February 1985
Angela’s eighteenth birthday
Annie
Annie and Dave waved the boys and their families goodbye. Michael and Eric tooted their horns, spinning their wheels in the gravel for show.
Dave shook his head and chuckled. ‘Grown men with children of their own and still acting like kids.’ Both sons had delighted them by becoming parents, Michael three times and Eric once with another one on the way. Annie loved having a house full of children again after so many years, and equally loved waving them goodbye when they left.
Angela stood beside them on the verandah as the cars disappeared and the last of the dust settled. She gave Annie a hug. ‘Thanks, Mum. That was the best birthday lunch ever.’
Annie smiled, a little smugly, but deservedly so. Angela had enjoyed an indulgent eighteenth birthday party at the Sandy Bay house, with expensive presents, all the right guests and pricey catering, but still her daughter had preferred a humble family get-together, with a home-cooked roast and her favourite chocolate cake.
It was wonderful to have a day off with all her children and grandchildren, even if it had been a busy one for her. There were still several weeks left of the picking season and life had been hectic, as usual. At first she’d found it hard to adjust to the harvest ending almost at the same time as the apple picking season would’ve begun but now it was second nature to her. The decision to get into cherries nine years ago had been difficult initially – the outgoings were enormous. The cherry orchard was finally profitable, but they still owed money to her mother. She and Dave had done the sums though, and were now in a position to obtain a loan from the bank to pay her out. The timing couldn’t be better. More than ever it was crucial to be free of any hold Cynthia might have on their family.
Angela was an adult now and their boys all grown. Michael was a successful mechanic in Hobart with his own business. Eric had followed in his footsteps and worked alongside his older brother. Annie was pleased to see that the rivalry between them had mellowed over the years. Paul and Greg were living in the house on the property Dave had bought from the Fletchers. Paul was twenty-four now and keen to take over the running of the orchard when the time came. She and Dave were grateful for how hard they worked in the orchard, but hoped they’d stop partying just as hard one day. Much to their surprise, their youngest son Scott had taken advantage of a free tertiary education and was studying to become a lawyer. Perhaps it was Annie’s family’s genes that had prompted him to pursue a career so different from his brothers. Dave and Annie were proud of all their children, but there would always be a place in Annie’s heart devoted only to Angela.
Her daughter had graduated from the Collegiate School at the end of last year, top of her class in many subjects including English Literature and French, but it was her skill at the piano that attracted attention. Angela had a natural aptitude that, coupled with hours of practice, had seen her become a stunning pianist. She also possessed a beautiful singing voice and had begun writing her own songs at the age of thirteen. The Conservatorium of Music would be a natural next step for her, her grandmother was sure of it, but Angela was more drawn to the Victorian College of the Arts jazz program where her piano and vocal skills would meld more easily. Cynthia would prefer her to stay in Hobart, living under her roof. Angela had grown into a beautiful, elegant and celebrated young woman. Her grandmother loved to bask in the glory while claiming credit for passing on her genetic ability. That mightn’t be possible after today.
Annie’s heart was racing. The world was about to become an uncertain place once more. Would Angela hate her for what she’d done? Would she denounce her and run off to Lara and her glamorous life in Europe? And what would happen once she knew Mark was her father? Annie knew this had to be done, but dreaded it.
She called Angela into the lounge room. The box with the golden snake bracelet sat on the table beside her chair. Dave joined them, sitting beside his wife in their armchairs while Angela perched on the old couch.
‘We have one last present for you, my darling girl.’ Annie tried to control the tremble in her voice.
Angela smiled. ‘You’ve already given me so much, I feel thoroughly spoilt.’
‘You’re an adult now,’ Dave said. ‘Soon you’ll be leaving Tasmania to study in Melbourne. The world is opening up for you, and you need to know the truth.’
‘Goodness, that sounds rather dramatic.’
Annie folded her hands in her lap, trying to disguise her nervousness. ‘It is. There’s something we need to tell you. We both love you very much. Very much indeed.’
‘I know. I realise it was hard for you when I went to live with Grandmother. Mind you, it was no picnic for me either.’
Annie raised a knowing eyebrow. ‘Yes, we all know what a force of nature she can be. But this isn’t about her. It’s about a night many years ago. Eighteen years ago to be precise.’
‘When I was born?’
‘Yes.’
‘What do you mean?’
