Undara

by Annie Seaton

  To his surprise, her eyes filled with tears. Her voice was low and husky, and she shook her head from side to side. ‘Oh, no. Oh, no, I’m far from that, Travis.’

  Her bottom lip trembled, and sympathy shot through Travis. He reached out and tucked that always errant strand of hair behind her ear, and then they both sat there without speaking.

  ‘I told you, I’m always here if you need an ear, or someone to dump on, you know. I’ve got broad shoulders.’

  ‘Thank you.’ He was even more surprised when she lifted her hand and settled it on his shoulder. ‘And yes, you do.’

  Her fingers were warm for the few seconds she left her hand there and then she seemed to come to a decision. She took a deep breath, and he felt the shudder through her fingertips before she lifted them.

  ‘I did something very stupid last year, something that resulted in a … a very sad situation. Something that led to the end of my marriage.’

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that.’

  ‘David won’t accept that it’s over and he keeps emailing me, trying to resurrect old memories and trying to make me feel something, but I don’t want to.’ Her eyes were fierce. ‘It’s over, and he needs to accept that.’

  Travis picked up his tea and drank it. It was cold. ‘Look, Emlyn, I don’t want to tell you what to do. I know nothing about your situation, and it’s none of my business.’ He reached out and took her hand again. ‘But make sure you are very, very certain about what you want to do before you say something you don’t mean.’

  Emlyn pulled her hand away and Travis sensed he might have overstepped the mark with his words. But it was too late to pull back now.

  ‘I’ve been there, Emlyn. And I’ve lived without Alison for almost a year. Let me tell you, if there is any love left in your marriage, fight for it. Because it never gets any easier, no matter how much time passes. I’ve been fighting all that time, and Al’s immovable, but I’ll never give up. We have three children together and I’ll love her until my last breath. There’s nobody else involved, so I’m going to keep trying.’

  Emlyn’s eyes were awash with unshed tears. ‘I appreciate what you said, but ours is a very different situation. There’s no happy ending possible. For reasons that I can’t—won’t—go into, David and I can’t be together. It’s the only solution, because like I said, I’m the one at fault, not him. He tells me now there is nothing to forgive, but I know that if I go back there, the past will resurface. It would destroy us eventually.’

  ‘Just think about it, okay?’

  She nodded, but he got the impression she was just being polite. ‘I will.’ She straightened in her chair and he could tell that the laugh that came from her mouth was forced. ‘Goodness, how did we get so serious? It’s time we got back to work.’ She clicked on the mouse and the project application filled the screen.

  * * *

  Emlyn was exhausted when she got back to the camp. The buildings were in darkness; it looked like everyone had gone to bed, but someone—probably Bill—had thoughtfully left the verandah light of the mess building on for her. The air was heavy and still; there’d been no rain apart from the light showers in the first week she’d arrived. Even though it was supposed to be the green season, the landscape was getting drier every day, the grass was brown, and the cattle were thin. She really hoped that this sponsorship application got accepted. Travis deserved a break. He was a hard worker, a good man, and it was time something went his way. She’d listened to him tonight, really listened to him, and his words had stayed with her.

  She opened the door to her donga and put her laptop next to the bed before she headed for a quick shower. As she stood under the cool water, Travis’s words went around and around in her thoughts.

  Fight for it, he’d said. Because it never gets any easier, no matter how much time passes.

  Emlyn closed her eyes and rested her forehead against the tiles. She didn’t know the details of Travis’s marriage breakup, but it was different to what had happened to her marriage.

  To her life.

  Fight for it.

  Working closely with her colleagues in the lava tubes and learning how to socialise again in the mess at night, and then working with Travis, plus the easy friendship she’d formed with his boys, had helped her a lot. Emlyn knew she was getting better.

  She climbed into bed and pulled the laptop across. Opening the browser, she logged on to her Gmail and scanned the inbox, until she found the unopened email from David.

  Hi Em,

  I hope things are going well up there for you. I know you said you were okay and the others are up there with you, but I just wanted to say hello.

