Family Farm

by Palmer, Fiona

  Strangely, Bill nodded his head. Izzy looked to the others curiously for confirmation.

  Jean smiled while Will spoke. ‘I told you he’s changed. He really wants you to stay.’

  Izzy thought for a moment before shaking her head. ‘Until I hear it from his mouth, I still won’t believe it.’ Bill started up again with the jumbled words, but he soon ran out of steam. Izzy realised that she hadn’t yet introduced Blake. She went on to tell Bill all about Blake’s farm and the SAMM Stud and how she’d like to introduce them on Gumlea. She chatted on for quite a while. It was actually nice not having her father talk back; she got to say what she wanted for once.

  When they eventually drove home, all were silent from the exhaustion of the day. It had been a shock seeing her dad like that but no one could mistake the change in his mood – he was pleased to have his daughter home.

  ‘Thanks, Will, for taking us in. You’ve been wonderful. I don’t know what I would have done without you these last weeks,’ said Jean, giving him a hug as they hopped out of the car.

  Izzy couldn’t help feeling bad – it should have been her supporting her mum. But that was Will – always there when you needed him. ‘Hey, Will. I’m gonna take Blake on a tour of Gumlea this afternoon. Can we swing by your place as well?’ she asked, trying to include him.

  Will shook his head. ‘I won’t be home. Got a few things to do on Tarramin. I’ll catch you later.’ With that he turned and headed back to his ute, which was parked up by the work shed. Izzy felt a pang as he walked away. His square shoulder enticed her eyes down towards his narrow waist and cute tight butt. She’d tried to open a door for him and he’d closed it shut in her face, just about. He seemed so distant. Maybe he really was busy – after all, he’d been away from Tarramin a lot with all the work on Gumlea to do.

  After a light lunch of salad and cold meat she took Blake for a tour of the farm. He was dying to see where they had rescued Clyde the ram. He was wide-eyed and attentive, like a small boy who’d just heard his first exciting story.

  Izzy had convinced Blake to stay for a while and her mum had made up the guest room. If Alan didn’t need him, he was going to help out Izzy with seeding. But Izzy knew he had an ulterior motive – Dean only lived a hundred and fifty kilometres away.

  That evening they sat out on the verandah in padded wooden chairs after a hearty roast meal. Izzy closed her eyes and could still see the image of the pink sunset they’d watched earlier in her head. It had been a great way to end the day, sitting back with Blake, cold beer in hand and watching the best sunset she’d seen in a while. Pink turned to orange at the horizon. From the verandah, Izzy could see the row of tall gum trees that lined the bottom of the sky with their black silhouettes. A couple of clouds floated in the distance, the last of the rain clouds from yesterday. She took a sip from her beer as she listened to the screeching of the galahs.

  ‘So who was that you were talking to on the phone earlier? Talk about gossip, you were on there for an hour,’ Blake asked curiously.

  ‘An old friend of mine, Jess. I haven’t seen much of her over the last few years but we used to be good friends. She’s been trying to get in touch to invite me to her engagement party. I told her I wouldn’t miss it for the world.’ Izzy turned to Blake and nudged him with her hand. ‘I told her I had you here to help take my place on the tractor so I could go to the party.’

  ‘Yep, use me while you can. How long till you get the last lot ripped up?’ Blake asked.

  ‘Well, maybe a few days. No longer than a week, I expect. Why? There’s no rush to head to Dean’s, is there? I just want to get cracking ASAP.’

  ‘you can’t help yourself, can you? You’re so excited to be back home and into the work. That’s the real reason.’ Blake wasn’t fooled. He had witnessed her transformation the moment they’d driven onto Gumlea. Not saying she hadn’t worked hard for Erindale – if anything, she’d put him to shame. She had restored in him some pride in his work. Izzy made him appreciate what he had and taught him to be thankful that he had a family farm of his own to work. Blake knew Izzy wouldn’t be coming back to Erindale. With her dad out of action, there was no way Gumlea would survive without her.

  Izzy leaned her head on Blake’s shoulders. ‘You know me so well, probably better than my own mum. Thanks for bringing me home. I hope you’re going to come and visit me lots.’

