by Susan Pease
When they returned to the bedroom Eiki froze with fright, she remembered her travelling into the wardrobe.
‘It’s all right; you’re not in the wardrobe tonight, you can sleep on the bed with me.’
‘Don’t want to sleep with you; want to sleep with the furry thing over there.’
Jo looked to where Eiki was pointing. Curled up at the end of the bed fast asleep was her cat Tim Tam.
Looks like the lazy cat had a purpose after all, thought Jo.
CHAPTER FOUR
Fire Part Of Life
The night was quite uneventful until the early hours when out of the blue was a racket coming from outside. People were screaming, sirens were blaring and lights were turning on in every house.
‘What on earth is going on?’ screamed Jo.
Eiki jumped up and looked out the window. Over on the edge of the town was a huge glow in the sky.
‘Red glow means fire; bush fire real close.’
All Jo could think of was her aunt stuck in the bush with the Gulp-a-Waters and the Slurp-it-Downs. Will she survive? Eiki sighed; she didn’t seem as worried as Jo.
‘How you can be so calm Eiki, it beats me; the fire brigade is collecting their members as we speak. We have to prepare to fight the fire to save the house and help all of our neighbours!’
Jo began to panic and that was not going to help anyone.
‘Fire part of life; bush needs fire to reproduce all the trees and bushes. Don’t worry about your aunt, she will be safe, village very safe, we are used to bush fires.’
This may be well enough but the fire was still coming close and now they could smell the smoke. Jo closed her window as the smoke was choking her. She now worried about the safety of her family and pets, things were getting truly serious. While darting down the steps towards the kitchen, Eiki followed, mumbling the most extraordinary thing.
‘Gulp-a-Waters and Slurp-it-Downs hear my cry for help, gather the glue and boil the pots, the essence of life will be needed lots.’
What on earth could she mean? Eiki did say that she had come to tell me the secret of Corkuparipple Creek, what does she mean when she says, the essence of life?
The wind started to pick up and embers flew into the garden. People were running with hoses, buckets of water and hessian bags. Jo yelled out for her mother and found Geoffrey under the kitchen table.
‘What are we going to do Sis? I can’t find Mum; think she’s outside fighting the fire.’
Jo looked out the window; the fire had come uncomfortably close.
‘Stay inside and put wet towels against the doors. Fill the bathtub and sink with water and get a torch and battery radio. Don’t panic if all of a sudden the power goes off, okay? I’m going outside to fill all the gutters with water and remove all the furniture from the verandah. It’s far too late to evacuate so we have to be sensible and stay put.’
Geoffrey for once obeyed his sister, he wanted to help Jo and his mum, and knew that staying inside would allow them to fight the fire without worrying where he was. Eiki made sure Geoffrey could not see her; she continued to chant to the Gulp-a-Waters and the Slurp-it-Downs. Minutes later something weird and wonderful happened; thick blobs of snot-type rain drenched the fire and smothered the embers.
Everybody in the town stared in disbelief. The extinguished fire gave relief to all the people of the town.
Now I know what the glue is all about, thought Jo.
Eiki went back upstairs, yawned and snuggled up to Tim Tam. Her work was finished, all she needed now was a good night’s sleep. Jo would arrive soon so better to be asleep than to have to answer thousands of annoying questions.
‘Goodnight furry thing; see you in the morning,’ mumbled Eiki and within a second she was fast asleep.
Jo and her mum came back worn out and covered in soot.
‘We better clean up and go to bed for some shut-eye,’ said her mum.
‘I’m too tired but I can’t get into bed in this state,’ said Jo breathlessly.
Walking to the bathroom, Jo remembered Eiki and panicked.
Hope she’s all right; didn’t see her downstairs.
After cleaning herself and feeling guilty that she was using more water than Eiki would approve of, Jo crept into her room. Jo found Eiki fast asleep cuddled up to Tim Tam with the cat’s tail between her beak.
Looks like Tim Tam’s tail makes a great dummy, chuckled Jo.
It didn’t take long before the weary girl was fast asleep. No questions tonight, just dreams of the surreal.
