Family Farm

by Palmer, Fiona

  Izzy could see the longing in his feeble blue eyes, like an animal held in captivity.

  Will went over and clapped his hand on Bill’s shoulder. ‘I bet it’s driving you mad. Don’t worry, Bill. Once the rain’s finished, I plan on taking you out for a drive around the farm.’

  Bill’s face lit up like a kid with a fist full of lollies. ‘That would be bloody lovely,’ he said happily. ‘Catch you two kids later then.’

  With a quick wave, they were heading towards the door. Izzy was doing a great impersonation of an old lady hobbling along with a pretend walking stick. ‘I’m just going to tell Ethel that the CWA meeting’s over,’ she teased.

  Will grabbed her around the head in an armlock and ruffled up her hair with his knuckles. She squirmed beneath him, trying to land soft blows to his tight belly.

  ‘Go and put your big gumboots on. There is a shitload of water out there already.’ He gently pushed her through the doorway and onto the verandah.

  The sound of the huge raindrops on the tin roof was so loud that Izzy struggled to hear the last few words he said.

  21

  LARGE heavy raindrops pelted the cold windscreen moments before the arm of the wipers drained it away. Izzy leant forward in the Land Cruiser and peered through the rain-splattered window. Her nose almost touched the glass and caused two little clouds of fog to appear under her nostrils. Already the water had cut through the dirt road. Endless puddles lay everywhere and were starting to gather, forming little rivers that rushed into each other. Small ripples that mimicked miniature rapids rolled on the top of the pooling water. It would be one hell of a ride for an ant, she thought. The movement and flow of the rain had cut the gravel in the road, so badly in spots that it left gaping valleys. The Land Cruiser hit one and lurched, flinging Izzy’s body and slamming it against the door. She rubbed her arm slowly, not really registering the pain. The awesome sight before her was mesmerising.

  ‘Oh, Will, look at that.’ She pointed to the left of them. The fence line hung suspended in mid-air as the water churned below it, cutting away the dirt that once held the fence posts rigid. The only thing holding it up was the wire, like a spider’s web, sagging slightly under the weight of the exposed wooden posts. Further up in front of them on the road lay two heavy steel gates, about two metres from where they once belonged. They lay apart as if a giant had pushed them aside. The water rushed by, unforgiving. Large slabs of grey concrete, which once were buried deep down in the earth, were now lying exposed on their sides, still tightly anchored to the gates.

  Izzy shook her head. Already she was counting the days of work needed to repair the damage. They drove on in silence, too shocked to speak. Dams once nearly dry were now overflowing. They came across one dam that had a small leak through a side bank. They knew that if this rain kept up, it would blow out to a massive hole and take most of the dam bank with it. Izzy guessed the costs involved to fix it would be huge – bulldozers were not cheap.

  They decided all of the sheep would be best in the paddock they were currently in, which was the closest one to the shearing shed where they’d come from yesterday. It was also the highest-lying area on the farm and close to the house, which meant it should be safe too. Luckily they didn’t have to get out of the ute and drag some poor sheep out of a watery trap.

  Izzy’s heart went out to the lambs and ewes as they looked for protection. Their small figures stood trembling against the fence or under the trees. ‘I hope it’s not too much of a shock after just being shorn. Do you think they’ll be okay?’ Izzy asked Will.

  ‘We’ll soon find out.’

  Izzy looked at him sarcastically. ‘Ever the optimist, you are. How’s it looking on Tarramin? Is your house okay?’

  ‘Dad and I went out earlier and it was much the same situation as here: a few fences down, dams overflowing, gates and sheep missing. We found a heap of stubborn ewes stuck in the bottom paddock. Silly bitches wouldn’t move. Here we were, soaking wet, trying to get just one of them to go the right way to get out and they wouldn’t budge. And they weren’t the lightest waterlogged sheep either.’

  ‘Did you get them out?’

  ‘Yeah. We were about to give up on them and leave ’em for dead when one just decided to grow a brain and headed out to the higher ground. The others began to follow it as if it was the Pied Piper. Weirdest thing we’d ever seen.’

  ‘Lucky for you. Clever sheep don’t come around too often,’ Izzy replied.

  ‘Tell me about it. We were that close to losing the lot.’

