Surf School

by Laurine Croasdale

  ‘I’ve got my pamphlet run tonight, so maybe after that. See you.’ Marlee said it politely as though she would try and make it.

  Tilly stepped forward instinctively to give Marlee a hug but Marlee swept her foot back, pushing the skateboard along the pavement, then paddled at the ground to pick up speed. She waved, not looking back.

  ‘Hi, Tilly!’ Kyle glided past her on his skateboard.

  ‘Hi, Kyle. Hey! You left your sunnies at the School.’

  But he waved and kept going. Tilly watched him disappear. Only then did she realise that she was still holding the Blood Book.

  Tilly picked up the backpack she’d filled with clean washing. The ripe mangoes she’d carefully packed rolled around giving off a ripe summer smell that mingled with the dense afternoon heat. She’d also put in Marlee’s portion of slightly burnt apple crumble from the night before – Tilly had waited until midnight before finally giving up hope that Marlee would come – an article from the local paper was folded into one of the pockets. Someone had responded to the story about her dad’s accident and the police had called this morning to let her know. No registration number, but they saw a vehicle driving away and the police thought it could still be in the area. Things were looking up.

  ‘Hello, my darling!’ Phil called chirpily, holding his arms out to Tilly as she walked in.

  ‘Shhh, Dad, you’ll get us chucked out.’ Tilly climbed onto his bed, snuggling next to him. He hugged her so tight a mango squeezed out of her backpack and dropped onto the floor.

  ‘Oh, you’ve laid an egg!’

  Tilly laughed, chasing the mango under the bed, then settled back down to show her dad the article.

  Phil read it carefully, scratching his chin. The slightly grey prickles made a soft velcro noise as he ran his fingers back and forth. ‘The police have talked to me a couple of times but I can’t remember anything. Wish I could. I’ve tried but I only get flashes, nothing that fits together. Maybe this new evidence will be enough to find the car.’ He ran his finger playfully down Tilly’s nose. ‘You know what, Til? I’m so glad to be alive and almost home. I just want to focus on that. The good things in life are what keep you going.’

  Phil gave her a star he’d painted and Tilly traced her finger around its brightly coloured edges. ‘I did that in Occupational Therapy – reckon I’ll win a prize?’ he joked. He was like a proud kindy kid giving his mum something to stick on the fridge.

  His good mood was catching and lifted Tilly’s spirits. She found herself grinning. ‘You win my prize, Dad. I’ll put it on the School website.’

  ‘Don’t you dare. They don’t need to think I’ve gone doolally.’

  ‘Well, how about I put it on the brochure I’m thinking of doing. I’m sure that woman will like it, all those bright colours …’

  Phil squinted at her out of one eye, like he did when he was joking around. Tilly’s heart flipped over to see her dad almost back to his old self.

  ‘Woman? What woman? Am I missing something?’ Phil asked.

  ‘The bonding woman.’

  ‘Sounds better and better. Tell me more. I don’t recall any woman I’m bonding with but I’ve had a knock to the head so I’m prepared to be wrong.’

  Tilly told him about the day Barb Cook had arrived at the School looking for Phil.

  He gave a long sigh, disappointed. ‘I remember now.’

  ‘We talked for ages. She was smart and funny.’ He laughed. ‘I nearly asked her out, Tilly, but I lost my nerve. She was going to make a regular booking for the entire summer. That’s the reason I decided to splurge on all the new gear.’

  ‘Don’t worry. She’ll be back.’

  ‘You reckon? How come?’

  ‘Hmmmph. Just a feeling I get,’ Tilly said primly. She tucked the star painting into her bag. ‘I’m off, Dad. I’ve got a million things to do. Sam’ll be here soon to take you for a walk – or should I say a roll and a hop.’ She kissed his forehead. ‘We’ll launch the website when you get home. It looks fantastic. You’re going to love it.’

  ‘Won’t be long now.’ Phil wriggled his toes in the plaster. ‘I can’t wait to get home.’

  CHAPTER TEN

  ‘Hurry up and get out of the shower,’ Pink yelled.

  But Marlee had no intention of moving anytime soon. Pink’s bathroom was like a deluxe resort. Everything her place wasn’t. The marble surfaces gleamed, there were no cracked tiles, the drain didn’t back up and Pink had a product wall like nobody else: hair mousse, shower gel, hair hold, body butter, hair fudge, things in coloured cans with yummy names. She turned the shower radio up and reached for the razor.

