The Seventeenth Summer (1995)
by Mark Peters
Chapter 18
They drove south, after going through town and then skirting the small harbor that was home to the local fishing fleet, before heading along the old coastal road that was the original route into Macquarie Harbour. Jake pushed a cassette tape into the player and the van was soon filled with the sounds of the Beach Boys.
For Danny it felt great to not only finally be alone with Jake, but to also be hitting the road in the panel van with him even if this was only just a short trip. With the music blaring, the windows down and the wind in his hair, this was a newfound freedom the likes of which he had been yearning for, for ages.
As they drove, Danny tried getting some detail from Jake, but on each occasion he was to be disappointed.
'Come on, man. Give me something!' he complained, but Jake would only grin at him.
Then, not too far out of Thompsonville, Jake slowed the car and turned off the road, following a track which eventually led to a bluff which looked out over the ocean. There was a car park there, which was empty, and as they came to a stop near the timber fence which surrounded the car park, Jake cut the engine.
'Well?' Danny urged, as he turned towards Jake.
'I found it,' Jake answered. 'And it's beautiful.'
'Where?'
'Have you heard about the little place up the coast, between here and Brisbane, where the hippies are moving in?' Jake asked.
'No.'
'Well, there's this little run-down town that not so long ago was almost a ghost town. It's called Nimbin. People who are sick of living in the city have been buying up the place . . . all the old houses are being fixed up and painted in bright colours. The place has been reborn, it's really amazing. The people there come from all walks of life . . . there are writers and artists, and even professional people like doctors, all of whom just want to live an alternative lifestyle close to the land and free of all the crap people have to put up with in bigger towns . . .'
'That sounds pretty cool,' Danny remarked.
'Yeah, it actually is. There's this real buzz about the place . . . it's like nothing I've ever seen before. But that's not the best part. Some of them are buying up property outside of the town as well, like run-down dairy farms and such . . . they are as cheap as anything, and the countryside is so beautiful with rainforests and rivers and mountains . . .'
'But what about . . . us? How can we get to be able to stay there?'
'Well, on one of the farms there's a group of artists who are starting a commune . . . I stayed there with them for a few days. I've told them all about us, and if we want to we can join them. It's way up in the hills and has its own creek that flows down into the river . . . and it's not too big a drive to the beaches either, so we can still go surfing and stuff whenever we want. And there are others there just like you and me, you know, living with each other, so no one will be judging us at all.'
'So, just like that . . . we can move in?'
'Well, we'll be buying in . . . they want to get some people to share the cost of buying the farm, so I spoke to my parents and they've agreed to give me the money . . . it's not very much, so they can afford it, it'll just mean that they'll be giving me some now instead of me getting handouts from them all the time . . .'
'Do your parents know about me yet?'
'Yes, mate. They do. And they want to meet you . . . they really do.'
As Danny thought about it the idea of living amongst others who were just like them was incredibly appealing, but even then there were still some doubts in his mind.
'And what will we do there? What will we live on?' he asked.
'That's just it . . . we don't need much to live on at all. We can paint and sell our pictures at the markets they have in the surrounding towns, so that'll give us some money . . . and we'll be growing our own food, even a little dope as well . . . and I'll still be able to get some money off the folks if I ever need it . . .'
'No. We can't do that. Not even if we're desperate,' Danny said firmly.
Jake looked at him curiously.
'If it's just you and me, then we have to do it ourselves,' Danny added. 'I want to be an artist, and a good one, just like you are. We don't need to be rich, all we've really got to be able to do is get by . . . don't we?'
'Yes, that's all. We won't need a lot of money.'
As his head buzzed with all sorts of thoughts Danny turned and looked out towards the ocean. He could see all sorts of possibilities, but he could also see all sorts of problems. This was a big move. Was he really ready to give up everything and follow his heart, and his dreams?
'So, babe. What do you say?' Jake asked. 'Are you ready to come and be a penniless, dope smoking, hippie artist with me?'
The answer was yes, of course. It only took Danny about three seconds to decide, before throwing his arms around Jake and kissing him. Three seconds that he knew would change his life forever.
