~ Written by Danielle N. Bilski ~

Echo

2: ‘Running’

Word count: 3,630

Lennox is washing his clothes in the sink of a disabled toilet at Flinders Street Station. He uses a bar of soap to lather and rinses the soap off under the tap. Once he has wrung the excess water out from the clothing, he places each item into a plastic bag. He wets his hair and washes his face clean. Then he wets a face washer and wipes under his arms, his privates. Lennox combs his hair and puts all of his belongings into a backpack, which he slings over his shoulder. He wraps a Melbourne Demons footy scarf around his neck. Picking up the plastic bag of wet clothes, he unlocks the toilet door and leaves. A man in a wheelchair is waiting outside the disabled toilet door.
‘Sorry,’ Lennox says and walks out into the street.

Lennox wanders down a busy city street, until he finds Ollie, the food vendor he has been buying from each day. The sun is low, reflecting off the windows of the high rise buildings behind him.
‘Same order, Lenny?’ Ollie asks.
‘Two sandwiches today, please,’ Lennox says.
‘Ten dollars,’ Ollie says.
Ollie holds out two sandwiches wrapped in aluminium foil and a bottle of water for Lennox to take. Lennox counts the exact change in coins. He takes the food and water, hugging it to his chest and passes the money to Ollie.
‘Thank you!’ Lennox says. ‘Sorry for all of the change.’
‘It’s ok, amico mio! See you tomorrow?’ Ollie asks.
‘Of course.’
Ollie nods to Lennox and begins serving another customer.

Lennox walks to Swanston Street, places his backpack and bag of clothes on a blanket where he sits down beside Nicholas. Nick is dressed in a Melbourne Demons beanie, a waterproof raincoat and black fingerless gloves. Lennox hands a sandwich and the bottle of water to Nick.
‘Dinner is served,’ Lennox says.
‘Cheers, Bud,’ Nick says, as he unscrews the water bottle and takes a long drink from it. Nick unwraps his sandwich and takes a bite.
‘Mm, delicious,’ Nick says. Lennox nods.
‘Not bad.’

Lennox opens the bag of wet clothes and hangs each piece on coat hangers hanging from the side of a shopping trolley full of Nick’s belongings. Lennox’s acoustic guitar is visible in the trolley.
‘What time is your first class tomorrow?’ Nick asks, wiping his mouth with the back of his gloved hand.
‘Nine,’ Lennox replies.
Lennox picks up his sandwich, takes out half and puts the other wrapped half into his backpack.
‘Calls for an early night then, eh?’ Nick says. Lennox’s phone beeps with a notification.
Lennox takes the phone out of his pocket and looks at the screen. The caller ID reads “Brielle”. Lennox slips the phone back into his pocket.
‘Where did you have in mind, Brother?’ Lennox asks.

* * * * *

Aria picks up a top from a cardboard box and hangs it on a coat hanger, placing it on the rail inside the wardrobe. Her acoustic guitar is on a stand behind her. She continues to hang her clothes.

Amelia knocks lightly on the bedroom door.
‘How’s it going?’ Amelia asks, looking around the room.
‘Fine,’ Aria replies.
‘Would you like some help making your bed?’ Amelia asks, passing a pile of clean sheets and a bath towel to Aria. Aria takes the pile and places it on the bare mattress.
‘It’s ok, I can manage. Is Miller still in the shower? I feel gross.’
‘I think so. He was invited by some boys to footy training in Highett tonight,’ Amelia says. ‘I thought we’d just order some vegan pizzas for dinner. How does that sound?’
‘I’m going for a run. Don’t wait for me. I’ll have some fruit later,’ Aria says. Aria takes her running shoes out of a box and sits on the bed. She carefully unties her sneakers, takes them off and places them neatly beside the bed. Aria puts on her running shoes, ties them and stands to stretch.
‘Are you sure? That’s not really dinner, Love. You’ve hardly eaten anything and we’ve been moving furniture all day,’ Amelia says.
‘I’ll steam some vegies with some couscous when I get back.’
‘That’s more like it.’
‘Don’t worry, Mum.’
‘I always worry about you and Miller. I’m your mum and I love you.’
‘I know.’
‘Aria, wait. Miller told me something happened out in the street earlier which upset you. Do you want to talk about it?’
‘Not now.’

Aria brushes by Amelia and into the hallway where Mitchell is walking towards her. Mitchell holds up his phone to show Aria the screen.
‘Which is better, Ri? Menulog or UberEats?’ Mitchell asks.
‘I dunno, Dad. They deliver from different places. Depends where your meal’s coming from. Here -’
Aria takes the phone and types “vegan pizza Melbourne” into the search bar. She scrolls across the map and clicks on Shemesh Vegetarian Pizza Bar & more.
‘There’s a place in Caulfield South with four and half star reviews that makes vegan pizzas,’ Aria says, handing the phone back to Mitchell.
‘Thanks. I might just ring them,’ Mitchell says.
‘Probably best,’ Aria says, jogging towards the front door.
‘Aria,’ Amelia calls.
‘Mum, please,’ Aria says, closing it behind her.