SUCK IT IN AND GET OVER IT
Jo woke up the next morning to find Eiki gone. Disappointed that yet again the secret had eluded her, she sleepily wandered downstairs to get breakfast. Jo had been away from school because of her sore knee. Fortunately, the time away from school backed up against the school holidays. The end of the term meant two whole weeks to explore the bush and visit all her new friends in the village. Only problem was, she would have to share the experience with her wacky aunt.
Suck it in and get over it, she told herself.
The town was a real mess because of the bush fire. Most of the fences were gone and everything was blackened and sooty. The Mayor had organised cleaning-up rosters and everybody buckled down to help restore the town. It would take weeks, and Jo hoped that she could find some time to disappear into the world of Slurp-it-Downs and Gulp-a-Waters.
Melissa always came around in the holidays. They would often have sleepovers and go to the pictures or walk around the mall. After all was said and done, Melissa was the shopping queen. With the mall being one of the bush fire casualties, Jo wondered how her friend would cope. This holiday brought the opportunity to dash into the bush; there was no time for Melissa. Jo had to get rid of her so that she could have another adventure but this would be a challenge. She wished that her mother did not look after Melissa in the school holidays for extra money. While eating her breakfast and pondering over the problem, the phone rang. She ran to answer it and to her surprise found Doreen, Melissa’s mother, on the other end.
‘Hi Jo, just wanted to let your mother know that Melissa has the chickenpox. Unfortunately, she’ll not be able to stay at your house in the holidays. I have to take the time off work to look after her, let your mother know please. I’m sorry; I know the extra money comes in handy.’
Jo could not believe her luck, now she was rid of Melissa and could do whatever she wanted. The secret of the Corkuparipple Creek haunted her and she knew it was time to find out the whole truth. Seems once again a sticky situation had turned out okay. Somebody was definitely looking out for her.
After leaving a note for her mother, Jo decided it was time to return, hopefully, to the village. Then she remembered Charity and fear set in. What if the fire had burnt her to the ground? Eiki had gone and her promise had not been fulfilled. Two dilemmas, the boat and catching up with Eiki – what should she do first?
Jo decided to dash and check up on her boat otherwise she would not be able to concentrate on anything else. When she arrived at the water’s edge there was no boat, only a burnt mooring.
‘Oh no. I think I’ve lost Charity! It’s terrible! What am I going to do?’
She started to cry and tears poured heavily down her cheeks but she heard a faint sound coming from up the river; it sounded like her grandfather’s voice, Don’t panic; she still is a real corker. Jo looked up and to her relief, Charity was floating in the middle of Corkuparipple Creek, safe and sound.
‘Thank goodness! I wonder how she managed to get out there?’ exclaimed Jo.
Jo was deciding what to do when Simon arrived with Mark and together they swam out and pulled the old girl back.
‘Got something to tell you Jo, it’s about what I’m doing,’ announced Simon.
‘Thanks for the help Simon, can’t stop to talk, will see you soon,’ answered Jo hurriedly.
In a flash she ran off leaving Simon confused.
Need to find Eiki; she was prepared to tell me the secret. Hope
she didn’t get into trouble by staying away all night. Better tell her about Charity, maybe it was the creatures that saved her from the fire. Damn, I better go home first. I’m all wet and muddy, seems I’m always in a mess when I just want to hurry away. I think I’ve overdone the running. Gee but my knee is sore and stiff.
When she arrived home Jo cleaned herself up quickly and decided she still had loads of time to visit the village. This time, nothing was going to delay her and knowing that Charity was fine was one less thing to worry about.
Bandaid had been terrified with the entire goings-on last night and the poor dog’s digestive system went into overload! Jo dashed to the front door for a breath of fresh air.
Gosh that dog makes terrible smells! Mum needs to change his dog food.
