The Road Back Page 7

  ‘They weren’t well received here by the locals, though,’ said Chris, shaking his head.

  Charles leaned his elbows on the table. ‘They certainly weren’t. The newcomers behaved quite differently from the conservative locals. They dressed in hippie clothes, had long hair, the women breastfed in public and advocated home births. They were perceived as being dole bludgers and drug takers. Yet the newcomers had a very strong community spirit.’

  Tony, who had done a lot of the renovations on Susan’s house, nodded emphatically. ‘When we came up here from Melbourne in ’74 to start our building business, this place was going backwards economically. We were rather disillusioned at the time. I was called a hippie lover because I hired a few long-hairs from the bush,’ he recalled. ‘Damned good craftsmen they were. Appreciated the old wood in those timber places we renovated.’

  ‘And sold to other tree changers at city prices,’ added Stephen, with a smile.

  ‘I’m very glad you were part of the trend to save the beautiful old homes we have in Neverend,’ said Susan.

  ‘And I love the work. Gradually, too, the locals began to wake up to the fact that the town now had a population of hip city slickers who might have looked a bit different, but who had open minds and smart business initiatives.’

  ‘And look where we are today,’ said Judy, Susan’s favourite golfing partner. ‘We’ve evolved into an artistic town with a tremendous community spirit.’

  ‘Yes, the so-called hippie wars finished years ago,’ said Susan. ‘I think that the problems were always peripheral really. It’s funny when I run into someone who came here forty years ago to change the world, who tells me that they are just off to have a game of golf, or are going to Sydney to see a show. People change and mellow over time. I wouldn’t live anywhere else.’

  ‘Best place in the world to live,’ roared Carla.

  ‘But you don’t live here,’ said Chris.

  ‘So? I’ve been all around Australia, and trust me when I tell you that this little town is the best place to live.’ Carla glared at everyone around the table, as if daring them to say otherwise. No one did.

  ‘Here’s to Neverend!’ Charles raised his glass, and they all followed suit and joined in the toast.

  ‘I’d get another bottle of wine, but someone’s on my feet,’ Carla suddenly announced.

  ‘Who’s under the table? It’s far too early,’ said Charles in mock alarm.

  ‘It’s Biddi the cat,’ giggled Megan. ‘I’ll get the wine.’

  ‘And some ice and the other bottle of champagne while you’re at it, Megan. Thanks,’ added Tony. ‘We must toast our hostess. As always, Bunny, you put on a magnificent spread.’

  ‘I had two very lovely helpers this year,’ said Susan with a smile.

  ‘Oh, that’s all right, Bunny,’ said Megan, coming back in and putting the bottles on the table. ‘I like helping your friends. I think you guys are funny.’

  ‘Funny outrageous,’ added Chris. He lifted his glass. ‘Merry Christmas, everyone.’

  *

  After the guests had gone home and twilight had begun to make long shadows across the lush fields on the other side of the river, Susan, Carla, Chris and Megan sat on the front verandah enjoying the cool breeze. They sipped their drinks and picked lazily at the remainder of a fruit platter.

  ‘I didn’t bother making a pavlova this year. The fruit has been so heavenly that I didn’t think it needed anything more than a bit of local cream.’

  ‘Mum, I’m not sure it even needed that. Not after that wonderful plum pudding,’ said Chris.

  ‘And thank you, Megan and Carla, for all your efforts in cleaning up the kitchen,’ said Susan.

  ‘Least I could do to repay you for such a glorious meal,’ replied Carla. ‘Loved your trout dish, Megan.’ Carla got to her feet. ‘Listen, folks, I think I might turn in now, if you don’t mind. Have to get an early start in the morning. Places to go, people to see, but like I said, Neverend is always the best.’ With that, Carla nodded her good nights and lumbered out towards the guest cottage.

  ‘How was your mother when you rang her?’ Susan asked Megan.

  Megan shrugged. ‘Okay, I guess. I feel a bit mean not being with her and I could tell that the two little brats were getting on her nerves.’

