Without You I Have Nothing

by J A Scooter

  Eric and Andrew looked at each other and then back at Peter before Eric replied. “Peter that engine has been a beast ever since we bought it. It is forever breaking down because of oil starvation and overheating. I’m very grateful for your assistance but we did not bring you here to fix motors. Do you want Jennifer getting angry with me?”

  “Jennifer won’t be angry with you but I’d better watch my back. I noticed that engine was an early production run of the motor and the company always had those problems. However an easy and simple fix is to…,” and the men discussed the motor and the modifications Peter had done as he rebuilt it. They forgot the women.

  The next morning Eric’s words made Peter feel accepted into the family. “We’ll tell Jennifer, Peter does not go back to Sydney. She is to keep him here. Thanks Peter, don’t forget to give me the bill.”

  Peter’s reply that there was no charge as it had kept him out of trouble was met with laughter from Andrew. “Yea I suppose it does stop you chasing the women around and around the house!”

  “This is my work. Would you mind if I serviced all the machinery and engines on the property. I’d love to keep busy, else I will be chasing Andrew because he teases so much. If you agree, I’ll give Andrew a list of all the parts and he can get them. That way he keeps out of all our hair.”

  Eric agreed as long as Peter did not over tax himself.

  Jennifer made numerous quick trips to the machine shed to check up on Peter and often stood watching him as he worked. She loved how he concentrated on the job in hand often oblivious of her quiet presence.

  Ignoring Jennifer’s complaints and Elizabeth’s murmurings, Peter worked on the farm vehicles until he was satisfied they were running perfectly. He even found time to tend to the two small motor bikes, which obviously had belonged to Jennifer and Andrew. The twins hadn’t ridden the bikes for many years but Peter made certain they were back in running order.

  His work done, with all machines working satisfactorily, Peter took time to sit on a bale of hay in the machinery shed and think of the future.

  That night, when the others left for bed, Peter led Andrew onto the moonlit back verandah.

  “In the machinery shed I found two small motocross bikes, both Yamaha 75ccs,” he said. “Were those yours and Jennifer’s when you were little?”

  Andrew laughed. “You don’t miss much do you? Well, yes, they were ours and we were the bane of Mum’s existence as we only had one speed - flat out. Jennifer was worse than me and we always came home from the track covered in dust or mud.”

  “I thought as much,” Peter mused. “When do you think you and I could sneak into Melbourne? We’ll have to take a truck.”

  Andrew tried to question Peter further but he remained tight-lipped.

  Very early Saturday morning - even before the sun rose - they were driving down the road to Melbourne. At Peter’s feet was a bag containing a pair of Jennifer’s jodhpurs and riding boots that he’d somehow managed to smuggle into the cab without any questions from Andrew.

  He’d planned his surprise trip to Melbourne carefully, leaving a note for Jennifer that said, ‘Your naughty brother’s kidnapped me. I’ll be back for dinner tonight or maybe earlier if I can get Andrew away from the girls. The evening meal will be coming with us. I love you so much.

  It was unsigned.

  Arriving in Melbourne, Peter had to explain that they needed to find a motor cycle distributor.

  When Andrew parked the truck, no one seemed surprised as the two graziers arrived, with their Akubra hats pushed back on their heads and wearing riding boots. They wandered into the showroom where the range of motor bikes was considerable.

  Peter explained his plan and struggled to overcome Andrew’s initial reluctance.

  Eventually, realizing Peter was determined to carry out his plan, Andrew accepted Peter’s explanation and was like a child in a candy store, excitedly trying to single out the best one for himself.

  Hours seem to pass as they kicked tires and fitted helmets and boots until they made their final selection.

  With a wide grin, the salesman wheeled three identical BMW 650 GS Dakar models to the front of the showroom.

  Peter had been loath to put Jennifer on a bike of that power until Andrew flatly stated that she had always been a rev-head and would be offended if her bike was the least powerful of the group.

  The salesman, who had been delighted to sell them three bikes, was amused when Peter produced Jennifer’s riding boots and jodhpurs, demanding the same size in racing leathers, protection and boots. Peter chose two complete women’s silver sets and three male sets in red.

