Relative Confusion

[Miranda]

However much Ceri annoyed her, Leah was determined to carry out her plan. She marched up to him at the surf club- now decorated in cream and teal- and tapped him on the arm.

‘Oh, hello.’ He had such a natural smile that she couldn’t resist smiling back.

‘I’ve decided to help you find your mother.’

‘Thanks. What’s brought this on?’

‘Nothing’s brought it on. I decided ages ago, but you kept annoying me so I didn’t tell you.’ She gazed up at him innocently.

He stared at her for a moment, then burst out laughing.

‘I don’t know what to say. Thanks again. Come on, I’ll get you a drink.’ He ushered her to the bar, still chuckling.

Jazz was at the bar with Tony.

‘Oh, hello,’ she purred to Ceri.

‘You look nice,’ said Leah to Jazz, determined to be civil.

‘Thanks. So do you.’

‘What you drinking, mate?’ asked Tony of Ceri.

‘So what do you think of Summer Bay?’ asked Jazz, rather formally, of Ceri. He started talking to her, and Tony joined in, so Leah was left to observe. She was aware of Ceri standing very close to her: he seemed to be in awe of Jazz as she was in her element of entertaining the two men.

‘I feel like some food,’ said Leah, fed up with being ignored. ‘I know it’s good, because I made it.’ No one laughed. She set off for the buffet, hoping the others would follow, but they didn’t.

Tucking into the food- it was a long time since lunch- she found herself next to Belle.

‘How’s your new job? I’m so glad that Gavin got what he deserved.’

‘Yes, especially after what he did to us. It’s a pity the Den closed anyway though.’

‘Yes it is. But I suppose-’

They were interrupted by music starting up.

‘Uh oh, it’s DJ Nicole again,’ sighed Belle.

‘Featuring Geoff,’ laughed Leah. ‘Shall I dance with Tony again?’

‘Oh yes, you should! Did you see Jazz? I thought she was going to come over and hit you.’

‘Aha, so she was jealous. I don’t like her, but if Tony likes her, she must have some good qualities, somewhere.’

‘I usually get on alright with her. She just likes to live by her rules.’

Leah looked back at the bar. Jazz, Ceri and Tony had been joined by Miles and Kirsty, and they were all seemed having a good laugh together. They seemed to be forming a clique, and Leah felt left out.

[Miranda]

A bit later, Leah was cornered by Jazz, to her surprise.

‘I’m sorry about that time in the supermarket.’ She was slurring her words a bit so Leah braced herself and waited. ‘I think you got the wrong impression.’

‘What about?’

‘When I was rambling on. You thought I was talking about-‘

‘Ceri?’ shouted a voice. It was Hugh, waving a champagne bottle. ‘Where are you? Its time to make a toast!’

After a few moments, Ceri returned from outside.

‘He’s so gorgeous,’ breathed Jazz, watching him walk across the room.

‘So’s Tony!’ snapped Leah.

‘I know! I’m just saying! Tony and I-‘ the rest of her speech was lost in an announcement from Ceri.

‘Here’s to Hugh and Rachel!’

‘And all who sail in her!’ remarked Brad cheekily.

‘Anyway, Leah,’ continued Jazz. ‘I’m really sorry we don’t get on. Let’s make a fresh start.’

‘Okay.’

They smiled warily at each other.

Tony went over to the music centre where Nicole was looking bored.

‘Fancy a break?’ he asked. ‘I feel like doing a bit of DJ-ing. I’ve just gone home and brought some of my old CDs. They will get people dancing.’

‘Okay,’ Nicole said guardedly. ‘They aren’t dancing to the stuff I’m playing now, so you might as well try old stuff.’

‘Old stuff,’ laughed Tony. ‘They were only made the other day. What I need is a microphone to announce them properly. Oh well, I’ll make do.’ He put on the first CD.

‘Everybody?’ he announced. ‘Prepare for a trip back in time with your DJ, Tony “Manero“ Holden.’

“Jitterbug

Jitterbug

Jitterbug

Jitterbug”

‘Tony! What are you doing?’ Jazz rushed over. ‘Don’t play this old crap!’

Tony just smiled wisely.