Jake's plan was for them to leave on the Sunday, just three days later. For Danny it didn't seem that far away, but at the same time it was way too far away. Part of him was wishing they could just start the car and leave right now, but there was still so much he wanted and needed to do, before finally leaving, so he figured having the few days up his sleeve would be kind of handy.
When Jake dropped him home that evening it was just after sunset. The western sky was dark yet still filled with fire, and the evening was still quite hot and humid. The two of them sat in the car, in the shadows of one of the many trees which lined the street, a couple of doors down from Danny's place, watching the colours in the sky change in the distance.
'Where are you going to stay tonight?' Danny asked.
'You don't have to worry, I'll just go to the caravan park,' Jake answered.
'I'll come and see you in the morning. I need to go downtown tomorrow to get my money out of the bank so I can take it with me. It's the only day the bank will be open before we go, so I'll come around after that.'
'Okay. And is there anything else you need to do before we leave?'
'Not really . . . just have to sort out what I want to pack and take with me, I suppose, like some clothes and my painting kit.'
'And you should pack some photos of your family . . . you'll want to take some memories with you . . . and your birth certificate, if you know how you can get your hands on it.'
'Birth certificate? What do I need that for?'
'It's easier to get things like your driver's licence or passport, that's all.'
'Okay . . . I hadn't thought about that. I think I know where mum keeps that stuff.'
'That's good.'
They chatted for a few minutes more and before they finally parted they managed a passionate kiss, taking advantage of the fact they were in the shadows, before promising to meet the next day.
After getting out of the car, Danny stood on the footpath and watched as Jake started the vehicle then pulled out onto the road. It wasn't until Jake turned the corner at the end of the street that Danny set off for his home. He wasn't sure what he would find when he got there or what might be said to him, but at least he could see that his stepfather's truck wasn't there, so that was one less thing he had to worry about.
When he walked in through the back door he found his family – minus Brad – all just sitting down to dinner. The three of them looked at Danny, their faces showing a mix of emotions.
'I wasn't sure if you were going to make it home or not,' his mother said to him. There was no hint of anger or emotion in her voice. 'There's some meatloaf in the oven for you.'
'Thanks, mum,' he replied. 'I'll just go and wash up.'
His mother said nothing as she watched him leave, but he could see the questions in her eyes. Where have you been? What have you been doing? And who have you been doing it with?
When he returned to the kitchen a few minutes later his dinner was waiting for him on the table, so he sat down and started eating, being careful not to even look at his mother, lest he might give something away.
'Looks like you've had a good day,' his mother said to him.
'W-w-what?' he replied.
'You have a little something on your neck,' she answered, offering him a knowing smile as she did so.
As Danny instinctively moved his hand up to cover what he knew must be there, Pete giggled, but a sharp look from his mother quickly silenced him.
'Don't worry, Dan. It's all a part of growing up,' their mother sighed. 'Sometimes though, I think you kids grow up far too quickly these days.'
Unsure what he should say, or even if he should say anything at all, Danny looked down into his plate. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks and knew his face must by now be bright red.
'Your father will be away again until the weekend, so I'd like you to do a few things around home tomorrow please . . . if you can tear yourself away from your friends for a little while . . .'
'But . . . ummm . . . we've made some plans . . .' he started to say, but soon cut himself short. He realised that he couldn't say no without having to explain what those plans might be.
'It won't hurt you to mow the lawn again, Dan,' his mother interjected. 'And it's not like we're asking for something that'll take you all day . . . a few hours work is all it will take you . . . then you can go and do whatever it is that you've been doing lately . . .'
'O-okay . . . I guess . . .'
'Good. And while we're on the subject of whatever it is you and your friends have been up to lately . . . I hope you're being careful . . .'
'W-w-what?' Danny stuttered, feeling embarrassed and confused as he wondered what she was getting at, but then it dawned on him . . . the hickey that must be on his neck . . . the knowing looks from his mother . . . she obviously thought there must be a girl involved! That thought almost made him laugh, but he thought better of it.
