“Of course, he does. We know and love you here!” Pondering further, Bec said, “Maybe you need a change? A holiday, a new job, or I know, you can move up here to the Sunny Coast and be with us!”
Since they’d known each other Bec had longed for her to move closer. “Do you have any savings?”
An innocent question. “Yes, of course,” Vivienne responded. She wouldn’t divulge to her little sister but she had substantial savings given she was a workaholic who was overpaid due to huge bank profits and had no mortgage of her own, few hobbies and barely went out. She prioritised saving and it seemed to accumulate with little effort on her behalf.
“If you won’t move up here, maybe a holiday?”
“Maybe,” she said but her sister had got her thinking.
Chapter Nineteen
“Mate! Where are you?” Ned called out as the front door slammed against the wall in his haste to find Daniel. The bang echoed through the small cottage.
“Ned, I’m over here. What’s the rush?”
“There’s big news all over town.” Ned’s quirky eyes lifted toward his forehead and were filled with mischief.
Daniel had received too many surprises for one year, one lifetime even, and the prospect of more news that was unexpected, made him pale.
Ned noticed his pallor.
“No, it’s okay.” The skinny man couldn’t control his excitement. He wore a broad smile and his words came out in bursts. A reassuring hand landed on Daniel’s arm.
“Why is Ned acting all weird?” Sarina asked.
Ned picked the little girl up and twirled her around, her multi-coloured pheasant skirt flowing behind her. “Because there’s reason to celebrate.”
Now, dread really did settle in Daniel’s stomach.
“Ned. What are you talking about?”
“Where’s your computer? Or maybe we need the T.V. I’m not sure. Get the computer.”
Ned flapped about like a baby bird wanting its breakfast. Unable to stand still, he paced the living room.
Deciding it was going to be difficult to get any sense out of him unless he complied, Daniel collected his laptop from the study and placed it in front of Ned on the kitchen table.
“As you wish.”
“Colton, come here and help me. We need to search up about your dad’s episode on This Country. There’s a page attached to the show or something like that. I don’t really know all the details, but let’s find out.”
“You are completely nuts and not making any sense,” Daniel commented as he watched Colton sit on Ned’s lap and punch into the keys.
Daniel hung back. Sarina joined them to make them a trio and he let them do their thing. Sarina hummed a nursery rhyme but watched the screen as it moved between pages.
Within moments, all three heads turned toward him and stared.
“What? What is it?”
Daniel peered over Ned’s tall shoulders and strained to see the computer screen. Bunches of words and images popped up, mainly of his farm, cows, rolling hills and the surrounding township.
“What is this? That’s Bunyatree...”
“Holy shit,” and those two words came from his six-year-old son.
“Hey,” and Daniel would have reprimanded him but the words on the screen caught his attention.
Daniel stepped back.
“Ned, can you please explain this to me?”
With his mouth agape, Ned turned in his chair and he and Sarina faced Daniel. Colton had jumped up and now stood next to them.
“Well, as much as I can work out, after the show aired, it gained massive public attention. Viewers were outraged that one of their local farmers was being treated this way. They apparently loved your method of farming. They must have been the greenies, but anyway, were equally outraged that you’d given something different a go and were basically being punished by the big bad bank.”
Daniel locked eyes with Ned.
“It’s a long story. Okay, I’ll get to the point. There is this thing called crowdfunding and it’s where someone, anyone, can set up a campaign to raise funds toward a good cause. It’s all done on the internet, or what’s that other thing, Colt?”
“Facebook.”
“Yeah, that’s it, social media,” he stretched out the words, “so basically, this is a fund where people donate to specifically save the farm and your business.”
“Why?” Daniel said and then followed quickly with, “You are kidding, right?” and “Who has donated?” Questions swirled in his head.
“Nope. Not kidding.” Ned shook his head.
Something Estelle had said to him, bounced around in his thoughts. She’d known about it.