  ‘I can understand that,’ said Susan, nodding. ‘But it was lovely to have you and your father here to share Christmas with me. Time passes very quickly, especially when you get to my age, so it’s nice to be able to share important events with the people you love. Megan, do you remember when you came to stay with Poppy and me when you were younger? Do you still remember your grandfather?’

  Megan looked at her in surprise. ‘Of course I do! You know what some of my favourite memories ever are? Being here years ago, when I was, like, seven, and I used to come into your room and get in your bed . . .’

  ‘At five thirty in the morning . . .’ Susan smiled.

  ‘And we used to cuddle and talk and then Poppy would go and make us cups of tea and bring in little bear bickies.’ Megan paused. ‘You were my favourite people in the whole wide world. Do you miss him?’

  ‘Of course I do, sweetie. I think of him every day for one reason or another. He’d be so proud of you. And your dad.’

  ‘Yeah, Dad’s pretty great.’ Megan nodded in agreement.

  ‘Enough, you two,’ laughed Chris. ‘A man can only take so much flattery. But this Christmas has been very special. It’s meant a lot to me.’

  ‘Me too. I have plenty of friends and I never feel lonely, but having you and Megan here has been wonderful. It reminds me of how important families are. Our little family was wonderful. We had some fun times when you and Kate were growing up, didn’t we? All those holidays in the caravan.’

  ‘You and Dad were good parents. You gave us lots of your time. I’m sorry I haven’t done that sort of thing with you, Megan.’ He reached across and squeezed her hand.

  ‘It was easier for us. You have a more complicated life, but it’s not too late for you to do things with Megan now.’

  ‘Dad, I would so love to go away in a caravan,’ Megan said in a delighted voice.

  ‘Well, I can’t see that happening these holidays,’ said Chris hastily. ‘But I was thinking. Mum, I know that Megan loves your friends, but they are hardly her demographic. Perhaps you wouldn’t mind if we asked Megan’s bestie, Ruby, to visit for a while. The girls might like to see in the New Year together.’

  ‘That’d be awesome, Dad! Can you speak to her mum? She would have to fly up, wouldn’t she?’ Megan sounded elated.

  ‘I think that’s a terrific idea. We can ring her mother first thing in the morning and make the arrangements,’ said Susan, smiling at her granddaughter. ‘Tell me, why is Ruby your best friend?’

  ‘Because we like a lot of the same things, and we can be ourselves around each other. I don’t feel like I have to be someone I’m not, just to be her friend. She is a free spirit, doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her, doesn’t act differently when she is around other people. And we have the same taste in almost everything – clothes, bikinis, shoes, earrings,’ Megan answered with gusto.

  ‘In that case,’ said Susan. ‘I can’t wait to meet her.’

  *

  After Susan and Megan had gone to bed, Chris stood in the cool shadows on the verandah, gazing at the rising moon and the familiar silhouette of the distant mountain range. It had certainly been a happy day.

  Quietly he walked down the hallway. His mother’s bedside light glowed under her door, and he knew she was reading before going to sleep, as she always did. Further along he paused, gently turned the door handle of Megan’s room and peeped in. His daughter was fast asleep with Biddi curled against her.

  He felt a catch in his throat.

  Things would work out for Megan and him. They had to.

/>   Megan was bouncing excitedly on her toes at the arrivals gate as the disembarking passengers began to file into Coffs Harbour airport terminal.

  ‘There she is! Ruby!’

  The two girls squealed and ran to each other, hugging and both talking at once as though they’d had no contact for years.

  Chris joined them. ‘Hi, Ruby, how was the flight?’

  ‘Really good, Mr Baxter. We flew along the coast and there were so many beaches and they all looked terrific.’

  ‘We have great beaches near us and at Coffs, too. Can we go to the beach, please, Dad?’ said Megan, taking Ruby’s arm as they walked out of the airport. ‘Ruby and I love surfing and I haven’t had a surf in ages. Ruby, you want to go to the beach, don’t you? We have so much to catch up on.’

  ‘Well, it’s not like you haven’t spoken to each other,’ said Chris with amusement. ‘There’ve been a lot of long phone calls. But I think we can fit a bit of surfing into the programme.’

  ‘My mum says there’s a fantastic rainforest up here somewhere, but it would be cool to go to the beach too,’ said Ruby.