“You put the boom-boom into my heart

You send my soul sky high when your lovin' starts

Jitterbug into my brain

Goes a bang-bang-bang 'til my feet do the same”

After everyone looked baffled for a moment, Aden and Belle stepped forward and started twirling about, which made everyone laugh, including them. Then others stepped forward, and soon everyone was joining in, giggling and showing off.

“But something's bugging you

Something ain't right

My best friend told me what you did last night

Left me sleepin' in my bed

I was dreaming, but I should have been with you instead.”

Even Morag was dragged onto the dance floor with Ruby and Ross; Alf whisked Irene around like they were on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, and of course the bride and groom showed everyone how to do it properly, with Jamie joining in.

“Wake me up before you go-go

Don't leave me hanging on like a yo-yo

Wake me up before you go-go

I don't want to miss it when you hit that high

Wake me up before you go-go

'Cause I'm not plannin' on going solo

Wake me up before you go-go

Take me dancing tonight

I wanna hit that high (yeah, yeah)”

‘How d’you do that twirl?’ asked Nicole of Belle. ‘Geoff always gets our hands twisted up somehow.’

Belle tried to show them, but they just got twisted up again.

‘Come on Geoff, pretend I’m Nicole. Like this.’ She took Geoff’s hand, put it in the right position, and twirled around perfectly.

Ruby and Annie laughed and clapped in delight, especially as Geoff dipped Belle over his arm. She looked up at him, giggling girlishly.

‘Yes. Very good, Campbell,’ snapped Aden, whisking Belle away. ‘You can practice with Nicole.’

[Miranda]

‘There you are!’

Leah felt a hand round her wrist and she was propelled into the corner of the surf club, near the notorious store cupboard. She wasn’t surprised to find it was Ceri.

‘So, when are we going to make our secret plans?’ He squinted at her, trying to focus and she couldn’t help smiling.

‘What plans? Do you mean our plans to dig up your past?’

‘Yes. What shall we do first?’

‘I’ve been looking on the internet. There are lots of “find a person” sites. You have to join them, but they look promising.’

‘And now,’ Tony was saying, ‘back to the Seventies.’ Alf had rigged up a microphone, so the announcements were much louder.

“Well you're dirty and sweet

Clad in black don't look back and I love you

You're dirty and sweet, oh yeah”

‘What?’ asked Ceri, temporarily deafened.

She repeated her last sentence.

‘I’ve looked on a lot of those. The trouble is, my mother was called Jones, so it’s a bit difficult.’

‘Ah, some people called Jones used to live in Summer Bay- you could be related to them.’

‘Yes, I must be…!’

“Well you're slim and you're weak

You've got the teeth of the hydra upon you

You're dirty sweet and you're my girl”

‘I’ll have to show you all the documents I’ve got. They’re in my suitcase at Miles’ place.’

‘So you want me to come round there?’

‘You don’t have to if you don’t want to see Miles.’

‘We were never together!’

He sighed. ‘Alright, alright! Keep yer hair on!’

Just then, someone pushed by, unsteadily, and knocked Leah into Ceri.

‘Who’s the one who’s been drinking tonight?’ he teased, catching her. She breathed in the smell of him, which was far from unpleasant. There was a tang of smoke and drink from the party, but most of it was him, a clean man smell.

She looked up into his eyes, the first time she had really noticed them. A blue-green colour, unusually clear, bordered by blond eyelashes. She stood there for a while, mesmerized.

“Get it on, bang a gong, get it on”

There was a sudden commotion in the main hall, and she tore herself away from him.

‘Hey, that’s enough!’ Aden was shouting. He seemed to be holding Nicole and Tam apart at arms length.

‘Don’t touch me, you pervert!’ shouted Tam. Aden let go of her as if he’d had an electric shock, and she turned to Brad.

‘What’s going on?’ Brad demanded, glaring at Aden.

‘I’m just trying to stop them. For some reason, they are fighting over Campbell.’

Belle came up and stood beside him. ‘Where is Geoff?’

The man in question came hastily in, bearing more classic CDs for Tony. ‘What’s happening?’

‘Your admirers can’t control themselves,’ explained Aden.

‘And this perv touched me!’ shouted Tam, glaring at Aden and clinging to Brad.

‘I didn’t! I was just trying to stop you fighting!’

‘Poor thing, she’s so desperate for a man!’ sneered Nicole. ‘Go anywhere near her and she thinks you’re touching her!’