Mitchell hands the phone to Amelia.
‘You understand all of this app business better than I do,’ Mitchell says.
‘You’ll get used to it,’ Amelia says.
‘What I still haven’t gotten used to is those long showers Miller takes. Isn’t he just going to get sweaty again at the footy?’
‘He’s trying to make friends, Darling,’ Amelia says. Mitchell nods.
‘I hope Aria makes some friends soon too,’ Mitchell replies.
‘So do I. She always finds her own way when we give her time. This is a fresh start for us all,’ Amelia says.
‘You’re right.’
‘She keeps it all held so tightly to her chest though. It worries me, Mitch.’
‘She’s eighteen. I’m sure you were like that when you were her age. Lots of changes happening, you know what I mean.’
‘It seems different for her.’
‘Hey, here’s a crazy idea. Let’s open a bottle red and have some fun making homemade vegan pizzas,’ Mitchell says, pulling Amelia close.
‘Oh, that sounds delicious,’ Amelia says. Slipping the phone into Mitchell’s back pocket she leans in to kissing him. ‘Oh, it reminds me. Aria insists on the front curtains being closed before it gets dark, for some reason.’
‘Call me old fashioned, but I thought we’d start in the bedroom,’ Mitchell teases, following Amelia into the lounge room. Amelia pulls the curtains closed.
Mitchell hugs Amelia from behind, turns her to face him, and begins slow dancing with her head against his chest.
‘We’ll keep a close eye on her, ok?’ Mitchells says.
‘I wouldn’t have it any other way.’

Miller enters the room, his hair wet and combed neatly, wearing track pants and a grey hoodie.
‘Dad, can I borrow the car tonight?’ Miller asks.
‘Keys are on the hook in the hall,’ Mitchell says.
‘Thanks. Why do I feel like I’m interrupting something?’
‘Good luck at training, Son. We’ll save you some pizza,’ Mitchell says.
Miller smiles and shakes his head.
‘Where’s Aria? She’s not in her room.’
‘Running.’
‘You’re not going out with wet hair, are you? You’ll catch a cold,’ Amelia says.
‘Do you know which box the hair dryer is in, Mum?’
‘There’s one labelled “Bathroom” somewhere.’
‘Where?’ Miller calls from the bathroom.
‘Hang on, I’ll have a look,’ Amelia replies to Miller. ‘You find the wine, I’ll find the glasses,’ Amelia whispers to Mitchell.
‘Meet you in the kitchen, my love,’ Mitchell says, smiling.

* * * * *

Lennox walks beside Nick as he wheels the trolley along St Kilda Road towards the Shrine of Remembrance.
‘Who was the message from?’ Nick asks.
‘Just a friend,’ Lennox replies.
‘Can’t have too many of them.’
‘True.’
Lennox’s phone rings and he takes it out of his pocket to answer it.

