Mr Angelou nods at me. I nod back.
It’s a weird day. Too much to think about. After school, I’m going to drop in on Christopher. At lunchtime, I race to the library. Mrs Lopez is happy to see me. ‘If you need anything, I’m here.’ Samantha’s dog project is still on display with her blue first-prize ribbon. I walk around it and it’s actually really good. Apart from the pre-plastic surgery elephant-nose, Samantha got it right. I find one of the supersize atlases and follow the route from home to Genoa Caves.
Luckily afternoon class is Art. I like Art, but today I like it even more because we’re outside sketching. I disappear behind a huge fig tree with my pencils and paper. I sketch black glasses. A lot of them. Then a man. You can only see his back, the back of his head, his hands. I let my pencil slide off the page, close my eyes and rest against the tree. The end of day bell goes.
Mr Tran smiles when he sees me enter the bakery after school. ‘Come to visit Christopher?’ he waves me through. ‘Christopher is upstairs in his room. He’s sick.’
Mrs Tran notices me from the storeroom and calls out. ‘Hello, Jack.’
I shuffle through the shop and climb the stairs to Christopher’s room. I knock as I enter. Christopher turns around from his desk. He pretends to cough. He’s got a new, uncracked lens in his glasses.
‘You can see again. I’ve got something for you.’ Rummaging through my bag, I pull out my birthday invitation. ‘Everyone’s got theirs already. Left it in their desks, but you haven’t been at school.’ He opens it and puts it down.
I sit on his bed. ‘Are you feeling better?’ I know he’s not sick.
‘Yeah.’ Christopher gives another cough.
‘I showed George Hamel the clip of the game. He was OK about it.’ I grin. ‘He said Winger’s a bum. And Hawkie shouldn’t have been treated like that by Winger and the Reds.’
‘Really?’
‘Really. He sort of admitted that he was a jerk last year. He knew I was going to show Mr Angelou. George said that’s OK. I couldn’t believe it. I guess people can change if they want.’
‘What about Winger?’
‘George said he’d tell him to lay off you. George wasn’t involved in the graffiti.’
‘Do you believe him?’
‘Yeah, I do, and they’ll be on detention for a long time.’
Christopher takes off his glasses and rubs the new lens. ‘School’s really important to my parents. To me too. I don’t know how long I could’ve stayed away.’
‘So you weren’t sick?’ I nudge him.
‘Funny.’ He swallows hard. ‘Thanks, Jack.’
‘Yeah, I’ve learned you can’t do everything alone. So you’ll be at school tomorrow?’
‘I’ll be there.’
It’s good to get home. Samantha’s cutting sunflowers for the house. She waves them at me. Puppy’s chasing his tail. Ollie’s digging holes in the garden beds. Nanna’s cutting back the roses.
I walk up behind Nanna. ‘Nanna, can I talk to you?’
She jumps back and screams. ‘You gave me a fright.’ She puts down the gardening scissors. ‘Let’s go to the verandah.’ When we make it up the stairs she sits in a garden chair. I put down my bag and sit next to her. ‘What do you want to talk about?’ Her eyes crinkle shut, then open. She knows what.
‘It’s the shoebox. He lives in Genoa Caves. Just three hours away. There’s a phone number.’
‘What do you want to do, Jack?’
‘I don’t know.’
‘I think you do, Jack.’ She puts her hand over mine. The softness sends a wave of Nanna through me.
‘Can’t hurt Mum. She’s always been here for Sammy and me. Dad just left. Never heard from him again. What if it’s the wrong thing to do?’
‘We all have to make choices.’
I rub my head. ‘I want to call him. To ask him things.’
‘Then you’ll have your answers.’
Rob’s yellow van toots, blasting ‘Surfer Joe’ down the driveway. Mum sticks her head out of the car window. She’s waving glow sticks. ‘Birthday express, coming through.’ She’s raided the discount shop. Streamers, streamers and more streamers. Balloons, balloons and more balloons. I go to help carry some of the bags. ‘Mum, is there anything left at Susie’s Super Discount Store?’
‘Your birthday’s important, Jack. Come on, everyone, let’s get it all sorted and packed away.’
Rob’s stacking boxes of drinks in the shed. Nanna’s found the Hawaiian leis. There must be a hundred of them. Samantha’s discovered the sparklers. ‘Mum, I love them. Can we try some now?’
Mum does a little twirl. ‘Why not? I love them too.’
