long time, and I know it means the world to Freya and Sam to see you all here. Without further ado then, I’d like you to raise a glass in toast to the deliriously happy couple… Freya and Sam.’

  Laura raised her glass with a grin, watching the stream of bubbles in her champagne rising to the surface and popping. It was much how her stomach felt. She waited for everyone’s attention to switch back to Stephen, all the while never taking her eyes off Natalie, whose hands moved back into position.

  ‘I’d also like to make an introduction before I go any further… Some of you may have noticed that my speech today is being signed, so I’d very much like you all to welcome Natalie. She is a British Sign Language tutor from Hereford, and has very kindly offered to give me a hand here today, quite literally… and at very short notice too. Thank you, Natalie.’

  Natalie broke off to give a little wave, before continuing with her interpreting. ‘Some of you might already have worked out that the reason why Natalie is here today is sitting on my left. For those of you who don’t know, her name is Laura and she’s profoundly deaf. More importantly she’s responsible for today’s stunning floral decorations, and as I’m just about to say some incredibly nice things about her, I thought she should be able to ‘hear’ them.’

  Laura risked a tiny peep to her right, knowing that Stephen would be looking at her. She didn’t want to blush bright red in front of all these people, but then would that really be such a big price to pay considering what Stephen had done for her? Her eyes met his, surprised to see that he was blushing too.

  ‘When Sam first asked me to be his best man, I’ll admit I was a little surprised; but I realised very quickly how humbled I was at being asked, and how generous Sam was being in asking me. That’s just like Sam. He’s always seen the good in me, even when we were young, and I spent most of my time being jealous of him and consequently trying to make his life as miserable as possible. For a long time, I pretty much succeeded, but a year or so ago, all that began to change when a very special person came back into Sam’s life. That person was, of course, Freya. I think they first got engaged in primary school, and even then, it was clear that the universe had decreed they should be together. Despite my best efforts to keep them apart, fate intervened and brought them back together again, fortunately for me.

  ‘I say fortunately because from the moment they did, it gave Freya the perfect opportunity to let me know in no uncertain terms what she thought of me, urging me to grow up and to start taking responsibility for myself. Much to my surprise I listened. It hasn’t always been easy, and I dare say I still get things wrong, but Sam and Freya are the kind of people who go the extra mile for anyone, even me, and that’s really why I’m standing here today.

  ‘I’ll also admit that I didn’t really get it, this whole love thing. I could see how much Sam and Freya were in love, but I never understood what that meant, what that felt like, or, perhaps more importantly, why I didn’t or couldn’t feel the same. It wasn’t until recently when I quite literally got knocked for six that I began to feel these alien emotions. It’s possible that the blow to the head I sustained might be the cause, but I’d be willing to bet it had a lot more to do with a beautiful young lady who came into my life very suddenly one afternoon, and since then, in my head at least, has refused to leave.’

  Natalie broke off her signing, looking rather puzzled. She exchanged a look with Laura and gave a slight shrug as if in apology. Clearly Stephen had stopped speaking for some reason and, as Laura leaned forward to see what the problem was, Stephen turned to look squarely at her.

  ‘You’re going to kill me,’ he said with a grin.

  Laura, whose heart was suddenly beating very fast, was still trying to process the rush of emotions that Stephen’s words had already created when he continued to speak.

  ‘Because I’m about to tell everyone here that I love you…’

  Laura looked up in astonishment to see Natalie signing Oh My God…

  Stephen began again. ‘Laura has a huge soul, is kind and incredibly brave, but sadly, and for reasons best known to themselves, certain people have tried to break her spirit over the years, and she has been on her own for far too long. She has taught me a great deal, about myself, however, about what makes me happy, and what it is to share the life of another. I find myself being nice, and considerate, compassionate even, and believe me these are things that never came easily before. I think of her before myself, in fact I think of her all the time, and it’s only now that I realise what it means to love someone else… So, as I say my closing words, in celebration of the love that Freya and Sam share, and with hope that it continues undiminished, you can be sure that I mean what I say, because, to both my surprise and yours, I finally get what this thing called love is all about. To Freya and Sam.’

  Laura imagined that the noise in the room at this point must be deafening. She could see glasses being raised, mouths open in surprise, repeating Stephen’s toast, whooping and calling, and hands crashing together, clapping feverishly. What would it be like if she could hear it all? It was hard enough trying to think inside a ball of silence, her brain frantically attempting to recall Stephen’s words in case she’d got them wrong, but the look on his face seemed to suggest she had not. She looked over at Natalie, who was nodding and smiling from ear to ear, then back again to Stephen who wore a curious expression, almost as if he was waiting for a punch to land, but then as her mouth began to curve upwards, following the trajectory her heart was also taking, she saw his expression begin to mirror her own. The last thing she saw as he bent to kiss her was Freya, grinning like a loon over his shoulder.