‘Sorry, I’ll just be sec,’ Lennox says to Nick. ‘Hello?’
‘Lennox? It’s me, Brielle.’
‘Bri. Wow! How are you? It’s really great to hear your voice.’
‘You too. I know I texted you, but I wasn’t sure whether you have the same number. You haven’t called in while.’
‘I know. I’m sorry. I’ve had a lot going on lately.’
‘It’s ok. Dale mentioned he saw you on the weekend. Made me think of you.’
‘I’ve…I’ve been thinking of you too, actually.’
‘You have?’
‘Of course.’
‘How’s school?’
‘Bri, if I tell you something, do you promise me you won’t say anything to Dale?’
‘What’s happened? Are you alright, Babe?’
‘I’m fine. Look, a few weeks ago I lost my job at the restaurant.’
‘Oh, no. Have you found something else yet?’
‘Not exactly.’
‘How are you affording your rent and everything?’
‘That’s the thing. I’m not.’
‘Not what? What does that mean, Len? Where on earth are you?’
‘Calm down, Bri. I’m ok. Nick and I-‘
‘Who’s Nick? Lennox, what’s going on? Stop circling.’
‘I don’t have a place to stay right now, so we’ve been finding somewhere to sleep at night.’
‘You mean, you’re homeless? Lennox! You have to tell Dale. I want you to ring him right now. If you don’t, I will.’
‘You promised!’
‘No, I didn’t. I’m coming to get you. Tell me where you are.’
‘We’re actually just about to turn in for the night.’
‘Lennox, this isn’t a fucking joke! Why didn’t you call me as soon as this happened? You could’ve stayed here, you know that.’
‘This is not your problem, Bri. It never was. I just wanted to be honest with you, since you were so nice to check on me. I’ll be alright. I’m not by myself. Nick’s here.’
‘Nick? Is she your latest fuck, is she?’
‘Whoa, no. Don’t be nasty! It’s not you.’
‘You’re not exactly yourself right now, either.’
‘Nick is Nicholas. We met at a footy game and he’s like a big brother to me now.’
‘Dale is your real family and he thinks you’re safe in a house, going to school every day, living a normal life.’
‘I’ve been going to school every day. I’ve only missed one class in the past three weeks. My clarinet is safe at AIM.’
‘Three weeks? You’ve been living on the street for three weeks?’
‘Listen, let me explain. I had an appointment at Centrelink on Friday. They’re setting me up on Youth Allowance, but I lost some proof of ID in the eviction, so it’s taken a bit longer waiting for Mum to send it down from Queensland for me. I picked the paperwork up from the post office this afternoon and I they told me I should get my first payment next week. So it’s going to be fine.’
‘So you’re planning on living like a nomad for another week and a half, without even telling Dale where you really are?’
‘Bri, it’s not for you to tell him, ok?’
‘I -‘
‘Brielle. I need all the friends I can get right now, so please don’t betray my trust.’
‘You are so stubborn. Won’t you swallow your pride for one second and look at what you’re really doing?’
‘It’s what I want. I don’t want to ask for Dale’s help until I can pay him back for the inconvenience.’
‘But it doesn’t have to be like this. You know that. You’re not-’
‘I’m not, what – an inconvenience?’
‘You’re not a junkie or an alcoholic, are you?’
‘I know you’re not that ignorant, Brielle. Not everyone who doesn’t have a home, is like that because they are a substance abuser or have a mental illness.’
‘I just don’t recognise you, that’s all. If you need that kind of help, you know-‘
‘It’s nothing like that. Doesn’t mean I don’t think this hasn’t happened to me for a reason.’
‘That’s such bullshit, Lennox.’
‘Look, I have to go. Nick’s waiting for me. I’ll ring you tomorrow.’
‘Have you told your Mum, even?’
‘All she knows is that I lost my job.’
‘What if something bad-‘
‘It won’t.’
‘But-‘
‘I’m in the city. There are people everywhere, all of them time, here. She’s looking pretty beautiful tonight, I can tell you. Shining bright.’
‘How do you always manage to make even the worst things sound magical?’
‘I appreciate you ringing, I really do. But I have to go, ok?‘
‘What strange part of you is actually enjoying this?’
‘Trust me. This has been good for me.’
‘How could that possibly be true?’
‘I don’t expect you to get it, but honestly, I feel completely free. I’ve realised that this is the first time in my life I’ve actually been free. Am I scared? Of course I am, but I’m seeing things I would never experience otherwise. I don’t regret it for a second. Call me crazy all you want, but I’m seeing everything clearer than I did before Dad died last year. It’s just one more week. It’s temporary. Nick’s been on the street for two years.’
‘Will you at least let me send you some money for a hostel tonight? At least sleep in a real bed for one night. I seriously can’t live with myself knowing I’m not doing something to make it even a little bit easy for you.’
‘That’s very kind, but I don’t want to leave Nick.’
‘I’ll pay for Nick’s bed too.’
‘Not to sound ungrateful, but one night in a bed would make it even harder for us on the other nights. Kind of like, we’d want it all the time and that can’t actually happen right now, for either of us.’
‘You mean, you and Nick.’
‘Bri, you know-‘
‘So, what now?’ Brielle asks.
‘Now, I tell you what an incredible person you are, then I thank you and we hang up.’
‘Len –‘
‘Good night, Bri.’

Lennox hangs up the phone without waiting for Brielle to reply.
‘All I can say, Brother is “you must be crazy”.’
‘I’m not going to argue with you, Nick. Hey, chuck us one of those blankets, will you?’
‘If you have somewhere to go, I understand.’
‘One day soon, I will, but tonight I’m staying here with you.’
‘In that case, let’s get to sleep. It’s a school night.’
‘Great idea,’ Lennox says.

* * * * *

Aria jogs down the street, counting each lamppost as she passes beneath its light. Turning the corner into her street, she can see the silhouette of someone walking on the footpath ahead of her. Her throat tightens as she is forced to either slow her pace or overtake them on the grass. No, Aria never runs on the grass. It makes her panic to even consider it. Insects live in the grass, she thinks. It’s the home to living things, even if people don’t bother to look for them. Slowing down is her only option, because she isn’t willing to stop until she arrives home. At twilight, in a new neighbourhood, it’s never going to be a good idea to stop running for anything, right?

