Kaimoana Tales, Wills & Dills 2

Sunset from my bedroom window, last night.


The three boys walked outside, William was crying and clinging to Dylan as they went. The got to the vehicles and Brodie said, “Do you want me to drive you two back to William’s place?”

William straightened up and wiped his tears away. “No, it’s okay thanks, Brodie. Dills can drive us.”

“You okay, William?”

“Sure I am. I’m an actor remember?”

“You were acting? You had me fooled, Little Shit!”

“Yeah,” William grinned. “Good at it, aren’t I? Well, it was mostly an act. Dills, we’ll go home, and then I want to go to Christchurch. I’ve gotta go and see him. If you won’t take me, I’ll hitch-hike.”

“You’re not bloody hitch-hiking anywhere! If you have to go, I’ll take you there.”

“Thanks, Dills. I love you, you know.”

“I know. I love you too.”

Dylan suddenly remembered where they were and he blushed as he looked at Brodie.

Brodie grinned, “Come on, “Dills”, I’ve known that for months now. At least you’ve stopped lusting after my body.”

“Shut up, Hilliard. I never did!”

“Yeah, right. I’ll believe you. You don’t need me, I’m going home. See you later, Guys. Tell me when you hear something.”

“’Kay, we will. ‘Bye Brodie.”

Dylan drove back to William’s new house, stopped and looked at the boy beside him. “You sure you’re okay, Wills?”

“I’m okay. I’m always okay when I’m with you. Let’s go and see Mum and Dad and tell them we’re going to Christchurch.”


“To Christchurch?? I don’t know, Wills. I really don’t know. I don’t mind you going, I think that it’s good that you want to, but how is Dylan going to get on driving in the city traffic?”

“It’s not a problem, Aunt Sarah. Really it’s not. I’ve driven there before; Dad’s brother lives in Christchurch and we often go down there.”

“Well, all right then, if you’re sure?”

“I’m sure.”

“Okay. You look after my boy.”

“I always look out for Wills.”

“I know you do. You’re a good friend, Dylan.”

“So you’re going to Christchurch,” Paul nodded. “Where are you going to sleep?”

“It’s only a couple of hours, Uncle. We might come back tonight, but if we can’t do that, we’ll go to Uncle Mark’s. He’ll give us a bed.”

“He will? Okay, but make sure that you give him plenty of warning. Don’t go landing on your uncle in the middle of the night.”

“We won’t. I’ve got his numbers.”

“All right. You’ll need some money for petrol, food and what have you.”

“We’ll be okay. I’ve got my bankcard and if Wills brings his, we’ll have plenty between us.”

Sarah rummaged through her bag and found her bankcard. “Take my card as well, Wills. You can have a hundred dollars for food and petrol and use it for any emergencies – if you get a flat or something. Just don’t go crazy with it and stay away from the casino!”

“Thanks, Mum. If we have a big win, we’ll share it with you.”

“You bloody will not! Have a win, I mean. You be responsible with it.”

“We’ll be responsible. I’ll have to, Dills will be with me.”

“And that’s a very good thing too. Thank you, Dylan. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to this boy.”

“That he is,” William beamed. “I’ll throw some clothes in a bag and we’ll get going.”

“Do that,” said Sarah. “Make sure you take some clean underwear!”

William packed hurriedly, and they left with the usual warnings to be careful. Dylan drove home to pack and clear the trip with his mother; it was her car after all. When they got there, Paul had already phoned and she was fine with them going. She gave them some money as well, and then hugged both of them.

“Take care, Boys – both of you. If you have any trouble at all, ring me and I’ll be there. I’ll ring Mark and let him know that you may be staying with him. Let him know if you are, and, well, that’s about it really.

This is a terrible, terrible thing that’s happened to Damian. The poor kid. I hope you both know that you’ve ever got anything you want to talk about, we’re always here. Paul and Sarah are too. Don’t do anything silly.”

“We won’t. Thanks, Mum.”

Dylan, and then William both surprised and delighted her with hugs.

They filled the car at the Service station, turned south, and hit the road. They went over the hill, out of town, past South Bay and down the winding highway through the bays along the coast. It was a glorious sunny day, but neither of them felt much like smiling.

At Oaro, the road turned inland and snaked up through the North Canterbury hills. After almost an hour’s driving in silence, Dylan glanced at his quiet friend.

“Are you okay, Wills?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m okay, just thinking. You okay, Dills?”

“Yeah, I’m fine if you are.”

“Good. Stop the car somewhere, will you? I need to have a leak.”

“Good idea. I could do with one too.”

They stopped and relieved their bladders in a quiet spot near a handy bank of willow trees. Instead of getting back in the car, William leant on the grill at the front. Dylan stood beside him.

“Dills, you think I’m good-looking, right?”

“Of course! You’re totally beautiful. Easily the best-looking boy in town, probably in the whole country.”

“And you love me?”

“I love you.”

“Is that why you love me, because I’m nice to look at?”

“No! Not at all. I love you because you’re you.”

“Would you still love me if I was ugly?”

“You’ll never be ugly, Wills. No matter what you look like on the outside, you’re beautiful inside and you always will be. You’re the most beautiful boy in the world and I love you totally.”

“Will you still love me when I’m fat and forty?”

“Yes. I’ll still love you when you’re ancient and eighty.”

“Thanks, Dills. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I love you very much. Hold me, will you? Just hold me.”

“Always.” Dylan wrapped his long arms around the smaller boy and stood holding him close to his chest.

“I love you, Dills, so much! Don’t ever stop loving me, I couldn’t live without you.”

“You’ll never have to. I’ll love you forever and ever amen.”

William started crying, great sobs shook his slender body.

“Wills? Don’t cry. What’s wrong?”

“Damian!” he wailed . “Damian is wrong. My life is so good and his is so fucking awful!”

“Yeah, it is. If it’s half as bad as you said, then it’s awful. Just be grateful for what you’ve got.”

“I am. I’m very grateful for everything, especially for you. You’re the best, Dills. I’ve got so much and he’s got nothing. I hate his fucking parents for doing that to him.”

“They’re scum.” Dylan pushed him off and held him at arm’s length, looking into his eyes. “Wills, promise me that you’re going to behave when we get there.”

“I’ll behave. I always do, don’t I?”

“No, you don’t actually. When you’re upset you shoot your mouth off and say things that you regret later.”

“I’ve got plenty of things that I want to say to those bastards, and I won’t regret it either.”

“See? That’s what I mean. This is not a game, Wills. Damian is their boy and he’s in a bad way. His family must be feeling stink about what’s happened to him and they don’t need you making it worse. You did real well at the hospital, not blurting everything out to Dr. Stevens. Please tell me that you’ll do the same when we get to Christchurch. Don’t make it a big drama.”

“It is a big drama! Those bastards don’t care about him, nobody does, that’s why he did it.”

“Maybe this has woken their ideas up. They drove down to be with him, didn’t they?”

“Some of them did. She didn’t – the Bitch!”

“Maybe she can’t. Maybe she’s too ashamed to face anyone. You don’t know, Wills.”

“Okay, I’ll keep my mouth shut. Thanks, Dills.”

“Good Boy. I love you, you know.”

“I know, I love you too!” William hugged him hard. “You’re the best, Dills. Just what I need. Damian said he’d like to snog you.”

“He did not!”

“He did so. Of course he would, anyone would, but they can’t because you’re mine, and that’s really cool. He said that he loves me too, kind-of, he did.”

“I’m sure he does, you’re a good friend. Come on, let’s go to Christchurch.”

Kaimoana Tales, Dills & Wills 1

“Dills? Wills? Are you awake?” Emma pounded on the bedroom door. “Come on, you two, you have to get up! Dad will be here with the truck soon and Mum says if you don’t come now you won’t get any breakfast.”

“Okay, okay. We’re awake, Emma. Tell Mum we’ll be there soon.”

“Well, good! Hurry up.”

Dylan sat up in the bed and looked down at his sleepy-eyed cousin. “You coming, Wills?”

A big grin spread across his beautiful face. “I’m not coming yet, but if you’ll come back here we’ll see what we can do.”

“Shut up, you Horndog,” Dylan laughed. “We will not. There’s no time now, we’ve gotta go, it’s moving day.”

“Screw moving day. I don’t want to shift houses; I want to stay here with you.”

“I wish you could too, but you can’t. We’ve got no choice, you’re moving.” Dylan pushed the covers off. “Come on, Gorgeous Boy. Time to go.”

He took a minute, as he always did, to admire the perfection laid-out in his bed. Even after all this time, he still found it hard to believe that this beautiful boy was more than willing to share his perfect body with him.

“Fuck, Wills.” He leant over and kissed him softly. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Dills. Come back here and fuck Wills.”

“No! We can’t, dammit, not now and you know we can’t.”

“Yeah, I know it.” William swung his legs out of bed and sat up. “I know it, but I don’t like it. I told you that we should’ve burnt the bloody new house down.”

“And I told you that we can’t do that. You’d break your mother’s heart.”

“What about my heart?”

“What about it? Nothing’s changed, we’re still together, we just can’t sleep together every night from now on.”

“That’s a pretty big difference.”

“Yeah, it is, but we’re lucky to have had the time we did.”

“We are. I can’t believe how fast 4 months have gone.”

“It’s gone fast. To think that I didn’t even want you here in the first place! Man, I was stoopid!”

“You were. As soon as I saw you I knew that I was going to have you.”

“Didn’t act like it.”

“No, well first I had to show you who was the boss.”

“You’re the boss? Go and get a shower, Boss. I’ll have a coffee while I’m waiting.”

Breakfast and their ablutions were rushed. The truck had arrived and their fathers and Big Norm had already started loading it before they got outside. The men left in the truck and the boys stowed a few boxes and packages in Dylan’s mother’s car and Dylan drove around to the new house.

It was only a few blocks away, but as far as the boys were concerned, it was way too far. They helped unload the truck, and then the men went back for another load, leaving Dylan, William, Sarah and Emmy to get everything from the first load inside and into place.

It took 3 loads on the truck, and then Tony and Norm, after helping take the heavy stuff inside, left them to it. They were all very thankful for Big Norm’s help. He was a big guy, overweight, and strong as an ox. He carried the refrigerator and the washing machine in on his own. He just slapped a hand on each side, tilted back and walked in with them like they were empty boxes.

His dad did ask if Dylan wanted to go home with them, but he said no, he’d stay until the job was finished. Besides, he had to drive his mother’s car back, didn’t he? They were in William’s room, setting-up the bed, when Brodie walked in.