Sarina jumped up and down, on the spot chanting, “We can stay, we can stay and keep all our pets. Yippee!”
Colton danced with her and Ned joined in.
It hadn’t sunk in for Daniel yet. Then it struck him.
“Stop!” He said it louder than intended. “I’ve heard all this before. People making promises but not donating. How do I actually know that this is real?”
Sarina stopped jigging and grabbed his hand and led him to the screen. Ned turned it toward the pair.
“Look here, Daddy. This is the actual page, your page now I guess, and this is the amount that people have given us.”
His eyes bulged. Daniel looked at Ned and at Sarina. Since when did she get so smart?
Ned’s grin said it all.
“Daniel, I didn’t understand these things either. My lady friend, Ruby, explained it to me. Her friend had an aunt who had a rare disease and she needed treatment in the USA and it cost a fortune, so they had one of these crowd fund thingies set up and thousands of people donated and they were able to travel to the States and . . .”
Daniel gave him that look again.
“Okay. Okay, this figure here is the actual real cash. With these campaigns, the money is counted as it’s donated so the figure is what’s in the bank account attached to this page. As people donate and the money is received, the total increases. Something like that anyway; aren’t computers amazing? But the most important thing is that this amount of money can save the farm; can save all of us.”
Daniel slumped into the chair, his body suddenly deflated as if punched in the gut. For seconds, he sat still before his children dragged him up to his feet and he, too, danced around the cottage. The quartet’s peels of excitement echoed down the valley ridges.
***
Vivienne parked her car in the rear shed and shut the manual door before she headed up the pebbled back path. One of the potted rhododendrons sat sideways so she stopped and used two hands to scoop the dirt back into the pot and set it to rights.
After having made her decision, she spent an enjoyable weekend with Bec and the kids. They spent an extraordinary amount of time at the beach and her back now scorched red from lack of sunscreen application. Sand nestled into her hair, armpits and other body grooves. She’d also given Bec and Todd the night off and minded the three rascals whilst their parents wined and dined in nearby, trendy Mooloolaba. If she thought about it, she was exhausted, tired on life. She didn’t know how Bec coped all the time. Those kids had endless energy.
In the end, it had been a simple decision.
But in reality, and a dose of pragmatism, she knew it wouldn’t change anything. No, well that wasn’t true, it would change her entire world irretrievably, but it couldn’t help Daniel. For her it would dissolve the guilt sitting at the base of her spine and twisting around her stomach and gripping her.
Having made the decision, Vivienne felt immediately lighter and freer. She was sure she would look back and consider it one of her life’s moments. Perhaps for many years she’d been blind. Vivienne had always tried to do the right thing but her energy had been driven in the wrong direction. Now she realised her focus had been self-centred and egotistical and all about her. Given her family background, that was understandable. If she didn’t look after herself, who else was going to? An
d it was that fear that had always focused her decisions. Having had time with a clear head and the wise words of her sister, she’d realised that she’d been using her skills in the wrong place the whole time. Her lawyer practice had allowed her to hide safely away from the world, almost as if she didn’t exist. She’d thought that her contribution at the Women’s Advisory Service and the shelter had been her way of helping, and she had, no doubt. But she had so much more to give.
Not wanting to dwell on it for too long or allow herself to back down, Vivienne had immediately actioned her decision; no regrets, no turning back. She’d never been one to prevaricate. The weight lifted at once and freed her to be present with her nieces and nephews and, live—a practice she wasn’t good at. As an expert worrier, she’d always planned for the rainy day. As Bec said—if she had opened her heart to love, a newfound excitement and pleasure in the future might develop-she could feel it already-an essential ingredient that had been missing. She’d lived in fear, afraid of being hurt, harmed by men and maybe, now, she could move on, start afresh. It was possible and she did believe it.
Having fun with Bec’s family she hadn’t resorted back to analysing her situation since Friday evening. But, alone again, and in Rosebrooke came the genuine test. Had she done the right thing and could she move on?
