by Lily Harlem
Evan rubbed his bottom lip. “The photographs, in the living room. Keep them, there’s some nice ones of my mother.” He nodded at the grandfather clock. “And that. It’s been in the family for generations. I wouldn’t want it to go.”
“Okay, I’ll go and let Ted know.” Harry slipped back the way he’d come.
“Right kids,” Olivia said, rubbing her hands together. “Let’s go see this school.”
As they headed outside, Evan paused. “Slight problem.”
“What?” Raul asked.
“We haven’t got any transport.” He looked at the vans, which were piled high with new furniture and swarming with workers.
“Lucas and I have a plan for that,” Mason said. “But it’ll take a few days to get new sets of wheels delivered.”
“Mmm.” Olivia looked around. “What’s in the barn, Evan? You did tell me, but I can’t remember.”
“Come and see.”
They walked past the huge tree toward the barn. Once there, Evan slid a wooden bar to one side and opened the two creaky doors.
It was dim and dusty and smelled of hay. Four stables lined the narrow wall to the east, alongside them was a pile of bales, plus pens used for lambing. But what really stood out was a red tractor and trailer.
“Does it work?” Olivia asked, stepping up to it.
“Yeah, I think so.” Evan pulled out a set of keys. “This is what my mother left me, I suppose one of these fits it.”
Olivia took the keys then climbed into the cab. It was old and grimy, definitely a tractor which had seen better days. She slotted the key in and turned.
Nothing.
“Damn it,” Evan said with a frown.
“It will be okay.” Raul squeezed his shoulder. “We have super engineer woman with us.”
“It is very dead.” Olivia pulled a face. “Let’s have a look at the engine.” She opened the hood. “I suppose one of the first things to do is try and jump-start it. Maybe we can use one of the delivery vans.”
“Good idea. I will go and ask.”
“But even if we get it working,” Harry said, striding up and assessing the situation. “How will we all fit in that small cab?”
“We won’t.” Olivia smiled. “You guys will have to sit in the trailer.”
Mason chuckled. “And roll into town, new school, like that. We’ll be a right bunch of hillbillies.”
“We haven’t got much choice.” Olivia shrugged.
“I agree, I’m just saying, it’s funny, that’s all.” Mason grinned.
She smiled. “Kids, why don’t you go and climb into the trailer so you’re not in the way.”
“Good idea,” Lucas said. “And I’ll get you some hay bales to sit on as seats.”
As they scampered off with Lucas, Raul drove a small white van through the barn doorway. Carefully, he drew it up in front of the tractor. “The guy said there are some jump leads in the back.”
“Great.” Olivia quickly located the leads, then attached them to the tractor’s battery. Within minutes the engine was ticking over. It was a bit croaky and had a few dirty splutters, but she figured it was trustworthy enough. Plus the battery would recharge as they drove into town.
“Right then, are we all set?” she asked the children.
Mason and Lucas were sitting with them in the trailer.
“Yes, yes.” Darius pulled a bunch of hay from a bale and threw it into the air.
“You’ll have to hold tight,” Olivia warned.
“We will.” He scooted closer to Mason.
“You okay to drive this rickety old thing?” Harry asked.
“Can you drive it?” she replied.
“Er, no, it’s a stick.”
“Then I’ll drive it. You guys just make sure no one falls out.”
“It’s going to be a long trip.” Evan climbed into the trailer. “A car can do it in forty-five, but we’ll be over an hour in this thing.”
“As long as it doesn’t rain,” Lucas said.
“No fear of that.” Evan rolled his eyes.
“Have you got water?” Harry asked.
“Aye, several bottles.”
Harry nodded to Mason. “Can you pass one here? Olivia can have it in the front.”
Olivia climbed into the cab, checked the side mirror, then pulled out of the barn.
A few of the decorators stopped what they were doing to stare as they chugged past. She gave them a wave.