What he couldn't help, however, was to grin to himself before picking up another piece of meatloaf on his fork, and judging by the expression on her face and the knowing looks, the nods of her head, it seemed to confirm his suspicions of what his mother must be thinking.
Thankfully he was able to finish his dinner in peace, before eventually excusing himself and retreating to the relative safety of his bedroom.
As he closed the door to his room he leaned back against it, chuckling quietly to himself about what his mother must be thinking. If he had thought earlier that she must have figured out the secret of his sexuality, after tonight's little episode he was now thinking otherwise. If only she really did know the truth he thought.
Crossing the floor of his room he quickly dropped to his knees and pulled out the canvas overnight bag he kept beneath his bed. It was the one he always used for when he was going away, and while it wasn't quite as big as the suitcase that was also stored there, it would do the job he wanted it to do. Next he went to his wardrobe and pulled out his backpack from where he usually kept it. Currently it held his painting kit and a few other items he liked to carry with him, like a pullover and windcheater. He reasoned that whatever he wanted to take with him would need to fit into these two bags, so he knew that he needed to plan carefully.
Grabbing a note pad off his desk he started writing a list, beginning with the two things that Jake told him to pack, his birth certificate and some photos.
The following morning, Friday, Danny was roused from his sleep once more as his little brother jumped on his bed and then dived straight under the blankets with him.
'Jesus, Pete! What the fuck are you doing?' Danny hissed. The kid had been making a habit of this lately, ever since Christmas morning. He suspected that it probably had something to do with the fact that Pete was growing up, and about the things they had spoken about on that day, but Danny was trying to discourage him from doing this too often.
'What's wrong? Can't I spend time with you?' his brother answered. 'I can't help it if I like it when you hug me.'
'It's not that,' Danny replied. 'It's just . . . well, sometimes a guy just needs a little privacy, you know?'
'What? Oh, you mean . . .' Pete said, his eyes growing wide.
They were talking in whispers, trying not to let anyone else in the house hear them.
'So how did you get that thing on your neck?' Pete asked, changing the subject. 'Did something bite you? Mum thought it was a bit funny last night, like she knew what it was, but she wouldn't tell me when I asked her.'
'And she shouldn't have either,' Danny chuckled.
'I bet you've got a girlfriend and I think that's who did it.'
'Is that so?'
'Yeah.'
'Well, if I did, do you really think I'd tell a nosey little shit like you about it?'
'Probably not,' Pete chuckled.
'When you're old enough you'll be able to figure out by yourself all about this sort of stuff . . .'
'But won't I just be able to ask you?'
'Well, what if I'm not around then? I mean, when you're my age, and that won't be until another six years time, I might have moved away somewhere . . .'
'What? You're not going to leave us are you?' Pete asked, his face suddenly filled with uncertainty.
For a moment Danny was taken aback. He knew he had to be careful how he answered this.
'Well, one day I might leave here. I might have to . . . I mean, I might need to go and get a job somewhere else away from here . . . or I might go away to university, or something like that.'
'I hope you don't,' Pete pouted.
'Mate, we never know what might be around the corner, and sometimes we have to do things like that. But just promise me if that ever happens you'll remember that no matter where I am, or what I'm doing, I'll always love you . . . even if you are an annoying little brat sometimes . . .'
'I'm not a brat . . . I'm too big to be a brat now.'
'Yeah? Who says so?' Danny asked, as he pulled his brother close and started tickling him, while at the same time he clamped one hand over his mouth to try and muffle the shrieks he knew would quite likely wake everyone else in the house.
When the squirming little demon finally settled down Danny hugged him close once more, and just as he had done on Christmas morning he quickly kissed his brother on the cheek. In response there was no feigned disgust this time, there was simply another kiss that he received in reply, before Pete then rested his head on his brother's chest.
'I hope you don't ever leave,' Danny heard Pete whisper.
Thankfully Pete couldn't see the tears that came to his older brother's eyes.
