Rata flowers are red

by Mary Moore

  Mark looked up when she came in. ' Why didn't you stay at home ? There's no need for you to be out in this mess.'

  ' I'll stay and help. I'm wet through now, there's no point in going home again.'

  As they finished the twins came splashing in. ' Isn't it fun, Judy ?' cried Vicki joyfully.

  I'm not sure if you'd call it fun,' smiled Judy.

  They all helped to drive the cows through the flood to a special yard behind the house. The rain stopped suddenly, 'and within half an hour the sky was blue and the sun shining. The twins played happily on the lawn until dark.

  Well, it's all over now,' Judy remarked as they sat by the fire after dinner.

  Not quite,' Mark told her. The water is still rising, at least it was the last time I was down the road.'

  About ten o'clock when Mark went for a

  last look at the stock Judy went with him. He had a series of gates dividing off each lot of animals. Judy found the sight of the flood eerie. The still black water covered the whole farm. Here and there a patch of bush or the top of a fence showed, but the most uncanny part was the light. It was as bright as day. The huge moon reflected on the flood waters and the stars were out in all their glory.

  ' It's dropping,' Mark said with satisfaction. By morning there won't be a sign of water. But there will be a sign left by the flood, most of my fences will be flattened. Home to bed, Judy, we'll worry about that in the morning. The main thing is that I didn't lose any stock.'

  CHAPTER VI

  On Monday Judy received a letter from Bruce. He had arranged his transfer to Wellington and was leaving Christchurch in three weeks. He wanted to come and see her. In his letter he poured out his love for her, and as Judy read it she felt guilty that it did not awake any response in her own heart. She felt detached, as if she was reading a letter meant for someone else.

  Perhaps when she saw him it would be different. Bruce had suggested that he came next Sunday if it suited Judy. He would arrive about ten o'clock. She asked Nan if it would be all right for her to take the day off.

  ' Of course, Judy. Pack a picnic lunch and get Bruce to take you out to Lake Moana for the day. It's not far and is a really lovely spot. You're quite welcome to have Bruce here to lunch, of course, but I'm sure you would rather be on your own.'

  Oh, that's a lovely idea,' replied Judy gratefully.

  All the week she was irritable, absentminded, and unsettled. She was disgusted with herself because the thought of his visit did not thrill her. She only felt the pleasure she would feel at seeing any acquaintance. She tried to recall him to mind, but he seemed a nebulous figure, indistinct and vague. She

  gazed at his photograph, but it did not help to bring him to life. She could not marry him feeling the way she did, but the thought of hurting him made her so very unhappy. He loved her so much, and once she had loved him. It seemed so cruel dash his hopes for the second -time.

  For hours she brooded and worried and came no nearer to finding the answer. She liked him, better -than any man she had ever met Mark ? Angrily she tried to erase that thought from her mind. Mark was going to marry Zelda. She must come to a decision. The uncertainty was wearing her down.

  On Saturday morning Peter rushed into the kitchen. Judy, Uncle Mark is going to -the islands to get a load of sand. Will you come with us ?'

  No, but thanks for asking me?

  Mark and Vicki came in as she refused Peter. Vicki, always direct and to the point, cried angrily, You've been crabby all week. You won't go anywhere with us. We wanted you to help us birdnesting last night, and you wouldn't. It's frightfully important to Peter. You just don't care. Don't you like living here anymore ?'

  Judy saw their angry disappointed faces, and was instantly repentant. Of course I do, Vicki. I'm sorry I've been crabby:

  Then you'll come ?' urged Peter. It's a corker place. We have to go across the creek,

  In and up through the bush. Then we cross a few streams of the river on to the island. It's the only place Uncle Mark can get good cementing sand. I have to get some birds' eggs for my project. We'll find a lot there.'

  Do come,' said Vicki, sensing that Judy was weakening. I want to find some stones. Teacher said if we bring him some pretty ones he'll put them in his tumbler and polish them for us. You can make them into lovely brooches or pendants. I want to get a special one for Mummy for Christmas.'

  Leave Judy alone, you brats. She has a lot on her mind. She doesn't want to be bothered by your chatter today. If you're coming with me you'd better look slippy,' said Mark as he walked out.