  ‘There’s an amazing waterfall my dad can show you, if you want,’ said Megan.

  Chris walked behind the two girls as they made their way back to the car, chattering like a couple of magpies. Ruby’s honey-blonde hair, blow-dried into a straight, shoulder-length bob, was a contrast to Megan’s bouncing chestnut curls. They were both dressed in an eclectic style of denim shorts and cropped tops. Megan had spent time accessorising her outfit with a jumble of colourful necklaces, bangles and a long silky scarf knotted around her hips. Ruby’s look was more restrained, except for a pair of very elaborate hair clips. Both wore Converse on their feet.

  The girls sat in the back seat of the car, talking non-stop as Chris drove the thirty minutes from the airport back to Neverend. His ears pricked up when Megan said, ‘I’ve met some okay boys at the park. Some skate, some just hang around. But they’re friendly. Not mint enough to have a fling with, though.’

  ‘Are we going to do anything on New Year’s Eve?’ asked Ruby.

  Megan leaned forward to speak to Chris. ‘Dad, what are we doing for New Year’s Eve?’

  ‘I have nothing specific in mind. There’s always fireworks by the river. People take picnics down there to watch them. Some stay on to see in the New Year and others go to parties. There used to be a dance at the hall. I’ll check with Bunny and see if that’s still on.’

  ‘We could take a picnic and watch the fireworks,’ said Megan, turning back to Ruby. ‘It’s really neat by the river. I went down there with Bunny on Christmas Eve.’

  ‘Do you know any local kids who would go, Mr Baxter?’ said Ruby.

  ‘I’m afraid I don’t have my finger on the pulse of the Neverend teenage scene, but I could ask my old friends. Some of them have kids your age,’ Chris replied.

  ‘Don’t commit us to anything, Dad!’ said Megan in alarm. ‘Ruby and I don’t want to get stuck with any boring guys.’

  ‘How can you tell if they are going to be boring? Do you have a checklist or something?’ asked Chris.

  Ruby laughed. ‘That’s a cool idea. When you meet someone you could say, “Wait a sec while I check my list. What’s your favourite band? What sort of music do you like best? What movies do you like? What’s your idea of a hot date? Okay, you pass, let’s go.”’

  ‘Or, “No way, José, I’m outta here!”’ laughed Megan.

  ‘This is a pretty town,’ said Ruby as they headed up Neverend’s main street and then turned into View Street and pulled into Susan’s driveway. ‘Oh, what a cute house! Look, it’s even got a name.’ She craned her neck forwards to see the plaque beside the front door. ‘Why is it called Selamat?’

  ‘It means “welcome” in Indonesian and this house has always been a welcoming place,’ replied Chris.

  ‘That’s sweet,’ said Ruby. ‘Where’s your grandmother, Megan?’

  ‘In the garden out the back, probably. Her name is Susan, but everyone calls her Bunny. My grandfather gave her that nickname,’ said Megan as they went indoors. ‘You can call her Bunny, too.’

  After dinner that night, when the sun had set, Susan suggested that the four of them go for a walk in the cool of the evening. Turning left onto View Street and away from the main street, they strolled slowly, taking in the vista across the paddocks to the nearby ranges, until they reached a large reserve. A track from the reserve led down the hillside to the open grassland below, where a small stream flowed.

  ‘Chris and his sister, Kate, used to collect tadpoles down there when they were little,’ Susan told the girls. ‘There are mozzies there, so let’s walk around the block instead. There are some lovely gardens along here,’ she added as they turned into a quiet street lined with aged jacaranda and golden rain trees. ‘Years ago a local doctor was horrified by the lack of trees in the town – which is a bit ironic considering the area started as a timber-getting region – so he planted lots of them. When the trees are in bloom it’s raining either yellow or purple petals and the ground beneath is like a carpet.’

  ‘Wow, look at the houses,’ Ruby exclaimed at a row of timber houses.

  ‘I thought you might like them. Some of them are more than a hundred years old. It’s one of the things that makes this town so special.’

  ‘But these are painted in modern colours,’ said Ruby. ‘I like them. They’re sort of trendy-looking.’

