John Jacob Erickson!

(Let's try this)
“John Jacob Erickson! I am not telling you again. You get your butt out of bed, right now, Young Man! You're going to be late for school.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know, Mum. I'm coming, I'm coming.”

“About time too!”

He sat up, swung his feet out of bed and sat cradling his aching head in his hands. Why, oh why did he do this to himself?

He wished he could blame his so-called friends – going out last night was not his idea. He'd had every intention of staying home, going to bed early and getting up bright and fresh for the first day of another school year.

That didn't work out so well.

The minute Chris and Helen had shown-up, ready for one last night of partying before it was back to the grindstone, he was lost. He could've said no, he didn't have to go out with them; but he didn't and he did. Idiot!

He went to the bathroom and had a quick shower while he was there. It was agony, but it had to be done. Going to school smelling like something the cat dragged in was not on – he'd never hear the end of it.

He avoided getting his hair wet, as much as he could. His head was far too sensitive for that sort of carry-on. He wasn't shaving today either. He should've, but he figured that he'd get away with it. His beard was not all that heavy and, anyway, a bit of 'designer stubble' was quite trendy, wasn't it? That was his excuse anyway.

The mouth-wash tasted as foul as ever and brushing his teeth didn't do much to get the horrible taste out of his mouth. It helped, some, but not a lot.

Back in the bedroom, he dressed in reasonable clothes – not too flash, not too rough. He gulped down a couple of Panadols and slipped the rest into his pocket for later. He'd need a lot of painkillers today.

A strong drink would be good, a bit of the 'hair of the dog that bit him', but no. In his condition he'd just be topping-up and going to school half-cut was not on. There was no drink in his room anyway. He wondered what his mother had in her special cabinet in the lounge? No – his chances of raiding that without being caught were not good. She'd be watching.

A strong coffee would have to do. It might help to wake him up a bit. His mother sat at the kitchen table, frowning at him when he walked in there.

“I suppose you won't be wanting any breakfast today?”

“Hell, no,” he replied. “I couldn't face food. I'll have a coffee and be on my way.”

“Just as I thought. There's coffee in the pot.You really should eat something. You can't go all day on nothing.”

“I'll eat, later. Maybe.” He poured a coffee and drank it down.

“You and I are going to have a serious talk when you get home. You can't go on like this, John.”

“I do know that. Don't bug me, Mum. I'm not well you know.”

“And whose fault is that? You're the one who was out all night, boozing and carousing, and you knew you had school today! It's time you were gone, your brother left ages ago. He'll be there by now.”

“Good for him. Now we know who the Good Son is, don't we?”

“Don't be a Smart-mouth. Well, Goodbye, John. Have a lovely day.”

“Yeah, right! Like that's going to happen? 'Bye, Mum.”

He slung his bag over his shoulder and walked out of the house – out into the bright sunshine. Yeow! His eyes, his brain hurt – it was all way too bright outside. He went back inside and back to his room. He needed his sunglasses.

“What are you doing now?” His mother protested.

“Forgot something.” He walked back through the room.

She looked up and shook her head. “Sunglasses? You're not going for a day at the beach! You'll have to get a move on or you will be late and you can't afford that. You've got a position in the school now and you've got responsibilities. People are watching you all the time.”

“You think I don't know that? They'll have something to look at today, won't they? Goodbye again.”

It was not far to the school, only a couple of short blocks, but today it was a long walk. The sun beat down mercilessly, like a super-sized spotlight. Birds screeched in the trees and cars roared passed in the street. If he ever wanted to torture someone, this would be the way to do it. There weren't many kids around, he was late.

There was no time for messing around when he arrived at the school. He had a quick glance at his schedule for the day and went to Room 4 for his first class – Year 10, Geography.

At least he had no books to collect. The couple that he needed were already in his bag with the laptop.

He grimaced at the mob of noisy teenagers milling around and waiting outside Room 4. Every other class had gone in and started. He opened the door, went inside and sat waiting not-so-patiently while they all stampeded in and found somewhere to sit.

The noise! It was like a parliament of baboons – a herd of elephants running wild. He heaved himself upright and stood glowering at them until they'd all settled down. Some of the Little Sods were smiling knowingly, nodding at each other and grinning.

The biggest grin adorned the smug face of his younger brother, Peter. They should not even know what a hangover looked like. Mind you, when he was their age, he knew, all too well.

“All right then,” he spoke up, a bit too loud. “If you've all quite finished. Welcome to Year 10 Geography. You can start by reading the introduction in your yellow text-books. That explains this year's programme far better than I can.

Quietly, if you please!”