  The twins stood silently pleading. Suddenly Judy made up her mind. I'll go. Run out and tell Mark to wait a minute.'

  Mrs Palmer encouraged Judy : Good girl! You'll enjoy yourself. The fresh air will do you good. You've been looking quite pale this week.'

  But the work ? I'm going to be away...'

  Bother the work,' replied Nan. You've hung the washing out and done the rooms. I'll be glad to have the house to myself, old ladies need peace and quiet.'

  ' Old ladies, poof ! You know you're not much older than Vicki at heart,' laughed Judy. In fact compared to you, I sometimes feel positively ancient. However, thanks for your blessing. I'd better hurry or Mark will drive off and leave me.'

  Judy scrambled on to the trailer with the twins. She was going to forget her problems today and have fun. The ground was rough and they were bounced around on the trailer. The twins growled about Mark's driving and giggled happily. It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny. They drove down the farm lane which was lined with hawthorn trees, in full bloom. They reminded Judy of home in England, but as soon as she lifted her gaze and saw the majestic Southern Alps her memories fled. How grand they were, providing a permanent backdrop of beauty to every view.

  Mark drove past the old orchard and crossed the Koromiko Creek, then across some open country to stop by a lagoon bordered by huge kowhai trees and willows. Flax bushes edged the lake, and a flock of wild ducks took wing as Mark stopped the tractor. Judy was spellbound when she heard the clear liquid notes of the mocking bird. Two pigeons flew to another tree with a soft whirr of wings.

  See, Judy, up there, that's a tui—see his white throat. He's sometimes called a parson bird,' Peter pointed out. Suddenly a tiny fantail flew inquisitively nearer. Judy was fascinated.

  Oh, isn't he beautiful ? So tame.' She

  stretched out her hand to touch it, but it flitted a little further away and continued its erratic dance. Mark started the tractor and drove on.

  They travelled through some bush, then out on to a green river bank, forded several small streams and stopped by a huge sandbank.

  Well, off you go while I load up,' said Mark.

  The twins needed no second bidding. Judy followed as they ran off. "Vicki searched diligently for unusual coloured stones, exclaiming in delight whenever she made a find. Peter hunted for nests, but had no luck as they had been swept away in the recent flood. They found a small clear pool with cock-abullies in it and spent a happy time trying to catch them, but the tiny darting fish were too clever at camouflaging themselves.

  They heard Mark returning for his second load and hurried back to him. They put their treasures carefully in the tool box. Judy stood admiring the .effortless ease with which Mark shovelled the sand. He was stripped to the waist, and deeply tanned. His muscles rippled as he dug, then threw the sand on to the trailer. How fit and active he was !

  Come on, Judy,' called Peter. `We'll go over to the big trees on the river bank. We're sure to find some nests there. Can we, Uncle Mark ?'

  `Sure, go ahead, but don't go too far away from the track. I'll be leaving in about twenty minutes and I'm in a hurry.'

  Judy and the twins were quickly on the river bank searching for birds' nests in the high trees.

  There's one!' shouted Vicki excitedly, pointing upwards. `No, not there, further out, just above that dead branch.'

  Good. Help me up to the first branch, Judy,' demanded Peter. He climbe
d fearlessly higher and higher.

  `Be careful, Peter, do be careful,' called Judy anxiously. That branch doesn't look very safe.'

  'I can't reach it, Judy. Do you think you could come up here ? You're a lot taller than me. I'm sure you could get it. Oh, do have a go.' He peered down at her.

  `You come down first. I don't think-I could even get to the first branch,' Judy answered reluctantly.

  Peter was down in a flash, and examined the situation. Then he marshalled his forces like a general in the field. ' It's only the first branch that's difficult, after that it's easy. Now, Vicki and I will kneel down and you stand on our backs. That ought to give you a start.'

  Oh, I couldn't! I might hurt you,' Judy protested.

  `You're only skinny, you wouldn't be as

  heavy as me. You're not scared, are you ?' There was a world of scorn in his voice.

  Of course not,' replied Judy hastily, and stepped gingerly ori to their backs, then reached up and grasped the branch.