  ‘Just try and keep me away. Mind you, it took me two hours to get over the numb bum. Anyway, if you’re going to buy some of our prize rams next year, I’ll be seeing you over our way too.’ Blake took another mouthful from his stubbie. He didn’t care about the distance really. In Izzy he had made a friend for life and he would stay in touch at all costs.

  44

  IZZY woke to the familiar sound of the galahs screeching in the glow of the morning sunrise. They were bloody loud, but this morning she took pure delight in their racket. It felt incredibly good to be back. Throwing off the covers, she dressed quickly and headed for the kitchen. She put on some toast and five minutes later Jean and Blake joined her for breakfast. Izzy gave Blake a rundown on the things that needed doing, and he said he’d make a start while she went into town with Jean to see her dad. She was thankful Blake had insisted on coming.

  As they drove into town Izzy silently wondered how her mum had been managing all on her own. A horrible sense of selfishness churned in Izzy’s stomach for abandoning her mum and leaving her to cope with things alone. Izzy was determined to make it up to her. She planned to learn how to look after Bill’s burns and help with his physio. She realised that her mum hadn’t had any time off and it was because of her. Things were going to change around here.

  When they arrived at the hospital, they were pleased to see that the nurses had moved Bill to a large chair by the hospital window. Izzy sat down next to him. They looked out the window together while Jean ducked into town to get some groceries. The garden was full of birds playing around the birdbath and the bottlebrush trees. A few magpies sat in a small Merrit tree near the verandah and their beautiful gargling sounds were sweet to the ears.

  Her dad hadn’t spoken at all this morning. Jean said he usually tried to when he saw her, but this morning he’d remained silent. Izzy leaned over to him and said quietly, ‘The bush wouldn’t be the same without the magpies and their songs, hey, Dad?’ She watched him nod his agreement and his brow furrowed in thought as he turned to her.

  ‘Izzy … must … stay,’ he said. Then he took her hand in his and held onto it tightly.

  Izzy let out a quick breath in astonishment. ‘Dad, you’re really talking. It’s coming back. Don’t rush it. It’ll take time.’ She suddenly wondered whether this was a one-off sentence, a bit like yesterday.

  She gazed across at him. The same face that was once strong and defined was now pale and skeletal-looking. The months of being in a hospital room and confined to a wheelchair were taking their toll. He had lost most of his bulk and was now a mere shadow of his old self.

  Bill patted her hand to get her attention. ‘I love … you. Need you … on farm.’ It took him a while to get the words out.

  Izzy’s mouth dropped and her heart stopped. Did he just say what she’d thought? He’d barely said much but they were the most important words ever.

  ‘Take it easy, Dad. It’s wearing you out.’

  Bill took a deep breath and relaxed.

  ‘So are you saying it’s okay for me to be here, working Gumlea?’

  Bill nodded and smiled his wonky grin. ‘Please.’

  Tears blurred her vision. Leaning over, she rested her head on his chest. ‘You don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear that, Dad.’ She looked up at her father and something passed between them, something that they’d both remember forever.

  Izzy stayed like that for a while, snuggled against her dad. He smelt fresh and clean, not a hint of grease or sweat, which was how she remembered him. One day he would be his old self again – she’d see to it. She wouldn’t let him rot inside.
As soon as the seeding was over, she was going to ferry him around the farm and involve him in as much as she could. She knew he needed to be outside and not cooped up in the house. The fresh air would make him stronger and the land would help rejuvenate him.

  Eventually Jean returned to the hospital room with some chocolate for them to share.

  ‘But only one piece for you, my dear,’ she said, addressing Bill. Jean turned to Izzy as she adjusted her knitted red jumper over her jeans. ‘The doctors have him on a strict diet. No saturated fat, alcohol or salt.’

  ‘It’s crap,’ Bill mumbled.

  ‘What did you just say?’ Jean asked, the excitement at the sound of his voice clear on her face.

  ‘Crap,’ Bill repeated for her benefit. She rushed into his arms. After a brief celebration, Jean turned to Izzy excitedly.