“Hey, Guys. How’s it going?”

“Going good. You know when to show up, don’t you, Hilliard? The hard work’s all done and we’re nearly finished.”

“Ah! Stop your moaning, James. Has William heard the news?”

William put his head up. “News? What news? We’ve been busy all morning.”

“You haven’t heard then – about your mate, Damian Woods?”

“We’ve heard nothing. What’s Damian done now?”

“He, umm. He hung himself, last night.”

“He WHAT? Damian hung himself? Oh, fuck! Is he dead?”

“No, not yet, but it’s still touch and go, apparently. He’s in a coma and they’ve flown him to Christchurch.”

Dylan said, “But how did he? I mean, if he hung himself, why isn’t he dead already?”

“They found him and cut him down before it was too late. There was a party at the Woods’ place, he slung a rope over the chandelier in their hallway, and he did it there. He might still die. It’d probably be a good thing if he does.”

“It would not!” William protested.

“There will most likely be brain damage. The kid might be a vegetable if he lives.”

Dylan had to sit down. He felt quite sick, just thinking about it. “Silly Little Shit! What the hell would he do something like that for?”

“I know why,” William said. “I know exactly why he did it.”

Brodie said, “Why then? The kid is a Woods, he’s got the best family in town, they live in a frigging palace. Why would he?”

“Because his parents are pigs. He hates them, and with good reason too. They’re not the best family in town, they’re probably the worst one.”

“You think?”

“I know, he showed me. Dills, I have to go to the hospital, will you come with me please?”

“Of course I will, but why are you going? He’s not there, Brodie said they’ve taken him to Christchurch.”

“Because I’ve got to know how he is and where he is. The hospital will know.”

“They might not tell you, Wills. You’re not a relative.”

“And that’s a good thing. I wouldn’t want to be one of his relatives, they’re bastards!”

“You really don’t like them, do you?” Brodie said.

“Like them? I fucking hate them and so does he. If he dies, it will be because they killed him. I’m his friend, his only friend. The hospital people will tell me. I’ll look sad and pathetic and turn on the tears – they’ll tell me.”

“You might be right. Let’s go then. Are you coming, Brodie?”

“I am, I wouldn’t miss it. I’ve got Dad’s truck, I’ll drive you around there.”

“No, we’ve got Mum’s car. We’ll go in that.”

“I’ll follow you then.”

They drove the couple of blocks around to Kaimoana’s small hospital and the 3 of them walked in together. The lady at the desk looked up from her magazine.

“Hello, Boys. What can we do for you?”

“Hey, Aunty Alice,” Brodie replied. “We want to know about Damian Woods.”

“Damian? Why do you want to know about him, Brodie? Is he a friend of yours?”

“No, not me. I don’t even know the kid.”

“He’s my friend,” William said. “Damian is my best friend; can you tell us how he is?”

“Your friend?” she queried with a frown. And who would you be? Have I seen you around?”

William was busy looking sad, so Dylan answered. “He’s William Scott, he’s my cousin and Damian is his mate. Wills is really worried about him.”

“Of course he is, we all are,” she said. “I know where I’ve seen that face before – on the photos in the window of Mrs. Woods’ shop. “Local boy, William Scott, movie star.” Are you a friend of the family, William?”

“No, not of the family, just Damian. How is he please?”

“Well, I don’t know how much we should tell you. He’s not here, you know, he’s in Christchurch. Why don’t you ask Mrs. Woods?”

“His mother? Didn’t she even go to Christchurch?”

“Well, no. Ashton and his father have driven down there, but she didn’t go. Far too distraught, apparently. Takes all sorts, I suppose. If it was my boy, I would’ve run to Christchurch.”

“Any decent mother would! Can’t you tell us anything about him?”

“I don’t know,” she replied. She looked behind them. “Oh, hello Doctor. These boys are asking about Damian Woods.”

“I know,” Dr. Stevens replied. “I heard them. Boys, come through to my office here.”

They trooped into the office and sat down where the doctor indicated. Brodie was on a chair and Dylan and William together on a small couch. William had turned the tears on and Dylan put an arm around him. Dr. Stevens sat down at his desk and looked at them.

“Hmm,” he said. “William, right?”

“Yes, that’s me,” William gulped.

“William your friend is in a very serious condition. Do you have any idea why he did that?”

“I, umm, I don’t know really.”

“I think you know something. Damian may never be able to tell us. Did it have anything to do with that crack you made about ‘any decent mother’?”

William sat crying and looking sad. “I’m sorry, Doctor. I don’t think I can say. It’s Damian’s business, not mine.”

“Okay, I’m not pressuring you, but if he dies the police will be wanting to know why.”

“I can’t. Sorry, but I can’t say anything. Damian wouldn’t want me to.”

“Do you really think so? That was a very public statement he was making, doing it the way he did. No? This is very serious you know – about as serious as it can get.”

Dr. Stevens sat watching William. He had turned his head to bury his face on the other boy’s chest. “Try as I may, I’ll never understand the teenage brain. Tell me one thing, were you boys in a, ah, sexual relationship?”

“No!” William wailed. “Never! It’s not like that.”

“No? Okay, sorry. We’ll leave it there.

Damian is in the Christchurch Public Hospital, in the Intensive Care Unit. If he survives, he’ll never be the same boy again, there’s definitely brain-damage there. I’m sorry, Boys, I really am. I could just weep for the poor little bugger.”

Dylan said, “Thanks, Doctor. I think we should get Wills back to his family now. Please tell us if you hear anything.”

“Of course I will. You’re Dylan James, right? Your dad’s got the contracting business.”

“That’s right, and Wills’ father is Paul Scott, he’s Principal of the Primary School.

“Of course. Well, good luck, Boys. If you ever want to talk about anything, I’ll be here. I’m on your side.”

Kaimoana Tales, Damian & William 2

“Down there,” Damian waved to the right. “Down there is mother’s artistic souvenirs shop.”

“Yeah, I know,” William replied. “I’m one of the souvenirs, remember?”

“you are. You’re the best-looking thing in there. Most of it is over-priced junk. Call it art, double the price, and some idiot will buy it, if you’re lucky.”

“Okay. You’re not a big fan of your mother’s shop then?”

“Definitely not. It used to be a good little business, but it’s not now. She wanted to ‘raise the tone’ so she got rid of all the cheap and tacky gimmicky stuff but that was what used to sell and make the profits.”

“Why not put it all back then?”

“And admit she was wrong? That’s not going to happen! The shop is losing money but she likes it the way it is. There’s much more status in dealing in the arty stuff. Keeping up appearances, remember.”

“Why don’t they just close it down then?”

“She’d have to admit she failed. No, it stays there so that she can be an art dealer. It’s subsidized by Dad’s businesses, they make money.

He’s got the liquor store, up on the highway. There’s good profits in selling cut-price booze. Mind you, between them, they probably drink a good slice of the profits.”

“Your parents are drinkers then?”

“Bigtime. They’re sly drinkers, they drink at home.

Mother also breeds Borzoi dogs and miniature horses. I don’t know if they make much money but there’s ever-so-much status in it.

That’s Dad’s car sales yard – the Dealership, they call it. That makes money, it’s the only car-sales in town, apart from the agricultural machinery place out on the highway, and he owns that too.

The Ocean View boutique motels, up the road here, are his too. You can’t help but make money from motels in this town.”

“They’re busy people.”

“They are that. They’re both on the council too, and he’s in Rotary and she’s a Soroptomist. Plus they’re on several sports committees.”

“Good for status?”

“You’ve got it.”

“I don’t know how they find the time for all of that.”

“They manage. They’ve got a lot of help, plus they save in other ways.”

“Like?”

“Like they put absolutely no time into their family. Ashton, Suzanne and I are nothing but servants there – unpaid servants. Ashton does all the yard-work, Suzanne cleans the house and I do the car-cleaning and grooming at the Dealership.”

“But, you must get paid for that?”

“Not a cent. When we get money, it comes with strict instructions on how and where to spend it. Ashton even has to account for every kilometer he does in the Beamer.” “Damian, I don’t think I like this picture you’re drawing.”

“You don’t like it? I have to live in it. There’s more yet, much more. That’s our house, up there on the hill.”

“Oh yeah. The Fabulous Woods’ Family Mansion. Impressive house, and you’ve got a great view down over the town and the beaches from up there.”

“It is a good view, but that’s just a bonus. The house is designed to be looked at. The back wall is just plain, all the showy stuff is out at the front, where it can be seen.

There’s a short-cut up the side of the motels here.”

They went up the narrow alleyway at the side of the Woods family’s motels and there was a track up the hill at the top of it. At the top of the track they came out on to the sloping lawn below Damian’s parents’ house.

William stopped and looked up at it. “Wow.”

“Yeah, impressive isn’t it? Like I said, that’s what it’s designed for.”

“Works for me. Our new house looks like a shack next to this.”

“I wouldn’t bet on that. Come on inside and I’ll show you.”

They crossed the lawn and the drive at the front of the house, and up the wide steps to the grand entranceway.

William looked up. “There’s a lot of glass.”

“There is and it’s dammed hard to keep clean; we’re in the salt-spray zone here. Guess whose job it is to clean it?”

“Yours?”

“Right. Suzanne does the inside, I have to keep the outside sparkling.”

At the top of the steps, William looked back down over the front yard. “The grounds look great, like a park or something.”

“Yeah, they look good. That’s Ashton’s job and he wouldn’t let a leaf get out of place; he wouldn’t dare.”

“Do you guys really have to do all the work?”

“If we want to eat, we do. Come on inside, Wills.”

“Are you sure? My being here is not going to get you into trouble is it?”

“It would if they knew, but they won’t. The parents will be at work for a couple of hours yet, Ashton’s cruising around impressing the locals and Suzanne has got her drama-club thing today. Come on.”

Damian swiped his card and the glass doors slid open. They walked into the foyer and it looked more like a hotel than a house. The wide, sweeping, black and white marble stairs before them looked like an old movie set. The floor was tiled in imitation marble. There was a big, bubbling tank of tropical fish in the centre and potted palms and several arty sculptures around the walls. A huge, cut-glass chandelier hung from the high ceiling.

“Wow-how-how!” William circled around with his mouth hanging open.

“Yes, wow. Well done, Wills, that’s just what you’re supposed to say. In the right here, is the party room – or formal entertaining area to give it its proper name.”

There was a huge lounge area with shag-pile white carpet, over-stuffed black-leather seats all around, objects d’art everywhere, the biggest TV screen he’d ever seen and a full-length bar on the back-wall, complete with upended spirits bottles and a big mirror.

