Rata flowers are red

by Mary Moore

  I do ! I do ! I know everything,' screamed Vicki, racing after him.

  Judy smiled. It was amazing what different natures they had considering they were twins. Vicki was volatile, excitable, and imaginative while Peter was steady, responsible and thoughtful, but both possessed a lively sense of fun.

  After lunch time Mark said to Judy with a quizzical expression on his face, I hear you won't want to live if you can't come and see me play football.'

  Judy was stopped from a hasty denial by the anxious pleading look on Peter's face. So that was it ! Peter was using her to get to the football match.

  ' Well, I don't think I put it quite as strongly as that, but yes, I would like to see you play.'

  Do you know anything about football ?' Mark asked.

  Just that the All Blacks are the best in the world. Peter has promised to come and explain the game to me.'

  That's a good boy, Peter,' teased Mark. Giving up a whole Saturday afternoon to teach Judy the rudiments of the game.

  Peter's honest face flushed. ' I wanted to go too, Uncle Mark.'

  Well, so you shall. Do you want to go too, Nan ? Vicki ?'

  Not me,' replied Nan flatly. I hate football. Great big men chasing a little ball and getting their clothes in such a mess.'

  Nan, you're a shocker, a disgrace to New Zealand. However, we'll see if we can make a convert out of Judy.'

  I'm going too,' shouted Vicki. I'm going to see Uncle Mark play. He's the best in the world, aren't you, Uncle Mark ?'

  `Oh, without doubt,' Mark laughed, picking the little girl up and tossing her in the air, to her wild delight.

  Peter took his task seriously, and while they waited in the grandstand for the game to start, he carefully explained the rules to Judy.

  ' Here they are now, Judy,' he said. Uncle Mark is the one out in front. He's the Captain. See, his team wears red jerseys. The others wear green.'

  Once the game started Judy felt herself caught up in the excitement. The supporters of both teams were extremely vocal and the candid comments would have made some of the players' ears burn if they could have heard.

  At half time the score was even, eight all. The air was tense. Then the green team scored a try but failed to convert it, making the score eleven-eight. Peter's face was grim.

  ' You wait, Uncle Mark's team will win.'

  Personally Judy thought it doubtful. Time and time again Mark's team were pressing on the goal line, but each time the green team's defence was too good. Then, just in the closing seconds of the game, Mark took the ball on his own twenty-five and started to run. He raced down the field, over half-way, side-stepped two men and was still going. He was over the twenty-five and stepped out of a tackle. The crowd were on their feet yelling. He had only one man to beat. He ran straight at him, then swerved at the last minute. Judy found herself on her feet screaming ' Mark, Mark!' with Peter and

  Vicki as he touched down for a try.

  The crowd cheered and cheered. It had been a magnificent run. Then -they hushed as he went back to take the kick.

  I don't know if he can do it,' Peter muttered anxiously. It's not an easy kick. Oh, I hope he does.'

  Mark stood up from placing the ball, then stepped back several paces and ran in and kicked. It soared up beautifully high and straight, directly between the posts.

  His supporters went wild. As the referee's whistle went for full time they poured out on the field.

  Oh boy, oh boy ! Isn't he beaut, Judy ?' cried Peter.

  See, I told you Uncle Mark was the best,' Vicki spoke with smug satisfaction. The best in the world. Wasn't he wonderful ?'

  He certainly was,' agreed Judy, smiling. The twins were apparently among Mark's most ardent admirers.

  They made their way out to the car to wait for Mark.

  He won't be long, Judy. He has to shower and change. Oh, that was a real good game. Are you. glad you came ?' Peter asked.

  Very glad.'

  When Mark arrived the twins were all over him. He started the car and pulled out into the traffic. Well, Judy, what did you think of your first game of football ?'

  I really enjoyed it. It was tremendously exciting, especially your try. I'm sorry I won't be able to see any more games.'

  Well, not this season. It's all finished for this year. The boys are throwing a party tonight. Would you like to go along with me ? It will be a good show.'

  I'd love—' Judy stopped suddenly, remembering her resolution not to get involved. Sorry, Mark, I don't think I should.' It was hard to say.

  Second thoughts aren't always the best, Judy.'