After unlocking the rear door, Vivienne dumped her over-night bag in the kitchen. The cottage back door opened to the kitchen and sun-room area capturing the perfect light and warm of mornings. It had become her favourite spot to sit and read.
Right on dusk now, the sun sat on top of the far horizon, glowing red and orange colours into the room, but its power had faded for the day. Darkness lurked in all the corners so Vivienne flicked on each light switch she passed.
Having stopped at a famous local pie shop on her return drive, she didn’t need to eat but would appreciate a hot cup of tea and perhaps a biscuit whilst watching the evening news. Vivienne would revel in the simplicity of the act.
The kettle hummed as she worked her way around the familiar kitchen. Within moments Vivienne carried her steaming brew into the living area where the television was located.
Extracting a biscuit from the unopened packet, she thought of Daniel. Ten other packets of Girl Guide brownies sat in her pantry and were all purchased on market day in her vain efforts to save his farm. The biscuits were perfect for dipping and she delighted in sucking on the soggy remnants of each one.
When she had purchased them, it was all she thought she could do.
How stupid she’d been. Did she really think purchasing numerous packets of biscuits and some handmade bangles would save a generation old farm from the bank?
She might have ruined one family, but her decision made sure that it wouldn’t happen again. She would not be in that position again, ever. Vivienne sat back in the arm chair and television jingles deafened the room as she turned on the box.
***
One foot stepped after the other up the three stairs to the entrance. The worn old timber door stared back at him as he paused to catch his breath. Daniel reached the door knocker and thumped three times.
His heart pounded in his chest because he’d rushed so fast to get here, barely blinking as he drove too quickly.
Daniel still dared not to hope, even when faced with the evidence in front of his own eyes. He didn’t want to acknowledge any flicker of resolution even though deep down his insides celebrated. His mind and body were not yet aligned in their emotional response.
He’d read the figures on the computer screen and couldn’t believe it. Then he read them over, once, twice until they’d blurred. As if not being able to believe they were true, he flicked off the page and came back and then separately asked both Sarina and Colton to read out the amount to him.
Then, after it appeared to be true, all he could think of was Vivienne. Why did she pop first in his mind after such a life-changing event? It had to mean something.
After his appalling behaviour a few days ago, he’d only snatched little sleep. He’d also talked himself out of any contact with her ever again but the darned woman wouldn’t leave his thoughts. He kept telling himself it was a closed chapter. But now, maybe they could see each other again, start afresh. But would she talk to him?
Standing in front of the cottage, Daniel took a few deep breaths and wiped the sweat from his brow. Lights illuminated the premises; he was relieved to find her at home.
He rapped lightly on the door again not wishing to startle her. Noises echoed from within, sounding like light rustling sounds as someone moved between rooms.
If she felt the same as him, he knew she’d let him in. A flicker of hope ignited—she would, wouldn’t she? He remembered how hurt she’d been at his cutting words the other day. If she didn’t care, why would she be hurt? He remembered the signs and analysed them again. He couldn’t be wrong, could he? Guilt sliced through him anyway.
His nerves rattled loud now. What if she refused to admit him? As she was usually candid and not one to mince her words, she might relish the opportunity to give him a piece of her mind whilst he stood on the step in the dark.
It could go either way.
“Daniel?” Her voice came from within the door as it opened a crack.
He pushed the door further open. Vivienne stood inside, her arms crossed, appearing ready for battle. She wore a look he wasn’t familiar with.
“Hi, Vivienne.”
“What are you doing here? You made it pretty clear the other day that you have no interest in seeing me.”
He watched for vitriol, venom or hatred as she said the words. At their lack of bite and heat, he relaxed but noticed that her arms remained crossed, she did not move toward him but stayed in the inner confines of the hall whilst he lingered on the doorstep. He had not yet been invited inside.
“I am so sorry about the other day—” He wanted to say more but she cut him off.
