AllFreeNovel
Share Us
***
“We’re on approach into Darwin, Liz.”
On hearing Mathew, I put the book away and turned to watch through the window as we descended into the northernmost state capital city. It was only small in comparison to other cities in Australia, but to a girl from the outback, like me, the city sprawled out beneath me was huge. I struggled to wrap my head around how big Sydney must be and soon I’d find out when witnessing it from the air. Sadness at leaving my family was slowly being replaced by excitement.
Lucas taxied to the location he’d been given by air traffic control and shut down the engines. I unbuckled, stood, and stretched before grabbing the handbag. My brothers made their way from the cockpit and Mathew lowered the steps. After the cool of the plane, the hot, humid air of Darwin hit with the force of a battering ram. We descended onto the tarmac, and I waited while the luggage was pulled from the plane.
“We’ll check in your bags and then Matt will shout us breakfast.” Lucas stepped away from Mathew’s incoming slap across the shoulder.
I laughed and pulled the terminal door open, waiting while the men wheeled my luggage inside and then joined them in the air-conditioned cool of the terminal.
Mathew took my hand and led me to the Virgin check-in, where I showed the lady my ticket and proof I’d paid for the excess baggage. Within minutes I had a boarding pass in hand and was done.
Lucas and Mathew walked me over to a small restaurant, and we grabbed a table by the window where I could watch planes coming and going. After checking the menus on the table, I decided on smashed avocado on toast while my brothers chose the big breakfast—no surprise there, and we all wanted coffee.
While Lucas headed to the counter to place and pay for our orders, Mathew crossed his arms on the table and leaned forward.
I sat back waiting for what I knew was coming.
“Sis, please be careful down there. Don’t go out alone after dark and if you work late, get a cab home. Don’t go out with strange men or let someone you meet in a bar or club take you to your home or theirs. And for heaven’s sake, don’t mention where you’re from to anyone you don’t know. They’ll swallow you alive if they know you have no experience in the city.”
“Mathew, you and Lucas have taught me well. I know how to defend myself and not to drink anything I haven’t taken the cap off or seen poured. I may have spent my life isolated on a station, but I’m not totally clueless. I’m a big girl and can take care of myself.”
Mathew reached over and took one of my handsat the same time Lucas returned to the table and sat down. “Are you giving the ‘be careful’ talk?” he asked his brother.
“Yes, he is, but like I told Mathew, I’m a big girl and can take care of myself.”
“We know that,” Lucas conceded. “But we love you very much and hate that we won’t be around if we’re needed.”
“Lucas, sooner or later, I have to be responsible for myself. Mum, Dad, and both of you lunkheads have taught me what to do and what not to do in situations. I promise everything will be okay. And I have pepper spray if all else fails.”
A server set our meals on the table and as we ate, we talked about some of the wonders of Sydney that we had all read about in books. I had a bucket list of where I wanted to visit.
Planes arrived and departed. Some domestic were headed interstate, and others headed for overseas locations. One day I wanted to explore the great cities of the world—London, Rome, New York, and Paris.
Mathew glanced at the watch on his wrist. “Your flight is about to begin boarding; we better get to the gate.”
We all stood, and I shrugged the strap of the handbag onto my shoulder. Lucas and Mathew flanked me as we made our way across the polished floor towards the departure lounge. The pair of them—tall, sun-bronzed from always working outdoors, muscular, sinfully handsome, and dressed in faded blue jeans, chambray shirts, dusty boots, and wearing Akubra hats turned more than a few heads. I grinned when I caught one or the other tossing out a wink causing a blush to crawl up a recipient’s neck and onto their cheeks.
We reached the gate to find the ‘Now Boarding’ signal lit up above the entry door, and we all stopped, allowing other passengers to go ahead.
Mathew gathered me in his arms and kissed my cheeks before turning me into the arms of Lucas who also hugged me tight and kissed my forehead. I sensed we were attracting the attention of onlookers but those around us could think what they wanted.
“Love you, Sis. Call us as soon as you can.” Mathew hugged me one last time.
I knew if I didn’t make a run for it, I’d be trapped by the pair until the plane departed. So, I pushed out of Mathew’s arms, promising both him and Lucas I’d be in touch.
“Lots of love, Lizzy,” Lucas called as I walked away from the brothers I adored.
One of the aircrew checked my boarding pass and waved me through the door. I turned and gave my brothers one last wave before heading along the airbridge to board.
“Lucky girl.” A red-headed girl about my age joined me in stride.
“Brothers. Twins.”
“Ah. Got it. Came to see little sister off to the big smoke.”
“Yep.”
