by Di Morrissey
*
Life was busy for Natalie with three small children and Mark travelling back and forth to Western Australia every three weeks. Charlotte had started school, and there were swimming and music lessons after school. Adam still enjoyed preschool and Natalie thought that she would shortly send Andrew, too, for one day a week. While Charlotte was at school Natalie spent a lot of time at the park with the boys, working off their excess energy. On the weekends Natalie liked to take them all to Thi’s market, where Charlotte had graduated from the Shetland pony to a slightly larger one. The carrots they grew in their back garden were now saved to feed her special friend.
Natalie occasionally saw Thomas at the markets, and Mi Mi sometimes dropped in to her place for coffee. She still liked to meet her friends from the preschool mothers’ group and was a regular at the Friends of Burma meetings. The one thing Natalie had trouble fitting into her busy life was yoga. She didn’t go as often as she would have liked, so she hadn’t seen Moss in a long time, although she did manage to return his book on Buddhism, unread. She had tried to read it, but it had been incomprehensible.
‘Nat,’ Mark asked on the telephone one night, ‘when I come home this weekend, Brad plans to come back, too. I invited him to stay for a few days, is that all right with you?’
Natalie hesitated. It was her birthday and she would have liked to have Mark to herself. But he always enjoyed Brad’s company when they had a break together, and, as he had helped get Mark his job in the Pilbara, she felt grateful to him. ‘I guess so.’
‘He’s thinking of selling his unit. He’s keen on the idea of buying a place in Perth, or even Bali.’
‘If he does, maybe we can go to see him there one day,’ said Natalie. ‘A family holiday – that’s something we haven’t done for a while. I miss Steve and Mum’s farm. I spoke to Mum today and she said a bundle of his shares have suddenly started to improve. She told him to sell them and put the profits into a high-yield account. Much safer. Shop seems to be doing all right. It must be a relief for them. Just like us.’
‘Do you think they will ever take off on that trip around Australia that they talk about?’ asked Mark.
‘Eventually. It’s more Steve’s idea than Mum’s. Anyway, I don’t think he’s as bored like he was since he’s been helping out on a friend’s property. Says he gets all the fun and none of the responsibility!’
‘Okay, Nat, don’t make any plans for Saturday night, will you? I’m taking you to dinner for your birthday,’ said Mark.
‘How lovely! I thought you might have forgotten.’
‘As if. Don’t forget to book that babysitter. See you soon and talk tomorrow.’
Brad was, as usual, full of cheeky smiles and bonhomie. Mark was pleased to be home and didn’t seem nearly as exhausted as he usually did when he arrived back after a long shift. On Natalie’s birthday they all spent time with the children, then Brad and Mark disappeared on an errand. Natalie suspected that they were going to the pub for a drink while she prepared for the night out. She had that luxury because she’d asked the babysitter, Brooke, to come early. Brooke had originally been recommended by Jodie and Natalie had used her several times before, so she was not at all concerned about leaving the children with her.
‘Where are we going?’ she asked Mark when he got back. ‘Why do I have to dress up?’
‘We’re starting off at the casino, there’s a cocktail do on. Brad got us invitations and he’s waiting for us there. I just have to make a quick stop on the way.’
Natalie wrinkled her nose. ‘I’m not sure about the casino. You know it’s not my thing. Mark, I don’t want anything fancy, just a romantic evening with my husband where I can finish my meal and we can talk without being interrupted by a child!’
Mark chuckled. ‘That might happen, too. Just go with the flow, okay?’
As they left the house, Natalie kept running through the detailed instructions she’d left with Brooke, hoping she hadn’t forgotten anything.
‘Nat! Relax, this is a night off!’ said Mark. ‘Anyway, Brooke is always reliable, just trust her to do her usual good job. The kids will be fine.’
He drove through the glittering, busy strip of Surfers Paradise towards Southport, and then turned into a side street towards the beach.
‘Why are we driving down here?’
‘I’m just doing Brad a favour. Have to pick someone up for him.’
