by Di Morrissey
‘No, no. You’re talking about marine biology . . . I couldn’t. The ocean freaks me out. I worked with National Parks in bushland, nothing to do with islands, reefs, the ocean . . .’ Jennifer shook her head, starting to feel panicky. Isobel was so sweet and smiling but the force of her personality was overwhelming. The expression ‘velvet steamroller’ came to mind.
‘Jennifer, you have choices in life. Take them or lose them. I’m showing you a path. It’s not diving over the continental shelf or anything.’ She drew Jennifer to her feet and linked her arm through hers, propelling her outside. ‘Don’t you believe people meet, cross paths, for a reason? A season perhaps?’
‘Possibly,’ said Jennifer reluctantly. But inside her head there was an insistent voice, Listen to her, listen.
They started to walk in the sunshine. ‘There’s meeting someone new and then there’s connecting with someone. You understand the difference?’
‘Yes.’ Mac. Gideon. Tony. You. A connection, an indefinable something.
‘Are you happy, Jennifer? Do you wake up each morning and can’t wait to rush out of bed, seize the day . . .’
‘Not really.’ Jennifer gave a short laugh. ‘I can’t ever remember feeling like that. Well, maybe when I was a little girl. Before I lost my father and brother.’
‘And what about your husband?’
‘He is very ambitious. Has his career all mapped out. Loves his job.’
‘And you? He loves you?’
They were walking past Mac’s house, following the path back towards the resort. Isobel still had her arm through Jennifer’s.
‘Yes.’ She felt uncomfortable. ‘It’d be pretty awful if he didn’t, with the baby coming and all.’
‘He’s happy, excited about your baby?’ Isobel felt Jennifer stiffen slightly and she loosened her arm, adjusting her hat and sun glasses. ‘I am asking too many questions. That is my way. We’re nosy people.’ But she looked at Jennifer, still waiting for an answer.
‘He wasn’t at first, we’ddecided to wait for a few years. But . . . he’s getting used to the idea.’
‘Hmmm.’
They walked in silence into the pisonia forest where the air was thick and wet. Isobel wiped beads of perspiration from her lip, taking off her hat to fan herself. Jennifer felt a trickle of moisture between her breasts. They both stopped to watch two noddy terns arguing over where to attach a leaf to a half-built nest.
‘Every couple has their domestic disagreements,’ commented Jennifer. She was thinking about their lack of nesting. ‘Our baby is probably going to sleep in a box on the floor,’ she tried to joke. ‘Rosie is being very accommodating about letting us stay here with the baby till Blair’s contract isup. Then, hopefully, we’ll settle somewhere a bit more permanent.’
Isobel was dismissive. ‘Babies don’t need expensive equipment. So long as she is close to you, that’s all she needs. Milk, cuddles, crooning, hearing the sea and the birds. Perfect.’
‘Oh Isobel, I don’t know if you are being a Pollyanna or just trying to make me feel good,’ sighed Jennifer. ‘I wish everything was as easy as you make it sound.’
They continued walking and came to the junction of the path.
‘I am going to see Gideon,’ said Isobel.
‘I’ll go back to the resort.’ Jennifer felt she should thank Isobel but wasn’t sure what for. If anything, she’d made her feel restless and resentful. That she could be doing other things, leading a different life.
Isobel touched Jennifer’s cheek. ‘My dear girl, let me help you. You know what is wrong with you?’
Jennifer was about to retort there wasn’t anything wrong with her, but reflected on how she’d been feeling a moment before. She looked down at her sandy feet in her casual sandals and simply shook her head.
Isobel rested her finger under Jennifer’s chin, lifting her head so they looked into each other’s eyes. ‘You’ve lost the magic of childhood, of wonder. Of truly seeing. You can’t be a good mother to your own child until you share that again.’
Inexplicably Jennifer’s eyes filled with tears.
Isobel smiled. ‘We shall find it. Together. That’s what friends are for, yes?’ She squeezed Jennifer’s hand and turned down the track. Isobel glanced back at Jennifer standing at the intersection of the sandypaths and wondered if the girl realised she was at a crossroads in her life. She hoped Jennifer had the courage to take the path of self discovery.