  ‘So, what else has he said?’

  Izzy smiled. ‘For me to stay on the farm. That it’s okay. You know, all that but not in so many words.’

  Frowning, Jean lectured her. ‘Well, it could have been sorted long ago, especially if you’d come home sooner. Will even told you to come back.’ Her words were strong but her voice remained soft – she couldn’t hide her delight that things were finally working out.

  ‘I know, but it’s just one of those things that I had to hear from the horse’s mouth to believe it. I’m so happy, Mum. I’ve got to go tell Blake the good news and then get cracking on the seeding. I might work through the night, as much as I can, while the ground is still moist. I’ll meet you at the car.’

  ‘Hey, Izzy. What’s going on between you and Blake?’ Jean finally asked the question that had been gnawing at her.

  ‘Nothing. We’re just great friends. Blake’s my best mate, nothing more.’

  Jean watched her carefully, then said, ‘Does Will know that?’

  ‘I don’t know. He’s never bothered to ask so I don’t think he cares,’ she replied, careful to keep the emotion out of her voice. She gave her parents each a kiss on the cheek and headed out the door with a bounce in her step. She pulled up her low-slung jeans as she stepped from the hospital into the car park. Straightaway she saw Will coming in her direction. The sight of him brought her to a standstill. She didn’t know if it was the tight jeans or the blue checked shirt open at the front, but he looked so damn irresistible. Other girls would probably laugh at her, but to Izzy, nothing was more appealing than a man in his work gear and boots. Without really knowing why, she began to cry. Will had been her rock through so much. He’d saved her dad and he’d held her so tight when Tom died. All of a sudden, she craved, once again, the comfort of his strong arms.

  Will saw Izzy’s tears and it ripped his heart apart. He didn’t need to speak. He just ran towards her and scooped her up into his arms. She almost flung herself into him, her arms circling his waist and latching on. His whole being reacted to the perfect fit of her body. The effect blew him away. He held her tightly, grabbing fistfuls of her top and pulling her closer. He didn’t want to ask her what was wrong, not just yet. She might pull away and he wasn’t ready for that. He could feel her tears, which had soaked through his shirt and touched his skin. Brushing back some of her hair, he kissed her softly on her forehead. She smelt just as he remembered – a mixture of soap and sweet lavender. He began to lose control and knew he would have to step away soon. He was scared there might be bad news, that maybe Bill had taken a turn.

  Izzy let go first and turned her watery blue eyes towards him. ‘Dad’s back,’ she laughed. ‘He’s talking. Well, sort of.’ She sniffed away a few tears and then reluctantly withdrew completely from Will’s embrace. Her cheeks began to redden. ‘I’m sorry, Will. I’m just so happy. He’s told me to stay, finally. You must go and see him. He would love to see you.’ She stepped back a few paces and added, ‘Well, I better go. I’m going to take over from Blake. He’s started ripping up.’

  She began to head past him but paused. ‘And, Will, thanks,’ she said, clutching his arm. ‘I owe you a great deal. I’m glad you were here for him.’ She turned and headed past him to the gate.

  Will watched her walk to the car and loved the way her tight top contoured her body. But that hug had him confused. He was sure he felt something in Izzy, saw something in her eyes when she looked at him. He’d seen that look after the gully incident. Did he still stand a chance? Maybe it wasn’t quite over yet. With his head full of thoughts he tore his eyes away from Izzy and headed into the hospital.

  45

  IZZY bounced her way around the paddock as the sun set behind her. She thought about Blake. She could tell he was disappointed that she wouldn’t be returning to work for them, but he also knew that it had always been a possibility. He was over the moon that Bill was getting his speech back, and he’d also encouraged her to go and tell Will how she felt. She’d seriously been thinking it was time to get out of her comfort zone and take the plunge.

  Izzy was really going to miss Blake. She would have to get a computer so she could keep in contact with him; maybe even a webcam, he’d suggested. Izzy smiled as she turned the corner and watched the last of the dying sun as the horizon sucked it down.