“Through those doors, is the billiards’ room. There’s a full-sized table and a couple of pinball machines in there. After that is the library with floor-to ceiling books. No-one ever reads them, but they look good. The library opens into the conservatory, they grow orchids in there. Come back this way.”

At the other side of the foyer, the double doors opened into a formal dining room with a 12 seat, highly polished, wooden table and chairs.

The kitchen is through there. We eat in there, this is just for the guests.”

“Damm, Damian, this place is like a palace or something.”

“You think? There’s lots more to see yet.

He started up the stairs, William hesitated, looking up at him.

“Are you sure it’s all right? You said no-one is allowed upstairs.”

“Up these stairs is not a problem, we’re still in the public areas here. Come up.”

At the top of the stairs, was a wide gallery which ran the whole width of the front of the house.

“Okay. To the left is the television room, the games room and the 3 guest bedrooms, all with en-suites, of course. To the right is the upstairs lounge, the office, the master bedroom and another guest room. That one was built as a nursery, but it was never used for that. Dad sleeps in there as often as not, except when there’s guests.”

“And that’s your deep, dark secret is it? This still looks really impressive to me.”

“It’s supposed to. But now we go up the other stairs, where no-one is allowed to go.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t.”

“Maybe you bloody should! Come on, Wills.”

He went to a door at the back of the corridor and punched in the code to open it. The lock clicked loudly and he swung the door open. William hadn’t moved, he was still standing where he was. Damian went back and took hold of his hand. He tugged and led him through the doorway, pushing the door closed behind them.

It was dark in there. He turned the light on – one bare, low-wattage, energy saver bulb hung from the ceiling at the top of the bare wooden stairs. The walls were unlined, it was like they were in a different house altogether. William looked around and looked at him, puzzled.

Damian nodded. “Welcome to my real home. Shall we go up to the top floor of the fabulous Woods’ mansion?”

There was another locked door at the top of the stairs. Through that was a similar lay-out to the second floor, but here the floor was bare chip-board and the walls were of cheap plywood, painted white where it could be seen from the windows along the front.

He led William into a little cubicle of a bedroom – unlined walls, bare chip-board floor, a small cot-bed, a table, covered in books, with a wooden box for a seat, and that was all. There were no windows and the only light came through the doorway. William stood looking around. He couldn’t believe what he was looking at.

“Is this your room?” he whispered.

“This is it. This is where I live when I’m not working or on display. Fabulous, isn’t it?”

“No it’s not! It’s bloody awful. My parents wouldn’t keep a dog in here.”

“Neither would mine; not one of the cherished pedigree stock. Apparently, it’s good enough for me. Ashton’s room is exactly the same and so is Suzanne’s.

At least we’ve got walls, we never used to have that until they got a load of cheap, water-stained plywood. They say that they’ll finish the top-floor one day, when they can afford it. Money has to be saved somewhere.”

“What do you do for heating?”

“I get under the blankets.”

“Where do you keep your clothes?”

“In the laundry room, on the ground-floor; the same place where we go to shower.”

“Damian, I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe your life is like this, it’s so different to what everyone thinks.”

“It is, isn’t it? We’re all very good at keeping up the image, we have to or we’re outta here.”

“Out of here?”

“Yeah. The big threat is that if we don’t play along then we get to go and live with our grandmother in Sydney.”

“With your grandmother? How bad could that be?”

“Way bad. She’s a drunk and a chain-smoker. She lives in a trailer-park with her unemployed boyfriend and his 3 kids. It’s bad enough here, it’d be worse there. At least we get enough to eat here, if we work for it. It’s mostly beans and rice, but there’s plenty of it, if we get it for ourselves.”

“Do they beat you?”

“Hardly. That’d leave marks. No, they’ve got much more subtle ways of hurting kids. Do you have any idea what it’s like to grow up with no-one loving you – ever?”

“Oh, Damian.” William stepped closer, put his hands on his shoulders and looked him in the eyes. “Damian, I’m sorry, but thank you for showing me. You’re right, I would never have believed it.”

“William!” Damian was tearing-up. He slid his arms around him and hugged him hard.

William hugged him back and they stood in the middle of the awful little room, letting their bodies say what their mouths couldn’t.

Finally, Damian pushed away. “Thanks. Come on, we’d better get out of here before someone comes home.”

“Maybe I should stay here and let them know that I know?”

“No! William, please. You can’t do that. They’d slap a trespass order on you, I’d be on a plane to Sydney and I’d never see you again. I couldn’t stand that; you’re the only decent thing in my life.”

William kissed him briefly, hugged him again and said, “Let’s get downstairs.”

They hurried back down to the ground floor, arriving there just in time as a car pulled-up outside. They went out of the grand entrance and Ashton was coming up the stairs.

“Hey, William. What’re you doing here?”

“Hey, Ashton. I just had to sort out some stuff with Damian. ‘Bye, Damian. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, ‘bye and thanks, William.”

He went down the steps, over the drive and across the lawn to the top of the track. He stopped and looked back, the brothers were still standing there, watching him. He waved and hurried down the track. He needed to get home and talk to Dills.

Kaimoana Tales, Damian & William 1

“You’re very quiet, Damian. Something on your mind?”

“Mmm? Yeah, I have. Wills, we’ve got to talk.”

“Okay, sure. Talk to me. You’re moping along here like you hate the whole world.”

“I do hate the world. Maybe not all of it, but most of it sucks.”

“You think? It’s not that bad, is it?”

“It is. It . . .”

“Beep, Be-e-ep!” A gleaming silver-grey BMW, full of laughing and waving teenagers, cruised past the pair of walking boys. William smiled and waved back. Damian didn’t.

“Piss off! I hope you bloody crash.”

“Whoah! That’s a bit harsh. Are you not a member of your brother’s fan-club then?”

“Not likely. There’s no room for me in there; only the cool kids get in.”

“Why not you then? I think you’re a very cool kid.”

“Do you, Wills? Shows how much you know. Look, come on over to the beach where we can talk in private.”

“Yeah, okay. This sounds serious.”

“It is serious. Come on.”

The two young teens went through the car-park, crossed the bridge over the creek and up and over the shingle-bank at the back of the beach. They went forward, a couple of meters, dropped their bags and sat sown, out of sight of the nearby main street.

They were a matched pair of 13, almost 14, year old boys, one with longish, golden-blond hair and the other with shorter, black and high-lighted hair. They were dressed identically – black sneakers, baggy blue short and short-sleeved white shirts. Well, it was a school uniform.

They sat quietly, side by side, watching the white-capped waves rolling in, until William tired of waiting. “Here we are then. What do you want to talk about?”

Damian sighed, “About us.”

“Us? You and me? We’re okay, aren’t we? I thought we were mates.”

“Yes, us. Do you know why we are friends?”

“Yeah, because you’re madly in love with me.”

“Wills, be serious. I’m not in love with you, I think.”

(‘You think??’)

“Good job too. So what’s the problem?”

“The problem is why we are friends.”

“I’m not with you. I like that we’re friends. I like you and I thought that you liked me too.”

“I do like you. I like you a lot, you’re my best mate, but you don’t know me.”

“I know you, you’re Damian. Damian Woods, second son of the richest family in town, and a nice guy despite that.”

“Thanks. You’re very cool too. Do you know how we became friends?”

“Yeah, I do. I was new in town and I was lonely at school because no-one would talk to me. You came along, sat down next to me, smiled and said, “Hey, I’m Damian.””

“Yeah, but why did I do that? I’ll tell you why, it was because my mother told me that I had to.”

“I’m not complaining. I’m glad she did.”

“So am I – now. But I wasn’t at the time. I had to do it because she decided that you would be a suitable friend for me.”

“Suitable? Because I’m so beautiful?”

“No, Dork! Well, maybe that was part of it, you are a good-looking kid, but mostly it was because of your family.”

“My family?”

“Yeah. Your sister is way popular, your dad is the Primary School Principal and your mum is some sort of consultant – all very suitable connections for someone who is a friend of a member of the Fabulous Woods family. Plus, when she found out about that movie you were in, she was just about wetting her knickers. She sells DVDs of it in her shop.”

“I know she does, and it’s dammed embarrassing too. ‘Rocks on the Roof, a New Zealand film starring local boy, William Scott.’ There’s a huge poster in the window with pics of me. I hate it. I wasn’t the star, I was just one of the actors in it.”

“Pretty much the main one though. Yeah, I’d hate having pics of me stuck up in the main street too. But that’s what she’s like. You’ve become one more bit of arty-farty junk that she sells to the tourists.”

“Damian, why do I get the feeling that you don’t think that the Woods family is so fabulous?”

“Because they’re not. They’re prats and they are total snobs. Everything is always about keeping up appearances and impressing the little people.”

“Really? But, Ashton is not a snob.”

“No, he’s not, but he’s whipped.”

“Whipped?”

“Yes. It’s like pussy-whipped. That’s not what he is, but it’s the same thing. They tell him what to do and he does it.”

“How do you mean?”

“Ashton is a product of their plans. He’s all about image – the image that they decided on for him. Know why his car is always so bright and shiny?”

“Because he looks after it? I would too if I had a Beamer. It’s the coolest car in town.”

“It’s clean because I clean it, 3 times a week, that’s part of my job. It is the coolest car. Ashton is allowed to drive it so that he’ll look good.”

“He does look good. The Beamer has got to be the coolest birthday present ever!”

“Oh, come on! It wasn’t a birthday present and it’s not his car.”

“It’s not? Whose car is it then?”

“It’s largely still the finance company’s. It’s still on the books at dad’s car-dealership, so it’s the company’s car, not Ashton’s. What he really got for his birthday was what we always get – sweet Fanny Adams.”

“That means nothing, right?”

“Yeah. Sweet Fanny Adams is sweet fuck all. If they put me in a flash car on my birthday, I’ll leave it across the railway line when the express goods is due to come through.”

“You wouldn’t!”

“I bloody would. Ashton is the good son, not me. I’m the other one.”

“You’re the rebel in the family?”

“I am, or I will be. I’m never going to be what they want me to be. I can’t really, because I’m gay.”

“You’re WHAT? Gay?”

“Yeah, gay. Just like you are.”

“Like me? What makes you think that I’m gay?”

“Lots of little things. I’ve thought for a while that you might be, because you think so much like me. Last Friday, I found out for sure.”

“How?”

“At the party at the beach. I saw you sneaking away with your cousin and I followed you.”

“You were spying on us? Little Shit!”

