by Judi Curtin
We all laughed and then we sat on the old faded rug and waited for the day to begin properly.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
By eleven o’clock the field was practically full – like there was some kind of carnival going on. All of the people from the day before were there, along with about fifty others. Some girls from Kate’s school showed up, and they chatted with her for a while. I could see that Kate was embarrassed, but pleased too. There were loads of tourists, along with people I knew from the village. Hans was sitting on a blanket playing his guitar, accompanied by two American girls, one with a tin-whistle and the other with a banjo.
There was lots of laughing and chatting, and I began to wonder about all the different people, from different parts of the world who had come together to help us.
Then I heard a familiar voice from behind the hedge.
‘Hey, Eva, come and give us a hand. Do you know how hard it is to wheel a wheelchair through a field?’
It couldn’t be.
But it was.
Maggie was laughing, and Ruby’s face matched her name, as she struggled to wheel her mother’s chair across the rough grass.
I grabbed Kate’s arm and raced over to the edge of the field.
I hugged Maggie and Ruby and then turned to Kate.
‘This is my friend Ruby, and her mum, Maggie,’ I said.
‘You mean Madame Margarita?’ said Kate laughing.
Maggie put her hands over her face. ‘Do you have to tell everyone, Eva?’ she asked, but I knew that she was laughing too.
Between the three of us, we managed to manoeuvre Maggie’s wheelchair into a nice spot, just near Jeremy’s trunk.
Maggie opened the hold-all she was carrying on her knees.
‘I made flags,’ she said. ‘There should be one for everyone.’
As she spoke, she pulled out heaps of small yellow flags, each of which had a tiny tree drawn on them.
‘They are totally amazing,’ said Lily, as she waved one in the air, and then backed away as people rushed at her, all trying to get a flag for themselves.
While Joey and his friends distributed the flags, Ruby came and sat with Kate, Lily and me.
‘What on earth are you doing here?’ I asked.
‘Mum phoned your dad last night, asking about spare parts for the stairlift he fitted, and he told her what’s been going on. And because I had a few days off from swimming camp, Mum and I decided to come here to support you. We got the first bus this morning.’
‘But….’ I began.
Ruby smiled.
‘After all you did for Mum and me last year, it was the least we could do.’
Everyone stared at me then, and I felt totally embarrassed – and a little bit pleased.
Kate nudged me as a man and a woman walked in to the field.
‘I know them,’ she said. ‘They work on the local newspaper.’
The man and woman spoke to a few people who all pointed towards me.
They walked towards us, and the man introduced himself.
‘I understand this is all your doing,’ he said.
I nodded.
‘Sort of. Well, it’s me and Kate really.’
Kate pulled Lily over.
‘And Lily too,’ she said. ‘She’s our fashion consultant.’
The man took out his notebook, and asked us loads of questions about the tree, and why we were protesting. I didn’t dare to mention Kate’s dad, and wasn’t surprised when she didn’t either.
Then the woman asked if she could take a picture, and tried to get everyone to organize themselves into an orderly group. Kate, Lily and I were pushed to the front.
‘Lucky I’ve got my best clothes on,’ whispered Kate, making Lily and me giggle.
At last the group was arranged and we all had to stand still while the photographer took loads of pictures.
Just as the newspaper people left, Chainsaw Man arrived. He came straight over to Kate and me, avoiding Miley’s wife who was standing leaning on a stick, looking menacing.
‘This can still end peacefully,’ he said. ‘We can forget about what’s happened if you all just walk away.’
‘I can’t walk,’ said Maggie.
Chainsaw Man turned and saw her wheelchair for the first time. He went so red that I almost felt sorry for him.
‘I can push you if you like,’ he said in the end.
Maggie smiled. ‘That’s very kind of you, but I think I’ll stay here for a while.’
Chainsaw Man then turned to me.
‘Mr Phillips just phoned me,’ he said. ‘He’s on his way. He’ll be here any minute. This could be your last chance to give in gracefully.’