  Perhaps not, but—'

  Vicki burst in indignantly, I think you're mean, not going to the party with Uncle Mark.'

  That will do, Vicki,' Mark said firmly. Judy has a friend in Christchurch. He might be very angry if she went out with me.'

  I bet he's not as nice as Uncle Mark.' Vicki was not pacified.

  Now, now, Vicki, don't be rude,' said Mark.

  Peter suddenly joined in, ' If Zelda doesn't mind you going out with Judy, Uncle Mark, -why should her friend mind ?'

  That will do, you two—shut up and sit quiet. See, down there, Judy, that's the gorge I was telling you about. Remember, the one that causes the flooding.'

  That evening when Mark went out Judy regretted that she had refused to go with him. The house suddenly seemed quiet and dull. Who was Zelda ? She would have liked to ask Nan, but did not want to appear interested. he must have a girl then. Zelda—what an interesting name. Of course someone as attractive as Mark wouldn't be unattached at his age. She tried to ignore the flat feeling of disappointment. Why should she care ?

  Come on, twins—I'll give you a game of draughts. I'm feeling lucky tonight. Last time we played you both beat me. Tonight it will be different.'

  The twins were enjoying coaching Judy in the milking shed. Whenever Mark left them alone in the shed, Peter made Judy bail up to the cows and then gradually she learnt to wash them and use the strip cup and finally to change the machines.

  The first time she put on the machines she did it perfectly. The next time it was a disaster. She fumbled about until she lost all the vacuum and all the machines in the shed fell off. Vicki, who was on guard watching for Mark, raced in and hissed, Get back by the trough—here's Uncle Mark. We'll take the blame.'

  Mark scolded them for being so careless and helped them put the machines back on. The twins giggled conspiratorially. Judy did not want to try again, but they bullied her

  into it. Soon she was almost as proficient as they were in the shed.

  Each day after they went to school Judy helped Mark scrub up the shed.

  One evening when Mark failed to return at milking time the twins and Judy brought the cows in, set up the shed and started the milk-ing. By the time Mark arrived hot and bothered just on dark they were finishing off.

  As it happened the twins were out feeding the calves and Judy was coping single-handed with the shed. She already had the separator turned on for the excess milk.

  Mark stared in. astonishment. Where did you learn to milk ?'

  Judy grinned at him impishly. 'Ask the twins ! They thought I was upset because you wouldn't let me learn to milk, so they decided to teach me on the side.'

  Wow, what a surprise ! You're really one out of the box, Judy. Where are those kids anyway ?'

  Out feeding the calves. Here they are now. Look, if you aren't going to help, get out of the way so we can finish off. Go and sit on the water trough so you don't get hurt.'

  The twins laughed uproariously. ' Serve you right, Uncle Mark,' jeered Peter. We knew she could do it.'

  Judy let the last line of cows go and started hosing down the shed, while the twins

  pumped the water through. Mark took charge of the separator room.

  ' I'm amazed, downright amazed. How did you learn to set up the machines—the separator ?'

  Judy was quite nonchalant. ' You don't think I've been sitting here with my eyes sh
ut for the last six weeks, do you ? I've helped you dismantle the darned thing every morning, so I just reversed the order. Easy ! '

  Well, I'll be damned. What a great bunch of kids you are ! I came home really had it, thinking I'd be all hours getting finished, and here I find you've done all the work. You are proper marvels.'

  The twins revelled in his praise. At dinner time they shared the joke with Nan and became over-excited, but no one wanted to spoil their fun. The twins delayed going to bed trying to extend the happiness of the evening.

  Wait until I go home to England and tell my friends I milked a whole herd of cows. They'll never believe me,' said Judy.

  You're not going home, are you ?' asked Vicki anxiously.

  `Not yet, not for a long time,' Judy soothed. ' Why don't you stay here—I mean for always ?' Peter suggested.

  Oh, I couldn't do that. Someday I'll have to leave, but I'll always remember this farm and the happy times I've had here.'

  Peter persisted, You mean when Mum

  and Dad come home, and Nan and Vicki and me go back to Dunedin.'

  ' Yes, I'll have to leave then,' replied Judy, smiling at their eager faces.