‘That’s enough!’ shouted Geoff, making everyone jump. ‘Please, both of you, come and talk to me and we can sort this out.’

‘Only if Brad comes too,’ said Tam, feeling outnumbered.

‘Okay.’ The party of four went outside.

Belle and Aden exchanged glances.

‘I feel terrible about what I did to her when we were at school,’ he said quietly.

‘Yeah, but you were a different person then, with your own problems.’

‘I s’pose.’

[Miranda]

After the dramas, Leah decided to keep well away from the store cupboard area of the club. She mingled for a while, and ate another plate of food. Then she saw Brad, returning from the discussion outside.

‘Hi. Here we are again,’ she smiled, and hugged him. ‘Everything alright with Tam?’

‘Yeah, I suppose so. Geoff’s new girlfriend started it- she seems a bit of a handful. Geoff basically calmed the girls down and said he liked both of them, but he was with Nicole now. He was very diplomatic.’

‘Yes, he is these days. How’s your job going?’

‘Oh, its fine. By the way- did you know I’m with Heather now? Tam’s mum.’

‘No! Really? That must make things- er- complicated. Not that it matters if you’re happy of course.’

‘I’m glad you’re taking it like that. Tam and Rachel were against it at first: it’s alright now but it’s still a sensitive subject with them.’

‘So you have to be careful. Where is Heather?’

‘That’s the reason she’s stayed away: we thought it would be better. I told the girls that she had to work.’

Leah nodded. She was a bit shocked at Brad having a relationship with his father’s ex girlfriend, mother of his half sister. But if love happens, it happens. These days, she believed life was too short to waste love.

‘Thanks for listening Leah. I haven’t really talked to anyone about it.’ He smiled gratefully. ‘Anyway, how about you?’

‘Oh, I’m the same as ever.’ She told him the details of her life. ‘How’s Tasmania?’

Brad began telling her about the new life he had there, and Leah’s attention wandered. Her gaze was drawn to Ceri like a magnet. He was dancing with Kirsty, Olly and Jamie. They looked like a happy little family: Ceri and Olly blond; Kirsty and Jamie dark. Perhaps if I’d got together with Miles, Kirsty would have got together with Ceri, Leah thought. But she couldn’t imagine that. She didn’t want to imagine that.

‘Hey, Leah, I’m over here.’ Brad smiled, knowing she wasn’t meaning to be rude. ‘You’re miles away- or I’m really boring.’

‘Oh, I’m so sorry Brad! I’m getting tired, it’s been a long day. But a lovely one,’ she added hastily, remembering he was brother of the bride. ‘It's been a lovely wedding and reception.’

‘Thanks. I’m glad I didn’t have to organise all of it, even though I helped as much as I could.’

They stood there companionably together, people watching. Ceri and Kirsty went to join Miles and Jazz, who were standing near Tony’s music desk. Tony was obviously in a world of his own, playing classic old tunes.

‘Perhaps Rachel and Hugh should have made it a seventies party, and we could have worn fancy dress as well,’ commented Brad.

‘Yes, that would’ve been fun. Actually, that’s an idea. Although maybe an eighties party would be better, cos most people here won’t remember the seventies.’

‘I think I’d better go to the little boys’ room,’ said Brad, taking his leave. ‘See you later.’

Leah made her way over to the music desk.

‘Hi Tony. I really like what you’re playing. It's making everyone dance instead of standing around.’

‘Oh! Oh, thanks Leah.’

‘Why don’t you and Jazz have a dance? Put a CD on, I’ll look after it and you can have a break.’

‘That’s so kind of you. I’ll just have a look.’

After announcing the song, Tony led Jazz to where the others were dancing.

Let me

Be the one you come running to

I’ll never be untrue

Ooo baby

All the couples gradually slipped into slow dance mode, and Leah noticed Miles sneaking over to dim the lights. She was reminded of school discos: all those awkward situations from years ago were brought back.

Let’s, let’s stay together

Loving you whether,

Whether times are good or bad

Happy or sad

Of course, most people were already in couples, so there wouldn’t be any awkward situations at this party. The people without partners hung round the outside, not sure whether to pair up or not. Leah sneaked outside, not wanting to look like she was searching for a man.

‘A bit too dark in there if you ask me. It's lighter out here,’ said Colleen, popping up next to her. ‘I was enjoying it until now. Think I might toddle off home. By meself as usual.’

