Out of Here

Apparently, we're going on holiday, or so i've been told - 4 days in Okarito, 4 in Westport, some more in Tapawera/Nelson and maybe to Christchurch, via Kaikoura. Yay!

Back some time in the New Year - meantime, have a great Christmas & enjoy the winter :)

cheers

Lorne & Logan, 10

(Sort & sweet? - last one)

They all walked together around to the carpark, talking about the great show they'd just seen.

Karen said, “Your father must've been an interesting character, Dan.”

“He certainly was, and he had a wicked sense of humour. Once upon a time, he and his company were doing a North Island tour of small towns. They drew a very poor house in Te Awamutu and that p'ed him off, for some reason. So before moving on to Whangarei, he booked the same theatre for two weeks later and prepared a newspaper advertisement inviting the locals to come to a FREE show featuring his newest illusion “Gone with the Wind”. Come the big night the place was chocker, the pianist played the overture from the side of the stage, the curtain went up and all there was on-stage was a simple sign which read - Gone with the Wind.

He paid for the theatre, the newspaper ad, the sign writing, and hotel costs just to have his utu and say 'Up you Te Awamutu'.”

“Revenge is a dish best served cold, or so they say.”

“Certainly is. There's more to the story, when he and his wife ordered breakfast, in the hotel next morning, it arrived in covered dishes and all that was on the plates under the covers, was a note saying, “Gone with the Wind.”

“Oh, sweet!”

Lorne didn't even smile, he was quiet and surly and his father was looking daggers at him. Logan tried, one more time.

“What did you think of 'the Great Benyon', Lorne? Great, wasn't he?”

“He was okay.” Lorne looked the other way.

Logan gave up and Karen tried. “Well I loved every minute of it. Do you guys want to come around home for a coffee before you go?”

Dan looked at Lorne and said, No, I don't think so. Thanks, Karen, but not this time. I think His Nibs here and I have got some serious talking to do.”

“Oh? Okay. Dan, don't be too hard on him.”

“I'll do what I have to.”

Lorne was quiet, but he was thinking, 'You'll try.' His mind was made up and he was doing what he had to as well.

Karen and her boys said thanks and goodbye and left for home in their own car. Dan and Lorne got into the ute and started for their place.

“So, do you want to tell me what's going on. Lorne.”

“Not really. Nothing's going on anyway.”

Dan jammed on the brakes and stopped the truck on the side of the road, under the last streetlight on the way out of town. He sat there, looking straight ahead and thinking. Was he ever as stubborn as this little shit here next to him?

He really liked Karen, and he liked her boys too - she'd done a good of raising them - better than he had! He didn't know, but he'd thought that, one day, they might get together permanently and make a go of it as a family. Was Lorne going to stuff that up for all of them? He seemed to be doing his best to.

“Right, Lorne, that's it! I'm sick of this bullshit and it ends right now! I want the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. What is up with you, and what has gone wrong between you and Logan?”

“You really want to know?”

“I just said I did, didn't I? Spill it!”

“All right then. You won't like it, but I'll tell you. I'm gay. I'm gay and I'm in love with Logan. I think he's falling in love with me and he can't, so I have to let him go.”

Dan blinked. He didn't see that coming, but he had asked. “You're gay? You sure about that?”

“Very sure.”

“And you love Logan, so you can't talk to him anymore?”

“Right.”

“That might make sense to you, but I'm dammed if it does to me!”

Lorne said nothing and they both sat there thinking their own thoughts.

“All right!” Dan snapped out of it, started the truck, turned around and hurried back into town. He pulled-up outside the Greene's house and got out.

“You stay right where you are," he growled. "You won't move if you know what's good for you. I will be back.”

He went inside and Lorne sat there wondering what he was doing and trying not to care.

After a few long minutes, Dan came back out with Logan following him. He opened the driver's-side door. “Get in, Logan. You sit in the middle.”

He got in after him and drove home in an awkward silence. Not a word was said all the way there. They arrived and quietly filed into the house. Lorne was heading for his room, but Dan stopped him.

“Oh no you don't! You're going nowhere, Mister. Sit down on that couch. Logan, you sit next to him.”

Dan sat in the chair facing them. “Right. It's time for some honest talking. I'll go first.

Lorne, you were not planned. You were an accident and I didn't want you for a start. I'm ashamed to say that I actually suggested that your mother have an abortion and I would pay for it.”

“Well thanks!”

“Shut up, Lorne. You'll get your turn. Right now, I'm speaking. You can be thankful that your mother was made of stronger stuff than me and she refused to abort you.

She gave you life, and you should be grateful for that. I know that I am – very, very grateful. I soon did an about-face and I wanted a son to raise – really wanted one.

I know it's stupid and it's not right, but I think most young men prefer sons to daughters. Prefer the idea of them anyway. Girls are people too. Good people, most of them, but a man likes the idea of a son to raise in his image and to carry on after he's gone.

That's stupid too and you're not much like me at all. You are your own person and you always have been. However, no matter how old you get, even if I'm still around when you're an old-age pensioner, you will always be my beautiful baby boy.

You are, without doubt, the most important thing in my life. You're all I've got and I love you very much!”

“Even if I'm gay?”

“Of course! So what if you are? It's just a label. You are my boy. I love you and want you to be happy. That is all that matters.

Now, explain, if you can, why you have to break up with Logan because you think he might be starting to love you?”

“Well. Okay. We were getting too close and people were starting to notice. We had sex and everything, last weekend. Some kids saw us here, when we were in the river, and they knew.”

“You had sex in the river?”

“No! We were just playing around, wrestling and everything, but they saw us and they knew how close we were getting. We went back to school on Monday and the rumours started. The story spread around in notes and whispers and everyone was saying that we were gay.

I didn't care about me. I can look after myself, and I haven't got much to lose anyway. But Logan has got a lot to lose. He's the best at everything he does, he's well liked and he's got lots of friends.

I couldn't see him lose all that just because of me, so I finished it.”

They were quiet for a minute, then Dan said, “Logan? You told me that you loved my boy. Are you going to tell him that, or is the cost too high?”

“No,” Logan replied. He turned and looked in Lorne's eyes. “I mean, no it's not too high. I love you, you Bloody Idiot! I totally love you and I don't care what it costs. I only want to be with you – now and always with you. I love you and you can't stop me.

Any friends I lose are not real friends anyway. Real friends will be friends no matter who I'm with and if I'm not with you, I won't be happy – ever!”

Lorne whispered, “You really mean that?”

“Every word of it. Do you love me, yes or no?”

“Yes, of course yes! Oh, Logan, I love you so much!”

They hugged and cried on each other's shoulders. Dan wiped the tears from his own eyes and stood up.

“Now that's much better. Well done, Boys.”

“Oh Dad!” Lorne leapt up and hugged him. “Thanks, Dad.”

“You're welcome. Thanks for being who you are. I'm going to bed and so are you. Don't keep me awake or I'll smack the pair of you.

Logan, thank you. I'll take you back in the morning, or you can stay all weekend and I'll take you home on Monday. It's entirely up to you.”

“I think I already am at home now. Thanks, Dan.”

“You're welcome too. One way or another, you're going to be my son as well.”

“G'night, Dad.”

“Have a good night, Boys.”

“Oh, we will!”

Lorne & Logan, 9

(Forgot the most important one)




(Okay - not sure how this is going to go. Computer's being an arse again!)

When they pulled up outside the school next morning, Logan was there waiting and he beamed a huge smile when he saw them arrive. Lorne grimaced, this was not going to be easy.

“'Bye, Dad. See you this afternoon.”

“Yeah, 'bye. Lorne, listen, I've been thinking. I''m going out tonight, so if you want to stop-over at Logan's place, it's okay by me.”

“I don't think so. I'd rather go home.”

“You're sure? Okay, it's up to you. See you later.”

Dan drove away. Lorne slung his bag over his shoulder and started walking inside.

“Hey, Lorne. How're you?”

“Hello. I'm okay, thanks.” He kept walking.

“What? Hey! Wait a minute.” Logan grabbed his arm to stop him.

Lorne wrenched it away. “Fuck off. Don't touch me!”

“Okay, sorry. I just want to talk to you, I've been waiting here.”

“What do you want, a medal? There's no time to talk, school's starting.” He walked away and Logan, totally confused, stood there staring.

“There's plenty of time. We're not late.” He caught up to him, but didn't touch. “Lorne, what's wrong?”

“Nothing's wrong It's just another day. Go find someone else to talk to, I'm busy.”

“I don't want to talk to someone else, just you.”

“Well tough.” He went inside and the door swung closed behind him.

Logan stood and wondered. What had he done? He didn't know.

“Hey, Greene. All ready to win, are you?” Ben Rodden slapped him on the back.

“Well, umm, yeah. I guess.”

“Full of confidence, aren't you? Don't worry, we'll slaughter them! What's up with your boyfriend?”

“Beats me. I mean, he's not my boyfriend, we're just mates. I thought we were.”

“So did I. Looks like he doesn't want to know you. No great loss anyway, he's weird. Come on then, back to the daily grind.”

Lorne spent the morning sitting with several different girls – chatting, laughing and flirting. They were delighted.

Logan spent the first class alone, and then found someone else to sit with. He didn't want to be by himself, looking like a total dipstick, all day. What was going on? He find out later. But he didn't. At lunchtime, Lorne pulled his disappearing act again – he was good at that.

Logan looked for him, and then had to give up. He had a game to get ready for.

The First 15 Rugby Team played their match against Linwood High, and lost. That was probably Logan's fault. His heart just wasn't in it and he missed a tackle and a couple of catches. No-one said anything to him, but he knew. He was distracted, worrying about Lorne.

Why wouldn't he talk to him. He hadn't done anything wrong – had he? He didn't know.

Their Coach, Mr. Lawson, was standing near the door when Logan came out of the changing room. “Not one of your better days, Logan.”

“Yeah, well,” he shrugged. “I was off. Sorry.”

“Don't sweat it. Everyone has an off day sometimes.”

“And today, I did. Shame we lost though.”

“Yeah, well,” Mr. Lawson shrugged in return. “Can't win them all.”

“Ain't that the truth?” Logan went looking around in case Lorne had waited for him. He hadn't. What was up with him anyway? He'd find out tomorrow. He'd make bloody sure of it.

His mother greeted him with a smile. “How was my big boy's day today?”

“Bloody awful, if you really want to know.”

“Oh? I take it that you didn't win the game then?”

“We didn't. They thrashed us.”

“Oh well, maybe next time. Listen I'm going out for a few drinks tonight. Will you be okay with watching the boys, or do you want me to get one of your grandparents to come around?”

“I can do it. We don't need a babysitter.”

“You sure that's all right? You can always ring Gran if you have to.”

“We'll be fine, Mum. But, who are you going out with?”

“Never you mind. That's my business.”

“But you never go out, especially on a week night.”

“Tonight I am. I was asked and I'm going.”

“With a guy? That's great! Enjoy it.”

“Oh, I will. Thanks, Son.”

His mum left, in her own car and by herself, so he still didn't know who she was going out with. He hoped it was someone nice, she deserved some fun in her life. However, it was just not right – kids keep secrets from their parents, they had to! But parents shouldn't keep secrets from their kids. Should they?