Bandaid just looked at Jo and backed away. Returning to the bush was all Jo could think about, her leg was still a little stiff but she figured the exercises would help it heal. Wide-eyed and excited she retraced her steps through the bush she loved so much. Through the familiar clearing, she made her way over fallen logs until she found the spot near the creek where the creatures lived. She waited and waited but there was nobody to be seen. Feeling disgruntled and losing patience she nearly gave up. Nobody was coming and she still didn’t have Aunt Pepper’s talent to travel into the village. Maybe all the creatures were collecting and boiling up the snot glue. The bush fire had probably caused lots of damage and so they were likely to be extremely busy. She jumped to her feet and turned to go home, when all at once she felt that she was being watched. Something was lurking in the bushes. Her hair prickled and stood up on the back of her neck; this was the first time she had ever felt panicked in the bush. Was there somebody watching her? Usually it was she who watched the creatures.
MONSTERS AND SCARY MOMENTS
Every nerve in Jo’s body was tingling unpleasantly. She braced herself for whatever was about to happen and waited. The wind had now taken up and the trees swayed and crackled. Branches flew off and crashed to the ground. Terrified that something sinister was watching her and ready to pounce, she crouched low behind some grevillea bushes. Jo couldn’t begin to imagine what might be ahead of her but the gusty wind set the scene for something evil to appear. All of a sudden the bushes parted. Jo held her breath. She was shivering uncontrollably now; her heart beating so fast it hurt.
There was an unexpected movement.
‘Look who we have found; must be the Jo girl.’
‘Don’t be silly she’s not the Jo girl, she’s too short.’
‘You big twit, it is the Jo girl, she’s crouching down.’
Jo let out a massive sigh of relief as she witnessed the two familiar creatures argue over her identity. Calming down she took a huge breath.
Must not let them know I was scared; need to be in control somehow.
The Gulp-a-Waters went up to Jo and said, ‘What kind of bee can you turn your back on?’
Jo couldn’t believe that the creature found this an appropriate time to tell a joke. She answered in the usual way.
‘I don’t know. What kind of bee would you turn your back on?’
The Gulp-a-Waters was impressed that she was going to play along with him and answered, ‘Your behind of course.’
Chuckling uncontrollably, he fell backwards, tumbling down an embankment into the creek. Splash, down he went laughing and crying at the same time.
Jo didn’t think the joke warranted such a performance. She laughed to humour the creature and thought; thank goodness it wasn’t a creepy bush monster after all.
Dripping wet and definitely in a good mood, the Gulp-a-Waters called the Slurp-it-Downs to help him out of the creek.
‘Get yourself out you long-nosed, fat-looking good-for-nothing.’
‘Help me, you lazy, skinny, bug-eyed twig.’
This time Jo felt she knew them enough to interrupt.
‘Stop arguing and help each other or I’ll bang your heads together.’
The two creatures, amused with Jo’s response, smiled and helped each other. With a splattering thud they hit the slimy embankment.
Then another familiar voice made its way out of the bushes. The old Slurp-it-Downs appeared with Eiki in tow.
‘Want to go to the village I suppose. Need to see Pepi I think, she is busy you know? Hope she wants to see you Jo. Don’t like to bother her today. Do you think we’ve nothing better to do?’
Jo ran up to Eiki and picked her up to give her a huge Slurp-it-Downs cuddle.
‘I was so worried about you Eiki. I didn’t know whether you would get into trouble for staying in my bedroom all night.’
The old Slurp-it-Downs looked at Eiki with disapproving eyes but for once kept silent.
Excitement overcame Jo, she was now going back to the village. This time she would definitely find out the secret of the Corkuparipple Creek. Expecting to be travelled, she sat down and shut her eyes. The last time her aunt had travelled her she’d felt a little dizzy, so it would be best to sit quietly and be prepared. The creatures stared at the girl sitting on the grass.
‘What do you suppose she’s doing?’ enquired the Gulp-a-Waters.
‘Beats me, looks like she is tired and needs a rest,’ said the Slurp-it-Downs.
Eiki started laughing.
‘She’s getting ready to be travelled.’
The group had no intention of travelling; there were too many things that needed their attention after the fire. Feeling quite foolish, Jo jumped up. Looks like she’ll have to put up with the creatures speaking in limericks all day.
It would be quicker just to travel, she thought grumpily.