  ' Why don't you marry Uncle Mark? Then you could stay,' Peter wanted to know.

  `Now that is an idea, Peter,' Mark laughed. I wonder I didn't think of it myself. She can cook—she's not bad-looking and now you've taught her to milk she'd be invaluable. Yes, I must consider it.'

  Vicki danced up and down, Yes, do, Uncle Mark, then we can keep her.' Then her face fell. ' Oh no, you can't. You've got to marry Zelda so you can get all that money.'

  There was a sudden shocked silence. Judy did not know where to look—Vicki, now aware that something was wrong, started to cry.

  Where did you hear that bit of news, Vicki ? Have you been listening at the door when Nan and I were talking ? You're a very naughty little girl—you need a good thrashing!' Judy had never seen him so angry.

  Vicki, now thoroughly upset, screamed, I didn't listen at the door. I hate you! I hate you!' and she ran from the room sobbing bitterly.

  Do you know what she was talking about, Peter ?' Mark demanded.

  Yes, I do,' shouted Peter fiercely, ' and I think you're rotten. Vicki came out one night

  for a drink ages ago, and you and Nan were talking. The door was open. She came and told me, something about a will. If you'd shut the door she wouldn't have heard. I wish—I wish Mum and Dad would come home. I hate it here ! He burst into tears and ran out, slamming the door behind him.

  Judy was shocked that Peter should cry. He was such a tough, hardy little boy. She had seen him get some really sore hurts without making a fuss. Poor little fellow, he must be very upset.

  Nan stood up, obviously very distressed. ' The poor little things ! What a pity when they were so pleased with themselves. I must go and comfort them.'

  ' Nan, do you think they could have heard us discussing Paul and Betsy ? How could we have been so damned careless ? I feel sick at the thought.'

  ' Now, Mark, don't worry. I'm sure they wouldn't have kept it to themselves if they'd heard us discussing Paul and Betsy. They would have asked questions.'

  ' Then go through and talk to them, Nan—I'll come and make my peace later. Poor little brats. I shouldn't have jumped at Vicki like that, but I was upset about what they might have heard.' He turned abruptly and walked quickly out of the kitchen.

  ' Can I do anything, Nan ?' Judy asked. Yes, dear. In about ten minutes bring

  them through a cup of cocoa and a biscuit Yes—and an aspirin for Vicki. She's a very highly strung little girl, and she adores Mark really. It's such a shame.'

  Judy thoughtfully tidied the kitchen and did the dishes. What an extraordinary statement to make! She tried to remember Vicki's words. Something about he had to marry Zelda or he would lose all the money. Then Peter mentioned a will. Neither Mark nor Nan had denied that the statement was true. They were both more upset by their own carelessness in leaving the door open. It was easy to understand their dismay at the thought that the children might have learned of -the news that their parents were believed dead. And to learn of it in such a manner would have been much worse than if they had been told in a straightforward way. But marry Zelda or lose the money sounded so extraordinary. Well, it was none of her business.

  Judy made up the three cocoa drinks, placed some of the twins' favourite biscuits on a tray, and an aspirin, then carried it through. Nan was sitting on Vicki's bed with her arm around the little girl. Peter was lying on the end of the bed. They were talking quite happily, but Judy noticed that Vicki was still giving an occasional hiccup, and that she had her mother's picture clutched in her hands.

  Oh, how nice, Judy. Come on in. We

  were just talking about the twins' mother, Betsy. Let Judy have the photograph while you drink your cocoa, Vicki. Be careful you don't spill it. Cocoa stains are so hard to get out. I am glad you brought me a cup too, Judy.'

  Judy looked at the photograph. What a happy family group—Peter and Vicki standing with their parents on the steps of a lovely modern home. The father was tall and dark with a fine intelligent face. The mother had an arm around each twin and was laughing. Judy was surprised to see that their mother Was not much taller than the twins.

  Why, you two are nearly as big as your mother,' she commented.

  Peter, scenting criticism, said, She's little, but she's tough. Dad wouldn't have taken her with him if she hadn't been strong. She can ride and shoot and ski and swim. She used to go mountaineering before she had us. Dad says he would rather have her with him, if he was in a tight corner, than any man he knows.'