‘Thanks,’ I said. ‘But, no thanks.’
Then I had a sudden thought. ‘Whose side are you on anyway?’ I asked.
Chainsaw Man shrugged.
‘I’m not paid to take sides. I just do my job. But—’
‘But what?’ asked Kate.
‘Mostly I cut down half-dead trees, or ones that are in danger of being blown down. But this is a strong, healthy tree, and part of me feels it’s very wrong to damage it. I have to admire what you kids are doing in trying to save it.’
‘So don’t cut it down,’ said Kate.
The man shrugged.
‘If I refuse, Mr Phillips will just find someone else to do it. I lose the business, and the tree will still be gone.’
What he said made sense, but I still didn’t like it.
Before I could think of something to say, a sleek black car drew up at the entrance to the field. It was closely followed by a police car. A man in an expensive-looking suit got out of the first car, and three policemen got out of the police car. There was no sign of Gerry, the local policeman. Everyone gasped when they saw that the policemen were dressed in full riot gear, like they were going to deal with hundreds of knife-wielding hooligans, instead of a group of peaceful people who were just trying to save a tree.
The man spoke to the policemen. They waited by their car, while he walked towards us.
The music stopped, and there was no chanting. There was no sound at all except for the squeak of the man’s shiny shoes on the grass, and the singing of the birds from the highest branches of the tree.
The man stopped walking and gazed at us.
‘Who’s in charge here?’ he asked in a calm, powerful voice.
I was glad that no one answered, but it didn’t do me much good, as everyone betrayed me by staring in my direction. Mum and Dad moved from the centre of the crowd, and stood beside me. Mum took my hand and squeezed it tightly. Dad put his arm around my shoulder.
The man walked over and stopped in front of me. He was so close that I could see the tiny stitching on the collar of his suit. I could smell his expensive aftershave.
‘Let me introduce myself,’ he said. ‘My name is Jason Phillips. Maybe you would be so kind as to explain what you are doing here in my field.’
I was so frightened, I couldn’t think of anything to say. Dad squeezed my shoulder in encouragement, and even though that made me feel a small bit better, I still couldn’t find the courage to open my mouth.
‘I’ll tell you if you like,’ shouted Miley’s wife, stepping forward and waving her stick like she wanted to kill someone with it.
Miley pulled her back.
‘I knew I should have left you at home,’ he muttered.
Suddenly Kate was whispering in my ear.
‘This is our chance, Eva,’ she said. ‘You have to talk to Mr Phillips. You have to make him understand. You have to help me. You have to help Jeremy.’
And suddenly it was like Eva Gordon wasn’t standing in that field any more. It was like someone braver and cleverer than me had stepped into my shoes, and was using my mouth to say words that I would never have thought of on my own.
‘I’ll tell you what’s going on, Mr Phillips,’ I said, as I pulled away from Mum and Dad, and stepped forward. ‘We’re trying to save this tree. This tree
has been here for more than a hundred years. It was here before I was born – even before you were born. This tree means something to all of us – something that your holiday home never will. So basically we’re not going anywhere. We’re going to stay here for as long as it takes. And trust me, we’re very patient people.’
Just then Miley’s wife wriggled away from her husband.
‘I’m not patient,’ she said. ‘Just say the word and I’ll sort this man out once and for all.’
Mum patted her shoulder.
‘Thanks very much,’ she said, ‘but I think we can leave this to Eva.’
Miley’s wife let herself be led to the back of the crowd, and Mr Phillips spoke again.
‘You were saying?’
My hands were shaking, and I realised that tears were streaming down my face. I heard a sound behind me, and saw that Mum and Dad were both wiping their eyes, and that Kate’s eyes were sparkling strangely.
‘It’s very simple,’ I said. ‘You can threaten us all you like, but we are never, ever going to let you destroy this beautiful, precious, wonderful place.’