  After checking that all the sheep were fine they headed home. It was getting late in the afternoon and already it was dark, making driving even more risky in the wet weather.

  ‘I wonder how Dave and Melinda’s house is holding up? Do you remember what it was like the last flood we had ten years ago?’ Izzy said, thinking back to the devastation. Claire and Izzy had been on the back of their parents’ ute when they’d headed over to Dave’s place to give him a hand with some sandbags. They were amazed at the sight of the little house. It looked like it had been dumped in the middle of a small lake. Izzy had laughed at the sight of Dave’s legs under water riding his motorbike, but could still remember the wet squelch of the carpet that was beyond saving. As a kid, witnessing a flood had been exciting, and they’d loved all the water. But this time was different. Izzy could see the loss and devastation through the eyes of an adult.

  When they got back to her house, Izzy put on her hat and lifted up the collar on her wet weather jacket before turning to Will. ‘Catch you tomorrow some time. Thanks for the ride.’

  He gave her a wink in reply and watched her run towards the house, the muddy water splashing up her legs.

  That night Izzy relayed all she had seen to her parents as Jean fossicked about making dinner, relishing the freedom of her own kitchen. Izzy had been prepared for their arrival and had put a roast in the oven after lunch. Jean was happily getting some vegetables together to go with it, even humming from time to time as the pots clanged and cupboards banged shut.

  Her dad kept probing for every little detail. What had been damaged and had anything needed saving? He had her silently worried when he asked whether they’d seen Clyde, their randy and very expensive ram.

  She’d forgotten all about him and so had Will. They’d been too preoccupied with the destruction. Dad kept Clyde and the other rams in a paddock down near the back boundary fence, which was very low lying. ‘No, Dad, I’m sorry. I forgot. I’ll go look for him in the morning.’ She tried hard to mask the concern in her voice. The last thing she needed was Dad getting upset over this.

  After dropping off Izzy, Will had driven straight to his parents’ place to check in and see what was the go work-wise for tomorrow. He pulled up in front of the large sprawling homestead with its cream bricks and almost black tin roof. He walked into the backyard, a large green manicured lawn and neat rows of garden beds full of healthy roses. Walking along the paved path towards him came Brian.

  ‘Hey, Will. I was just going to pen up the dogs. Want to join me?’ Will nodded and spun around to walk with his dad. They both had on their matching blue work shorts and shirts with Tarramin embroidered on the chest. Will knew he’d be lucky if he could age as well as his father. Brian still had all his hair, though it was slightly grey now, and the lines on his face made him wise and distinguished looking. The twinkle in his eyes was his strength. Brian always said you could never pull a good bull down without a fight.

  ‘How’s it looking over on Bill’s? Is he happy to be home?’ Brian asked.

  ‘Yeah, he’s rapt, except he still can’t get out and about much. Thought I’d take him for a drive around the place. Gumlea’s looking a bit worse for wear. We’re lucky we have some higher land. Even though it’s not much it’s still making a hell of a difference.’

  ‘The rain is supposed to hang around for a day or two yet, so it could get worse. I must go over and see Bill. He’d probably like some farm talk.’


  Will and Brian came to a large wire enclosure with an old metal water tank in the middle. It had a door cut out of it and inside were the dogs’ beds, tucker bowls and self feeders.

  ‘I reckon he’d love to see you, Dad.’

  Brian scratched his head. ‘I can’t believe how Izzy’s gone and grown up so fast – and to think she’s coping over there just fine.’

  ‘Yeah, well, Bill doesn’t know the half of it.’

  Brian whistled for his dogs and two kelpies and one border collie came running towards them. Jess, the collie, stopped and panted excitedly at Will’s feet. He gave her an ear rub before she followed the others into the pen.

  ‘A father doesn’t like to see his little girl growing up. It was hard for me to let your sister go, but it was what she wanted. Then she got married not long after and I lost my little girl for good. It’s that bit harder for Bill because he’s already lost one.’

  ‘I guess,’ said Will as he watched his father slide the pin across on the gate.

  ‘Come inside and see your mother. I’m sure she’d love you to stay for dinner.’ Brian clapped Will on his shoulder. ‘Looks like we might be having a quiet day tomorrow, buddy. I might send Keith off to check the stock again so you can do whatever.’