Okarito, 12

(Finally!) Tyler biked out of the driveway and down the narrow back-road which led into town. Cycling was easy! Usually he was fully laden and towing the heavy trailer, but not today. He still had to wear the stupid cycle-helmet though – perched on top of his head like a polystyrene mushroom. He hated the thing and hated everything it represented. It was meant to be a free country, wasn't it? In many ways it was and people were free to risk their lives as they pleased. They're allowed to climb dangerous mountains, jump out of aeroplanes and do all sorts of dumb things and the Accident Compensation scheme would cover them and bury them if necessary. But let them get caught riding a bike, just once, and it's a traffic offence and it costs $63 for the first charge and more every time after. Even if they're just a kid and supposedly not responsible under the law, it still costs them – how is that fair? It had cost him once and he wasn't getting caught like that again. He had better things to do with his money than giving it to the cops. So, he hated it but he wore the stupid thing. 'Anyway, if you do fall off a bike, it's your knees and arms that get hurt not your bleeding head!' Time to think about something else. Cycle helmets and the stupid law just made him mad. What will they think of next, banning fireworks? 'Oh, right! They've all-but done that. All the fun ones are banned. Having fun will be against the law soon.' He rolled along the quiet and empty road. At least it was sealed; gravel roads are hard work on a bike. Facing north, the scrub-covered dunes and the Tasman Sea were on his left and some busy-looking life-style blocks on his right. It was easy to see where his grandparents' property ended and the others began. His granddad's place was mostly empty with no junk lying around at all and a bit too much scrub taking over – gorse, manuka, blackberries, lupins, bracken ferns and other rubbish. That was something he could do to pay the grandparents back – he'd get hold of a bush-whacker, or a slasher, and he'd chop the lot down and burn it. Fun too. Ashes put potash back in the soil and more grass would grow to feed the sheep – not that they were short of feed anyway, unlike the neighbours'. Those guys were obviously amateurs – townies trying to live the Good Life on their 10 acre sections. As well as the tell-tale junk lying everywhere – drums, building materials and discarded toys – they were all running far too many animals on their properties. Sheep, cows, horses, pigs & other pets. His granddad's place had too much growth on it, the others were all like bowling greens – what were their animals eating? They had nice houses though, much more flash and modern than the Rodden's comfortable old family home. They didn't all have water up close to their houses though. The land was, roughly, shaped like a 'V' betwwen the sea and the lagoon with the Rodden's place near the point and the others all spreading out and getting wider as the road went along. After the last life-style block, the road did a right-hand turn and headed East with the town's airport on his left-hand side. Their security fences were really high, it was a wonder that planes didn't clip them when they were landing. The road into the airport was on his left, next to the bridge over the narrow arm of the lagoon. He turned right and headed South, back along the narrow spit of land that led to the road bridge over the river and into town. The land along there was nothing more than a wide causeway really. The water of the lagoon on both sides was largely screened-off by the roadside trees. It was a long bridge, the river was quite wide there. It was a long way to come for a short distance. The bridge was in the wrong place – if it'd crossed the river near the Rodden's place, they would only have needed one bridge. But then he guessed, it would've interfered with operations in the small port – not that it seemed to be in much use anyway. The wooden wharf and old sheds were quiet and deserted and there was no sign of a boat anywhere.The old crane was probably rusted-up from lack of use. Shame really, but road transport was quicker and easier and it was killing off the older, slower and inefficient modes of transport. It was the same all over the country, except in city areas, coastal shipping was all-but dead and railways were shrinking and dying. 'Cost of progress? Maybe. Those old wharf sheds – I wonder?' Over the bridge, the road joined the main road into town. It was wider and better maintained, but not much busier. 'A real Sleepy Hollow here!' Heading west now, towards the sea, there was a row of suburban properties on his right, after the wharf ended. One of them must be where Bevan lived, but he didn't know which one and couldn't see him anywhere. Couldn't hear any lawn-mowers going either! The main street, known as the Strand, was around the left-hand corner. It ran North-South, parallel to the beach. (Tyler quite liked the compass mounted on his bike's handlebars – it was one of his favourite toys). So, he was 'in town'. As he'd seen the other night, most of the buildings were old, wooden and a bit run-down. A lot of them were boarded-up and empty. No buildings that he could see were more than 2 stories high, and most weren't even that much. Wide verandahs sheltered the sidewalks on both sides of the street. It did all look better than when he'd seen it in the rain, but not much. The place had the look of an old cowboy town, which was fitting really – they were living in the 'Wild West'. No cowboys in sight though, or horses, or dance-hall girls. They would've looked right at home there. The effect was spoilt by the modern signs, street lights and the garish colours that some buildings were painted, whenever it was that they were painted – it sure wasn't yesterday. Everything looked tired, faded and worn. He followed the signs, around the corner to the Police Station on a side street and left his bike in the carpark behind there. As he'd told Jeffrey, the cop, there was no safer place to park in any town. He still locked it up though, just to be sure, and then he walked back around to the main street. The waitress who had rung his grandparents was standing outside Dinah's Diner, sucking on a cigarette. “Well, hello, John Junior! How're you today?” “I'm fine, thanks,” Tyler answered with a smile. “Really fine.” “I thought you would've moved-on by now.” “Nope. I'm not going anywhere, I decided to stay.” “Permanently? Just what the town needs – another bleedin' Rodden!” “It's got one whether it needs it or not.” “Just kidding you, Boy. They're good people – there's just so bloody many of them.” “Really?” “Yes, really. Just standing here, I can see 3 Roddens – 4 counting you. Welcome home, John Junior.” “Thanks. My name is Tyler – Tyler Rodden. Thanks for phoning the grandparents the other morning. I wouldn't have met them if not for you.” “Glad I did then. Whatever happened to your father, Tyler?” “He died, a long time ago, in a carcrash. I don't remember him, I was just little.” “And now you're big? I remember John. I remember him well. I had quite a crush on him at one stage – we even went to our Highschool Prom together.” “Of course! I've seen the photos, you haven't changed a bit.” “I wish! Nice of you to say though. You're quite a charmer, aren't you? Even better looking than your father too, and he was easy on the eye. I'll bet those grandparents are delighted to have you here.” “They say that they are, so far. I'm delighted to be here too. Thanks again, Amy.” “Ahh. So you did remember my name. I was wondering.” “Of course I remembered. I've got a memory like an elephant you know.” “Well I know now. Okay,” she flicked her butt into the gutter “Nice to see you again, Tyler. I'd better get back to work before they fire me.” "And you wouldn't want that! 'Bye, Amy, 'til next time.” “Yeah, next time.” She went back into the Diner and Tyler carried on walking along the street, taking it all in and getting to know the place. He ambled along, a curious observer, (and there were a few), would've thought that he was aimless, but he was not. He had a plan and he was on a mission. The shop verandahs stopped abruptly at the end of the business district. He crossed the street and worked his way back up the other side, to the far end. Then he retraced his steps, walking with purpose now, and went into the Sports and Hunting Goods Store. There, he was surprised to find that no kayaks, helmets or gear, for sale. They did have surfboards, wax and wetsuits and stuff for repairing them and a couple of inflatable kid's dinghies which weren't much good for more than playing around in puddles. He thought it incredible that there was a whole big water-world out there and the locals took no interest in it – apart from fishing, of course. There was a lot of fishing gear there. His grandfather had most of the gear he would need to get started, but he needed to find out how much it was worth. He spoke to the owner, a middle-aged woman – at least 30, but she wasn't very interested and no help at all. “We just don't get any demand for that sort of stuff around here. Sorry, but I can't help you.” Okay, he'd have to switch to plan B then. He'd go to the library, get on the internet and see what he could find there. His next stop was the Department of Conservation Office. There, for the first time, he found that what Bevan had said was true, his name really did open doors around there. He told the guy that his name was Tyler Rodden and, yes, he was related to the local Roddens, but he was new here. “Which branch of the family would