Jack and Brad were okay. There was a bit of a protest when he told them that it was bedtime. They didn't want to go, but Logan told he'd thump the pair of them if they didn't. So that ended that argument. They didn't shower, they just went to bed. He didn't try to make them, at least they'd gone.

He tried phoning Lorne, twice, but there was no answer. He didn't answer the emails or Facebook messages either, so – whatever. He'd see him tomorrow.

In the morning, Logan stood waiting outside the school again. Lately, he seemed to be there more often than not. How come Lorne never waited anywhere for him? He was beginning to get a bit slacked-off. Lorne was being strange and why was Logan always the one who did the chasing after?

Lorne arrived, not in his father's truck, but walking – walking, talking and laughing, with a girl! He was with Sarah Meates, so there was only one thing he'd be after. Logan knew her reputation, everyone did, and it was not good. Not unless you were looking for an easy lay, that is.

So that was how it was, was it? Logan stopped worrying, he stopped wondering and he got mad. 'Stuff him! He got what he wanted – used me and now he's dumped me. Must want to try the other side now. Well, he can go to Hell! Fuck him! I don't want to know.'

He spun around and stalked into school. 'I've got a life and Lorne Beynon's not part of it. I got along okay before him and I will again. I don't need him.'

They stayed separate, didn't speak and basically grew further apart as the day, and then the days, went on. Sarah had a new interest by the second day. Lorne was nice to look at but he was no fun and not interested in sex. He was boring and there were plenty of other boys to play with.

By the end of the week they'd more-or-less slipped back into the separate lives they lived before the new year started. Lorne was alone and sad-faced again. Logan was again surrounded by people and close to none of them. The only remaining difference was that neither of them was very happy and, sometimes, sad, longing and yearning glances went both ways across the room.

Friday afternoon, when they all poured out of school, Dan was sitting in his old ute, directly outside the main entrance. Lorne went over and quietly got in. He did, kind-of, wish that his dad would buy a new bloody truck already, but on the other hand, he didn't care what anyone thought of their old wheels.

“You're early today,” he commented as he struggled to fasten the seat-belt.

“Of course,” Dan replied. “It's poet's day, don't you know?”

“Poet's day? What does that mean?”

“Piss Off Early, Tomorrow's Saturday. That's the beauty of being my own boss, I can do what I want. Actually, there's a reason for leaving early. We're going home to get cleaned-up and changed into good clothes, and then we're coming back to town.”

“You might be, I'm not. Once I get home I'm staying there.”

“Oh, but you're not. You are coming back with me.”

“Dad, I don't want to! Don't I get any choice in this?”

“You don't. I pay the bills and I call the shots. You just do what you're told. Relax, Lorne. It's not like I'm dragging you into the dentist's. We're going to have a nice night out, with dinner in that new buffet restaurant in the Golden Lead hotel. You'll like that – it's self-service, help yourself and eat all you want. They've got a choice of about 50 different dishes with desserts to follow.

After that, I've got a surprise for you. Several surprises in fact.”

“I don't like surprises!”

“Yes you do. You love them – what is magic if not the surprise element?”

“That's different.”

“Well, maybe. Anyway, you'll like these ones.”

“I won't.”

“Maybe not, if you're going to be a grumpy-arse. - it's up to you. You're not very happy lately, is something wrong?”

“Nothing's wrong.”

“Nothing at all? You wouldn't tell me if there was, would you? How is Logan today?”

“Logan who?”

“Logan Greene – your friend, remember?”

“I haven't got a friend named Logan.”

“You did last weekend.”

“That was then, this is now.”

“I see. Had a row? I should've known. You haven't mentioned him for days now and you've forgotten how to smile.”

“I've got nothing to smile about. Can we just drop this? I don't want to talk about it and I don't want to go back to town.”

“Fine. We'll drop it, but you are coming back with me, like it or not.”

“I don't like it.”

“Oh dear, how sad, never mind.”

The rest of the trip was in an uncomfortable silence. They stopped next to the house.

“Here we are then. I'll feed the livestock while you get the first shower. If you're not out by the time I come inside, I'll get in there with you.”

“Eww!”

“Make it quick then. It's time you had another shave too, you're getting a furry-face. Clean-up and put your good clothes on.”

“Why can't I wear my old clothes?”

“You can if you want to, but you'll regret it. We're going to a nice restaurant, and then to the theater. If you're not wearing decent clothes, you'll be the only one there who isn't and you'll feel stupid.”

“I often do.”

“Stop it, Lorne! You're a pain in the arse when you get like this.”

“Why are we going to the theater? Is it that Film Festival thing?”

“No. That finished earlier this week. This is something new, and you'll love it.”

“I won't.”

“Wait and see. I think you will.”

“I know I won't.”

“Enough! Go and get in the shower right now!”

Driving back into town, Lorne sat as far away from his dad as he could get. He sulked. He couldn't get out of this outing, but no-one was going to make him enjoy it.

Dan tried to engage him in conversation. “Looking good, Lorne.”

“Pffft!” He blew a raspberry.

“I think it's time you had a new jacket though. Those sleeves are getting a bit short. You swam in that jacket when we bought it. Now look at you! Getting bigger all the time.”

“Doesn't everyone?”

“When they're kids, yes. There'd be something wrong if I kept growing. Now – you know I've been seeing someone?”

“Yeah. You haven't exactly kept it a secret.”

“And I'm not going to. It's early days yet, but I've got a very good feeling about this one.”

“So, who is it?”

“You'll soon find out. They're coming with us tonight.”

“Damm!”

"You behave yourself and don't you dare stuff this up on me.”

“All right. You said 'they' are coming?”

“Yes, they are. My friend's a solo mother and she's got 3 kids.”

Three? A mother and three kids? Oh-oh – it couldn't be, could it? Would his father do that to him?

Yes, he would. They left the truck, (locked even!), in the council car-park behind the main street. (Parking was free because it was after-hours). They walked around to the front street and, there, all dressed-up and smiling, standing outside the Golden Lead, was Karen Greene – His mother. At least her boys weren't with her.

“Hi, Karen,” Dan said. “Been waiting long?”

“Hi, Dan. Not long, just a few minutes.”

“Sorry about that. Lorne didn't want to hurry. He didn't want to come at all.”

“But he did and I'm glad he did. Hello,Lorne, you're looking good.”

“Hey,” he said and he turned to study the bill of fare in the window. At least she hadn't brought her brats with her – that was one good thing.

But she had brought them, dammit. Karen put two fingers in her mouth and blew a loud, piercing whistle – (yeah, All Class!) Jack, Brad, and the Other One appeared out of the recessed doorway of Toyworld up the street. They came running – well trained apparently.

Lorne had never seen Karen's boys dressed up before, and he wasn't admitting it to anyone, but they looked good. All of them looked good, even the Other One did. Dammit.

“Hey, Dan. Hey, Lorne,” the younger boys chorused. Lorne looked the other way. Dan got a small smile and a nod from Logan, but that was all.

“Right then” Dan looked at his watch. “Let's see if our seats are ready yet. I hope everyone's hungry. It's a buffet so it costs the same no matter how much you eat.”

“Dan” Karen smiled. “We've got four growing boys here. Of course they're hungry, they always are!”

'Yeah?' Lorne thought.'Well I'm not.'

They went inside and milled around while Dan checked-in at the teller's desk. Logan turned his back on Lorne and spoke to his brothers. Lorne stood apart, arms folded and glowering. He ignored everyone and only started moving when Dan gave him a push.

“Come on, Lorne, we haven't got all night.” He lowered his voice and growled, “Behave yourself or you're in trouble!”

“I told you, I don't want to be here.”

“You are here. Make the most of it.”

Karen and her boys were already seated in the crowded dining room. The waitress stood by the table, waiting for Dan and Lorne. They went over and sat down.

“All here now?” She had a plastic smile. “Welcome to Mr. Pickwick's. Have you eaten here before?”

“No. It's our first time,” Karen replied.

“It's everyone's first time,” she sighed. “We've only been open for a week. Anyway, the procedure is – In the tureens over there, there are four different soups and butterd rolls on the top. Take a plate, ladle out the soup you choose and bring some rolls back to the table. Next, join the line there, pick up a plate and fill it from the bain-maries as you work along the line. Take whatever you want and go back as many times as you like. When you're ready, the desserts are in the carousel at that end of the room. Enjoy your meal.”

She went to greet the next party. Brad said, “Can we go now?”

“Hungry?” Karen smiled. “Let's get started then.”

Brad, Jack and Logan went with Karen. Dan stood up. Lorne stayed where he was, fiddling with the cutlery.

“Are you coming, Lorne?”

“I'm not hungry.”

“You must be sick! Come on, Boy. You have to get something, it's paid for. Something there will appeal to you.”

Dan pulled on his arm. Lorne shrugged him off, stood and followed him to the start of the queue. The place was full of people and, inevitably, some old lady was holding up the line. Dan joined the queue, Lorne turned back to the soup tureens. He filled a bowl with the thick mushroom soup, got a couple of rolls and went back to sit at the table.

He was there, looking at the soup and playing with a spoon, when the others started arriving back. Logan was first. He sat down and said, “Lorne, I knew nothing about this. It was a surprise for us too. I can see that you don't want to be here. I don't much want to either, but we are so we might as well make the best of it.”

Lorne looked the other way and Logan thought, 'Stuff you, Mate! That's it – I'm not trying again.' He did wonder what was going on, but obviously wasn't going to find out.

Karen and Jack came back with their meals and sat down. “Well,” she said. “This is nice, isn't it? Good food and good company.” She glanced at the sulky-faced big boys and was sorry she spoke.

Dan and Karen tried to get them all talking. Brad was no problem; this was all new and exciting and he couldn't shut up. Jack, and then Logan joined in. Lorne fiddled with his soup and rolls, kept his eyes down and his mouth shut.

Karen's boys all had seconds, and then third helpings. Dan and Karen both had a second helping. Then they moved on to the desserts and soft drinks, (and had several helpings of them too!)

Lorne finished the soup, ate the two rolls and said that was enough, He didn't want any more.

The two younger boys were rubbing their bellies and moaning about how full they they were as they all walked outside. The others just smiled at them, except Lorne. Dan had given up on trying to involve him, but he was sure he'd snap out of it when he saw what was coming next. If this didn't get him excited, nothing would.

Night had fallen and it was dark outside. The streetlights were on and most of the shops and businesses along the street were all lit-up. The brightest spot in the town was where they were heading for. The newly restored and renovated theater, at the end of the next block, was ablaze with lights. Hundreds of small, white lights covered the canopy over the entrance and the name, 'Majestic Theater' was picked out in red lights. They hadn't worked for years and it really did look majestic now. It was an old building, but as good as new again and it stood out among all the old and faded buildings along the street.

Sandwich boards on the sidewalk and posters on the walls advertised the 'Grand Re-opening Festival.'

“Oh, doesn't the old place look grand!" Karen exclaimed. “What's on the program for tonight?”

“An old-time vaudeville show,” Dan replied. “They've got some really special acts too.”