  The twins stood up as soon as they felt her weight off them. That's it, Judy,' encouraged Peter. Swing your leg over. Yes, like that. Now pull yourself up. Hurry, we haven't got much time. I can hear the tractor.'

  Judy panted and heaved, and searched desperately for safe holds as she climbed higher. If she hadn't been so short of breath she would have told Peter a thing or two. Skinny indeed ! Little horror !

  Now she was opposite the nest and began inching her way out along the dead branch.

  'A little bit further, Judy. Just a little bit further. You can do it,' Peter called helpfully.

  As she took the nest, she heard the branch crack frighteningly and she began to fall. Twice she nearly saved herself, but each -time the branches tore from her hands.

  Her head was throbbing violently. Slowly she opened her eyes. Someone was bathing her face with a wet cloth. What happened ?'

  Oh, Uncle, she's not dead.' Peter's voice was shaky.

  `No -thanks to you. You limb of Satan, sending her up that tree . . . I'll tan the hide off you when I get home !'

  Judy, we're sorry. Truly!'

  That sounded like Vicki. She must sit up.

  Take it easy, Judy. Just rest for a bit. You've had a nasty fall. What in the world possessed you to climb up there ?'

  `A bird's nest. I wanted to get Peter a bird's nest,' Judy answered, still feeling slightly muzzy.

  My God, you frightened me to death. The twins came screaming out on to the track, yelling that they'd killed you. When I found you, I thought they might be right.' He wiped her face again.

  ' I'll be fine. I'm sorry to hold you up.'

  Don't be so daft. I'm thankful you didn't break your neck. I don't think you've broken any bones. Next time you go climbing, take a parachute.'

  Help me up, Mark.' He lifted her carefully to her feet and she leaned against him for support. I think I have twisted my ankle.' She grimaced with pain. I can't put my weight on it.'

  You twins shoot off and make a comfortable place ready on the trailer for Judy. I'll carry her along in a few minutes when she's feeling better.'

  He helped her to a fallen log and lifted her up, then took off her sandal. Yes, you've broken or sprained your ankle. Is your head better now ? I'd like to get you to a doctor as soon as possible.'

  `Yes, I'm feeling much better. I was really

  lucky, having all those fallen leaves to land on, and the branches broke my fall. I'm ready when you are.' She eased herself down off the log. ' If you give me an arm I could hop along to the trailer.'

  Just one arm ? Oh, I think two would be much better.' He put his arms around her and held her close. What am I to do with you, Judy ? There's your intended coming tomorrow to claim you, and you'll be hobbling round on crutches. You'll have bits of sticking plaster here and there, and if I'm not mistaken, a lovely shiny black eye.

  She looked up at him, intending to make some light remark, but the look in his eyes silenced her. She felt breathless—shaky—it must be the effects of the fall.

  Mark said, ' I know it's mean to take advantage of an injured person, but do realize that tomorrow you may well be engaged to be married, and quite out of my reach. You'll just have to forgive me, the temptation is just too strong to resist.'

  Slowly his arms tightened and his lips came down on hers. As she surrendered to the sweetness of his kiss, she knew with blinding certainty that she could never marry Bruce. So this was love !

  As he drew away she looked into his face. How long she had loved him and not known it? How stupid she had been ! Wonderingly she put her hand up to touch his cheek.

  I'm sorry, Judy. I shouldn't have kissed you. Even if you're free, I'm not. I was crazy, a thoughtless fool.' His face was pale under his tan. Judy, you're crying! Oh, -my dear, forgive me.'

  He swung her into his arms, and carried her along the track to where the children were waiting. ,

  Good kids. You sit this side, Peter,' he said as he lowered Judy on to the trailer. That's right, Vicki, you sit here. Don't talk to Judy, let her rest, and I'll drive as carefully as I can.'

  As soon as they arrived home Mrs Palmer took charge calmly and efficiently. She soon had Judy in a warm bath and gently washed the bruises and cuts. You were very fortunate, Judy, to get off so lightly. Oh, I know you're stiff and sore and scratched, but you could have so easily been seriously injured. Those wretched grandchildren of mine . . . !'

  You won't let Mark punish them, will you, Nan ?' Judy interrupted. It wasn't their fault.'