that be? There were 4 brothers, none of them ever left here and they all had families, big families.” “My grandfather is Bob Rodden.” “Bob and Kathleen are your grandparents? Great people!” “Yes, they are. I'm staying with them, for now.” “Well that's good. What can we do for you, Tyler Rodden?” Basically, the DOC people could do nothing much for him and that was good. The guy, Stuart Menzies, said that while DOC controlled most of the reserves and undeveloped land around the lagoon and rivers, they had no jurisdiction over the water or the Queen's Chain around it. The Queen's Chain, dating back to Victorian days, was a 20 meter strip of publicly-owned and freely-accessed land around most of the shores. They had no control of or interest in the water below the high-tide mark and, as long as he didn't disturb the reserves or the protected wildlife, he could do what he liked out there. Policing kayaks and their operation was nothing to do with DOC and he doubted whether the District Council would be interested either. He had that right. Tyler's next stop was the Council offices and the lady there said the same thing – he could do as he pleased out on the water. She also said that she personally, and the Council, would help him in any way they could and she wished him luck with his venture. “I don't know why no-one's thought of it before. You should do well.” From there he went to the I-Site, tourist information centre, which was small and amateurish – probably a community-run concern. He picked-up a handful of brochures about various activities in the wider district. Some had prices shown in them, those that didn't he took to the counter and got prices from the lady there. She was pleasant and helpful, obviously interested and knew the area well. He was tempted to tell her what he was scheming, but didn't – that would keep until he had all the details sorted and loose ends tied-up. After the library, he made a couple more calls into other places, then figured that he had enough info to be going on with. He went back to the Police Station to get his bike, go home and have a think. Jeffrey, his favourite policeman, was standing outside the backdoor, talking to a couple of kids. Tyler smiled and nodded and headed for his bike, but Jeffrey stopped him and called him over. “Come here a minute, Tyler. I want to talk to you.” “Ah, yeah. Hello, Mr. Plod. I'm not in trouble, am I?” “Why? What've you been doing that you shouldn't?” “Nothing, I think. My bike's okay there, isn't it? It doesn't take up much room.” “No problems. Your bike's fine where it is. That's not what I wanted to talk to you about. Stop looking worried, you're not in trouble – not yet anyway. How's it going out at your grandparents'?” “It's going fine, thanks. Really good. I'm going to stay here for good.” “Yes, Cassie told me that. You've changed your tune. When I last saw you, you couldn't get out of here quick enough.” “Yeah, well, the sun came out. I've learnt a bit and seen a lot and I like it here, so I'm staying.” “Delighted to hear it. Now that you're staying, I've got someone I want you to meet. This is my nephew, Logan, and his good friend, Lorne. Guys, this is Tyler, the latest addition to the Rodden family.” “Like they needed any more?” The darker-haired boy said. “Hey, Tyler. Nice to meet.” “Of course it is,” Tyler grinned. “Are you guys in the Highschool?” “We are,” Lorne replied. “We're both in Year 10.” “Do you know Bevan Rodden? He's in Year 11.” “That he is – when he's there,” Logan replied. “Everybody knows Bevan. He's one of a kind.” “He certainly is,” Tyler laughed. “I really like Bevan. He's great and he's my mate.” “Oh good!” said Jeffery. “Maybe you could get him to put in a good word for me with that sister of his?” “I've already done that. I told Cassie she's a dumb-arse if she lets you go.” “Let's hope she listens then.” “Yeah, maybe. I've gotta go – stuff to do. See you around, People. Nice to meet you.” “Sure it is,” Logan laughed. “See you then, Tyler. Enjoy our town.” “You'll see me. It's my town too now y'know. Laters, Guys.” He got on his bike and started riding, but had to stop and put on the helmet that he'd forgotten all about. How dumb was that? In the Cop-shop carpark with one of them standing looking at him! Jeffrey was a good guy, but he was still a cop. Helmet safely strapped on, he grinned, waved and rode away at speed. Back at the tent, he sat outside with his papers, notes and brochures and had a good long think about his plan of attack. He cooked and ate his evening meal before sundown. After the flaming sunset had faded, he gathered up his papers and went over to the house to have a talk with his grandfather. Bob and Kathleen, as usual, were sitting outside watching the day fade into night. They both greeted him with big smiles. “Hello, Tyler. We hear you've been busy today.” “Hey. I was busy, for a while. But how on earth do you know?” “It's a small town and word gets around. You're still a bit of a curiousity here and everyone is watching you.” “I'm not sure I like that.” “Oh, don't worry. It will pass and they don't mean any harm. They're all very interested in you.” “You're right. That will soon stop – I'm pretty boring really.” “You are anything but boring, Tyler,” said Bob. “From where you've been and what you were looking at, I presume you were thinking about this business venture of yours?” “That's it. I've been gathering information and working out some figures.” “And that's what you've got there?” said Bob. “Now you're getting into my territory. Come inside where the light's better, and we'll have a chat.” Bob was impressed with Tyler's information that he'd gathered, his figures and costings and with the way he presented his ideas. At the end of it all, he sat back and considered. “You know, Tyler, the last thing I want to do is to chase you away from here, and your grandmother would kill me if I did, but I really think that you do not belong here after all.” “I don't belong here? Why not?” “You should be in a big city, where the big money is. With the skills you've shown me here, you could make a fortune in a city.” “Granddad, I don't want to make a fortune. All I want is to earn my own living and be able to pay my way. I'm not moving to any cities. I like it here. This is where I belong and this is where I'm staying.” “Well, good! Now, I've only got one quibble with your figures – you say that you'll pay us 20% of your gross profits to lease our kayaks and gear and a motorboat.” “Is that not enough?” “No, Tyler, it's far too much. I think that 10% of nett profits would be much fairer. We are your grandparents, Boy, we're here to help you not to rip you off.” “Well . . thanks, but are you sure that 10% is enough? How about 10% of gross?” “I'm sure, and no – 10% of nett and we'll do quite nicely out of that. You'll need help with the accounts and tax systems. I'll look after all that, free of charge, until such time as I am satisfied that you can afford to pay someone to do it. Also, you'll need some seed money for printing and advertising etcetera. I think about $10,000 should be enough to get you started. Give me your bank account number and I'll have it transferred in there tomorrow morning.” “$10,000?? Do you think it will cost that much?” “Probably not, but if you're going to do something, do it right and it's better to have too much than too little.” “Thanks, but you don't have to lend me the money, I'll just cash-in one of my investments.” “You certainly will not! That money is working for you – use ours, it's just sitting doing nothing and we don't need it. And, it's not a loan, it's a gift – a homecoming gift. Call it an early inheritance if that makes you happy.” “No, it would not make me happy, not at all! Okay, I'll accept it, but as a loan not a gift and I'll pay you back as soon as I can.” “A loan then, but interest-free. That much, I insist on. If and when you form a company, I'll expect to be a shareholder, at a price of course.” “There's no-one else I'd rather have, but we'll talk about price when the time comes.” “We will.This is exciting, Tyler. This could be exactly what I've been saying for years that the town needs. At last someone's doing it – I'm glad it's you. One more thing. We do get quite a few tourists here, but it could be a lot more. What you need is some way to draw them in from the main highway. Roadside billboards will be a good place to start. Your uncle, our son, Robert, has got a small farm north of the turn-off and old friends of ours have got a block, with their holiday home, some distance to the south. Both would be great locations for billboards. You arrange some novel and eye-catching signs and I'll arrange for them to be displayed.” “That'd be great. But won't we need permission to erect commercial signs by the highway?” “We will. We'll need permission from the same Council that I've been working for, for nearly 40 years now. Somehow I don't think that will be a problem.” “Granddad, you're a legend! Thanks. Do you want to be my business partner?” “I do not. I want to be your grandfather and help you in every way that I can.” Tyler stood, wiped tears from his eyes and said, “I love you, Granddad. Can I have a hug?” “Of course you can, Boy. Any time, any time at all.” Bob stood-up and hugged him, and then kissed his forehead. “I love you too, we both do. Your grandmother and I love you very much. The day you turned-up in the rain was one of our best days ever.” “Thanks. I didn't know it at the time, but it was one of my best days too.” “And that's good. Come on now, we'd better go back to your grandmother before she dies of curiousity.”