  Tilly sat straight-backed on the edge of the chair while Fran brushed her hair until it shone, easing out the knots.

  ‘Your hair is so long, Tilly. Ever thought about getting it cut?’

  Tilly shook her head. ‘Nope. Mum loved my hair long. Just a pity she can’t help with the brushing!’ She pointed to the four Island Breeze T-shirts laying across the bed. ‘Do we seriously have to wear those?’

  ‘Yeah, they’re cool.’ Pink ran her hand over the shirts, a little defensive.

  ‘Do we have to wear them exactly like that or can we adapt them a little?’ Fran asked, stepping over the wet towels to get some scissors.

  Pink pulled her skirt on over black fishnet stockings. ‘Fine by me. Here, give me a go.’ She trimmed out the neck to make it low enough to flash her cleavage, then cut off the bottom to show her belly stud.

  ‘That’s better,’ she grinned, looking in the mirror.

  Fran cut the sleeves off her T-shirt, trimmed out the neck and slashed a low triangle down the back. She pushed her hair up, poking frangipanis and small feathers into the soft curls.

  ‘Marls, have you drowned in there or something?’ Pink tapped the bathroom door impatiently. She turned to Fran and Tilly. ‘Can you believe that girl? She comes in late from training, nothing to wear – you’d think we had all night. Hey, let’s dress her up!’

  Fran laughed and Pink ran into her mother’s room, returning with a huge makeup bag. ‘No-one does makeup like Mummy!’ She spilt its contents across the bed.

  Eventually the door clicked open.

  ‘I heard all that.’ Marlee padded over the thick carpet, falling limply across the bed. ‘I’m starving. Mmmm,’ she sighed and nuzzled into the soft covers, ‘maybe I can stay here for a bit.’

  Pink rummaged in her wardrobe before holding up a tiny black skirt with a frill around the hem. ‘Wear this, Marls. It’s way too small for me. I’ve no idea why Mum even brought it home.’ She laughed and threw it on the bed. ‘Probably another diet hint. Too bad, Mother. Foiled again.’

  ‘Hey, Marls,’ Fran said. ‘Sit up and let me do your hair.’

  ‘Let’s go outside. It’s too messy in here.’ Pink led them out of her room over the piles of clothes, wet costumes, towels, hair straighteners and makeup bags.

  The rest of the apartment was a contrast of cleanliness and simple lines with plush white lounges, thick pale carpet and sleek timber cabinets. The walls on one side featured collages of family photos dominated by large black and white photos of Christie taken during her modelling days.

  Large glass doors opened onto a massive deck, and the girls stepped carefully through the family room. Gulls drifted upwards like burning paper caught in an updraft. The sun had set and lights were popping on around the curve of coast, a soft amber light tinting the water.

  Pink pulled Marlee’s hair this way and that until she had it pegged up at the back with long blonde strands falling over her eyes.

  ‘I can’t see,’ Marlee laughed, adjusting the black peaked hat Pink had stuck on her head.

  ‘Who cares if you can’t see, Marlee, you look hot,’ said Tilly. ‘Now tilt your head back so I can put some drops in your eyes to wash out the salt. They’re so red.’

  Fran took to Marlee’s T-shirt with the scissors, ripping out the neck, cutting it diagonally across the base so it hung over th
e edge of her skirt on one side and finished just under her bra on the other. Marlee’s belly stud sparkled, her tanned tummy on full display.

  ‘Woah.’ Self-conscious, Marlee put her arms across her body. ‘I can’t believe you’ve talked me into this.’

  ‘Oh, one more thing,’ Pink ran inside and reappeared with long black gloves. ‘Here, put these on.’

  ‘No way!’ Marlee looked very unsure but Pink persisted, so she pulled them on, then, carrying her shoes in one hand, headed to the door barefoot.

  ‘You look great,’ Tilly said enthusiastically. Marlee smiled her thanks but said nothing. Tilly had tried to catch Marlee on her own but somehow it never happened and even now Marlee skipped quickly out the door and across to the beach, the others following behind.

  The warm evening breeze teased Pink’s halo and pushed through the fine net of Tilly’s fairy wings. The girls walked along the path, stopping at the kids’ playground for a swing, not noticing Kyle and his friends.

  ‘Bit old for swings aren’t you?’ Kyle laughed.