Whoever it was in front of her, at the sound of her footsteps, they turn around to look at her. It makes Aria feel naked and helpless.
‘Sorry,’ Dale says. Under the street light, his face looks familiar to Aria. He was watching her, with Axon safe in her arms, outside the café this afternoon.
‘Oh, hey,’ Dale says. ‘You-‘
‘You look familiar too,’ Aria replies, rushing to say something – anything that will avoid her having to hear another person ask if she is alright; listening to them praise her for doing something that surely anyone else would have done in the same position; or them wanting to debrief and know exactly how she feels about the incident now. All she really wants to do is to run. Run until she is breathless. Run until no one is watching her anymore. Until the street lights have all turned off, her mind is empty and until it’s only her body that hurts.

‘You’re a runner?’ Dale asks.
‘It relaxes me.’
‘I know what you mean. I run myself, but when it turns cold I swap the footpath for a treadmill.’
‘You own a treadmill?’
‘No, but I do have a gym membership.’
‘Ok.’
‘Can I walk you home?’
‘I guess. Thank you.’ Aria makes an awkward movement towards the front fence of the house they are in front of and almost loses her balance. Dale reaches out to steady her, but is hesitant to touch her. Aria steadies herself and they begin walking in the direction of their houses.
‘So you’re Miller’s sister? I met him this morning.’
‘Yes. Miller is great at meeting new people.’
‘He’s a friendly guy. I like him.’
‘So you live nearby?’
‘I live next door to William and Isla – your next-door neighbours.’
‘Number forty six is your house?’
‘Yes. I’m a music teacher at the school two streets back in that direction,’ Dales says, pointing over Aria’s shoulder.
‘Oh. I play guitar.’
‘So do I.’
‘What’s your favourite song to play?’ Aria asks and immediately worries that it’s too personal to ask someone she has just met.
‘Have you ever heard of a Swedish metal band called Opeth?’
‘No.’
‘Their song, Benighted, would have to be my favourite to play on guitar.’
‘I’ll Youtube it when I get home.’
‘What about you?’
‘I- I have to get home for dinner. My parents are expecting me.’
‘Sure.’
‘Thank you for walking with me,’ Aria says, before jogging home, adding each new street light to her count and not looking back.
‘Any time,’ Dale says, recognising another runner when he sees one. He watches Aria run straight past her driveway.

* * * * *

Miller runs into the goal square, unimpeded, and kicks a goal. A group of players run up to him and pat him on the back. One gives him a high-ten, another ruffles his hair. When the players disperse back to their positions for the centre bounce, Miller glances towards the boundary line and sees Aria alone, leaning against the wire fence on the footpath outside the oval. He waves to her. Aria waves back.

‘Girlfriend?’ Knox asks.
‘No, she’s my sister,’ Miller replies. Miller holds up his finger to signal he needs one minute and jogs towards Aria.
‘What are you doing here?’ Miller asks, standing at the fence.
‘I came to watch you train?’ Aria replies.
‘I mean, how did you get here?’
‘It wasn’t far. I was already running.’
‘But it’s pitch darkness.’
‘It’s fine. I’m here now, so go on. Give me something worth watching.’
‘Aria.’ Miller looks at Aria and shakes his head. ‘I know it’s been a big day for you, but you can’t keep taking these unnecessary risks without consequences.’
‘What consequences?’
‘Bad consequences, Ri! You ran into the middle of the road today-‘
‘To save a little girl!’
‘You ran here in the dark, when no one knew where you were or where you were going.’
‘It was a spontaneous decision. I’m trying to be supportive.’
‘Spontaneous is one thing, but being irresponsible is a whole other story.’
‘Don’t patronise me.’
‘How many streetlights did you count on the way here?’
‘You’re being awful.’
‘How many, Ri?’
‘I wasn’t alone. Dale walked with me. You know, the teacher?’
‘Dale walked here with you?’
‘Some of the way.’
‘Go and sit outside the clubrooms where it’s warmer and I’ll drive you home when I’ve finished.’
Miller runs back onto the oval.
‘Is it paved?’ Aria asks.
‘Seriously? Do. Not. Move.’

Miller runs up to the coach. ‘I’m so sorry, but I have to leave early.’
‘Is everything alright?’ Clayton asks.
‘Yes, just family stuff. Like I said, we only moved here today, so this is all happening at once.’
‘I understand. Well, thanks for coming down. You’ve obviously got great skills and we’d love to have you as a member of our club.’
‘Thank you! That would be awesome.’
‘I have all of your details, so I’ll give you call over the next couple of days about getting you registered, ordering your uniform. All that fun stuff.’
‘Great. Thank you so much!’
‘You’re welcome. Great to meet you, Miller.’
‘Cheers, Clayton.’
Miller shakes Clayton’s hand. Clayton pats Miller on his shoulder.

