Breakfast has been and gone and we are enjoying the peace and quiet of a Saturday morning at home. Anita, our Fijian guest, helps me peel bananas for Cordelia’s ice-cream stall at the coming Advent Fair. I have promised to freeze several bunches. The Bog-Brush has to stay shut in the car——I found Anita’s husband threatening her with a big stick yesterday! She was barking at Anita who was terrified. Oops. I think she may be wary of dark-skinned folk from now on. Bother. I spend time cooking for the household and try to keep order in the small space that makes up our modest living quarters.
A.m. Mouse: All is still on the sands. Laird out all morning. Guests about. Kinder slumber on. My Darling——would you like peace and quiet today? A time for reports and reflection or would you like a phone call? {Could be tricky}. Could meet in the Everglades for an hour——just let me know. Loving you so much——platonically or not——M——X
Adrian: Visit is good. Everyone away. I’m back from yoga in 40 mins. Come if you can——
Mouse: Can come at 9.50——only until 11.00. Will the others still be out? Might be awkward until the Angel dust settles on your evening’s disclosure——
* * * * * * *
Later, Mouse: Am around the corner. Would rather arrive when you are home.
Adrian: Late because picking up sound P.A for The School Fair——come now, My Love.
We spend an hour together. Adrian is busy preparing breakfast after a yoga session. He still feels disconnected; the seriousness of our position to the fore. “Last night Big J. spoke about the ‘third person’; {i.e. the divine entity}, in a marriage——had we considered that? A triangle with a third person never works.” “I suppose we haven’t considered our situation as a triangle have we?” I answer; “but if so, our triangle has rounded corners and the ability to become a circle. I have always imagined the Holy Spirit filling the central space.”
Has the circle image come about because of The Laird’s outward vocation and the intense inward connection that Adrian and I share? I wonder? I am no scientist——does an outward, inward pull create a spin? If The Laird could accept that he can’t have a devoted marriage as well as being devoted elsewhere so much of the time, perhaps the circle would spin easily. We are definitely not at that stage. The Laird cannot comprehend any such abstract notion. I touch on the complicated set of hurdles——as I had done earlier in the week: “So, I have all the physical baggage while you have the nervous clobber to handle. What are we to do with it? Are we meant to resist? Or are we supposed to make it work out somehow? What would be the easiest course of action?” I ask. We look long and deeply at each other; our beloved image unified and printed inwardly. The Leafy Glade holds us gently while the cat purrs loudly.
Stroking his devoted pet, Adrian answers: “Well, in many ways it would be much easier to just walk away——‘bye Mouse, thanks for everything.’ Yes, I could do that——hmm——I think. To make it work——now that is definitely the more tricky option. But what if you are ‘The One’——the one for me; my life partner? I cannot simply let it pass.” My flippant remarks about the endless complications make him cross. “This is serious. I am not in the right space for lightness——sober up, My Lady.” I am mollified. I confess I enjoy his ability to command my obedience. I realize few make me tow the line. He shows a steady certainty in control. He is a wiser Spirit, to whom my wild essence responds in supplication. The dog barks outside and the curtain flaps a quiet hello, reminding us that we should return to the everyday world of family, work commitments and others’ opinions. I leave him to his phone; a call from his parents. I lace up my leather boots, kiss him goodbye and slip quietly from the room.
Early p.m. Mouse: She sends him deep blessing——this man she loves——this man who is taking her hand in firm ownership and life-giving challenge. She should not have been flippant with their lives today. In thinking about it afterwards she realizes she was trying to release their spark. But these are becalmed times——times of waiting-—of tentative footsteps and life-changing decisions. A time to be alone and still. Soon the breeze will fill their sails. Soon——X
Adrian: Thanks for message and explanation. Yes, waiting——and staying clear. Got vegs, eggs, dog food and petrol. Been for a swim at Tui Park in full tide. Now to get straight, as I’m feeling tight——Laird not respecting me——Big J. being cool——Tell Tale or Secret Keeper? The whole bit——not getting to reports——lots to keep up with. Text you when I’ve resurfaced——X
Mouse: Am heading down hill, alone. Do you feel like an evening stroll for half an hour? Don’t worry if you are on a roll with work etc. ——X
* * * * * * *
Later on, Adrian: Where are you Sweetness? I am at school, going over music for The Fair with Ruth. Come sing with us? Love to see you if possible. Sleeping at School to be the night watchman for the stalls.
