Page 84 of The Trip of a Lifetime

‘Yes, let’s do this.’

Erin counted out the cash and handed it over.

‘Good luck,’ the man said.

They were loaded onto the ferry half an hour before it left. It was a huge ship and the seats they found were comfortable but didn’t recline, and Erin thought they would have to make a bit of a nest for themselves for the next sixteen hours.

‘We need to find out exactly how much a taxi will be,’ Erin said after Martha was settled. ‘I can’t remember what that ticket guy told us and it’s the one thing I didn’t write down. It’s all well and good saying we’ll just get a taxi, but it might be too expensive.’

‘Yes, but think of what we saved on free bed and board with Vince and Morwenna,’ Martha said.

‘True, but we don’t know what’s waiting for us in St John’s. It could be another lift pass or a boat to an island off the coast. I’ll bet it won’t be in the middle of the town. That would be too easy for the final.’

Erin looked to Noah who had set up another jigsaw on the table in front of him. He wasn’t even listening to them now, he was so engrossed in his puzzle.

‘I’m going to find out,’ Erin said.

‘Okay,’ said Martha. ‘I’m totally beat. I don’t know why, bearing in mind the easy ride we’ve had in the last twenty-four hours.’

‘I’ll get us some food and drinks,’ Erin said. ‘And find out about a taxi.’

She walked away from her grandmother who did look tired again. One last push and she could get Martha home for much needed relaxation. Her grandmother had always kept fit. She had done a lot of running when she was younger, then had toned it down to brisk daily walks when she hit her sixties. That, occasional trips out on her bicycle and a twice-weekly yoga session kept her supple and healthy but this trip was a big deal. Martha didn’t usually do things like this any more. This had been a lot.

As Erin walked around the ship she looked for Sam but she couldn’t find him. Perhaps they’d taken the shorter ferry route. Perhaps they were already winging their way across land to St John’s. Perhaps they hadn’t even made it to North Sydney yet. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

She found a steward who was able to offer information about a taxi and told her it would be about $220. Then she went to buy some food and hot drinks. As she handed over the cash for some paninis and cups of tea, she wondered if they should just try to get a lift. It would be silly not to at least ask.

They discussed the possibilities while they were eating. Noah had finished his puzzle and packed it away. He joined them with his camera and they played the part of two contestants who had their act together.

‘A taxi would cost two hundred and twenty dollars and the steward can book that for us. It would be waiting for us at the terminal,’ Erin said.

Noah lowered his camera and looked over his shoulder, then he spoke to them in a whisper out of the corner of his mouth, and without looking at them directly. Like it never happened.

‘The cars get off first and then the foot passengers. You’d save time by at least getting a lift to the terminal.’

‘Are you telling us this because you know where the other contestants are?’ Erin asked.

‘I can’t say any more than that,’ he said and then picked his camera up again. It was then that Cally walked around the corner.

‘How’s it going? This is literally it, now, ladies. How are you feeling?’

‘Nervous,’ Erin said in a moment of honesty in front of the camera.

‘Same, but I’d add knackered to that,’ Martha said.

‘Nearly there, though. I think this series is going to be a big hit, you know. I’ll work hard behind the scenes to make sure it is.’

‘Let’s hope you’re right, Cally, after all the effort everyone has put in,’ Martha said. ‘I’m sure it will be a success.’

Noah and Cally left them then, no doubt to try and get some sleep.

‘I’m going to do a round of asking before everyone starts to really settle in,’ Erin said.

‘Thank you, love. I’m afraid I’m at the settling in stage. I’m feeling pretty useless.’

Martha pulled the copy of Green Gables out of her bag and began to read.

‘Just get as comfy as you can and I’ll be back.’