The Road Home

by Palmer, Fiona

  Lara smiled weakly. He was still Trent, still Marge’s grandson and Lara’s dear friend. He’d made a very bad decision, but what was more important was that he hadn’t gone through with it. His conscience had won. It didn’t change who he was inside. ‘Marge, would you like me to come to the court with you tomorrow?’

  ‘Oh, sweetie, thank you for the kind thought. But you have a crop to seed and a wedding to get to. This old woman will be all right. I’m going in with Wally and Debbie, so we’ll be fine. I’ll get Debbie to call you on the mobile when we know the outcome.’

  ‘Thanks, Marge. I’d appreciate that. If there’s anything I can do, just ask. Tell Wally the same. If he needs sheep fed while you’re away or anything, just let me know, okay?’

  ‘Ah, Lara, you’re such a gorgeous girl. I’ll come over on Thursday so I can catch you before you head off to the wedding. I have a little something for you to give to Noah and Amanda.’ She cleared her throat. ‘Trent was going to take it but I guess he may not be able to go now.’

  ‘We were going to go together, but we’ll just have to wait and see. I’ll see you on Thursday. Try not to worry. It’s his first offence and he didn’t go through with it.’

  ‘I know. ’Night, dear.’

  Jack sat at the table with Noah and Amanda, a pile of spaghetti in front of him. Amanda sure knew how to feed a man. As he twirled his fork through the pasta he wondered how Jerry was going with the last of the seeding. Jack had felt awful ducking off in the middle of the job. Characteristically generous, Jerry had told Jack if it was that important to him, then he’d make do with his wife helping him to get seeding finished. Jerry was brilliant like that. Family always came first and he knew Noah was like a brother to Jack.

  He chewed on a rich mouthful of spaghetti. He’d likely be fat by the time he left here, but it was worth it. He’d do anything to spend time here with Noah, to see him on the road to recovery. He’d stayed a few weeks, as there was no point going home and then coming back for the wedding.

  Thinking of the wedding – only a few days away now – made Jack think of seeing Lara again. He was missing her something fierce. He’d started daydreaming about her hair in his hands when he realised Noah was talking to him.

  ‘What?’

  ‘I said your phone’s ringing.’ Noah shot him a look that said, ‘What planet are you on?’

  ‘Sorry. I was miles away,’ Jack said as he got up to collect his phone from the hallway table.

  He answered it quickly before it rang out.

  ‘Jack, it’s me.’ said his sister Bec.

  ‘Oh, hey, matey. How’s things? Sorry I haven’t been in touch. I’m down in Esperance.’

  ‘That’s okay. I know the wedding is just a few days away and I’m really sorry to have to call you, but something’s happened.’ Bec’s voice stumbled. ‘It’s Dad, Jack. He’s had a stroke. He’s in hospital and I’m flying home tomorrow to see him.’

  ‘What?’ His dad? He hadn’t talked to him in years, but he was still his dad.

  ‘Jack, you still there?’

  ‘Oh, yeah. Is it serious?’

  ‘Yes. Mum just rang from the hospital. She asked me to beg you to come home and see him, just in case.’

  Just in case he doesn’t make it. Jack’s head was reeling.

  ‘Yeah, sure, Bec. Of course I’ll come home. I’ve got the wedding on Saturday so I’ll try and get a flight out on Sunday. Does that sound okay?’

  ‘I hope so.’

  Should he think about going even earlier? Letting down Noah and Amanda? No, as much as anything he needed time to get his head around the idea of seeing his dad again after all these years.

  ‘How’s Mum holding up?’ he asked. He could picture his mother, her hair up in a bun, clutching a white hanky as she dabbed away tears.

  ‘Trying to think positive, but she’s pretty scared. Dad’s never missed a beat so it’s come completely out of the blue.’

  ‘I’ll say,’ Jack murmured. He could hardly take it all in, but told Bec he’d speak to her again soon to confirm the arrangements.

  In a daze he hung up the phone and turned around. Both Noah and Mandy had come into the hall and were staring at him.

  Mandy rested her hand on his arm tenderly. ‘Jack?’

  Jack felt a lump working its way into his throat, and suddenly he couldn’t find his voice, couldn’t find the words to tell them what had happened to his dad. In that instant, all the years of hate and anger dropped away.