  Andrew ceased worrying about the costs and could only shake his head in disbelief as Peter dragged the salesman across to the motor scooters where he selected two identical Yamaha XP500 - T - MAX models.

  The five machines stood together and the haggling began. There was not much argument from the salesman once Peter put his credit card on the desk and the salesman had rung through for authorization. Peter spoke briefly into the phone and the business was finalized.

  “We’re going off for lunch. Have the lot insured and registered in the name of ‘Blake Pastoral Company’- Andrew, here, will sign the insurance papers. Please load them onto the truck, with each set of leathers, gloves, body armor, boots and helmet wrapped as a single present- and as these are very special gifts make an extra effort to make the parcels attractive. We’ll be back in an hour. Remember - five machines, five parcels - we have to keep the women happy so we eat for another week.”

  “If this is not done we will cancel the sale and go elsewhere!” Peter was determined that his requests would be carried out correctly.

  Weakening at the thought of losing such a lucrative sale, the salesman only nodded as they left.

  “Come on Andrew we have even more to do.”

  As they left the dealership, Peter noticed that Andrew still looked mystified.

  “Andrew, stop looking so confused,” he said. “Yes, the bikes are for Jennifer and for us. The scooters are for your parents. They’ll want to ride with their children and, unless I’m much mistaken, they’ll love it.”

  Noticing that Andrew was about to interject, Peter cut in.

  “If you mention anything about the cost, I’ll kick you. I’ve lived a lonely and dangerous life,” he went on. “Your family has accepted me into their lives with no questions asked. For that, I am so grateful that I can’t do enough for them.” He looked at Andrew. “Sorry if I am making a mouthful of this but there’s a little more I want to add.”

  Pausing, Peter wondered if he’d said too much but decided to continue. “As you suspect, I love your sister and before I return to Sydney I intend asking her to marry me.” Suddenly Peter sagged as the emotional impact of the idea smashed into his thoughts. Out of control, his voice faded into a whisper. Unable to say more, Peter looked down at his feet.

  He felt the touch of Andrew’s arm across his shoulders and drew in a breath. It gave him heart that perhaps Jennifer would accept him.

  “Peter you didn’t have to do this to show your gratitude,” Andrew said in a more robust tone of voice. “Mum and Dad, not to mention Jennifer and me, are delighted you’ve come into our lives. Without you, I doubt if Jennifer would be alive now.”

  Thinking back to that infamous night Andrew shuddered. That movement told Peter he hadn’t forgotten that night when he’d helped Peter drive off to his possible death.

  “Jennifer loves you, have no doubt of that. We are fraternal twins, and I feel her feelings for you when you’re with her. I can’t say if the answer will be ‘Yes.’ That’s for her to decide.”

  Peter smiled at Andrew as he hailed a taxi and just stated, “The closest Chinese café, please driver.”

  Remembering Peter’s ability with Asian languages, Andrew wasn’t surprised when Peter took charge once more and led him into the café. He tried not to show any reaction when Peter marched into the kitchen and began a lengthy guttural C
antonese conversation with the cook, who seemed to accept Peter without question.

  The cook barked orders.

  While Peter and Andrew sat at their table and waited for their food, the kitchen hands carefully wrapped parcels of dishes, bowls and chopsticks in red paper, together with six dozen bottles of Tiger Beer.

  As they ate, Andrew was immune to any further shocks when Peter suddenly left the table to use the telephone at the front desk. He could hear everything clearly but it was no help, as he didn’t know the language at all. The only word he understood was ‘Thursday’.

  Full of food, they arrived back at the motor cycle distributor in a taxi loaded with red packages, pleased to discover that the salesman had loaded all five machines onto the truck and tied them down securely. In addition, Peter’s other purchases lay on the counter - five parcels beautifully presented and ready to put in the cabin on the seat between them.

  “I got my wife to do this special job,” the salesman remarked proudly.

  Gratefully they shook hands with the salesman and swung up into the truck - the cabin now containing Chinese food, Tiger beer and the five parcels.

