Beyond Life Read Online Free PDF

left.
    ‘It’s just a bit of fun. He’s taking me for a drive later to see some of the wildlife, you can come if you want.’
    ‘No thanks.’ Marion put down the water and asked the children to take it to the kitchen. ‘There’s something not right about him, Val. I wish you wouldn’t.’
    ‘Don’t worry about me. It’s only a bit of harmless fun. Why don’t you come with us you’re always saying you wish you could see some of the animals?’ Val was grateful her friend had looked after her when she’d been attacked. She was getting fed-up with Marion’s over-protectiveness though, which was stilting her independence, and if she wasn’t careful they were likely to fall out.
    ‘Shall we have a quick cup of tea?’ Marion tried a different tack explaining to Val that she wanted to talk to her about a dream she’d had the previous night. This was the first time they’d seen each other that morning and she was keen to have a chat.
    Marion carefully poured the water into the mugs, ensuring there was no spill and used one tea bag between them. They’d got used to black tea on their first tour and didn’t blink an eye as they sipped at the thick, bitter liquid.
    ‘It seemed so real that I have to tell you. And it’s been ages since I’ve had such a vivid dream.’
    ‘Sounds intriguing,’ said Val.
    ‘First of all I dreamt that Tony and your Libby got married.’
    ‘They haven’t known each long enough yet!’ Val laughed.
    ‘Then I dreamt that your husband said that Gary’s a bad one and you should leave well alone.’ Marion took a deep breath knowing that Val wouldn’t like what she’d said. But she was her friend and she had to tell her, even though she knew Val wouldn’t be happy.
    ‘Below the belt, Marion.’ Val pushed back her chair and stood up. ‘I can’t spend all day chatting. I’ve got work to do.’
    ‘But Val..’
    ‘I don’t want to fall out with you, Marion but I like Gary and it’s only a bit of fun. You’re thinking of things before you go to sleep and your sub-conscious is trying to work it out while you’re sleeping. But just because you don’t like him it doesn’t mean to say that I don’t and acting as if Ron has sent a message is just plain cruel.’ Val stormed off without bothering to wait for a reply. Marion regretted falling out with her friend but hadn’t regretted telling her, such was the strength of her uneasiness when in Gary’s presence.
    *****
    Libby looked gorgeous in her tight fitting knee-length white dress patterned with red and yellow roses. She walked along the red carpet, arms linked with her brother and this image of his beautiful bride would be in Tony’s memory forever.
    The wedding was taking place in The Old Blacksmith’s Shop a traditional place for ceremonies since the 18 th century when youngsters could be legally married in Scotland, but not in England and Wales. Such was the popularity of the place that people from all over the world married there. It was a beautiful village but obvious to the wedding party that wedding tourism was the major income generator. Libby felt a slight tinge of guilt that her mother wasn’t there. She vowed to herself that they would celebrate with a party when her mother returned from Zambia – she’d always said that she didn’t want a big ceremony and now hoped her mother had taken her seriously. The sight of her groom made any negative thoughts disappear and Libby was constantly amazed at how quickly she’d found her soul mate.
    They exchanged vows and Libby cried tears of both joy and sadness when What a Wonderful World played as they signed the register to formalise their union. She looked heavenward.
    ‘Thanks, Dad. I know you’re there and that you’re okay now,’ Fiona handed Libby a cotton handkerchief. She wiped her eyes and smiled self-consciously at the small group of family and friends and the Registrar, before looking up again. ‘I miss you, Dad and I’ll always love you.’
    There