“Yes. You are good at saying sorry. You’ve offered apologies quite a few times since we’ve met.”
Ouch. This wasn’t going to be easy. Daniel bowed his head. “I am truly sorry and I’m sorry for how many times I’ve had reason to apologise. Things have been tumultuous since you arrived.”
She stopped him mid-sentence again.
“So, it’s all my fault?”
“What? No. That’s not what I meant. It’s just that you bought matters to a head, you know, coming from the bank and all. But I’ve not come to argue about all that. I’ve got good news. Did you know that there was some sort of fundraising campaign set up to save the dairy?”
“Yes, Daniel, I knew about that and you told me that there was no money.” Her words were clipped and short.
“Oh, sorry no, not that fund, there is another one, unbeknownst to me. I couldn’t believe it. I’ve just found out. Can I come in?”
To her credit, Vivienne did hesitate. It was only a millisecond but Daniel’s heart hammered the whole time until she spoke.
“Sure. Would you like a drink? Maybe we should have a beer? I don’t have any Tempranillo.” Her smile was small and tight with closed lips.
They weren’t on safe ground yet.
Daniel felt his pulse slow. If Vivienne made personal jokes though, he thought he had a chance of making everything okay.
“Thank you, I’d love a beer actually. I need a drink.”
Out in Vivienne’s back garden Daniel told her the whole story. At one point, Vivienne even went inside to fetch her own computer so she could scan the crowdfunding page herself.
As she opened it, Daniel’s heart did do a flutter. What if he’d read it wrong? What if the money wasn’t there?
Thankfully, it sat just as he’d last read it. He let out a large breath and relaxed.
“I have heard of these ideas, but just never been involved in one. This is incredible. I can’t believe it. I watched the show when I was back in Brisbane. The producers did a great job by the way. Even whilst I watched it, I became angry then it made me sad a
nd I have no doubt that all the people watching it felt the same. It’s a great story, Daniel.”
They hadn’t touched since his arrival. Tentatively, he reached over and clasped her hand in his. Vivienne’s eyes located his and together they held the gaze. Neither of them looked away. Vivienne smiled.
“Daniel, I am so happy for you. This is the perfect ending. I’ve carried around enormous guilt over what I’d done to you and your family.”
“It wasn’t you. I understand that now. But at the prospect of losing my home, my farm and business, I couldn’t associate with you then. You were the figurehead, the one delivering the news and it was all too hard, I guess. It was just a shit time and I couldn’t think of you, no I mean, sorry I thought of you all the time, couldn’t get you out of my head despite losing one of the things I care about the most in the world. I couldn’t then fit you in too. I guess is one way to describe it. And it’s true, I was angry and upset. Furious actually but when I calmed down, I was mad at myself the most.”
After having drunk another couple of beers, the sun had disappeared and the full moon provided filtered light into her small back garden. Feeling like he’d won the lottery and not being able to imagine being any happier, Daniel surprised Vivienne by swooping her off the seat and scooping her up into an embrace. She giggled like a child whilst her legs dangled as he held her tightly in his clutches. Together they collapsed onto the soft grass, less steady on their feet after their three alcoholic drinks. They both dissolved into laughter and rolled around in tears whilst the grass blades itched their skin.
“It feels so good to joke around,” Vivienne said.
“I never thought I would again,” Daniel responded.
After they kissed until their lips became raw, Daniel rose and held Vivienne’s hand to help her up. For the second time, he swung her into his embrace and carried her indoors. Under the sliver of moonlight escaping behind the trees and buildings, they gazed at each other both wondering if the moment could really be happening. Daniel’s heart swelled to bursting. His breath caught at Vivienne’s beauty and the lovely woman he held in his arms. He had won all right and it took saving his farm to see it, to realise how special she was. He’d been an idiot, he knew it, but hopefully he could make it up to her. A lightning bolt jolted through him at how close he’d come to losing her.
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