They went inside and waited in the lobby while Dan got their tickets and reservations. The walls were covered in old posters, including a special display of 'Okarito's own – Great Benyon!' “Oh, gee. Wow!” Logan rushed over for a closer look.

Karen, Jack and Brad follwed him. Lorne stayed where he was, with an unreadable look on his face.

“So, Lorne.” Dan came back. “What do you think of all that then? Your granddad would've been really chuffed!”

“Yeah, maybe,” he replied quietly.

'I give up!' Dan shrugged. What would it take to impress this Gloomy-Guts? He thought that Lorne was going to be so impressed. He wasn't. He was showing no reaction at all But this was not the place to get into an argument.

“Come and find our seats.”

They went into the auditorium and sat in their seats, high-up towards the back. A string quartet was playing quiet music, on the stage in front of the curtains. The theater was not full, but there was a good-sized crowd coming in. Mrs. Carter, the School Principal, was there with her family. She smiled and waved when she saw Lorne. He nodded and didn't smile. The lights dimmed and the quartet left the stage.

The emcee for the evening was the school's Mr. Lawson and he walked out on the stage, resplendent in Victorian evening-wear, complete with a big, false, moustache. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls – Welcome. Welcome, one and all to a splendid evening of wholesome family entertainment! To mark the reopening of our Majestic Theater, we have assembled old-time variety acts including a special appearance by New Zealand's greatest ever entertainer – the Great Benyon!

Unfortunately, the Great Benyon himself could not be here tonight, as he has gone to that theater in the sky. His place will be taken by a worthy successor, Orlando, who, I am sure, will astound us all.

To begin the show, please welcome Okarito's First Lady of Song, the beautiful, Miss Emily Thompson!”

The curtains parted and Mr. Lawson took his place in the pulpit at the left of the stage. The band began to play and Miss Emily Thompson came out singing and twirling a parasol.

Most of the acts were amateurs, members of the local operatic society, all dressed in old-fashioned costumes. But there were several surprise acts by professionals, including circus actrobats and jugglers.

The majority of the crowd went outside during the intermission, but, apart from runs to the toilets, Dan, Karen and the boys stayed where they were. Nobody wanted any ice cream – they were 'stuffed'.

The younger boys especially, were chattering excitedly. They thought their teachers, (and the pastor!), looked funny in their costumes, but it was good fun. Five of their party were enjoying themselves. Lorne sat with his arms folded, looking straight ahead and saying nothing. It wwas almost like he was under his own little black cloud.

The others all just left him alone, apart from Logan stealing glances at him. His father decided that they were going to have a serious talk when they were alone. He was getting mighty sick of this!

The second half of the program started with a comic song and an unfunny comedian.

“And now – the highlight of the evening! Taking the part of the Great Benyon's regular touring companion, his own daughter, Miss Evelyn Talma, we have, from Christchurch, the lovely Miss Suzanne Donaldson!”

Dan forgot his worries and he laughed, whistled, and enthusiastically applauded the impersonation of his big sister. She was brilliant!

The curtains closed and Karen said, “Enjoyed that, didn't you, Dan? She'll be a hard act to follow. What did you think, Lorne.”

“She was okay,” he replied.

Dan leaned forward. He was going to say something, but didn't get a chance. There was a fanfare and drum roll and the emcee walked across the stage, proclaiming, “Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome, the star of our show, the one, the only, the Great – Benyon!”

A small man fought his way out from behind the curtains. He had bushy white hair and was wearing gray trousers, a brown suit-jacket and too much make-up. He peered myopically at the audience.

“Oh. Hello! What are you all doing here? A show, you say? Well then – Bam Boo Zalem!!”

He flung his arms out wide and the curtains opened on a stage covered in props. He walked behind a screen and, without pausing, came out the other side dressed in a long, blue, oriental robe and matching hat. He turned around slowly and announced, “Same man, different clothes! Now, this here is the Peking Mystery Palace – imagine that! So, what do we have in the Peking Mystery Palace?”

When 'the Great Benyon' first appeared on the stage, Lorne was shocked. His eyes opened wide and he took a deep breath. It really was like seeing his grandad again. The long and white bushy hair was identical – it must've been a wig?

However, as the show went on and this imposter went through his granddad's routines, it was more and more obvious that he wasn't him. He was a bit fatter for a start, and he wasn't as good. No-one was as good as the real Great Benyon, he was the greatest ever!

Orlando did put on a good show. The audience certainly liked him and Lorne, sort-of, did – grudgingly. But he wasn't going to admit that to anyone. He knew all of the tricks, so there were no surprises there and the billiard-cue juggling routine was a complete stuff-up.

But, on the whole, he wasn't too bad, it could've been a lot worse. It was almost like seeing his granddad one more time and he was feeling sadder than ever when they left the theater.

The Great Benyon!

"Edgar Benyon is perhaps New Zealands most successful Magician. He toured a tented show through New Zealand in the 50s and 60s.
He was awarded the first major trophy of the New Zealand Variety Club in 1969. This has been named after him, the Benny, a lifetime achievement award granted to New Zealand entertainers who, through work in charity, mentoring, and dedication and proficiency in their field have consistently excelled in the industry."

The Great Benyon appeared in my small entertainment-starved hometown when i was about 9 years old - and I fell in love with him! I thought he was the most awesome man alive.

I then devoured every book i could find on conjuring and 'magic'. I could never be an entertainer - far too shy for that, but i did become something of a self-taught expert on magic.

Two years later, i was staying in another small town up North, Atiamuri actually, and the Great Benyon came to town. I was so excited, i was nearly wetting myself!

He appeared in the local hall and i made sure i had a seat in the front row. It was the biggest disappointment of my life to date - he was just a little old man and i knew how he was doing his tricks - I could see the man dressed in black standing in front of a black curtain and lifting chairs etc to make them 'levitate'. I could even see the string attached to his ear that made the magic glitter-ball fly out of its box, around the stage & back in again.

Being a delightful eleven years old and feeling very let-down, i sat there and, very loudly, told everyone how he was doing what he did. He must've wanted to shoot me, but he just carried on and finished his act.

He was a gentleman, an awesome entertainer and i'm sorry about that!

There's more about him here - http://bluesmokebook.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/a-bombardment-of-bewilderment/

(His other trademark was the quick-changes. Between tricks he would walk behind a screen and come out the other side in a different suit,saying, "Same man, different clothes!")

cheers

Lorne & Logan, 8 (probably)

(Not very good at waiting!)

Logan woke in the morning, long before Lorne did. He was on his right side with his knees bent and Lorne spooned around his back with one arm draped over him. He lay there, quietly reliving what they'd done all weekend It had been a great and busy weekend, but the best times were like now – alone together and cuddled close.

He looked at the bedside clock-radio and up at the wall opposite him. There was a poster there, an old theater poster advertising a magic and variety show. It was definitely old, the paper was yellowed and the faded red and black text sung the praises of the Great Benyon – World Famous Magician and the World's Most Versatile Entertainer, along with his Vaudeville and Revue Company.

That was Lorne's granddad. World's most versatile entertainer? They were pretty big claims, but that was showmanship, he guessed. No poster was going to advertise an adequate magician and entertainer, naturally they'd claim that he was something special. Maybe he really was, his grandson was special.

Lorne moved, he peeled away from him and rolled on to his back. Logan turned over to look at him, his eyes were open, he was awake. “Hi,” Logan smiled. “Sleep well?”

“Like a log,” Lorne replied. “You?”

“Oh yeah, very well.”

“Logan, it's a quarter to seven and it's time we were moving. Dad won't wait if we're late.”

“Yeah. I guess the weekend's over – worse luck.”

“It is, real bad luck. Do you want the first shower? I'll strip the bed and chuck everything in the laundry while I'm waiting.”

“Okay, sure.” Logan looked at the rumpled bed-clothes. “We made a mess, didn't we? Sorry about that.”

“Don't be sorry, it was well worth it. Best time of my life! Anyway, I helped, half of this mess was mine.”

“It was! Okay, I'm showering. Be back soon.”

Logan hurried through the shower. It would've saved water, but probably not time, if they'd showered together, but they couldn't do that while Dan was there. He went back to the bedroom, wrapped in a modest towel, and Lorne went for his shower.

Logan pulled his school clothes out of his back-pack and stuffed the ones he'd worn all weekend in there. The jeans were still a bit damp, but – whatever. He dressed, combed his hair and sat on the bed waiting for Lorne.

When he came back in he was already in his clothes. He threw the towel and boxers at the laundry basket, and missed. “Come on. We'll get something to eat, and then we're gone.”

Dan was at the table, in the living-room, shelling peas. “Good morning, Sleepy Heads. About time you appeared. You've got no time to cook anything. Toast, cereal, coffee and we're gone.”

“No problems.” Lorne filled two bowls with cereal and splashed some milk on them. He spooned in some segments of bottled Black Doris plums, sliced some bread and loaded the toaster. He handed a bowl to Logan and they sat down to eat.

As soon as he'd filled his mouth, Dan asked, “Did you have a good weekend, Logan?”

He gulped and swallowed. “Yes! I mean, yes thanks, Dan. I've had an excellent weekend. Thanks for letting me stay.”

“Thanks for coming, and for setting the computer up – that would've been totally beyond us.”

“It was fun. But, I'm sure you guys could've worked it out yourselves. Lorne's a bright boy.”

“Not as bright as you,” Lorne replied. “I wouldn't have known where to start.”

“The instruction book is always a good place to start.”

“Instruction books!” Dan snorted as he stood up. “Those things are more trouble than they're worth – bloody useless, most of them.” He got three mugs down from the cupboard and poured drinks from the percolator.

“Oh good!” Logan grinned. “Real coffee. Thanks, Dan.”

“I've got news for you, Boy, and it's all bad. That's not what you'd call real coffee, it's more of the erratz stuff.”

“Dandelion roots? Oh well, it still tastes okay.”

“Of course it does and I made it in the perc so, with a bit of luck, there'll be some caffeine in there.”

“And that's good,” Lorne nodded.

On the way into town, Logan sat in the middle in the truck, quietly thinking.

“You're very quiet, Logan,” Dan said.

“Hmm? Oh, sorry. I was just thinking.”

“Thinking about what?”

“That poster on the wall in Lorne's room. That's your granddad, right?”

“Yeah, that was him,” Lorne replied.

“Well how come your surname is Beynon and he was the Great Benyon? Is that a misprint or something?”

“It's not a misprint. Granddad was called the Great Benyon. The manager of the London Coliseum changed it around when Granddad appeared there. He said that Benyon sounded better than Beynon.”

“Actually,” Dan said. “Logan's probably right and it was originally a misprint. The guy probably had hundreds of posters, playbills and programmes printed with the wrong name on them and it would've cost too much to fix it, so Edgar Beynon became the Great Beynon. And that's how he stayed – he was never one to waste a dollar.”

“And he played at the London Coliseum, in the real London? It must be right when it calls him world famous. Wow.”

Dan said, “I don't know about world famous, but he did play in several countries around the globe. Yes, he played at the Coliseum, but he was just one of hundreds, maybe thousands, of acts who appeared there over the years. He made a living, but he didn't make a fortune.”

