Chapter 5 - i

The time had come for everyone to head back to the city. The Japanese horse, Delta Blues had been victorious in the Cup and Steve was loaded with sweet booty. He was in a much better mood and even managed to farewell Kate and Ben amiably. He climbed into his Ute and tooted his horn as a final farewell. Kate sighed, she wasn’t going anywhere tonight and Ben had decided that he would stay too. He wasn’t working until Wednesday night. Bess hugged Kate, Jo, and Ben warmly and joined Alex in her sporty car. Alex was driving and he waved from the car as they sped up the driveway. “City drivers,” Bob groaned, “no respect for the road!” Sarah laughed; she was heading back with Josh because they had classes tomorrow morning. “Don’t be such an old grump, Dad,” Tim also laughed as he was out the front farewelling everyone too, “and don’t pretend you haven’t enjoyed having us all here!” Bob laughed and scratched his head, “Go on you kids.” The cows were getting noisy, which indicated that it was time for the evening’s milking. They waved to Sarah and Josh until their taillights had receded at the end of the drive. Bob and Tim headed to the milking shed and Caroline turned back into the house. Kate and Ben wandered towards the creek, and Jo went inside to play with the old dog.

Ben held Kate’s hand firmly in his as they strolled towards the creek. They had reached the high spot of the paddock, beside the dam, and paused to observe the spectacular sunset. Ben was standing behind Kate and had his arms wrapped around her shoulders. He was struggling with the thought of leaving her behind when he returned to Melbourne after lunch tomorrow. The last of the sun’s golden orb dipped below the horizon, but the clouds remained pink, gold and blue. Ben sighed and Kate turned and looked at him, “what’s up?” she asked. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, “just thinking about tomorrow,” he replied. “You don’t want to leave us, leave me here…” she guessed at the main theme of his thoughts. He nodded and took her hand. They walked on and soon reached the creek. “We’ll be ok, Ben,” Kate said, though without much conviction, “we have everything we need and it’s a good plan.” Ben agreed on the whole, “you have enough money?” “Plenty!” she emphasised. “A car will arrive tomorrow afternoon, it will have South Australian plates.” Focussing on the practicalities kept his mind off what was bothering him, “a local officer from the Valley will bring it over, and your new Id package should be in there too. Now it was Kate’s turn to sigh, she still couldn’t believe that she was doing this, ‘when do you think it will arrive?” she asked. “Um, not exactly sure, the early afternoon, I think. Don’t stay on here past the end of the week, and you’ll need to keep moving,” he explained. “I don’t plan on staying anywhere longer than one or two weeks, less here in Victoria,” she confirmed. “That’s good,” Ben faced her and cupped his hand over her cheek, “you’re beautiful Kate, you will be ok, you know,” he encouraged her. Kate was silent, she still wasn’t so sure…. They turned and headed back to the house. They would sleep up there tonight, in Sarah’s old room, which had been turned into a guest room.

Mrs Jones was setting the table and looked up as they padded in. Jo was curled on a cushion on the floor with the dog and reading a book. Kate smiled; he had come so far in such a short time, she marvelled at his tenacity and determination. “Is there anything I can do to help?” Kate asked Caroline. “No dear, why don’t you just sit down and relax? I’ll serve up in about ten minutes,” Caroline smiled and went back into the kitchen. Kate and Ben sat on the couch and were soon joined by Bob and Tim, who had just finished the milking. “Can I get you a drink?” Bob asked. They all had a beer and Mr Jones turned on the TV for the ABC news. The first ten minutes focussed on the Melbourne Cup and its associated fanfare. Caroline brought out steaming bowls of soup, “pumpkin,” she announced as she laid the bowls on the table. “Jo,” called Kate, “Go and wash your hands for dinner.” Jo looked up and then scampered off to the bathroom, his hands were still damp when he returned. He sat next to Ben; he had grown to like him. In fact, Kate had noticed that he seemed a lot more comfortable with men in general. He was still a little wary of strangers, particularly large men with dark hair, but overall he had a lot more confidence. They had steak and vegetables after the soup and stewed fruit with ice cream for dessert.