Mouse: My Love, have missed the slot I’m afraid——now back on Mountain. Laird has a gang here for a supper party to greet the Fijian family, {those who were part of the voluntary service trip}. More work——am asleep on my feet. So glad all is well. Wish I could sing with you. Happy caretaking. Love you——M——X
Sunday 26th November 2006 School Advent Fair
A.m. Adrian: Oh Lover of mine, go well, My Sweet. I am choosing a day of holding myself gently with love and care. Still tender. Love you
Mouse: XxXxXxXxXxXxXX. The Sun hopes to come out of hiding on this busy, love-filled day. He will send warming rays before them. He will bathe them in soothing splendour——XxXxXxX
P.s—— Loving you. I have found the most perfect red hat for The Small One. Can you make sure he wears it today? I think he’ll like the colour——X
The day of The School Fair dawns bright and promising. It is a major event for the whole community. We are on public display; a day that brings in a number of new enrolments. What a wonderful atmosphere. The sun shines on busy faces, the summer breeze ruffles the eye-catching bunting and a tangible excitement is present as we open the school to the public.
Plants, homemade woollens, crafts and baking; we present an old-fashioned village Fair with a difference. Adrian’s pergolas are in use again; he recently purchased a couple for his ‘Sherwood Forest’ dream. Every corner of the school has been turned into a feast for the eye——truly lovely. I expect outside visitors wonder at the ‘olde worlde’ theme, imagining it to be laid on as an ‘extra’. I wonder at their surprise when they discover this is the real flavour of the place——yes, every day of the week!
The school grounds are pretty. Tempting paths lead children and visitors to the gardens between the buildings with their attractive decks. The town is built on hilly land so there are several banks and raised sites throughout the school. Wooden fencing and exotic planting delineate the different areas. Some of the gardens are specifically designed for the kindergartens, {or ‘kindys’ as they are fondly known}. Every area is in use today. The valiant organizers have been working for weeks to make this day run smoothly. Our friend Cordelia is running the ‘Banana Ice-Cream’ stall. Wearing a linen apron with the ties done up in front she waves a friendly hello from a kindergarten deck. Another parent is running a children’s craft table with clay, shells, sticks and stones; the stall is busy with children of all ages creating interesting sculptures.
Class 3 has their own flag stall this year. Adrian took the children to the bamboo forest last week and they have attached colourful flags to the harvested sticks. Their stall is one of the first to attract the eager shoppers. I purchase a flag in striking hues, greeting the well-known stallholders. Calculating change is a very serious business and I smile as I walk away, the transaction complete. One of my favourite stalls is located in the kindergarten rooms. The bigger children run ‘The Children’s Shop’——no adults are allowed entry. Small groups of young fair-goers are welcomed through the veiled entrance to choose the hand-made items on sale. The shop is hidden under large white sheets that make an inside tent. The reverent hush of kindergarten mag
ic is tangible. It is a great highlight. Woollen gnomes, wooden toys and tiny, beeswax candles provide a magical feast for first-time shoppers carrying baskets and shiny dollars.
The library has been transformed into a café for the day, spilling out into the courtyard. The trees offer shade to those enjoying plates of salad and quiche. I can’t get used to the idea of an Advent Fair in the summer, but it is great fun, despite the anomaly. Familiar faces smile and wave as I pass; clever mothers with cooking ability serve the waiting customers. I make my way back to my post——the ‘Chocolate Fish Stall’. I pass my Lord Swallow reigning supreme over the deck behind the office, which acts as a perfect stage. It’s where we’ll perform The Staff Nativity Play at the end of term. A series of musicians organized by Adrian are entertaining the crowd. Sporting jeans, linen shirt, multi-coloured waistcoat and guitar, my Smiling Minstrel is a splendid Master of Ceremonies.