‘Bit of an inconvenience, isn’t it?’ said Natalie. ‘On our one night out.’
‘He has a friend living down this way and I said we’d bring him along to the casino.’
‘Can’t he drive himself?’ said Natalie, thinking that her birthday treat was getting out of hand. ‘This is a pretty posh area. Look at these highrises.’
‘These older places are very spacious. I think I’d rather be in one of these than some of the buildings going up now.’
‘I’ll wait here,’ said Natalie.
‘No, come up, you might get to peek inside, apparently it’s quite something. The car will be fine.’
They walked through a marble, mirrored foyer full of tropical plants and large, bright modern art, and entered a teak-lined lift.
Natalie caught a glimpse of herself and Mark in its tinted mirror and couldn’t help smiling. ‘I didn’t recognise us. We look so glamorous. We almost look as if we live here!’
They got out on the twelfth floor and walked along the plush, carpeted hallway. Mark pushed the buzzer at the end apartment.
‘I bet they have a fantastic view,’ whispered Natalie.
Mark glanced at his watch as they waited for a few moments before the door was answered.
A teenage girl opened the door and smiled at Mark. ‘Come in, we’ve been expecting you.’ She shot Natalie a look and ushered them inside.
Natalie hung back, but Mark propelled her forward.
Suddenly they were in a large living room which lead out to an enormous balcony, crammed with people and alive with music.
‘Mark, we shouldn’t be here. They’re having a party,’ said Natalie, immediately feeling embarrassed.
Then she saw Brad coming towards them and her mouth fell open.
‘Yes, a party for you!’
Mark kissed her as people began coming in from the balcony, laughing and calling out, ‘Surprise!’
Familiar faces appeared before Natalie as she tried to take it all in. ‘For me? Everyone’s here. I can’t believe it!’
Mi Mi came towards them, a handsome Indian with greying temples beside her. ‘Happy birthday!’ She gave Natalie a hug. ‘Mark, I don’t think you’ve met my husband Nanda. I hope you are surprised, Natalie. Mark has been planning this for weeks.’
Natalie was still in shock. ‘Is this your new apartment? I had no idea when you said you were buying a new one that it would be this grand. And I didn’t even recognise your Serena when she opened the door.’
‘I’m not surprised,’ replied Mi Mi. ‘She does look grownup when she wears all that make-up. And our son Shanti is over there, practising being a waiter.’
‘How kind of you to do all this.’ Natalie turned to Mark. ‘I can’t believe it. And Mi Mi, so much for you to do.’
‘Mark and Brad should take the credit. They have put a lot of hard work and effort into making this party a surprise for you. We have only supplied the venue.’
‘Nearly everyone is here except Vicki,’ said Mark. ‘She’s still in Port Douglas with her toy boy.’
‘Mark! Finn’s only five years younger and they adore each other. I think it’s lovely,’ admonished Natalie. ‘But I’m sorry she’s not here. There’s Thi and her husband. And Thomas. And Jodie, Holly . . . And my mother is here! And Steve . . .’
Natalie was overwhelmed by the party, and by the presence of so many friends. She was thrilled that her mother and Steve had driven up for the night. The setting was fabulous for a party. Standing on the balcony, looking across the Nerang River to the lights of Surfers Paradise, she leaned again
st Mark.
‘I can’t believe you’ve done this. How lovely of Mi Mi. I had no idea her new place was so beautiful. Mi Mi is so down-to-earth. After her hard life she deserves something like this. She is so generous. It’s unfair that she doesn’t feel it’s safe enough for her to go back to Burma. She would love to see her parents.’
‘I guess Burma is still an unpredictable place.’ Mark looked concerned for a moment but quickly said, ‘Never mind, let’s talk about that later. Come on, it’s time to see the cake Thi’s made for you.’
Thi was dressed in a silk longyi and lace top, her wild curls drawn to one side with a tortoiseshell comb and a fresh flower. Her husband, a towering Australian called Mick, was dressed in a dark plaid longyi and a stiffly formal white mandarin-collared shirt with woven frog-loop buttons. He looked completely at home in the Burmese outfit, as though he had worn it many times before.