‘Why don’t you wait until Miles and the others from the caravan park go home? You could go with them.’

‘Oh no, I don’t want to be a bother.’

‘Don’t be silly, Colleen! It'll be safer if you go with them. When the slow dance has finished, we’ll go and find them all.’

The two women waited together, chatting about how lovely the wedding had been. After what seemed like ages, the slow dance finished, so Leah and Colleen ambled inside the club.

[Miranda]

To Leah’s annoyance, there was another slow song playing. Tony was back at the music desk.

‘Oh, I’m sorry! I forgot I was supposed to look after the music!’ she exclaimed.

‘Don’t worry, it's not a problem.’ Tony seemed mellow and back into his DJ persona. She looked round, and immediately saw Jazz dancing with Ceri. Did Tony know? Should she tell him?

She watched the couple dancing, and felt quite hurt. On Tony’s behalf of course! They were certainly wrapped round each other, as were Kirsty and Miles, Aden and Belle and the rest. If Ceri’s the kind of man who goes for women like Jazz, he’s not my type of person at all, she thought. She didn’t know what to do, so was uncomfortably rooted to the spot.

I’m never gonna dance again

Guilty feet have got no rhythm.

Though it's easy to pretend

I know you’re not a fool

I should have known better than to cheat a friend

And waste the chance that I’d been given

So I’m never gonna dance again

The way I danced with you

When the song finished, Colleen firmly turned the lights up, and Geoff was not dancing with Nicole as expected, but instead with Tam. They both blinked at the sudden light.

‘You!’ Nicole launched herself at them, and Roman made an unsuccessful grab for her, while Charlie leapt into action and in front of Tam.

‘Get out of my way, supercop!’ shouted Nicole. Belle and Aden piled in, and everyone’s attention was focused on the confrontation.

But Leah’s attention was elsewhere. Jazz and Ceri were parting affectionately with significant looks and words. They turned towards Tony, and Leah stepped back so sharply that she tripped over the table.

‘Leah!’ Jazz stepped forwards with concern. ‘We were looking for you-‘

‘I was looking for Miles actually,’ Leah said quickly, letting Jazz help her up. ‘Or Kirsty. Colleen needs to walk back to the caravan site with them. She’s nervous of going on her own.’

‘She can walk back with me,’ said Ceri, who looked even worse for wear than earlier.

‘Yes, that would be helpful.’ Leah’s voice was pleasant but her expression freezing. ‘I’ll get her.’

She was angry as she walked over to Colleen. So much for her fresh start with Jazz- how could she be her friend if she was cheating on Tony? Surely Tony must have noticed her with Ceri. The Miles- Kirsty- Jazz- Tony- Ceri clique was baffling.

She found Colleen, led her to Ceri and then left them together without a backward glance. Ceri had been about to speak to her, but she rushed away without listening.

The confrontation between Nicole, Geoff and Tam had been swiftly suppressed. Roman and Brad had had words, but Irene had stepped in and pointed out it was Geoff’s fault, and he had been borne away by herself, Annie and Belle.

‘Tam?’ said Aden, seeing her standing alone while Brad fetched their coats. ‘I’m really sorry about what I did to you when we were at school. It was a terrible thing to do.’

She surveyed him disbelievingly, her arms folded. She had changed over the years, and the teenage awkwardness had gone.

‘Do you accept my apology?’

‘I suppose so.’

‘I had a lot of problems back then- I know it's no excuse, but I’m a different man now.’

‘Okay.’ She smiled briefly, then Brad came back, so Aden slipped away.

[Miranda]

Leah felt deflated after this. She went to the office, and saw Rachel in there feeding Edward his bottle.

‘Hi? Come in. You look a bit flustered. Is everything alright?’

‘Oh yes, I’m fine. It’s such a great party!’

Rachel looked at her appraisingly.

‘Are you sure you’re okay?’

Leah sighed. ‘Yes, it’s just…. Stuff.’

‘What stuff?’

‘Oh, it’s so much. I got on so well with Ceri when I met him two years ago, and now everything’s going weird. He’s living with Miles, so that is difficult, and he’s getting so close to the caravan park guys. Then I just caught him dancing with Jazz to ‘Careless Whisper’. Tony didn’t seem bothered, I don’t know what’s going on.’ She ran out of breath.