  Don’t worry. I can see you rolling your eyes. So I’ll be brief.

  I thought about what you said, and I’ve decided you’re right.

  Maybe we should sell the house.

  Emlyn put her hand to her chest as her breath caught. Telling David to sell the house had been easy. Knowing that he was going to do it broke her heart. Not being able to picture him in a familiar environment brought a lump to her throat. And knowing that the home they’d created together and shared, one she still loved, would not be there for them any longer made her feel peculiar.

  She stared at the screen, but his words ran into each other as she tried to read them. Blinking, she focused again.

  I’ve got a couple of agents coming to do a valuation. I guess it’s time for me to stop being unfair, so you can have your share of the house. I won’t email again until I have some news.

  Goodbye, Em. And please remember how much I love you.

  Emlyn closed the laptop, turned off the light and prayed for sleep to take her away.

  CHAPTER

  17

  ‘Sorry.’ Travis covered a yawn just after ten o’clock a week later. ‘It’s been a bloody long day.’ He was still in his work clothes, and Emlyn had ignored the smudge of red dust on his cheek.

  She’d come over earlier the last two nights and the boys had cooked dinner as she and Travis put in extra hours to finalise the application. Travis had groaned as he’d gone through his files tonight, looking for the various documents that had to be scanned and sent off with the application. Emlyn had shaken her head; for someone as organised as she was, it was an eye-opener to see the various shoeboxes and crates where Travis stored his station records, with no obvious order or logic.

  ‘I might call it a night and head back,’ Emlyn said. ‘We’ve got an early start tomorrow, too. But, Travis, we’ve broken the back of it tonight. We’ll make the deadline. Y ou just look for that boundary document’—she flicked a glance at the boxes on the table and smiled—’and once we scan that and attach it, you’re pretty much done.’

  There was an easiness between them now; a comfortable camaraderie that had developed since their talk the other night. At first, Emlyn had been embarrassed that she’d let her guard down in front of him, but Travis’s kindness had soon dispelled her discomfort.

  She stared up at him now as he stretched. His hair was standing on end where he’d been running his fingers through it as they’d worked, and a puff of red dust lifted. She’d ignored the smell of cattle that had pervaded the air since she’d arrived.

  ‘How much more have we got to do?’ he asked.

  ‘There are only a few things to write up and slot in now, once you find that document. Once we establish for sure that we’ve discovered some new species in the first three weeks of our research, and I can write that into the application, it will strengthen our case even more. Lucy’s checking the international databases, and it’s looking good for at least three of the discoveries we’ve made.’

  ‘You’re really making a lot of progress over there, then?’ Travis stood at the table with his hands on the back of the chair.

  ‘Oh yes. I don’t know what’s been the best part of the days lately. When we find a likely specimen in the cave, or when we stand behind Lucy as she cross-matches the photos with the database every afternoon.’ Her smil
e was wide. ‘Or the thought of this project that we’ve put together.’

  ‘There’s a lot to smile about, then. It’s good to see you smiling.’ Travis shook his head. ‘I’ve never seen anyone get so excited over insects before.’

  ‘I love my work,’ she said simply. She stood and closed her laptop. ‘I’ll take this back and finalise the projected costs with John. You could come with me to Brisbane to the meeting if you wanted to.’

  ‘When is it?’

  ‘John’s just waiting to hear from the committee. It won’t be far off. I’d say in the next week or so.’

  Travis frowned. ‘As much as I’d love to, I can’t afford the time away. And who knows what Gavin would do if I left him in charge.’

  ‘The only thing putting a dampener on the process for me is the time I’ll have to take out of the tubes, and that drive down to Townsville.’ Emlyn fought the yawn that was threatening. ‘I’ll have to take one of the vans because they need the Troop Carrier here. Or maybe Bill can drive me, depending on the flight times.’ As she leaned forwards to gather the files, Emlyn took a deep breath. ‘Travis? I’ve been thinking about what you said the other night.’

  ‘And?’