Miller high-fives the players sitting on the bench on his way up the path to the clubrooms and the car park. Miller gets into his parent’s car, puts his seatbelt on and drives to the car park entrance. Aria is waiting, hugging her sports jacket tightly across her chest. As Aria gets into the passenger seat, Miller turns the heater up high.
‘I’m sorry,’ Aria says, buckling her seatbelt and tugging it to check it’s secure.
‘I know.’
‘Sometimes I just have to run, you know?’
‘Sure. Exercise is important.’ Miller faces away from Aria, watching for a break in the traffic to pull out onto the road.
‘Actually, it feels more like I’m always running from something.’
‘What are you running from?’ Miller turns to look at Aria. He can see movement in her lap, where her hands are clasped into fists, her palms facing upwards. Aria’s fingers extend, one at a time, as she counts them over and over. When she reaches ten, she squeezes them closed and starts counting again.
‘I don’t know, exactly. I haven’t let it catch me yet.’
‘What will happen when it does?’ Miller asks, watching a tear run down Aria’s flushed right cheek, illuminated by the headlights of a passing car.
‘Honestly, that’s what scares me the most,’ Aria says, turning to look into Millers eyes for the first time all day.
Miller puts his hands over Aria’s to still them.
‘Aria, I’m here. Let me run with you.’

©2019 Danielle N. Bilski

~ Written by Danielle N. Bilski ~

Echo

1: ‘If it wasn’t for you’

Word count: 3,021

Dale sits in the window of Spill the Beans, a café/florist across the street from his house. While he is waiting for his take-away coffee order to be made in a reusable cup by Brielle, he sees a moving truck park across the street at the house two away from his own. Mitchell gets out of the truck and opens the back door. He begins carrying boxes into the house.

‘Dale?’ Brielle says, placing Dale’s cup on the table in front of him.
Dale looks up at Brielle.
‘Morning, Bri,’ Dale says. ‘How was your weekend?’
‘It was good. I bought one of these cups like yours,’ Brielle says, pointing to the coffee cup. ‘A green one, coz green’s my fav.’
‘That’s great.’
‘How was yours? What did ya get up to?’ Brielle asks.
‘I actually went to the footy with Lennox.’
‘Lennox. How…how’s he doing?’
‘He’s good.’
Brielle nods and bites her bottom lip.‘Good…so you’re getting some new neighbours, I see.’ Brielle points out the window towards the truck.
‘Yes.’
‘Wonder what they’re like.’
‘We’ll see. Thanks for this.’
Dale picks up his coffee and his satchel, before standing to leave. Brielle puts her hand on Dale’s arm and smiles. Dale nods awkwardly and Brielle glides back to the coffee machine.
‘Good morning, mate,’ Peter says, holding the door open for Dale while guiding his granddaughter, Axon, inside.
‘Hey, Pete. Hi, Axon. Getting some breakfast with Pa, are you?’ Dale kneels down.
‘Muffin,’ Axon says, pointing towards the counter.
‘She just learned that,’ Peter says.
‘She has good taste. Have a great day, guys.’ Dale pats Axon on her head.
‘Catch you later, Dale. Say “Bye-bye”, Axon.’
‘Bye-bye,’ Axon says.
‘Bye,’ Dale says, and calls ‘Thanks, Bri.’
‘Anytime, Babe. Do you want me save you a pesto Panini today?’
‘Yes, please.’
‘Done. Teach well.’
Dale steps outside and closes the door behind him.

Outside in front of the cafe, Dale holds his satchel in one hand and he takes a sip of his coffee. Nearby, Lake waves to Dale from The Salvation Army charity stand that is set up on the footpath to Dale’s left.
‘Good morning, Sir. Can I just have a moment of your time?’
Dale is half listening to Lake and still watching Mitchell carrying boxes from the moving truck into the house.
‘I only have a few minutes. I’m on my way to work,’ Dale replies.
‘Oh, do you work nearby?’ Lake asks.
‘Yes, I teach at the high school down the street, so I can’t be late.’
‘Of course, then you know all about the importance of supporting children and families in need. Would you agree?’
‘Absolutely!’ Dale says.

Dale’s next-door neighbour, William, is standing in his driveway watching Mitchell. William waves to Dale. Dale awkwardly waves back with his satchel. Dale can see William’s wife, Isla, sitting on her porch watching. Lake turns to see where Dale is waving. They all continue to watch Mitchell stop with a box in his arms, as a car turns into the driveway of the sold house.