“That was delicious!” Ben said as he wiped his mouth and pushed back his chair, “I can’t say I’ve ever eaten so well in my life!” Caroline smiled, “it’s a pleasure, I have really enjoyed having you all here this weekend.” Tim agreed, “Yeah, the place will feel so empty and quiet this week.” Bob got up from the table and began gathering the dishes, “the boys will do the washing up tonight,” he said, “you ladies just sit back and relax.” Jo got up from the table and followed the men into the kitchen. They all laughed, but Jo was included and given the smaller dishes to put away. Tim had to lift him up so that he could reach the higher shelves and cupboards. The ladies relaxed on the couch and began talking. “He really is a sweet boy,” Caroline was telling Kate, “and you say he’s never spoken?” Kate shook her head, “not since I’ve been looking after him. I think he’s been abused or something, he used to have terrible nightmares.” Caroline looked at Kate sympathetically, “well, you’ve really done well with him, Kate. He’s fortunate to have you.” Kate smiled, she felt glad to have him in her life; even with all the trouble it was now bringing her. The boys joined them after they had finished the dishes and Bob offered another drink to everyone. Caroline offered tea and coffee and Kate opted for that, she felt like she had drunk a lot this weekend. “A herbal tea would be lovely,” she said to Caroline and followed her into the kitchen to give her a hand.

They passed the evening in quiet conversation, but Kate soon found that she couldn’t concentrate, there was too much on her mind and she felt so emotional. She signalled to Ben that she was retiring for the night. She got up from the couch, “come on Jo, say goodnight, it’s time for bed,” she led him away after he had given everyone a hug. He had enjoyed the weekend, but he was tired and fell asleep soon after Kate had tucked him in. The old dog poked his head in the door and lay down alongside the bed; he would watch over the sleeping boy tonight. Kate and Ben were in the room across the hall. Kate left Jo’s door ajar and met Ben in the hall, “is he asleep?” Ben asked softly. Kate nodded and followed him into their room. It had a little fireplace and there was a small fire burning. It was quite a large room, but still felt cosy. “Are you sleepy?” Ben asked as he stroked Kate’s hair. She shook her head, “not sleepy, just weary. I’ve got so much on my mind and I feel so emotional. I just couldn’t concentrate out there.” Ben nodded and pulled her down beside him on the bed, “shall I read you another story?” Kate smiled and nodded. Ben retrieved the book from the small bookshelf and picked out a story. They got themselves comfortable and settled down for the tale.

They changed roles and Kate picked out a story to read to Ben. When she had finished they talked quietly together, they were going to miss each other terribly in the coming days and weeks and they both feared it. Kate yawned and stretched, she needed to brush her teeth. She got up and went to the bathroom. Ben had already done his and was snug in bed, and dozing lightly when Kate returned. He stirred when Kate crept under the covers and turned out the lamp, so that the fire was now the only illumination in the room. “Ben,” she said quietly. He turned over to face her, but didn’t open his eyes, “mmmn?” Kate brushed his cheek lightly with her fingertips; she wanted to memorise every inch of his face, “you still awake?” “Only just,” he replied a little groggily and opened his eyes. Kate smiled at him. He loved the way her green eyes sparkled when she smiled. “Ben,” Kate resumed, as her smile vanished, “when will I see you again? Will I?” Ben grimaced and ran his fingers through his thick, dark hair. He pulled himself up on the pillows a little, now that he was wide awake, “I don’t know Kate,” he put his arm around her, “I’m going to hand over Jo’s case when I get back to Melbourne.” Kate looked at him, “why?” He laughed slightly, “too emotionally involved.” He pulled Kate into his lap and kissed her passionately. He loved her so much already and could hardly bear the thought of leaving her tomorrow. “I’m not sure I can do this Ben. I don’t think I’m strong enough,” Kate said fearfully. “Kate,” Ben said seriously, “you are one of the most compassionate, brave and determined women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I know that it won’t be easy, but if anyone can do it, you can.” He looked her straight in the eye, and cradled her chin in his hand, “I believe in you Kate.” A single tear slid down her cheek. She was so uncertain and fearful of the future, “I can’t… I just can’t….” Ben stopped her, “you can, and you will. I know you’re scared, and that you can’t see it, but I can. You are an amazing woman Kate. I believe in you, so just believe in me.” She laughed weakly, “What am I going to do without you?” Ben pulled her down under the covers and they snuggled into one another, “you’re not without me yet.”