Samantha and Mum dance around making sparkling flowers in the air. Got to get my camera.
Night. I have to make the call. I start pacing across my bedroom. I sit down, get up, pace some more, stop. Got to ring. I get onto my computer and search for the hundredth time, Genoa Caves. It flashes up. Three hours’ drive, into the mountains. It’s on the train line. I open Nanna’s box again, fossick through the papers and photos. There it is. The phone number in her shaky writing. I take it out and flatten the page with the palm of my hand. I’ve got to phone, but my hand is shaking. Stop shaking, Jack. What am I? A coward? I stare at the photo of Grandad. Do it, Jack. Do it. I feel like I’m choking. I press the numbers. Ring, ring, ring.
There’s a pick-up. A man’s voice. ‘Hello.’ My throat’s dry. I cough. The man’s voice asks, ‘Is someone there?’
I cough again. ‘Yeah. Dad. It’s me. Jack.’
There’s a gasp from the other end, then a jerky question. ‘How have ya been, Jack?’
‘I don’t know. Good I suppose.’
‘I thought one day you’d call, Jack.’
‘I thought one day you’d call, Dad.’
Chapter 20
Plans Afoot
Nanna’s door is open. She’s waiting for news. I pad into her room. Tears dot the corners of my eyes. I rub my face. ‘Nanna, I’m seeing him. Dad.’ That word feels unreal. Dad. Have I really got a dad? ‘You promised to help me, Nanna. We’ve got to do this.’ My breath becomes short. ‘You can’t tell Mum. Or anyone. I’ve never really lied to her before, but we need to do this.’
‘Mum will understand if we talk to her. We should.’ Nanna hesitates. ‘I’ve never lied to her before either.’
Guilt alert. Nanna’s weakening. She wants to tell. I use the Caring Strategy. ‘We’re protecting her. She’d feel bad. Really bad.’
Nanna’s Care Factor is triggered. Her eyes shimmer. ‘Yes, we’ve got to protect her.’
We make the deal. Nanna and I are agents on a mission. She’s been briefed. Saturday is our target date. Dad’s expecting me. He asked about Samantha. She’s off-limits. Destination locked in. Genoa Caves.
‘Ready to go to dinner?’ I give Nanna the sign. Thumbs up. She returns it. Thumbs up. Mum’s singing as she dishes out pasta. Rob ladles out parmesan cheese. He sits down at the table next to Samantha. Dinner is normal. Well, for our family, which means Mum’s forcing us to have celery or carrot juice. We’ve all picked carrot. Mum’s gulping down celery. Poor Mum. She’s trying to show us how good it is. We’re not fooled. Rob’s shaking, barely controlling his laughs.
Nanna deploys her secret weapon. Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies from the Tran Bakery. She brings them out right on time. Hands them around. Everyone’s munching, even Ollie and Puppy. Samantha smuggles some illegal bits under the table. This is called softening up the opposition. Nanna waves her cookie in the air. ‘Everyone, I’ve an announcement.’ Heads turn to her. ‘Jack and I want to spend some special grandson–Nanna time together.’
Mum melts. ‘Lovely.’
Nanna and I lock eyes. Our plan. ‘This Saturday.’
Mum’s voice is gushy. ‘Saturday? Lovely.’
‘In the mountains. Genoa Caves.’
‘The mountains? Genoa Caves? That’s too far. For just one day? I don’t think it’s a goo
d idea.’
I eyeball Nanna. She tries the Guilt Strategy. ‘Are you saying I’m not capable of going on a train ride there?’
Mum is flustered. ‘No, no. You’ll enjoy the trip.’
Then the worst happens. I hadn’t thought about it. It’s Samantha. ‘What about me? Aren’t I a grandchild? Don’t I matter?’ Her bottom lip’s trembling.
Nanna’s face crinkles into worry lines. ‘You matter a lot, Samantha.’
Mum gives Nanna a look. ‘It’d be lovely if Samantha could go with you.’
Oh no. This is going all wrong. Samantha’s upset. I’ve got to fix it. ‘Sammy. I wasn’t thinking. I really want you to come to the mountains. Nanna does too.’ Samantha glances at Nanna who’s nodding. ‘We’re the three amigos. Nanna, you and me.’
She looks up. ‘Really?’
‘Yeah. It wouldn’t be much fun without you. Nanna thinks that too.’