Jennifer couldn’t find Blair so after eating and cleaning up their kitchenette she walked down to the resort wharf. It was mid afternoon and as always it amazed her that, despite there being over a hundred guest sat the resort, it always looked empty. Where did they go during the day? She saw Lloyd hosing down the deck of his boat. She wandered down and gave him a hoy.
‘Hey there, Jennifer, how’s it going? Hear you’ve hunkered down at the research station.’
‘My home away from home. How’s it with you?’
‘Come aboard. Just back from a trip. Want a cup of tea?’
‘Why not!’ She went down the solid ironbark steps and, steadying herself on a pylon that had once been a forest giant, took Lloyd’s hand and stepped into the boat.
‘You’re getting to be a regular now. Why not come out for a fish with us next trip?’
‘I couldn’t stand to watch them die. Plus, I’d probably be seasick. My condition, you know,’ she laughed.
‘No such luck. About the fishing.’ He turned the gas on under the tea kettle. ‘It’s a worry . . . hardly any bloody fish out there anymore.’ He pointed to two black marks on the edge of the gunwale.
‘See that – forty-five centimetres. Anything under that size has to go back. Which means most of the fish the tourists catch. They whinge, of course, a fish that size’d feed one or two people.’
‘I don’t imagine they pay money to come and catch something that’d fit in a small frying pan,’ said Jennifer.
‘Branch isn’t known as a major game fishing place. But there’s always been good sport fishing out there. Tag and release, get your photo taken, that sort of thing.’ Lloyd gazed thoughtfully out to sea.
‘You’re worried about the effect on tourism?’ asked Jennifer.
He turned to Jennifer. ‘Nah, not really. I mean, I’m twenty-nine, I can turn my hand to a lot of other things. No, I’m worried about the future. Of the reef. For most of the gang here it’s just a job.’
‘You’ve spent too much time with Mac and Gideon,’ said Jennifer with a small smile.
‘Yeah.’ He got out the mugs. ‘Do you know much about Gideon? What his interest, his passion in life is?’
‘This island, as far as I could make out. I feel badly I haven’t shown more interest in him. He’s been so attentive and helpful to me,’ said Jennifer.
‘That’s his way. Actually, Gideon is quite an inventor. He has some sort of engineering degree. He was a pilot in the war. Now he’s building submersibles. Don’t know why he didn’t join the navy,’ mused Lloyd. ‘He says gliding about underwater is more like flying. Anyway, that’s where the connection with Isobel comes in.’
‘That funny machine I saw!’ exclaimed Jennifer. ‘Is that what it is?’
‘The sharkmobile we call it. Operates on aerodynamic pressure and principles like a space craft. I don’t understand it. I just drive the boat and help them launch it.’
‘They’ve tested it? Does it work?’ she asked incredulously.
‘My oath. Old Gideon has been down quite deep, he’s taken pictures and videos. They’re a bit dark and blurry but he reckons he’s seen some amazing things.’
‘Is that why Isobel is here?’ Jennifer felt her skin tingle at the idea of going down into the ocean depths in a plastic machine with windows and small fins like a fragile but sleek fish.
‘Partly. They keep it a bit quiet, don’t want tourists gawking, media people hyping it up. And you know it’s dangerous. The university doesn’t want a failed experiment on its hands. Take sugar?’
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br /> ‘No thanks, Lloyd. Isobel, is she attached to the university too?’
‘No, she has her own research organisation that has American funding. Ask Carmel about it. Or better, talk to Isobel.’
‘I will.’ She watched Lloydstow the fishing gear. ‘You know, in a way it might be more interesting for tourists to know what the research station and the scientists and students are doing than sitting in a boat hanging a line over the side with no idea what’s down there.’
Lloyd pointed to his depth sounder. ‘Yeah, seeing a school of fish as a yellow blob on the radar screen isn’t as exciting as being in the resort submarine and going eyeball to eyeball. You should try that. It trundles along with the passengers below the surface and the top half out of the water.’
Jennifer shook her head. ‘Why is everyone trying to get me underwater?’
‘That’s why people come here. All the other stuff, the fab resort, tropical island, idyllic lifestyle, turtles, fish, birds – they’re all trimmings. It’s the reef. The reef is the drawcard. They don’t call it one of the wonders of the world for nothing. You gotta see it, Jennifer.’