“Granddad did all right!” Lorne protested. “Maybe he should've been born a hundred years earlier, before the movies killed vaudeville off, but he was still famous. Even Mrs. Carter, the Principal at school, remembers him. She said she was a big fan.”

“I'm sure some people remember him fondly. He was a character and he was good at what he did, but he was never a giant, Lorne. He was just a little man really.”

“He was a giant to me!”

“Sure he was, but you loved him and you were just a little boy. Now you're older and it's time you faced reality.”

“Hmmph!” Lorne folded his arms and stared out of the window beside him.

The air in the truck had turned decidedly chilly and Logan was sorry he'd started it. He tried to calm things down.

“I think I would've liked him too. He was your father, Dan. Weren't you a fan as well?”

“Not much,” Dan replied. “He was never around when I was a boy. He was far too busy touring and being famous. He was retired when he lived with us, so he had more time for Lorne than he ever did for me. Sometimes, when you grow up, you find that your idols have got feet of clay.

Do you want to go home, Logan, or do I drop you both off at school?”

“At school will be good, thanks. I've got all my gear here.”

They stopped in the street outside the school and Lorne slid out. Logan paused when Dan spoke to him. “Well, it's been nice having you to stay. I know Lorne thought so too, and I hope you'll come again soon.”

“I will! Thanks for everything, I've had a great weekend.”

“That's good. Thanks again for your help – and now it's over. Out of here and go to school. I've got work to do.”

He drove away with a toot and the usual 'bang!', trailing blue smoke. For once Lorne wasn't embarrassed by it all. He looked at Logan, their eyes met, they grinned, shrugged and headed in to school.

The day began normally enough, but soon went downhill. Outside their first class, they were stopped by a couple of girls who wanted to know where Logan was on Saturday night. There was a party at the Youth Center, everyone was there, but Logan was not. Why not?

“Sheesh, Girls! I was busy, okay? There's no law that says I have to be at every dogfight in town.”

“There's not, but you're usually there anyway. You were conspicuous by your absence, Mr. Greene.”

“So I had a weekend off. I stayed out at Lorne's place.”

“All weekend? What were you doing out there?”

“Just goofing around. I helped Mr. Beynon buy a computer, and then went out to help set it up.”

“Since when have you been an expert?”

“No-one said I was, but I knew more than they did. It's their first computer.”

“Really? Wow. Welcome to the modern age, Lorne.”

“Thanks, Carrie,” Lorne laughed. “It's good to be here, I think.”

Ruth frowned. “It didn't take you all weekend just to do that.”

“Of course not, but it was too far to walk home,” Logan said. “We just mucked around. Lorne showed me over their property, it's really cool – 150 hectares, would you believe?”

“150 hectares of scrub.”

“There's more to it than that and there's a lot of history there. Lorne's dad took us fishing yesterday.”

“Catch anything?”

“Just one and it was small. But you should've seen the one that got away!”

“Yeah, right.”

They went inside and sat down together.

As soon as Logan sat down next to him, Lorne knew that that was a mistake. He looked around the room and, sure enough, there they were, sitting in the back row and looking scornfully at Logan and him – Graeme Stokes, Liam Hawkins and Ben Rodden – like it was a trial and they were the judges.

Damm. He'd wished that they'd never seen them playing around in the river, but they had – it was too late now. Logan was blissfully unaware of what was going on. Lorne was torn, should he tell him, or should he keep his mouth shut and hope that it all came to nothing?

There was a big match on, against a touring Highschool team. Lorne wasn't playing but Logan was, of course – he was a star player and they needed him.

As much as he could, he kept an eye on the Three Stooges all morning. No-one said anything to him or Logan, but they didn't have to – he could see it in their eyes and the way they looked at them. They were constantly whispering to each other, and to other kids too. Whispering and passing notes. The story was spreading like wildfire and everyone was looking now. Damm.

At lunchtime, Lorne sat alone at the back of the school watching the warm-up game swirling around out on the field and thinking.

He hadn't heard the whispers and he hadn't seen the notes but he didn't have to, he knew exactly wha was in them. He could see it in their eyes. Double Damm!

What was he going to do? What could he do? He didn't care so much for himself. It didn't matter what happened to him, he'd never really been a part of things anyway. If everyone rejected him, well – so what?He had nothing to lose, it would only be more of the same. He could look after himself if things got physical. He still had a trick or two up his sleeve – literally up his sleeve! If that didn't work, he didn't care, he'd survive.

But Logan? Logan had a lot to lose. He had a place here in this school, in this town. He had a top place – he'd earnt it and he deserved it. He didn't deserve to lose it all for the sake of a loser..

He sat and watched the game – watched Logan really. He didn't have a clue what anyone else was doing and didn't care. Logan was such a great guy – simply the best. He was good-looking, but there was far more to him than just that. His beauty was not skin-deep, it went all the way through him right down to his heart.

He was a top athlete, popular and good at everything he did. ('And I do mean everything,' Lorne smiled a little.) But he was never pushy or big-headed with it. He was always the first to lend a hand when someone needed it and everyone liked him – until now.

Lorne sighed and he made a decision. He knew what he had to do.

Lunch Hour was almost over. The players packed it in, finished the game and they were walking back in. Logan was laughing and talking to a couple of guys, and he was headed straight towards him. Lorne quickly packed up his stuff and went back inside, to lock himself in a cubicle in the bogs and hide.

He waited until after the bell had signalled the start of the afternoon and went into class late. Logan looked around and smiled and nodded at the empty seat next to him. Lorne went the other way and sat next to Sarah Meates, on the far side of the room.

Sarah was a nice girl, but definitely not a 'good' girl. She had a reputation, but she was always friendly enough, especially lately. “Hi, Sarah. How's it?”

“It's good,” she smiled. “It's always good.” She slid her pen in and out of her pursed lips, winked and smiled.

He grinned back. “That's good that it's good.”

“Good that you think that it's good that it's good.”

“Well, good!” They both laughed until the teacher shut them up.

He saw Logan looking at him and deliberately looked the other way.

There were only two classes after lunch and he stayed in the same seat, next to Sarah, for both of them. He left before the end of the second class – just packed up his books, went up to the teacher and told her that he had to go.

He knew it wouldn't be a problem. Miss Bennett always tried so hard to be popular, so she was easy to get around. He told her that he had to meet his dad, for an appointment, and he left without looking back. Logan had a practice after school, so he knew he wouldn't be looking for him.

He walked across town to where his dad was working, got into the truck, sat down on the floor where he wouldn't be seen, and cried. He did not want to do this, but he had to.

When he came out and drove home, Dan looked hard at him several times, but he didn't say anything. Lorne couldn't see his own face, but he hoped his eyes weren't too red – he didn't want his dad to know that he'd been crying. Dan already thought that he was too soft and he definitely didn't want to explain his tears.

The first thing he did when they got home was to quietly turn the power off on the phone. It would still work, but it wouldn't ring and he didn't want any calls. He didn't turn the computer on – said he couldn't be bothered with it.

After the chores and dinner were out of the way, he went out for a walk.

“Where are you going?”

“Nowhere really. I just want to get some fresh air and time to myself.”

“Fair enough. Don't be too late and stay on the paths.”

“See you later, Dad.”

He returned, well after dark. Dan was sitting at the computer and he looked around. “About time too. I was thinking about organising a search party. Logan rang looking for you. Funny really, the phone didn't ring. I picked it up to make a call, and there he was. He wants you to call him back.”

“Not now,” Lorne shrugged. “I'll see him tomorrow.”

“Suit yourself. Do you want the computer for a while?”

“No, you have it. I've got some homework to do.”

“You don't need the 'puter for that?”

“No, it's just revision. I'll be in my room. G'night, Dad.”

“Good night then.” Dan turned back to the video clip he was watching, Lorne went to his room and closed the door.

Lorne & Logan, 7

In a car, stopped in the middle of the bridge, three faces looked down at them and the look was not good. Seniors from school, Graeme Stokes, Liam Hawkins and Ben Rodden were staring down at them and Lorne knew exactly what they were thinking.

That was confirmed when one yelled, “Fucking Faggotts! Get a room!” and the car drove away.

Logan missed that exchange and he looked up when it was too late. “Who? What was that about?”

“Just some idiot tough-guys looking for trouble. Don't worry, they've gone. It's time we went in and dried off.”

“It is. I'm friggin' freezing now!”

“Come on then, this way.”

They splashed along, downstream to the house. Logan hadn't noticed it before but there was a wooden ladder fixed below the deck and they climber up there.

Standing on the deck, they toed their sneakers off, and then peeled their wet clothes off. Both thought the other looked cute standing there in nothing but boxers and goosebumps.

Inside, the fire was roaring in the open fireplace, behind the screen, and it was deliciously warm in there. Lorne picked up a note from the table and read it.

“Dad's gone to town, he may not be back tonight, tomorrow he's taking us fishing, and we are to behave ourselves.”

“Are we going to?” Logan grinned.

“Not really,” Lorne grinned back.

“Good! Let's start with a shower.”

“A shower? That doesn't sound very wicked.”

“Could be if we're both in there at the same time.”

“Oh, yah! Let's do that then.”

The shower was great, one of the best times either of them had ever known, maybe even the best time. It was the first time that the sex went all the way, they actually entered each other and they both did it.

Logan was first and it was by accident, mostly. There was not a lot of room with both of them in the small shower cubicle and they were pressed close together. They soaped each other up, logan stood behind Lorne, reaching around to hold his dick in one hand, rubbing his chest with the other and humping him from behind, his dick sliding in the crack between his soapy butt-cheeks.

Both of them were excited and jerking around, especially Lorne who was close to coming in Logan's hand. Then, somehow it happened – the head of Logan's stiff dick slid into Lorne's hole and they both froze, eyes opened wide.

“Whoah! Sorry about that.” Logan started to pull out but Lorne reached back and held him there.

“Don't, Logan,” he gasped. “Don't go. Push it in, all the way. Do it, Logan. Make love to me.”

“I do love you, Lorne. You know I do!” Holding Lorne's hips he pushed forward, easily slid all the way in and held it there. “All right?” he whispered.

“Yeah. All right,” Lorne gasped.

“Does it hurt? I'll pull out if it does.”

“No, don't do that. It doesn't hurt. I thought that it was meant to, but it doesn't. It just feels . . I dunno . . . funny. How is it for you?”

“Good, actually – real good. It's all warm and, y'know – good! It feels right. Lorne,I'm in you, right inside you!”

“I know! Do it, Logan – fuck me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Sure I'm sure. Do it.”

Lorne tried pulling his butt forward and thrusting back again, not very successfully – they just rocked together. Logan held him still, one hand around his hips and the other on his chest. He pulled back and almost out, and then slid in again. And again, and again, faster, harder and faster.

He slammed into him over and over again. Lorne spread his hands on the wall in front of him and pushed back meeting Logan's thrusts. Logan came, his pulsing dick shooting his seed inside him and Lorne came as well, shooting pearly-white streaks on the shower wall.

He pulled out, with a 'plop', Lorne turned to face him. They kissed and stood holding each other while the warm water cascaded over them. “All right, Lorne?”

“Oh yes! Very all right. That was great – thanks.”

