Meant To Be

by Fiona McCallum

  ‘I hear David and Barbara are great. I can’t wait to meet them.’

  ‘Barbara’s coming down for dinner tonight, but I’m afraid it might be just us girls. We’re going to have a barbeque all together on Sunday, so you’ll get to meet David then.’

  Back in the kitchen, Emily brought out her scrapbook and they settled in to discuss the finer details of the cottage.

  ‘It all looks fantastic,’ Simone said. ‘And Jake tells me you’re thinking of using it as an art gallery. How exciting!’

  ‘Yes.’ Suddenly Emily felt a little nervous. ‘Actually, I was hoping to talk to you about that. I’d like you to be my first artist to exhibit,’ she blurted, her cheeks starting to redden.

  ‘Don’t be silly, I’m not a real artist,’ Simone said dismissively Then, noticing Emily’s slightly mortified expression, ‘Oh, you’re being serious?’

  ‘Of course I am. I loved the paintings in your house and I’m sure plenty of other people will too. They’re gorgeous.’

  For a moment Simone didn’t reply. ‘I’m very flattered,’ she finally said. ‘But they’re just paint slapped on canvas.’

  ‘Now you’re selling yourself short.’

  ‘That’s what Jake said once,’ Simone said thoughtfully.

  ‘Well, he can talk. I wanted him to exhibit his photography, but he flatly refuses.’

  ‘He’s just very private. My reluctance is about lack of talent, not shyness,’ Simone said with a laugh.

  ‘Since there’s clearly no problem with lack of talent, can I count you in then?’ Emily said cheerfully, and crossed her fingers in her lap under the table.

  ‘Er…’

  ‘Oh, come on, Simone, please. I need an artist for the opening and I really want it to be you.’

  ‘Flattery, flattery.’

  ‘So, you’ll do it?’ Emily prodded.

  ‘Before I decide, how long do I have and just how many paintings do you think you’ll need?’

  They discussed the details and Emily watched as Simone became more and more enthusiastic. She said she’d actually done quite a few canvases since being inspired to pick up her brushes again after Emily’s visit. She’d even done some landscapes, abstracts, and experimented with architecture, like Jake had with his photography. She explained she’d once had aspirations to live as an artist, but didn’t like the ‘poor, struggling’ part that seemed to go hand in hand with such an existence. Perhaps this was a sign, the break she needed.

  ‘All right, I’ll do it,’ she said, and leapt up and hugged Emily, thanking her for the opportunity. ‘But I’m not sure when I’ll get the time to paint.’

  They were still talking it over and chatting animatedly about styles, colours, and textures when Barbara arrived.

  ‘Guess what?’ Emily said after the introductions had been made, Barbara was settled in a chair, and there were fresh cups of tea in front of each of them.

  ‘What?’ Barbara asked.

  ‘I’ve got my very first artist signed up – well, not literally signed.’ She opened her arms to indicate Simone.

  ‘Oh, that’s fantastic,’ Barbara said. ‘May it open a whole world of opportunities for you, Simone, and mark the start of a successful venture for you, Emily.’

  ‘I’ll drink to that,’ Simone said, and they all raised their mugs and tapped them together to complete the toast.

  ‘Hey, I drove by to look at the cottage before coming in. I can’t believe how much they’ve done on the roof already,’ Barbara said. ‘It looks like most of the beams are up.’

  ‘They’re going to be here all weekend. I couldn’t believe it when I heard they wanted to work over Easter. Neither could Jake,’ Emily said.

  ‘Probably the fishing forecast wasn’t good or there’ll be too many tourists out on the water, or something. The owner of the business is a keen fisherman,’ Barbara explained to Simone.

  ‘Lucky for us,’ Emily said.

  ‘There were heaps of vehicles towing boats all the way from Whyalla,’ Simone added, taking a sip of her tea.

  ‘Well, I’m just happy the show goes on while David and Jake are off doing other things.’

  ‘Indeed. How’s Jake going out there all on his lonesome?’ Barbara asked.

  ‘Fine. I think. Haven’t heard a peep since I took his lunch down earlier. He really is having a ball. I think being in charge of heavy machinery is good for his masculinity,’ Emily said with a laugh. ‘How’s David going?’