  Chapter 15

  Stephen looked down at the piece of paper he was still clutching and dropped it on the table. It was the speech he had so carefully written and rehearsed and then completely ignored. He still wasn’t sure what had made him do it, except that as he began to speak about Freya and Sam he had suddenly realised how very simple things were when you loved someone, how very ‘right’ things could feel, and for a split second, had been utterly terrified that this might change. Without really thinking about where they were, telling Laura that he loved her had suddenly been the most important thing in the world.

  Freya and Merry had immediately whisked Laura away, and they were now standing in a huddle, broad grins on their faces, hands flapping in their excitement. The memory of his first kiss with Laura still tingled on his lips, and if the shy but meaningful glances she kept giving him were anything to go by, he wouldn’t have to wait too long for another.

  Beside him, Sam refilled his glass.

  ‘Get that down you,’ he said, giving Stephen’s arm a nudge. He took a swallow from his own glass. ‘What an absolutely bloody amazingly stupendous day,’ he added.

  Stephen who, bizarrely, was now finding words difficult could only grin in reply, but he took a large glug of champagne anyway.

  ‘Who would have thought it?�
�� mused Sam, ‘my brother finally becoming an adult, after all these years.’

  ‘Don’t be so cruel,’ he said in reply, ‘I’m still in a state of shock myself.’ But he smiled at his brother, recognising the truth in his words.

  ‘Actually, mate,’ said Sam, ‘I’m proud of you. Proud of what you’ve done too. I see now that you had an ulterior motive, but all this business with Drummond can’t have been easy. Laura would never have had the courage to come forward as a witness to the hit and run if it wasn’t for you, and now it actually looks as if that scumbag low-life is going to get his comeuppance. Have you heard any more?’

  Stephen shook his head. ‘Only what the police told me this morning; that they’ve impounded Giles’ car pending an examination. They were very interested to hear of the incident with the fireworks the other night, and I have to say it’s not looking good for Drummond.’ He took another sip of his champagne, his eyes now firmly on Laura. ‘I know none of this is over yet. It could rumble on for months; we might both have to give evidence, but all Laura ever wanted was for people to take her seriously, because of what’s right, not because of some stupid grudge against the Drummond family… although God knows she’d have cause enough for that after the way they’ve treated her.’

  ‘They’re a powerful family; it’s not easy standing up to bullies like that.’

  ‘No… and I hope in time the villagers come to see the truth of it too. Francis has employed a good many of them over the years, but I think now, more and more folk might start asking questions, and come forward in support of Laura and her allegations over David’s death.’

  Sam nodded grimly. ‘I’m sure they will,’ he replied. ‘Which is of course the very thing Francis was seeking to avoid. Anyway, let’s not think about that now. The DJ is giving me the eye, I think it might be time for me and my wife to have our first dance.’

  ‘Sounds good that, me and my wife,’ replied Stephen, grinning at his brother.

  ‘It sure does!’ Sam winked.

  ‘But I can’t dance!’ protested Laura, laughing. ‘Trust me, it’s not a pretty sight.’

  ‘Well I don’t believe that for one minute. Anyway, this is different.’

  Laura studied Stephen’s face. ‘It’s a disco, people will be dancing. How can it possibly be different?’

  He took hold of her hand. ‘Come on, I’ll show you.’

  Before she had a chance to protest any further, Laura found herself propelled through an archway into a smaller marquee which was sitting just behind the first. The space was dim apart from shimmering rays of silver light which flitted around the room courtesy of a series of disco balls which hung from the tented ceiling. Inside, just as she suspected, people were dancing. She slowed her movement, feeling the tug against Stephen’s hand as she ground to a halt. He turned to look at her, his face lit by an excited grin.

  ‘It’ll be fine. Come on, I promise you.’

  ‘I can’t Stephen, I’ll make a complete prat of myself.’

  He angled his head at her. ‘Or no-one will notice what you’re doing at all…’ He moved a little closer. ‘Watch for a second, and tell me what you see.’

  She looked at him quizzically.

  ‘I know, it sounds stupid. But honestly, just stand and watch…’ He moved to stand a little behind her, pulling her into him, enfolding her in his arms. She leaned back into his warmth.

  Her first, cursory glance, showed her nothing new; it was simply a room full of people who were dancing and laughing, moving their bodies in time with the music, just like she had done once upon a time. But then, as she watched, she began to pick out the details of what was happening. Two young girls were giggling madly, almost jumping with energy, their arms flailing above their heads. Next to them a middle-aged couple swayed together, her head on his shoulder, shuffling in the manner of every slow dance she had ever seen. She stared around the room, not understanding what she was looking at. How could some people be dancing to a slow record and yet others be leaping around?