She held out her hand to be helped back onto the steps. ‘Thanks for the tea. Say hi to Carmel. See you, Lloyd.’
Jennifer walked through the resort thinking she’d have a nap in the new acquisition Doyley had found for them – a hammock – which they’d strung between trees in the courtyard of their unit. But to her surprise she saw Mac and Gideon coming towards her. Gideon wore long cotton pants, a colourful shirt, sandals and his leather hat. Mac, while in shorts, looked spruced up in an ironed shirt.
‘Howdy, Miss Jennifer,’ said Gideon, lifting his hat.
‘This is a nice surprise. What brings you into the resort? Having dinner here tonight?’
‘I believe we will,’ said Gideon. ‘Will you join us? We’re Rosie’s guests.’
‘We’re having a bit of a meeting at Rosie’s place,’ added Mac. ‘Keep it under your hat.’
Jennifer wondered if that meant not to mention it to Blair. ‘I’ll see you later then.’
Lying in the hammock, listening to the distant, constant rumble of the waves breaking over the outside reef, birds rustling and murmuring in the trees, a heron squabbling with a seagull over possession of the clamshell under the shower, Jennifer felt like she was curled in a canvas womb as the world around her went on with business as usual. She felt in limbo, waiting. For the birth of her baby? A new direction in her life? Some sign from Blair that they would be together in the rocking chairs surrounded by grandkids one day?
Later that afternoon Blair changed clothes and glanced at Jennifer lying on the sofa reading. ‘I’m going for a sunset cocktail with some Yank visitors. Want to join us? I’ve no idea where Rosie has been all afternoon.’
‘I’ll be up for dinner. What’s been happening? How are things going?’
He gave her a quizzical look. ‘As ever. Why? Should anything be happening? Maybe I should ask you the same.’
Jennifer dropped her book. ‘I’ve nearly finished Dawn’s book. I’m wondering what I can do to occupy myself.’
‘Relax and do the things they say – eat right, exercise. Think how lucky you are to be here and not working right up to the baby’s arrival. Maybe if you’re bored you should consider going back to stay with Vi, Don, your mother.’
‘Are you mad? There’s nowhere to stay. Unless we throw the tenants out of our place. I’m not bored, I’m considering my options. I could do a further degree or at least do a course through the research station and uni. Or Mac suggested I might write something for them.’
‘Now who’s mad? Why get into something you can’t finish? I’ll speak to Rosie, maybe you could work in the office, even reception, guest activities, something like that.’
‘I didn’t think spouses were allowed to work. And I’d hate that.’
‘I can pull some strings.’
Jennifer sat up . ‘What do you mean, I couldn’t finish, anyway?’
Blair turned away, smoothing his hair, adjusting his belt. ‘Maybe we could cut this contract short. If I get a good job with Reef Resorts International. There are big plans for this company in the works.’
‘And you’re part of them? I wouldn’t believe everything that Mr Fanzio and Mr Holding have to say.’
‘Listen, Jennifer, I’m doing you a favour. Don’t get involved with that uni mob. It’s quite likely the research station could be closed. Now don’t say anything, you just never know, that’s all.’
It occurred to Jennifer that Blair regretted saying what he did. She got up and went into the kitchenette. ‘Want a cup of tea?’ Then casually, ‘so why would the research station close? I thought they were doing useful work. And it’s been there long before the resort was here.’
‘It’s sitting on land adjoining Coral Point headland . . . Land is valuable. Who knows what a developer could do with it.’
‘It’s too far away for the resort to extend on it. And you couldn’t have two resorts. What mad idea are those guys hatching?’
‘Don’t jump to any conclusions,’ said Blair irritably. ‘And don’t repeat this. It’s speculation. There could be a journalist coming in to write up the resort – don’t give her any wild ideas.’
‘What sort of journalist?’
‘A glossy travel mag. I’ll probably take her and the photographer over to Sooty as well.’
‘When are they coming? I’d like to go to Sooty again.’
‘Don’t know any details. When are you going back to Headland Bay?’
‘I have a doctor’s appointment next Friday. Maybe I’ll do some baby shopping. A few basics.’
