Taking Chances

Chapter 24

            Bec slipped her finger nail under the tape, being careful not to rip the paper. Ryan exchanged a conspiratorial glance with Jen as they sat around the dining table in Jen's flat. It was Bec's birthday and Ryan was taking her out to see the Brooksdale Billy-Cart Bash.

It sounded silly, but it was a big event for the bush town. Finished unwrapping the gift, Bec looked at the object left in her hands. It was necklace made of wooden discs. The pieces fit together like the feathers on a dove. It was an understated piece of craftsmanship.

She looked up at Ryan, "Did you make this?"

"Certainly did."

"Ryan, it's beautiful." Bec slipped the necklace over her head. It was surprisingly light. She planted a kiss on his lips and Ryan gushed with pride and a little embarrassment since Jen was standing there.

"We'd better get going," said Bec. More to deflect the attention away.

Ryan asked Jen of she was coming, but Jen declined, saying she had too many papers to grade. It was just Bec and Ryan.

"I thought the Billy Cart Bash was on the other side of Chalky's Hill," said Bec when Ryan turned down Rock View Street.

"It is, but I have to pick up the billy carts for the youth centre teams. We've got three carts entered." Ryan slowed as he passed his father's old house. Despite the bright cold of the sunny July day, the house appeared dark and Bec saw that Ryan was staring out the window at it.

Ryan didn't see the dark decay of the old house. Instead, he imagined it as it would look after he bought it back from Brooks. His mind saw a full wrap-round bullnose veranda with iron scroll-work decorating the corners.

When they pulled into the youth centre car park, Bec asked, "What's the story between you and Brooks?"

"How far back do you want to go?"

Bec shrugged. "You decide."

"Back when Dad died, Michael Brooks bought the house from Mum. I remember her saying things like, 'Too many ghosts,' or, 'Who would want to buy this place anyway?'" Bec placed a comforting hand on Ryan's shoulder. "It was, and still is, a beautiful house. Dad bought two blocks of land. One for the house, and he set one aside for parkland. He put in play equipment and donated the land to the council. Anyway, Dad was barely in the ground and Brooks was hanging around. He offered what Mum told Dennis and me was a 'fair price considering.'" Ryan snorted loudly and Bec knew what was coming. "Mum sold to Brooks. She had no idea what the property was worth. She trusted him then found all she could afford was the tiny two-bedroom house she still lives in today. Can you imagine? She traded a beautiful four-bedroom home for a two-bedroom." Ryan scoffed and Bec felt a pinch in her heart. Ryan added, "That man took complete advantage of a grieving woman who was suddenly left with two boys to take care of."

Bec said, "Oh Ryan. I'm so sorry for you and your mother." Ryan shot her a quick glance. For a moment, she thought he was angry and she braced herself, but Ryan wasn't angry. Instead, she saw determination in his face.

"Don't be sorry for me. I'll get the place back and keep the youth centre going." He smiled. Bec couldn't help but marvel at the depth of community spirit within Ryan. He had every right to feel bitter, but he worked hard to make Brooksdale a better place for the youth.

Ryan and Bec walked into the youth centre building. It was still and cold inside, and Bec could smell fresh paint. Three billy carts sat on the floor. One was painted green, one blue, and one red. All the tables and chairs had been pushed back against the walls to make space.

"My money's on the red one," said Bec. "Red goes faster." She laughed and Ryan gave her gentle hug.

The carts had been made from re-used materials. The back wheels were old bicycle tyres – no two from the same bicycle by the looks of them. The front wheels were from lawn mowers or wheel barrows."

"Help me wheel them out," said Ryan and he pushed the green cart out first. Bec took the red one. Outside, another vehicle had pulled up. A white Holden ute. It was Arkell's father, Gene Lewis. With Gene's help, they put two carts into the back of Ryan's F-150, and the third – blue – into the back of Gene's ute.

Ropes were thrown over the load and tied down, then they drove to the course on the western side of Chalky's Hill.