  ‘Megan’s grandfather and I did our place up years ago,’ said Susan. ‘Many of the old houses have been done up by newcomers with taste and style. A lot of people go out to old farms and buy authentic items such as old fretwork and fireplaces, or even rescue things from places that have been demolished. Of course, the more people look for treasures for their houses, the more the prices go up.’

  ‘The locals think the new folk have more money than sense,’ said Chris, chuckling.

  ‘Well, that might have been true for some, but the newcomers did save a lot of these old places. Ruby, there’s a lovely old church down near the cafés that would have been pulled down if someone hadn’t come along and turned it into a very smart shop,’ said Susan. She leaned down to smell a rose on a vine cascading over a white picket fence. The house behind the fence was lavender blue and it had white iron lace trim along its wide fronted verandah, making it look like a picture in a calendar.

  They walked to the end of the block and then turned back towards the main street on a road similarly lined with lovely old homes.

  ‘Are there any old places left that haven’t been restored?’ Chris asked.

  ‘Yes, a few in town as well as out in the hills and the valley,’ said Susan. ‘It’s surprising what’s tucked away on farmland.’

  ‘Why is the town called Neverend?’ asked Ruby. ‘It’s a funny name.’

  ‘There’s a creek not far out of town that has never dried up, so the first settlers round here called it the Neverending Creek. The town is named for the creek.’

  ‘Makes sense,’ said Ruby, nodding her head.

  ‘Better than calling it Henryville, or something boring like that. The Henry is the river that runs through the town,’ Megan explained to Ruby.

  ‘Speaking of the creek,’ Chris said to the girls, ‘I want to take you out to my secret swimming hole. Maybe we could go tomorrow.’

  ‘And the beach,’ said Megan. ‘But we don’t want to put you to any trouble, Dad.’

  Chris grinned, reading between the lines. ‘I understand that. I’ll keep out of your way. But there isn’t a lot of public transport around here and I don’t want you to hitchhike. And I’ve been meaning to show you some of my childhood haunts that you haven’t seen yet.’

  ‘Actually, the swimming hole is part of a string of waterholes along the creek,’ said Susan. ‘But I’m sure your father will stay somewhere out of the way where he won’t embarrass
you.’

  Chris grinned at Susan.

  ‘Do you mind, Ruby?’ Megan asked.

  ‘It’s cool. A waterhole sounds kinda different. Will you come too, Bunny?’

  ‘I might, if you’re sure I won’t get in the way. We could have a picnic lunch. I haven’t been out there for years.’

  *

  The next morning the girls, Chris and Susan walked into town to pick up some things for the picnic and to show Ruby around.

  Under the trees at the end of River Street, where the patisserie and coffee bars were, they decided to order cold drinks. While they waited for their order, they went to the viewing rail that looked down onto the large park beside the river. The park had a skateboarding area where some of the local boys were showing off their skills.

  ‘There’s Dylan and Matt in the red and green T-shirts. And that’s Hayden, he’s kind of cute,’ Megan pointed out.

  ‘Do you know the one in the striped boardies?’ asked Ruby.

  Megan shook her head, but Susan chimed in, ‘Oh, that’s Taylor Frost. I know him. He’s a nice boy. Wants to be a vet. I know his mum.’ Susan smiled at the girls. ‘I know most of the young people in town if you want an introduction.’

  ‘How do you know them?’ asked Ruby.

  ‘Bunny taught at the high school for years and years. She knows practically everyone,’ replied Megan. ‘Bunny, we don’t want you to introduce us outright. We wouldn’t want to seem interested. But thanks.’

  ‘Maybe after the New Year’s Eve fireworks you could go to the dance at the hall. That’s where you’ll meet everyone.’

  ‘Thanks, Bunny, but Megan and I are okay on our own. We have a lot to talk about,’ said Ruby hastily.

  When they’d finished their drinks and picked up a few groceries, they dropped the parcels at home and then headed out for the waterhole. In minutes they were out of Neverend.

  It was a pretty drive following the river, passing several old farmhouses. Further along, tucked into the fold of a hillside, they spotted a modern home with tinted windows, white sculptured walls and the glint of a swimming pool.