by Iris Blobel
Whoosh.
Another snowball hit her in the back, but when she turned, she saw Ivy with a grin on her face. "Couldn't resist, honey."
They both laughed, but decided to stick together and within seconds a great snowball fight followed—until an innocent tourist was hit.
Brushing off the snow, they went into the information centre via the tunnel at the back. The front door was snowed shut. They learnt about the history of the crater and saw some stunning pictures of the lake. However, due to the extremely low visibility, they decided not to take the risk to drive closer in those weather conditions. Quite to everyone's disappointment, though.
Deflated and exhausted, they made their way to the next town to find a place to stay for the night.
Later that evening, when Jared and Ivy had gone for a small walk, Mia sat next to Josh in front of the motorhome.
"What would I do in Melbourne?" she asked without looking him.
He placed his finger underneath her chin and lifted her head. "What about study?"
"What if I don't get a place?"
"What if you find out first and then think about it?"
Her shoulders sagged, and she leaned back. She'd always admired him for his optimistic outlook. In general, she was the same and had learnt from a very young age that tomorrow was another day and would be whatever you made of it. When it came to family and security, she lacked this confidence.
"There are a few universities around. I'm certain with your grades you'll easily get a place."
The scenery around wasn't as impressive as it had been a few days earlier in Salt Lake City, but Mia assumed it was more due to her confused emotions. The first drops of rain didn't help either. They packed away their chairs and went inside.
"Want a drink?"
She shook her head and switched on the television but, even with all the channels, there was nothing worth watching.
His hand on her arm startled her somewhat. She hadn't noticed him coming closer.
"Muffin. I can see the smoke coming out of your hair, you're over thinking this so much."
"It's a big decision," she argued as she turned.
"It's for three years."
Her eyebrows shot up. "Yeah. Three years."
Josh chuckled.
"Do you think we're ready to live on our own? Not to mention in a big city."
"We have over six months to find out. How about a week's holiday in Melbourne to find out? It's a great place."
She laughed. "You only know the MCG."
Raising an eyebrow, he moved back a bit. "I'm hurt." But he wasn't quite able to suppress his smile.
He leaned forward and whispered, "I'm sure we'd find a travel guide to Melbourne in the library somewhere."
Before she was able to reply, he'd placed his lips on hers and kissed her. Her entire body throbbed with an intensity which was new to her, and she worried her wobbly legs would give in.
Mia broke the kiss. "I'm a bit scared."
His lips touched hers again, gently and sweet, before he said, "This is not the right place. Not to mention—"
Slightly confused, she interrupted him as she pushed him away. "Josh? What are you talking about?"
He cocked an eyebrow that told her it obviously wasn't the same thing.
"I'm scared about Melbourne."
Nodding, he said, "Of course."
With a big grin, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in for a big hug.
"Josh?"
"Uh-huh?"
"I'll be eighteen soon."
He gently nipped at her shoulder. "Muffin, I love you, but I'm scared to my bones of Sophie."
Mia knew what he was saying. And, although disappointed, she was glad he respected Sophie's rules and values. Her older sister had looked after her since their mother had died. She'd had help from most of their friends, especially Mark and Zach, but also from Father Mahoney. Mia knew that it'd been important for Sophie not to sleep with Mark before their wedding, and had instilled the same values into her sister. For Josh to be able to sleep over, they had to promise Sophie not to have sex.
His statement made her giggle, but also made her love him even more for respecting her family, especially Sophie.
Chapter Seventeen
Ivy held on to Jared's hand and tried hard not to trip. The rain was coming down hard, and they were running back to the RV Park. She was soaking wet and freezing cold. Jared pulled her over in front of a small café.
"Tea?"
She shook her head. "They'll kick me out when they see me like this."
Placing an arm around her, he gently pulled her in to keep her warm. "I lost track of time, but the caravan park can't be that far."
Ivy simply nodded and focused hard on not shivering too much. She was desperate for warmth, yet not in his arms. She was desperate to get out of his arms, before her bruised heart was going to get another pounding.
"Wanna tell me what's wrong with ya?"
Surprised, she met his gaze and, way too quickly, replied, "Nothing's wrong with me."
A smile curved one corner of his mouth, but then faded. "Honey blossom, I know something's wrong. I just can't figure out what."
A couple arguing across the road distracted her for a moment. She turned back to Jared, and although she wanted to put a bit of distance between them, her body disobeyed and stayed nicely tugged into his arms. The touch of his lips on her forehead was light but still caused an explosion of emotions in said disobeying body.
"Jared?"
"Uh-huh?"
"Nothing's wrong."
"Liar." He chuckled.
She took a deep breath and tilted her head to look up to him. Tears welled up in her eyes, and suddenly the trip didn't seem such a good idea after all.
"I'm having the best time of my life."
Choking back a chuckle, he cupped her face, and with his arms gone, so was the warmth.
"But?" he asked.
"I did something really terrible."