  ‘Trundling along. Not a peep there either.’

  ‘So do you want to go for a few laps with Jake?’ Emily suddenly asked Simone.

  ‘Ooh, yes please, that’d be fun.’

  ‘Come on then, we’ll take him down some cake,’ Emily said, grabbing the cling-wrapped bundle she’d placed on the bench that morning.

  ‘Should I take a jacket or something?’ Simone asked.

  ‘It wouldn’t hurt, but you should be in a nice warm cab.’

  ‘I’ll get it from my room, just in case,’ she said, leaping up and disappearing from the kitchen.

  ‘She’s lovely,’ Barbara whispered.

  ‘Yes, isn’t she?’ Emily replied, also keeping her voice low.

  ‘Though of course I knew she would be, being Jake’s sister.’

  ‘It’s so good to be spending time getting to know each other properly. And I’m so relieved she’s agreed to be my artist,’ Emily said. ‘That’s a huge weight off my mind.’

  ‘Well, everything sure is coming together. It’s great to hear,’ Barbara said.

  ‘Speaking of coming together, how are you and the little one doing?’

  ‘So far, so good. I’m doing my best not to worry, but it’s hard. I’m meant to be in the safe period now, and I know I’m just being paranoid, but I’m still on tenterhooks. I’ll probably be a nervous wreck by September.’

  ‘You’re going to be just fine,’ Emily said, patting her friend’s hand. She thought Barbara’s overall appearance did have a slightly drawn look to it.

  ‘I’m taking a camera too,’ Simone said, reappearing. ‘I just have to get some shots of Jake with his tractor!’

  ‘Good idea,’ Emily said, smiling and thinking how alike she and Jake were. Right from the start of the cottage project he had recorded every bit of progress with his camera. ‘Come on then.’

  ‘Do you mind if I stay here?’ Barbara asked. ‘Seen one tractor, seen them all.’

  ‘No problem at all,’ Emily said. ‘I won’t be long, and there are plenty of magazines in the usual place.’ She called Gracie to her and pulled the glass door shut. It was a lovely, warm, still afternoon.

  ‘Barbara’s not her usual self,’ Emily explained to Simone as they made their way down to the paddock where Jake was working. ‘She’s pregnant, but she’s had two miscarriages before, so she’s really worried about it happening again.’ She hoped Barbara wouldn’t mind her telling Simone, but thought it important she knew.

  ‘Oh, the poor thing,’ Simone said. ‘No wonder she’s being super-careful. I’m sure I’d be a nervous wreck. It’s amazing; you hear of all these people – especially teenagers – getting pregnant at the drop of a hat and all the lectures at school about safe sex, but it seems it’s actually quite difficult to get pregnant when you really want to. Not that I know anything about it.’

  ‘No, me neither.’ As they walked, the shadows were growing long, signalling that dusk was on its way.

  They fell silent for a moment until Simone cried, ‘There he is!’ In the distance, a green John Deere tractor was making its way slowly along the far side of the paddock, the soil changing colour to a rich shade of brown behind it.

  ‘So, what exactly is he doing?’ Simone asked.

  ‘Seeding. Sowing the seeds for a wheat crop.’

  ‘Oh, don’t they dig it up first? I’m just thinking of how normal gardening is done. You dig everything up and then plant the seeds.’

  ‘They used to do that. Now they do what’s called direct drilling – diggi
ng the soil and planting the seed in the one go. It keeps the nutrients in, or something. I’m not the one to ask. I was raised in a town, not on a farm, so I don’t know a whole lot more than you. My husband wasn’t one for sharing.’

  ‘Oh, well, at least you have Jake now – he’s one of the most generous and kind people I’ve ever met. Though, I might be a little biased,’ Simone added, grinning.

  ‘I love him,’ Emily said blissfully as she brought the ute to a halt at the paddock gate.

  ‘I know you do. And he loves you,’ Simone said.

  They got out and walked over to where a small truck was parked nearby. Emily explained that the large divided bin on the back contained the seed and fertiliser for refilling the hoppers on the machine behind.