The best way to the village was to hike through the bush. There were so many things that they had to check up on. The water in the creek needed monitoring for any pollution, and the animals in the bush needed inspecting. Jo would not want to miss the experience. After a short time, the old Slurp-it-Downs found a kangaroo lying by the edge of the creek. Her back legs were burnt; she had been caught in the bush fire. Jo was saddened by the extent of the kangaroo’s injuries. To Jo’s surprise the elder Slurp-it-Downs pulled out a green bottle of glue and rubbed it on the animal. Soon after, she jumped up and took off as healthy as ever. The creatures became engrossed in conversation.
‘Heard somebody set the bush on fire, don’t know what’s wrong with humans.’
The elder Slurp-it-Downs shook his head and replied, ‘We must be on the lookout to catch the culprit.’
Jo smiled grimly to herself at the thought of what would happen if they caught the person responsible. Rules of behaviour involving the safety of the bush and its creatures were of utmost importance. What punishment would they expose the culprit to? Visions loomed into view; it was definitely a different world in the bush.
‘Let’s continue, running late you know,’ said the old Slurp-it-Downs.
Jo’s leg was starting to ache; her leg had healed but the muscles were still weak. Eiki noticed the apparent limping and addressed the matter with the elder Slurp-it-Downs. Making loud, snide remarks, he approached the girl. He pulled the green bottle out and started rubbing it into Jo’s leg.
‘What do you reckon?’ asked the creature.
Jo’s popping-out eyes fell upon her leg. Her sore knee had turned green, then orange, and then purple. Her mouth opened wider and wider. Jo blinked at what was happening to her. A strange and unpleasant sensation flew through her body. She screamed and then, with her voice breaking, there was relief when she saw that all the colour and pain had gone. Jo’s leg showed no sign of injury at all, totally amazing! The thought of creature snot repulsed her, but she had to admit it had magical healing power. The Gulp-a-Waters and the Slurp-it-Downs didn’t even blink. With exasperated looks, they quivered at the disgusting cheeriness of Jo.
‘Just one small improvement, I think that there is nothing to get cheery about.’
Oh dear I was wrong in showing happiness, must remember to just go with the flow.
‘Go with the f
low, not to show cheeriness, get a grip girl.’
Damn! The blinking creature heard my thoughts again, seems my thoughts travel like a boomerang and hit me in the face.
Eiki came up to her, teetering on the edge of revealing forbidden information. She was stopped in time by the elder Slurp-it-Downs announcing that after Jo’s rude interruption, they must continue. Jo did not seem quite so confident of her friendship with the creatures. Seemed she had thrown a spanner into the works. She must be an enormous burden to them. Standing frustrated in the midst of all the commotion, she decided to hang back from everybody. Eiki ran back towards Jo and grabbed her hand.
‘Don’t take any notice of them; it’s not your fault your leg hurt. They’re just preoccupied with all the destruction that has happened in the bush. We really need to find the firebug, because everything is still in danger.’
After walking for a few hours, Jo was thankful her leg was now healed. She started to worry about how long it would take to reach the village. By the time they got there, it could be time to travel home. The leaves overhead rustled faintly in the breeze as the creatures continued surveying the bush. Everybody was becoming impatient after unsuccessfully looking for signs of a firelighter. The bush tracking was starting to wear thin with Jo and she was about to demand a rest time, when the group heard a sound coming from under some bushes. The elder Slurp-it-Downs had a look of anger on his face and gestured the others to follow him to the source of the noise.
There, struggling on the ground was a wombat with a plastic bag wrapped around his nose. The poor wombat had mistaken the green bag for some vegetation.
‘Look at that! Seems those stupid humans have been littering again. Probably campers, the types who leave their fires alight and do not care about anybody else but themselves. They’re so ignorant that they don’t even realise the damage they do to the environment and its creatures!’
The Slurp-it-Downs was so mad that his face turned red and his hair stood up on the back of his neck. Jo had never seen a Slurp-it-Downs in such a rage and thought it quite scary. Heaven help the humans if this Slurp-it-Downs ever caught them.