I linger a while and listen to the music. Adrian plays with the Irish Caille band and then sings with Ruth. Contented listeners bask in the sunshine and I saunter off to my stint as stallholder. The Laird is running the archery, although it is rather too far away from the heart of the action for his liking. I notice a steady stream of the male population heading his way. He has an impressive queue at the top of the school. Our Fijian guests arrive at The Fair for the latter part of the afternoon. “They need a lift to Auckland”, The Laird informs me. “Any chance of asking around? There must be someone going up there”. I make a few enquiries. Yes, Ruth could take them but her car is small and she wouldn’t fit them and their luggage. The Laird decides to take them himself. But he is exhausted after being away on Camp, quite apart from having run the archery all day. I am anxious to spare him the trouble.
So, the Chocolate Fish stall for me again——the same as last year. Now, chocolate fish seem to be an antipodean regular in the lives of school-aged children. I have never come across them before. The pink, fish-shaped marshmallows; about four inches long and covered in cheap chocolate, are perfect for hanging on strings over one of the kindy sandpits. The wooden posts supporting the sandpit sunshade are draped in blue muslin and small people pay fifty cents to tackle the dangling confectionery with their hands behind their backs. Teeth only. We arrange the fish to hang at different heights. The bigger children thoroughly enjoy the challenge of the tricky, chocolaty prizes, as well as a host of ‘wee fisherman’ aiming for the easier danglers. I am kept busy all day. My little Lady is feeling brave this year; daring to leave me and ‘shop’ with her friends. She knows where to find me and is keen to be independent. Our Go-Getter is firmly by his father’s side, determined to win the archery prize, and Cedric is away with a friend——far too embarrassed to be seen in public with his ghastly family.
I am surprised by an older couple that walks over to my stall at two o’clock, introducing themselves as Adrian’s parents——his father and stepmother. I am confused for a moment; “Adrian? Oh, my Adrian? Oh, yes——why hello——yes, I am Adrian’s friend.” Goodness me——handshakes and smiles all round, how lovely to meet them. “Would you like to catch a chocolate fish?” I introduce my little Lady who is standing beside me. We are both wearing claret velvet and cream lace with garlands in our hair from the flower stall. I hope we don’t look disheveled. I am rather taken a-back but delighted to meet them at last. I am not quite sure how I feel about this public acknowledgement of my illicit bond with their son. In truth I am warmed by the honest acceptance. We chat briefly and then I rashly ask if they are traveling back to Auckland at the end of the day. Yes they are, and yes again, they can certainly take the Fijian family with them.
As the afternoon winds to a close I head towards the stage to find my Minstrel. His parents have departed with our guests. “How did you manage that then?” A beaming Lord Swallow is rather impressed by my spontaneous tactic. “How perfect, and they even met The Laird I hear. Fancy that! They enjoyed meeting you.” “Well, it was rather cheeky of me to ask, having only just met them,” I say. “Have you seen The Laird today?” “Only very briefly,” he replies. “It was a while ago. I walked past the archery and waved; turning back to say; don’t shoot!”
As the afternoon winds to a close Adrian and I play around with the P.A system. Only a few stragglers remain and we sing our song, ‘Soldiers of Fire’. I keep getting the words wrong but I think it sounds okay. Louise and her daughter hear us from the courtyard and come to listen; they recognize the music from that wet, wet day some months ago when they dropped into The Mountain and found us completing the song. What fun to be singing in public together, albeit to a tiny audience. Rinky and I help the Maestro Musician clear up. We would like to linger but The Laird is tired and needs to head home. And when The Laird decides he has had enough, that’s it.
Once home I collapse in a heap and go straight to sleep, fully clothed, including my boots. The Master of the house is kind and prepares supper for the hungry mob. After supper he retires to bed where he finds his booted Lady in lace and velvet rather appealing. “I am The Laird of this Castle and you are my Lady, is that clear?” he stakes his claim. “Yes Sire,” I reply, my skirts around my ears. “I think I am more like the Serving Wench tonight.”
P.m. Mouse: Missing you, My Friend. Need to catch up——but only if you feel like a chat. I’m free for 30 minutes once story is read to kinder. I’ve had my evening kip. Text if you would like your Lady in Velvet to phone——
Adrian: You still free, My Love? Just been cleaning the car. Phew! Big job.