  ‘John used to have all sorts of trouble with the auger motor,’ she said, remembering how he’d regularly cursed the machine. Hopefully it hadn’t been giving Jake any trouble. No news is good news, she thought, quoting another of Gran’s favourite sayings. ‘We’ll wait here for him to come around. It’s not a good idea to drive over what’s just been sown. He should only be a few minutes.’

  They silently watched, mesmerised by the slow, steady progress of the tractor moving around the paddock in front of them.

  It took around ten minutes for Jake to pull up nearby and the loud throaty engine to reduce to a gentle idling hum. He stepped down from the high cab and strode across the paddock towards them.

  ‘Hey you,’ he said, greeting his sister with a tight hug.

  ‘Having fun playing farmer?’ Simone said.

  ‘I will have you know, I am being a farmer, not just playing at it,’ he said, pouting.

  ‘So, how’s it going?’

  ‘Good. No problems. Touch wood,’ he added, putting his hand on his head. ‘It’s just time-consuming. But listening to talkback or music on the radio isn’t a bad way to spend a day. So, who’s coming for a lap or two? I can’t fit both of you in, though,’ he said.

  ‘Simone’s turn,’ Emily said. ‘Barbara’s waiting for me back at the house.’

  ‘Okay. Come on sis, we’ve got a crop to sow.’

  ‘Are you going to finish this paddock before tea, do you think?’ Emily asked.

  ‘Should do, if it’s not until around seven,’ he said, looking at her questioningly.

  ‘Do you want to be out here that long, Simone?’

  ‘I don’t know. Do I?’ she asked Jake.

  ‘She’ll be fine. If I am, she will be,’ he said.

  ‘Well, if you do get sick of it, get him to call me up on the UHF and I’ll come and get you,’ Emily said. ‘Oh, and here’s some cake to tide you over,’ she said, handing over four pieces of cake wrapped tightly in cling-film.

  ‘You’re wonderful, thank you,’ Jake said, wrapping his arms around her.

  ‘My pleasure,’ Emily said, smiling up at him.

  Simone and Jake walked across to the tractor and then got settled up in the cab. Emily watched as the tractor moved off with a puff of thick black smoke from its exhaust.

  After waving them off, she got back into the ute with Grace, feeling happy and content. Everything sure was coming together and coming together well. Life was pretty damned perfect. It would be nice to sit with Barbara for a while. She’d missed that during the last few busy months.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Even though it was Jake’s birthday, Easter Saturday was a work day for the farmers. That morning they all got up early for a quick breakfast together before he set out on the tractor. Emily held her breath as he opened the present she’d agonised over.

  ‘Oh wow, Em, this is great,’ he said, getting up and kissing her.

  After much deliberation, she’d ordered him a brown Bushman Driza-Bone oilskin jacket and fawn Stockman-style Akubra hat. She’d consulted Barbara and David to make sure she got traditional enough styles so that he would blend in with the locals.

  ‘Hopefully I’ll look less like the bloke visiting from the city now,’ he said, putting on both items and doing a three-sixty in front of the girls.

  ‘Maybe when you’ve worn them at bit and been in some dust,’ Simone said.

  ‘Well, there’s no way I’m rubbing dust into my hat, if that’s what you’re suggesting,’ Jake said indignantly, taking off the hat and stroking it protectively.

  ‘Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll look less clean and shiny in no time,’ Emily said.

  ‘This is from me,’ said Simone, dragging a navy-and-white-striped parcel from the floor onto the table. ‘Happy birthday, brother dear.’ She leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek.

  ‘Thanks, sis.’ He tore off the paper to reveal a nice thick woollen jumper in steel grey, a checked shirt, and two paperback novels. ‘Brilliant. Well, I’d better go and get some real dirt on my new jacket and hat,’ he said, getting up from the table with a huge grin. He kissed Emily on his way past.

  ‘See ya later,’ he said, doffing his hat at the door as he left the kitchen.

  ‘Have fun,’ Simone and Emily called.

  Emily and Simone rugged up and headed off for a long walk soon after. They started with a tour of the new building, spending almost half an hour discussing upcoming fixtures and fittings.