‘I made you Burmese savouries and finger food, and of course mohinga soup, but your birthday cake had to be an Aussie one. Pavlova!’ declared Thi, revealing a high, crisp meringue piled with slices of mango, kiwifruit, strawberries and whipped cream dotted with passionfruit.
‘That looks absolutely delicious.’ Natalie said, smiling at Mark. He knew how much she liked pavlova and she guessed he’d suggested it to Thi.
Later in the evening, when all the guests had finished Thi’s delicious food, everyone gathered around and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ while Natalie blew out the candles and cut the pavlova. She kissed Mark.
‘Thank you, darling. This has been the most wonderful evening. I can’t believe that you went to all this trouble.’
‘We’re not done yet,’ he said. ‘Thi has something she’d like to say.’ Mark stepped to one side as Thi joined them. Everyone listened as she spoke to Natalie.
‘Natalie, we are all very happy to share your birthday and bring together two parts of your life – your family and your old friends, and your new family: your Burmese friends,’ said Thi with a smile. ‘We have all watched you grow, as a mother, wife and friend. My community is very grateful for your interest and commitment to our country of Burma. We appreciate your genuine interest in our homeland and to show support for all that has happened, not just to those of us here, but to those we left behind. While we await the day our inspirational Aung San Suu Kyi and other fighters for democracy will be released, we know that you, too, will continue to work towards a free Burma. Your interest, we know, has been sparked by the kammavaca you inherited and which you have promised will be returned one day to its rightful owner.’
Thi paused and Natalie looked at the warm, smiling faces around her. She was lucky, she thought, to count these extraordinary people as her friends.
‘Your husband has a very special gift for you and it comes also with our metta,’ continued Thi, ‘our loving kindness and good wishes.’
Mark placed his arm around Natalie’s waist and looked at her face.
‘Natalie, I love you very much. You are the best wife and mother in the world. I leave you for weeks at a time to run the household by yourself and you are great at it. We have three very little children, whom you mainly look after by yourself, but you are always patient and loving. We live in a house that needs a lot of major renovations, which we can’t quite afford, but you don’t complain. Well, you did a bit about the bathroom! And you were prepared to compromise your very strongly held principles by selling something that meant a great deal to you, to help your family out of a tight spot. I think you are just about perfect and I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you. So, please open this card.’
Mark had an enormous smile on his face. Natalie could also see that Brad was grinning broadly. On the card Mark had written, Happy Birthday. We love you, Mark, Charlotte, Adam and Andrew. On the other side he’d added a note: ‘Your gift is a trip to Burma. And with the help of your friends, you will meet Princess Aye Aye and return to her the you-know-what! Travel safely and we will hold the fort.’
Natalie blinked. ‘I don’t understand. What does this note mean?’
Mark hugged her. ‘Exactly what it says. It’s all arranged, except your passport. You have to do that yourself, but everything else is organised. Flights, accommodation and the travel agent will arrange the visa.’
‘But, Mark, going to Burma on my own?’
‘It will be safe for you. We’ve arranged for people to look after you. You’ll be in good hands, never fear,’ said Thi.
‘I don’t know what to say . . .’ began Natalie. ‘It’s like a dream . . . Mark, are you sure about this? The children?’
‘All taken care of. Listen, we can discuss the details but you’re definitely going.’
Brad lifted his glass. ‘Here’s to Natalie! On her way to Burma! Happy birthday!’
Sarah and Steve came up and hugged her.
‘Are you surprised?’ asked Steve.
‘I’m shocked. You knew about this?’
‘Of course, Mark told us all about it. We’re all in on it,’ said Sarah.
‘Mum, I don’t feel I can leave the children. And Mark. Will he manage? And also how can we afford this? I mean, it’s a lovely idea . . .’