Jared's smile disappeared and concern took over. No longer able to hold back the tears, she wiped them with the back of her hand. Anxiety surged through her and suddenly the conversation and the truth scared her. He lifted her head again to meet her eyes, and she gazed helplessly into his dark brown eyes, unable to look away. Unable to breathe.
The heavy rain around them sounded like pebbles falling onto the ground. The silence lengthened between them, making her uncomfortable when she suddenly whispered.
"I've fallen in love with you, Jared."
One dark brow rose up his forehead, but otherwise he didn't move.
Her heart sank with every passing second of silence, and she tried so hard to read his eyes. Yet, they didn't give anything away. Nothing. More tears were falling from her cheeks.
"I'm sorry," she finally whispered.
He placed his finger on her lips. "Ssh. Never apologise for loving someone."
Ivy took his hand into hers. "I tried so hard not to. Honestly." She took a deep breath and then continued. "But it just happened. I love the way you approach every day in a positive way. The way you laugh at my silly jokes. You always smile or see the good in people or a situation. The way you care for Mia and Josh, and care for me. Your patience, you're laid back—"
"And I left a woman when she needed me the most," he interrupted her as he stepped away from her.
She followed him. "Everyone else would've moved on. You haven't."
"What does that say about me?" he asked, his voice becoming icy.
Tugging a strand of hair behind her ear, she replied, "It says you care about your actions and their implications."
A wrinkle creased his forehead as he shook his head.
Her heart ached, but at that moment, she wasn't sure whether it was for herself or him. After all those years, he was still punishing himself for leaving Ally. Many would've understood, and many in his shoes would have moved on, but he hadn't. She knew if there had been a chance for them, the situation would've h
urt her right to the core of her heart. Since he was from the other side of the world, though, she knew the chance of them actually being together was slim, and the pain inside would eventually ebb away.
The rain eased, but the clouds still stayed dark and threatening.
"I know we have to say goodbye next week." She hesitated. "But you asked."
His eyes studied her, but she couldn't read his face. From the little bit she knew of him, she was sure he wouldn't leave her behind in this town, but considered it'd be in both their best interest. He had his holidays turned up-side-down already with both the addition of her as a passenger as well as having Mia and Josh, he surely didn't need a love-sick woman hanging around as well.
"You're about the sexiest and most interesting hitchhiker I've ever picked up," he said suddenly.
That made her giggle. "I assume the only one as well."
His chuckle was a little strained when he said, "Right. Sexy and interesting nonetheless."
Jared wiped a tear from her cheek, lowered his head, and brushed his lips against hers.
"This could've been something really good," he whispered, and wrapped his arm around her waist. She opened her mouth for him and it felt so right, it nearly sent her to her knees.
****
Jared poured everything into this kiss. A kiss that drained him and at the same time filled him with emotions that had laid dormant for such a long time. When he finally pulled away from Ivy, he noticed her breathing was as erratic as his own.
He raised his head to look into her face. He searched her eyes. Searched for something, anything to tell him he could throw away all his reservations, yet deep inside he knew he wasn't capable of loving and caring for someone. He knew, if it got too hard for him, he'd leave. Exactly as he had done with Ally.
But Ivy seemed to know him better than anybody else. And it'd only taken her a few days.
Still, these were holidays. Life wasn't a holiday, and he was aware of that. The truth was, they would have to say goodbye in a few days. Even so, he was grateful for the time shared with Ivy.
"Let's get you back to the caravan park for a warm shower and something to eat," he said finally.
He took her hand, and they walked back to the caravan park in silence.
Ivy headed straight for the showers, and Jared kicked Mia out of the motorhome to change into dry clothes.
Once he was dressed, Mia came back in again.
"Where's Josh?"
Mia looked up. "He weathered the rain and went to the shop to get some fruit. He's missing his mum's fruit platter." She laughed.
Jared shared a laugh as well. He knew how much fruit Josh could consume in a normal day, but he also knew how fussy he was with cutting it up himself.
"How are you two going?" he asked.
Mia nodded hesitantly. "I think we're good."
"Ya think?"
She shrugged. "We're fine. Working around the Melbourne idea in different directions each day."
When she was silent for a moment, he looked over, and she continued.
"I think I overreacted a bit," she conceded.
That brought out a laughter in him. "A bit?"
With a big sigh, she leaned back into the chair. "I know. I have a history of doing that. But—" She looked back at Jared. "This time I'm not regretting it. Not a bit."
"How's that?"
She giggled. "Well, have a look where I am. This is a great trip."
Jared couldn't agree more and smiled. He had the time of his life as well. He'd fallen in love with America, its people… and Ivy!
"Jared, how are you going?"
The seriousness in her voice surprised him, but he ignored it and, with a smile, replied, "Great. After all, I'm here as well."
Gently placing her hand on his arm, she explained, "I meant with Ivy."
He lifted an eyebrow at her.
"It's kinda obvious."
"Kinda?" he asked with a strained chuckle.
"You like her, right?"
This wasn't really a topic he wanted to discuss with Mia. In fact, this wasn’t something he wanted to discuss with anybody. His gaze wandered around the caravan park in hope that Josh or Ivy were on their way back, but no such luck.
