Tryin’ Not to Break Out

Toni found her father sitting on the bench  along the garden path.

"Hi Dad, hope I’m intruding on a quiet moment."

Michael turned, "of course not dear come and join me.  I was enjoying the quiet peacefulness of this place; you’ve done well Toni."

"Thanks Dad, we love it here even though it’s a long way from home."

"But you’ve managed to bring home with you. My mum would have loved it here. You’re very much like her you know."

"Yes, Gramma and I were kindred souls…I miss her."

"I know, not much left of my family."

"I’m glad things have quieted down between you and Mum>"

"We’ve called a truce dear, sorry for the bother. She and I will get it sorted one way or another eventually."

"I wanted to let you know Dad, if you’d like to stay on here for awhile, you’re welcome."

"I might take you up on that," smiled Michael

"I’ve told Richie he has to go to the boarding house tomorrow night; he’s not happy."

"Ah well Jude will take him in hand. I like Richie he’s a good man Toni, and he’s very much in love with you. He’ll take good care of you."

"Why is it men always think a woman needs taking care of. We’re perfectly capable…"

"That’s the way of it Toni, a man wants to feel strong and in charge, a provider and protector."

"I’ll let him feel all those things," she smiled

"A wise woman," Michael turned and took his daughter’s hand.

"It pisses me off, it’s archaic," Richie pulled out of the drive with Jude

"I know I had to do the same thing with Carol, It’s Mum you know Dad could care less. It’s only for one night Richie you’ll have all the rest to enjoy. Where is it we’re going?" asked Jude

"Into Coffs, I forgot something very important…the official to perform the ceremony."

Jude laughed, "I’d say that was important…damn Richie!"

"Don’t start Jude, it was your Mum that asked me who was going to do the ceremony…I was open-mouthed and struck dumb."

"What is it you hope to find at this late date?"

"A Celebrant they’re called here, kind of like a JP."

"Does Toni know you forgot?"

Richie turned, "No…don’t tell her she’s already got hives."

"Hives, my oh my poor sis when did this happen?"

"The day after you got here. We thought at first it was an allergy to grass or something related to grass. Nothing seemed to stop the itch so I took her to the doctor, turns out its hives brought on by stress. So no I ain’t gonna stress her anymore."

Jude grinned remembering the two of them passing him on the terrace with grass stains all over the back of their clothes. "Okay check list, have you got the ring…yes?  Have you got the license…yes? Booked a room in Coffs for the wedding night…No? Shit Richie what the hell have you been doing.

Richie drummed his fingers on the wheel biting his tongue, "Tryin’ not to break out in hives." He said.