Soon they were rattling down the enormous driveway toward the main road. It would take them twenty-five minutes to get off their own land. Then all she had to do was turn right, and the one long straight road, according to Evan, would take them to Valley Point.
She tried to avoid the potholes, but there were quite a few. Frequently she checked in the mirror to ensure the trailer and precious passengers were okay.
Finally they arrived at the town. It appeared to be set along one wide road, with single-storey houses dotted on either side. A large blue sign with Valley Point Community School stood beside a tall eucalyptus tree.
Olivia brought the tractor to a halt. It was a relief to have the engine switched off and to stop bumping up and down on the hard seat.
“You did a magnificent job,” Raul said, opening the cab door and holding his hand out.
“Thanks, but is everyone okay?”
“The children declared it to be the most fun ever, so si, everyone is okay. They will be sorry when they have a fancy car.” He laughed.
From the other side of a fence the sound of children’s voices and laughter filled the air.
“It must be break time,” Evan said. “Come on.” He held his hand out to Banna, who slipped her small fingers into his big palm.
As they all made their way to the gate, a woman in a red dress and holding a bell spotted them. She rang the bell, and the children around her all stopped what they were doing. “Play time is over, go inside, fill your water bottles, and sit at your desks. We have lots to do.”
When she rang her bell again, the children swarmed through the narrow door and into the school.
“Ah, Evan, it’s good to see you.” She smiled warmly and walked over. “Please come in, all of you.”
“G’day, Mrs Klein, how are you?”
“Very well.” She directed her attention at the children. “You must be our new students, Banna, Amal, and Darius. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Amal put his thumb in his mouth but then pulled it straight out again. His eyes were wide.
Darius pressed against Mason’s leg, almost hiding behind it.
“Thank you for letting us come to your school, Mrs Klein,” Banna said.
“It’s my pleasure and I’m sure you’ll be very happy here. We have a few rules, but mainly we have a lot of fun as we learn.”
“I like learning,” Banna said.
“Then we are halfway there.” Mrs Klein held out her hand.
Banna looked up at Evan.
“Go on,” he said. “Mrs Klein will take care of you.”
Banna took the offered hand.
“Why don’t you and your brothers stay for an hour? The next lesson is art.”
“Is that painting?” Darius asked.
“Yes, today it’s painting. Other days we use chalk or ink, sometimes we even use potatoes.”
“Potatoes.” Darius giggled. “For painting?”
“Yes, they’re great for printing.” She glanced at the doorway. Another female teacher stood there holding it open. “Ah, there’s Mrs Watson, she’s the best art teacher we have, with lots of paints. Why don’t you go and see her and I’ll catch you up in a minute?”
Darius tugged at Mason’s t-shirt.
“Go ahead, wee fella, we’ll come and get you when you’ve finished your painting.”
“You will?”
“Aye, I promise.”
Darius nodded. “Okay. Come on, Amal.” He took his little brother’s hand.
“See you soon,” Olivia said, her emo
tions tumbling a little at the prospect of handing over their care to someone else for just an hour. She’d become so protective of them, felt such responsibility. It was hard to let people she hardly knew take over.
“They’ll be fine,” Mrs Klein said, as the art teacher waved and smiled at the children. “Don’t worry.” She set her gaze on Evan. “You’ve taken a lot on with them. I’m guessing it’s a permanent arrangement if you’re settling them into school.”
“Yes, as I said on the phone, they’re here to stay.”
“And does that go for all of you? The kids seem pretty attached.”
“Yes, ma’am, we’re all staying.” Harry smiled.
Her gaze lingered on him before returning to Evan. “We’ll do our best to assess quickly what reading ages they are, find out what they do and don’t know academically. But if they’re as behind as you say, that will mean extra work in the evenings, at home.”
“That’s not a problem.” Olivia smiled.
“Good.” Mrs Klein tipped her head. “And you are?”
“This is my wife, Olivia.” Evan slipped his arm around Olivia’s waist.
“Oh, congratulations.” She smiled. “How lovely, Evan, that you’ve gotten married.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“And after such tragic news about your father. I am sorry.”
