Warrigal's Way Read Free Page B

and Sue’s boyfriend Colin came over and he was a top bloke. He suggested we go to the movies, so we got dolled up a bit and went. The movie was great, a cowboy movie with Gary Cooper, called “High Noon”—about a sheriff and a gunfighter. I was pretty tired when we got back, so I hit the settee and went out to it straightaway. I woke to the smell of bacon and eggs, and Sue singing and laying the table for breakfast.
    â€œGood morning, sleepy. You hungry? Up and at it.” She laughed.
    â€œTurn your back then and let me get up,” I said to her.
    â€œGarn, sweetie, I don’t mind. You can get dressed in front of me,” she teased.
    â€œGarn, turn your back and give a bloke a fair go.”
    â€œAlright, if you won’t show yourself off to me, I’ll go and wake the others,” she said, walking off and laughing.
    I flew into my clothes and got into the bathroom before the others, had a quick wash and brushed my teeth, then went for breakfast. It was a happy affair, all of us laughing and joking.
    We decided to go to the football in the afternoon, and Colin would get the tickets on his way back from work. “Balmain are playing the Bulldogs,” I was told. This must be that funny Footy or Sydney Footy, the girls called it. I thought it was great—tough and fast. The girls were jumping up and down yelling for Balmain and most of the others around us were yelling for the Dogs. It was a bit too scientific for me. None of them looked like the Bombers but it was fun.
    We stayed home that night and Colin stayed over again. We popped corn in a pot on the stove, and it was delish with butter and salt. “Delish” was a new word the girls taught me—it means better than good they reckon. Colin and thegirls taught me to play five hundred. I got it after a while, and Colin and I played the girls and they slaughtered us.
    The next day was Sunday and Colin suggested going to Coogee beach to watch the surf carnival and have a swim in the salt-water pool. They said we could have a picnic on the grass opposite the pub. I was excited too, although I didn’t have the slightest clue what it was all about.
    The day dawned bright and clear, unlike yesterday. We had a leisurely breakfast, cleaned up and hit the road. I found it hard to believe that Sydney was so big. It just seemed to go on forever, house upon house, street after street, shops like an oasis here and there between the houses. I told Colin I would have to tie a ball of wool to the front gate just to find my way home again. He laughed and told me he thought most people did that anyway.
    The surf carnival was great—people for miles all dressed in bathers. The beach races, the march past and the surf-boat races were thrilling. The best was the race for the clubs to sort out the best team and top belt man. (He’s the bloke who actually swims out and does the rescue.) I was glad to see the home club win. Afterwards we went for a swim and then had fish and chips, orange juice and lemonade. The fish and chips were delicious, eaten by the handful and followed by a big swig of drink. The perfect meal for a perfect day.
    We got home about five and I was tired but happy. Sue and Colin went out, and Nancy and I stayed in and listened to the radio. I sat at the big picture window in the sitting room and looked out on the city. I was fascinated by the movement of lights out in the dark—the cars, buses, taxis, neon signs flashing, lights in buildings, boats on the harbour with red and green lights, scudding along like bugs. I must have had a faraway look on my face as Nancy asked me what I was thinking about. I told her I was just wondering what went on out there, and she laughed and told methat if I could work that out I’d solve the mystery of the universe.
    Nancy went off to make a cup of tea, and when she came back I told her that I had decided to go to Queensland on the next night’s train.
    â€œHave