  A group of people moved past her, crossing slightly to the right where a chap standing behind a table smiled a greeting at them. He handed them what looked like a pair of headphones from a pile in front of him; bright purple and blue in colour, and when Laura looked back to the dance floor she realised that everyone was wearing a pair.

  She wriggled round in Stephen’s arms until she was facing him again.

  ‘What’s going on? Why does everyone need headphones?’

  ‘Because it’s a silent disco. The headphones play the music, but without them on, no-one can hear it in the room.’

  Laura thought for a moment. ‘But what’s the point in that?’

  Stephen brushed a curl of hair from out of her eye. ‘Well the headphones don’t play the same music to everyone. They work by picking up wireless signals from the DJ’s box of tricks, and he’s broadcasting four different signals, which is why, if you look around the room, it looks a bit odd… People are dancing to different things.’

  Laura turned to face the room for a moment and then back again. ‘I still don’t get it,’ she said, frowning.

  Stephen dropped a kiss on the end of her nose. ‘Well, if no-one else can hear what you’re listening to, does it matter how you dance…?’

  It took a moment for the meaning of his words to penetrate her brain, but when they did, a slow smile began to spread across Laura’s face.

  ‘Oh my God, that’s bloody brilliant, come on!’

  By the time they reached the centre of the floor, Laura was grinning from ear to ear.

  ‘What shall we dance to?’ she urged.

  ‘I don’t mind,’ replied Stephen, ‘I’ll follow your lead.’

  ‘Well there is one song I remember dancing to when I was young – ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go Go’, by Wham. What do you think?’

  ‘How about we go on three?’ grinned Stephen, holding up three fingers. ‘Three… two… one… Go!’

  Laura felt the song flow through her mind, trying to move how she used to, letting the feel of it surge through her body, it had been such a long time… She closed her eyes and let herself go. A wild excitement began to fill her as her body became alive again, and after a few minutes she opened her eyes risking a peep at Stephen. He looked a little self-conscious but nonetheless was moving in time to the music playing in his own head.

  ‘Oh God, this is so silly!’ Laura laughed. ‘But it’s the most fun I’ve had in… well, I can’t remember when.’

  Stephen started to answer, but clearly found that the combination of moving his arms and legs, trying to listen to imaginary music playing in his head, and speaking all at the same time was simply too much. He gave a series of odd movements as he tried to pick up the beat again, and then ground to a halt, laughing at himself.

  The sight of him was too much for Laura. She collapsed in a fit of giggles that only got worse the more she tried to stop them. She leaned against him, holding on for support, shaking with laughter and clutching onto her stomach which was beginning to hurt from the effort. It was some moments before she could speak again.

  ‘I’m so sorry,’ she spluttered helplessly. ‘I shouldn’t be laughing, but that was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen!’

  ‘Perhaps I should wear the headphones after all; coordination has never been my strong point.’ He looked at her then, a more serious expression on his face. ‘Only trouble is, if I do that, I won’t be able to dance with you or hear what you say.’ He caught both her hands in his. ‘Would you teach me how to sign, Laura? I mean it. And not just hello and goodbye, all of it. I want to be able to talk to you anywhere, and anytime, all the time.’

  She leaned forward and kissed him gently, her body now up against his. ‘I will,’ she whispered, ‘I promise.’ She lay her head against his chest for a moment, before suddenly pulling away.

  ‘You did this for me,’ she said, her eyes wide, ‘didn’t you? I’ve only just realised.’

  Stephen looked into her eyes, a soft
expression on his face. ‘Guilty as charged,’ he said. ‘I wanted you to have something today that was on your terms, something that wouldn’t make you feel out of place, or different to everyone else. To be honest when I booked the disco I wasn’t planning on hijacking my best man’s speech and declaring my feelings for you… but I had sort of hoped this might do it…’ he trailed off.

  ‘No-one’s ever done anything like this for me before,’ whispered Laura, reaching up to touch the side of his face.

  ‘Yeah, they have,’ countered Stephen. ‘A while ago maybe, but I’m sure they have.’

  Laura studied his face. ‘Perhaps,’ she said. ‘A long time ago.’ She looked around, at a room full of people, all of whom smiled at her when she caught their eye. A few months ago, simply being here would have filled her with dread, but now it filled her with hope. Freya and Sam were off to one side, as were Merry and her husband. She could feel her past receding into the distance as if she no longer had need of it. Her future was beckoning instead.

  She turned back to Stephen. ‘I think I can hear a slow dance starting,’ she said. ‘So maybe now would be the right time to start your first lesson in sign language.’ She pulled away slightly to make a sign with her hands, speaking the words at the same time. She touched a finger to his lips. ‘No talking now,’ she said.

  ‘That was one of the very first signs I learned,’ laughed Stephen. ‘Call me forward, but that’s one you won’t need to teach me.’ And he held her gaze with eyes that sparkled with emotion as he signed back the words I love you.

  Discover the complete Tales from Appleyard series . . .