  The conversation on the trip home focused on their next problem.

  “How will we do this? How will we get everything where they will all get a surprise?” Peter had run out of ideas.

  “Well, I have a suggestion, for what it’s worth.” Andrew was enjoying the secrecy. “We’ll drive in the back way, and quietly drive around to the front garden where we’ll unload the bikes. You creep into the house while I put the parcels on everyone’s bike.

  “We should be there by three o’clock. Everyone will probably be in the kitchen for afternoon tea. Once you hear the truck’s air horn, tell them to follow you.”

  With an almost evil grin, Andrew licked his lips. He loved springing surprises just as much as Peter did.

  “If you must,” he continued, “tell them I’m still in town as I bumped into some old girlfriends. When the riot’s calmed down, bring them out the front and their bikes and parcels will be there. I’ll be in my gear and Peter...” Andrew paused. “This is fantastic! I really can’t say enough to thank you! You’re generosity is unbelievable. Jennifer’s so fortunate.”

  “No ‘thank you’ is necessary. Not a word Andrew.” Peter spoke from his heart. “It’s my thanks to each of you.

  “By the way while everyone is changing could you get the food into the kitchen and put the beer in the fridge?”

  It was an informal group gathered around the kitchen table when Peter walked in.

  “Where’s Andrew? I thought I heard the truck.” Elizabeth seemed anxious.

  “He’s coming.” Peter began to advance on Jennifer who, seeing the light in his eyes, yelped and hid behind her mother.

  “Don’t hide behind me.” Elizabeth said, stepping out of the way. “I don’t want to be grabbed. He’s so like a huge bear.”

  “Oh no, he’s off again.” Eric joined in the fun

  The air horns blew.

  “Well, seeing I’m not allowed to play, I’ll give orders. Come on everybody come with me now. I want to thank you for your consideration and kindness in accepting me as a guest here.

  “No!” Peter stopped their protests. He knew everyone wanted to tell him that thanks was unnecessary. “Don’t talk, just walk.” With his arm around Jennifer’s waist, he led the way.

  As the family members walked onto the front verandah, they stopped in astonishment. They caught sight of what was on the drive - the three bikes and two scooters with brightly colored parcels on four of the seats. Even more surprising was the appearance of Andrew, standing next to one bike in his leathers with his crash helmet under his arm, grinning at their reaction.

  They were all astounded at the display and seemed to question in unison, “Peter, what have you done?”

  “For heaven’s sake tell me this isn’t true.” Jennifer was excited. “I know you’re a surprising villain but this? This is...” She was speechless.

  Peter led her to the bike he had chosen for her and watched as she opened her presents.

  “Lad, what’s all this? Why two motor scooters?” Eric queried.

  Jennifer rushed off inside with her package and Peter knew she was about to change as he led Eric and Elizabeth to the scooters.

  “These are for you. One to say sorry for grabbing you Elizabeth, and one to you Eric for being so gracious in accepting me as a guest. Not a word either of you - go and change. When you’re back I expect you to be dressed like Andrew.”

  Too shocked at Peter’s generosity to comment, Eric and Elizabeth took the two parcels and hastened into the house while Peter dashed behind a tree to put on his gear.

  Jennifer was first to re-appear and Andrew’s whistle told her all she needed to know. Smiling she minced across the drive to Peter and clung around his neck.

  “Am I a good bikers’ moll? Want me?” she murmured in his ear. She kissed him passionately, an opportunity Peter seized with enthusiasm. Their kiss deepened.

  “Oh God, they’re at it again,” Andrew observed wryly.

  The sound of heavy footsteps on the verandah interrupted further conversation as Eric swung the leather clad Elizabeth into his arms and carried her down the steps. As he held her there in his arms at the foot of the stairs, he kissed her and put her gently on her feet. Peter’s chest swelled with pleasure at seeing the flame of quiet passion light their faces.

  “Peter, for how long have you hired these bikes? But the gear that goes with them is - well exquisite.” The practical mother had more questions. “Why, Peter, why?”