“Thanks? Thank you! I love you. Now you have to finish it.”

“Finish it?”

“Yeah. You have to do it to me now. I want you in me too.”

“Oh, yeah! Let's do that, but not here. We'll clean up and go and do it in the bed.”

“You're sure?”

“I'm sure.”

“We will then.”

They did. They didn't even stop to eat first! Amazingly, both of them forgot that they hadn't eaten since breakfast. They were far too busy for eating.

They remembered later though and came out, in boxers and t-shirts to make hot drinks and sandwiches to eat in front of the fire. They sat with arms around each othe, Lorne's head on Logan's shoulder and quietly watching the flames dancing.

“This is nice,” Lorne sighed.

“It's nice. Wish we could stay like this forever.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

“Your parents must've sat here like this on the night you were conceived.”

“Probably. I don't remember.”

“You wouldn't, would you? Twit!” Logan laughed. “Shame that we can't make a baby too.”

“You think? It might be just as well that we can't.”

“Yeah, might be – not yet anyway.”

“Not yet? It's impossible, Logan.”

“No it's not, there are ways.” “So,” Logan stood and stretched. “Do we turn the computer on or go back to bed?”

“Bed, definitely!” Lorne stressed. “The computer can wait, I'd rather be with you.”

“Me too. Come on then.”

They straightened the bed covers before they stripped off and got in. That was a waste of time, the bed was soon wrecked again. After, they covered up and settled down to go to sleep.

Logan drifted off quickly, but Lorne didn't. He lay looking up at the ceiling and thinking about the faces looking down at them from the bridge – Stokes, Hawkins and Rodden. They were all in the 1st 15 Rugby Team, as well as Logan. They wouldn't give him a hard time, would they? He was the best player they had.

He rolled onto his side and lay looking at Logan's sleeping face. He looked so innocent lying there – not a care in the world. Was his being with Lorne going to bring him trouble? That was not going to happen! He kissed him gently, just touching their lips together, rolled back and, eventually, went to sleep.

In the morning, they were up early – very early. Logan moaned and protested, “It's Sunday!”

“Sure is,” Lorne pulled the covers off him. “It's going to be a beautiful day and we're going fishing with Dad. First we've got to feed the livestock, feed ourselves and pack a picnic lunch. C'mon, Logan, out of bed!”

“Yeah, all right.” He sat up, stretched and grumbled. “It's cold in here!”

“Put some clothes on then. I'll go and start the coffee.”

“Real coffee?”

“Yeah, real coffee to wake you up.”

“Good then. I'm coming.” Logan started getting his clothes together and Lorne went out to the other room.

“Oh. Hello Dad. You're up early.”

“I am. There's coffee in the perc. You boys feed the animals and I'll get a lunch ready.”

“Cool.” He got the mugs and poured two coffees. “Have we got time for breakfast?”

“Of course. There's some rashers of bacon that need to be eaten. Bring back some eggs and we'll scramble them.”

“We, meaning me?”

“You've got it.”

Logan came out, still frowning, and took a mug from Lorne.

“Not used to early mornings, Logan?” Dan smiled.

“I'm not. Especially on a Sunday.”

“You'll survive,” said the heartless Lorne. “Drink up and we'll get going.”

They fed the pig, the goats, the chooks, ducks and geese, the collected a basket of hen and duck eggs and headed back to the house.

“Duck eggs are much bigger,” Logan commented. “Do you eat them too?”

“Sometimes, not often. They're a bit strong, but they're great for baking. Dad usually gives them to the bakery in town and they give us some of their leftovers.”

“A bit of bartering?”

“Yeah. He's really into bartering because there's no tax to pay.”

“Makes sense.”

“It does.”

“There's eels in here. We didn't feed them.” Logan stopped and looked at the eels writhing in the old cast-iron bath with wire-mesh on top of it.

“We're not going to either. They don't get fed. Dad keeps them in fresh water for a few days to clean them out, and then they die!”

“That's a bit mean.”

“They'd eat you if they got a chance. They taste better once they're cleaned out. Dad has got traps set around the lake. Most of the catch is sold, but sometimes we keep some to eat 'em. These are them.”

“How do you eat eels?”

“Lots of ways, but usually as steaks. They make great paste too. That's what we had in sandwiches yesterday.”

“Oh, right. I thought that was fish-pate.”

“It was. Eel paste is fish pate, and good too!”

“Yeah, it's good.”

Lorne chopped some chives and stirred them into the eggs in the bowl before cooking. Logan fried the bacon in one pan while Lorne did scrambled eggs in the other. Dan left three thick slices of bread from the picnic lunch he'd packed, and they sat at the small table to eat.

“Lucky you've got three chairs,” Logan commented when he sat down. (The fourth side of the table was up against the wall, under a window.)

“Yeah, lucky,” Dan replied. “Maybe Lorne's been keeping that chair just for you.”

“Or maybe not,” Lorne said. “That was Granddad's chair. He liked us to eat at the table because it's more civilised or something.”

“He did try to civilise you,” Dan nodded. “That was a wasted effort.”

“It was not! Granddad taught me lots.”

“I know he did. He was quite a man, your granddad. Live your life to make him proud, Lorne.”

“I'll try to.”

They finished breakfast and left the dishes in the sink. “No time to clean up now, we'll take care of them tonight.”

“Yeah?” Logan was impressed. “That would never happen in our house. Mum would go right off! Mind you, we have got a dishwasher.”

“So have I. My dishwasher's name is Lorne.”

“Thanks, Dad. Glad I'm some use around here.”

“Some, but not a lot. Come on then – time we weren't here.”

The three of them fitted easily on the bench seat in the old ute. The lap-belt in the centre hadn't been used in ages so they had to fish it out from behind the seat. Dan drove out to the highway, north to Whataroa, through there and on to the Whataroa River. He stopped the truck on the bridge to have a look at the river.

“Not bad, but it's running a bit fast here. We'll go on down nearer to the mouth, where it spreads out and slows down.”

The truck was left on the side of the road. (“No-one's going to steal it anyway.”) and they had to walk a fair distance down and across the gravel fans to get to the water. They spent the morning fishing on the river-beach.

Dan had brought extra rods for both boys, but he was the only one who caught any fish. They sat under a big old tree and ate lunch – egg sandwiches, salad, fruit and biscuits washed down with 'real' blackcurrant juice.

Logan said, “That was better than the bought stuff, just like you said it was. Not as sweet and much fruitier.”

“Is that a word?” Dan smiled.

“It is now,” Lorne replied.

Dan packed the remains of their lunch back into the basket, stood and stretched. “Okay. One more catch, and then we'll go home.”

They cast their lines and Logan caught a fish right away. It wasn't very big. “Should I throw it back?”

“No, it's big enough,” Dan said. “Just but enough. Time for home then.”

Lorne said, “We don't mind staying a bit longer if you want to.”

“No. I said one fish, and that's it. There's work I should be doing anyway.”

“Right. We're not complaining, are we, Logan.”

“Definitely not. Let's go back.”

Back at the house, Dan stopped and ordered them out. “Take the basket off the back and the fish. Wrap them in old newspaper, I'm taking them with me – I've got a date tonight.”

“Taking fish for your Date?” Logan grinned. “Most guys would take flowers not fish.”

“I'm not most guys.”

“No arguments there – you're not.”

“Anyway,” Lorne said, “a parcel of fish is much more practical, you can't eat flowers.”

“True,” Logan nodded. “But the ladies like flowers, they're much more romantic.”

Dan said, “So you know a lot about the ladies, Logan? Have you got a girlfriend?”

“No, not now, but I used to.”

“You should've given her some fish,” Lorne grinned.

“Okay, Boys. Before you settle down at the computer, fill up another box of fruit and veges. Put in plenty of the mandarins, they're ready now. I'm going to do an oil-change on the ute. It should've been done weeks ago.”

“It's a wonder there's any left, the way it burns it,” Lorne grinned as he scrambled out.

“Don't you be cheeky about my truck! It gets us where we want to go.”

“Sometimes.”

“Most times.”

They carried the stuff inside and Dan moved the ute into the big old shed.

“So your dad's got a date.”

“Yeah, it happens sometimes – well he's not old.”

“I know that, but Mum never does. I wish she would, she's not old either. I don't think she's been out with anyone since my father left.”

“Maybe she's too busy with her boys.”

“That's what she says, but she should have some time for herself.”

They were sitting side-by-side at the computer when Dan came in, showered, shaved and dressed in smart casual clothes. He came back to say goodbye. “I might be a bit late, but I'll be back tonight. Don't stay up too late, you've got school tomorrow.”

“What? Aren't you even going to feed us?” Lorne protested.

“I'm not. You're quite capable of getting your own, that's how I've raised you. I'll be eating in town tonight.”

“Lucky you,” Logan said. “You're looking good, Dan. Who's the hot date with?”

“Thanks, and mind your own business. It's no big deal, I'm just having dinner at a friend's, and then we're going to a movie.”

“Have a nice night, Dad.”

“I will. Behave yourselves and I'll see you in the morning. G'nite, Boys.”

“'Bye Dad.”

Dan put the parcel on the box and carried them out to the ute. He drove away with a 'toot' and a bang – it was still trailing blue smoke.

Left alone, Logan said, “Are you sure it's a lady he's going out with? He didn't actually say that.”

“It's a lady. It wouldn't even occur to him that he could go out with a guy. Dad's not like that.”

“Well, I'm glad the son is!”

“And I'm glad that you're glad.” He kissed him.

“Right then, Mr. Beynon. The first and most important thing is – what are we eating?”

“Pie and chips sound all right?”

“Sounds good. Is that a home-made pie?”

“No, from the bakery. There's heaps of them in the freezer.”

Lorne microwaved four pies, (well, they were little!), and put them in the oven. He carefully carried the small deep-fryer out on to the deck outside and plugged it in to an extension cord.

“Why did you put it out there?”

“Because, if you use it inside it stinks the whole house out. It's a quick and easy way to cook chips, and they taste great, but it pongs. I think it's overdue for an oil change as well. Now we've just got to make some chips and we're done.”

“Make the chips? Haven't you got any in the freezer? We've always got plenty, Mum buys them by the sack-full.”

“Well we don't. It only takes a minute to chop a potato up. I don't see why anyone would buy them ready-made.”

While their banquet was heating, they checked on the computer. Logan had a couple of messages, he'd answer them later. There were none for Lorne, so Logan sent him one. They ate, showered and went to bed – but not to sleep.

Lorne & Logan, 6

They spent the evening and late into the night; Dan watched TV while the boys played on the computer. He went to bed, about midnight, and told them not to stay up all night – they needed to get some sleep.

After Dan had gone, Logan asked, “Where am I going to sleep?”

“In my bed with me,” Lorne grinned. “As long as you want to, of course. I could sleep out here, on the couch, and you can have the bed.”

“Of course I want to sleep with you! No way are you sleeping on the couch. I'm not putting you out of your own bed.”

“You're the guest here, so you get the best place.”

“The best place is where you are, Lorne. Nowhere else.”

“That's, umm . . that's good. Thanks, Logan. I love you.”