‘Oh dear. I can see how you’d be upset.’

‘I’m not upset, it's just strange. A strange situation and I don’t know why it's annoying me, but it just is, and I don’t want Tony to be hurt. It's not fair after all he’s been through.’

Rachel was just about to answer, when Hugh appeared at the door with Anna and her bottle. The baby was fast asleep and Hugh carefully placed her in the double buggy.

‘Everything alright?’ he asked tentatively.

‘Yes. I’ll see you later.’ Rachel waved him away kindly so he retreated. ‘So you think Jazz is cheating on Tony?’ she said to Leah.

‘It looks like it.’

‘I can see how that would upset you. But are Jazz and Tony together? Aren’t they just living in the same house?’

‘I don’t know for sure,’ admitted Leah. ‘But Tony adores her: he says she brings fun to his life.’

‘Perhaps it just isn’t working out between them. Ceri is a free agent: maybe he and Jazz are just more compatible.’

‘But- but-‘ Leah gathered her thoughts. ‘What is Ceri here for anyway?’

‘Well, he came for the twins’ christening.’ Rachel obviously thinks I’m going crazy, thought Leah crossly.

‘What I mean is, why has he left his job? Why is he travelling around aimlessly?’

‘As far as I know, he just had enough of St Johannes. Hugh said it wasn’t run very well. I don’t think there’s anything sinister about Ceri leaving there.’

‘Did he tell you? About his mother?’

‘What about her?’

‘Oh- nothing.’

‘I know he’s adopted, if that’s what you mean.’

‘So he’s really searching for his birth mother?’

Rachel looked uncomfortable. ‘That’s what he told us. I’m sure it's true: you needn’t worry about his motives. To be honest, Leah, I think Ceri is just a bit lost at the moment. His adopted parents died seven years ago, he’s been working round the world for a while and he’s now wondering what to do with his life.’

Leah felt like the stuffing had been knocked out of her. Poor Ceri. She had to help him.

[Miranda]

After the excitement of the wedding, life settled down again. When she wasn’t doing chores or working in the diner, Leah diligently carried on her internet investigation into Ceri’s Jones family. It was too intriguing not to. She had narrowed it down to just the Joneses who had emigrated in 1980, the year he was born.

But she was hindered by not having the papers Ceri had mentioned at the wedding. She decided to go round to the caravan park and get them. Ceri didn’t have a job, so he must be around most of the time, perhaps helping out with maintenance at the park.

She went round to the house to find Miles and Kirsty having a cup of tea.

‘Hey,’ said Kirsty. ‘Stay for tea?’

Miles ushered Leah to the sofa. ‘It's nice to see you. We didn’t really see you at the wedding.’

‘It was so lovely, wasn’t it? It's a shame Hugh and Rachel can’t get away for a honeymoon.’

‘It's like having a honeymoon here though. I really appreciate it after being on the run for so long,’ said Kirsty.

Leah chatted with them for a while, dying to ask where Ceri was but not wanting to seem rude.

Luckily, he came in the front door before she had to ask.

‘Hi all.’ He was just wearing shorts and still wet from the surf. He stood by the door, drying his hair with a towel from the laundry room. Leah couldn’t help noticing the expanse of tanned stomach and chest.

‘Want a drink?’ Kirsty got up to go to the kitchen.

‘Thanks. I’ll just go and get changed.’ He strolled out.

‘Did you come round for a reason?’ asked Miles. ‘Not that you need one- I mean- it's nice to see you- ’

Leah felt like she was intruding. ‘Well, I wanted to speak to Ceri really-‘

‘Oh, is this about the research you’re doing for him? About his mother?’

‘You know about that?’ Leah was amazed.

‘Yeah, he told us.’ Kirsty came and sat next to Miles, cosily.

‘Oh, I just thought-‘

‘It's not a secret: we all know.’

‘By “all”, she means us two, Jazz and Tony. Not everyone in Summer Bay,’ explained Miles.

‘Yes. I’ve got to go back to work now.’ She kissed Miles and went out of the door, smiling at Leah.

‘Why don’t you go up and see Ceri? I’m sure he’s dressed by now.’

‘D’you think he’d mind?’

‘No. He needs some encouragement. He’s a bit nervous of opening a can of worms if he looks for his mum.’