‘Listen, I’ve been convinced by Thi and Mi Mi. Even your friend Vicki rang me,’ said Sarah. ‘They think it’s important for you to find Aye Aye and give her back the kammavaca. You’ve wanted to return it for ages. I’ve been persuaded it’s safe enough to go to Burma as a tourist, seeing the sights. As Mark said, you’re raising a beautiful family, you’re a great wife, and you have a husband willing to do this for you. You might never have a chance like this again.’
Mark handed Natalie a glass of champagne. ‘Don’t worry. It’s all going to be fine. Start getting used to the idea.’
‘I guess it was a surprise, huh?’ said Brad wandering over with a drink in his hand. ‘Mark’s been worried you’d twig to his plan.’
‘Are you joking? I would have never imagined in my wildest fantasies he was planning this!’ Natalie said with a laugh. ‘How can we afford it?’
‘It’s not going to cost very much and all your Burmese friends have taken care of the accommodation inside Burma. They insisted. Mind you, it’s not five star, but you’ll see the real Burma,’ said Mark. He looked suddenly concerned. ‘You do want to do this, don’t you?’
‘Oh, Mark, I’ll miss the children and you. But I’m suddenly feeling excited,’ said Natalie. ‘What about you? I feel mean that I’m going and leaving you behind. Will you be all right juggling the kids?’
‘I’d love to come with you, but someone has to stay and look after those three little monsters. I’ve got plenty of holiday leave I can take and you can’t say I haven’t got the experience. For sure, dead set, all agreed,’ he added quickly. ‘Jodie has offered backup if I need it. Not to mention all these Burmese aunties. What a crew.’ He shook his head. ‘I just hope you’re not disillusioned when you get to Burma and find not everyone is as nice as these people.’
‘I’ll learn one way or another, won’t I?’ said Natalie with a broad smile, and they both laughed.
‘It’s nice to see you laugh like that,’ said Sarah. ‘Of course, I’m going to worry myself sick till you come back.’
‘No, you’re not, Sarah,’ cautioned Steve. ‘Natalie will be just fine. She can look after herself.’
‘Let’s not worry about those things tonight,’ said Mark and he took Natalie’s hand.
Later, as some guests left and others helped to clear away plates, food and glasses, Natalie and Mark leaned against the balcony as a breeze lifted the ends of Natalie’s hair. They stared at the twinkling lights of the skyscrapers reflected in the river.
‘This is a birthday I’ll never forget. I can’t believe you did this.’ She looked at him. ‘Why did you do it? Because of Andrew? The kammavaca?’
‘Both. I feel you deserve it. When we bought the house, life seemed so straightforward. Then suddenly I’m gone for weeks and you had to do everything on your own. And then you had
to deal with poor little Andrew, and me getting made redundant, and we then had the hassle over the kammavaca.’
‘Mark, none of what happened was your fault. Anyway, we share the load. That’s what a marriage is about.’
‘I just wanted to do something special for you. I wasn’t sure that it was going to work because you haven’t even been outside Australia and Burma does seem a bit of a challenge. Funny thing is that when I told Brad my idea, I thought he’d say I was nuts, but he didn’t. He said you were resilient and curious and strong, and you’ve never had the chance to see what’s over the other side of the fence and that you should. So I stopped worrying.’
‘Did he? I have to say I’m already getting used to the idea of going to Burma,’ said Natalie. ‘I feel I have a bunch of people looking out for me. In the morning I might feel different, but that doesn’t matter because you’ve done something wild and wonderful, and I love you for it.’
Natalie opened her eyes to the bright morning light. Had she been dreaming? No, there was the card propped up by her bed. Before she could reach for it, she heard Andrew whimper sleepily so she slid from bed and went to get him up before he woke everyone else.
Later, after making pancakes for breakfast, Natalie took her cup of tea and rang Vicki.
‘Sorry I couldn’t be there. Were you surprised?’ asked her friend.
‘Vicki, I’m still in shock. I feel a bit nervous in the cold light of day. I so wish you were coming with me. Someone who knows the ropes.’