Speak Now

VII

Charlotte's family are deeply religious, especially the older generation, so when there's a religious holiday to observe, they're there, front and centre. I personally don't understand it, having been raised by an atheist mother but I respect the Delaney clan for their beliefs. 

To be honest, I think the younger generation only attend services out of tradition. Of all the third generation Delaney family, Sophie is surprisingly the most religious. Or at the very least, the most superstitious, if her numerous 'God is punishing me' speeches are any indication. Charlotte is probably second-most superstitious, with Lucas and Emma tying for third. Then you have Keira and her brothers, none of whom are God-fearing, nor are their cousins, Griffin, Oliver and Noelle. 

But once Easter or Christmas rolls around, it's a different story. If there's one person everyone fears more than God, it's Harlow Delaney. I'm not even biologically part of the family and I'm still held to the same high expectations that the others, meaning I have to observe Good Friday just like the entire family does. The rest of Holy Week is optional but Friday is a must. Easter Sunday is also a date to Sharpie into the calendar; Easter Week is meh, says Charlotte. The only upside to all this is that the entire family come together, more so now there are younger children to teach the ways of Jesus Christ. 

Gosh, I'm even starting to sound like Harlow. 

"Where are you all sleeping?" I ask as Dad struggles to bring in his and Charlotte's suitcases, as well as the kids' ones. I look at the mounting heap of luggage and groan. "I've counted the bedrooms and there aren't enough. I'm not sleeping on the floor. Dream on."

Dad smirks. "That's ok. We're putting you under the stairs. It worked for Harry Potter. Look how well adjusted he turned out to be."

"How about I put you under the stairs?" I challenge, folding my arms over my chest. My father mirrors my pose and stares back at me, thinking I'll be the first to back down. I won't. "I'm not giving up my four poster bed, pal, so think again. Seriously, where are you all sleeping?"

In Harlow's infinite wisdom, she insisted that everyone comes together for the weekend at Lismaura House, rationalising that it would be a good dry-run for the wedding at the end of the month. The only trouble with this is that the main house doesn't accommodate everyone; thankfully, Charlotte bounds into the entryway, the twins hot on her heels, and announces that they've bagged one of the bigger cottages nearby. When she makes a triumphant noise, Levi and Owen imitate her, making me and Dad laugh. Sera and I are like our father, in terms of personality, whereas Owen and Levi are Charlotte's double. Joseph is a mix of both, although he's probably more like Dad than Charlotte. 

A loud commotion comes from outside and I hear Sophie's familiar voice shout expletives, aimed, apparently, at Emma and her husband, Hugo. Seconds later, Sophie turned the air blue, this time, damning her brother to hell. 

"Guess Sophie and Dan are in Iveragh Cottage," Charlotte said, giving a low whistle. "Sucks to be them this weekend. Martha, how're things going? Everyone ok?"