“Yeah. Well, it was important. I had to know what you were doing. Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell anyone. If I had a chance to snog Dylan James on a moonlit beach, I’d be in like a shot!”

“You haven’t got a chance, My Friend, and don’t you forget it. Dills is mine and no-one else’s.”

“He’s like your boyfriend then? Do you love him, Wills?”’

“Totally!”

“And you live with him. You share a room, don’t you?”

“We share a bed.”

“Lucky Sod! How many 13 year-olds get to sleep with their boyfriend every night?”

“Probably not a lot, but I do, and that’s very, very cool.”

“It is. It’s very, very, very cool.”

“Yeah. Very, very, very, very – oh, shut up!”

“Well, you started it.”

“I did, in more ways than one.”

“Eh?”

“Nevermind. That’s private stuff. We’re talking about you and you’re gay?”

“I am, totally gay. Girls don’t interest me at all. Yuck!”

“Yeah, funny creatures. You haven’t got a boyfriend then?”

“No, not yet, and I don’t want one either.”

“You don’t? Why not?”

“If I can’t have you, I don’t want anybody.”

“Seriously? Shit, Damian! You’re my mate, and that’s good, but don’t go falling for me because that’s not going to happen. I’ve got a boyfriend and I love him. End of story.”

“Yeah, I kind of figured that. Maybe one day I’ll find someone as cool as you, but I doubt it. Anyway, if I do I’ll be looking for somewhere to live because I won’t be at home.”

“You think?”

“I won’t. They’ll totally freak. Fuck ‘em anyway.”

“You’d better make sure he’s worth it then.”

“Oh, I will, for sure.”

“Take my advice, when you get someone, get one who’s a bit older. Most boys our age are as daft as the girls.”

“They are, but you’re not.”

“No, but I’m special.”

“You are, Wills. You’re very special. What are you going to do when your house is finished? Will you be moving in with your family?”

“Yeah,” William shrugged. “Bugger, innit? It’s all-but finished. We’re moving in this weekend.”

“And leaving Dylan?”

“Yes, and I’m not happy about it. I’ll still see him and we’ll have sleep-overs, but it won’t be the same.”

“I guess not. I wouldn’t be happy either Maybe I could come for a sleep-over sometime?”

“Yeah, maybe. I’ll have to check my diary. No, really, that’d be great. Just sleeping though, nothing else.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure. Anyway, if you come and stay with me, then I’ll get to stay in the Woods’ Mansion!”

“Umm. Probably not. Definitely not in fact – they’d never allow that.”

“Why not then? I’m very clean and I don’t wet the bed. I thought your mother approved of me?’

“She does, but that’s not it. We don’t have visitors staying overnight – not ever. We never have. We’re allowed people in the daytime, but they don’t go upstairs.”

“Why not? Have you got deep, dark secrets up there?”

“Yes, we have.”

“Like what?”

“Like. . . you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. You know what – stuff ‘em! Come with me and I’ll show you.”

Damian stood up, picked up his bag and stood looking down at him. William stayed where he was, looking up.

“I don’t know, Damian. Maybe we shouldn’t. I mean, if it’s family stuff then it’s none of my business is it?”

“Yes it is! It’s totally your business. You’re my mate, Wills. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had and I want you to know what my life is really like so you’ll know who I am.”

“Well, if you’re sure? Okay, let’s go look then.”

They went back over the bridge and through the car-park to the main street.

Kaimoana Tales, Riley 18 (final - for now)

Mrs. de Groot, Peter, Jacob and Colin went around to the back of the house and Riley started walking with the handsome stranger. He kept glancing back over his shoulder and Joel commented, “I’m sure they’ll be all right. They’re used to looking after themselves, aren’t they?”

“Well, yeah, but they didn’t do a very good job of it. I know they’re okay, Peter and his mum are good people.”

“What are you worried about then?”

“Oh, nothing.” He shrugged it off, but he was, sort-of, worried, a bit. It’d be good if Peter and Jake hit it off, but, damm! There’d be nothing left for him. Colin was not gay.

“You’d be Riley Sullivan, the new kid in the Craypot Café.”

“Yes, that’s me. It’s a small town, right?”

“You’ve got it. It’s bigger than what I’m used to, but it’s still a small town. I’m Joel, I’m new in town too, only been here a couple of weeks.”

“You have? What do you think of it so far?”

“It’s not bad, I suppose. In a way, I’d rather be back at home, but I’m working on something.”

“Oh? Leave your best girl behind, did you?”

“Nearly right, but it wasn’t a girl. I had to leave my best boy actually.”

“Your best boy? Damm. Are you gay, Joel?”

“Yes, I’m gay, I think. I’m not hitting on you, there’s only one person I’m interested in.”

“And you had to leave him behind? That’s a bugger. I’m gay too and I’m not hitting on you either.”

“I didn’t think you were. It’s pretty obvious who you like and I think he likes you too.”

“You what? Who do you think likes me? Peter?”

“No, not him. The boy on the crutches. Jacob, isn’t it?”

“Jacob! You think he likes me? I don’t, not like that.”

“Oh, come on! I saw the way you two were looking at each other. Surely you can see that too.”

“No, I don’t see that. He wouldn’t like me like that. I mean, he’s Jacob! I’m just me.”

“Talk to him, Riley. I think you’ll be surprised.”

“No, I think you’re full of it. He wouldn’t. I mean, damm! You really think so?”

“I think so. Talk to him.”

“Well, I, umm. Yeah, thanks, I’ll try to.”

This had to be the weirdest conversation that Riley had had in his life. Joel seemed pretty sure about what he thought. He couldn’t be right, could he? Maybe Joel had that famous ‘gaydar’ that people talk about. Riley must’ve been away on the day they were handing that out.

Well, yes, he would talk to Jacob, or try to. He had nothing to lose and oh so much to gain!

Riley’s mum had no problem with lending them her car when they told her what they wanted it for. It was for a good cause. She checked, of course, and, yes, Joel had a licence. He’d had one for a couple of years. He had no licence to drive a bus, but cars were not a problem.

She handed over the keys and Joel drove out to South Bay to get the tractor. Riley went with him, which he shouldn’t have done because they left the car there and he had to ride back to town, standing on the back of the tractor. Whatever – it was fun, as long as they didn’t see a policeman, which they didn’t.

Joel’s plan worked like a dream, there were no hassles at all. The longest part of the job was lining the bus up, attaching the ropes and the block and tackle to the draw bar on the back and to the tree at the top.

Peter stood near the top, to give directions, Mrs. de Groot drove the bus and Joel operated the winch on the tractor. The others all stood well clear and watched as the big old bus, slowly and smoothly, moved back to its final resting place.

When the operation was completed, there was applause from the handful of watchers out in the street. Joel was not shy; he grinned and took a bow. He was obviously delighted at how well his plan had worked. So were they all, especially Mrs. de Groot. She looked like she wanted to kiss him.

Riley noticed that one of the spectators was Ashton Woods, but he didn’t stop to talk. He just smiled and waved, got back into the Beamer with his fan club, and drove away.

Peter was not smiling. He looked so glum as he watched them leave that Riley wanted to hug him, and smack him! That was another talk that he was going to have to have. Surely, Peter could see how hopeless his dream was?

Damm, there were so many talks that he had to have, and they were all important.

Joel wouldn’t stay for a cuppa, he had to get the tractor back. So the others all stayed for another drink and waited for Joel to return with the car. The boys sat and talked while Mrs. de Groot packed a box of goodies to give to Joel. She couldn’t thank them all enough for their help, especially Joel, he was wonderful!

Joel returned and refused a drink. It took a while, but they finally got away after he agreed to come back for a meal sometime. Tomorrow would be good! He drove the 3 boys up to their house and left them and the car there.

Riley and the twins sat and talked while they unwrapped the clothes and put them away. They didn’t want any dinner. Riley laughed and told them to never tell Mrs. de Groot that they were hungry. They agreed, they wouldn’t do that again!

Riley and Colin left Jacob playing on the computer and they went down to the café to help clean-up. Dianne told them that they didn’t have to, but they insisted, they wanted to do it.

While he was working, mopping the floors, Riley was thinking about Jake. That was a strange thing he said before, when he told Peter that Jake was gay and available, Jake said that that was only half right. What did he mean by that?

Jake was gay, they were agreed on that. Did that mean that he wasn’t available? Why not? He hadn’t met someone else already, had he? They had to talk; Riley needed to know who to hate!

Back to school next day. Riley had to go on his own, which he thought was so not fair, but nobody was listening to him. The twins were still recuperating and settling in. Dr. Stevens wanted to see them both and Dianne had legal stuff to get sorted. They would start school after Jacob’s new leg arrived, maybe next week.

He seemed to spend half his schoolday talking about Jake and Coll. Everyone wanted to know all about them and there was a million questions. It was okay, for a while, but it got tedious. He’d rather be at home talking to the twins, not at school, on his own, talking about them.

A few people wanted to know what ‘Dorky De Groot and his crazy old mother’ were doing with that clapped-out old bus. Riley told those guys to fuck off. Peter was his friend and he was a great kid. “If he said so,” – “Yes, he did say so!”

He was getting wild, and he could’ve got into a fight there, but Ashton stepped in and put a stop to it. He told them to leave Riley alone and, if they wanted to know what the de Groots were doing, they should go and ask them.

He led Riley away and said, “What are they doing with that bus anyway?”

Riley grinned and said, “Why don’t you go and ask them?”

Ashton grinned back. “Fair enough, I suppose. I just might do that.”

“You should. Peter’s a great kid. I don’t understand why he doesn’t have friends.”

“Probably because he doesn’t go anywhere. Which reminds me, what winter sports do you play? We’re always looking for soccer players.”

“Soccer? No. I don’t play any sports really. I’m useless!”

“I’m sure you’re not useless. Come and play soccer with us.”

“I thought you’d play rugby, Ashton. That’s the big game, isn’t it?”

“I thought I would too. I’d rather go out for rugby, but the parents decided that I’d play soccer. Easier to be a big fish in a small pond.”

Looking back later, Riley thought that was the first time that he thought that everything was not as it seemed in the Woods’ mansion, and maybe Peter did see something was not quite right in Mr. Cool’s perfect life.

Something was not quite right in his own perfect life. When he got home from school, (at last!), he ran up the stairs to the house and Peter was up there. Colin was inside somewhere, Peter and Jake were sitting out on the deck and Jake had his pants off!

There was nothing sexual in it, he thought. He still had his boxers on, his jeans were in a pool by his foot and he was sitting in the deck chair and showing Peter the stump on his leg.