Okarito, 11

“Come on then.” Bevan took the plates from Tyler's hands and put them back on the table. “We're out of here, and quickly before they change their minds.”

Tyler nodded to his grandparents and followed Bevan out of the room. They exited the back of the house, crossed the road behind it and went up and over the small scrub-covered sandunes to the beach. For a well-known surfing area, it was not a great beach.

It was just a long slope down to the water where the dying waves raked at the edge of the land. The long, gray beach, presumably broken by the out of sight rivermouth, curved in both directions to the distant headlands to the north and south of them. No-one else was in sight anywhere.

They stumbled along for a few meters, and then sat together on an old log, lodged high-up at the back of the beach. The blue/gray water sparkled in the light of the setting sun and it was calm for a West Coast beach – too flat for surfing, but still too rough for skis.

“The sea's quiet today,” Tyler noted.

“It is,” Bevan agreed. “It's not often like this, it can get pretty rough sometimes.”

“I can believe that. All of the driftwood is heaped way up away from the water.”

“That's very observant of you, Cousin.”

“Maybe so,” Tyler replied. “But that's not what we came here to talk about, is it?”

“Right, it's not. Okay then,” Bevan sighed. “I'm being dead serious here and you won't see that very often. Usually I just cover-up my nerves with a barrage of bullshit.”

“But not now?”

“No, not now. This is way too important for that.”

“What's important?” Tyler looked closely at Bevan's earnest face – he was pale and nervous looking. He glanced down at the writhing hands in the boy's lap and, yes, they were trembling.

“Bevan! Loosen-up, Cus. Relax – it can't be that bad. There's just you and me, there's no-one else here and I'm not going to bite you.”

“I know that.” His voice was trembling too. He tried to force a smile, took a deep breath and continued. “I know I'm being silly, but I can't help it. I'm so nervous and this is important. I've never done anything like this before.”

“You've never done anything like what before?”

“This – opening-up and showing who I really am. You could rip my heart out so easily and, if you do, I think I'll die.”

“Would it help if I promise that I won't do that?”

“I, umm . . I think so.”

“Well then, I promise. Now talk to me.”

“Right. Tyler, this is not easy for me.”

“I can see that, but I don't know why. We're friends, aren't we?”

“Yeah. Well, I hope we are.”

“Of course we are! So stop being all melodramatic and just tell me what's on your mind.”

“Right. Tyler, I'm gay.”

“I know. We've already talked about that – you're gay and so am I. What about it?”

“Well, umm . . do you think . . is there any chance that you and I could, umm, get together, do you think?”

“Any chance? But we are together. We're sitting here and there's no-one else around.”

“There's not. But that's not what I mean. Is there any chance that we, you and I, could get together as a couple – as, well, boyfriends, maybe?”

“Boyfriends? You and me? Bevan, I think there's a very good chance if that's what you want.”

“There is? Tyler, that's exactly what I want. That's what I want very much. I've never met anyone like you, ever, and I think I'm falling in love with you.”

“Likewise,” Tyler responded with a grin. “I think I'm starting to love you too. No, I'm not starting, I am, I do love you, Bevan.”

“Oh, Tyler!” The colour and the life returned to Bevan's face and a big grin spread across it.

He wasn't moving, so Tyler did, he kissed him. - briefly, gently, at first, and then again with meaning. Bevan wrapped his arms around him and responded with passion. They broke apart and happily grinned at each other.

“Thanks,” Bevan breathed.

“Thanks? Thank you! You don't believe in mucking around, do you. I might've taken weeks to get us here.”

“Now we don't have to!”

Tyler was pleased to see that the nervousness had gone and his cheeky grin was back, but what Bevan said next floored him completely.

“So when are we getting married?”

“Married? Like, for real? It's a bit soon, don't you think?”

“Too soon? Why is it?”

“Bevan, we're too young to be making a decision like that. Hell, you're still at school, I haven't got a job yet and we're only just starting to get to know each other.”

“You don't want to marry me?”

“No. Yes. I don't know. Not yet anyway, it's too soon. There is not mucking around, but this is way too fast. When I get married I want to do it right because I'm only going to do it once and it will be for life with no backing out of it – ever.”

“Sounds good to me. So you've no problem, you do believe that 2 boys can get married and stay together for life?”

“Sure I do, but not 2 boys, 2 men who know what they're doing.”

“And when are we men?”

“I dunno. It's a different age for everyone, I think. Some people are grown-up at 16, some are still boys at 30.”

“And some people never grow up.” Bevan nodded.

“Right. When we're ready, we'll know.”

“I'll wait then, but don't make it too long. I want to put my claim on you before anyone else gets a chance, plus I want to give my virginity to you.”

“You're a virgin?”

“A born-again virgin. I've had sex, lots of grubby unsatisfying little affairs , but no more. I decided that I'm not doing that again until I'm with the one I love and married to him.”

“Whoah! So we can't have sex until we get married?”

“No we can't – not all the way sex anyway. I want to make that commitment first, and then it will mean something.”

“Then it will mean a lot. I can buy that, but what do you mean by 'all the way sex'?”

“Let's go to bed and you'll find out,” Bevan grinned.

“We better go to bed real soon then.” Tyler stood up and grinned back down at him.

“Oh yeah!” Bevan stood and faced him. “Come to bed, Boyfriend.”

They kissed.

Hand in hand. They went back to the house and through to the front verandah where Bob and Kathleen were sitting, puffing on their smelly old pipes and enjoying the peace of the evening. Kathleen looked around and smiled.

“Everything all right, Boys?”

“Oh yes,” Tyler replied. “Everything is very all right, thanks. We just came to say goodnight; we're going to bed now.”

“Already?” said Bob. “It's dark, but it's still early you know.”

“In a tent, when it's dark it's bedtime. We'll be awake at daybreak, it's impossible to sleep once the sun comes up.”

“Okay then, I suppose you'd know, but you could fix that. Surely there must be some way of putting up a blackout curtain so it stays dark in there.”

“We probably could. We could fix up some sort of black inner tent, but that'd make it stuffy. Besides, I quite like living with natural rythyms.”

“You wouldn't need anything elaborate,” Kathleen said. “You could wear one of those black mask things they give you for sleeping on 'planes.”