“Er, yeah, thanks.” He cleared his throat, then, “And Olivia is expecting, so we’re going to be an even bigger family soon.”
“Wow, yes you are. Your hands will be full.”
“Speaking of which,” Mason said. “We should get to that scan.”
“Are you all going?” Mrs Klein asked.
“Si, we are.” Raul grinned and opened the gate.
“One more thing,” Lucas said, his voice low and serious as he spoke for the first time since they’d arrived in the schoolyard.
They all paused and looked at him, including Mrs Klein. “Yes?” she asked.
“What’s your bullying policy?” he asked, folding his arms, his knuckles causing his biceps to bulge outward.
Mrs Klein raised her eyebrows. “Bullying policy?”
“Aye, if a kid is getting bullied, what do you do about it?”
“I’m pleased to say it’s not something we have a problem with at Valley Point. The children are encouraged to be kind and respectful to each other.”
“But say it happened?”
“I’m sure it won’t,” she said, “but I can see you’re concerned. So if there’s ever any kind of problem, please come straight to me. The issue will be nipped in the bud. Bullying won’t be tolerated here in any form.”
“Okay, thank you.” Lucas nodded.
“Not a problem.” She gestured to the school. “I should get in there, make sure paint isn’t flying around.” She laughed softly. “Pop back in an hour or so, that should be long enough for their first visit.”
Chapter Twenty-One
The next stop for Olivia and her men was Valley Point Clinic. As it was only a hundred meters from the school, they walked.
Olivia’s nerves grew as they got closer, and she clung a little tighter to Evan.
“You all right, babe?” he asked as they approached the door.
“Yes, I guess it’s about to get real, isn’t it.” She paused. “And of course there’s always the worry there might be something wrong.”
“I’m sure it will be fine.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Come on.”
The clinic was empty of patients. The green plastic chairs around the reception were all vacant.
Behind a desk sat an elderly woman with small round glasses. “Evan, g’day. How are you?”
“Very well, Dr Grace,” Evan said, continuing to urge Olivia up to the desk. “Thanks for fitting my wife in for a scan today.”
“To tell you the truth, we’ve hit a quiet spell. It will change when ranchers start coming in, they usually have complaints to deal with.” She stood. “This way, Olivia. I’ve filled most of your form in already, with the details Evan gave me.”
Olivia hesitated and glanced at Harry, Raul, Mason, and Lucas. “Would it be okay for all of my friends to come in?”
Dr Grace paused. “If that’s what you want, sure thing, honey.”
One of the knots of worry in her belly loosened. She hadn’t wanted any of her husbands to miss out on this exciting moment.
Once in the small blue clinical room, Olivia filled in the form with all her details, then Dr Grace indicated a leather couch. “Hop up on there, no need to get undressed, just undo your pants so I can get to your lower belly.”
“Okay.” Olivia did as she’d been asked.
Raul fussed over her, ensuring the pillow was exactly right.
“So, Daddy, you can sit there.” Dr Grace indicated a stool next to Olivia.
The men all glanced at each other. Harry nodded at Evan. “Go on then, buddy.”
Evan nodded and sat. He took hold of Olivia’s hand, cupping it between both of his.
Dr Grace tucked a paper towel over Olivia’s clothing, then retrieved her scanner. “Sorry, this will be a bit cold.”
“That’s okay.”
After applying clear gel, Dr Grace set the scanner on Olivia’s lower belly.
Olivia glanced at the men, who were all standing against the wall, wearing expectant and anxious expressions.
She swallowed and turned to the screen.
It showed a big blue circle. Within it were shadows lined with white. To the untrained eye it was indiscernible.
“Is everything okay?” Evan asked.
“Hang on one moment,’ Dr Grace said. “Just checking where everything is.”
Olivia felt her heart would beat out of her chest it was going so fast. She was excited and scared.