He couldn’t see his own eyes, but they probably turned green. He was so jealous! These two beautiful boys got to sit there together while he had to go to stupid school. So not fair!

Two beaming smiles looked up at him, but he didn’t stop. He just grunted in reply to their greetings and kept going, into the house, into his room, and flung himself on the bed.

He was being stupid, he knew that, but he couldn’t help how he felt. Peter was only interested in him as a friend, and he’d already decided that Peter and Jacob would be good for each other. But – fuck it!

And, Jacob had never shown him his stump. Seemed like everyone else got to see it, but not him. Not that he wanted to anyway. Fuck ‘im. He lay in his darkened room and felt sorry for himself.

Five minutes later, there was a soft knock on the door and Colin put his head in. “Riley? Are you okay?”

Riley just huffed and turned his back on him. He didn’t want Colin seeing his tears.

Colin came in and stood by the bed. “Riley, what’s wrong?”

Didn’t this guy ever give up? Still with his back to him, Riley snapped, “Nothing! All right? I’m just tired. Can’t I get any peace in my own room? Fuck off, Colin. Fuck off and leave me alone!”

“Umm, okay, I’ll leave you then.” Colin retreated and closed the door.

About 10 minutes later, the door opened again, the light came on, and Jacob, without his crutches, hopped across the room and sat on the bed.

“All right, Riley Sullivan, what the hell’s going on here?”

“Nothing’s going on. I’m just trying to get some peace and quiet, okay?”

“No, it’s not okay. You’ve upset Coll. Peter thinks that you don’t want him here and he’s gone home. Coll has gone with him. Now you won’t talk to me. This is not like you, Riley. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing! Look, Jacob, Peter’s a really great kid. He’s a gorgeous boy and he’ll make a great boyfriend for you. I’ll get used to it, but just now, I’m feeling a bit left out. Okay?”

“But you’re not left out. Peter and I are never going to get together. He’s totally rapt in that Ashton kid and I’ve fallen for someone else.”

“You have?” Riley sat up and looked at him. “But . . who?”

“You really don’t know? How blind can you be?”

“I don’t get it. Who are you falling for, Jake?”

“Riley!” Jacob smiled. “Let’s try this, shall we?”

He put his hands around Riley’s face, pulled his head forward and he kissed him! Riley was shocked rigid and he sat staring.

“Me?” he whispered. “Me? It can’t be. ME??”

“Yes it can be. Why not you? I think love you, Riley.”

“Oh, fuck. Me! I don’t think . . . I love you, Jake.”

“You don’t think you love me?”

“No! I mean, yes. I don’t think it, I know it. I love you, Jake. I totally love you.”

He kissed him.

Kaimoana Tales, Riley 17

The boys went up to Harvey’s shop, on the main road, and spent an enjoyable hour selecting new clothes for the twins. They used Colin for a model because it was easier for him and they were both exactly the same size.

Unfortunately, he used the changing-room, on his own, with the door firmly shut. Riley noticed that they were only getting one or two of each item and he protested.

“You need more than this. Mum said at least 3 or 4 of everything.”

“It’s okay, Rye,” Jacob replied. “We always share our clothes anyway.”

“You can’t wear them at the same time can you? You need more. You get them or I will.”

“Ooo! I guess this means that you’re not the bossy one now, Jake.”

“Shut up, Coll. Get more clothes.”

They charged everything to Dianne, which she’d already arranged with Mrs. Harvey. When they came out of the shop, there was a bit of a commotion in the street outside. An old bus had broken down. It was angled towards the kerb but hadn’t got there and it was blocking half of the highway.

It was an ancient Bedford bus that had been converted to a house-truck, kind of. Passing traffic was swerving around them and drivers were beeping angrily and waving their fists. It was probably a good thing that they couldn’t hear what they were saying.

Others were going past, shaking their heads and laughing, but no-on was stopping to help. The driver from the bus, and the boy with her, were out and trying to push it off the road but it was obviously too much for them and it wasn’t moving.

“Damm!” Riley looked over. “That’s Peter and his mm. what are they doing with a broken-down old bus? Come on, Guys, we have to help them.”

They dropped all of their packages on the sidewalk outside the shop and went out to see what they could do.

“Hey, Mrs. de Groot, Peter. Having troubles, are you?”

“Riley!” She greeted him with a big smile. “Yes, we are having terrible trouble. We were hoping to get this old thing to our home, but it’s gone and died on us. We were so close too!”

“Close, but not close enough. Where have you come from?”

“From the Wairau Valley, past Blenheim. We bought it from a farmer up there.”

“I think you got done,” Jacob smiled.

She gave him an unsmiling look. “It will do the job. If we can just get it home, that is. It doesn’t have to go any further.”

“Let’s see if we can help push it off the road,” Riley said.

They all got behind the bus, even Jacob, put their backs into it and pushed. It still wasn’t moving, but some other people stopped to help and, together, they managed to push the bus to the side of the road. Most of the other guys went on their way, but one stayed there.

“Thank you, everybody,” Mrs. de Groot pushed the loose hair back from her face. “That’s the first problem fixed. At least it is off the road now.”

“What are we going to do now, Mother?” Peter still looked like he could cry.

“I will go to the Service Station, up the road there, and see if the breakdown truck can tow us home. That’s going to cost big money on a public holiday, but it can’t be helped.

“Before you do that,” said the other young guy there. “Maybe I could have a look? I’m a mechanic, well, an apprentice mechanic. We’ve got an old Bedford truck out at work. I might be able to do something.”

“Well, thank you, Young Man. That would be wonderful. What is your name and where do you work?”

“I’m Joel Stafford and I work for my uncle at Griffin Marine Engineering, out at South Bay.”

“Ah yes, Douglas Griffin’s business. So he is your uncle? Let’s hope he’s teaching you well. I think the motor is inside the driver’s cab.”

“The access to it is, yes. Have you got a tool-box?”

“There is one down at the back. Peter, come and get it for me please.”

The young guy, Joel Stafford, got up into the driver’s seat. Peter and his mother went to the door at the back of the bus. He soon returned and passed a big metal tool-box up into the cab.

“So, Peter,” Riley grinned. “This is all part of the Plan, is it?”

“Well, sort-of part of the Plan,” Peter shrugged. “The bus is but breaking down wasn’t. Thanks for your help, Riley and, umm, others.”

“No probs. Friends help friends, that’s what they do. Sorry, Peter, These are my new brothers, Jacob and Colin. This is my friend, Peter de Groot.”

“Hey, Peter.”

“Hey.”

“Hi, Jacob and Colin. Were you the brothers who Riley found out at Geese Bay?”

“Yeah, that was us. We still are actually,” Jacob answered.

Riley said, “Don’t be smart, Jake. The hospital sent them both to Christchurch, but they came back and they’re going to be living with us now.” He looked around. Joel was up in the cab and Mrs. de Groot was still around at the back somewhere.

“Guys,” he continued. “Peter is gay, you know.”

“Riley!” Peter protested.

“It’s okay, Peter. They know that I’m gay, and Jake is too. Colin’s not but Jacob is gay – and available.”

“You are so going to get yourself in trouble, Riley Sullivan!” Jacob said. “And, you’re only half-right anyway. Hello, Peter. It’s nice to meet you.”

“I could think of better ways, but, yes, nice to meet you too, Jake.”

“Jacob,” he replied.

“Pardon?”

“My name is Jacob. Only Coll and Rye are allowed to call me Jake.”

“Oh, I see,” Peter grinned. “Hello, Jacob then.”

“You’d better watch it, Peter,” Riley said. “When they get to know you, they might call you ‘pee’ for short.”

“Shut up, Riley,” Peter, Colin and Jacob all said together.

Further conversation was cut-off by the engine roaring. Joel got down out of the cab and Mrs. de Groot came back, beaming.

“You wonderful boy! Thank you, Joel.”

“It was just a bit of a blockage,” he replied. “It’s going, but I don’t know how long for. You’re not home yet. I’ll come with you to make sure that you get there safely.”

“Well, thank you! You can drive if you like. You get in the back, Peter. Are you boys coming with us?”

“Yes, we will,” said Riley. “We’ll all come to make sure you get there. We just have to get our parcels from outside Harvey’s there.”

“That’s fine. You boys all get in the back and I will ride up front with the driver.”

Riley and Peter recovered the packages while Colin helped Jacob to crawl up to the verandah at the back of the bus. He stood up on his crutches, they all went inside and Peter waved to the driver.

Joel waited to give them all time to sit down, and then he drove the bus, down the main street and around to the de Groot’s house, in Torbay Street, by the hill.

The seating in the back of the bus was all old armchairs and a sofa. There was a small pot-belly stove, with a wood-box, a gas cooker, a sink-bench and a small wooden table. There was a sleeping-loft over the driver’s cab, another one over the back-door, and a set of bunks on the side. It was all very old and smelled musty.

They sat in the chairs and watched the town go past.

“How is this part of the Plan, Peter? Are you going to fix it up and sell it?”

“No, we’re not selling it, we’re keeping it. We just have to clean it out and this will be our new bedroom space.”

“A new bedroom? I thought you liked sleeping inside, by the fire?”

“I do, but things are changing. Father’s brother, and his family, are immigrating and they’re going to stay with us for a while.”

“They are? That’s cool. Are they coming from Europe?”

“No, from Canada. They’ve lived there for about 20 years.”

“And now they’re coming here. What family has he got?”

“There’s him and his wife and they’ve got 3 boys. It’s very cool that my cousins are coming to live with us.”

“Yeah, that’s cool. How old are they?”

“My uncle and aunty are, well, old. They had trouble getting permission to immigrate because they’re over the normal age, but Father is sponsoring them. They are going to go into business together.”

“Two old guys? That’s adventurous. Good luck to them. But how old are your cousins?”

“Oh, they are all teenagers, 17, 15 and 13.”

“You’re going to have a houseful. Will there be room enough?”

“There will be now. That’s why we needed the bus.”

“Ah, of course.”

The bus completed the short trip with no further trouble and they parked in the street, opposite the de Groot’s house. The boys all poured out of the back and the two got down from the cab. Riley stared in amazement at their front yard, they’d been making changes.

A big section of the front fence had been removed and there was a wide, driveway-size, cut in the gardens up the side of the house, all the way from the street to the back of the house.

“Wow, Peter! You’ve been busy.”

“We have,” Peter agreed. “It was a big job, but we got there. Mr. James did most of the work. It’s amazing how much you can do with a digger in an hour.”