“I love you too – lots and lots. Now your dad's gone, at last, I'll show you some stuff that will blow your mind.”

“Porn stuff?”

“Well, yeah!”

“Cool. What've you got?”


They slept late in the morning, which suited Dan. That meant he could spend some time on the new computer. He knew he was being nosy, but he couldn't resist and he had a look at the History to see exactly what they were looking at last night.

He didn't suceed though. He noted, with a grin, that the browsing history, and also the temporary internet pages were as clean as a whistle – everything in them had been deleted.

'Oh well,' he mused. 'It's none of my business and I shouldn't be looking anyway. They must've been somewhere they didn't want me to know though.'

It was getting on for lunchtime when the boys emerged. Lorne came out first and had a quick shower. He then dressed and started cooking a late breakfast while Logan showered as well.

'Funny,' Dan thought. 'I'm sure I heard them showering last night. When did they get dirty?' He logged-off and stood up.

“Computer's all yours, if you want it. I'm going down to the lake – fishing.”

“Thanks, Dad. But we don't want it yet. Logan wants a guided tour around the property today.”

“Fair enough. Have fun but be careful if you go off the tracks. There are dozens of old mineshafts out there and the timbers over most of them are well-rotted by now.”

“Dad! I know where the shafts are.”

“Ah, but do you know everyone of them? There could be others that you haven't discovered yet. This whole area was worked over a hundred years ago and there are old shafts and exploratory diggings everywhere.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know all that. I grew up here, remember?”

“Okay, Clever Clogs. You haven't finished growing up yet and you don't know everything. All I'm saying is – be careful out there.”

“We will. Thanks, Dad.”

They ate – bacon and eggs with fried green tomatoes, sliced gherkins and onion rings with thick slabs of coarse brown bread.

“Just great, thanks, Lorne.” Logan sat back smiling and sipping his coffee. “A breakfast fit for a king.”

“He'd be a fat king if he ate like that all of the time! But, once in a while is good for a treat.”

“It would. I s'pose you'll tell me that everything was off your property here?”

“Well it was. Not the bread though. We baked it but the flour was bought in town. Everything else, including the bacon, was home-grown.”

“I'm impressed. But the coffee wasn't, was it?” Logan raised his mug.

“Ah, but it was. That's not real coffee, it's a coffee-substitute made from dandelion roots and we grew them. The milk's from our goats. The sugar was store-bought though.”

“You must live quite cheaply really?”

“We do, but it takes a lot of work.”

“You're not working today though.”

“I'm not. I've got better things to do today, and tomorrow too. Thanks for coming to stay, Logan.”

“Thanks for having me.”

“Oh,” Lorne grinned. “I'll have you anytime, My Friend.”

“Choice,” Logan blushed and grinned.

They cleaned up, which only took a few minutes despite having no dishwasher. Logan was horrified. Lorne said that they'd never had one – they were too hard on the power.

“We used to generate our own electricity too, but a flood wrecked everything and Dad decided not to fix it. It was easier, and cheaper, to connect us to the national grid. So now we have unlimited power and bills to pay every month.”

They went out walking and exploring. At first, Logan was delicately picking his way along the drier edges of the narrow, wet and muddy tracks, but Lorne laughed at him and called him a 'Real Townie'.

“Just plow through the middle of it. The puddles are only a few centimeters deep, you won't drown.”

“But I'll get my sneakers all mucky!”

“So? A bit of mud and water won't hurt them. We'll wash our feet in the river when we get back.”

“Oh, okay. I suppose you've done that before?”

“Hundreds of times. I'd go barefoot but you never know when there's going to be something sharp in there.”

“Talking from experience?”

“Definitely!”

“Lorne, this is a big property you've got here.”

“It's big. 150 hectares is a lot of land, more than the whole of Okarito, and a lot of it is on hills – if you flattened it out it'd probably be about 200 hectares – there are smaller farms.”

“Wow. That's a lot of land!”

“Yep. We don't use most of it. It's just regenerating bush and wilderness with a couple of plantations here and there.”

“Regenerating?”

“Yeah. Hard to believe, but a hundred and something years ago this whole area was basically bare earth and rocks.”

“It was?” Logan looked up at the trees towering above them. “Really?”

“Yes, really. I'll show you some old photos when we go back. The early miners weren't good conservationists and they made a right mess of things. They cleared a lot of the bush by setting fire to it and the land was dug-up and turned over, trenched and sluiced. There was even a dredge working along the river for a while, but not for long. They dug it all up, left long rows of boulders in their tailings, and then they gave up – not enough money in it, I guess.

They just walked away and left the place looking like a war had been fought here. They wouldn't get away with that today, and good job too!”

“Yeah, I guess so.” Logan stood looking around. “It has recovered well though, hasn't it? You wouldn't know that this wasn't all virgin forest.”

“You'd know if you looked close,” Lorne grinned. “Ain't no virgins around here – not any more.”

“No, there's not,” Logan grinned back.

“Anyway.” Lorne started walking again. “The land recovers. One thing that the Wet Coast is good at is growing trees – leave it alone and the bush will bounce back. The City Greenies who want to lock everything up never seem to understand that. Trees are just vegetables after all. Cut one down and a dozen more will spring up to take its place.”

“Given time.”

“Yeah, time, and that's what we're giving it.”

“So, where are all these mineshafts that we have to stay away from?”

“Oh, here and there. There's one just here that I want to show you.”

“What? In the hillside?”

“Yep. They're not all vertical, some are horizontal – like this.”

He pulled back the greenery to reveal a dark tunnel in the cliff-face. It was narrow – less than 2 meters wide – and relatively tall – about 4 meters and arched at the top.

“Come in here, Logan.”

“In there? Is it safe?”

“It's safe. The old-time miners knew what they were doing. This tunnel has stood here, with no support apart from its shape, for well over a hundred years and it'll probably still be here in another hundred.”

“It's dark in there!” Logan protested.

“Only for a bit. Your eyes soon get used to it and it's not that long – it's a tunnel right through the hill. There's a secret valley at the other end and you've gotta see that.”

“Um, okay.” Logan followed him inside. “Are you sure this is man-made? I mean, it looks like a natural cave.”

“Only around the entrance where there's enough light for moss to grow. Back in here you can still see the marks of their picks on the walls.”

“You can! It's like time has stood still.”

“Well, sort-of. There's no weather in here to smooth the rough edges.”

“Are you sure it's safe, Lorne?”

“I'm sure. I wouldn't take you anywhere dangerous. Well, as sure as you can be – there could be an earthquake in 5 minutes time, and everything would come crashing down.”

“Thanks for that thought.” Logan looked up at the roof above them. “What's that funny smell? There's no gas in here, is there?”

“No, Logan, there's no gas,” Lorne laughed. “It's not a coalmine. What you can smell is fresh air. I know that's foreign to a townie-boy, but it won't hurt you.”

“Shut up, Country-Mouse!” Logan grinned.

They walked up the slight rise through the tunnel, it wasn't long, the other end was clearly visible and getting larger. Water trickled down the channel on the right of the path but where they walked was high and dry. Logan trod along carefully, the clay floor was a bit greasy underfoot and his sneakers were still coated in mud.

Over three quarters of the way through and nearing the other end, Lorne stopped so suddenly that Logan, watching his feet and the wet patch on the ground, bumped into him. “Whoops. Sorry.”

“S'okay. Can you feel it – the air?”

“The air? Yeah.”

They'd been walking into a gentle draft, but now instead it blowing in their faces it was coming straight down on them. Logan looked up and, “Whoah – awesome!”

They were standing below a circular shaft and the circle of blue sky, criss-crossed with branches, was high above them.

“Pretty cool, isn't it?” Lorne grinned.

“It is! Very much so. This is man-made too, I suppose? Were they digging a well, or was it a humungous long-drop?”

“No, it's not a dunny and not a well either – there's no shortage of water around here. Granddad said that the miners started digging from the top. It was an exploratory shaft for a start and the tunnel came later.”

“Oh. Did they find any gold?”

“Not in here. It was all a complete waste of time and effort, but there was plenty of gold out in the valley ahead of us. It was worked for years and was one of the richest pockets around. It was worked twice actually.”

They walked outside into a green scene that could've come straight out of Jurassic Park. The steep-sided walls of the small valley rose high above them, all coated and covered with green moss and ferns. Slender-trunked trees rose from the valley floor. High overhead, their branches clawed for the sky and competed for the light.

It was a thin and broken roof above them and it definitely would not be waterproof on a rainy day, but it was a roof nonetheless. The whole valley was roofed with a network of slender branches and green leaves.

The path wound along, halfway up the side of the valley and sloping downwards. It was covered in a thick carpet of fallen leaves that crunched and squelched underfoot.

“So, this is your secret valley?”

“Yep. Very secret and don't you tell Dad about this. He knows nothing about it and that's good.”

“Why don't you want him to know? It's his land isn't it?”

“Only for his lifetime. This is my secret valley and what he doesn't know won't hurt him.”

“Just your secret place. Thanks for showing to to me.”

“It's not just that it's a secret, there's more to it than that. You see all of these leaves on the ground?”

“Well, yeah – there's millions of them.”

“There is, and look how thick they are.” Lorne dragged his foot and scratched a trench through the carpet. “They've been dropping here for a hundred years, more or less. If Dad knew about this he'd strip the place bare again and he'd have the lot for mulch in the gardens. He's not getting them. He can get his mulch somewhere else, this is mine. They're like a bandage covering the land and helping to repair it.”

“I see! You're like a Greenie then.”

“Not really, but I'm the guardian of my valley. Grandad knew and loved it, and now it's mine.”

“Good for you then. This whole area was worked over by the miners?”

“They made the valley. It was all carved out by high-pressure water-guns and washed away to get at the gold.”

“Where did all of the dirt go?”

“Through the bottom tunnel, over the long-toms and riffle-tables and out into the river.”

“A big operation!”

“It was, kind-of. Dozens of miners worked in here over the years and after they were finished, the Chinese were allowed in to work it again. You see all these stones along here?”

“Those stonewalls?”

“Yeah. They've all been stacked tidily by hand. That's how you can tell that Chinese miners were in here. The Europeans didn't stack the stones, they just flung them any old how.”

“So the Chinese were tidier, and more thorough too, I suppose? There can't have been much gold for them if it had been worked over before.”

“There wasn't much, but they worked hard and they made a living – scarcely.”

“Why did they bother? There were plenty of other places that they could've had first go at, weren't there?”

“There weren't any. The Chinese were only allowed onto ground that others had already had before them.”

“Why was that”

“Because they were all a pack of racist bastards!” Lorne was flushed with anger now. “Sorry, Logan, but I get mad every time I think about it. People came here from all over the world, mostly from Europe, Aussie and America, and they all treated the Chinese like shit. Bastards!”

“Didn't the Police and the Government have anything to say about that?”

“The New Zealand Government were the worst of the bloody lot of them. The Prime Minister made a public apology for the way they were treated – with extra taxes and quotas and everything – but it was too bloody late, a hundred years too late.”

“Whoah. You get worked up about this, don't you?”

“I do. Sorry. I know it was a different time and the world's moved on, but it was still disgusting.”