  ‘I’m going to see David when I’m in Brisbane.’ She injected determination into her voice. ‘I’m pretty sure I’m strong enough to talk to him face to face now. I took on board what you said.’

  ‘So, you’re going to fight to save your marriage?’ he asked quietly.

  She shook her head. ‘No. Unfortunately it’s past that. But I can be kind to David. He’s a good man. Things can be amicable. We can organise the sale of our house while I’m there, and then it’ll be easier for us …’ Her voice almost broke. ‘And we can stay friends.’

  * * *

  The anguish on Emlyn’s face was heartbreaking to see. Travis didn’t know what had happened in her marriage, but as much as she tried to kid herself, it was obvious she wasn’t dealing with it.

  ‘He’ll be pleased about that?’ Travis said carefully.

  She bit her lip and nodded. In one way, he was glad that Emlyn had taken that positive step. She’d seemed happier over the past week or so, and the pallor he’d noticed when he’d first met her had almost gone. The dark shadows beneath her eyes had lightened and her face held more colour.

  She nodded, and her voice caught. ‘It’s going to be tough, but it’s time for closure. We’ve survived a lot worse.’

  Travis moved closer to her as she unplugged the cords of the laptop. ‘Emlyn?’

  She turned around and her eyes widened when he held his arms open.

  ‘You look like you could do with a hug.’

  She smiled as he put his arms around her, and he rested his chin on the top of her head. They stood there quietly for a moment before he spoke. ‘I really hope it works out for you. And that you’ll be happy with the outcome.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  Travis lifted his head as headlights arced across the driveway. ‘Unless one of your colleagues is looking for you, I think Gavin’s just arrived home.’

  Emlyn stepped back and gathered up her notes and photos before placing them into the small leather satchel she’d brought over. ‘I’ll head off. As soon as Lucy finishes checking all the databases, I’ll add our findings to the application. And you look for that document!’

  ‘Yes, ma’am!’

  The door opened, and Gavin strode in.

  ‘Sorry. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.’

  ‘No. Emlyn came over to show me what they’ve found over there.’ Close enough to the truth. Travis didn’t want Gavin to know what he was doing. Not yet, anyway.

  Gavin shot him a cursory glance as he disappeared into the kitchen. He was out a moment later, pulling the top off a stubby.

  ‘I’ll see you later,’ Emlyn said to Travis and then nodded at Gavin on her way to the door.

  Travis waited at the door until she’d driven off.

  ‘Getting cosier, hey, Trav?’

  Travis picked up the two coffee cups and headed to the kitchen as Gavin sprawled out on the sofa. ‘I told you, it was work. I’ve been helping Emlyn with the project.’

  ‘Yeah, sure it is. And how could you help her, anyway? What document of yours did she want? And why have you got all those boxes out?’

  Travis cursed that he’d overheard Emlyn, and for a moment he considered telling Gavin about the project.

  ‘I was looking for a survey document.’

  Gavin put his beer on the floor, disinterested, and picked up the television remote.

  Travis shook his head and looked at his brother. If the application was approved, and was successful, Gavin would get his share of the proceeds, eventually. There was no point getting him involved now; it was enough that the money might lead to a bit more independence for his brother. Maybe he could move to Townsville permanently.

  ‘Just a bit of local knowledge they need. I’m going to bed. Are you here to stay? I could do with a hand tomorrow.’

  Gavin shrugged. ‘I’m heading back to Townsville in the morning. When do the next lot of steers go to the sales?’

  Travis walked to his bedroom and closed the door firmly behind him.

  * * *

  The first tendrils of dawn were colouring the sky rose-pink, and Emlyn picked up her phone to check the time; it was just after five. There was no point trying to get back to sleep.

  After a quick shower, she dressed for the day in the tubes, and headed for the mess.

  Bill was there already, and she called out to the kitchen as she pushed open the door. ‘Morning, Bill.’

  He came from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. ‘Hey, Em. We haven’t seen much of you this week. You’ve been eating properly, I hope?’