‘See who’s off duty and take one of the girls with you. Doyley says a couple of the new girls are hanging out to hit the shops and stuff.’
‘So I’ll see you at dinner? I was hoping to join Rosie.’
‘I’ll be with the Yanks and Susie, she’s over from Sooty. We’re trying to persuade these Americans to go over to the isle and do some deep-sea fishing. They have plenty of dough and a lot of rich friends. They’re crazy about the scuba diving they’ve done here.’
‘Everyone says we have to see the reef. Maybe on your day off on Sunday we could do something? I mean, not scuba. But go sailing, just spend the day at the beach, what do you say?’
‘We’ll see. I don’t want to arrange something and then have you freaking out.’
‘I’ll try not to do that, Blair. I’m working on being a kid again. Fearless, adventure some, excited to seize the day.’ She smiled.
Blair didn’t seem to be listening. ‘Whatever. See you for dinner.’
Jennifer got dressed slowly, deciding to wear a long wrap skirt and camisole top. The skirt was softly draped and she wound it around her larger waist and swelling stomach. She rather liked her fuller breasts and she took trouble with her make-up. As she walked along the path she plucked a frangipani blossom and stuck it in her upswept hair.
Doyley grinned at her as she entered the terrace bar. ‘You look, what’s the word they use for brides and mothers to be? And not necessarily in that order . . . radiant. Yes. Glowing.’
‘I’ve had a relaxing afternoon.’ She glanced around. ‘Is Blair about? Or Rosie?’
‘Blair is out on the lawn with the zillionaires. Rosie sent a message to ask you to her suite for a drink before dinner with some pals.’ Doyley raisedan eyebrow. ‘Everyone wants your company.’
‘I’ll just say hello to Blair and arrange to meet him later.’ Jennifer heard laughter and saw the group, two couples, obviously the Americans, and Susie and Scott from Sooty. Susie was sitting in a deep cane chair, Blair perched on its arm. She saw Jennifer and nudged Blair. He stood up as Scott began to drag over another chair.
Jennifer shook her head. ‘Don’t bother, please, I’m not staying. Hello.’ She nodded at Susie.
The two American men rose and beamed at her as Blair introduced her. Jennifer saw the approval in their eyes and warm smiles fr
om their wives.
‘How darling you look. Blair, she’s lovely. And congratulations too, my dear.’
Susie stood up. ‘Nice to see you again, Jennifer. Hope we see you over on Sooty Isle. You must be busy.’
‘I am actually. I’ll be sure to come over with Blair next time and stay for a couple of days. Lovely to meet you all, I’m just meeting some friends. See you at dinner.’ Jennifer gave a wave ands ailed outside feeling pleased with herself despite the unease she felt about ‘sexy Susie’.
Rosie opened the door of her suite. Mac and Gideon were sitting on the sofa. ‘Hi, good, Doyley gave you the message. Come and have an aperitif.’
‘How beautiful you look, Miss Jennifer,’ smiled Gideon.
‘You both look pretty spiffy too.’ She sat down.
‘We try to make an effort when we come to this bit of the island,’ Mac said. ‘Can’t let Rosie down, have her entertaining a bunch of scruffy boffins.’
‘Blair is entertaining some bejewelled American matrons, hubbies in golf shirts and plaid bermuda shorts. And the Sooty siren, Susie,’ said Jennifer, raising her glass and taking a sip.
‘Cheers.’ Mac and Rosie exchanged a look. ‘Jenny, we’ve been having a bit of a pow-wow and we don’t want to put you in an awkward situation,’ began Mac, ‘But Rosie is concerned and so we thought we’d be up-front with you.’
‘It’s about Blair and those two slick boys, isn’t it?’ said Jennifer. ‘What are they up to?’
‘We’re not sure. Except they don’t wield much power internationally so they can’t do too much harm. Big dreamers, opportunists. There’s always someone with an eye on the main chance,’ said Rosie. ‘I’ve come across them a lot. It’s just that here, on Branch Island, I’d hate to see them try and turn this into a mega resort.’
‘We’re a bit worried there is a campaign a foot to discred it the research station or make the resort look bad, something to give them some leverage,’ said Mac.
‘If they do their homework they might change their mind,’ said Gideon. ‘I wouldn’t worry too much.’