‘Hear, hear,’ shouted Miley’s wife from the back of the crowd, and suddenly there was a chorus of cheers from everyone else. Joey and his friends jumped up and down and whistled, and everyone waved their flags madly.
At last the cheers died down, and Mr Phillips stepped even closer to me. I knew he couldn’t hurt me in front of all those people, but still I felt a cold stab of fear.
‘What’s your name, young lady?’ he asked.
‘Eva.’ It came out like a squeak.
‘Do you know what you are, Eva?’ he asked.
I shook my head, afraid to speak.
‘You’re a credit to your parents, that’s what.’
I wasn’t sure I’d heard him properly, but still I didn’t say anything. Mr Phillips continued. ‘I have a girl just about your age, and do you know where she is now?’
This sounded like one of those questions that adults ask, that never seem to require answers, so I said nothing, and waited for him to continue.
‘I’ll tell you where she is. She’s at home, sitting on her bed, straightening her hair, talking on the phone, and watching rubbish on TV.’
So basically she’s just like me – the real me.
Mr Phillips kept talking.
‘I’m ashamed to say that my daughter is nothing at all like you. You are a wonderful, brave and principled girl to stand up for what you believe in. You’re eloquent, you’re strong, you’re—’
Miley’s wife stepped forward again.
‘Enough about her already,’ she cried. ‘What about the tree?’
Mr Phillips actually smiled.
‘Oh, the tree,’ he said. ‘I’d nearly forgotten about that, I was so busy praising this remarkable young lady.’
Dad stepped forwards and patted my shoulder, as Mr Phillips continued.
‘Suddenly I’m ashamed that I ever considered destroying this wonderful tree – I don’t know what I was thinking of. This is a very big field. I’ll talk to the planning people and I’m fairly sure I’ll be able to find another place to build my house. I’ll build far away from here so that you can all visit the tree any time you like. How does that sound?’
Miley’s wife dropped her stick and ran over and hugged Mr Phillips, wrapping her filthy arms tightly around his neck. Mr Phillips endured it bravely, and when he managed to free himself, he came over and shook my hand.
‘Well done, young lady,’ he said.
Mum and Dad came up and hugged me.
‘That’s our daughter,’ they said proudly, and Mr Phillips told them again what a credit I was to them, while I just stood there grinning, hoping that they’d remember this moment the next time I was in trouble.
An hour later, Mr Phillips and the policemen had left, and most of the rest of us were feasting on the mountain of food that Lily’s mum had brought.
Once the food was gone, people sat around enjoying the sunshine.
Friedrich gave Joey and his friends the soccer lesson he had promised them. I looked over just as Joey scored a goal. Friedrich gave him a high-five and Joey looked like he was going to explode with happiness.
I chatted to Ruby and Maggie, while Hans taught Kate and Lily how to play some chords on his guitar.
Mum was talking about chickens with anyone who would listen, and Dad was looking at endless photos on a Japanese man’s very fancy phone.
Before long, it was time for Maggie and Ruby to catch the bus back home. I went to the edge of the field with them.
‘Thanks so much for coming,’ I said. ‘It was really lovely to see you both.’
‘It’s our pleasure,’ said Maggie. ‘And know what, Eva? You’ll go a long, long way.’
Ruby sighed.
‘I thought you’d given up fortune-telling, Mum.’
Maggie slapped her daughter lightly on the arm.
‘Don’t be so cheeky,’ she said. ‘You don’t need to be a fortune-teller to see that Eva has a bright future ahead of her.’
I leaned down and hugged her.
‘Thanks, Maggie,’ I whispered.
‘Any time,’ she said.
I went back over to the tree where Hans and Friedrich were handing out little cards with their names and addresses on them.
‘Come visit us at any time,’ said Hans.
‘We will be showing you the wonders of Essen,’ said Friedrich.
Miley’s wife raced over. ‘Give me one of them,’ she said. ‘I love travelling and I have lots of time on my hands. I could stay for ages and ages.’
