Surf Sisters

by Laurine Croasdale

  CHAPTER SIX

  ‘Thanks, Evelyn.’ Marlee waded out of the shallows, shivering. ‘I really appreciate your help.’

  ‘You’re welcome, Marlee.’ Evelyn flicked her head back and an arc of water drops sprayed outwards. ‘I’m enjoying it. It’s been a while since I was in a contest so I’m a little rusty. I’ll ask Fran to bring the video camera down tomorrow then you’ll see what I’m saying about your backhand turn.’ She patted Marlee’s shoulder. ‘Don’t look so anxious. You’re surfing well. Focus on enjoying yourself and everything else will follow.’

  The sky was blue without a cloud breaking its stretch to the horizon but there was no warmth from the sun and Marlee quickly collected her gear, waved to Tilly still in the surf, then jogged home, leaving enough time for a hot shower and breakfast before catching the school bus. She turned up her driveway to the garage, not seeing Kyle until she’d reached her door.

  ‘Arggh!’ she yelled, jumping backwards, laughing at herself, happy to see him and nervous all at once.

  Kyle, arms tightly crossed, was stamping his feet to keep warm. His face lit up when he saw her. ‘Hi, Marlee!’

  She placed her board against the garage wall, stalling. ‘Hi,’ said Marlee, unsure what to say now that he was finally here. Kyle seemed taller than she remembered, shoulders broader, his skin deeply tanned, with streaks of sun through his hair. He shivered in his Eddie Would Go T-shirt with a photo of Waimea Bay underneath; his favourite pair of faded ripped jeans hung loosely on his hips.

  Heart pounding, Marlee picked up her towel. ‘So you finally remembered your home address!’

  He grinned. ‘Yeah, didn’t think I’d be away this long but the surf was amazing, and once the pros left I thought I’d stick around until the summer.’ He shivered, blowing into his cupped hands. ‘I’d forgotten how cold our winters are.’

  ‘It’s not that bad, but I guess you’d think that if you’d just come from a Hawaiian summer. The surf’s great though. Welcome home.’ There was a pause long enough to border on awkward. Marlee quickly towelled her hair then peeled down her wetsuit to dry off.

  Kyle inspected her board. ‘Looks good. You happy with it?’

  ‘It goes great.’ Pause. ‘So when did you get back? How was it?’ She grabbed her sweatshirt off the clothesline and quickly pulled it on.

  Kyle slouched against the garage in a broad stripe of sun. ‘’Bout an hour ago. The trip was great. I was going to ask some of the crew over this arvo to see a few photos.’ His eyes didn’t leave hers and Marlee could see his uncertainty as he reached out and took her hand. ‘Do you want to come?’ Marlee thought about her afternoon training with Evelyn, her pamphlet run and school assignments, but then Kyle tugged her hand. It was only a step and her body took it, melting into Kyle like soft sand around a foot.

  ‘I missed you heaps, Marlee.’ Kyle hugged her tight, kissing her neck softly, and with each kiss a light blinked on, opening up a new highway to her senses. She felt her body’s energy morph into a different shape, liquefying every particle of her body. Marlee was swimming through honey and she struggled to remember what it was she so specifically had to tell Kyle.

  Kyle took the towel from around her neck and slowly rubbed her wet hair. ‘All I could think of on the flight home was doing this.’ He kissed her again. This time on the lips.

  Marlee felt herself dissolve from the inside out and she poured months of being away from Kyle into the moment. Gently, she pulled herself away, looking into his green eyes, his expression gentle, happy.

  ‘So tell me what’s happening?’

  ‘Island Breeze is holding a contest in WA in October. Have you heard about it?’

  Kyle yawned, shook his head, then laughed. ‘Sorry, I’m a bit tired. Yeah, I heard about it in Hawaii. Everyone’s talking about it. You going?’

  Marlee nodded proudly. ‘I got a wildcard. I’ll be competing.’

  Kyle kissed her. ‘That’s great, well done. Hey, I go to Bali around then, so I can come to the contest with you. It’s virtually on the way.’ Doubt bubbled up inside Marlee as she struggled with her earlier decision. Kyle looked at her more closely. ‘What? What’s up? You are going aren’t you?’

  Marlee looked away. ‘I think so. Hope so. I have to work out the money though.’ She hesitated, then said more definitely, ‘Yes, I’m going but I need to get organised.’ She paused again. ‘So maybe it’d be better if we didn’t hang out for a little while.’