  Marlee’s pulse raced when she heard his voice. She took in the group, glancing back at Kyle who squirmed uncomfortably, clearly not expecting to see her. She recognised the girls from the break at the far end of the beach, noting that they were dressed for a big night out. Kyle and his mates were too, and Marlee felt ridiculous in her outfit. She stayed in the background as much as possible, leaving Pink to do the chatting.

  Kyle grabbed his phone and waved them together. ‘C’mon, gotta get a photo. We can sell it down at the School.’

  Pink ran to the front, arms pressing her boobs together, lips pouted into her trademark kiss. Tilly and Fran followed, hamming up the group pose, but Marlee stood behind Fran.

  ‘Marlee, can’t see you,’ Kyle called. ‘Come and stand in the front.’

  Fran pushed her forwards and the group reassembled with Marlee centre front, dipping her head so the peak of her hat covered her eyes.

  ‘Smile, Marlee.’ Kyle gave her the thumbs up.

  Her smile felt stiff and she gazed past him to the distant break wishing she was out there instead of making a fool of herself in front of Kyle and a bunch of girls she didn’t know.

  The group swayed, suddenly losing its balance. Pink fell forwards, nose-diving into the grass, her halo tilting to one side. Everyone laughed. By the time Pink had rearranged her costume and posed again Kyle had put the phone away and moved on.

  ‘Have a great night,’ he yelled over his shoulder, looking at Marlee.

  Pink and Fran giggled, fussing over their outfits like ducks fluffing each other’s feathers. Pink watched the boys wandering down the beach, no longer able to contain herself. ‘Which one do you think is Kyle’s girlfriend?’

  ‘Girlfriend? Really? Who said that?’ Fran peered at the group.

  Pink shook her head with a laughing know-it-all expression.

  ‘It’s breaking news and it sounds serious,’ she confided, full of her own importance.

  Fran and Pink laughed but Marlee ignored them and slipped into her high heels, standing unsteadily.

  Tilly hooked her arm through Marlee’s, annoyed with Pink. ‘It won’t be breaking news for long if you know about it,’ she snapped. Then leaning towards Marlee she whispered, ‘Ignore her, it’s not true. No-one’s said anything. She’s just shooting her mouth off as usual. Pink, why don’t you text Jamie? He’ll be wondering where we are. We said we’d be at the hotel half an hour ago.’

  Jamie tapped a slightly strangled pink flower against his jeans, swallowed nervously and held it out to Pink as she approached.

  ‘Thought you were going to dress up?’ Pink asked, slightly miffed.

  He shifted awkwardly and Tilly kicked Pink’s ankle. Jamie pointed to his thongs.

  ‘Got my dress thongs on. And Marnie’s dressed.’ Jamie’s pink T-shirt was now flecked with different coloured paint and wrapped around Marnie’s substantial belly, the lettering across her back.

  Tilly laughed and Jamie relaxed slightly when she squeezed his arm, teasing him, ‘You don’t get out of it that easily. You wear the T-shirt. Marnie stays out here. And look, I brought you a trick bow tie.’ Tilly attached it around his neck, giving him the small water pump to put in his pocket. ‘And don’t you dare squirt water at me or you are dead.’

  Jamie put her into a headlock but Tilly pushed him away playfully, putting a protective hand over her head.

  ‘The hair, Jamie. It’ll never recover.’

  ‘Are we ready?’ Pink pushed past Tilly, taking Jamie’s arm and leading him up the steps with Tilly and Fran behind.

  Marlee’s phone beeped, making her jump. ‘I’ll tie up Marnie,’ she volunteered, watching them go before pulling out her phone. She quickly pressed the Read button and a message flashed up.

  ‘I can explain, k.’

  ‘There’s nothing to explain, you stupid boy. I can see everything I need to know,’ Marlee said crossly. She flicked the Delete button, forgetting Marnie, and followed the others inside.

  White, pink and blue flags ruffled in the gentle breeze along the balcony where the crowd bustled. A lot of the surfers from their local beach were there, along with some famous ones Marlee recognised from magazines. She looked about her nervously and watched while Pink opened up like a flower in the sun. She sashayed between the round tables decorated in pink and blue and arranged evenly across the vast floor like colourful mushrooms.