Leah didn’t hesitate, but set off up the stairs.

[Miranda]

Luckily, Ceri was just coming out of the main bedroom so she didn’t have to guess which one he was in.

‘Hey. I was just on my way down.’

‘I came round to see those documents you told me about, if that’s okay.’

‘Oh, yeah, of course. Come in. They’re in here.’ He led her into the room, and Leah was reminded of the times she had visited Sally there when she lived at the house.

He got his suitcase out from under the bed and started rummaging through it.

‘I’ve got my birth certificate and adoption papers somewhere.’

‘Ceri, I didn’t know your parents in Wales had died. I’m sorry.’

He glanced quickly over his shoulder, still sorting through his papers. ‘Oh, I thought I’d told you. It was a few years ago, but thanks anyway.’

‘I don’t want to sound big headed, but I thought I was the only one who knew about your search for your real mother.’

‘No. Well, I just got talking to the others and it all came out. I haven’t asked them to help. Aha! Got it!’

He produced an envelope, which was bursting at the seams, and tipped it out on the bed.

‘There look. My real birth certificate. Ceri Jones: father unknown, mother Julie Jones.’

‘Oh, Ceri!’ Leah so nearly flung her arms round him, but pride stopped her. ‘I’ve always known my parents; I can’t imagine not knowing them!’

He looked up, with an expression nearly of scorn. ‘Well, aren’t you the lucky one.’

‘Sorry. That was insensitive of me.’

‘It's alright. Anyway, let’s have a look at this lot.’ He patted the bed next to him and she sat there, hesitantly. ‘I’m not gonna bite you.’

‘I’ve found out as much as I can on the internet.’ She excitedly told him all about her investigations.

‘But I think we need to go and look in person now. The online catalogue only shows a summary. We need to go to the library in the city to check the full electoral roll.’

‘So, we should have a day out in the city, is that what you’re saying?’

He smiled at her. He was so close that the effect was almost overwhelming. His eyes were so unusual: the clear blue-green of the ocean on a sunny day, and they gazed deeply into her. He smelled of open air, salt water, sand: a man of nature. He had changed into another pair of shorts, so his bare leg touched hers and she could feel the wiry blond hairs against her.

‘When shall we go?’

‘Er- as soon as we can? I’ll- er- get a day off.’ Pull yourself together, she told herself.

‘Oh, brilliant!’ He put his arm round her and gave her a sideways hug.

‘So that’s what we’ll do then, I’ll arrange it and let you know, I’ll see you soon,’ she gabbled, getting up off the bed and heading for the door.

‘Okay,’ he looked confused. ‘Careful! Mind the-‘

She tripped over the step. Damn thing! She’d always wondered what the point of that little balcony with the balustrade was!

‘See you later.’ She hurried off down the stairs.

‘Leah? Everything alright?’ questioned Miles.

‘Yes, fine, I’m just in a rush.’ She almost ran home. What an idiot I am! If I can’t even handle sitting next to Ceri without lusting after him, how am I going to handle spending a whole day with him?

A sudden thought occurred to her: why wasn’t Jazz helping him with all this? She supposed Jazz wasn’t really into family matters: she was more of a casual girlfriend.

Leah put the matter of Ceri aside, deciding to phone the city library to find out what the procedure was. She could do it when she got home.

[Miranda]

The city library had confirmed to Leah that they did have the electoral roll in question, and they would have to go there in person to look at it. He had to take all his documents with him, proof of identity, money for the search fee.

‘It's not fair you should have to pay to find your mum,’ said Leah.

He shrugged. ‘Did you find out where the library is?’

‘Yes, and I know that part of the city. Amanda lived near there once, so I was always ferrying Drew and Ryan there and back. It's easy to find.’

They set off in Leah’s car. She had managed to get the day off from the diner, and VJ was at school, to be picked up by Stella afterwards. It had all worked out perfectly.

‘Were you adopted as a baby?’ Leah asked, after they had been driving for a while.

‘Yes. I don’t remember my real mum at all. I’m not looking for her because I’ve had a bad life, don’t get me wrong, but it's like a gap in my life, you know?’

‘I can imagine.’

‘My parents in Wales have been so brilliant. I’ve got a brother and a sister, all adopted, and we’ve had a great life, but they found their real parents years ago, and I didn’t.’