Now it was time to say the words, she didn’t know if she could. Her devotion to her daughter had been all-encompassing for so many years. The ties had been stretched while Angela lived with her grandmother, but they were as strong as spiderweb, holding firm through the years and the distance. What she was about to do could sever them forever, leaving her drifting helplessly in the wind. Annie glanced at her husband for support. Dave nodded, his face gentle but firm. She picked up the box and handed it to Angela. ‘Do you remember this?’
Angela looked puzzled as she opened the lid then her face lit up with surprise as she saw the golden snake bracelet with the emerald eyes. ‘I remember a big black car, a tall woman with amazing eyes, and this. She was wearing it.’
‘You remember her eyes?’
‘Like a tiger’s. Brown and gold.’
‘Like yours.’
Angela nodded. ‘I guess. Is she a relative?’
‘Yes. And she sent you this bracelet many years ago. It’s time for you to have it.’
‘It’s beautiful.’ Angela slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, admiring it briefly before turning back to her parents. ‘How is she related to me?’
Annie hesitated. Was it best to come right out with it or lead up to the critical fact? ‘Eighteen years ago she was staying here at the orchard. I was … unwell.’ The pain of that time was still very real but she pressed on. ‘You see, I’d just lost a baby. A girl.’
Angela frowned. ‘Really? I didn’t know that.’
‘She was premature,’ Dave said gently. ‘Stillborn.’
‘Oh, Mum. I’m so sorry.’
‘I was inconsolable. I loved your brothers, but I longed for a girl. The woman who owned that bracelet was pregnant as well. Our due dates were only a month apart. She’d had a boy but hadn’t taken to motherhood and was afraid she couldn’t raise one child, let alone two.’
‘Mum? Dad?’ Angela looked at them both with concern.
‘It’s okay,’ Dave said. ‘Let your mother continue.’
‘She came to me one night with her newborn baby in her arms. Told me straight out that she couldn’t look after her. She said the baby was always meant to be mine. Then she disappeared. Years later we found out she was dead.’
‘Oh my God.’ Angela covered her mouth with her hands.
‘We honestly thought we’d be looking after her baby for a few days, a week at most,’ Dave said. ‘But she never came back.’
‘Until the day when she turned up in the big black car.’ Annie spoke slowly, letting Angela take it in.
‘But I thought you said she’d died.’
‘It was a mistake. There’d been a car accident and the body wasn’t found for some time. The police thought it was her, but it wasn’t.’
‘That’s dreadful.’ Angela’s eyes were huge.
‘I know. It was a shock, for all of us.’
Angela touched the golden snake. ‘So, who is she to me?’
Annie took a breath. ‘She’s your birth mother.’
‘Oh.’ Angela nibbled on her thumbnail, an old habit when she was upset. ‘I’m adopted?’
‘In a way. After she disappeared your birth was registered with your dad and I as your parents. It was what she wanted. Legally you’ve always been our child.’ Annie looked at her hands still folded in her lap, unable to meet either Dave’s or Angela’s eyes. She’d always felt it was the right thing, but it seemed different, explaining it now.
‘What are you telling me? Dad, did you get that woman pregnant? And, Mum, you took on the baby as your own?’ Angela’s voice held a tremor of anger.
‘That’s not how it was. Remember I had just lost my baby. Your dad and I were inconsolable. She gave you to us as an amazing gift, one that brought everything we’d wanted and thought we’d lost into our lives.’ Annie leant towards her daughter. ‘You healed me and you saved us both.’
‘But, Dad, you had an affair?’
‘No, darling.’ Dave’s voice was calm. ‘I’ve always been faithful to your mum.’
Angela threw her hands in the air. ‘Then I don’t understand. I’m adopted but I’m not. You’re not my real mother and father – what are you?’
‘We’re your parents. Your mum and dad. Since the day you were born, eighteen years ago, we have cherished you.’ Tears pricked at the corners of Annie’s eyes.
‘Yeah, okay, I get it. And I love you too. Adoption isn’t the big thing it used to be. I’m amazed you’ve kept it a secret for this long. But who are my biological parents?’
Annie took another steadying breath. So far Angela was taking this well. In some ways it wasn’t surprising. Her daughter might’ve lived in luxury in Hobart and been to Europe with her grandmother to practise her French, but she still loved the orchard, and had managed to keep her feet firmly planted on the ground. But would she continue to be this calm? The hardest part was yet to come. ‘Her name is Lara. She lives in England with her husband. Her second husband.’
‘Lara? I’ve heard her name mentioned. Why?’