Mouse: Yes, My Darling. Free for a little longer. Just tried you. I’ll try again. Am cleaning car too——X
I manage to telephone Adrian for a brief chat but The Laird comes in unexpectedly, interrupting us. I switch the conversation to something neutral and say goodbye.
Mouse: My Darling——I’m so sorry. We aren’t having much luck at the moment; doesn’t look like I’m in trouble though. Are you up late? Text when you go to bed. I might be able to phone when all are asleep. Expect you need an early night too. Just let me know. Feeling strong love for you right now.
Adrian: Sure. I’ll be up for a while unless sleep takes me by surprise. Feeling more organized tonight. Oh, meant to say——The Small One LOVES his new, red hat.
We eventually find time to be together over the phone lines; our voices, our adoration carried up and down the valley from Forest to Castle. We run through the day, commenting on its colour and music, fun and games. We speak about individual children, the strange events around his parents and the Fijian family, and we discuss the wider community walking through our much-loved school. “I even saw Scott, the Waikite Bay garage mechanic, did you?” “Goodnight, My Love, My Sweet,” he says so gently. “Goodnight, My Lord Swallow. Sleep well. Dream of our treasure anchored safely.”
Chapter 5 Treasure ‘Pieces of Eight’
Monday 27th November 2006
A.m. Mouse: The wind is up——bold and strong in the hills. It came crashing, encircling and demanding in the night——bursting through the cabin doors at midnight. It brought him to her, tangibly. They lay in blessed, deep connection——moving with the swell; their Dance more beautiful than ever. Despite the wild nature of the storm outside they found perfect stillness in their union. Oh yes, Fine Sir——the wind is definitely up——in the hills——X
Adrian: Must have picked up on your sexy thoughts——got a bit muddled in the ethers. Had dreams about my stepmother visiting this weird sex island——getting involved with these poor native people. Quite bizarre, and a bit sick——and the word ‘whore’ coming up. What? But, beautiful words of yours this morning. Wind is up——I wonder if my personal wind might lead to dreams like that? Digestive symptoms——the wind is really up——in the bowels! So, reports call——Supergreens too. Maybe I could visit a naturopath——could be time. And so, new steps taken.
Goodness me——new wind——gentle but firming——sails beginning to fill——course appearing. I wonder who drank from me——from us——last nigh
t. Are we providing nourishment? Two weeks to land fall——what sort of island will we find ourselves on? Secluded? Just us? I get that Lois is part of the circle, {will she invite me to live on her property?} Anyway, away to cyber land I go——look forward to our next catch-up. Did you get the promised pig for your birthday? See you soon. Your Lover——still heavy——X
Mouse: Quick request——can you hunt out the book with the Advent Festival stories? We shall ask Big J. to read the lantern one this week. Do you still have it? I’ll bring new Supergreens for My Lord Swallow——keep meaning to. With love from your Lady; feeling hesitant in disturbing the report writing.
No need to reply, unless you don’t have the book or at least a copy of the stories.
Adrian: Little J. has the book. You can always interrupt me, My Love. Loving you.
We start the working week together in class. It’s interesting how we can be side-by-side like this——apart, yet as one. We find it comfortable. Sienna is away today so we have to work hard. Adrian is inspirational, as always, and the lesson runs well. The Scowler and I visit the large Opp. Shop in town at the end of the day. Whenever he is moody and low in spirits a shopping trip offers the best cure. Clothes shopping with mother is a great remedy for ‘the grumps’. Having recently read a book about teenagers and their different ‘love languages’, I know this is important, quality time for my big boy——not a reward for difficult behaviour.
P.m. Mouse: Grand to be with you today, My Love. Hope you are okay? I could be free for an Everglade walk or picnic early evening——6-7.30 if you feel like a catch-up? ——M——X
Adrian: Looking after Lottie tonight til 9ish——shame. No, actually we don’t use that word do we? On my bike heading home now, so won’t make it long. Nice to be with you today too——X
Mouse: You’re right——not a shame——an opportunity for something else. Reports——desk clearing——conversation needed. Might fit in a phone call later perhaps. An interesting exercise in transforming potential frustration into something life-giving. We will need to perfect the art. Thank-you for your patience, My Friend. Loving you so much——M——X
The Celestial Sea Page 46