“Ah, yes, here we go.” Dr Grace indicated the screen. “Can you see here, this little flutter is the heart, and here’s the head, spine, arms and legs.”
Olivia peered closer, so did Evan.
Mason, Lucas, Harry, and Raul all took a step forward.
“And I would agree with your estimated dates,” Dr Grace said, seeming to measure the head with an onscreen tool.
“That’s good.” Olivia turned and smiled at the men. Knowing the baby wasn’t Paul’s was a relief.
“It is good,” Evan said.
“Would you like a printout of this?” Dr Grace asked.
“Yes, please, if it’s not too much trouble.”
“No trouble…” She peered closer at the screen, then moved the scanner.
“What’s up?” Mason asked, stepping to the end of the bed and pressing his hand over Olivia’s lower leg.
Olivia saw uncertainty in his eyes, and it sent a dart of panic through her.
“It’s just…” Dr Grace leaned closer, twisting a few knobs as she did so and zooming in.
Fear welled in Olivia, along with the now familiar metallic taste that coated her mouth.
“Is there a problem, Doctor?” Harry asked, standing closer to Evan.
“Si, what is it?” Raul brushed his hand over Olivia’s brow, as if soothing her.
But she couldn’t be soothed. What had the doctor seen? Was her baby not developing properly? Was there a problem with her womb, couldn’t she carry it to full term?
“There’s no problem.” Dr Grace pointed at the screen, indicating a small fluttery movement. “If you are happy to have twins.”
“Twins!” Olivia said, much louder than she’d intended. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Twins.” Mason and Lucas looked at each other, matching grins spreading.
“Yes, can you see here? It’s a second heartbeat. You’re carrying two babies, and they’re both fit and well.” She paused and clicked a print icon. There was a whir from beneath the scanner.
“Gemelos, no puedo creerlo.” Raul shook his head. “I can’t believe it.”
“It’s true.” Dr Grace lifted the scanner and wiped Olivia’s belly with a tissue. “You’re going
to be very busy, Evan.” She smiled. “I’ll leave you to get up and dressed, Mrs Tate. I’ll see you outside in a few minutes and we can discuss your next check-up.”
As she left the room, Harry pulled up a seat and sat with a bump. “Twins! You’re going to have twins.”
She was giddy with the news. A little fearful, too. She’d already been apprehensive about being pregnant and giving birth, and now it had all been doubled.
“This is so exciting.” Raul whizzed around to the other side of the bed. He pressed a kiss to her belly. “Ick, you taste of gel.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand but didn’t stop grinning.
“Harry,” Olivia said. “You’ve gone pale.”
“I’d only just gotten used to the idea of one baby in there.” He gestured to the screen. “But two?”
“I didn’t exactly plan it,” she said.
“Well no, but…” He nodded at Mason and Lucas. “I guess the chances of them being yours is pretty high. Twins run in families.”
“I have twins in my family.” Raul folded his arms and grinned. “My grandmother was twin, and I have cousins who are twins.”
Olivia ran her hands through her hair. “Wow, I didn’t stand a chance of having a single baby in there, did I?”
“Are you okay?” Evan said. “It’s you who has to carry them?”
“I’ll be fine. If I have you all.”
Raul took her hand and drew it to his mouth to kiss her knuckles. “You know you have us all.”
“This changes everything,” Harry said. “Twin pregnancies are higher risk. We can’t risk you or the babies, and this clinic is primitive. We need something with more mod cons, surgical facilities, neonatal unit and all that stuff.”
“Hey, this clinic is just fine.” Evan frowned.
“What I’m saying is,” Harry went on, “is they probably don’t have many multiple births to deal with. Or premature babies to care for.”
Evan opened his mouth, clearly irritated.
Olivia quickly spoke. “I’m not ready to get my head around what I want for the birth yet.” She sat. “Let me get used to the idea that I’ve got two babies in here.” She rubbed over her stomach, then did up her pants.
“This is wonderful,” Lucas said, smiling at her. “We have lots of love to give two more children in our family.”