Dave cleared his throat. ‘Her first husband lives here in Wattle Grove. He stayed here to be close to you. He’s always loved you, but entrusted you to our care. It was against his wishes at first, but he came to see it was for the best. If he could’ve taken care of you he would’ve. Even though it broke his heart, he knew you’d always be loved by us.’
‘And we did. I couldn’t bear to be apart from you, my little angel.’
‘My father lives here? In Wattle Grove?’
Annie nodded, unable to speak.
Comprehension hit Angela’s face. ‘Uncle Mark.’
Dave leant in. ‘We let him know we were going to tell you this today. He’d love to talk if you want to. He said he’ll understand, whatever you decide.’
‘Mark Davis is my father.’ Angela spoke as if trying out the words.
‘Are you okay, darling?’ Annie searched her daughter’s face. ‘I know it’s a lot to take in.’
‘It kind of makes sense. The afternoons at his place after piano lessons with Catherine. Them always giving me a lift back to Hobart after my weekends here. I used to find it strange because you’d want to spend every possible minute with me, Mum, but then you’d always be too busy to drive me back to Hobart. I liked it though because Mark and Catherine would spoil me rotten on the way home.’ She shook her head. ‘He never said a word about this. Never let anything slip.’
‘He’s a good man,’ Dave said. ‘Honourable. He made a promise and stuck to it, even though he found it hard. He wanted the best for you, always.’
‘Mark Davis. That’s kind of cool. He was a bit famous when he was younger. Those bands, the hit songs.’ Angela’s eyes widened. ‘So that’s where I get it from.’
‘I guess so.’ Annie stifled her annoyance. Angela’s delight in having Mark as a father rankled. All he’d done was get Lara pregnant. Dave had been there for her entire life.
Angela appeared to pick up on Annie’s irritation. She turned to Dave. ‘You’ll always be my dad, Dad. You know that, don’t you?’
Dave smiled. ‘I’ve always loved you as my own.’
‘And Mum, I love you too, and always will. I’ve always felt like the most precious daughter in the world.’
‘You are.’
‘But I also have biological parents.’ Angela ran her fingers across the golden bracelet. ‘Lara. Hah! She’s married to a rock star. She’s famous in her own right. The things she gets up to.’
‘Yes, well.’ Annie frowned.
‘She only came back that one time though?’
Annie dared not open her mouth to speak. She wouldn’t be able to stop herself from saying what she really thought of Lara.
‘That’d be right. She doesn’t seem the maternal type.’Angela’s eyes flashed. ‘I just realised. Oh my God. Charlie Davis is my brother. I had a bit of a crush on him when I was younger. How embarrassing. Glad it never went anywhere. Come to think of it, Auntie Catherine picked up on it pretty early and did all she could to discourage me. Just as well.’
‘I know this is a bit overwhelming,’ Dave said.
‘It’s amazing,’ Angela said. Her expression was one more of delight than concern.
Annie was torn. Part of her was glad Angela was taking this so well, but part of her hated it too. Lara and Mark were much more exciting, dramatic and interesting than she and Dave with their boring days of hard toil in the orchard. Sure, Mark was little more than an orchardist these days himself, but he’d been famous and was a musician, like Angela. She could see the appeal. Of course Angela was going to want to spend time with him. How many precious hours would she lose Angela to him before she left for Melbourne and in the future? ‘Do you want to see him, now you know?’
‘Yeah, I do. But not yet. I need to think first and get to grips with it. It’s kind of weird. My whole life has changed in some ways, but not at all in others.’
‘Take as long as you need. And we’ll leave it up to you who you tell. As far as we’re concerned this is your business. Mark and Catherine know, of course, and Lara. But nobody else.’
‘Grandmother?’
Annie huffed. ‘No. But if you want to tell her you can. It might be hard for you to keep this a secret.’
‘I think Grandmother would be happier not to know. I can’t imagine how her bridge club would react. It’d all be too much.’
Annie sighed with relief. She’d hoped Angela would see the sense in keeping Cynthia in the dark.
‘But what about Charlie? Does he realise I’m his sister?’
‘We’re leaving that up to Mark. And you.’ Annie knew there’d come a time when the whole valley would know, and she’d be the topic of gossip for the rest of her life. Hadn’t she been the focus of gossip when she’d first arrived in the valley, pregnant and on the arm of one of the most eligible local bachelors? She’d put many a nose out of joint. She’d survived that, and worse. It’d been worth it.