The Edge of Time by Mike Middleton

Author:Mike Middleton [Middleton, Mike]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781479761937
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
Published: 2013-01-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

The bus arrived at dusk, later than expected. From his seat by the restaurant window, Thomas saw Ruth climb down. She wore jeans and a pale blue T-shirt and carried a small briefcase. The bus driver lifted an obviously heavy suitcase down and placed it on the roadside. Kate walked out to greet her daughter.

‘Hey, Luke,’ she called over her shoulder, ‘Ruth’s arrived at last.’

They both gave Ruth a hug.

‘Let me take that,’ said Luke, picking up the suitcase.

‘Thanks, Dad. It’s so good to be home at last. I had a two-hour wait in Alice.’

‘I’ll get you a cup of tea,’ offered Kate as she led the way inside.

‘Thomas home?’ asked Ruth.

‘I think he’s in the restaurant.’

Ruth came into the restaurant as Thomas rose from his chair. She put her arms around him and held him tight, her head on his shoulder.

‘It’s good to see you.’

‘Good to see you too, Ruth.’

Ruth stepped away. ‘I’m looking forward to some walking and some talking.’

Kate intervened, ‘We’ve left Thomas free tomorrow, so that shouldn’t be difficult. But Thomas has offered to look after things out here tonight while we catch up with your news.’

Ruth was glad to be home. It had been a long day. Over dinner, she caught up with the roadhouse news and shared her Sydney news.

‘What do you think you will do when you finish university?’ asked Kate.

‘Not sure, Mum, but there’ll be plenty of openings.’

‘I hope they’ll be in Australia.’

‘I’ve no thought of working overseas at this stage.’ She rubbed her eyes. ‘I’m sorry, but I’m really tired. I think I’ll be off to bed.’

‘Yeah, that’s fine. We won’t be long out of bed either, but before you go, just a couple of things.’

Ruth waited.

‘It’s Thomas. I know you’ve been sharing emails a lot.’

Ruth became cautious.

‘Yes. It’s been great.’

‘Ruth, try to find out a bit more about him if you can.’

‘Why, has he been a problem?’

‘No, but I still can’t work him out. Where does he come from, and why is he happy to stay here?’

‘I thought you’d be pleased that he’s happy to stay.’

‘Yes, but why?’

‘Mum, I’m not going to spy on him for you.’

Luke intervened, ‘Well, just see if you can get him to go to Sydney so you can see how he is socially away from here. Maybe there’s a concert or a conference he’d like to go to.’

‘Dad, I just like talking with him. I’m not going to marry him!’ Ruth smiled reassuringly. ‘Goodnight, you two’ she threw over her shoulder.

The next morning, Thomas was unsure what to do. Would Ruth expect him to take the initiative and knock on the door of the residence? Or should he just wait until she came looking for him? He decided on a middle course: he would have breakfast in the restaurant. He had just finished when Ruth came through the door from the residence and moved cheerfully to his table. ‘Hi, Thomas. Beautiful morning.’ She wore a blue long-sleeved shirt, a pair of khaki shorts, brown woollen socks, and walking boots.

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