Working at Australia Zoo

Days melt into one another

In New South Wales, the months appear to be flying past. It took me many days to adjust to my new sleep schedule and recover from jet lag. My life started to feel quite same.

In the morning, get up.

Have breakfast.

Take the day to catch up with my friends.

Talking on FaceTime with Robert

An Ava FaceTime call.

Spend the evenings working at the bar.

And repeat.

The summer vacation stretched on. When my older brother Mike revealed that he and Bella had eloped, it took us all by surprise. All of us were forced to endure listening to Mum rant about how uncaring and self-centered he was, and how little he cared about his family. If it weren't the case, he would have announced his marriage to everyone.

"I mean, who does he think he is?"

It's never a good idea to interrupt her when she's getting worked up. We all kept our tongues. I was receiving a notification that Robert wanted to FaceTime when I was having lunch with my family.

"Mum, Robert wants to FaceTime; is it okay?"

"Sure, honey, remain seated at the table. I want to say hi, please."

Robert was introduced to my mother on FaceTime, and it seems he quickly won her over as she spent the next hour gushing about his charm, politeness, and other qualities. My screen flashed Robert's happy face. It was just 11:30 am there, while it was 12:30 pm here.

"Good afternoon, my lady."

I chuckle. "Robert, my family would want to say hello. Hang on." I press the button to flip. Robert gets a wave from my parents and siblings who are now at home.

"Hi Robert."

"Hey."

"Good evening, dear."

Robert chuckles. "Hi everyone." After that, I turn the camera back around and get up from the table to go somewhere more peaceful. I make my way to the home office.

"I miss you."

"I miss you two, Robert, but hey, I'll be with you in two weeks."

"I suppose that is some consolation." Robert continued. "Speaking of my mum will most likely be in touch soon to speak to you about the trip."

We caught up on everything that had transpired since our last FaceTime over the course of the following hour.

"Crikey, I'm guessing your mum didn't take the news well."

"Understatement of you year, I wouldn't be surprised if she disinvited them to Christmas."

"Tara." Down the stairs, I heard someone calling out to me. I turned to face Robert.

"I have to cut this short."

"Yeah, I should get going too."

"Night, love you."

"Goodnight, love you too." The screen went dark. As I was leaving the workplace, I saw Lia in person.

"Mum told me to tell you she's heading to the shops, and do you want anything?"

"I'm good."

The normal adolescent Lia rolls her eyes and gives a huff. I had received a call from Terri by then. Terri's face appears on the screen as soon as I hit accept.

"Hey Tara."

"Hi"

"Did Robert tell you I was going to call?"

"He did."

"Good, anyway, for the trip in two weeks, you will be arriving the night before we set to leave, is that correct?"

"Yes, I booked my seat this morning."

"Perfect and Robert were meant to pick you up; instead, it will be Chandler Bindi and Robert will be needed that day."

Unlike Bindi, I haven't really gotten along with Chandler, but that's cool.

"You will be staying with us that night."

"Okay"

"And when we are actually at the campsite, you will be sharing a tent with Robert."

I looked up, alert. While Chandler was sharing with Robert, I assumed I would be sharing with Bindi. Giggling at my look of amazement.

"I figured you and Robert could share a tent; I mean, it's not like you two could do anything while we're there, or I hope you won't try anything."

Terri got a short shake of my head.

"No, god no."

"Then I don't see a problem with you two sharing a tent."

"So anyway, I have something new for you."

Right now, my whole focus is on her.

"Lana is pregnant with Ravi's pups."

I've been smiling so much that my face is hurting.

"Really, that's amazing."

"I assumed that would cheer you up. I'll see you in two weeks, though, as I have to return to work." She concluded.

I smiled broadly when I went to bed that night. It seems like it will be two weeks soon.