  Driving around and around in a square paddock gave your mind plenty of time to think. Izzy’s had been going wild ever since she started this paddock six hours ago. She couldn’t wait to tell her dad about her plans to introduce Prime SAMMs into their stock. She was sure he’d be interested, and with Blake’s keen eye she knew they could get some really good rams. For once in her life, she could plan the future of the farm. It was a bloody good feeling.

  It was almost midnight when she turned the tractor and headed up to the highest point on their property. This corner of the paddock was one of her favourite spots – the view was amazing. She could see almost the whole farm and their house from here, and Will’s place too. She used to ride the motorbike up here as a kid and hang out under the large gum tree, or sometimes in it. It was her own piece of paradise.

  Not that she could see anything much tonight, as it was pitch black. The lights on the tractor only lit up a small patch of earth in front of her and to the side.

  A few drivers got lost in their paddocks at night, especially casual workers who didn’t know the land so well. Some would drive around for ages trying to find the gate. But Izzy always knew where she was. She had it all mapped out in her head like her own GPS. And she never felt alone. If anything, she enjoyed the tranquillity of it all. Besides, you could never feel totally alone out here, not when you were at one with the land.

  Once Izzy reached the top of the hill, she looked around as far as she could see. Out of the darkness of the night shone more tractor lights in the distance, like large twinkling stars. Every farmer was out making the most of the wet soil. She could count ten tractors out at it, and when the train was in at the bin for loading, she could easily spot their floodlights as well, even from this far away.

  Izzy wondered whether Will was on his tractor tonight. Lifting her head, she checked the two-way. She had it on scan. Some nights you could catch the farmers telling jokes back and forth to relieve the boredom. Some were highly entertaining. Plenty of housewives turned their radios down at night so they could get some peace without hearing every dirty joke.

  Finishing off the paddock, Izzy headed towards the gate and diesel trailer. She wasn’t going to do any more as she was low on fuel. She parked the tractor and climbed into the back of the ute where her swag was waiting. She didn’t like to go home and disturb everyone. It was much easier to catch some shut-eye, then get back on the job at daybreak.

  Izzy stretched out and stared up at the black sky. Only a handful of stars gazed down at her. With the cool of the night on her skin and the smell of the freshness of the soil, it wasn’t long before she was sound asleep.

  At first light, Izzy filled up the tractor with diesel and managed to get two laps in before she noticed a newish point stuck in the dirt. She stopped, ran out into the soft brown soil and picked it up. It was a fairly
new one, so she lifted up the plough and checked all the points and found a few missing. Grabbing the hammer out of the tractor, she went and banged on the one she’d found. She stood up to stretch her back. The sun wasn’t even up yet. Give it another five minutes or so, she reckoned.

  As she worked on the points, Izzy saw a ute heading towards her through the paddock. It was Blake. What was he doing here? It wasn’t even six o’clock. Alarm bells rang. Oh, God. I hope nothing’s happened to Dad. She’d heard of people turning a corner one minute and then dropping off their perch the next, like a last-minute miracle before giving up.

  A soft white fog had settled, lingering in and around the trees. As beautiful as it was, it gave her a haunting feeling. Izzy began walking towards Blake. She tried to shut off her brain and stop the troubled thoughts creeping in. She climbed over the plough and found Blake standing a few metres from her.

  ‘Yo,’ she said, still nervous. ‘What’s up?’ He didn’t look like someone bringing bad news, and the tension instantly drained out of her.

  ‘I was up doing some work in the shed and thought I’d bring out brekky. Don’t stress – I didn’t make it. Your mum did.’ Blake handed over a square parcel wrapped in foil.

  Tearing it open, she said, ‘Bacon and egg toastie. You beauty.’ She took a mouthful and hungrily chewed away. ‘Want some?’

  ‘I’ve already had one, thanks. Just as well, ’cos watching you eat like a starved cow would make anyone lose their appetite. So you still want me to take over on the tractor some time after lunch?’

  Izzy swallowed. ‘Yes, please. That would be great. I have to get ready for the engagement party. I feel bad that I didn’t even know Jess and Travis had got engaged.’