Memories of Life

7. Friends.

7. Friends.

The city skyline came into view with Robert making good time in the old Ford since leaving home early that morning. Sharing a hearty meal of bacon and eggs with Pop and his father, before setting out. His father had not mentioned the incident with Michael, letting it pass them by like he did with most things, but the evidence on his face was still plain to see. He had given Robert two hundred dollars for food and fuel, accompanied by a stiff hand shake and even stiffer smile, telling him "Good luck, and study hard." Robert had thanked him in return, and while not feeling sentimental about his father, he did appreciate him.

The sentimental moment was saved for Pop. They had driven one last time around the property the day before, reminiscing about their times together on the farm, working long days in rain, heat, and cold. Robert left it to Pop to talk about what had happened in the shed. "Don't let what occurred with your brother and father hang to heavy on you my boy." Pop had said with a furrowed brow, recalling the incident. "There more alike then they know - bloody uncompromising and stubborn, the pair of them. Sometimes there's just no pleasing people like that. And I know that's what you try to do Robert. So just try and accept it, and don't let it burden you." Pop then let out an exasperated sigh. "Leave that up to me."

Pop had also given Robert a parting gift of money that morning, a cheque for a thousand dollars. Robert had been stunned by the generosity, initially refusing to take it, but Pop told him it was "fair severance pay, for all those years of hard work on the farm."

"Do yourself, and us proud, as I know only you can my boy." He said, pushing the cheque firmly into Roberts hand, with the glint of a tear forming in the old mans eyes, before adding unwaveringly. "And don't forget to have some fun along the way." Making Robert wince, as he attempted not to become overwhelmed by the old mans affection.

Robert had driven through Matworth one last time on his way to Brisbane. It was still only six-thirty in the morning, and he stopped at Michaels house to bid him farewell. The feeling of guilt had subsided somewhat, replaced by a growing concern for his brother. Robert knocked on the door to Michaels house for more than ten minutes, noticing his Landcruiser still parked on the yard's front lawn. When no answer came he went to the back door discovering it locked, and peered in through the window seeing no signs of life. Walking back to the front, Robert started to wonder what to do next, and briefly contemplated breaking in, when a voice called out. "You lookin for Michael?" A middle aged man asked with a paper tucked under his arm, who stood on the neighbouring front yard in a pair of shorts which was partially covered by his beer gut.

"Yeah, have you seen him, I'm his brother." Robert said approaching him.

"Yeah mate, he left about an hour ago with the road crew. Bunch of noisy bastards they are, with their radio blaring at that time of morning."

Robert smiled with a sense of mild relief, then thanked the man for the information before returning to the front door to leave a note.

"Dropped by Michael to say goodbye, sorry I missed you. Will phone you in a couple of days when I get sorted out. Wish you were coming with me because it wont be the same without you big brother.

Love Rob

P.S. Thanks for the gift."

Tucking it into the screen door, Robert felt like saying more, but decided he would call him soon to talk.

The city traffic was unfamiliar, and intimidating for the country boy. Who attempted to negotiate it while reading his mini mud map for directions to the campus accommodation. Robert momentarily got lost missing an exit off the main road, and drove around a suburb, before stopping at a service station to ask an unhelpful woman for directions. Eventually by mid afternoon he reached the university, checking into the student administration office as outlined by his orientation package.