  Kyle straightened up. Cold air filled the space between them. ‘Why? Have you met someone else?’

  ‘No! No, that’s not it.’ Marlee laughed at the absurdity of the idea.

  ‘Well, what is it?’ Kyle asked, impatient, then unsure. ‘Marlee?’

  Marlee swallowed, uncertain where to start, how to explain. There was no easy way around this conversation, so Marlee just said it. ‘Some of the best surfers in the world are going to be competing, there’ll be online coverage, a film, sponsors – it’s going to be a huge deal.’

  ‘Yeah, that is so great!’ Kyle stepped towards her, happy for her.

  ‘It is, but I want to do my best. And to do that I need to really focus – you know: get super fit, train, I have to keep up with school, I need to nail my backhand turn, work on my wave selection …’ She stopped, realised that she was rambling. ‘Sorry. It’s just that I need to be ready and the fewer distractions the better.’

  There was a long pause. Kyle laughed in disbelief. ‘So I’m a distraction? Is that what you’re saying?’

  ‘Well, yes.’ She ran her hand through his hair. ‘But in the nicest possible way.’ This conversation didn’t seem to be going the way she’d pictured and she tried to get it back to the contest and away from being a personal attack on Kyle. ‘I can’t just turn up for the contest and expect it all to fall into place. I have to give it one hundred per cent and I’ve only got five months left to do that. Do you understand?’

  Kyle spoke softly, his sad eyes fixed on hers. ‘Not really. The whole time I was away all I could think of was you and now you’re saying you don’t want to be with me. How can you put someone on hold while you train for a contest? That’s crazy. Let’s do it together, as a team. I’ll help you train, back you up, whatever you need. You don’t need to do this by yourself.’

  Marlee’s throat had closed so tightly no sound would come out. She closed her eyes and felt Kyle’s lips brush hers. A balmy summer breeze whispered through her body. When she reopened her eyes he was still watching her, his eyes appealing, intense. Reluctantly she stepped back, head down, her disappointment genuine. ‘I hate myself too, but I do mean it,’ she heard herself say. ‘If you were in my shoes you’d do the same thing.’

  The goose bumps stood out on Kyle’s arms and he crossed them again, turning his face away. ‘You’re wrong, Marlee. I wouldn’t hurt you like that. I’m not a toy you put in the corner when something more interesting turns up.’

  ‘I don’t mean it like that at all!’ Marlee stepped towards him, reaching for his hand, but Kyle turned away.

  ‘Whatever, it’s the same result.’ Kyle waved and walked down the drive, not looking back. ‘See you round.’

  Tears rolled down Marlee’s cheeks and she didn’t trust herself to speak. And then he was gone. The space around her felt huge and empty and Marlee felt totally alone.

  Just like she’d wanted, she thought bitterly.

  Straight after school Tilly threw her bag onto the couch then headed across the road to the Surf School. ‘Hi, Dad, I got your note,’ she called out, peering into the darkness. ‘What’s up?’

  Phil stuck his head around a stack of boards, his face lighting up. ‘Hello, darling. How was school today?’

  ‘Great. It’s sport today, I got to go surfing. What did you want to talk to me about?’

  Phil guided her to the chairs near the desk and Tilly, a little unsettled, concentrated on the class of schoolgirls warming up on the sand. ‘The school classes are popular, aren’t they?’

/>   Phil nodded. ‘That and the corporate stuff Barb’s been sending through. She’s turned surfing into the new bonding activity for the corporate world. I should put her on commission!’

  Tilly forced a smile. ‘Well we sure got the old School up off the ground, didn’t we?’

  ‘A big thanks to you there,’ said Phil, patting her shoulder. ‘Actually, that’s what I want to talk to you about. The School’s going so well I’ve decided to expand and I’m making an offer on the Rocky Point school. If that comes off there’ll be a lot of planning, sorting out finance, buying new stock, advertising, and setting up systems – and it’s all got to be done before the new season kicks off in spring.’

  ‘That’s so exciting, Dad! I’d love to help.’

  ‘Well that would be good. But what I’m trying to get at is this – Barb’s been working her butt off for the last few months to line up some new contracts, and if they come off we’ll not only be fully booked for the season but we’ll have some big ongoing contracts. It’s huge, Tilly, and I don’t want to let Barb down after all the hard work she’s put in. I need to make sure that things go smoothly here while Shane gets the new place up and running. The only problem is that I can’t do all that and go to Western Australia for the contest too.’