"Of course I like her, otherwise I wouldn't have offered her to join us."
She gently slapped him on the arm. "I mean like her."
Teenagers! He chuckled. He knew.
"Mate, I have no idea where ya goin' with this, but yes I like her, but that's it."
"Liar." She giggled and slapped him again.
"One more inappropriate touching and I send ya back on the next plane."
"You're such a man. You're always looking after me, why can't I be the one you can talk to?"
Surprised by her words, he stared at her. The little girl wasn't little anymore, but growing up.
With a nod, he replied, "Righteo." Then he paused to find the right words. "Thing is, as much as I like Ivy, she's American, and I've got to go home next week."
"She's got no home or anywhere else to go. She could come to Hobart."
As much as he wanted to, he tried not to laugh because he knew in her teenage thinking Mia was serious about the idea.
"This is a holiday, Mia. Life's not a holiday. She mightn't like a man who lives for his business."
"That's ‘cause you haven't got anything else to live for. Ivy might be the person to change it."
He shook his head.
"Jared?"
"Hmm?"
"Think about it."
Oh, he had thought about it. He’d imagined every angle of the whole situation. Nonetheless, he always came to the same result: he was going to say goodbye the next week. He knew it was going to break his heart into more pieces than a shattered window.
Chapter Eighteen
Ivy stepped into the amenities block. It was a small concrete building with only a light bulb near the door, another one at the other end and some natural lighting, which came in through the windows at the top of the walls. The shower cubicles were at the back near the sinks. They were well looked-after. Ivy found a heater and turned it on a low setting. The instant warmth spreading through the small space felt good. She was freezing cold and looking forward to the hot water to warm her up. She undressed in the small cubicle, turned on the water, and stepped into the shower. Her ache inside grew until she could control it no longer and tears started to fall down her face. She’d miss them all so much.
The water ran over her head and cascaded down her body in a soothing massage. The headache eased, and she relaxed. Gradually her sobs subsided, and she started lathering up her body with soap.
Her mind wandered off to the many places she'd been to over the previous days and how much she'd enjoyed each one of them. She also thought about her new friends, and the depth of the friendship she had developed with the three Australians. The jokes they shared, the good and bad ones, as well as everyone's stories. The friendship and care for each other. She'd fallen in love with all of them.
"Ivy?"
Mia's voice hauled her back from her thoughts.
"Yes, I'm in here."
"Just checking that you're all right."
Ivy froze for a minute. "Why shouldn't I be?"
Silence hung in the air and with the noise of the water, Ivy strained to hear Mia's voice.
"I'm just nosy, I s'pose," Mia admitted quietly, and Ivy laughed.
She turned off the water and grabbed the towel. "Nosy or caring for Jared?"
Mia's sigh echoed in the small cabin. "Both in a way."
There was no way Ivy was able to be angry with Mia for being nosy. She assumed that, mixed with her curiosity, she cared for Jared as well and didn't want to see him hurt. With a few quick moves, she got dressed and opened the door.
"Did he say something?"
Mia shook her head. "But his actions say it all."
Ivy nodded. "Would you believe me if I'd say I'm fine?"
Mia shook her head again. "
Your actions kinda say it all, too."
They both giggled.
"Kinda?"
"Kinda." Mia said.
"Honey, it doesn't really matter what we feel for each other, fact is you will leave this country next week and live your life at the other end of the world." With a sigh, she added. "My life will start in Salt Lake City."
"But this is not the nineteenth century anymore. You could come to Australia."
Ivy liked the girl's thinking. If only it'd be as easy as stepping onto a plane.
"Honey, these are different circumstances. This is—"
"A holiday, yadi-yadi-yada. Heard that one," Mia interrupted her.
Ivy laughed and then lifted her right shoulder in a shrug. "It is what it is. Whether we like it or not."
The girl opened her mouth and then closed it again.
"Spill it," Ivy encouraged her.
"I'm not allowed to curse," Mia said through gritted teeth.
That definitely added a few bonus points to Sophie for raising her so well.
Leaning against the sink, she finally put her cursing into nice words. "You all made such a fuss about me not wanting to go to Melbourne, and even though I see there's a difference between moving across the Bass Strait or the Pacific Ocean—"
"Bass Street?"
"Bass Strait," Mia corrected. "The water between the mainland and Tasmania." She sighed. "Anyway, the thing is, what everybody told me is at least try. I suppose it's the same with you two."
Ivy drew in her lips, overwhelmed by the girl's effort to help. "Honey, I would assume it costs less to fly to Melbourne than for me to go to Hobart. Not to mention all the other bureaucratic nightmares."
Mia nodded, but everything in her face told Ivy the girl was not convinced. She moved away from the sink and walked towards the door.
"Just remember you'll never know if you've never tried. To try and lose is better than going through life wondering about the what-ifs," Mia said as she stepped outside.
Dang, this girl was too clever for her age!
Ivy brushed her hair and threw all her belongings into her little plastic bag. As much as she wanted to deny it, the idea of "giving it a try" was planted in her head.