by Jack Sunn
Susan joined me shortly after. We did not say very much, but she offered to drive me, and suggested we take Bev out to lunch and any shopping she needed while the lads did most of the heavy lifting and resettlement.
I must not have been my usual self, for we had not gone far on our way to Redland Bay when Susan said, “Jack. Are you alright? You seem distant or preoccupied.”
I must have been half in a daze or something and came around at the sound of my name.
“Sorry. What did you say?”
“Are you alright?”
“I think so. Was revisiting a disturbed mix of last night’s dreams. I recalled a lot of the past six weeks which left me restless for half the night. All good now. Should be fine and ready for another day.”
When we got to the park, movement was well advanced. The refurbished residence which was now Bev’s had a new fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine, and dryer, and more cupboardry than she had in her previous cabin. Ray had been extremely business-like and to the point with her. “Bev, you point and direct and we’ll do it. By all means pack personal items in the boxes, but we will move them. For your books, we have put carpet in the work trailer so we can move lots at once. When you have packed your personal stuff, simply meet us in the new place to tell us where you want things to go. For those things you are unsure of, we can place them on the annex table and chairs and leave it to your leisure to sort.”
We entered the annex to find Bev in the kitchen area of her new domicile. She saw us at once and greeted us with a big smile and hugs for both of us. At that moment, Ray turned up with a load of books. Susan and I just started packing them in the shelves, asking Bev if it was alright to try sorting them a little, or simply put them in.
“Any way is good Jack. I can easily sort them later. I think I will find some long-forgotten treasures in them. I have not changed the order substantially for years, and many have not been opened for as long.”
When the last of Bev’s boxes of clothes arrived, we simply put them on the bedroom floor. The bed at that stage was a bare but new mattress.
“Bev. Time for us to clear out for a while and leave Tom and Ray with the rest.” With that cue, Susan took Bev by the arm and led her to the car. I said thanks again to Tom and Ray, and said we would be out for a few hours.
“All’s well Jack. Leave it to me and Mr Ban.”
“Mr Ban?” I asked?
“Ray. He insists on wearing personalised sun glasses. Had you not noticed?”
Good one I thought. We left and went shopping.
“Bev, what we don’t have yet is curtains and bedspreads. Ray gave me dimensions. Let’s go.”
So the three of us went shopping. Being out of my element was no disadvantage, rather an advantage. Bev was well pleased having Susan to help select. I had previously said to Susan that price was not that important if the quality was guaranteed. And besides. It’s only money, and I will take care of it. I was happy leaving it to them while I vacantly looked at other things. It took surprisingly little time to sort new sheets and covers, and I organised for the curtain fitters to fit later that afternoon.
That sorted we went to the Sunflower for lunch. We were no sooner inside, when Jasmine tea and three cups were brought to the table. Lunch was simple and quiet, with Bev continuing to enjoy Susan’s company. Mine to, but less so. I did not mind, I was still trying to overcome a mind roadblock not knowing what the block was. Switch back-on Jack. Tell yourself it will resolve itself. Switch that part off for a while and let it happen. That done I re-joined the conversation as if it was all new, and made a toast with the tea to happy days and friendships ahead.
We left after paying and this time Bev waited outside the door without walking in either direction.
I said, “Bev. You know the way. Shall we?” And off we went in search of our Asian supplies. We did especially well since the supply truck had come in only a few hours previously. And with a clean fridge at home, it was easy to err on the side of too much rather than too little. We also stocked up on butter, flour and of course dates. We both had Tom in mind.
By the time we got back to Sunnybank, it was mid to late afternoon. I said to Susan, “Why don’t you and I have dinner at one of the local Japanese restaurants tonight? I can make a booking for about 6.30. There should be plenty of clothes for you to choose from. I think Edwin has always liked clothes shopping and stocked up. Casual is fine.” I did not wait for a reply and went to fill the kettle nearby.
Susan surprised me by saying, “Why don’t I take you? I think it is my turn.”
“No need to take turns. Tea?”