“I guess every society needs someone to put-down – like gays today.”

“Exactly. Come on, time we moved on too. That's the bottom tunnel where the water ran out of here.”

“I hope we're not going through there. It's small and dark and there's water in there.”

“Some water, yeah. There used to be much more. They brought it in here on a wooden viaduct, but that's collapsed and gone years ago. We go back the way we came in, it's easier.”

“Drier too – and that's good.”

Back out on the track, they carried on up a hill and into a pine forest. It was very different in there, it was dark under the trees as the direct sunlight never reached the ground. The bare-trunked trees were all planted in straight lines, more or less, and there was hardly any undergrowth at all. Apart from fallen twigs and pine-cones everything was under a mantle of dead, brown pine needles. Even the few large rocks were shrouded in needles.

“This is like an enchanted forest,” Logan exclaimed, “like the ones you read about in fantasy stories. It's magic in here!”

“Not really,” Lorne replied. “There's no magic here – well, apart from these.” He pointed to a cluster of red-capped, white-spotted fungi of various sizes, small to large.

“Toadstools? Oh, yeah, like pixies, or whatever, make their houses in in fairy stories. They're not really magic, are they?”

“Some people say they are. They often grow under pine trees and they're called 'magic mushrooms', but they're not really. These red ones are Fly Agaric. You can get high with them, but you can also die, they're highly poisonous.

The real magic mushrooms are Amanita Muscaria. They're a much stronger hallucogenic and you can eat them. They go well dried and chopped-up in salads – which can make for interesting barbeques and family dinners!

It's actually illegal in NZ to possess or purchase magic mushrooms, which is crazy because they're quite common, they grow everywhere.”

“Just as well they don't grow here or you'd be possesing them.”

“Yeah, just as well,” Lorne grinned. “They don't grow here – they're growing over there.” He pointed to a cluster of smaller, shiny and waxy looking, brown-capped fungi growing on a rotten log.

“They are the real thing?”

“They are. Told you, they grow everywhere. You'll find them in most pine forests and look how many there are!”

“So,” Logan eyed the mushrooms speculatively, “You can just pick them and eat them and get high?”

“No, you can not! And we're not even going to try. I don't do drugs, Logan, and I really hope you don't too. But, if you were going to use them, you'd have to dry them first. Or, you could boil them and then drink the water. That works but gives a much milder effect. Eating them works best.”

“Hey! For someone who doesn't do drugs, you sure know a lot about them.”

“Sure I know. I grew up in a hippie commune remember? The remains of one anyway. Actually,” he looked up, “these trees were here before the commune. They're all about 30 years old now and overdue for harvesting. They were one of the main reasons why they bought the place.”

“For the mushrooms under them?”

“No, for the trees, as an investment. Shame it didn't work out. Dad and the others pruned and tended all these trees for years and years and now they're worth nothing.”

“Because?”

“I told you – there's no local sawmill anymore and trucking them all the way to the nearest mill would cost more than they're worth..”

“That's a bugger. Couldn't you cut them up and sell them for firewood?”

“Could, I guess, but it'd be a lot of work and Dad's not interested. I think he's so disappointed he just doesn't want to know about them.”

“Maybe you could make a job for yourself – get a truck, chainsaw and axes and you could be in business.”

“Yeah, maybe. I don't know what I'm going to do. What are you going to do when you leave school, Logan?”

“Celebrate!”

“Shut up.”

They carried on with their tour of the property. The monoculture of the pines ended abruptly and they were back in the native bush which was much more varied and tangled with the dense undergrowth of the rain-forests. They climbed a short, steep, rise and emerged into a rocky clearing where there was a commanding view down over the valley, to the highway and beyond.

“Wow!” Logan stood on a boulder and looked out. “I knew we were climbing, but never knew we were getting so high up.”

“We've been climbing ever since we left the house,” Lorne replied. “This is just about the highest point on our land. It's a lot easier going back, it's all downhill from here.”

“I'm pleased to hear it.”

They took their time going back, there was still so much to see, and it was late afternoon when the got back to the house. They couldn't go straight inside though, first they had to wash the cloying mud off their sneakers. Their clothes were muddy as well, they'd both slipped and sat down out there.

They clambered down the bank to the river. There was a small, flat and pebbly beach and a wide and shallow underwater shelf before the water got deeper. Well, as deep as it got, it was only a little river.

Logan was bending over, with his back to him, washing his feet in the ankle-deep water. Lorne grinned wickedly and said, “Your clothes are muddy too.” And he pushed him.

With a startled yelp, hands flung out in front of him, Logan fell forwards and plunged into the deeper water. He came up spluttering, spitting water and glaring at him.

“Oh, you'll pay for that, Country Boy!” And he rushed at him.

Lorne took off, downstream, towards the road bridge, but was laughing too much to run. Logan tackled him from behind and carried him down into the water.

They came up laughing and stood face-to-face wrestling and both trying to throw the other down again. Lorne made the mistake of stepping back and Logan lunged and they both went underwater again. They rolled and wrestled and played in the shallow water like a couple of seal pups, laughing all the time.

Gasping for breath, face-up, when his head touched the shallows, Lorne hunched himself back so that his head and shoulders were up on the shelf. He was beaten. Logan was fitter and stronger than he was.

He didn't look very fit though. Logan crawled up out of the water and stopped, on his hands and knees and breathing hard. Their eyes met and they both grinned widely. It was a great moment.

Logan leaned across, lowered his head and he kissed him. Lorne wrapped his arms around him, pulled him down on top of himself and he kissed him back. “I love you, Logan.”

“I love you more than that.”

Lorne sighed as he sat up. It was the perfect end to the perfect day. He looked up and it really was the end. His heart sunk like it was made of lead.

Lorne & Logan, 5

Back to school. It was just another day, nothing much happened, except for one thing, that is. Logan didn't get involved in any games, he was busy. He spent all the time he could talking to Lorne. They both thought, said and agreed that for two kids from totally different backgrounds, they sure had a lot in common. They thought alike on practically every subject.

Neither of them said anything, but they were both aware that people were watching and there were some disapproving looks – like it was anyone's business who they talked to?

After school, they left together but didn't go to Logan's house. They walked across town to where Lorne's dad was working at the Thomas' place – putting up a glasshouse. They got to the Ute, which was parked out in the street. Lorne opened the passenger's side door and threw his bag in.

“The truck's not locked,” Logan commented.

“No, it never is. Dad's in there and who'd want to steal this old thing anyway?”

“Probably no-one. You just sit and wait, do you?”

“Yep. Sit and wait and do my homework. It's usually finished before we get home.”

“That's smart. This must be your dad coming now?”

A tall well-built guy with thinning blond hair was coming up the driveway.

“Yeah, that's him. Hey Dad, how's it going?”

“Going good. I'll probably finish up here early today. I'll take you home, clean up, and then I'm coming back to town. I've got a couple of things to take care of and I'll be late home tonight. Is this your friend Logan?”

“Yes, this is him. Logan, this is my dad, Dan Beynon.”

“Hey, Mr. Beynon.”

“Hello Logan. Call me Dan, that's my name.”

“Hey, Dan then.” Logan grinned and got a smile in return.

“I stayed at Logan's place last night. He lives with his mum and two brothers, in Reid Street.”

“And you stayed with them? You know you're supposed to go to Shane's if I've gone without you.”

“I know, but I don't like Shane and he doesn't like me either. I'd rather be with Logan.”

“It's good that you could then. You've got a mother and brothers, Logan, is there a father anywhere?”

“Yeah. My father lives in Franz. He walked out on Mum years ago and he's got a new wife. We call her the Bitch.”

“You don't get on then. At least you've got a mother.”

“Yeah, Mum's great. She works full-time, in an office, to support us all.”

“A busy lady. Do you help her?”

“Yeah, I do, a bit. We've got grandparents, Mum's mum and dad, and they help a lot with looking after the kids.”

“That's good. My father was a big help for us when Lorne was younger. I'd better get back to work; it's not going to finish itself. Nice to meet you, Logan. Thanks for looking after my boy last night.”

“No problem, Mr. Dan. It was a pleasure. Mum says he can come and stay any time he likes.”

“That's good. Tell her I said thanks, I appreciate that. See you later, Boys.” He lifted a box out of the back of the ute and went back inside and behind the house.

“I'll go too so you can start on the homework. See you tomorrow, Lorne.”

“Yeah, tomorrow. Thanks for everything, Logan. You're a good mate.”

“I am, aren't I,” Logan grinned. “You're not too bad yourself. 'Bye Lorne.”

“'Bye my Friend.”

Lorne's dad finished work early, just as he said he would, and he drove them home. He didn't have a lot to say and never mentioned going home without him the day before. Obviously it was all Lorne's fault for not being there on time and that was the end of it.

He did want to know about Logan and his family, and Lorne told him that they were great people. He really liked all of them, even the little brothers. He wished that he had brothers.

“Well, you don't.”

They arrived home, Dan said that he didn't have much time and he was in a hurry to leave again. “I'm going to get a quick shower and shave. While I'm doing that you can take one of those banana boxes by the door and fill it up with fruit and vegetables. Pick the best you can find and put in a good variety of stuff. When you've done that, leave it in the truck, get the fire going and you can feed yourself, okay?”

“Yeah, sure, Dad. But who are they for?”

“Just someone in town. We're never going to eat a fraction of what's there even with the chooks and the pig helping. Oh, put some fresh eggs in there too.”

Lorne had barely finished filling the carton when Dan, all cleaned and dressed up, came rushing out again. “All done? Great. Thanks for that. I'm outta here. Don't forget to feed the livestock and I'll see you in the morning, don't wait up. 'Bye, Son.”

“'Bye, Dad.” Lorne watched old truck leave, and then went inside to feed himself first – he was hungry. The livestock could wait a bit.

He was quite capable of looking after himself, that was how he'd been raised, but he did get lonely sometimes. He still missed his granddad and he so envied Logan, at home with his family around him. He wished that he was there with him.

Dan drove back into town, to Reid Street first. He parked the truck, got out and carried the box of fruit and veg into the house at no.16. The front door opened before he got there and a slender dark-haired woman looked out.

“Hi. Mrs. Greene, is it?”

“Yes, I'm Karen Greene.”

“Ah good. I'm Dan Beynon, Lorne's father. Thanks for looking after my boy last night; these are for you.”

“All these veges for us? Wow. Thank you.”

“It's not a lot. We've got huge gardens, far too much for just Lorne and I and everything's coming ripe at once. I appreciate your giving him a bed for the night, and he liked it here too. He's meant to go stay at my mate's place, but it seems he prefers to be here with your Logan.”

“Lorne was no problem at all. He's a lovely boy and he's very welcome here any time he likes.”

“You'll most likely be seeing a lot of him. He really likes your boy and that's good. We're a bit isolated, living away out of town like we do, and he's never really had a close friend before. I'm delighted for him.”

“That's good. You can be proud of him, he's a nice kid.”

“He is, and I'm very proud of him. Logan seems like a nice boy too.”

“Oh, he is that. He's one out of the box, my Logan. I was just going to have a hot drink, would you like to come in and have one with us?”