“I'd never get to sleep with something wrapped around my face! We'll just go to bed now. That's the easiest way.”

“Okay then. See you in the morning, Boys. Breakfast will be at 7.”

“Grandmother! We can get our own breakfast. There's plenty of food in the tent.”

“There's plenty in the house too. I'll be cooking anyway, so you can come and breakfast with us.”

“Thanks but no thanks. I won't be around for lunch either and I'll get my own dinner.”

“There's no need for that.”

“Yes there is. Grandmother, I can look after myself and I want to. If the meals are going to cause arguments, then I'll just have to move away from here. There's a couple of nice-looking spots next to the road into town from the highway.”

“Oh no. Don't do that. Stay here – feed yourself if you must, but know that you'll always be welcome to eat with us.

“I know. Thanks and goodnight. We're going to bed now.”

“G'night, Boys. Sleep well.”

Tyler woke in the morning, stretched, smiled and looked at the naked boy lying next to him.

Bevan lay on his side, facing towards him with his hands together and pillowed under his head, naked and uncovered. Asleep, his face showed none of his usual cheekiness and other lively expressions. He was totally relaxed and breathing slowly, puffing out his pursed lips. It really was a beautiful face.

He hadn't realised just what a good-looking boy Bevan really was – he was totally gorgeous. His short but full-bodied hair, messy right now, was a dirty-blond colour with lighter blond tips and streaks through it.

Maybe it was high-lighted, maybe it was sun-bleached. He wouldn't know unless he asked him. His eyebrows were all-but invisible, but they were there and very blond. The mischievious blue eyes were closed, of course, and framed by long, dark, thick lashes. The nose was small and well-formed – the slight uptilt gave it a 'perky' look.

His lips were red and full with the upper lip forming a perfect 'cupid's bow'. It was a wonder that they weren't bruised with the workout they had last night, but they weren't.

Bevan's idea of sex 'but not all the way' seemed to include everything except anal. That was okay by Tyler, he could happily live with that.

Continuing down, the light tan of the boy's face went all of the way down his smooth and hairless body and legs to his feet without a break. There was no tan-line anywhere and his bum was the exact same clour as his belly. An interesting story there for sure.

On closer inspection, the legs weren't really hairless, they had a dusting of fine blond hairs even thinner and sparser than those on his forearms. The body was hairless, as far as he could see, apart from the small patch of dark pubes above his genitals.

All-up it made a pretty damm fine picture of a beautiful young boy on the cusp of becoming a man.

'Gorgeous.'

Tyler stretched happily. He'd like to wake up like this every day. Maybe one day they would.

“Like what you see?” Bevan was awake, eyes opened and smiling at him.

“Yeah, I do. I like it a lot. You're beautiful.” Tyler leant in and kissed his lips, then recoiled.

“Phaw! You're beautiful, but your breath stinks!”

“You're not so sweet yourself,” Bevan grinned. “Morning breath is the pits. I've got no toothbrush, are you going to share yours?”

“Yeah, sure. Have this.” Tyler handed him a small red apple.

“A napple?'

“Nature's toothbrush. I've got heaps of them, I raided a roadside tree a couple of days ago.”

“Of course you did!”

They sat grinning at each other as they crunched their way through their apples.

“Okay.” Bevan put the core aside. “Let's see how that worked.

It worked fine. Apart from a quick dash to pee under the trees outside, they were busily occupied on the bed for another hour.

After they were dressed, Tyler made 2 instant coffees and that was all the breakfast they wanted. They sat outside, under the tent verandah, and looked out over the placid water in the lagoon.

“I'll never get tired of this view.”

“Yeah? I hardly see it. I've lived with it all of my life. Pretty cool though.”

“It is – very cool. So what are you going to do today?”

“I've gotta go home. I've got lawns to mow and, if they're not done soon, Mum's going to go ballistic.”

“And you don't want that.”

“Definitely not – it's not a pretty sight.”

“Do you want me to come and help?”

“No. It's okay. The mother's a bit precious about her lawns, they have to be done just right.”

“How hard could that be?”

“Trust me – it can be.”

“You make her sound like a monster.”

“Not really, except when it comes to her lawns.”

“When am I going to meet your parents?”

“Sometime, but not today. Not before the lawns have been manicured anyway. What are your plans for the day?”

“I was thinking of lying around in the tent all day, but that'd be a bit pointless if you're not here with me. I guess I'll go to town and check it out. I need to get myself a job and also, I want to see how much kayaks and gear are going to cost me.”

“You're going to buy a kayak? What for? Bob's got plenty of them here and they're not doing anything.”

“I know, but they are his. I want some of my own. I'm thinking about hiring them out to the tourists.”

“Aha. So that's the business you're thinking about? Could work, I guess. You still don't have to buy any – borrow Bob's he won't mind.”

“I can't do that. He said that they're for family.”

“You are family! If you don't want to borrow them, lease them off him. Talk to Bob, he's an accountant. I'm sure you could work out a deal that's good for everyone.”

“You might have something there. If I don't have to buy them, that could save a fortune in start-up costs. I could be in business next week instead of next year.”

“Talk to him, you've got nothing to lose and, if he's not keen all you have to do is appeal to a higher authority.”

“To my grandmother, you mean?”

“You're learning!” Bevan grinned. “Come over to the house and we'll see if they're still at home. If they are I'll cadge a ride to town. If they're not, I'll pinch a kayak to get me home.”

“You can't do that if they're not there!”

“Can't I? You just watch me, Boy. I'm family too y'know.”

“Bevan!” Tyler shook his head. “You really are incorrigible you know.”

“So they tell me – I'm not even sure what that means. C'mon, Cousin. Time's wasting, let's do it.”

Kathleen was heading out of the door when they got to the house. “Hello, Boys! Your granddad has gone to work, Tyler, and I'm heading there now. Is there anything I can get you in town?”

“No thanks. I'm fine. Bevan's going home and I'm going to town too. It's time I went and checked it out. I'll go on my bike.”

“Come with me if you like. But, I suppose you can come back when you're ready and not have to wait, if you've got the bike. How are you getting home, Bevan?”

“I'm hoping that my favourite aunty is about to offer me a ride.”

“Oh? Are you now?” Kathleen laughed. “Get in the car, you Monkey.”

“Choice. Thanks. See you later, Tyler – maybe tonight.”

“That'll be good. Bye, Bevan. Bye Grandmother – have a great day.”

Kathleen drove away with Bevan waving behind them. Tyler went to the barn, uncoupled the trailer from the bike, then he rode to town as well.

Unfinished Business - Okarito, 10

(Better late than never).

“Hey, Bevan.”

“Hey, Tyler.”

(Not the greatest conversationalists).

“Have a good day out there?”