  Of course not. He knows how upset they are because you're hurt.' Nan helped her dress, and after lunch Mark drove her into town to the doctor.

  Doctor Jones gave her a thorough examination and pronounced her quite sound except for her ankle. I'm sending you to hospital for an X-ray. If they find a break they'll

  put you in plaster. If it's a sprain, they'll strap it up for you. Keep off that foot for the first three days and then use crutches. They'll give you a pair at the hospital.'

  He went to the door and called Mark in. `Right, you can take her away. Bring her back in a week. You, young lady, leave climbing trees to those more suited to it, and then you won't interrupt my weekend again.' But he smiled to take the sting out of his words.

  Judy was exhausted by the time they left the hospital. Her foot was neatly strapped and felt more comfortable, but they had had a long wait and she felt so tired. They drove home in silence.

  At the gate Mark helped her with her crutches. Judy said, ' I'm sorry you've had to waste all afternoon with me. You won't get any cementing done now.'

  Damn the cementing!' He saw her safely inside and then left abruptly.

  Judy sat on the sofa, while the twins took turns trying out her crutches. When Mark called them at milking time Judy asked Mrs Palmer to put a call in. to Bruce's number in. Christchurch.

  Mrs Palmer came back from the telephone. ' There's a twenty-minute delay, Judy. I wish you'd go to bed and have a rest.'

  `I want to speak to Bruce first. I'm going to ask him not to come over tomorrow. It's

  no use, I can't marry him.'

  Mrs Palmer looked at Judy anxiously. `Are you sure, Judy ?'

  `Quite sure, Nan,' Judy replied, wishing, that the phone would ring. Now she had made up her mind she wanted to get the ordeal over. Something happened today to show me that I can't marry him.' She lay back on the sofa and closed her eyes, and Mrs Palmer wisely left her in peace.

  When the phone shrilled, she felt quite sick as she gathered her crutches and hopped through behind Mrs Palmer.

  It's Bruce, Judy,' said Mrs Palmer, handing her the receiver, and walked out, shutting the door behind her.

  Judy explained to Bruce that she had had a fall and was unable to go out with him on Sunday.

  'I don't mind, Judy. I want to see you. Surely I can come to the house and visit you ?'

  So she steeled herself and told him she could not marry him. It was not easy; she hated to hurt him.

  `Don't upset yourse
lf, Judy,' Bruce said quietly. I was half expecting this. I could tell from your letters that there wasn't much hope for me. I love you, Judy. I think I always will,. you're not a girl anyone could forget easily. I realize that I lost you through my own stupidity. There doesn't seem much more to say, except that I hope some day we

  may meet again as friends. If you ever need , you have my adress. Goodbye, Judy, my darling.'

  She heard him hang up and walked through to her room feeling mentally and physically exhausted. Oh, why was life so difficult ? Who said that being in love was a wonderful experience—it wasn't, it was painful, it tore you to shreds, it hurt. She crawled into bed, and her pillow was wet with tears before she slept.

  She woke up to find Vicki by her bed. 'What's the time, Vicki ? Have you finished milking ?'

  It's late, we've had dinner ages ago. Nan sent me in to see if you were awake and would like something to eat: You're not to get up. You scared us when you fell out of -that tree.' Vicki looked at her reproachfully.

  Judy laughed, It scared me too, Vicki. What happened to the nest ?'

  'You squashed it. All the eggs were broken.'

  Oh well, that's life, 'Vicki,' Judy smiled. 'Tell Nan I would love a cup of tea if it's not too much trouble.'

  A few minutes later Nan came in followed by Mark carrying a tray. He put the tray down. I'll be back to collect this later.'

  Oh, Nan, I feel terrible giving you this extra work. I'm supposed to be here looking after you, and here I am lying in bed, with you doing all the work. I'm feeling fine now.'

  That's good. Now I'll leave you to have

  your dinner I told Mark you'd rung Bruce. You don't mind ?'

  ' No, not at all. I would rather he knew. It's all over now. It wouldn't have worked out. Thanks for letting me talk to you, Nan. You helped me more than you'll ever know.'

  ' I'm glad,' answered Nan. She patted Judy's shoulder and went out.