  33

  LARA bounced around in the tractor cab, listening to the ABC Drive show as she crawled around the paddock, seeding. She still had to concentrate to line up the edge of her previous seeding marks, but it wasn’t that hard. She’d researched the new technology available for automatic steering. A lot of farmers were using it for the reduction in overlaps and the savings in seed, fertiliser and fuel. It might be something to look into if they could afford it.

  Marge had rung her straight after the court case, staying on the line just long enough to tell her that Trent was going to be okay, that he was not going to jail. Lara had no idea of what had gone down but the main thing was that he would not be locked up. She was assuming Trent would still be coming with her to the wedding.

  She yawned as she checked on the dogs by her side – both still asleep. She envied them. There had been a lot of long days and late nights as she worked through the week trying to get the crops in as quickly as she could. She’d done big hours before with her office job, but back then she could take a quick power nap on top of her paperwork. That wasn’t an option when she was in charge of this big, expensive machinery.

  She never felt alone out on the paddocks. The two-way was busy with talk from other farmers out seeding, and at night, tractor lights would glow. Seeding had seemed so much more exciting as a kid, but then, she’d never been the one doing the long hours. But it still didn’t disappoint. At four o’clock in the morning, when she’d start, the ground would almost crunch with crispness, letting out the smell of freshly turned earth. It was such an amazing smell that some days Lara was tempted to lie down and roll in it. And at night, she loved the way wildlife came out and went about their business. She couldn’t believe seeding was nearly over for the year. Where did the time go?

  Lara was halfway through the second-last paddock when the tractor dash lit up like a Christmas tree. She wasn’t sure what to do, but didn’t want to make it any worse, so she pulled to a stop and rang the mechanic. Rattle, the local grease monkey, turned up promptly and started checking the tractor. It wasn’t sounding good, if his grunts were anything to go by. She watched as he crawled back out from under the tractor, his blond hair tipped with grease. He wiped his almost-black hands on his pants and walked over.

  ‘Sorry, Lara,’ he said, before describing the problem, using technical words she’d never heard before. It was clear that some vital part was stuffed and would need to be replaced. Without it, the tractor was cactus.

  After endless phone calls, it turned out there were none of these particular parts left in the state. She’d have to wait. She admitted defeat – there was no way she could finish the job now. It was already getting too dry and she only had a paddock to go, plus the one she’d nearly finished. The last lot would just have to wait until she got back from Esperance, and then she’d decide whether it was even worth finishing. No point stressing now. It was out of her hands.

  Lara packed up and Rattle gave her a lift to the truck, which she drove back to the shed. Just as she was cleaning up, Trent and Marge arrived. Marge carried a basket full of goodies and wore her biggest smile.

  Trent looked ashamed as he got out of the ute, wearing his work jeans, boots and fleecy jumper. Lara was surprised at how relieved she felt to see him. She went straight up and wrapped her arms around him. All the tension she’d seen in his shoulders drained away as he softened and tightened his arms around her.

  ‘I’ve brought a thermos,’ said Marge as Lara and Trent pulled apart.r />
  ‘Well, you couldn’t have chosen a better time,’ Lara said, smiling.

  Marge set about organising the tea and cakes on the back of the ute. Lara couldn’t miss the familiar twinkle in her eye. The hot tea looked like liquid gold as it poured, steaming, into the cups.

  ‘We didn’t really expect to find you here,’ Trent said. ‘Thought we’d be chasing you down on the tractor for a quick chat.’

  ‘Well, long story.’ Lara took a sip of her tea and proceeded to tell them about the breakdown. ‘But enough about me. I’m dying to hear how your case went. All I know is you’re okay and you’re here,’ she said, touching his arm as if to prove he was real.

  ‘I just told them the truth. That it was me who’d started it but I’d also stopped, that I couldn’t go through with it. They couldn’t really make the cultivation charge stick because the plants were almost dead when they saw them. And I had no intent of trafficking or personal use, so the judge just kinda threw up his hands and slapped me a fine for stupidity, but dropped the rest for growing a brain.’