“Oh, yes! It was Ace. Gorgeous places and Cassie is an excellent guide.”

“Our Cassie? Really? Where did she take you?”

“Away up there, towards the top end, and then we went up along a creek. I forget the name of it, but it was stunning place – all green and natural and beautiful. I loved it.”

“Sounds like it,” Bevan grinned. “It was probably the Otatoki Creek. Or, it could've been one of the others, but it sounds like the Otatoki. Shame you'll never see it again., isn't it?”

“Why not? What's going to happen to it?”

“Nothing's going to happen. It's a protected area so it'll stay the same forever and a day.”

“Why won't I see it again then. I might go back there, in fact I probably will.”

“But you can't because you're not staying here, are you?”

“I might stay, for a bit longer.”

“It's already way past the time when you said you'll be leaving. Why don't you get on your bike and bugger off then?”

“Oh? You want me to go now, do you?”

“You said that you were going, or are you a liar too?”

“I don't tell lies. I try not to anyway. Do you want me to go, yes or no?”

“No skin off my nose, is it? It's your life and you're going to do what you want. The sooner you go the better it'll be everyone here – For Bob, Kathleen, Cassie and all the family.”

“Why will it be better?”

“The longer you hang around, the more people are getting attached to you and the harder it's going to be when you do go. So, do it quick – like ripping a plaster off. Aunt Kathleen especially is so going to miss you when you go. So get it over and done with.”

“A couple of days ago they didn't even know I existed.”

“So? They know now.”

“What about you, Bevan, will you miss me when I'm gone?”

“You'll never know, will you? Will you miss me?”

“That's not answering my question and, no, I'm not going to miss you.”

“Why not?”

“Because I'm not going.”

“Not going?”

“I'm not. I've changed my mind. I think I like it here, so I'll hang around for a while. I've got nowhere to go to anyway.”

“Stuff you! That's exactly what we don't need! I'm outta here.” Bevan stormed away, pushed his paddleboard into the water and straddled it with the paddle in his hands.

“Bevan, wait!” Tyler waded in and grabbed the board to hold him there. “Don't go.”

“Get your hands off my board.”

“No, not yet. Talk to me; tell me what's wrong. I thought you'd be happy if I stayed. Why aren't you? Why don't you want me to stay? Talk to me, Bevan, I'm begging you here and I don't beg anyone – ever.”

“Yeah? I got that impression. Why are you begging me? What makes me any different?”

“I don't know what, but something. I like you, I like you a lot and I thought that you liked me too?

Ah, you know what? Fucking forget it! Go then.” Tyler shoved the board out on the water and went back to his campsite outside the barn.

Cassie had joined Bob up on the deck on the house, and the pair of them stood there quietly watching Tyler taking everything out of the tent and start loading the bike trailer.

“Tyler? What're you doing?” Cassie had to ask.

“You know what I'm doing. I'm packing. I'm leaving.”

“Right now?”

“Yes. I'll get as far as Franz Josef and find somewhere to sleep before it gets dark.”

“But, I thought you were going to stay here?”

“So did I. Wrong, weren't we?” He carried on packing.

Bevan knelt on his board to better manouvere the long-handled paddle as he moved out into deeper water. He got up on his feet, pointed the board at his home over the far side of the water, and started moving again. He looked back and saw Tyler dropping the tent flat on the ground and start folding and rolling it up. “Sleeping in the house, are you? Aunt Kathleen will be pleased.”

He carried on, going home, and glanced back a couple more times.

“Hey! That's not right. You're not moving into the house – you're loading the bike. So, you're leaving now? Good – go!” He dug the paddle into the water again, and again, getting the board moving at a fair clip – almost as fast as when towed by the kite.

'Amazing how much strength anger gives you.'

Anger? Yes, he was angry – bloody angry! Why was he? Well, because Tyler was packing to leave. He wanted him to stay then? Yes! Of course he bloody did!

If Tyler got on his bike and left, they might never see him again. Bevan might never see him again. Never! He circled the board around and headed back to where Tyler was packing while the others watched.

He slid the board up on to the grass, dropped the paddle and walked back to Tyler. He saw him coming and stood waiting.

Bevan stopped in front of him. He looked back at where Cassie and Bob were standing, Kathleen had come out and joined them. Damm. He couldn't do this with an audience. He reached out and took hold of Tyler's hand.

“Come around here with me.” He led him around to the side of the barn, facing the water and out of sight of the house.

“We'd better make this quick before they come looking for us. Tyler, I don't want you to leave. Please stay and please be my friend.”

“You want me to stay now?”

“Yes, I want you to stay.”

“But when I said I would, you got mad and told me to go.”

“I got mad because you said you'd stay 'for a while'. I don't want you to stay for a short time, and then go. I want you to stay here for good. Make your home here and live here with us, for always.”

“That is what you want? Okay, I will, but it's going to cost you.”

“Cost me what?”

“First you have to give me a hug.”

“Oh, yeah!”

They embraced and stood hugging each other until Bevan pushed away. “You said a hug was first. What's the second thing?”

“Second. Oh, umm . . oh yeah – second you have to give me another hug.”

“We can do that!” They laughed and hugged again.

“Thanks, my beautiful cousin.”

“Ditto!” Bevan grinned and kissed his cheek. He took his hand again. “Come on back now. They'll all be dying to know what's going on.”

They went back to the house and stepped up onto the deck and Bevan announced, “Aunty, Uncle, Cassie, meet Okarito's newest resident. Tyler's staying and he's going to live here now – permanently.”

“You are?” Kathleen said. “Live here always? Tyler, that's wonderful and I'm delighted to hear it.”

“We are delighted to hear it.” Bob held out his hand. Tyler let go of Bevan's and shook Bob's hand.

“Welcome home, Boy. The next question is, will you live here with us? We've got plenty of room and we'd love to have you.”

“Thanks, but no thanks. I don't think I could sleep in a bed now. I'm used to my tent and I'm comfortable there. One day, maybe I'll change my mind, but for now I'm staying in the tent.

It can't stay where it was though, it was blocking the doorway to the barn.”

“That's no problem,” Bob replied. “We can use the back door.”

“But you still couldn't get a vehicle or trailer in there. No, I'm shifting.”

“But where are you shifting to?” Kathleen asked.

“Well, if it's all right with you guys, I'd like to set up camp under the trees in the next bay around the corner there. That is still your land, isn't it?”

“Yes, it's our land,” Bob replied. “Of course you can camp there. Stay as long as you like. If you won't stay in the house, having you around the corner will be the next best thing. Just one thing though, beware of the livestock.”

“The livestock?”

“The chooks, ducks and the sheep.”

“They're not going to attack me, are they?”

“No, of course they won't, but they tend to shelter under the trees on rough days and they poo everywhere. Keep the tent closed when you're not in it or they'll mess it up and clean you out of food.”