“Yeah, sure, why not? I've got a few minutes. Thanks.” Dan grinned. He really liked this lady. He got lonely too.

Karen grinned back and she led the way inside. She liked the look of this guy and she forgot all about growling at him for leaving his boy stranded in town. Now was not the time for that.

They sat and talked over coffees in the kitchen and Dan was there for more than a few minutes – the time went fast and he was late for his appointment. When he left he was running and they agreed that he'd come back when he had more time, sometime.

Wednesday morning, on the way in to town, Dan told Lorne that he'd pick him up from school as soon as it was over. “I'll be out the front waiting for you and don't be late.”

“I'll try not to. But that's two days in a row you're knocking off work early?”

“Early enough. I should finish the Thomas' job today, all going well, but we've got to get home early anyway. Ray Cousins is coming out to do a little job for us.”

“Oh? What job?”

“He's putting the phone on. There's already a line there, we've just never used it and had no telephone until now.”

“We're getting the phone on! Dad, that's great. Logan said that we need to get into the 21st century, that will be a big step on the way.”

“It will – one step anyway. We decided that there has to be changes, this is one of them.”

He pulled up outside the school and Lorne got out. “It's a good change too. Thanks, Dad. See you after school.”

“You will. Don't be late.”

He drove away and Lorne went inside with a big grin on his face. His dad did tend to keep things to himself too much, but this great news. He couldn't wait to tell Logan.

The phone was connected and Lorne's first call was, of course, to Logan. His excuse was that he wanted to tell him their new number, but really he just wanted to hear his voice on the phone. He didn't have anyone else to call but they couldn't talk for long – Dan wanted to try it out too.

It was a mobile phone, which would be great for private calls – he could sit outside on the deck and talk on the phone! Logan said that he could hear the river in the background. The only background noise that Lorne could hear was Logan's brothers – fighting again!

Dan was on the phone for hours. He could even take it out into the garden and the workshop or he could fish off the deck with the rod in one hand and the phone in the other. Choice! They didn't know why they didn't do it years ago.

When they went into town next morning, there was another box of fruit and vegetables on the back of the truck. He wouldn't say who it was for, Lorne was told to 'mind his own beeswax'. He found out anyway, when he went to Logan's house after school, there were two empty banana boxes on the back porch.

Logan wanted him to miss his ride so he could spend the night with him again, but Lorne said no, he was going home.

Friday morning, at school, Logan was grinning like a blissfully happy idiot, but he wouldn't say why. Lorne pestered him for a while, trying to find out why he was grinning, but he soon gave up. Logan wasn't telling and he didn't want to lose his best friend.

He was his only friend really. There were others, both girls and boys, who were being nice to him and including him in conversations etc, but he didn't know them much and they didn't know him at all. People were obviously starting to realise that.

Also, there were others who weren't nice at all. He didn't care, much, he was used to that and he was scared of no-one. None of them would cross him now, he had a reputation, his granddad's magic tricks had made sure of that. However, the 'evil; eyes' that were watching him were glaring at Logan as well, and that did worry him. Logan had always been popular and well-liked. Lorne hoped he wasn't going to lose that because of him.

He decided that they were going to talk about that at lunchtime, and what was he grinning about?

He didn't get a chance to talk. As soon as they broke for lunch Logan disappeared and he didn't come back – he wasn't there all afternoon. Lorne was asked where he was but he didn't know, he didn't have a clue and he hated that. He was not a big fan of mysteries. Even though it was probably none of his business, he wanted to know.

After school, he made a beeline to Logan's house, but he wasn't there, no-one was. So, where would he be? He didn't have a clue.

His dad's truck was parked where he said it would be, by the Council Workshops, behind the main street. Lorne sat in it and tried to read a book while waiting to go home. At least he could ring Logan later and find out what he was up to. Oh, Damm! He wasn't sick of him and trying to let him down gently, was he? He sure hoped not. He worried.

His dad came out, got in the truck and started for home and, damm. He was grinning too, but he wouldn't say why.

They arrived home and there was a strange car there, parked by the house, with no-one in it. It was sort-of familiar, he'd seen it before but couldn't think where.

“What's this? Visitors?”

“I've got an early birthday present for you – several presents actually.”

“Presents? But it's not my birthday yet.”

“I said they were early. Here we go . . .”

Logan, closely followed by his mother, came around from the river-side of the house. Lorne fell out of the truck in his excitement.

“Logan!! What are you doing here? Where've you been? I was worried. Your mum brought you out, why? Hey, Mrs. Greene.”

“Hello, Lorne. Pleased to see us, are you? Hello, Dan.”

“Hello to you too. Been waiting long?”

“No, not long. We just got here a few minutes ago. I am so impressed with your gardens. You said they were big and prolific, but – wow!”

“Yeah, they're pretty full. Come and I'll show you around. Where are your other boys?”

“They're okay. They're busily throwing stones in the river.”

“Okay. I hope they don't scare the fish away forever. Come on then. Lorne, there's some boxes in the back of the truck, they're for you. You boys can take them inside.” Dan and Karen went over to his gardens.

“Boxes?” Lorne lifted the tarpaulin and looked. “Oh, Shit! Is that what I think it is?”

Logan grinned. “If you think it's a computer, then – yes.”

“We've got a computer! That is so cool, but what're you doing here. Logan?”

“Aren't you pleased to see me?”

“You know I am. But why?”

“I helped your dad to buy it and now I've come out to set it up and get you on line. It won't take long, but if we're slow enough we can spin it out all weekend.”

“You're here for the weekend? All of it? Choice!”

“Yep. Your dad said I'm your other birthday present, so Happy Birthday.”

“Oh wow. Best present I've ever had and it's not even my birthday yet.”

“So it's a bit early. Let's get this inside and get started already.”

“Oh yah! Thanks, Logan.”

“Wait and see if I stuff it up before you thank me.”

“I don't care if you do. You're here and that's all I care about. I love you, Logan.”

“I love you too. Now come on.”

They carried the boxes inside and started umpacking. If Lorne's grins got any wider he'd look like a South Park Canadian! The desk came first, of course, they had to have to put everything. They set it all up next to the telephone in the living-room and plugged everything in.

When Dan and Karen, along with the two younger boys, came inside, Lorne jumped up, flung his arms around his dad and hugged him long and hard. He'd never been so happy and he didn't care who knew it.

“Whoah. Settle, Lorne. You'll break my ribs if you're not careful. Pleased with your presents, are you?”

“Oh yes! Thanks, Dad. Thanks a million!”

“You're welcome. Just remember it's not all yours; I'll want some time on it too.”

“You what?” Lorne was taken aback – he was thinking about Logan. Having him there for the weekend was the best present ever. And, eww!

“Oh, time on the computer. Of course you will.”

“Yes, the computer. What were you thinking of?”

“Oh, nothing,” he blushed and mumbled.

Jack and Brad saved him from his embarrassment. They'd heard about his magic, from Logan, and they wanted to see some. Logan was busy on the phone, so they sat around the table and he showed them the old cups and ball trick. He let each of them guess the right cup once and only once.

They were impressed, but he wouldn't tell them how it was done. “A magician never tells.”

“But your granddad must've told you.”

“Yeah, he showed you how, didn't he?”

“He did not. I had to work it out for myself.”

“Show us again then.”

“I don't think so. That'd be like telling.”

“Aww! Come on, just one more time.”

“That's enough, Boys,” Karen interrupted. “Leave Lorne alone now. It's time we were getting home anyway.”

“We'll go home and Google it.”

“Good luck with that,” Lorne grinned.

“Google knows everything,” Jack said knowingly.

“Yeah,” Brad agreed. “All you've gotta do is ask the right questions.”

“Okay Boys, out to the car, it's time we were going. Have a good weekend, Logan and you behave yourself. Dan will tell me if you don't.”

“I always do, Mum.”

“Sure you do. Goodbye, Lorne. Enjoy the computer

“Thanks, Karen. I'm sure I will. I've used the computers at school, but they've got all sorts of blocks on them to stop you going places.”

“Maybe we need some blocks here too,” Dan smiled.

“Dad! I was thinking of Youtube and emails and stuff.”

“Of course you were!”

Dan went out to see Karen and the kids off. Lorne sat and watched Logan who was still talking on the phone and following whoever's instructions on the computer. Actually, he just liked looking at him. He was surprised and impressed to see his father's credit card on the desk - Logan was privileged, normally that never left Dan's sight.

Logan finally finished, said thanks and goodbye and hung up the phone.

“I hope that wasn't a toll call,” Lorne said.

“No worries. It wasn't – just an 0800 number. It'd still be worth it if it was a toll call, you're on-line and that's your email address. He shut the computer down.

“Hey! What'd you turn it off for?”

“So I can watch you turn it on. Sit down here and we'll start surfing.”

“Surfing? Are we going to the beach?”

“No! It's an old term for cruising around the internet – 'surfing the web', I think.”

Dan came back inside and cooked dinner for the three of them – stir-fried veges with fish bits. After eating they went out for an hour, shooting possums.

“Early evening is the best time to get them; they've just woken up and come out for a feed.”

Dan had the rifle and Lorne and Logan took turns with the high-powered torch and the sack of dead possums. He shot 5, and then said that would be enough.

“Good job too, the sack's getting heavy.”

“Toughen up, Lorne. If they're heavy, they're too well fed. Bloody Pests!”

Logan stumbled along the hillside bush track in the dark. “I'm sort of surprised that you come out killing them. Aren't Alternatives meant to be into the sanctity of Life, and all that?”

“Maybe,” Dan replied. “But we're back-slidden hippies and we shoot 'em. If we don't, they'll eat the gardens. They think our place is their supermarket.”

“So it's you or them? You don't eat them, do you? Possums carry TB sometimes.”

“Sometimes all too often. No, we don't eat them directly. The pig does that, they can't hurt her, she's got a cast-iron stomach.”

“The pig eats the possums and then you eat the pig?”

“Eventually, yes. Plus she makes manure for the gardens to grow the fruit and vegetables.”

Lorne said, “It's all part of the cycle of life. Of course we kill things, living in the country you almost have to. Don't forget we ate fish with dinner – Dad caught them last night.”

“Oh, okay,” Logan nodded. “We mostly just get our food from the Supermarket, it's tidier that way.”

“More expensive too,” Dan said. “Someone has to be paid to kill it for you. Look at this! Get down off the fence, you Great Big Lump!”

They were approaching the pig-pen and the big sow was trying to climb the fence. Dan handed the rifle to Lorne and took the sack from him. He spilled the carcasses out on the ground, picked them up by their tails, one by one, and slung them over the fence into the pen, to the pig's great and noisy delight.

Logan said, “Don't you skin them or gut them or anything?”

“Nah. The pig doesn't care, she scoffs the lot. There'll be nothing but bones in there by the morning, and most of them will be crunched-up.”

They stood quietly watching the pig gleefully attacking the possums, ripping them to bits, munching and swallowing.

“She's making a pig of herself,” Logan grinned. “It'd be a great way of getting rid of the body if you killed someone.”

“It would,” Dan agreed. “Wake me in the night and you'll find out!”

“We'll try not to do that then,” Lorne grinned.

Logan also grinned, warily – they were joking, weren't they?