“Shame about your gardens, Mrs. de Groot.”

“Yes, Riley, it was, but you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. We moved the rose bushes, so, hopefully, we saved them.”

“Umm,” Joel scratched his head. “Were you planning on getting the bus up there?”

“That’s right. We need to reverse it up the side of the house so that the back door is close to the house door. Will that be a problem?”

“Yes, that’ll be a problem. You’re never going to drive the bus up there. It’s too big and heavy and that ground is soft. The digger’s churned it all up. The bus is going to bog-down before it’s even off the street.”

“Oh. What are we going to do?”

They all crossed over to have a closer look at the ground. It was definitely too soft.

“Perhaps if we take everything out of the bus and reduce the weight?” Mrs. de Groot worried.

“No,” Joel shook his head. “That wouldn’t be enough. You wouldn’t get a car up there, let alone a bus.”

Peter said, “We could get Mr. James to come back and push it with his digger.”

“Yeah, maybe. I know! Uncle has got a big old tractor, out at work. They use it for getting boats in and out of the water. I’ll go and get it and we’ll winch the bus up there. We’ll put a rope around that tree. If it doesn’t pull the tree out, it’ll haul the bus up.”

“Thank you, Joel. That would be wonderful. But your work is all the way out at South Bay and we haven’t got a car. Should we drive the bus out there to get the tractor?”

“There’s no need for that,” Riley said. “Mum’s car is parked outside the café and she’s not using it. If Joel will come with me, we’ll go and get it and he can drive it out to South Bay to get the tractor. When you bring the car back, park it up out the house. Mum won’t mind, it’ll save her a trip and she’s busy.”

“Thank you, Riley. That sounds good. I will come with you to ask your mother if we can borrow her car.”

“No, don’t worry. She’ll give it to us, no problems. You just wait here and it won’t take long. Are you guys coming with us, or do you want to wait here?”

“We’ll wait,” said Jacob. “We can’t all ride back on the tractor.”

“I guess not. You could just come home and stay there.”

“And miss all the excitement? Get lost! Coll and I will wait here.”

“Okay, do that. Joel could drive you home after we’ve finished.”

Joel looked at Jacob’s crutches and nodded. “That’d be the way to do it. Okay, we’d best get going then.”

“Thank you, Boys. You are all wonderful,” Mrs. de Groot said. “We shall not forget this. Peter, bring the brothers into the house. You can all sit down and I will make us some tea. Are you hungry, Boys?”

“Yeah, we are,” Jacob replied. “Starving.”

Peter shook his head and grinned. “You really should not have said that! Come on, let’s go inside.”

Kaimoana Tales, Riley 16

Riley sat there, trying not to cry. He nodded. “Welcome, Colin. Glad I found you. You’ve had a hard life.”

“They have.” Mrs. S. stood up and she hugged one boy, and then the other. “You boys have had some rough breaks. I’ll do everything in my power to see that it gets better from now on.”

She returned to her chair and the laptop. “Colin, Jacob, thank you for sharing your story and thanks for coming to us. You did the right thing. I wonder if we should arrange counseling for you both?”

“Not necessary,” Jacob grinned. “Thanks, but we don’t need it. We’ve got each other and now we’ve got you and Riley too. We don’t need any more than that.”

“You don’t,” Riley agreed with a grin.

“Okay,” Mrs. S. said. “I’ve just got a couple of questions, and then we’ll leave it for tonight. First, you’re both very matter of fact about Jacob’s being gay. Did your father know that you were?”

“Yes, he did,” Jacob replied. “It didn’t bother him. We told him when we were 13, he said that he already knew and he’d always known.”

“Of course he did,” Mrs. S. said. (Riley was thinking, ‘WHAT??”) “It never ceases to amaze me how quickly people’s lives can come unraveled. I’m surprised that your father didn’t make plans to make sure that you’d be taken care of, seeing that there was no other family to fall back on. This step-mother of yours, what was her name again?”

“Janice,” said Colin. “Janice Lawrence. Lovely lady.”

“She sounds it. Does she still live in Ashburton?”

“As far as we know, yes. She might’ve moved on by now.”

“Maybe. How long did she live with your father before he died?”

“About a year, I think.”

“A year, and they were not married?”

“No, they weren’t interested.”

“Hmm. What’s the address of your father’s house? I could find it, but it’d be quicker if you just tell me.”

“It’s at 32A Shiel Street.”

She noted that into her computer. “Thanks, Colin I’ll look into it, but I’ll be very surprised if the house doesn’t belong to you boys. Tomorrow, we’ll find out. Now, that’s enough. What are the sleeping arrangements here?”

“I’ve moved into the back-room. Colin and Jacob are having my old room, there’s more space in there for them and they’re welcome to it, and the bloody drapes too.”

“The dreaded drapes. It’s time that we did something about them.”

“Gee, thanks Mum. You’ll fix them now that they’re no longer my problem?”

“Yes,” she smiled. “Life’s tough, isn’t it? I’m going to bed, you can do what you like, but don’t stay up all night. Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day.”

The boys didn’t stay up much longer. Riley wasn’t very tired, but he could see that the twins were, so he suggested that they called it a day and they readily agreed. Nobody showered, they just went to bed.

Riley woke next morning with a big grin on his face. Life had never been so good. He’d always wished that he had a brother and now he did – he had 2 of them! Choice.

They were nice kids too, he really liked both of them, especially Jacob, he was something else. Colin and Jacob, Coll and Jake, they were both nice to look at, which didn’t hurt, but it was more than that. He’d still like them if they were ugly, but they weren’t, they were gorgeous!

Even better, Jacob was gay and his mother had no problems with that. (‘Wow!’) That looked good for Riley when they had that talk. That had better happen soon. He didn’t think that Jake would ever be interested in him like that. He knew when he was out-classed and Jake was way too good for him, but they could be friends and that was great. Really great.

And, it was about time he was getting out of bed. Good that it was a holiday weekend, they’d have the whole day together. He kicked the covers off and crawled out of bed.

It was a shame that Peter was away for the long weekend. Where did they go to anyway? He couldn’t wait for Peter to meet his new brothers. He’d soon forget about Ashton once he laid eyes on Jacob! Oh yeah. Peter might even have a chance there, he was gorgeous enough, they’d make a beautiful couple.

He had a quick shower, and then came out to find the boys. There was no sign of them around; they surely weren’t still sleeping? They couldn’t be that tired, could they?

He put the coffee pot on and got 3 mugs out, then he thought, ‘Oh. Do they even drink coffee?’ He didn’t know. They wouldn’t have had coffee living out there in the cave, but would they now? There was still a lot that he didn’t know about these kids.

Their bedroom door was half-open, so he stuck his head in there to see if they were awake yet. They weren’t there. The bed was all messed-up and there was no-one in it. Where were they? Down in the café for breakfast?

He hurried down there. His mum and Betty were in there working, it was a busy day, but there was no sign of the boys. They hadn’t seen them.

“Oh, damm. Where would they be?”

“”I’m sure I don’t know. They haven’t been in here. Maybe they’re still sleeping?”

“No, they’re not. I looked in and there’s no-one there. Oh, damm!”

He ran back up to the house to check again, but they were still not there.

“Damm, damm and double damm! Where are you?”

He ran around the house, checking in every room, but there was no sign of them. They wouldn’t have run away again, would they? He couldn’t think of any reason that they’d want to. He sure hoped that they hadn’t. He went out the front of the house to check out there. The front-door blew shut and locked behind him.

“Bugger!”

He had no key, of course, so he’d have to go all the way around the block and back in through the café. He went out into the street and looked up and down the highway. Still no sign of them anywhere.

Getting panicky now, he ran down the highway down the hill and around to the main street at the bottom. Around the corner, and there they were! They were sitting at a table out in front of the Craypot. He was so relieved to see them. He ran along to them and flopped, gasping for breath, in a seat at their table.

Colin greeted him with a smile. “Morning, Riley. Just out for a run, are you?”

“No. I . .” he gasped. “I was looking for you guys. I thought you’d run away again. I went out the front door and it blew shut and locked behind me.”

“Yeah,” Colin said. “The same thing happened to us. We walked down here to get back in through the café. Jake’s just having a rest before we go up to the house.”

“That’s good. That’s real good. I thought I’d lost you.”

Jacob reached out and took hold of his hand. “Riley, we’re not going anywhere. This is where we want to be and this is where we’re staying. Until you kick us out anyway.”

“That is not going to happen. That is not ever going to happen. If Mum ever throws you out, well, I’m coming with you.”

“We’ll hold you to that. I don’t want to lose you, Riley.”

“Cool. I don’t want to lose you either.”

“Not happening!”

They sat there, looking into each other’s eyes. Colin took hold of their wrists and pulled their hands apart.

“I hate to break up this romance, but can we take it up to the house? I’m dying for a coffee here.”

“Yeah.” Riley snapped out of the trance he was drifting into. “Let’s go up to the house. I put some coffee on, it’ll be ready by now.”

They went into the café. Betty was behind the counter and she looked puzzled. “Where did you lot come from? I didn’t see you come through here.”

“We didn’t.” Riley lifted the counter-flap to go through to the back. “We got shut out the front of the house, so we had to come down around the road. Betty, this is Colin and that’s Jacob, on the crutches. They’re going to be living here now.”

“Of course they are. Hello Colin and Jacob, nice to meet you at last.”

“Hey, Betty,” Jacob said. “Umm. At last?”

“Yes, at last. You’re famous, don’t you know? The whole town’s talking about you.”

“The whole town can mind their own bloody business,” Riley said. “Come on, Guys, through here.”

“Mind their own business? Not likely!” Betty laughed. “See you, Boys.”

Back in the kitchen, Dianne looked around. “There you are, Boys. Don’t go running away. Dr. Stevens wants to see Jacob about the new leg, at 10 o’clock. I’ll be up, about 5 to, to take you up to the hospital.”

“Thanks, Mum,” Riley said. “But you don’t have to. It’s not far, we could walk up there. Better yet, if you give us the car keys, I’ll drive us up.”

“In your dreams! I’ll be up to get you. Actually, Colin, Jacob, do either of you drive yet?”

“Not yet, Dianne,” Jacob grinned. “But if you give us those keys, I’ll have a go.”

“You will not! Once you’ve go a new leg, we’ll see about driving lessons for you both. It shouldn’t take you long to catch up to Riley, he’s hopeless.”

“Thanks, Mum. Build my confidence up, why don’cha?”

“Just telling it like it is. By the way, Colin and Jacob both need new clothes. Harvey’s is open today, so, after lunch you can go and get new wardrobes for you both.”