“Right. I'll keep that in mind. I won't stay there forever – just until I sort something out. I might rent a house in town, or I might just keep moving the tent around to different places.”

Kathllen said, “Can you afford to rent a house? Boarding would be cheaper you know, especially if you boarded with family.”

“Yeah!” Cassie interrupted. “Come and board with us. We've got a spare room and we live on the edge of town, not away out here in the sticks.”

“I'm not boarding with anyone,” Tyler replied. “I need my own space and I'm not ready to live with anyone. I can't afford to rent, yet. But once I get a job I will be able to get a house, or something.”

“Bevan said, “You're getting a job? Doing what?”

“I don't know. Washing dishes, stacking shelves and sweeping floors, something like that. Anything that pays money. Maybe I could milk cows or mow lawns.”

“Hell! You're better than that,” Bevan protested.

“Better than? Every job is important,” Tyler said. “If someone didn't maintain the water-works we'd all be swimming in sewerage.”

“Maybe so,” said Cassie. “But you belong higher-up the food chain than there. Aim low and all you'll hit is the ground. Aim high and you might hit the stars, so to speak.”

“I am aiming high. I'm going to work for myself and I'm going to wake this town up before it dies completely.”

“You are?” Bob smiled. “Now that, we'd all like to see.”

“You'll see it. When I decide to do something, I do it. First I have to get some money together. I've got an income, but it's barely enough to live on. So I need a job to get started.”

“You've got a plan?” said Bob. “That's good. You and I need to have a little talk, when you're ready.”

“Yeah – when I'm ready. Thanks, Granddad.”

Kathleen said, “Come and have your meals with us. That will save you money for a start.”

“Save me and cost you money. No thanks, that's not going to happenn”

“But you are eating here tonight? Dinner's already cooking.”

“Yes, tonight, but not regularly, that's all.”

Cassie said, “One question, Tyler. What sort of business are you thinking of?”

“The obvious one where there's money to be made.”

“Which is?”

“Tourism, of course. Like Granddad said, there's lots of visitors and tourists passing close by here and they've all got money in their pockets. All we have to do is stop them and get it out.”

“Armed robbery?” Bevan grinned. “Cool! I'd be into that.”

“No doubt you would,” said Bob. “But that won't be happening. Tyler, there are a lot of tourists, but getting money from them will be easier said than done.”

“Sure it is, but it's do-able.”

“Think about it for a day. Sort out what you'd like to do and we'll talk about it tomorrow night.”

“We'll do that. Thanks, Granddad.”

Kathleen said, “You are all eating with us tonight, I hope? I've got a roast cooking, it's nearly ready and there's more than enough for everyone.”

Bob smiled. “Kathleen's biggest problem is that she learned to cook for a crowd and she still struggles with doing just enough for the two of us.”

“Well, I'm here for dinner,” said Bevan. “As arranged. How about you, Cassie?”

“Yeah, okay. I've got an appetite.”

“We know that,” Kathleen nodded.

“Okay, Aunt Cheeky! I mean, I'm a bit hungry tonight. I'll stay, but not for long. I'm going to the movies tonight. The Majestic Theater is back in business.”

“Oh?” Bevan grinned. “And who are you going with?”

“Not you anyway, and that's all you need to know.”

“How long until dinner will be ready?” Tyler asked.

Kathleen replied, “At least an hour, maybe a bit longer. Why is that?”

“I could start setting my camp up, under the trees.”

“Good idea. Get it done while it's still daylight. Take these two with you – they can help you and stay out of my hair.”

“I guess I'll unload everything again, if you guys will help carry it all around the corner.”

“There's no need for that,” said Bob. “Just take your bike and trailer around there. Bring them back when you've unloaded and you can store them in the barn away from the weather.”

“That'd be good, thanks. But we'd never get them around there. The wheels are too skinny for beaches and the trailer would bog down. It's heavy.”

“Don't go along the beach. There's an access road, use that.”

“An access road?” said Cassie. “Where's that?”

“If you go back out of the drive and start on the road back to town, the first gate you come to will take you into the paddock where you want to go. It's grassed over because it's never used, but there's a good solid driveway in there. You'll see where it goes.”

“Why have you got a driveway in a paddock?”

“Because, Miss Nosy-Knickers, there used to be a house there, by the trees, for the farm workers, back when we had farm workers. It burnt down years ago.”

“Back when you had a farm,” Cassie nodded.

“We've still got 15 acres, and that's lots more than we need.”

“15 Acres? That's not much – not even 4 hectares.”

“It is 60 house sections and that's a lot to look after.”

“But you don't look after, Uncle,” Cassie grinned. “The sheep and the chooks do that for you.”

“We've still got to maintain the fences and what-not. You'd be surprised at how much is involved. By the way, Tyler, make sure you shut the gate after you. The chooks just fly over it, but it keeps the sheep off the road.”

“I'll close it. I guess I'll get started then.”

“Yes, do that. Cassie and Bevan can come and help you and I'll have a few minutes peace and quiet.”

Bevan said, “You're a fraud, Uncle. You love having company. Both of you do.”

“Don't get much choice around here, do I?” Bob tried to growl, but smiled instead. “Go on then – away with the lot of you.”

Tyler walked with his bike and Cassie and Bevan walked with him. Both of them kept a hand on the trailer to help push it along, which wasn't needed, but the thought was good.

Through the old gate and into the paddock, the driveway led to the old house-site by the trees. All that was left there was a free standing brick chimney with an open fireplace.

“Hey, you could use that!” Bevan pointed. “Fix up a grate of some sort and you can have a fire in there.”

“I don't need a fire. I do the cooking and water-heating with gas.”

“It'd still be nice to have a fire to sit by after dark.”

“I go to bed after dark.”

“Damm, Cousin. Stop being awkward. Light a fire – look at all the free firewood lying around.”

“Free?” Tyler grinned. “I like that word! Okay, I'll light a fire sometime, but not now. There's too much to do.”

They put the tent up – or, Tyler put it up while the other two fussed around trying to be helpful. They weren't, much. The door of the tent faced the water, of course, for the view. He set up his bed, the cooker, candles and food etc., then he closed the tent up and they went back to the house. The trailer was half empty now and Cassie rode on it while Bevan walked behind.

“Tyler?” she said. “What's this business you're thinking about? If it's interesting enough, and it looks like it will work, I might join you.”

“Oh? You might, might you? Who said that I wanted you to?”

“Oh, you will, sooner or later. I just thought I'd save you the time. I'm doing nothing and I'm very clever you know. I've got a fancy piece of paper from the University that says that I am.”

“There's heaps of educated idiots with pieces of paper,” Bevan chipped in.

“Quiet, Brother!” Cassie growled. “I'm doing a job interview here, kind-of.”