Hans shoved the last of the cards into his back pocket. ‘So sorry lady,’ he said. ‘Cards all used up. May I give you this lovely photograph of my dog?’
He shoved the picture into her hands and both men almost ran from the field.
The Japanese tourists solemnly bowed to everyone. Then they handed each person a tiny, folded paper bird.
‘Is crane,’ they said. ‘For good luck.’
There were lots of hugs and kisses and laughter and even a few tears as people began to drift away. Soon only Kate, Lily and I were left.
We sat on the rug and looked at the trampled grass, and the last few flags, fluttering from Jeremy’s branches.
‘I have to go,’ said Lily after a while. ‘Mum’s taking me in to town to buy me a new school uniform.’
The mention of school uniform brought me back to reality. I’d almost forgotten that the real world was going on without me, while I was hanging out in the country and saving trees with Kate.
Lily hugged us both and went off.
So it was just like before – Kate, Jeremy and me.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
‘What do you want to do?’ I asked Kate. ‘Jeremy is safe now, so it’s OK to leave him for a while.’
Kate didn’t reply.
‘Want to go for a walk on the beach?’ I asked.
Kate shook her head.
‘Or to that place you showed me where the blackberries grow? Some of them might be ripe by now.’
Kate shook her head again.
‘No. Let’s just stay here.’
I thought I understood. The place had been so busy for the last few days, maybe she just wanted to relax and enjoy it now.
Maybe she wanted some quiet time to think about her dad.
The afternoon passed very slowly. It was sunny and warm, and for ages, Kate and I lay on the rug and watched the leaves fluttering over our heads in the gentle breeze.
I tried to talk to Kate but she was unusually quiet – quieter than I had ever seen her before.
‘Isn’t it great that we managed to save Jeremy?’ I said for the tenth time, still excited by what we had managed to do. ‘We took Mr Phillips on and we won! That is so totally amazing.’
‘Yes,’ said Kate, like it was no big deal, like we saved trees every day of our lives.
‘You should be happy,’ I said. ‘Aren’t you happy?’
Suddenly I couldn’t take any more. I sat up.
‘What’s going on here, Kate?’ I asked. ‘Things have turned out exactly the way you wanted. We’ve just done something incredible. We’ve saved Jeremy from being chopped into firewood. We’ve changed the course of history. Kids who aren’t even born yet will be able to sit here because of what we’ve done. And you’re lying there with a long face, like it’s the worst day of your life.’
Kate sat up but she didn’t look at me.
‘Eva, there’s something I have to tell you,’ she said.
‘So tell me.’
Kate shook her head. ‘I don’t know if I can.’
I sighed. ‘Just tell me already.’
She shook her head again. ‘It’s very hard. You see … I’m not used to having a friend … and …’
‘And talking to your friends isn’t supposed to be hard,’ I said impatiently.
‘But it is hard, because when I tell you this, you won’t want to be my friend any more. You’re going to hate me.’
I had no idea what was going on, but I had a horrible, scared feeling in my stomach.
I forced a laugh. ‘What could be that bad?’
Kate took a deep breath. ‘I should have told you ages ago, but I didn’t know how.’
I grabbed her arms, forcing her to look at me, but she quickly lowered her eyes.
‘Tell me.’
‘I told you a terrible lie, Eva,’ she said. ‘My dad wasn’t killed by a truck.’
I was relieved. That wasn’t such a bad lie. If my dad had died, maybe I’d want to exaggerate a bit about the details too.
‘That’s OK,’ I said. ‘Why don’t you tell me how it really happened?’
Kate jumped to her feet, shaking herself free of my grip.
‘That’s the thing,’ she said fiercely. ‘My dad didn’t die at all.’
At first I couldn’t take it in properly.
‘But he …,’ I began, but I didn’t know how to go on.
Kate continued. ‘Dad’s not dead. He just went away.’
‘He what?’
‘You heard me. He went away.’