  ‘Cheers, Dad.’ As they walked back to the house in the fading light, Will couldn’t help but feel lucky he had an understanding father. When the pressure was on or your back was up against the wall, Brian was always there. You couldn’t ask for more.

  Morning came, and with it soft showers of rain still fell intermittently. Izzy walked to the kitchen in her jeans and checked shirt, sniffing the air as she went. ‘You beauty. Bacon and eggs. I’m so glad you’re back. Nothing ever beats Mum’s cooking.’ Hungrily she leant over the breakfast bar.

  ‘How did you manage without me?’ Jean asked.

  ‘I can cook, Mum. I just don’t have the time to cook anything great. But Aunt Betty would drop over a casserole from time to time.’

  ‘Well, go and sit down and I’ll bring this over. Do you want a cuppa as well?’ Jean asked her.

  Izzy quickly sat in her chair. ‘Sounds great. Thanks, Mum. Dad not up yet?’

  ‘No, he’s just resting in bed,’ said Jean as she carried over Izzy’s plate and placed it in front of her before heading back to make the tea.

  Izzy was relieved to think she could get away and check on Clyde without Bill poking his nose about.

  ‘I can’t believe it rained all night as well. But it looks like it’s slowed down a bit this morning,’ Jean commented as she sat opposite Izzy at the table, passing Izzy her cuppa and then sipping her own.

  ‘I know. I don’t know how much more we can take,’ Izzy said, and stuffed a large chunk of bacon into her mouth with relish.

  Jean shook her head silently at her daughter. ‘So, how has it been here all by yourself – really?’ She raised her eyebrows curiously.

  ‘It was brilliant. I could do whatever I wanted without having to fight about it with anyone,’ Izzy replied softly, just in case her father could hear.

  ‘So, just how much did Will actually do on the farm?’

  Izzy looked at her mum’s knowing eyes and laughed. God, she was good. ‘Not much at all,’ she replied with a smirk. ‘Don’t worry, though. I was careful. We couldn’t afford to be putting anyone else on and it’s not fair to keep Will busy. He has his own farm to run,’ she said by way of explanation.

  Jean’s eyes widened before she spoke. ‘Looking out for Will’s best interests now, are we?’ Carefully she studied her daughter’s face.

  ‘Mum!’ Izzy protested in mock indignation. ‘He’s just a good mate, that’s all.’

  ‘Who happens to be a top bloke, owns a large farm and is gorgeous.’ Jean smiled and Izzy laughed. ‘You realise how wrong you were about him now, don’t you? Bill has such a soft spot for him.’

  ‘Like I hadn’t noticed,’ Izzy sighed heavily. ‘He probably wishes he had him as a son, instead of me making his life hard.’

  ‘Your father loves you very much, Izzy. That’s why he’s so protective.’

  ‘I know, I know. It just sucks, that’s all.’ Putting the last bit of bacon in her mouth, Izzy rose and took her plate to the sink. ‘Well, I’m off to find Clyde. Let Dad know I went to Will’s first okay. Ta.’

  ‘No worries. Take care,’ replied Jean, but her daughter had already left.

  22

  WILL had been sitting at the table staring out of the window at the muddy ground outside, eating his breakfast, when the phone rang. He wiped his hands on his jeans and headed over to the phone, ‘Hello.’

  ‘G’day, Will. What’s happening?’

  ‘Hey, Bill. Not much. Why? What’s up?’ Will shifted his weight to his other leg and leant back against the wall.

  ‘Just thought I better check up on Izzy and make sure she did actually come and see you. Knowing Izzy, she’s likely to go gallivanting off looking for Clyde on her own.’

  Will’s house was cold and quiet, and his half-eaten piece of toast sat all alone on the large table. ‘Yeah, she’s here. We’re just having a chat while I finish my breakfast. Did you want to talk to her?’

  ‘No, just as long as she’s with you I’ll know she’s in good hands. Did you have any luck with Clyde?’

  ‘No, haven’t headed out yet, sorry, Bill. We’re just about to.’

  ‘All right. I’ll leave you to it then. I’ll catch you later, mate.’