We again escaped to the garden and moved Buddhas and statues like little children in a park playing ball. It was pleasant release to be seemingly abandoned, if only temporarily. We later repaired to our rooms, showered and changed, then caught a taxi to the restaurant.
Being not overly hungry, we enjoyed sashimi and tempura prawns, with a little Geikekan sake. So nice to be away from the decision making. On returning home Redman Shiraz felt appropriate, and we enjoyed a glass or two while I told Susan the story of my return home and its revelation. She laughed. What more could I ask? Ray came in and enjoyed a glass with us before we all retired for the evening.
The following day things settled down a little. Tom took the day off while Ray, Susan and I visited Bev for a cup of tea. She’s a tough and resourceful old boot. She had sorted her books, and filled boxes with clothes and assorted knick-knacks to be discarded.
We checked that everything was working satisfactorily and before leaving Susan gave Bev her business card and said to ring her anytime.
“Thank you my dear,” said Bev.
We had just stepped out of Bev’s cabin when Ray’s phone rang. Susan and I gave Ray some space and surveyed the progress at the park to date. In my mind’s eye, I could see what it had looked like just two weeks previous, and that was not how it looked now.
Susan asked me, “Are you going to advertise to let people know the purpose of this place, and its availability? I ask because I have a cousin, ex-Navy M.P., who says she is thinking of coming up to Brisbane to get away from the grey of Sydney. Mid-thirties; could be good for her and Bev. Just thinking they might get on well together.”
“Had not got that far, but the first cabin Tom did after Bev’s new cabin might be ideal for a single person. Is she by herself? If so give her a call. Arrange a visit.”
It was then that Ray came running after us. “Uncle Jack. Uncle Jack. Can you do without me for a few days?’
“Why of course. What’s up?”
“You remember that Navy chic that drove us to the airport at Honolulu. She’s invited me to Hawaii for five days. She’s on leave as of tomorrow. As it happens, I have enough time to get home, thirty minutes tops, shower and pack twenty minutes, see the travel agent to arrange US entry, catch the train to the airport from Sunnybank, check-in, and be on the Hawaiian Airlines flight leaving at 9.55 tonight.”
Before I really had time to answer, he was off and going. “Text us when you are coming back. Have a good one.” I said, and he was gone.
Susan said, “Let me take you home Jack, and I’ll give Cousin Ruth a call.”
The following two days went by with a blur. Susan and I seemed to be coming and going at both Sunnybank and the park. I wanted Tom to take it easy, but he was having none of it. He was even in the habit of taking Bev to lunch every few days. It was like we were all a part of the one family.
On day three Ruth arrived at the park. She and Susan could not have been more different in appearance. Susan was brunette, had medium length hair, and wore slacks and a blouse and comfortable casual shoes. Ruth on the other hand, wore full leathers, had long red hair, and looked possibly a little fiery. I was yet to find out. But no. She and Susan were children of twin sisters and shared a lot of their childhood together. The difference was mode of transport. Susan drove a car, while Ruth rode a motorcycle. Not an ordinary bike, but one the size of a mini
ature motorhome. An inline six cylinder 1800cc Honda Gold Wing. Red and silver in colour. Long red hair and a Goldwing were a force to be reckoned with. As a former military police officer, we were in good company. I suggested we drop in at Bev’s, first to say hello, and then look at the cabin. That done, Bev said she would make the tea while the girls looked over the cabin. I stayed with Bev.
Once inside the cabin, it was Ruth who spoke first, “Out with it Sue Baby. Where did you find him? Jack that is.”
“A long story. Sort of looking out for Mr Alexander. Actually, Jack picked me up, wait for it, knowing who I was. He does things quickly and efficiently.”
“And you Susan, my dear cousin. How quick are you?”
“Let’s look at the cabin Cousin Ruth, and go into details later maybe. What do you think? Two bed rooms plus kitchen. Large pantry area. Storage capacity built in and a large garage-carport. Where Bev is used to be the manager’s, but Tom and Jack had the annex built on as an area for Bev to cook and entertain. She used to run a café on a small scale. It is what she seems to enjoy most in life. She used to be in a smaller cabin further down the lane, but Jack and Tom had other ideas and moved her. She’s only been in a few days. I think you and she might get on well, so let’s go see. She will have made the tea by now.”