  Oh, I'm sure he would,' Judy agreed hastily. I think she looks quite lovely. I didn't mean anything derogatory by saying she was tiny. I'm so tall myself that I envy small dainty girls. They look so much more feminine.'

  You're okay,' Peter said gruffly.

  You should see Mummy when she's going 89

  out with Daddy at night,' Vicki put in eagerly. ' She has beautiful dresses, really gorgeous, and wears earrings and everything. Daddy says she looks like a princess. She smells lovely too'

  Judy felt a sudden surge of anger at the missing Paul and Betsy. How could they go off and leave their children ? They must have known the risks involved. When you have children, you should stay and look after them, not go gallivanting all over the place. She knew that Mark and Nan loved them and cared for them, but children need their parents.

  ' When do you think we'll hear from them Nan ? It's ages since we had a letter.'

  Judy could see Nan looked strained. You've finished your cocoa. Nan, you're looking tired. Why don't you go to bed ? I'll read a little to the twins. We have only one chapter left to read.'

  Nan kissed each child and giving Judy a grateful glance left the room.

  ' Promise you'll go to your room, Peter, and you'll settle down as soon as I finish, Vicki ?' asked Judy as she found the place in the book.

  ' Yes,' chorused the twins. As Judy's pleasant voice read on they relaxed and became interested in the story, and forgot their worries. When she finished she settled them for the night and went along to see Nan.

  `Are they better now ?' Nan asked anxiously.

  Yes, right as rain. Don't worry, Nan. You know how children say things they don't mean when they're upset, but they forget quickly. How are you feeling ?'

  Better now, thanks. It's so silly to get upset, I know, but when you're under a strain it isn't easy to remain calm. I've taken one of my pills, so I should have a good night.'

  Is there anything I can get you before I go to bed ?'

  No, nothing, thanks, dear,' answered Nan. Goodnight, Judy, and thanks.'

  Judy went out to the kitchen to make sure the fireguard was up and then went to bed. There was no sign of Mark, but she heard him in talking to Vicki and then Peter.

  During the night a noise woke Judy. She heard someone moving around in the kitchen. Quickly putting on her brunch coat and slippers,
she hurried out in case Nan had taken a bad turn.

  Oh, it's you, Mark. I thought Nan might be not feeling well.'

  Judy, I'm sorry, I was just making some coffee. Did I wake you up ?'

  What on earth is the time ?' asked Judy; rubbing her eyes.

  `About one o'clock. I was busy doing my paper work. I've just finished. Seeing I've

  woken you up, would you like a cup of coffee ?'

  Judy walked over and stirred the fire. By the look of -the table you've had quite a bit to do.'

  Mark collected his papers and tidied them up. He poured Judy a cup of coffee and brought it over to her, then sat down opposite her.

  You understate the case. I've had a monumental task. I hate doing my sums. They always tell such a disastrous story. I keep putting it off. I usually pick a wet day, you know dismal day—dismal task; but I didn't feel like bed tonight, so I thought I'd do a bit on the budget'

  Well, did you balance it ?'

  ' You have to be joking !' Mark laughed without mirth. However, I have a few more months left. To be exact, four, November, December, January and February. Not long considering the state of my books at the moment. But believe me, Judy, I'm going to have this farm. I've sweated my guts out here for five years, I'm not going to lose it.'

  Judy sipped her coffee. There didn't really seem anything to say. She knew so little of the situation. Mark lit a cigarette and stretched his long legs out in front of the fire.

  The set-up here is a bit difficult. My uncle had a peculiar sense of humour. He left me the farm provided I could double the production in five years. Then he added quite a few strings. He shocked me with a high rent, stipulated of course that I was not to borrow and then threw in a delightful saver. I'm not boring you ?'

  Not at all. What was the saver ?'

  Oh, really very cute. His old friend Duke Morrison has a lovely daughter Zelda, and Uncle Jack thought he would play Cupid. If I marry Zelda before first of March I'll get ten thousand dollars. This, I may add, I am allowed to use to balance the budget and so gain the farm. The old reprobate ! '

  Judy's eyes were enormous. ' That was an awful thing to do.