  ‘But you said you would! I asked you and you said no problem.’

  ‘That was before I realised that you meant Shipwreck in Western Australia! There’s a Shipwreck Beach in nearly every state, and if it had been down the coast, like I thought, I could’ve squeezed in a day or two – but I just can’t afford to be away for two or three weeks, Tilly. I’m sorry.’

  ‘But that’s not fair! You’ve been to every contest I’ve ever been in.’ Tilly crossed her arms, turning away from Phil. ‘We always go together. That’s our thing.’

  ‘I know, but missing one contest won’t be the end of the world. Believe me, I’d go if I could.’ He stroked Tilly’s hair. ‘I’m sorry, Tilly.’ Tilly said nothing. ‘But you’ll have fun with the Island Breeze team. It’ll be just like camp. Besides, Mitch and Christie will probably want you to stay with them for all the team stuff they do and there wouldn’t be room there for me.’

  The schoolgirls collected their boards, dragging them down to the water’s edge. Tilly watched them before adding, a touch bitterly, ‘This is about Barb, isn’t it?’

  ‘No, Tilly.’ Phil put a reassuring arm around Tilly’s shoulder. ‘It is not about Barb. It’s about you, me, Sam, the School and what’s best for all of us.’

  Tilly walked to the School’s entrance, paused, thinking, then walked back towards him. ‘Well, don’t worry about me, I’ll work it out, seeing as how I’m by myself most of the time now anyway,’ she said sulkily.

  ‘That’s not true and you know it,’ Phil answered calmly.

  ‘It so is.’

  Phil stood in front of Tilly, his hands on her shoulders. ‘I’ve taken you to every contest since you were ten. I have driven you there, fed you, trained you, put up the tent, cheered you on and brought you home. Do not make me feel like I’m letting you down because just this once I can’t go. You’re mature enough now to deal with it, Matilda. Otherwise I wouldn’t be giving you the responsibility.’

  Tilly didn’t answer. Instead she nodded her head. ‘Sure, I understand. Bye.’ I understand that you want me out of the way, she muttered to herself, stomping up the steps towards home.

  The house was empty and Tilly was glad. She cranked up the music loud, then began tossing ingredients from the fridge onto the bench. It was still early, there was still a chance that Jamie might turn up, and she hoped he would, even though he’d probably tell her that there was no love going into those little dumplings she was making and they’d suffer for it.

  Her anger gave her energy, and as she washed her hands and sharpened her knife she considered her father’s point of view. In all the time she’d been competing he’d been there; he’d been her rock. And now, the most important contest of her life, he was letting her down.

  All the ingredients were lined up on the bench top like little soldiers: garlic, carrot, coriander, minced pork, ginger, eggs. Tilly double-checked the recipe, telling herself that if Jamie hadn’t arrived when the song ended, she’d start cooking without him.

  Maybe the next song.

  Tilly chopped the coriander slowly, scraping the dark green leaves off the knife into a bowl. She was starting to count down the seconds when Sam appeared, sniffing like a dog. ‘Mmmm, smells good. When’s dinner?’ He shoved a carrot in his mouth and Tilly warded him off with the knife. He jumped backwards, holding his hands up. ‘Easy, Til. I’ve got a date is all.’

  ‘Have you seen Jamie?’ she asked, getting another carrot out of the fridge, and deciding that this delay meant waiting for another two songs.

  ‘Yeah, he’s talking to Pink down the beach. Has she got a job or something? I’ve never seen her in a top with sleeves and a collar!’ Tilly chopped a little harder. A little faster. Sam watched her, impressed. ‘Wow, you’re like a food processor. Go Tilly!’

  She smiled, unhappy. ‘You know, before I went up the coast I could practically set my watch by Jamie. He always knew when dinner was on the go. But that seems to have changed.’ She pushed the chopped carrots onto the blade, tossed them into the mix, and glanced at Sam. ‘Or is it just my imagination?’

  ‘Well I certainly don’t see him as much.’ Sam threw a limp wrist over his forehead. ‘Not since he dumped me to hang out with you.’

  Tilly laughed. ‘That was a wise choice.’

  Sam shrugged. ‘Well Pink’s back, maybe that’s changed things.’

  Tilly threw the rest of the ingredients into the bowl, kneading them aggressively with her bare hands. ‘It sure has. They seem crazy about each other. One day he’s here and next he’s gone – like that!’ She clicked her fingers, except they slid off each other in a greasy, silent way and she laughed in spite of herself.