‘So, today we are looking for people like you to donate to our Winter Appeal which helps us to provide the essentials to those who need them most. Things like food, toiletries, warm clothes and a safe place to sleep.’
‘I’m sorry, I don’t have any cash on me.’
‘Not a problem. I can help you fill in a simple form online right now. It only takes a few minutes.’

Dale watches Amelia, get out of the front passenger seat and call out to Mitchell. Miller gets out of the driver’s side. Mitchell walks over to the car, pats Miller on the shoulder and kisses Amelia.
‘Is Aria awake?’ Dale hears Mitchell ask. Amelia shakes her head and takes the box from Mitchell. As she turns to carry the box into the house, Mitchell puts his arm around Miller and guides him over to the truck to help him carry a coffee table.

‘So, let’s get that started for you, shall we?’ Lake asks.
‘Alright. How much is it again?’
Dale doesn’t hear Lake say ‘Any amount you can spare will make a huge difference in someone else’s life.’

At the bottom of the ramp, Mitchell instructs Miller to put the table down on the grass. Mitchell looks across the street at Dale and says ‘Morning!’
‘Morning!’ Dale replies.
‘Could sure use one of those right now,’ Mitchell says, pointing to Dale’s coffee cup.
Dale watches Mitchell take his wallet out of his back pocket and hand some notes to Miller.
‘One for me, one for your mother and one of those soy ones your sister likes.’
Miller nods, turns to the street, checks for cars and jogs towards Dale. As he passes, Dale sees a fifty dollar note fall onto the concrete. Dale swaps the coffee cup into the same hand as his satchel and bends down to pick up the money.
‘Excuse me, mate,’ Dale says. Miller turns around and makes eye contact with Dale. ‘You dropped this.’ Dale holds out the note to Miller. Miller takes the money, looks over at Lake, then back at Dale.
‘Cheers, Buddy.’
Miller goes into the cafe.

‘Sorry. How much did you say you need?’ Dale asks.
‘Anything you can spare.’ Dale puts his coffee cup onto the table and takes out his wallet.
‘Is fifty dollars ok?’
‘That would be amazing. Thank you!’ Dale hands his credit card to Lake and she starts to type his details into the tablet she is holding. Dale looks at the lanyard around Lake’s neck and reads her name printed below her photo.
‘Lake. What a great name.’
‘Thanks. My mum loves telling strangers how she gave birth to me on the banks of Lake Eyre. I’m just glad they didn’t name me Air.’
Dale laughs.

Dale sees Aria get out of the back seat of the car across the street. She reaches into the car and takes out a soft guitar case, which she puts over one shoulder before she closes the door.
‘Aria, gives us a hand with this table, love. Your brother’s across the street grabbing coffee for us,’ Mitchell says. Dale watches Aria move the guitar onto her back and wipe her eyes. She helps carry the table into the house.

‘Almost done. I just need you to tick that box and sign here to authorise the donation amount of fifty dollars from your account.’
Dale takes the tablet and does as Lake asked. When he has finished, Dale holds the tablet out to her.
‘Thank you so much. And if you can type in an email address you’d like your receipt and any other correspondence to be sent to. Then, click donate and we’re all good.’
Dale types his email address, clicks donate and passes the tablet to Lake.
‘Thanks again for your support, Dale.’
‘You’re welcome. Have a good day.’
‘Thanks, I hope you do too.’
Dale picks up his satchel and his coffee. He makes his way towards the school.

‘Hey!’ Miller yells.
‘His name is Dale,’ Lake says.
Miller reaches Dale and stops in front of him as Dale turns around.
‘Dale, is it?’
Miller is carrying a paper bag and a tray of coffee cups.
‘I wasn’t sure what you like, but I got you a blueberry muffin,’ Miller says, holding the bag out for Dale to take.
‘You didn’t have to do that.’
‘It’s cool. I wanted to thank you for what you did back there. Most people aren’t that kind. I appreciate it, Man.’
‘Well, thank you. I’ll enjoy this.’
‘I hope you do. We just drove all the way from Geelong, so we all really need these coffees.’ Miller picks up one of the cups and takes a sip.
‘Welcome to the neighbourhood. I actually live at number 46, so it looks like we’re neighbours.’
‘Cool. I’m Miller, by the way.’ Miller holds out his hand and Dale shakes it.
‘Dale. Good to meet you.’
‘You too. Anyway, I’ll let you get to where you were heading. I’d better get these coffees to their rightful owners.’
‘I work at the high school down the street.’ Dale points in the direction of the school and the footy oval on the corner.
‘Awesome. Are you a footy fan?’
‘Sure am. I went with my cousin to watch the Dees on the weekend.’
‘Maybe we can all have a kick at the oval some time.’
‘Sounds great,’ Dale says.
‘Ok, well, have a good day.’
‘You too, Mate. Thanks again for this.’
‘Thank you,’ Miller says.