“Thanks. We do need clothes, but we’ve got no money to pay for them.”

“Don’t worry about the money. The Welfare don’t know it yet, but they’ll be paying. I’ll cover it in the meantime. Get whatever you need, about 3 or 4 of everything, I think.”

“Very cool. Thanks, Dianne,” Jacob beamed. “I think you’re going to be the best mother we’ve ever had.”

“I hope so. It sounds like you haven’t had much luck so far.”

“I think our luck has changed for the better.”

“Yeah? I think ours has too. Oh, shit! Here’s that bloody reporter girl coming. Get up to the house, Boys, and stay there until I come to get you.”

They went out the back and Jacob started, slowly, up the steep stairs. Colin stood close behind him, helping him up each step, as he’d done the previous day. Riley hovered around, worrying.

“Is there anything that I can do?”

Jacob stopped and shook his head. “No, Rye, there’s not. Thanks, but go away. You could go up and get those coffees. I’ll be ready for one by the time I get up there. Wait until I get my new leg and I’ll race you up the stairs.”

“Okay then. I’ll go and get the drinks. Be careful!”

Riley ran up to the top and looked back. The twins were still standing where he’d left them and gazing up at him. Were they looking at his legs or something? He gave an embarrassed little grin, waved, and went inside to get the drinks.

It was such a bugger that Jake had lost his leg, well, half of his leg. Some kids get such a bum deal in life. It made him feel guilty about how cruisy his own life had been. Just the luck of the draw, but he really had to tell his mum more often about what a great mother she was. She was the best mum that any kid could have.

As for his father – meh! He was okay, he guessed. He could’ve been worse. He just had his own life and they didn’t connect much, they never had.

Still, even with his disability, (and what a horrible word that was!), Jake was a really cool kid. He so liked him. He was all-but perfect really. Shame that he’d never be interested in him like that because Riley surely would be interested in him. Ah, well. Such is life.

At least they were going to be brothers, which was good. One day, Jacob would get a boyfriend. Whoever he was and no matter what he was like, Riley was going to hate him. Lucky Jerk!

He put the coffee percolator, the mugs and all the fixings on a tray and took them out to the table on the deck out the back. They’d sit in the sunshine there and have their drinks. The twins could sort it out for themselves how they liked them.

Jacob and Colin were just coming up on to the deck when Riley went out there. He put the tray on the table and pulled a chair out for Jacob. He sank onto it with a sigh and rewarded him with a smile.

“Thanks, Rye.”

They sat and talked until Dianne came up to take Jacob to the hospital. There was no need for the other two to go with them, but they went anyway. They were all greeted there, like they were celebrities or something. Everyone wanted to know how the twins were doing. They were doing fine.

Dr. Stevens took Jacob in to the surgery and checked him out. He said that the new prosthetic wouldn’t take long. It was just a matter of returning the old one and swapping it for a new.

After that, she drove them all down to the café for an early lunch. “In the kitchen, not the café, it’s busy in there.”

Holiday weekends were no holiday around there. Riley, Coll and Jake were starving! They’d had no breakfast, which the mother growled about.

When they finished, they all thanked Dianne for the great lunch. Colin commented that their lives had never been so good.

Jacob grumbled, “They would’ve got better a lot sooner if you weren’t so bloody timid, Coll.”

“Hey! What d’you want? I’ve said I was sorry, a hundred times. I was scared, okay?”

“Leave off, Jake,” Riley leapt to his defence. “We are who we are and nobody can help that.”

“They could try!”

“Shut it, Jake,” Colin said. “If you’re so not timid, why don’t you tell him?”

“Tell me what,” Riley asked.

“Never mind,” Jacob blushed. “It’s not the right time, that’s all.”

“If you don’t tell him soon, I will.”

“You will not. Let it go, Coll.”

Riley was puzzled by this exchange, but he kept quiet. After all, he had things he’d like to say too, and couldn’t.

Kaimoana Tales, Riley 15

He walked into the kitchen and his mother looked around and smiled. “Ah, good, here you are. About time too. They’re out the front, table three. Go and see what they want.”

“Haven’t you even asked them?” he grumbled as he went through to the shop.

There were two guys sitting at table three, with their backs to him. He stopped and stared. They both had medium-length, dark-red hair! It couldn’t be, could it? He walked over to the table and they both looked up and grinned at him. Two big identical smiles, 4 icy-blue/grey eyes. It was them!

“Colin! Jacob! Wow. What are you doing here?”

“Everyone’s got to be somewhere,” one of them grinned. He didn’t have a clue which one was which. They looked exactly the same.

“But. But . . why aren’t you in the hospital?”

“Oh, we got sick of that,” the other one said. “We’re all patched-up and cleaned-out now, so we left.”

“But. But, did you just walk out?”

“Sure did.”

“But, how did you get here from Christchurch?”

“Hitch-hiked.” One of them, it had to be Jacob, held up a crutch. “You wouldn’t believe how easy it is to hitch a ride when you’re on crutches. People feel sorry for you.”

“We left the hospital at lunchtime, got a bus to the city limits and here we are.”

“That’s – well – it’s really great to see you. But, what are you going to do now? Where are you going to live?”

“We thought we’d live with you, if you want us.”

“Well of course I do! But I don’t know if we could arrange that. Anyway, it’s not my house, it’s Mum’s.”

“That won’t be a problem,” Colin said. “It was her idea.”

“It was??”

“It was,” said a voice behind him.

He swung around. “Mum!”

“Surprised? I thought it was a good idea. These boys need somewhere to live and we’ve got room for them, haven’t we?”

“We have! But why didn’t you tell me?”

“I wanted to see the look on your face. I’ve been working on it, I didn’t think it would be so fast, but they’re here now. We’re keeping them.”

“We are? Oh, shit, Mum! Thank you.” He hugged her and sobbed over her shoulder.

She hugged him back, and then pushed him off. “That’s what I like to see – happy tears. You are happy, aren’t you?”

“Very much! Thanks, Mum. But what about the legal stuff? You’ll need a fostercare licence, won’t you?”

“Oh, Riley! Give me some credit. That’s all been dealt with.”

“It has? Wow. You’re incredible. Colin, Jacob, welcome to our family.”

“Thanks, Rye. It’s good to be here.”

“Okay. Well, seeing as you’re not paying customers, you can all clear-off out of my café. Riley, you can take your new brothers out to the kitchen, give them something to eat, and then you can all go up to the house and sort-out where they’re going to be sleeping.

Tomorrow, I’ll take Jacob up to see Dr. Stevens, and we’ll see about that new leg for him. Can you manage the stairs up to the house, Jacob?”

“Yes, I can do it. I won’t be running, but we’ll get there.”

“That’s good. Off you go then, Boys. I’ll be up when we’ve closed-up here, and then we’ll talk.”

After the café was closed at 7 pm, she came up to the house and settled down on a lounge chair with the laptop. She kicked her shoes off, stretched and sighed. “Oh, that’s better. So good to get off my feet. Riley, Honey, get me a coffee, would you? You can get cokes for yourself and the boys, and then all come in here and sit down.

When they were all there, she put on her reading-glasses and looked at the laptop.

“Right then, here we are. Colin James Carver-Richardson and Jacob James Carver-Richardson, born 1 May 1994, Balclutha Public Hospital. Right so far?”

“Yes!” Colin replied. “How do you know all that?”

“You’d be surprised. The records are all there if you know how to access them. Prosthetics are all branded and numbered and the manufacturers keep very good records of when they were made and who they were issued to. Besides, there’s not that many 15 year old twin boys named Colin and Jacob.

Simple really. I can’t believe how slow those welfare people are. Nevermind, I’ll fill them in on what they need to know and nothing else.

Now, Boys, do you want to fill-in the blanks up to when we found you? Remember, we’re all your friends here.”

The twins looked at each other, Colin was shaking his head. Jacob said, “No, Coll. It’s time we opened-up. Dianne needs to know and Riley should know too.”

“Well,” Colin looked around the earnest faces. “Okay then. You tell them, Jake.”

“Once upon a time, long, long ago and far, far away,” Jacob began with a grin.

“Stop mucking around, Jake. Just tell them.”

“Our parents were not married. They didn’t even live together until we were due to be born. Our loving mother was going to abort us, until they realised that we were twins. Dad was insistent that he wanted us, so they came to an arrangement. He supported her until we were born, paid her a large sum of money, and she’s never been seen since. We think that she went to Europe, but what happened then, we don’t know.

Dad kept us and he raised us. He was a good father, when he wasn’t drinking. We had no other family; no grandparents or anything. Maybe there’s some on our mother’s side, but we don’t know, we never knew her and we never found out.

Dad had no family at all, he was raised in an orphanage, which is why it was so important to him to keep us. So we grew up with just the three of us.

Dad always had lots of girlfriends. He said it was easy to pick-up women when you’re a solo father with 2 cute little kids. They never lasted long though. I guess the reality of someone else’s kids is not as good as the idea of them is. Also, as we got older, we weren’t so cute, so the women got rougher and more desperate, sort-of.”

(Riley kept quiet but he was thinking that he could argue with the not-so-cute bit.)

“Anyway, the last one was the worst of all and she moved in with us. I think it’s your turn to tell the story, Coll.”

“Ah, yeah,” Colin cleared his throat. “Anyway, we’d moved around a few times, then we settled down and Dad bought a house in Ashburton, just south of Christchurch. His new girlfriend, Janice Lawrence, moved in with us and that was the worst day of our lives. She was a bitch. Sorry, but that’s what she was.

She had 3 kids of her own, a 12 year old boy and girls aged 8 and 2. She had 5 kids really, but only 3 of them lived with her.

She was a two-faced cow. She made an effort to be nice when Dad was around, but when he wasn’t she didn’t bother. She didn’t like us and especially didn’t like Jake because he’s gay. Oops, sorry. Did we tell you that?”

“That Jacob is gay?” Mrs. Sullivan said. “No, you didn’t, but you have now.”

“Is that going to be a problem?” Jacob asked.

“A problem for me? No, why should it? I have no problems with your having red hair and you can’t help that either,” she smiled.

Both of the twins smiled widely. Colin said, “Thanks, Dianne. Riley’s right, you’re an incredible lady.”

“I’m not you know. I’m just who I am, like you boys are who you are and Riley is too.”

She looked at Riley and he blushed. (‘She must know!’) “Thanks, Mum.”

“Anyway, continue the story. The wicked step-mother and her brats moved in with you, then what?”

