How illtimed this anniversary of theirs is, she muttered, rolling her eyes. They finally find a moment to celebrate, and they pick the village for it.
A few disgruntled snippets from her husbands brother floated into Blythes ears. She realised the brother was inviting them to a 25yearmarriage celebration a silver wedding.
Jamess phone rang loud and insistent until he finally answered.
It was his cousin from the countryside.
Hey, Zach, hows it going? James said. All good here, what about you lot? So, Saturday then?
Sure, Ill let Blythe know. Well be there where else would we go?
Blythe slipped into the sitting room.
How badly timed this anniversary is, she said again. Theyve got the time to mark it and they choose the village.
More annoyed bits from her husbands brother reached her. She put the pieces together: the brother was asking them to the silver wedding.
Meanwhile James and Blythe had just decided to call it quits. Lately theyd been drifting apart, arguments mounting and a cold distance settling in. Two days earlier theyd agreed to separate. Blythe wasnt keen on attending the silver wedding she just wasnt in the mood.
Maybe youll go on your own, James? After all, youre his brother. Id love to catch up with Tanya, though, she told Zachs wife. Weve always been close, visited each others homes
And how do we turn up at their anniversary and announce were splitting? she wondered.
The bus from town to the village took about four hours, and their old car had been sitting in the garage for three months. They used to drive that car up to Zachs place in Littleford, where James had grown up.
Now the car was a lemon. Blythe didnt know whether to pour money into repairs or just buy a new one. The looming split had turned all their plans upside down.
James thought to himself:
Blythe probably wont go, shell likely bail. If I go alone Ill have to tell Zach and Tanya were splitting. Theyll have a field day, asking questions. Do they even need that news on their big day? Its a silver wedding, and here I am with my breakup that feels terrible.
Seeing Blythe enter the room, James said:
Zach called shall we head over? We wont bring up our situation. We can deal with the split later.
Blythe nodded.
Alright, its their celebration, lets get there.
The bus pulled over and the driver announced:
Everyone off, the bus wont go any farther!
How can it not go? Were still five miles from the village! James snapped.
The roads awful, just after a spell of rain, I wont risk it. If I stay stuck, wholl pull me out? Find a lift or walk, the driver said firmly.
James and Blythe stepped off, his bag in hand. Walking five miles wasnt on their agenda.
What now, wait for a lift or walk? James asked his wife.
We could wait till morning, but well have to walk, Blythe replied.
Cursing the driver, James led the way, Blythe trudging alongside on the verge. The lane was indeed rough, with deep puddles, but the path along the edge was passable.
Its odd, Blythe is so quiet, not even annoyed. At home shed have a fit, but out here she just bottles everything up, James mused. Probably shell spill it midway.
Halfway through, a stand of oak trees appeared, then the village was close enough to see.
James kept waiting for Blythe to snap, but she kept pace, silent as ever.
He stopped, set his bag down and asked, Tired? feeling a touch of guilt for dragging her out.
A bit, maybe we can rest on that fallen log, she pointed to a tree trunk.
They sat, looked around. The sky was still bright, dusk creeping in, birds singing, butterflies flitting, trees rustling, crickets chirping.
Blythe thought back to the day, almost twenty years ago, when theyd driven to Jamess village for a wedding.
How much has changed in twenty years the wood has grown, the oaks are huge now, she said.
Time flies, James replied. Remember that day when the cars wheel almost fell off? You in your wedding shoes, me in a suit, walking the lane while Zach changed the tyre. We didnt wait long, but you did end up with a sore foot.
Yeah, my foot was the one that hurt, Blythe laughed. Good thing Zach fixed the car quickly. If wed been stuck, wed still be waiting.
After a short rest they got up and kept walking, each lost in their own thoughts. James recalled school hikes with the lads, while Blythe, a city girl, had never camped out.
She, weary, thought, When our sons back from his posting, well finally split. He wont be happy, but what can we do? Its decided.
The lane opened up into the valley where the village sat.
What a view! Summer here is gorgeous bright colours, warm sun, Blythe said.
Always lovely, summer, spring, autumn, even winter. Weve come here at different times. Too bad the car gave up; wed be there by now, James replied.
They pushed open the gate, stepped onto the yard and saw Zach already arranging tables. He ran over, hugged them.
You walked all the way, eh? Wheres the car? Why didnt you call, I could’ve met you. The roads terrible, but I couldve taken the back route.
We didnt know the bus would stop, so we had to trek. At least we got some fresh air and scenery.
Blythe dear! Tanya, Zachs wife, embraced her warmly. Its brilliant youre here its been ages! Tomorrows the anniversary, the silver wedding. Times flown by, barely had a chance to look back.
Zach and James chatted for a while, then everyone changed into dinner clothes and sat down to eat. They lingered in the yard, laughing and talking, then drifted off to their rooms. James and Blythe were set up in a small chamber with a brandnew sofa.
Look, we just got this sofa, Tanya said, pointing to the fresh, spreadout piece. Good night, you two.
Blythe stripped down and curled up against the wall, leaving most of the couch for James. He glanced at the sofa, slipped under the edge and lay down.
Blythe, why are you pressed against the wall? Theres room for both of us. Your legs must be sore after that walk.
Its not the legs, she replied.
James pulled the blanket over her feet and started massaging her tired feet.
Just leave it, James. Itll pass, itll be better by morning, she said.
Shh, Ill work on it now, youll feel better soon.
The next day they helped set up tables in the yard, greeting guests. Conversation started low, then grew louder as the music kicked in, folks sang, danced, and the village buzzed with merriment.
Imagine, James, weve spent twentyfive years with Tanya, had everything, but still more to come. We argue, get upset, then make up. We cant stay mad long shes good to me! I guess everyones like that, Zach boomed, raising his glass to his brother. A quarter of a century, and I love my Tanya, no one else could replace her!
Zachs wife whispered in his ear, Enough, love.
Let em know Ive the best wife in the world! Zach shouted, and the crowd clapped along.
James watched Blythe, both of them observing the happy couple. How could they possibly bring up their split at a moment like this? The air was thick with joy, wrapping everyone.
Jamess thoughts shifted:
My Blythe is no less wonderful than Tanya. Misunderstandings happen thats life. Why did we think of splitting? No, I dont want to lose her.
He pulled her close; she looked up, surprised, meeting his eyes. In his gaze she saw warmth, love, and something new. She felt the same.
Perhaps they both caught the happiness spilling over at Zach and Tanyas celebration.
Looks like happiness has caught us too, Blythe thought, smiling as James kissed her cheek.
The following day they grilled kebabs, chatted long, and James never let Blythe wander far. Whenever she drifted, his eyes tracked her.
Later Zach gave them a lift back on the bus.
Back home, James asked, Blythe, what do we do about the car? Repair it, or buy a new one? Sell the old and add the money? Im tired of the bus.
You decide. If we need a new one, lets get it. You know your gear better, she replied.
Alright, tomorrow morning well hit the motor market, have a look, maybe pick something. Well still be travelling together.
The talk of separation faded, as if itd dissolved on its own. Their son returned, married, and James and Blythe continued their life, happy as ever.