“Kind-of, yes,” Tyler agreed. “It's going to cost money to get it going. How much have you got to invest in it, Cassie?”

“Me? Absolutely nothing. How much have you got?”

“A bit, not enough. That's why I have to get a job first.”

“Oh? So when will the business begin?”

“Probably not for a year, maybe two years.”

“Two years? Stuff that! I'm not hanging around waiting that long. I'll find something else to do. I might have to marry Jeffrey after all.”

Bevan said, “Cassie, you're incorrigible!”

“No I'm not. I can't be. I don't even know what that means.”

“Google it!” both boys said at once and they grinned at each other.

Bob sat on the end of the deck, watching as they went passed to the barn. Cassie, sitting on the trailer, gave a stiff-armed wave, trying to look like the Queen in her carriage. She didn't.

They all came back to the back of the house and filed through the wash-up room and into the kitchen. Tyler and Bevan asked Kathleen if they could do anything to help. They were told to stay out of the way, that'd help. Cassie sat at the table, texting.

“What are you plotting, Cassie?” Bob sat down opposite her.

“”I'm not plotting. I'm just summoning my ride home. I need to go as soon as we've eaten or we'll be late for the movies.”

“I think you mean summonsing, actually,” Bevan grinned.

“Yeah? Okay, Genius, I'll take your word for it. I am summonsing my chariot, Uncle.”

“Will you be going with your sister, Bevan?”

“Not likely! No, I'll stay a while. I want to talk to Tyler. I'll go home on the board later – when the wind has stopped.”

Tyler looked around. “How do you know it's going to stop?”

“Because it always does. Just around nightfall, the wind stops like it's been switched off.”

“Always?”

“Yep. Or, mostly anyway. It doesn't work like that when there's a storm or something, but otherwise, yes.”

“Oh, okay. What do you want to talk to me about?”

“You really want me to tell you, here in public? I will then - I'm going to chat you up and talk my way into your bed so we can have red-hot, passionate . . . “

“Bevan!” Kathleen waved a wooden spoon at him. “Stop right there. Not another word. We do not want to know!”

“You're all thinking it though, aren't you?” Bevan grinned and Tyler blushed.

“Cassie is not the incorrigible one – you are!”

“Ah, but you love me, Daddy.”

“Eh?”

“Sorry. Just a line from a song. It popped into my head.”

“Bevan Rodden, you are the most impossible person I've ever known,” Kathleen said. “I think . . . Oh, nevermind. Come and get your meals. I'm the cook, not a waitress.”

They filed around, collected the plates of food and sat at the table to eat.

“Tyler?” Kathleen sat and looked at him. “You said you're going to stay and I'm delighted to hear it, but can I ask why?”

“Lots of reasons. Ever since I rolled into your sad and sorry-looking, weather-beaten little town I've been finding more reasons to stay and make my home here.”

“Well?” Cassie said. “Are you going to tell us the reasons?”

Tyler smiled. “We'd be here all night. But, for a start, there was Jeffery.”

“Jeffrey?”

“Yes, Jeffery – the cop who found a stranger outside on a stormy night and was real nice to him. To me. He took me in out of the weather, gave me somewhere to sleep and bought breakfast for me in the morning. There was nothing in it for him, he just did it. He's a nice guy.

I've never met such a nice cop before. He's a good guy, Cassie, and if you let him get away, then you're not as bright as I think you are.”

“Well, umm, thanks – I think. Okay, so Jeffrey the good cop is one reason. What else”

“What else?” Tyler grinned. “Jeffrey told me that I should stay here, and then I met the grandparents that I didn't know I had and I liked them – a lot – and they told me that I should stay here. I met you, my pushy cousin. I like you and you told me to stay here. And then, I met Bevan.”

Cassie nodded. “We can see the pattern. You met Bevan, you like him and he told you to stay as well.”

“No, actually, Bevan told me to get on my bike, bugger off and don't come back, so I'm staying.”

“Dammit!” Bevan exclaimed. Tyler looked at him; their eyes met, Bevan winked and they both grinned.

“So that's it,” said Bob. “You're staying because you like the people you've met?”

“Yes,” Tyler replied. “The people, the place, the area – it all feels like home. There is nowhere else and I think that I belong here.”

“So do I,” Cassie agreed. “We all belong here. Most of us anyway. What're you going to do when Bevan leaves?”

“Oh? Are you leaving, Bevan?”

“Some day, yes. Probably. There's a big world out there and I've seen none of it yet.”

“I have. I've seen all that I want to see. Now I'm ready to settle down.”

“Maybe I'm not,” Bevan shrugged. “I'm just marking time until I can go away to varsity.”

“Cassie did that,' said Kathleen. “She went, and then she came back home.”

“Her choice,” Bevan said. “I might do that, I might not – who knows?”

Cassie hadn't quite finished eating when a car pulled in outside and tooted. “Whoops,” she grinned. “Gotta go. Thanks for dinner, Aunt Kathleen. The boys will help you clean up – I'm gone.”

She scooped a couple more mouthfuls into her face and left, in a hurry and waving.

“I don't know where she puts it.” Bob shook his head. “The girl should be as big as a house but she's as skinny as a rake.”

“She burns it off,” said Bevan. “Cassie can't sit still for 5 minutes.”

“What are your plans for the evening, Boys?” Kathleen asked.

“Plans? None. I don't do evenings, I sleep,” Tyler replied. “I'll help clean-up here and then it'll be bedtime.”

“That's what you think,” Bevan said. “You and I need to talk, Cousin. Fancy a walk over to the beach?”

“The sea-beach? But it'll be dark soon.”

“Soon, but not yet. We'll go over there, walk and talk, and then we'll come back and go to bed. I'd like to sleep in the tent with you, but if you won't have me, I'll stay in the house – if that's okay, Uncle?”

“Of course you can,” Bob replied. “You're always welcome here. You know that.”

“Thanks. I'll keep that in mind for when the parents throw me out.”

Kathleen snorted, “As if they would! Your parents love you, Boy. They're never going to throw you out.”

“I hope you're right.”

“I'm always right. What do you all want to drink?”

“Tea would be nice,” said Bob, getting his pipe out to fill it.

“Nothing for me, thanks,” said Tyler. “I'm so full, there's no room for a drink.”

“Not even a coke?”

“Not even a coke.”

“I won't bother either,” Bevan said. “Maybe later.”

“Right then. Tea for us and nothing for you two. If you've finished eating, go away and have your talk.”

“After we've cleaned-up here.” Tyler started stacking the plates in front of him.

“There's no need for that,” Kathleen stopped him. “Just go. Bob and I will clean-up. It's time he earned his keep around here.”

“Hey!” Bob protested.

“Shush,” Kathleen smiled.