  Sam shrugged. ‘He’s a good-looking guy. Damn, I’d go out with him myself if I wasn’t straight.’ He laughed at his own joke, then added, ‘I thought he liked you for a while there. I’d never seen him talk so much until he started hanging out with you. And the dinners really picked up.’ He dodged backwards in case Tilly decided to throw something.

  But she smiled, resigned, and washed her hands. ‘No. Nothing happened between us. We’re just friends.’ She slapped a large pot on the stove and poured in boiling water from the kettle. ‘Dinner’ll be at least half an hour, unless you want to help me stuff these wontons.’

  Sam backed out of the kitchen. ‘Er, not really, sis – I’ve gotta get a shower and you know I can’t cook. Barb’ll probably be here soon, she’ll give you a hand.’

  The water trapped under the pan popped and sizzled. Tilly checked the clock one last time. The song had finished, the next one was halfway through. Instinctively she glanced across the road to the beach but the seats were empty, all the cars gone for the day. Sam would be out soon and the last person she wanted to see was her father. Tilly pulled the pan off the stove, tossed the bowl of ingredients into the fridge and went to Marlee’s.

  She tapped on the garage door and waited. Marlee stuck her head out of the kitchen door and even from there she could see that Tilly was upset. ‘Hang on a tick.’ Marlee disappeared inside and returned carrying her dinner. She handed the plate and two forks to Tilly then put her shoulder to the old timber door and gave it a hefty shove. ‘What’s up? Bad day?’

  ‘Had a fight with Dad,’ Tilly said by way of greeting.

  ‘Want to talk about it?’

  ‘Not yet.’

  Marlee pulled the beanbags in front of the television and scratched another mark on the wall for their fortieth play of Blue Crush. They snuggled down together, Marlee’s dinner between them, and watched and ate in silence.

  It was only at the end, as they watched the credits, that Tilly finally spoke. ‘Dad’s not going to Shipwreck.’

  ‘Why?’ Marlee tried not to sou
nd shocked.

  ‘Something about being busy with the School.’ Tilly sniffed. ‘It’s more likely to do with Barb.’

  ‘That’s too bad,’ said Marlee softly. ‘Will you go with the team now?’

  Tilly sighed. ‘I guess so. That’ll be so boring. It’s much more fun going with you and Dad. I hate the way Christie does that whole No Junk Food While I’m Here thing and she loves doing all that media stuff. She doesn’t seem to get that we just want to surf. Hey …’ Tilly tried to turn to look at Marlee but the beans in the bag wouldn’t shift and she had to twist her neck hard instead. ‘I just thought of something. How will you get there?’ She squirmed around until she was comfortable, adding, ‘Oh, I hate my dad. He is so selfish.’

  ‘I’ll be fine!’ Marlee laughed even though she couldn’t think of one funny thing. ‘I never expected Phil to drive all that way.’

  ‘Well how were you going to get there?’ Tilly looked confused.

  ‘Don’t worry about me. I’ve got it all worked out.’

  Tilly smiled, relieved. ‘Well that’s one good thing at least. I should’ve known that you’d have something organised.’

  Marlee pulled the DVD out of the player. ‘Kyle came home today,’ she said, not looking at Tilley.

  ‘Great!’ Tilly brightened immediately. ‘You kept that quiet, although I s’pose I haven’t been much company. Sorry. So how was it?’ She watched Marlee eagerly, waiting for details.

  Marlee’s mind skipped through the greeting, lingered on the kisses and sank at the departure. ‘Not so good. I told him I needed time out to get organised. He got angry.’

  Tilly wondered if she could do that to Jamie if he’d showed any interest in her but knew there’d be no way. ‘Can’t you just see him on weekends or something?’ she suggested.

  Marlee considered the possibility. ‘No. He only has to look at me and I forget what day it is. It’s not an option anyway. He made it pretty clear that he wouldn’t stick around and wait. Why is it that you can’t have a boyfriend and follow a dream too? Boys seem to be able to do it.’

  Tilly sank back into the beanbag and Marlee pulled out her worn DVD of Georgie Starr on Tour. It was Marlee’s mental wallpaper. She’d long since memorised every single move Georgie Starr made in her fifty minutes on screen, including her walk. She played it whenever she needed some calm space in her head so she could retreat and think. Marlee pressed play and they both lapsed back into silence.