Danny managed to get the lawns finished in near record time that morning, after his mother had left to go downtown, taking Danny's brother and sister with her. She said that she wouldn't be long and so he raced around the yard like a man possessed, wanting to make sure it was well and truly finished by the time she returned.
The one thing he knew he couldn't do was go downtown while his mother was away from the house, but he figured if everything was done by the time she returned he would be able to get away soon afterwards and she would never know that he had been anywhere near the bank. At least that was his plan.
As it turned out, his planning worked out perfectly, and by the time his mother returned the lawns were mowed and he had showered and was almost ready to go.
It was while he was getting dressed that he heard the car drive down the driveway beside the house, so he hurriedly finishing pulling on a t-shirt and some shorts. Then he retrieved his bankbook from his room and shoved that into the waistband of his shorts, making sure the t-shirt was covering it, before heading for the kitchen ; just in time to see Pete coming through the back door.
'Hey, kiddo,' he said to Pete. 'How was the shopping?'
Pete just looked at him and rolled his eyes.
'That good, huh?'
'It was boring . . . except for when we saw that orange panel van that you and Nate were drooling about a while back.'
'You did? Where did you see it?'
'It was at the service station being filled up with petrol. Nice wheels, don't you think? I want to get a car like that one day.'
'And did you see the guy who was driving it?' Danny casually enquired, trying not to let his grin become too obvious.
'Yup. I bet he must have lots of money to own a car like that. Does he? Mum said that you and Nate know him.'
'Yeah, we know him, but I don't know how much money he has. And it's rude to ask.'
It was just at that moment that their mother walked in.
'Did Pete tell you we saw your friend?' she asked.
'You mean Jake? Yeah . . . I didn't even know he was back in town,' Danny replied.
'I wonder if he's come back to finish off writing his story?'
'Huh?'
'The one he was writing for the newspaper . . . remember?'
'Oh yeah . . . I'd almost forgotten about that,' he answered. 'Anyhow, I'm going to meet up with Nate so I'll see you guys later,' wanting to change the subject as quickly as he could.
'Okay . . . and Danny . . .'
'Yeah?'
'Please remember what I said last night.'
'Yes, mum,' he answered, before giving her a peck on the cheek and hurrying towards the back door.
'Hey, mister!'
'Yes, mum?'
'Don't you want your pocket money for mowing the lawn?'
'Oh, yeah. That'd be great, thanks.'
Dipping into her purse Danny's mother pulled out a five dollar note and handed it to him, then dipped back in and found a couple of one dollar notes as well.
'Don't spend it all at once,' she warned.
'I won't,' he promised, before finally heading out the door.
The ride from Danny's house to downtown Thompsonville didn't take long and he soon found himself pulling up outside the local bank, which was located in a small brick building in the main street. It was one of those small local banks with only the one local office and it wasn't affiliated with any of the larger national banks. This meant that Danny wouldn't be able to access the few hundred dollars he had in his savings account from anywhere other than right here in Thompsonville, so if he wanted to take his savings with him it was important that he get there today to withdraw all that he could.
All morning he had been wondering what he would say if they asked him anything about wanting to close his account, so he decided he wouldn't do that. Instead, he settled on taking almost everything out of the account and leaving just a few dollars in there. That way if anyone asked him what he was going to do with the money he would tell them he was buying a motor bike now that he was seventeen and could legally get a licence. It seemed like a reasonable plan to him. He just hoped that he wouldn't run into anyone he knew, or more importantly, anyone his parents knew, who might end up saying something to them.
After leaning his bike against a street sign and securing it with the chain and combination lock that he usually had wrapped around the post of his seat, he stood up and looked at the front of the bank. He could feel his t-shirt sticking to him thanks to the fine sheen of sweat that seemed to be covering his body, although he wasn't sure if that was from the warm, sunny morning and the fact he had just been on his bike, or if it was from the nerves he was feeling; after all, he was about to draw out almost four hundred dollars from the bank. This was almost his entire life savings, made up of birthday and Christmas money and some saved pocket money over the years. He had never held that amount of money in his hand before in his life, and doubted if he would do that again for a long time to come.