  ‘I was so worried he’d be sent away,’ said Marge. ‘But he was a first-time offender with a clean record, so he was lucky. The local police actually put in a good word for Trent, saying it was out of character. I think it helped with the decision.’ Marge sighed and smacked Trent on the leg. ‘And I never want to be shocked ever again like that, you hear me, boy? You’ll send me to an early grave, and I’m expecting another twenty years out of this body!’ She tried to appear fierce but she would never look anything but loving.

  ‘So is it okay if I still catch a lift with you tomorrow?’ Trent asked Lara cautiously.

  Lara smiled. ‘Of course it is,’ she said. ‘I can hardly wait.’

  ‘Well, that’s me packed,’ said Trent, throwing his bag in Millie’s boot. ‘Thanks for the ride, Lara. After everything, I wasn’t sure how you’d be.’

  She weighed up Trent’s easy smile, his lean body and the sincerity in his eyes. He was so open and honest with her, so unlike Jack Morgan. She still hadn’t seen or heard from him.

  ‘Hey, have you seen Jack around lately?’ she asked.

  Trent shook his head. ‘No. But Jerry said he’d taken time off.’

  ‘Oh.’

  ‘Maybe he wanted a holiday and the wedding provided a good excuse,’ said Trent, climbing into Millie.

  The thought of seeing Jack again made Lara’s nerves buzz like killer wasps. He was the last thing she needed on her mind for this long trip. How could she face him after the things she’d said? ‘Let’s get this show on the road,’ she said.

  They headed off into the rising sun, following the gravel until they turned onto the bitumen. Big clumps of mud flicked up under the car, dumped on the road from truck and tractor tyres where it had fallen off near gateways. Another sure sign that it was seeding time. Soon, they had to pull over to let a big tractor coming the other way pass them; its seeder bar took up most of the road.

  A few minutes later something caught her eye. ‘What the hell was that?’ Lara craned her neck around to see.

  Trent laughed. ‘That was a tin horse on the toilet, reading a Playhorse magazine. Just wait – up further are some horses in a mini fox shooting, and there’s another in an aeroplane.’

  Lara gave him a puzzled look.

  ‘Come on,’ he said. ‘Don’t tell me you don’t know about the Tin Horse Highway?’

  Lara thought for a moment as she watched more tin horses whiz by. They were in the paddocks that edged the road, or in among the trees. Lara found herself slowing so she could get a good look at them. ‘Hey, a Ned Kelly horse! You know, now I think about it, I do remember Noah saying something about this. I didn’t really know what he meant.’

  ‘Yeah, and we have the Kulin Bush Races in October, out by Jilakin Lake. I guess they started up while you were in the city? You’ll have to go this year. I’m usually on the bar with Noah, but now he’s gone, maybe you can help me instead.’

  Lara could sense the innuendo, but she didn’t want to go there with Trent.

  ‘Are we still good, Lara?’ His gaze was heavy with emotion. ‘I couldn’t stand it if I’d changed things between us. You’re a great mate.’

  ‘Yeah, we’re fine.’ She smiled and saw the relief on his face.

  After a long, comfortable silence, they reached Pingaring. ‘You ever had a beer under the tree?’ Trent asked.

  ‘I was too young, but sometimes Dad would, and we’d tag along.’

  ‘Neat spot, hey. Occasionally I come out and have a few drinks with Izzy and Will.’

  ‘Oh, how are they going? Noah said he went to their wedding.’

  ‘Yeah, she’s just found out she’s pregnant.’

  Lara smiled at the thought but it soon turned to sadness. ‘I’m so happy for her, but sometimes it’s hard watching everyone else get married and have babies.’

  Trent laughed. ‘I guess for guys it’s a little different.’

  They continued talking about farming, investments, their families and everything in between. Talking with Trent always came easily.

  They made it to Amanda’s family farm just before lunch and Lara had to admit that she was glad Trent had come with her for company. Not once had she felt like nodding off.

  ‘Have you been here before?’ she asked Trent as she turned into the Brunamar property.

  He shook his head.

  ‘Me neither. It’s so beautiful out here, so much greener. And to think the beach isn’t that far away. No wonder Noah was prepared to sell up for Amanda and farm out here. Oh, look at all the cows.’ Lara laughed at the imposing sight of the big brown heifers.

