Part Two – Life Gone Wrong
After lunch, Marion and I went to help Meg set up for the wedding rehearsal. We were holding it outdoors, and because of the drought there was no chance of rain. Tess had made us check the whole homestead for any sign of fire ants, which made Uncle Nick smile. Apparently it was a joke between them.
My mother was rushing around looking flustered – Alex's visit had put her off. I wanted to talk to her, but that was going to have to wait until this whole drama was over.
The funny thing was, my mother was the Maid of Honour, or as she insisted on calling it, the 'Best Woman'. Typical. And Alex was the Best Man. Surely that meant something? Either way they were going to actually have to communicate, which will be somewhat amusing.
Jodi and Luke were off practicing their vows – although I don't think that was the only thing they were practicing, if you ask me. Tess was resting inside, and Uncle Nick was waiting on her hand and foot. They're such a cool couple. Their little kid is going to be so lucky.
Anyway, so Marion and I were setting up the refreshments table when Mum came over.
'Alex tells me you two went for a visit this morning.' She looked me in the eye. 'I didn't realise you two missed him so much.'
'It was her idea.' I said hotly, not even knowing why I was blaming my sister. Marion protested, but Mum held up her hands.
'Enough.' She said tiredly. 'You should have came to me if you wanted to see Alex. I would never stop you from seeing your father.' She sounded if she wanted to say more, but instead she turned to me.
'Charlotte, Peter called for you.' I cringed. There was nothing I wanted more than to simply forget my biological father. But for some reason he had taken to me, even though I had never shown any signs of returning the affection. One hell of a court case later, I was destined to fortnightly visits.
'He wants to know if you can go over later in the week. The girls want to see you, too.' Mum said, referring to my other half sisters, Natalie and Alana. They're not bad. I like them. Both of them are older than me, but they make me feel welcome. Even my step-mother Julia isn't so bad. It's just Peter I can't stand.
'Do I have to?'
'You know you do, Charlotte. Please don't argue.' Mum responded. I knew it was hard on her, too. Two daughters, different fathers, two failed relationships. Of course none of us at Drover's had really given up on Alex and her yet. We liked to think of it as an extensive period of separation.
The wedding rehearsal went well, I think. Jodi kept forgetting her vows, and Marion walked down the aisle too quickly, but apart from that everything went okay. Alex and Mum seemed amicable enough; I think Aunty Tess had something to do with that.
After the rehearsal we went inside for dinner. Jodi and Luke giggled and spent the night whispering to each other. Nick and Tess were arguing over baby names, and Marion and I were racing around helping Meg get the food out on time. Mum and Alex sat at opposite heads of the table, both wearing stony faces. It seemed whatever friendship they'd managed to forge was only for Luke and Jodi's sake.
I often looked back and tried to wonder what went wrong between my parents. I don't know if that's normal, but I don't really care. They're family, and they matter to me.
It all started when I was seven, so I don't really remember the details. It's all a bit fuzzy. Anyway, all I can remember is that Mum was pregnant and she wasn't happy about it. Don't know why. Maybe with Marion and I she'd just had enough. Alex was over the moon, though.
Then one day she was out in the yard, trying to ride and do too much work as usual, and she had an accident. She lost the baby. Alex was so devastated, and it nearly killed him. Mum was disappointed, naturally, but I think she was sort of relieved as well. Then Alex got so angry and started accusing her of not caring, and if that's the way she felt then maybe they shouldn't be together.
I never did understand that. Alex of all people should have realised how Mum deals with things when she's upset. Shuts everyone out. Won't listen. A bit like him, really. I guess with the two of them so worked up, it was always going to happen. One day we woke up and Mum informed us that Alex would be living at Wilgul from now on. That's all it was. A stupid fight, and they're both too bloody proud to admit they were wrong.
'Charlotte?' My mother's voice said softly into my ear. 'Are you okay?' My thoughts were interrupted as she spoke to me.
'I'm fine.' I tried to smile at her. 'Are you still going into Gungallen tomorrow?'
'Yes, I figure the later we leave it to pick up the cake the better.'
'Can I come?' Mum looked surprised.
'Of course, if you want to. I can drop you at Tim's on the way if you like…is that what this is about?'
'No, not really. Just thought it might be nice for us to have a chat. Like we used to.' I smiled at her. She really was a good mother, even though she was strict and all.
'Claire?' Aunty Tess said. 'Claire, can you go and help Alex bring in the glasses? I would, but, you know.' She gestured to her large stomach apologetically and gave my mother an innocent look. I bit back a laugh. Seems like I wasn't the only one who wanted our family back together.