Dale watches Miller walk back to Lake.
‘What time are you here until?’ Miller asks.
‘Around five –ish,’ Lake says.
‘Cool, I’ll be back soon.’
‘Great, see you then.’
Dale and Lake watch as Miller crosses the street and hands the tray of coffee to his father who is waiting in the driveway.
‘Good man,’ Miller’s father says to him. Mitchell turns towards Dale and lifts a coffee into the air as if to cheers to Dale. Dale lifts his cup in the air. Dale turns, drinks his coffee and smiles, walking down the street towards the school.

Aria and Amelia come out to join Miller and Mitchell in the driveway, and they all toast their coffees.
‘Mine’s soy, right?’ Aria asks.
‘They’re all soy,’ Miller says.
Miller grabs a footy out of a box in the back of the truck and tucks it under his arm. ‘I can’t wait to go for a kick at the oval. Man, this place is sick,’ Miller says.
‘We’ll see,’ Aria says.
‘Dad, can I have some money to give the Salvos girl over there?’ Miller points towards Lake. Mitchell hands Miller some money.
‘Remember to ask for a receipt,’ Amelia says.
‘She’s cute,’ Aria says as Miller takes the money and jogs across the street carrying the footy.
‘Oh, come inside. You can help me with this grocery list,’ Amelia asks Aria.
Aria follows Amelia inside. Mitchell watches Miller while he finishes his coffee.

* * * * *

 Aria stands at the front of the independent market, looking down at the list her mother wrote and the notes she gave her to pay for the groceries with. Most of the things on the list are cleaning products to sanitise, polish and purify the house. There is also an assortment of fruit and vegetables, toilet paper, almond milk, peppermint tea, a box of tissues, coconut yoghurt, and some rye bread. Aria obviously has no idea where to find any of these items. She chooses a trolley and wheels it towards the fresh produce. Aria carefully selects the freshest looking bag of spinach, some mushrooms, a sweet potato, a floweret of organic broccoli, a bag of carrots, some blueberries, eight bananas, eight red apples, a bunch of celery, two bunches of kale, two avocados and a whole pumpkin.

From the fridges along the back wall of the market, Aria chooses two flavours of coconut yoghurt.
‘That one’s my favourite,’ Brielle says beside her as she reaches for a smaller tub of the natural coconut yoghurt Aria is holding.
‘My mum loves it too,’ Aria says.
‘I like her already.’
Aria smiles.
‘So, where have you moved from?’ Brielle asks.
‘How do you –‘
‘Oh, sorry. I’m not a creep or anything. I’m Brielle. I work in the cafe and I saw your family arrive this morning.’
‘Oh.’
‘Everyone knows everyone around here. So when new people join the street, it just that the spotlight is on them for a while.’
‘You mean…everyone is watching us?’ Aria asks.
‘Curious is probably the word I’d use to describe them. Oh, don’t worry. I’ve worked here for the past two years and they all mean well.’
‘I’m sure.’
‘Just a tip.’
‘What’s that?’
‘Tell your family, they’re going to want to keep the front curtains closed at night. When the lights are on, you can see everything from across the street.’
‘Are you serious?’
‘Yeah. Anyway, I’m just grabbing some lunch, but I’ll see you around, I’m sure –‘ Brielle waits for Aria to introduce herself. ‘What’s your name, Babe?’
‘Oh, I’m Aria.’
‘Nice to meet you, Aria. Stop by sometime. There’s a bunch of delicious dairy-free treats on the menu.’
‘I will, thanks.’
‘Oh, and bring your brother with you.’
‘I’ll see what I can do.’ Brielle laughs and waves as she walks down the aisle towards the checkout.
‘Later.’
‘Geelong,’ Aria calls out.
‘What?’ Brielle turns around halfway down the aisle.
‘We’re from Geelong.’
‘Cool! Catch ya.’

Aria places all of the items on the checkout strip. ‘How are you today?’ Wilde asks.
‘Not bad, yourself?’ Aria replies.
‘Good, thanks. Do you have your own bags?’
‘Um, no. I don’t.’
‘Plastic bags are fifteen cents and reusable bags are two dollars each.’
‘Sure, I’ll get the reusable ones, please.’
‘How many do you want?’
‘Four, I guess.’
Aria takes her phone out of the pocket of her jeans and types a text to Miller.

I think the girl in the cafe likes u. Cute one in skinny jeans & stripped crop top. Didn’t take u long. At the market, want anything? x

‘That’s eighty three, twenty five,’ Wilde says.
Aria hands over two fifty dollar notes and she lifts the bags into the trolley.
‘Sixteen, seventy five change. Have a good day.’
‘Thanks.’
Aria takes her change and receipt, stuffing them into the pocket of her skinny black jeans.

