AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You’re missing the point. We don’t need all this to be cared for. We only need you, and, more than anything, foryouto be happy. And while I can see you’re enjoying the car and spoiling me, it’s not you and not us. And if it means giving up work and doing what your heart craves, and yes, losing your inheritance and upsetting your father, so be it. We only answer to each other.”
“For me to come to Australia and get a working visa quickly after being out of the workforce for some time, my father managed to pull a few strings. And I made him a promise. In two years, we can reassess our lives to where we want to be.”
There’s my answer.
He has given himself two years in society.
I have two years to help him be happy living in my hometown. If not, I’m not sure where we’d go because even his ultimate home in Ulara is no longer possible. And it concerns me as to how it’s affecting his mindset.
He steers into the restaurant parking lot.
I take his hand and squeeze it as I know he’s trying. Restaurant dates are a big thing for him since he still can’t eat much, and certain smells make him nauseous. “Have you ever been to Greece?”
“I have in my teens. What do you call spring break here… schoolies?”
“You went to Greece for schoolies?” I shake my head. “Where we stayed last weekend in Victor, well, that tiny coastal town is where we go, and I thought we were cool.”
Samuel chuckles. “I only went to Mykonos to party and would gladly go on a family holiday to see the sights.”
“All this talk has me starving and craving Greek food.”
* * *
We arrive home, and Samuel places Rose in her crib. I can hear him telling her a story. I open my bottom drawer and retrieve Gran’s journal she wrote while in Ulara. Untying the string around it, I carefully flick a few pages. A small puff of dust blows up in my face. It all appears intact. Rubbing my nose to stop a sneeze, I then lift the journal and inhale. I envisage her scent, only I’m hit with a pungent, musky aroma.
The door clicks behind Samuel. “Why the frown?”
I hold up the journal. “Remember my gran’s journal? Well, this is the one she wrote while in Ulara. I’m ready to read it and revisit Ulara with her.”
His eyes widen as he lowers himself onto the bed beside me. “I realize it’s private, except I’d like to read it as well. Imagine what it was like around fifty-plus years ago.”
I offer a brief nod, thinking if I should keep it private for Gran. “Okay, but there might be parts I’ll screen in case, you know.”
“It was smart to document her journey, her thoughts, and life in the village.” He removes his shirt. He’s unbuttoning his trousers, and I’m distracted by himandthe dusty book in my hands. “All her experiences aren’t lost. I should do the same.”
Samuel agrees.
Wow! I moan as he slides his boxers down his thighs. I want to toss the book aside when he strips down and slips under the covers. He kisses my neck, and I close my eyes, my stomach fluttering as he dots kisses over my skin. “Maybe you could write what happened to you. It might help you…” I fail to find the right words forheal.
“You’re the only help I need,” he says all breathy. He takes the journal out of my hands and places it on the bedside table. “Now, come here, and I’ll show you why.”
* * *
The following morning, I wake early to a quiet house.
Samuel’s breaths are steady and deep before I climb out of bed and check on Rose in the other room. In the cot, her head is down, and her bottom is up in the air. I have no idea how it’s even comfortable to sleep in this position. Turning the door handle and holding it tight to minimize the click, I wander back to my room, take Gran’s journal, head out to the living room, and curl up on the couch, ready to embrace the first chapter of her journey.
8
IVY
November 2, 1962
After walking the corridors of the ship for the last time, I was glad to leave the stench of vomit behind and embrace the extreme humidity introduced a few hours before docking. Passing the mess deck, where several broken chairs remained scattered across the floor, I remembered the fights that broke out each night due to the restless, bored, and drunk men. With every step, I gripped the handrail, unsure if my wobbly sea legs would carry me down the stairs to where land awaited.
Considering I only had a small case, most of my clothes needed a good wash, as did I.
Like sheep, they herded us off the ship in almost perfect lines. From here, I observed lovers hugging, kissing, and sobbing. The ship was far from full. Some were volunteers like me, and others were immigrants seeking work of promised treasure. The ship will be at capacity on the return trip with immigrants hoping for a better life in Australia. Almost three months at sea, and I don’t want to think about the journey home while my stomach is unsettled. Some days were so bad I imagined the moment I’d sight land and considered disembarking regardless of where. I didn’t care where I lived my life if I could get off the ship to stop the endless puking.