CHAPTER 24
Ray’s flight from Brisbane to Hawaii left as scheduled at 9.55 pm. With the night being clear the lights of Brisbane International Airport and the extensive infrastructure of the Port of Brisbane were quickly left behind as the Hawaiian Airlines Flight headed east in search of the tropical islands which made up the state of Hawaii.
As is always hoped for when flying, the flight to Hawaii went smoothly. But was it memorable? Well yes. Ray had an aisle seat and was seated next to a woman whom Ray thought should have booked two seats, or at least a box in the cargo container. To Ray’s 62 kg, she seemed to be at least two to three times the weight, if not the volume he occupied.
Ray thought to himself of his recent flight from Hawaii to Sydney, Overnight In first class was easily forgettable for sleeping in fully reclining sleeper beds comes naturally and peacefully, but economy, who really likes this? At least he had Alisha to think about as he fitfully dozed during the night.
With sunup, a light breakfast was served and the plane landed without incident to a greeting of early but bright clear sky, with just a hint of breeze. Through passport control and customs and quarantine, he was greeted by Alisha wearing light cargo pants and a Hawaiian T-shirt, and held at arm’s length a traditional floral lei for Ray. Ray by contrast wore jeans, long sleeve T-shirt and sneakers, and hanging over one shoulder was his luggage consisting only of one carry-on hand-held bag about the size of two shoe boxes.
Alisha held the lei up and placed it over Ray’s head as he approached, lightly kissed him on the cheek and said, “Food first,” and looking at what Ray wore and how little luggage he had, continued with, “then some suitable clothing.”
Ray, looking, and no doubt smelling partly like a used dish cloth after the night flight, could only think and say, “That sounds great. Let’s go.”
Alisha took Ray to her two-bedroom bungalow near the Salt Lake District Park and Honolulu Country Club, in all about ten minutes at most from the airport, suggested he might shower and freshen up, while she made coffee and prepared a light breakfast. For Ray, he was on the gates of heaven. The day was crystal clear, the temperature in the low twenties 0C, the air was lightly scented with frangipani, freshly cut papaya, pineapple and limes, and the alluring aroma of coffee. Of course, there was also Alisha, who in Ray’s eyes was nothing short of stunning. Her skin was smooth and light brown, her hair shoulder length, straight and black.
Breakfast was served on the lanai which jutted out into the garden where the plants varied in size, shape and colour as only a tropical garden does.
Ray had been to Hawaii several times before, but the perspective gained from having a local host certainly always differs for the better from that of being an unescorted visitor. Though Ray and Alisha had only met briefly less than two months previously, social media messaging had allowed them to become more acquainted, even familiar with each other’s tastes and idiosyncrasies. A quick trip to Waikiki after breakfast ensured clothing shopping for Ray was quick and functional.
Alisha had lived in Hawaii since she was a young girl, but had been stationed with the Navy there for only two years, having been first stationed in San Diego. In Hawaii, she had found few people who shared her interests as much as Ray did. Both were physically oriented, the current weather near perfect, so outdoors it was, at least during the day. Hawaii being essentially a group of volcanic peaks in the middle of the Pacific Ocean presented and in no way failed to provide an outdoors emporium of things to see and do. Volcanic topography and hiking trails suited them both. First was the nearly ten kilometre Kanuala-Ehukai trail, situated about an hour from Honolulu in the Pupukea-Paumalu State Park on the north side of Oahu. For the unfit the trail’s length and rise to 400 feet or 120 metres is challenging, but for Ray it was a superb way of detoxing the previous night’s poor sleep on the plane. For Alisha, it was exciting to share with this strange Australian, one who spoke Australian, but looked like he had come from eastern Asia. She did not ask too many questions, but rather enjoyed his athleticism, his obvious well-toned physique, and especially his ‘we can do it’ attitude. The climb led them to two World War Two bunkers on a rocky bluff, which overlooks and provides spectacular views of Pipeline, Rocky Point and Sunset Beach surfing beaches. Before leaving the bungalow that morning, Alisha had packed two light packs with fruit, nuts and water which they consumed as a light lunch. Still being new to being physically close to one another, conversation remained conservative. For Alisha, she spoke of her time in the Navy, and Ray relayed the history of the last two months which led them to meeting when Alisha drove Ray, his Uncle Jack and Miss Jill to the airport. That Alisha and Uncle Jack both knew the Secretary of the Navy was only lightly touched on, being regarded as peripheral to their current interests. If there had been a third-party observer, it would have appeared both felt a little awkward and hesitant to enquire into more personal details. But that could wait. With four and a half days left there would be plenty of time.
