Close Relations
By robspace54
Author's Note: Possible SPOILER Alert!
I posed the problem of writing a short story of Episode 1 - Doc Martin, Season 5 to several FF authors. If the challenge was accepted they were to be posted near the premier of the show in the UK on Sep. 12, 2011.
Since some have had their ear held to the spoiler-telegraph, these new stories may be rather close to what we see, or not… In my case, other than the name of one new character, I am as mystified as the rest of you, especially as I live in the USA and will not watch the new season until sometime in the future.
And yes I do have the S5 press pack, but have NOT read it, thusly exercising considerable restraint.
Any similarities, then, between my story and the actual Season 5 first episode is serendipitous as they are based on my hunches, a few fevered dreams, and hearing one radio interview of Martin Clunes.
The fact that my chapter titles are the same as a few ABBA songs is also by chance, perhaps.
Doc Martin is owned by Buffalo Productions and I thank them for letting me play around with their TV creations.
Thanks for reading. See you in Portwenn!
Rob
Chapter 1 – Arrival
The organ music was lovely. I stood outside the sanctuary; having just taken a quick peek as our guests arrived. I sighed and brushed a stray hair from my face, and though I tried to stay calm, I started chewing on my lip.
"Nervous?" Isobel, my bride's maid of last time, stood next to me.
"A bit."
"You're really going to do this, then?"
"Of course we are!" I replied.
"You're sure? After all, the last time, you both, uhm…"
I was about ready to kick her, when she giggled. "Just fooling Louisa!"
"Right." But I went right back to worrying. Would Martin really be here? My hands were sweaty holding the bridal bouquet but at least it gave my hands something to do.
"Louisa, don't fret!" She hugged me and I caught the flash of her wedding band. "Before you know it, you'll be married too!"
00000
I went up the side aisle and stepped to the front of the sanctuary. The Vicar nervously looked at me, leaning on his cane after hip surgery. I hadn't meant to make him fall last year. He tried to smile but I could tell he was less than happy being near me.
"Vicar," I said quietly.
"Doctor," he intoned and made the sign of the cross.
I wasn't certain if he was blessing me or warding off evil I had done or might do. He put a hand on my elbow and turned me to face the well filled church. I wasn't certain if he was guiding me or restraining me.
Sally Tishell was playing the organ and doing quite well. Bach's "Jesu – Joy of Man's Desire" dropped to a low volume just as Isobel started walking towards me. She was Louisa's maid of honor last year and had married her child's father as well, but was not pleased to now be named matron rather than maid. Tradition dictated the title, not us. Isobel was smiling clearly happy be here for Louisa. She gave me a wink as well. After all, I had delivered her baby. She gave me an encouraging look then stepped to the side.
Chris and Diane Parsons were seated next to Auntie Joan who held our son Philip. Across the aisle, on the bride's side, stood Roger Fenn and Maureen holding their two-year-old twins. Little Philip was behaving quite nicely now, after the hell he'd given us last night, awake 'til all hours! And behind them sat Bert and Al Large and most of our closest, dare I say it, friends.
Purcell's "Trumpet Voluntary" started and the audience stood up. The music swelled and Louisa Glasson appeared at the rear of the church as all the guests turned to see her. She was beautiful in her wedding dress and I stood taller and gave her my best smile. My God she was beautiful!
00000
The music came to our cue and Isobel gave me an encouraging look then strolled up the flower-decked center aisle. I breathed deep and tried to think calm and happy thoughts. But my lip still wanted to be chewed, I felt sweaty, and parts of me wanted to collapse. At the proper musical moment the Wedding March began and I started to walk, trying to walk a straight line.
The pews were packed to see our show. They were all my teachers, friends, including Holly, plus villagers, some I've known forever. Even the ones we were certain would decline came – likely to see if Martin or I bolted this time.
Joan proudly held Philip and they both looked wonderful. I'd ransacked every shop in Cornwall to find the little shorts and jumper set he was wearing and he was so adorable! He held his little head up and gave me a sort of smile. Yes, Philip! Your mummy and daddy are getting married! I thought at him.
Martin was at the front of the church in his tuxedo, the most handsome man in the place, while the Vicar stood glowering. Martin stood tall and proud, not a hair out of place, with the boutonnière on his lapel matched to my bouquet – tiny yellow roses with ferns and baby's breath. He beamed as I approached with a look of adoration and I smiled right back. I gave my bouquet to Isobel then as Martin held out his hand I took it tightly. We faced the Vicar and the ceremony continued having finally arrived at the altar together.