‘So as you were in South Africa anyway, you decided to find your mum in Australia?’

‘Well, it wasn’t the real reason I came down here, but I decided to after a while.’

‘Do you know anything about your father?’

‘No, not at all. I had these dreams about my parents being spies on secret missions round the world so had to give me up… stupid really.’

‘Not stupid at all! I bet most adopted people prefer to think nice things about their real parents.’

They were at the suburbs now, and Leah had to concentrate on where she was going. Ceri was a helpful navigator, he noticed landmarks and wasn’t looking the wrong way at important moments.

‘Never thought we were going to find somewhere to park,’ complained Leah, as they got out of the car.

‘Where’s the library then?’ Ceri was on edge- subtly but it was noticeable.

‘Down here.’ She led him down the street.

They made their way to the library. A thin, mousy haired woman was waiting at reception.

‘Ceri Pritchard and Leah Baker? I’m Maggie Lawrence, the assistant archivist here.’

‘Hello,’ Leah and Ceri said together, overawed.

‘Could I see your ID please? Oh, Wales, a beautiful country. My boss is Welsh, a shame she couldn’t meet you. Come this way.’

She led them upstairs and they entered the reference room of the library, which wasn’t normally accessible to the public.

‘Do you have your documents with you?’ They all sat down at a large table.

Leah thought what a dull room it was. Although modern in design with attractive polished wood flooring, the windows looked out on the busy streets of the city. No views of the countryside, no birdsong or noise of the ocean waves.

‘So you believe your mother emigrated to Australia in 1980?’ Maggie had a soft, sympathetic voice, and Ceri relaxed a little.

‘I found these for you.’ She showed him the electoral roll. ‘There were four Julie Jones who emigrated here in the year 1980. How old do you think your mother was?’

‘About twenty?’

‘Ah. So two Julies are over forty, one is under five, so this one must be yours.’ She showed him the record. There was a picture of a young girl with blond hair and a worried expression.

Ceri was speechless, so Leah stepped in.

‘Thanks Maggie. That’s very helpful. Is that her address?’

‘That was the first address she lived in when she came to Australia- she may well have moved since then. I’ll leave you to have a look at the roll. I’ll just be over there.’ Maggie was obviously used to this situation, and tactfully withdrew.

‘Do you think that’s her?’ asked Ceri. He had gone pale.

‘I- well- I suppose so. What are you going to do now?’

‘Dunno. D’you think we can get a copy of it?’

Leah asked Maggie. She was glad she was there- Ceri was overwhelmed and it was her job to support him.

‘I’m sorry, no. I wish I could say yes, but it's the law. You did know you had to pay for the search, didn’t you?’ Maggie obviously hated taking their money, but was duty-bound by the law. ‘Obviously you can write down all the details you need though.’

Leah paid the fee. She could sort it out with Ceri later.

‘What do we do next?’ she asked.

‘My advice is to look at the censuses and electoral registers for the years after 1980. It will show you where Julie went after she arrived here. You’ve got her date of birth: that will make it easier to trace her. They are held at the National Library I’m afraid.’

Leah told Ceri all this and he made a face.

‘Come on,’ he said. ‘I’ve had enough for today. Lets go and get some air.’

They thanked Maggie profusely, and escaped the stuffy room as quickly as possible.

Ceri breathed out when they reached the pavement.

‘Didn’t think I’d get that emotional.’

‘I thought you were pretty calm. I’d be a wreck if it was me.’

‘It was just seeing ‘er face like that. I think she looked like me.’

‘A bit. Don’t get your hopes up.’

‘Thanks for coming with me. I couldn’t have done it without you.’

‘Of course you could! Don’t be silly. Come on. We need something to eat.’ She took his arm, and led him away from the library.

[Miranda]

They stopped at a café in a pleasant square for coffee and cakes.

Leah chose a baklava and tucked in.

‘I’m glad you’re not one of these women always on a diet,’ observed Ceri. ‘I get sick of them. Eat your food and like it.’

‘Yes sir!’ She smiled at him but he wasn’t paying attention.

‘D’you think Julie Jones was running away from my real dad?’

‘Or running to him. Try some of this, it's lovely.’ She held out a spoonful of cake and he absent-mindedly ate it.

‘I don’t know if I want to find her or not. I’m not going to think about it from now on.’ He dug his coffee spoon into the sugar with force.

