The Saddler Boys by Fiona Palmer

Author:Fiona Palmer
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781760140304
Publisher: Penguin Group Australia
Published: 2015-08-10T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

NAT called Drew on Sunday night as promised. He was concerned that Billy didn’t seem that fazed about his mum; in fact he hadn’t reacted at all. Nat tried to reassure Drew, and to let him know that Billy might just need time to let it all sink in. It was a short conversation because his neighbour Doris dropped by and Drew had to go. But it had been nice to hear his voice, nice that he appreciated her opinion and input. And talking to him was better than talking to Gary. She needed space to think, to recover, and to figure out what she should do. How long until Gary realised she was avoiding him? How would he react? she wondered. At least she had work to distract her a little.

Nat didn’t talk to Drew again until the meeting on Wednesday night at the school. It was just a small crowd of those who were determined to fight for the school, including Lauren, the school staff and the parents on the P & C committee.

‘Heck, how long till school is back?’ said Mel, rubbing at her forehead. Nat saw that she had food stuck to the side of her face. Another mum pointed it out and Mel almost burst into tears. ‘Jaxon is so bloody hard to feed at the moment. I wear more than he eats. I’m seriously over kids. Who bloody wanted six? I’m sure it wasn’t me.’

‘I know, my two are driving me nuts. How about you bring Ruby and Jack over tomorrow for the day. Give both our kids something to do,’ Lauren offered.

Mel smiled. ‘Lozzy, you’re the best. That would be great.’

‘Come around ten and we can have a cuppa too.’ Lauren squeezed Mel’s shoulder and Nat could have sworn Mel’s eyes sparkled with more life.

Nat was busy watching Lauren, thinking about how amazing she was, when someone touched her shoulder.

‘Hey, you,’ said Drew.

He’d sneaked in just as the meeting had started so she hadn’t had a chance to speak to him yet. Looks like he’d found her first. ‘Hi, Drew. Where’s Billy?’

‘Kim’s looking after him for me.’

Nat wondered if Kim did that at her own place or whether she went to Drew’s. She wasn’t sure why that thought had even entered her mind. ‘Have you had a chance to look at the stuff from my uncle?’

‘Yeah, it’s painful to read. Just about need a translator. But it’s good to have, thank you.’

‘Anytime.’

Drew looked at her silk scarf and tugged the end of it. ‘It’s not winter yet.’ His smile faltered as he noticed the bruises. Nat tried to grab the scarf but Drew pulled it completely off. ‘Jesus, Nat, that’s no hickey.’ He leant in closer, so close she could smell soap and deodorant. ‘Are those finger marks?’ he hissed quietly. He took her arm and walked her out of the senior room and down to the junior room, where they were alone.

‘Drew, it’s nothing,’ she said, worried about how he’d react. He looked like one of her students, about to explode because they couldn’t get their feelings out.

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