Aria wheels the trolley out onto the footpath and up to the corner. She waits for the road to clear of cars and pushes the trolley across to her new house. Miller walks up from the direction of the oval and school, bouncing the football.
‘Did you get my vegie chips?’
‘No. They weren’t on the list and you didn’t text me back.’
‘I don’t think you’re meant to take the trolley home, Eeyore.’
‘You know I hate when you call me that. I was always gonna take it back.’
‘Oh, in that case –‘
‘Shut up!’ Aria pushes Miller, playfully.

‘Excuse me?’ Wilde calls from outside the market. Aria and Miller turn to see the man across the street waving a packet of toilet paper in the air.
‘You left this behind,’ Wilde says.
‘Oh, shit!’ Aria whispers to Miller.
‘Yeah, quite literally,’ Miller laughs. ‘Hey, sorry Man. Thanks for bringing that out for us,’ he calls across the street. ‘Give us a sec to unload the trolley here and I’ll head straight over to grab it.’
‘Miller! How embarrassing! Everyone is gonna see,’ Aria says.
‘See what? It’s not used toilet paper. Is it?’ Miller teases. ‘Quick, take the bags inside and I’ll sort this.’
Aria carries the groceries to the front step and knocks on the door, watching Miller take the trolley to meet the shop assistant.

The front door opens. ‘Yes, can I help you?’ asks a man who reminds Aria of her grandfather.
‘Oh, no. I’m sorry. I’m Aria. I just moved in next door and –‘ Aria reaches into the closest bag and takes out the tub of coconut yoghurt. ‘I thought I might come to introduce myself and bring you this delicious coconut yoghurt.’
William takes the yoghurt and hands it to his wife who is standing behind him.
‘That’s very kind of you. Thank you. I’m William and this is my wife, Isla.’ William turns to his wife and speaking louder, ‘Isla, this is Aria. She lives next door now.’
‘Welcome,’ Isla says softly.
‘Do you want to come in for a drink?’ William offers.
‘Oh, thank you, but another time, if that’s alright,’ Aria says.
‘Of course. Anytime, Sweetheart.’
‘Thank you. Bye for now.’
‘Bye-bye, now.’ William closes the door. Aria picks up the grocery bags and walks back down the driveway. Miller meets her on the footpath, carrying the toilet rolls.
‘What are you doing?’ Miller laughs.
‘Just getting to know the neighbours,’ Aria says.
‘Right. You went to the wrong house, didn’t you?’
‘No.’
‘Ha, these people are going to love you Ri-yore,’ Miller says, tucking the toilet rolls under his arm and taking some bags from Aria.
‘Seriously, what’s that supposed to mean?’ Aria follows Miller towards the house.

‘Axon, wait. Ax!’ Peter yells.
Aria walks back down the driveway and sees a little girl three houses away, running along the footpath towards her.
‘Daddy, Daddy!’ Axon giggles excitedly, pointing across the street towards the gym.
Aria sees Peter running up behind Axon, as the little girl turns off the footpath towards the road.
‘Axon, no. Stay there, I’m coming,’ Ashton calls from the other side of the street, wearing gym gear and carrying a towel.
‘Axon, stop!’ Peter yells.
Aria runs into the street and holds her hand up to signal cars coming to stop. Aria bends down and picks up Axon, resting her on her hip, facing Ashton.
‘Daddy!’ Axon squeals.
Peter comes up behind Aria and puts his hand on Axon’s back, guiding them onto the footpath where Ashton is waiting for them.
‘Is she alright?’ Peter asks.
‘Daddy, muffin,’ Axon points towards Ashton as he joins them.
Aria passes Axon to Ashton.
‘I think so,’ Aria says.
Brielle and Dale come out of the café and Wilde comes out of the market to join a crowd of spectators on the footpath.
‘Oh my god, Ax!’ Ashton buries his face in Axon’s shoulder.
‘She’s never done that before,’ Peter says. ‘I mean, thank you. Thank you for catching her.’
‘That’s ok. I was just the first one to get to her,’ Aria says.
‘If it wasn’t for you–‘ Peter says, trailing off. He rubs his hand down his face, shocked.
‘Thank you! Thank you so much!’ Ashton says, choking back tears.
Aria nods, unable to speak. Aria rubs Axon’s back and then turns around to cross the street, tears streaming down her face. Miller is waiting in the driveway for her.
‘Ri, what the eff happened?’ Miller asks.
Aria walks past Miller, with her hand up to signal him to leave it alone.
‘Are you alright?’ Miller says, following Aria inside and closing the front door.

©2019 Danielle N. Bilski