  “Very soon I will explain everything. However, this is neither the time nor the place. The scooters and the bikes are permanent residents here. I saw the two mini bikes in the shed the other day and thought this could be a fun thing for all of us.

  “Andrew, teach your Mum how to start and stop - remember it’s automatic. Also teach her how to fall off but as she’s been around horses she’ll already know how, and with this thing she hasn’t as far to fall.”

  Laughing at the shocked look on Elizabeth’s face, Peter turned to Eric.

  “Are you okay, Eric?”

  A few wobbles and Elizabeth was off down the ten-mile long driveway with Eric not far behind.

  The dogs, which had gathered to check on all the excitement, tore off in chase.

  Jennifer needed no instruction and gunned her bike into action with Andrew in close pursuit.

  Standing quietly and smiling happily, Peter watched the clouds of dust as they receded into the distance. He was pleased that he’d been able to give the family such pleasure. So engaged was he in his thoughts he didn’t notice Jennifer riding back towards him.

  Pulling to a halt with a doughnut slide, Jennifer covered him in dust and the broad smile on her face showed how much pleasure she was getting. “Come on slow poke. Can’t you ride? I’ll go slowly for you and pick you up when you fall off.”

  “I’ll be careful and try not to fall off,” Peter grinned. “I don’t want more cracked ribs.”

  Peter tightened his kidney belt, started the engine and took off. On one wheel, he flew down the drive, leaving a perplexed Jennifer in his wake. Seeing an irrigation mound to the side of the drive he headed for it, throwing the bike into the air before skidding to a stop. Grinning, he waited for Jennifer.

  “Peter, you’re incredible. You don’t say you can ride horses. You just do it. You don’t say you can ride a motor bike, yet you take off on one wheel and jump the bike as if you are born to it but, oh dear, how I love you.”

  Jennifer didn’t blush as she made the admission. “Now travel slowly as we’ll have to see what Mum and Dad are doing.”

  There was no sight of the scooters and Jennifer was becoming a little anxious until they noticed Andrew hurtling across a paddock, obviously enjoying himself.

  Andrew, too busy giving orders to tease, shouted to them.

  “Come on! The oldies and the dogs are down at t
he dam. They’ve reverted to teenager behavior so we’d better get there quickly before Dad starts bellowing to the heavens like a Mallee Scrub Bull.”

  In a single cloud of dust, the three bikes stormed into the distance until Jennifer slowed to negotiate a muddy patch. Not so Andrew, who flew through, splattering mud across her and her bike. Jennifer immediately gave chase and Peter was amused to see her lift one foot to push her brother hard in the bum so that he almost lost control.

  Peter realized that the little money that he had spent had brought the family pleasure and grinned, but only for a moment. The act of indulging in a simple pleasure was playing its usual trick on him, leading him to think of his own condition. Sighing sadly, he wished that his parents were there too. That would make things marvelous.

  Shaking his mind clear of such sad thoughts, he joined the others on the earthen wall of the dam where two of the dogs had taken up position on the pillion seats of the two scooters as if it were their divine right to travel there.

  Eric was standing with his arm around his wife whose head was against his chest. Obviously, they were extremely happy with their ride.

  Overhead, two completely differently colored flocks of birds whirled around and around, dipping low to almost touch the water before rising high above the trees. The pink and grey cloud of galahs was silent as they flew, but not so the sulfur-crested cockatoos that shrieked and screamed their displeasure at the interruption to their afternoon drink. Finally, realizing that the humans posed no threat, they swooped down to land, glaring balefully at the trespassers.

  In pairs, the galahs gracefully made their way to the water’s edge, but not the cockatoos that noisily brawled and argued before beginning their pigeon-toed strut. Even then, they noisily shrieked and screamed their annoyance to each other before wheeling away to the distant gum trees.

  A small mob of grey bush kangaroos, hard to detect in the long feathery grasses around the dam, hopped down the far bank.

  Jennifer could hardly suppress her amusement as the joeys tumbled out of pouches to begin a rough and tumble game of kickboxing while their mothers, curious, stared at the visitors before dipping their heads down to quench their thirst as they decided they were safe.