Rob puts his hand on Samantha’s shoulder. ‘You’ll like the mountains.’
‘We’re the three amigos, Sammy.’ How am I going to do this? I look at Sammy laughing. She’s got to come. I’ll figure it out.
Christopher is nervous when he goes into our classroom.
Anna calls out. ‘Glad you’re better.’
He smiles.
‘Nice glasses,’ Winger sneers. We move on towards our desks. George gives me a quick nod and then bashes Winger’s arm. Winger retreats into his seat and pretends it’s all a joke. George Hamel’s keeping his promise. He’s right. Winger’s a butt. I don’t trust Winger and he’s not going to win, not now that George is onto it. And Mr Angelou is onto it.
It’s hard to concentrate at school. All I can think about is tomorrow. The trip to Genoa Caves. I don’t want to be at school today.
I can hear only when Anna’s talking to me. ‘So why are you really going to Genoa Caves?’
I flinch. How does she know there’s another reason? I’d lie to her, but she’d never forgive a lie. I notice Paul. Quick plan. ‘Anna, have to tell Paul something. Sorry, got to go.’ I race off. ‘Paul. Paul.’ I look back: Anna’s still watching me.
Everything’s so confused in my head. I don’t even know if I want to see Dad. He hasn’t called me in five years. There’s Rob too. The day is a blur. Final school bell. I thought it’d never ring. We’re off the bus and walking home. Christopher stops outside the bakery. We knuckle touch. ‘Thanks, Jack.’
Anna and I walk towards the Napolis’ Super Delicioso Fruitology Market. ‘You’d tell me if something was happening, wouldn’t you?’ She hesitates. ‘You’re my best friend.’
‘Better than Maggie?’ I joke.
‘Better than Maggie.’ She stops. All I can see are her dark beautiful eyes.
I stammer. ‘There is something. I promise I will tell you. But not yet. I can’t lie to you. You’re my best friend too. Trust me.’
She thinks for a while, then says seriously, ‘All right, Jack.’ She holds out her hand. I take it and we walk home.
Saturday. Rob’s running around. He’s made romantic plans with Mum. Mum’s going to get her fingernails and toenails painted and her hair styled this morning. Rob doesn’t need anything more done to his hair. Ha. He’s booked a lunch boat cruise. Then a movie in the luxury class where they get champagne. Mum’s choice of movie. No surfing or action heroes or bomb blasts. Rob even said Mum could pick a love story.
I’m trying not to laugh. ‘Hey, Mum. I thought we’re the most important people in the world to you? It looks like you’re glad to get rid of us.’
Mum’s face scrunches into worry lines. ‘No, it’s just . . .’
My self-control bursts. I splutter, ‘It’s OK, Mum. We know you love us.’
Rob’s standing at the van. ‘Ready?’ he sings out. Nanna pads outside, carrying her special large bag. There’ll be cookies, apples, drinks in it, for sure. Be prepared is her motto. She’s a Girl Guide at heart. Samantha follows. I check my camera. Nanna’s in the front seat. Samantha and me in the back. We wave madly at Mum as the van rattles away.
We board the train, get seats facing each other. Nanna unpacks supplies. I was right. Cookies. Samantha chatters to Nanna. Glad she’s here. I don’t want to talk. I take photos as the town disappears and we rattle through fields, other towns, more fields, into mountain trees, climbing into the mountains. Samantha stops talking and plays with her game. Nanna’s asleep. I click photos of her with her soft cheeks and greying hair.
Towering fir trees rise on either side of the tracks as the train clacks upwards. It starts to wind around the mountains. Valleys drop and I get glimpses of a river. It’s photo heaven with the sunlight streaking through the clouds.
The train starts to slow. Samantha puts away her game. Nanna must have a sixth sense, as she suddenly wakes up. ‘Are we here?’ I nod. ‘Lovely trip.’ As if Nanna would even know.
I peer through the window. ‘We’re here. Genoa Caves.’
Chapter 21
We’re a Team
Nanna sways as we walk through a rocky cavern. Dripping crystal stalactites hang like ice from its roof. Samantha yelps when a drip splashes onto her hand. A stream runs through the cave. We lean over the railing to see where the river goes. It just disappears into a dark hole. What’s under us? Where’s it going? I stare down.
‘The guided tour starts in a minute. The Grand Cave. You’d better get into line.’ I glance at the time. ‘And I’ve got to go.’