“That’s about what they were like. She wasn’t really a step-mother though, they weren’t married or anything. They just lived together like they were. She was always horrible to Jake and called him a queer, a freak, a cripple and a peg-leg and stuff. She called me his girlfriend, and that’s just rubbish. I love my brother but it’s not like that. I’m not gay.”

Jacob said, “I think she thought I was going to make a move on her darling son – not that that was going to happen! He was just a kid, and he was horrible. I had a boyfriend anyway. I thought I did, turns out he was horrible too. Sorry, Coll. Finish the story.”

“So, Dad died. He was on a fishing trip, at the mouth of the Rakaia River. The dinghy was swamped and he got washed overboard. He had gumboots and wet-weather gear on and no lifejacket. He had no chance and he was drowned.

After the funeral and everything was out of the way, she kicked us out. She said that it was her house now and we couldn’t stay there. She was going to put us in welfare care, but we weren’t having that. Dad grew up in an orphanage and he’d told us stories, his life was hell there. They don’t call them orphanages anymore, they’re Family Homes or Welfare Homes now, but nothing else has changed.

So, we walked out and we went to live with Jake’s boyfriend. We were 14, he was 25, but he said that he’d look after us. We only stayed there for 2 days.”

“Because?”

“Because he was a prick,” Jacob said. “He never loved anyone but himself. He wasn’t happy with just me in his bed, he wanted Coll there as well. Coll would’ve done it too, for me, but I didn’t see why he should, he’s not gay.

So we left. We got on a bus, and then we got on the train and we came here, to Kaimoana. We walked back to Geese Bay.”

Colin continued. “We camped there once, with Dad, when we were about 10 or 11. We’d found an old derelict hut, in the bush, up on the hill. It was probably left over from when there was a railway construction camp there. It was old and rough, but it was empty and there was an old garden gone wild and fruit trees and bushes everywhere. We thought we’d live there and trap possums and catch fish and shellfish.

When we got there, the hut was gone. It’d been burnt down, so we had nowhere to live, again Jake found the cave and we decided, okay, we’d live in there, like the cavemen did. It was good, for a while, like a holiday. We were together, we were having fun and no-one was bothering us.

But then winter came and it was awful. We were always cold and wet and it was hard finding stuff to eat. We’d stored a lot of crab-apples and pears, we buried them in sand, but it didn’t work. They went rotten.

We stayed in the cave, ate what we could and tried to keep warm. We got sick, slower and weaker, and cuts and scrapes just wouldn’t heal-up. The hospital people said it was malnutrition – whatever. Jake got really, really sick, with the pneumonia. I tried to look after him but he was getting worse. I thought he was going to die and I didn’t know what to do.

Then, Riley showed up, looking so healthy and happy. I wanted to ask him for help, for Jake, but I couldn’t. I was scared and I didn’t know what was going to happen to us, so I ran away and the car hit me.

Next thing I knew, I woke up in the hospital. I didn’t know where I was or what had happened to my brother. All of these people were poking and prodding and asking me questions. I just wanted them to go away and leave me alone.

Riley walked in and he talked and talked and he wouldn’t shut up! I wanted to tell him and ask him about Jacob, but I just couldn’t. Then he was going to leave me alone, I had to do something, so I talked. That’s it, you know the rest. Thank you, Riley.”

Kaimoana Tales, Riley 14

He looked exactly the same as his brother did, even those penetrating blue eyes were the same, but there was something more, something different about him. He had a cheeky, mischievous look about him and a real sparkle in those eyes.

Riley was lost for words. He stood there with his mouth opening and closing and not a sound coming out of him.

Jacob grinned, “I thought you said he talks a lot, Coll. You sure you’ve got the right guy? Hello, Riley. Are you receiving?”

“Umm, yeah. Yes.” Riley pulled himself together. “Sorry. You just, well, shocked me. You look so much like Colin. Exactly the same! Hey, Jacob. Nice to see you awake.”

“Course it is! But you’ve got it all wrong. I don’t look like Coll, he looks like me. Gorgeous, isn’t he?”

“Well, yes he is. Colin’s a good one and he’s my friend.”

“He is a good one. He’s the best brother ever. Am I your friend, Riley?”

“I wish you were, but I think it’s too late. I’ve just come in here to say goodbye; they’re taking you away.”

“They are. That’s a bugger, innit? Colin stand up and give the boy a big hug from me.”

Colin got up and stood looking embarrassed.

Riley shrugged. “Thanks, Colin, but you don’t have to really.”

“Yes he does!” Jacob protested. “He has to do it for me because I can’t. Hug the kid, Coll.”

They both shrugged and moved into a hug, which was good. They broke apart and looked at him and Jacob took the mask off again, and beamed.

“All right! Thank you. Now we’re friends.”

“Yeah, okay,” Riley smiled. “We’re friends. Thanks, Colin.”

“Coll,” he said.

“Huh?”

“You can call me ‘Coll’ now, like Jake does. No-one else can, just Jake and you.”

“Thanks, Coll. And thank you, Jake.”

“That’s Mr. Jake to you.”

“Shut up, Jacob.”

“Yes, Boss.”

They exchanged grins.

“All right. Time we got this show on the road.” Brian Kersten, and a male nurse, came in, both pushing stretcher/trolleys. “Hello, Riley Sullivan. About time you got here.”

“Hey, Mr. Kersten. I had to go to school.”

“Of course you did. Strip the bed, Terry. I’ll get Colin set up and then we’ll both lift Jacob. Sit up here, Colin.”

Riley stood back and watched as they got both boys settled on the trolleys. Once again, he was impressed at how smoothly and efficiently they worked. They started pushing them out of the room. Brian looked back.

“Well? Are you coming, Riley?”

“Can I? Great! Thanks.”

“You can come with us to the airport. Just don’t let God see you getting into the ambulance.”

On the way out, Riley stopped at the desk and borrowed a pen and writing-pad from Julia. When they got out to the ambulance, he was disappointed to see Dr. Wickes standing there. (‘Dammit’.)

Brian and Terry lifted one stretcher, and then the other, off their wheels and slid them into the back of the ambulance. Riley stood back, looking forlorn and feeling like crying. He raised a hand in farewell. The old doctor turned around and snorted at him.

“Well? What do you think you’re doing, Boy? We haven’t got all day. Get in the ambulance.”

“Can I?”

“Yes, you can. Just don’t tell Dr. Stevens.”

“Great! Thank you, Doctor.”

He got in quick, before he changed his mind. Terry got in as well, Brian closed the doors and they left.

Dr. Wickes wasn’t such a bad guy after all.

While they were travelling, Riley sat on the jockey-seat, next to Colin, and he wrote down his home address and phone numbers. He tore the page out and passed it to him.

“Take this; this is our address and numbers for home and the café. Take this too.” He held out his cellphone.

“No, Riley. I can’t take your cell.”

“Yes you can. Take it, Colin, I want you to have it. Mum’s cell is no.1 on the speed-dial. I’ll get a new phone tomorrow and you guys can keep this one. I want you to have it and Mum would too. Call us if anyone’s giving you hassles and we’ll be there. Christchurch is only a couple of hours away.”

“Well, I don’t know,” Colin hesitated.

Jacob lifted the mask off his face. “Take the bloody cell, Coll. Thanks, Rye.”

Colin took the phone with a grin. “Rye?” he queried.

“Yes, Rye – Rye, Coll and Jake.”

“Thanks, Riley. I’ll return it when I can. We’ll be seeing you again.”

“I really hope so, My Friends!”

They went the rest of the short trip in silence, arrived at the airstrip, parked next to the waiting helicopter, and it was over all too soon. As soon as they stopped, the back-doors opened, some medics slid the stretchers out and loaded them into the chopper.

Riley barely had time to say, “’Bye, Colin. Goodbye, Jacob. Good luck.”

The medics climbed in and the door slid shut. The motor started, the rotors spun, they lifted off and they were gone. Riley stood there feeling quite lost. It was like they’d taken part of him away.

Brian clapped a big hand on his shoulder. “Come on, Boy, we’ll get you home. You can ride up front with me if you like.”

“Yeah, I like. Thanks, Mr. Kersten.”

Life went on in the days that followed. He never heard from the brothers at all. He tried ringing the cell, several times, but there was no reply. He sent text messages, but that didn’t work either.

Ringing the Christchurch Public Hospital was no help at all. They weren’t friendly, casual and informative like the local small-town hospital. All they would tell him was that the boy’s condition was ‘satisfactory’.

A couple of Social Workers came to the café on Wednesday afternoon. They were still trying to find out who Colin and Jacob were and where they’d come from. Nobody knew and they weren’t saying.

When they were leaving, Mrs. Oakden said, “I’m sure we’re all grateful for your help, Riley. They won’t forget you, but I doubt if you’ll see them again. Wherever they belong, it’s nowhere around here. They’ll most likely finish-up in a Welfare Home in Christchurch.”

Damm! After they’d gone, he appealed to his mum. “Can’t we do something, Mum?”

“I’ve been looking at it, but I don’t see what, Son. They’ll be looked after now. I think your part in their lives is over.”

“Well, damm!”

“Yeah, life’s a bitch sometimes. You really liked them, didn’t you?”

:”I did – a lot.”

“I thought so. Maybe you’ll see them again, maybe not. You’ve just got to get on with your own life. Time you cleared those tables out the front.”

“Gee, thanks, Mum.”

“Someone’s got to do it.”

On Sunday morning, Constable Lawry came around and spoke to Riley’s mother. After he’d gone, Riley was dying of curiosity, but she wouldn’t tell him what he wanted.

“Just some legal business and it’s nothing to do with you.”

She could be stubborn sometimes.

Late Sunday afternoon, he was lying on his bed, bored out of his skull. Peter and his mother had gone away somewhere for the weekend and he didn’t know anyone else well enough to just drop in on them. He was even tempted to go down to work, but no – Sunday was his day off.

It was wet outside, so he wasn’t going out there either, he was staying where he was – bored. The phone rang, but it was only his mother. She wanted him to come down to the café.

“Aww, Mum. It’s my day off here. Can’t you guys handle it?”

“No, we can’t. We’re busy here and there’s a couple of customers that I want you to come down and look after. Come on, Riley. I promise you, you won’t be sorry. They’re a couple of nice-looking guys too.”

“Yeah, yeah, okay, I guess. I’m on my way.”

“Good boy. Hurry up.”

He hung up the phone and sat looking at it. There she went again with the gay hints. He was sure that she’d figured him out. It really was time that they had that talk. He put his sneakers on and went down to the café.”