  It was an amazing feeling to stand underneath the timber roof trusses and imagine the finished building. Looking down at her feet, she couldn’t wait to see how the concrete floor came up when polished. Even with all the dust on it, she could see small colourful stones glinting where the sun shone through the window openings.

  They chewed over ideas for seating in the large rooms. Simone was right; large flat ottomans where people could sit and look at one wall and then swivel around to look at the next was a much better idea than couches with backs. It was the sort of thing all the government-owned galleries had. The tricky thing would be deciding the size, shape, and fabric. Leather would be hard-wearing, but would probably require quite a large outlay.

  ‘I love leather, but you don’t want to look too conservative and old-fashioned,’ Simone said thoughtfully. ‘Especially when it’s going to be called The Button Jar. That makes me think fun, vibrant, colourful, eclectic.’

  ‘That’s what I’m going for,’ Emily said, pleased the meaning behind it was so obvious.

  ‘So you don’t want it looking like a state or national gallery,’ Simone continued.

  ‘No, I don’t really.’

  ‘Don’t worry, we’ll come up with the perfect thing.’

  When Simone suggested bright Indian fabrics, like those used for saris, Emily almost froze to the spot. There was India again. Had Jake employed Simone to convince her to change her mind about their honeymoon?

  No, get a grip! They hadn’t even seriously discussed going to India. It had been suggested as a place to visit, just like she’d suggested Tasmania. Simone didn’t even know about their engagement yet. No, she was being silly and paranoid. Though she did let out a sigh of relief when Simone added that there were some places in Melbourne importing the gorgeous fabrics. And they are gorgeous, Emily thought. The only problem was how hard-wearing would they be.

  She liked the idea of brightening the space they had deliberately left neutral. Though, would Simone’s bright paintings be overshadowed by brocades in even richer colours? Gosh, there was still so much to think about. Of course, she mightn’t always have bright artworks in here. But her priority was for everything to look perfect on opening night. If she went for fabric, she could always have a selection with zips so they could be changed. She could get out her sewing machine and make some herself once she had one to cut a pattern from.

  As they left the unfinished building, the roofers were driving in off the road towards it. Emily and Simone waved in greeting, but kept walking in the opposite direction.

  ‘Come on, I want to see sheep and kangaroos in their natural habitat!’ Simone said, linking her arm through Emily’s. ‘If we have a good walk I won’t feel guilty about all the chocolate eggs I’m going to eat tomor
row.’

  ‘I can’t guarantee you’ll see kangaroos, but I’ll do my best,’ Emily said with a laugh. She took them towards a secluded area where she’d seen a mob of kangaroos hanging out a few weeks ago. The perfect, lush spot she’d first taken Jake to was a little far to walk. They’d try there tomorrow if they didn’t see any roos here today.

  They silently crept the last fifty metres and stopped amongst the trees, hidden. Just ahead of them, beyond the edge of the scrub, a dozen kangaroos of varying sizes were grazing.

  Emily bent down to hold Grace’s collar. ‘Stay,’ she said quietly in the dog’s ear.

  ‘Oh, they’re beautiful,’ Simone whispered, clearly in awe.

  Her voice was low, but at that moment all the kangaroos lifted their heads in their direction. And, then, in one fluid movement like a grey blanket being caught up in a gust of wind, they turned and bounded off into the security of the trees on the far side.

  ‘Sorry,’ Simone said. ‘I thought I was being quiet.’

  ‘No matter how quiet we were they would still have noticed us. They probably smelt us well before they heard us. They have amazing senses. It’s pretty late for their morning feeding, so they were probably ready to head off anyway. They usually come back around dusk.’

  ‘Well, I’m so glad I’ve seen them. I think it’s great you living in harmony with them and not getting out the gun,’ Simone said, walking out into the open area the kangaroos had just vacated.

  Emily laughed. ‘Well, it’s not quite harmonious, but the years of drought have kept their numbers down naturally. Hopefully we won’t need to cull any for a while yet. I hate the thought of it, but in large numbers they make a horrible mess of crops.’

  Leaving the area, they did a large loop that took them way up behind the new building. The whole time the faint background hum of Jake’s tractor could be heard.

  ‘So, Jake’s looking well. Certainly much better than last time I saw him. Is he better, or is it just being out in the sun and fresh country air?’