‘Aren’t you coming, Jack? The Grand Cave. You have to come—’
I cut her off and lie. ‘I’m not missing out, Sammy. I’m doing the rock climbing one.’
‘Oh, that’ll be good too.’ Samantha smiles.
Nanna presses her hand against my arm. ‘You be careful.’
‘I will. See you in a couple of hours and don’t fall into a crack, Nanna. Sammy.’
Nanna and Samantha line up for the Grand Cave tour. I look at the time, then check my camera and pull my backpack onto my shoulders. I walk, then start jogging back through the cave to the road. The cliffs are huge. I half-expect to see the ocean, but these cliffs plunge into wilderness and rocky outcrops. I see the snaky river deep in the valley. A shadow glides above. I look up and see a grey–brown eagle soaring. Grandad?
The wooden cottages huddle together. My heart’s jumping. I press my hands against my legs. Come on, Jack. You can do this. A man hangs over the railing of the last cottage. It’s got to be him. I know it’s him. I’m going to be sick. My legs feel stuck, feet glued to the ground.
The wind whistles and I know Grandad’s next to me. ‘We’re a team, Jack. We can depend on each other. Let’s do this together.’
‘OK, Grandad.’
The man jerks up his head as I walk towards him. It’s him. I remember. Two trail bikes are in the front. I pass them and climb up the wooden steps. I’m not scared. I’m not scared, Grandad. No one can make me scared.
‘Hi, Jack.’
‘H-hi,’ I stammer. ‘Dad?’
‘Glad you could come, Jack.’ He stands up from the railing.
My heart pounds. He’s got brown hair like me. Brown eyes. A jacket like the one he always wore. It’s him. Really him. I walk up the steps.
‘Good weather,’ he says.
‘Yeah. Good weather.’
There’s a table set up with a jug of lime cordial, a bowl of chips and a bowl of nuts. ‘Let’s sit down. Here’s a drink.’ He pours a glass for me, then himself.
‘So how’s things, Jack?’
‘OK. How’s things with you?’
‘OK.’
This is so uncomfortable. I slide looks at him. I can just about remember him.
‘Glad you’re here, Jack.’
I swallow. ‘What do you do?’
‘I’m a builder. Do you like building things?’
‘Yeah. I like taking photos.’ I pull out my camera. ‘Can I take a photo?’ He nods and I click, click, click.
He starts talking. I listen. He likes the wilderness, camping at n
ight under the stars, the caves. He makes things like I do, but he doesn’t surf. ‘What about you, Jack?’
I shrug but the question’s burning inside me. I have to ask. ‘It took me a very long time to find you. I didn’t know where you were, but you always knew where I was.’ I look him in the eye. ‘Why didn’t you come back?’
He rubs his hands, stares at his dusty boots, then me. ‘Because I had a new life. There was someone else. It was easier to pretend you weren’t there.’ He presses his fingers against each other. ‘And the longer I didn’t see you . . . It just got easier to forget.’
That really hurts. ‘It was hard for Mum. And us.’
He nods. ‘It’s not good enough. I know that. But you’re braver than me. And you’re here now, Jack. And there’s Sammy. How is she?’
My head’s spinning. I blurt out, ‘She loves dogs.’
He looks over at the trail bikes. I look over too. One’s just right for a kid. ‘Matt loves dogs too.’ He bites his lip. ‘I’ve got . . . a boy. A son. Matt. He’s eight.’
A boy. He has a son. But I’m your son. You left me and told me to be good.
‘I’d like to get to know you. And Sammy.’
‘Maybe. Got to go.’ I don’t call him Dad.
‘See you again, Jack.’
‘Sure.’
Dazed, I walk back to the Grand Cave. Nanna and Samantha are waiting. Samantha talks nonstop about the Grand Cave. I’m glad she’s talking, because I can’t. Nanna shuffles close to me.
The train rattles through the mountains. It’s dark by the time we reach the plains on the way home. I take out my camera and look at my photos. Dad’s face, again and again.
The train pulls into Boat Harbour. Mum and Rob are waiting for us on the platform. Nanna nearly stumbles as she gets off, but Rob’s there and steadies her. Samantha’s bursting with news. She shows Mum the Genoa Caves guidebook Nanna bought for her.
Mum’s glowing, with a daisy chain woven into her hair. ‘Woooh. The hairdresser did a great job.’ Mum smiles and I hug her for a very long time.
Being Jack Page 9