  ‘Yes, Bill. I have been eating properly.’ She shot him a grin. ‘Thanks for caring.’

  ‘How’s it going over there?’

  ‘Good. It’s come together well, and it’s almost ready for me to go to Brisbane. I’m just waiting to hear when the meeting is before I book my flight.’

  ‘Well, give me a day’s notice if you can, and I’ll cook ahead and drive you to Townsville.’

  ‘Thank you. You’re a sweetheart. I was going to ask, but I didn’t want to interfere with your work.’

  Bill’s laugh was hearty as he gestured to the kitchen. ‘Work? This isn’t work! Cooking for the six of you? A couple of years ago, I was on a cattle station down at Innamincka and there were four hundred to feed every night. I call this retirement, love.’

  ‘Thank you, then. That’d be great.’

  John and Greg walked in together and she filled them in on the progress of the application as they ate breakfast.

  ‘We’re going to go in deep today,’ John said. ‘I know what a difference it’ll make to the likelihood of getting funding if we have something spectacular to include.’

  Greg lifted his fork and held it in the air with a smile. ‘And you don’t know the best of it, Emlyn. John and I have been studying the NASA vision while you’ve been out each night, and we went exploring. We’ve found another entry point about ten kilometres to the west. And from walking along the top, it appears that the tube goes for a few kilometres unbroken.’

  ‘That’s fabulous.’

  John nodded. ‘I’ve got no doubt that there’s something down there, so I thought we’d go right into the new one today. I asked Bill last night to load the oxygen into the van in case we need it. The entrance isn’t far from the road. It’s a bit of a drop into the cave. We’ll need our climbing gear.’ John’s eyes crinkled as he grinned. ‘I’ve got a feeling about this one, Emlyn. I don’t think anyone has been down in that cave before.’

  * * *

  Three hours later, John, Greg and Emlyn, followed by a reluctant Larry, climbed down into the cave. Bill helped them secure the mounts at the top so that they could easily climb back out. The oxygen tanks and camera gear had been lowered down and a dark void opened up ahead of them.

/>   ‘I’ve been reading up on the Undara findings,’ Greg said as he secured his LED headband. ‘The most significant finds over there of diverse species came from the sections like Bayliss Cave.’

  ‘Where the air was foul?’ Emlyn asked as she put the backpack over her shoulders.

  Greg nodded. ‘There are some specimens in the Australian Museum in Sydney, but it’s unclear who collected them. It’s thought that it might have been a local explorer’s club because there’s no documentation. They were found in the early eighties and recorded as coming from Bayliss Cave.’

  ‘We didn’t know about any of this at the university, did we?’ Emlyn frowned.

  ‘No, we didn’t,’ Greg said. ‘Lucy stumbled across it while she was searching the databases yesterday. It’s never been documented because although museum records note that it was one of the original Hawaiian biology team who discovered them, that was discounted because it was before they first came to Undara.’

  ‘Subsequent to the discovery of those specimens,’ John added. ‘A couple of members of a caving club from up north collected the first specimens of a blind plant hopper, as well as a juvenile located amongst tree roots in the deep, dark zone of Bayliss Cave. So, I’m very hopeful about what we might find today.’

  ‘Come on, let’s get exploring.’ Emlyn stepped out towards the dark cave. ‘Whatever we find will be documented properly.’ She peered ahead at the unusual lava tube structure as Larry flashed his bright light ahead of them. It was very different to the tube and caves they’d spent the last three weeks in. The entrance was confined as the floor sloped down, but it was undulating. Greg followed her as she ducked beneath a wall-like ridge.

  Emlyn wrinkled her nose at the same time as Greg spoke. ‘I think we need to test the air quality before we go any further.’

  Larry took a step back. ‘I’ll go back and wait at the entrance near the tanks while you do that.’

  As Greg opened the case with the testing equipment, Emlyn asked, ‘Can you taste the air, too?’

  John nodded. ‘I can. And the excess intrusion of tree roots, and the heavy deposits of bat guano is a giveaway.’