  Marlee sank against a back wall watching the massive screen near the stage and the Island Breeze surfers standing on the winners’ dais or flashing their sponsored clothing as they charged across the waves. Tilly appeared on screen, her shy smile catching Marlee by surprise, and there she was again, at the surfing camp she’d attended last spring. Marlee glanced across to see if Tilly had noticed but she was laughing with Jamie as he squirted water from his bow tie at a passing waiter.

  An impressive bar ran the length of the room and mirrors covered the entire wall behind it. Marlee followed the bar, watching the lights flash on the mirrors, stopping when she saw the reflection of a small, lost stranger in a black hat and tiny skirt. She wished more than anything in the world that she was in her old boardies running up the hills delivering pamphlets, angry with herself for telling Pink she’d come, especially with the contest on tomorrow.

  Pink’s father and the technician checked lights at the mixing desk while Pink’s mother moved about the huge room like a butterfly landing softly on each flower with practised colour and grace. It was only when she saw Pink that Christie morphed into a hornet making a beeline across the room – head down, smile tight. Her hand clamped like a pincer on Pink’s arm.

  ‘Where have you been? You were supposed to be here an hour ago. And who are all these people at your table already? Where are you all going to sit? Pink, this is unfair. Why do you always do this?’

  ‘Stress less, Mummy dearest,’ Pink said breezily. ‘We’ll squeeze in. Hey, do you like our shirts? We fixed them up.’

  Christie stepped back then, noticing the group for the first time.

  ‘Very creative.’ She forced a laugh. ‘They’re great. In fact, you two look perfect together.’ She crooked a finger at Jamie and Tilly. ‘Do you think you could help me out for ten minutes? I could use two more in the opener.’ Jamie squirmed but Christie took their arms, leading them towards the runway. ‘It’s easy. You just need to walk down the runway and back.’

  ‘What about me, Mum?’ said Pink, indignant. ‘Mum?’ she repeated, unable to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

  Christie glanced back and paused, but before she could speak, Pink said angrily, ‘Oh, I get it. Don’t want your chubby daughter on stage. You don’t mind me helping set up or writing out invitations – but you don’t want me anywhere that people can SEE me.’

  Christie raced back to Pink, taking her hand and speaking quietly. ‘Pink, I never said anything of the kind. But look at these two, they’re both gorgeous, slim, fit, tanned. They’ll look wond
erful together on the catwalk.’ She held out her hand. ‘Don’t be like this. I’ll find you a spot in the closing.’

  Tears welled in Pink’s eyes. ‘Jamie’s my boyfriend. Not Tilly’s.’ Her voice was low, angry. She wrenched her arm from her mother’s grasp and walked away, collecting two glasses from a passing waiter and marching out to the deck past clusters of people chatting. Pink downed the drinks. They burned her throat. She gagged slightly then went inside, plucking another off a table.

  Her mother had disappeared backstage and Jamie lounged against the runway chatting to Tilly. He seemed to have forgotten about her already. Pink watched them talk easily together. Her mother was right. They did make a great couple. Why hadn’t she ever noticed that? Her father was still at the mixing desk absorbed by its tricks and Pink plucked another champagne from a tray. It was cold and fizzy, slightly sweeter than the ones her parents occasionally let her drink at home. She swallowed it like cough medicine, feeling increasingly alone as she watched her friends laughing and joking around at her table. No-one was even looking for her.

  ‘Hey!’

  Pink didn’t recognise the thin guy at the door standing next to security at first. Not until she saw the telltale scar at the corner of his eye.

  With the charm of his dreadlocks shaved away Pink saw an older, smaller person. Kim’s dark buzz cut made him look fierce, his nose large and beaky. Pink shuddered, smiling uncertainly, wishing she hadn’t invited him, and waved, glancing back to see her mother now on stage watching her. Defiantly, she pushed her shoulders back, skolled her drink and sashayed unsteadily towards Kim. His eyes were red and glassy and when he kissed her cheek, Pink’s stomach clenched at the stale whiff of beer and cigarettes.

  ‘Hi.’ She glanced at her mother to make sure she was watching, then kissed Kim again, this time on the lips. The lights dropped and the music started. ‘Let’s get out of here.’

  Kim shrugged. ‘Fine by me.’

  Even though the kombi had been painted a chirpy yellow outside, the inside was untouched. Pink pushed bottles and rubbish aside, brushing the old seat cover with her hand before she sat down. It smelled worn and damp, with another, stronger, sickly fish smell she couldn’t quite place. It swirled through her stomach until she gagged and quickly wrenched down the window for fresh air.