  ‘I’d rather stick to sheep,’ said Trent.

  ‘Noah’s in his element.’

  They drove past Amanda’s parents’ place on their way to the small old house where Noah was staying until he and Amanda’s new house was built. It had lush gardens with huge green lawns around it. A marquee was already set up just outside the yard, ready for tomorrow.

  ‘Wow. That looks amazing,’ Trent said.

  ‘Yeah, bit of money around here.’

  No sooner had they stopped than Amanda came running out for hugs all round.

  ‘You’re here, you’re finally here,’ she said, bouncing on the spot. She was in the day’s work clothes of jeans, jumper and boots. Her Akubra sat low on her head, her brown hair tied back on her neck. ‘Come! Noah’s been waiting.’

  Lara threw Amanda a cautious look.

  ‘It’s all good,’ said Amanda, not wanting to elaborate with Trent there. ‘Hey, Trent. How’s things?’

  ‘A little interesting of late, but I’ll fill you in on that later if Lara hasn’t already?’

  Amanda glanced between Lara and Trent before shrugging. ‘Well, let’s get you settled in first. Trent, come with me and I’ll show you your bed. Noah’s inside.’ Amanda knew that Lara and Noah would need some alone time.

  When Lara spotted Noah, she couldn’t help feeling apprehensive. But more than that, she felt a great surge of love. His gaze rested on her, and then he smiled his cocky grin.

  ‘Noah.’

  ‘Hey, sis. Come here.’ He held open his arms and she launched herself into his chest. As he wrapped his arms tightly around her, he mumbled how truly sorry he was, and she couldn’t help the tears that came.

  ‘I’m sorry, Larz,’ he said again. He brushed his hand over her hair before pulling away. ‘Sorry for being such an arse, and a prick.’

  ‘Keep going?’ She laughed and hastily wiped away the stray tears. ‘So, you doing okay?’

  ‘Yeah, getting there. It will take time, but at least I’m dealing with it and accepting it for what it is. We’re all working on the trust issue.’

  She squeezed his arm. ‘I’m so glad, and if ever I can do anything to help, you know where I am.’

  Noah put his arm around Lara and took her to the table so they could sit. ‘So tell me, sis. Seeding done?’

  ‘Not quite. Tractor br
oke down so the last bit will have to wait.’ She shook her finger at him. ‘Besides, you should know better than to have a wedding so close to seeding. Whatever were you thinking? It’s the start of bloody winter.’

  ‘Hey, it’s a special day for us. It’s when we first met.’

  ‘And how are the nerves?’

  ‘Not so bad.’

  ‘I don’t know about that,’ a voice came from behind them. ‘He’s been a nervous wreck today.’

  Jack! The sound of his voice made Lara’s head snap around towards the door where he was standing tall in dark jeans and a Bluey jumper. He pulled off his black hat and smiled wearily at them.

  ‘Piss off, Jack. What kind of best man are you?’ Noah laughed and asked Jack to get them all a beer.

  Lara felt the shock of touching Jack’s fingers when he passed her beer but she couldn’t bring herself to look up at him. Was he mad at her? She mumbled her thanks.

  ‘Sit down, mate. We’re just having a big pow-wow,’ said Noah, dragging the chair out.

  Jack cracked open his beer and Lara squeezed in a quick glance. Her heart rate increased just at the sight of his body, those dark mysterious eyes and his thick, dark hair.

  ‘Can’t stay. Gotta head off and check the marquee, and I have a few last-minute jobs your mother-in-law has commandeered me for.’

  ‘But Lara just got here.’

  Jack’s eyes connected with hers for a few seconds before he turned to Noah. ‘Duty calls. I’ll catch up later.’ And as swiftly as he’d entered the room, he left. Lara felt like she could start to breathe again.

  ‘When did he get here?’ she asked before taking a swig.

  ‘Jack? A few weeks ago.’

  Lara choked and dribbled out some beer. ‘How long?’

  Noah exhaled slowly. ‘Look, I’m not pissed at you for telling Jack about the gambling. Actually, it was for the better – he turned up the next day and helped Amanda get through to me.’

  ‘Jack’s been here all this time?’ Lara was shocked. Her accusing words came back to haunt her: You’re not even a good friend.