Ray was up for just about anything, but said he would like to visit one of two dojos if possible, and also the Lyon Arboretum to see some of the plants he had read about in horticultural journals as part of his part-time landscaping work. He and Alisha settled on a rough itinerary and headed back down the mountain. The climb had been pleasing, but the descent was a welcome change of pace, with both anticipating a great few days together.
Hawaii is ethnically dominated by Japanese, as is evidenced by people’s faces, and its restaurants. Having agreed to make an early start the next day they dined early in a Japanese seafood restaurant, and retired early. For Ray sleep came quickly. Not so for Alisha, who dozed reminiscing about meeting Ray, messaging him, and now having him for a few days of fun, and sleeping in the adjoining room.
The next morning saw them breakfasting at a Waikiki beachside café.
As Hawaii consisted of a cluster of islands, kilometres of tropical coastline abound. Boating, fishing, swimming, diving and other water sports are popular pastimes for residents and tourists alike. For many simply swimming is a daily experience, and so it was for Ray and Alisha. Though Alisha served in the Navy, being outdoors in salt air and water was an infrequent pleasure. Within three days both Ray and Alisha looked like seasoned locals. In the sun both readily toned to a darker shade of skin. Their clothing also had the appearance of being territorially casual Hawaiian. The similarity of Australian and Hawaiian beach dress was honed by its practicality and mix of colours. Board shorts, bikinis, thongs and sunnies were the norm.
On day three after lunch Alisha was deep in thoughts and Ray left her to them. To him, he was having a ball and enjoying every moment of being away from Australia.
She startled, and s
aid, “Ray. I know we are having a good time, but something surprises me a little. Not wanting to delve too deeply, but you’ve not asked about my family or background. That’s kind of nice, but I’m obviously not Japanese or Polynesian Hawaiian.”
Ray thought for a moment, but not too long. “Alisha. I could ask that of you, as you could of me. If you asked me, it would be hard to answer. You have met my Uncle Jack. His late sister was my adoptive mother. I was two at the time. As far as I know I am Korean or thereabouts. I am me, and you are you. Certainly I would like to know more about you, and apologies if I have disappointed you. I imagine your background is interesting as is for most people. Unfortunately, racial heritage is often a handle for a type of discrimination which I find offensive and unhelpful. Especially since Uncle Jack who is obviously English-European by descent, is like a father to me. I like you as you. I am sorry. I have unanswerable questions concerning my ancestry, so tend not to enquire of that of others. Please forgive me and tell me all.”
Alisha, now with a tear in her eye, said, “Oh Ray. I am so sorry. I have been so insensitive. Will you come to dinner at my Mum and Dad’s? They moved here from the mainland when I was about five, and live not far away. My Mum is part African, her Mum came from the Caribbean, and Dad is part Native American. They thought that living in Hawaii’s multicultural society a great way to go, and have enjoyed it now for decades.”
Ray retorted, “Then that makes you, me, the Japanese and Koreans and others here all interlopers. But people have been travelling the world for millennia with resultant intermixing and blending. I kind of think I am lucky to be me, and now kind of lucky to be here with you, and each day I like it a bit more. Come. Let’s go for a walk on the beach.” He took her hand, both smiled excitedly, and headed for the sand.