As he noticed a woman coming out of the bank with money in her hand it was then that he wondered just what he was going to do with his savings once he did have it, as he had no pockets in his shorts, nor did he carry a wallet. The woman, who was someone he didn't know, caught sight of him looking at her at her and hurriedly pushed her hand and her cash into her handbag safely out of sight.
It didn't take long too for Danny to decide on what he would do with his wad of cash. He would ask the teller for a rubber band and roll it up, before shoving it into his jocks, at least for the time being. He knew, however, that he wouldn't be able to keep it there for very long so he would need to come up with another plan, and quick.
After standing on the footpath outside the bank for what seemed to Danny to be a very long time, he finally steeled himself and walked to the door, pulling his bank book out from under his t-shirt as he did so. His hands were shaking when he pulled the door open.
'Come on!' he whispered to himself. 'It's not like you're trying to rob the place! It's your money you're here for!'
As soon as he entered, he noticed that it was much cooler than it was outside, and it also seemed to be quite dark. That was probably due to the prevalence of dark stained timber paneling on the walls and the old style serving counter.
There were no other customers and the woman who was behind the counter looked up and saw him standing there, looking as if he wasn't sure what he be should be doing.
'Can I help you?' she asked.
She was middle aged and looked a little like his mathematics teacher, Mrs Osborne, he thought.
'I . . . errr . . . want to take some money out of my account please,' Danny said to her, after crossing the floor and going to her counter. He placed the bank book down on the counter in front of her.
'Of course, dear. First you will just need to fill out a withdrawal form and sign it,' she said to him, as she picked up a slip of paper and handed it to him.
'Ummmm . . .'
'Here, let me show you how,' she said, while picking up his bank book and opening it to the current page of entries. 'How much did you want to withdraw?'
'Ummm . . . all of it, oh, except ten dollars, please. Leave that in there.'
'Buying something special?'
'Errr . . . yes, a motor bike.'
'That's so nice to see . . . someone so young saving up to make a big purchase like that. That's a very responsible attitude to have,' the woman said as she continued filling out the form for him. 'Now, you just sign at the bottom there, then I'll just check your signature matches what we have on file . . . I won't be a moment.'
Danny was confused when she left him. He had no idea if that's what they usually did when a withdrawal was made. He wondered if maybe she was in the office ringing the cops to let them know there was a kid trying to steal someone's money. He looked down at the dark topped counter and could see the perspiration from his hands leaving a mark. He was wiping it off using the bottom of his t-shirt when the woman returned moments later, all smiles, then opened her drawer and started pulling out some notes.
He stared at them and silently counted as she placed them on the counter in front of him. Fifty. One hundred. One fifty. Two hundred. Two fifty. Three hundred. Three fifty. Three seventy. Three eighty. Three eighty-five.
Three hundred and eighty five dollars. And with what he still had left over from what he had been given by Jake, as well as the few dollars he had just been paid by his mother, that would mean he would have more than four hundred dollars to take away with him.
With all that cash he would feel like a king.
'There you are, Daniel. Three hundred and eighty-five dollars, and your bank book,' the woman said. 'And you still have ten dollars in your account. I hope you have fun with your motor bike. Ride safely now.'
'Errr . . . thank you . . . and I will,' Danny replied. 'And, errr, would you have a rubber band I could have please?'
'Certainly,' she answered, before handing over a thick rubber band she pulled from her desk drawer.
She watched as Danny somewhat awkwardly rolled up his bundle of notes, before managing to wrap the rubber band around them twice and finally securing them together.
'Don't lose that now,' the teller said as he turned to leave.
'Not a chance of that,' Danny replied, as he flashed her a smile. 'Thank you.'
As he left the bank feeling like the richest person in Thompsonville, the morning heat hit him once more. He quickly unlocked the combination lock on his bike and unchained it, before wrapping the chain back around the seat post and relocking the chain.
Before long he was riding down the main street once more and heading for the caravan park. He couldn't wait to see Jake and tell him that he had set things in motion.
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