‘What shall we do for the rest of the day?’ Leah finished off the baklava and sat back contentedly.

He screwed up his nose. ‘I know this is daft, but I just want to see the sea now and get out of the city.’

‘Do you want to go back to the bay?’

‘No, I meant: is there any sea round here we could go to and just hang out?’

‘Okay, we’ll just drive along the coast and find somewhere nice.’ If she was honest, Leah was also fed up with the city and would be glad to leave.

However, their escape was not to be. A serious accident blocked the road out of the city, and they were stuck, wondering what to say to each other.

‘Are you thinking of staying in the bay for long?’ asked Leah.

‘Er- dunno really. It depends if anything happens to make me want to stay.’

Aha, thought Leah. Jazz. He must be wondering if she will stay with Tony or come with him. Leah could just imagine Jazz enjoying the travelling life: perhaps she and Ceri were compatible after all. A sudden nip of jealousy made her jump. Don’t be silly, she told herself. He’s far too young and immature for me.

‘Leah?’

‘Oh, sorry. I was miles away just then.’

‘Ah. Miles away. I see.’

She put her hand down to change gear just as he changed position in the cramped little car, and accidently put her hand on his knee.

‘Oh! Sorry! I need to-‘ she changed gear, face as red as a tomato and inwardly scolding herself for being so sensitive. She didn’t notice that he was just as embarrassed.

‘Don’t worry. I’ll shove the seat back a bit.’

‘I think that’s as far as it will go. Dan always- he always had to stretch after a long journey too.’

‘Good idea. I’ll do that for a minute.’ He leapt out of the stationary car as quickly as he could. What an idiot I am, he said to himself, walking slowly up the road. She’s obviously still thinking about Dan, and if it’s not him, it's Miles.

He was back quickly though.

‘Hey, there’s a park up ahead, it looks nice. We could stop there for a while.’

Leah agreed, but the traffic was still not moving, so she drove the car up onto the pavement. Many other drivers were doing this to let others get past. She gathered up her belongings, got out and followed Ceri.

The park was indeed nice- it was beautiful. A huge eucalyptus tree guarded the front entrance, and there was a lake in the distance, shimmering invitingly.

Ceri and Leah meandered towards it. The sun was reaching its highest point and the light intensifying. People reclined in the shade and the sounds of the city receded.

‘This is a relief isn’t it?’ said Ceri. ‘Let’s go to the lake. Maybe they’ve got pedalos, we could hire one.’

‘What’s a pedalo?’

‘It’s a boat with pedals. Duh!’

‘Shut up! I didn’t know what they were called. As long as you do the pedalling. I shall just sit back and you can be my chauffeur.’

He raised an eyebrow. ‘What do I get out of it?’

‘I’ll- er- buy us lunch.’

‘That’s better. Come on. I can see a boat shed.’ He strode off, and Leah had to break into a trot to keep up with him.

As they set off across the lake, Leah admired the view. There was a little island in the middle, with scattered trees providing shade.

‘Shall we go over to it?’ she pointed.

‘Okay.’ Ceri altered direction towards the island.

‘Can’t you go any faster?’ she teased.

‘If that’s what you want. Be warned.’ He started pedalling so fast that she was flung back in her seat. She shrieked with laughter and clutched at him.

‘Slow down!’ she squealed.

‘No, you said faster,’ he said breathlessly.

‘You’re crazy!’

They arrived at the island so fast that the pedalo hit the bank, and they were thrown forward with a bump. The island lay invitingly before them, cool and shady.

‘Hang on,’ said Leah. ‘Is there anything to tie the pedalo to?’

Ceri surveyed the bank. ‘Don’t think so. Damn! It’ll float away.’

‘Anyway, we should have brought our lunch and eaten it on the island. We haven’t got anything to eat. Let’s go back.’

‘You say that I’m worn out from pedalling!’

‘Well, you didn’t have to speed off like that,’ she grinned. ‘And it is the hottest time of the day.’

‘Alright, Miss know it all.’ He got going again, pedalling so slowly they were barely moving.

‘Poor old thing,’ she mocked, but he gave her a sideways look and accelerated, so they sped back to the shore in a swish of water, laughing.

‘Come on, let’s have lunch. It’s too hot to be rushing about,’ said Leah.