  Will mumbled back his goodbye before hanging up the phone. Shit! What was that girl up to now? He forgot about the last of his breakfast and hurried outside. Putting on his coat and boots, he headed to his ute. Luckily he’d brought home his dad’s Rodeo; being a higher ute it was the safest option. The last thing he needed was to get bogged or to ruin the motor in his ute by driving through unpredictably deep water.

  A misty raincloud still hung low over the land. It felt like he had skipped a few seasons and landed in winter. For a moment, he enjoyed the feeling of the moist air on his face and the gorgeous view. It made a nice change from the dry windy heat they’d had at harvest.

  He drove off towards the paddock where Bill usually kept Clyde, and soon spotted the Land Cruiser parked near the gully. He pulled up alongside and at once spotted Izzy and began laughing out loud. Her coat was off and she was desperately trying to get a rope around Clyde. With sloppy mud splattered all over her clothes and smudged on her face, she was a sight to behold.

  He wasn’t laughing for long, though, as he realised the predicament they were both in. Clyde was on the other side of the gully, which was normally dry but was now alive with roaring foamy water. He wasn’t sure how Izzy had made it across in the first place because it was about four or five metres in width and running quite deep.

  The rain had started up again and he watched as she just managed to get the rope tied around the large ram. Izzy was a mad bugger, too bloody stubborn for her own good. No doubt she was trying to prove something out here by herself.

  Will got out of the ute and waved to her. ‘Hi,’ he yelled out. The sound of the water rushing past in the gully was quite loud so he wasn’t sure if she could hear him.

  Izzy lifted her head towards the faint sound and spotted Will. She waved back before kneeling next to the large merino ram and checking that the rope she’d just fastened on him wasn’t too tight. It had been quite a fight, convincing Clyde that she was only trying to help. Eventually, she had managed to get him to higher ground and put the rope over his head and front legs. But now he was stuck on this small island with the rising flood waters all around. She was sure he knew he was in trouble – the fight had gone out of his eerie brown eyes.

  The smell of his wet coat hung in the air as she squatted beside him. She was completely buggered and really glad to see Will. He seemed to hesitate for a moment, then threw his coat back into the ute before walking up to the edge of the gully, which was now more like a river.

  Will watched the water churn past rapidly a
nd knew that if this rain kept up, it would swallow the island that was keeping Clyde alive in just a few hours. They had to get him out. ‘What’s the best way across?’ he yelled out to Izzy.

  ‘Where you are is where I went through. It’s about chest height at its deepest point,’ she replied.

  Will nodded and slowly started to walk into the rushing path of the water. He inhaled deeply as the icy water poured into his boots. At least his feet were protected from the unknown things that could be lurking below. Lots of old rusty tins and glass bottles would be swept from clumps of bush, which were used as farmers’ rubbish tips. The water rose up past his knees and goosebumps made the hairs on his arms stand up. Further in he walked, fighting the force of the water that pushed against him. The bottom of the gully was rough under foot, making it hard work. The deepest part of the gully rose up and he had to stretch to keep his head above water. So much for it being shoulder height! How long had it been since Izzy had waded through? The water level began to drop as he moved up the bank to the other side.

  ‘That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,’ he said, his wet boots squelching towards Izzy and the flinching ram.

  ‘Yeah, but imagine doing that on the way back with a frantic ram. Not my idea of a cuppa tea.’ Izzy looked up at Will curiously. ‘What are you doing here, anyway?’

  ‘Ah … well, you see … your Dad rang me up just to check that you got to my place okay,’ answered Will.

  ‘Oh, okay … and …’

  ‘And I covered your arse, yet again. You seriously didn’t think you could do this on your own, did you?’ he said frankly.

  ‘Why not? You would have done the same. Why is it when a woman does something like this it’s called stupid, but if a bloke does it it’s heroic?’ she asked. Water dripped from Will’s clothes as he stood still. No comment came from him, and she knew it wouldn’t. Yes, she was well used to this male-dominated world. Izzy raised one shoulder in a half shrug. ‘Well, I thought it was worth a try. We can’t afford to lose this ram, Will. Besides, I can’t have you babysitting me all the time now, can I? You’ve probably got better things to do than hold my hand.’