CHAPTER ELEVEN
Robert felt his face being washed. He struggled to open his eyes, but the pain in his side, made him want to drift away. Then some voices penetrated his mind, and the pain relegated itself, to a lower priority. He opened his eyes. Two people were looking at him. He took a few seconds to focus, and gradually, the faces became recognisable.
Andy was cleaning up some blood, with a cloth, and a mug of water was pressed to his mouth.
"Hey. Robert. He's come to, Connie. Give me some more water."
Then a pair of hands, were supporting him, and he tried to stand. "Woo. Steady. Anything feel broken?" It was Andy.
Robert was lost for words. It was all happening too quick for him. Finally he found his voice.
"No. Don't think so. Fell against the railing. My side's sore, but seems OK." Robert felt a little better, then looked around. He could not see Allan. "Where is he?" he asked, quickly, and started to stand up. "I was holding him. He has to be here."
Connie looked at Andy, then back at the alarmed face of Robert. "We don't know what happened, Robert," she said, "there's no sign of Allan. When you didn't come down from Perkins, after a while, we came back. We found you, unconscious, and bleeding. Only you."
Connie started to cry, then pulled herself together.
Robert was feeling devastated. "But he was with me. We were standing together, looking at the harbour, and the Bridge, and he can't be missing." He steadied himself, and started to walk down the track. Stopping after a few metres, he turned around.
"Where's Erlyn?"
Andy came down to him, holding out the mug. "Having a look around. He's only been gone a few minutes. We haven't been here long."
Robert put his hands up to his face, and started sobbing. Connie came over quickly, and put her arms around him. "We'll go down to the creek, when your ready. wash your face, and get something hot to drink, from the couple back there."
They walked back, and crossed the logs. Andy said something to the couple, and the bloke, grabbed a billy, and stirred up the fire. Andy gave a call, in the direction of the hill, but didn't get a reply. "Hope Erlyn hasn't got lost. Connie, stay here and keep an eye on Robert. I'll go and see if I...."
A yell, from the direction of the Peak, was heard. "Thank goodness," said Andy. He had started to walk back, and had just reached the creek, when another yell, closer, was heard. Then Erlyn appeared, on the other side.
"I've found Allan," he shouted, "he's sitting up, but I need a hand. About 100 metres off the track."
Andy quickened his pace, and the two of them, disappeared up the hill. Just before the top, Erlyn dived off to the left and down into a small depression. Allan, was just getting up.
"Seems groggy, but looks in one piece. Was out cold, when I stumbled on him, but he came to. Gave him some water, and hoped he'd sit still, 'til I got back." Erlyn was out of breath, and they each got under one of Allan's arms, and helped him walk.
"You feel OK?" asked Andy.
"Sort of," said Allan, "what happened? We were watching the boats and the water, and then I was falling. Robert had his arm on me, and...where is he." They stopped, Allan trying to look around.
"He's fine. Down with Connie at the creek. Should be some coffee on the boil," Erlyn said.
Allan didn't say anymore. He let them take him back up to the track, and down to the campsite. When he reached the log bridge, he saw Robert, and started to run. Robert heard the footsteps, and, seeing Allan, stood up and walked towards him. They met and embraced. The others looked on, not sure of what was happening.
They tried to explain about being back in 1950, but the more they spoke, the less, the others seemed to believe them. Connie suggested that they may have fallen and had some sort of concussion. Erlyn chipped in with a theory on food poisoning.
In the end, Robert and Allan were too confused and too exhausted, to say much more. All they could do, was profusely thank them for coming back.
"You sure it was only ten minutes or so, after you left us, to when you came back? Not days?" Robert was again trying to confirm their absence.
"Felt like days," said Allan. "The fog. The mist thing. Did you see it?"
"We saw cloud, up on the peak, near you," said Connie, " but it was gone, just as quick."
Andy was scratching his head. "Funny that. You both mentioned railings and water, when we found you. Weird."
"Think we should go." Connie put on her back pack, and thanking the couple, who were also packing up, the group stood up, and started to walk back along the track, towards the car park. Andy said he would stay in the rear, and make sure no one strayed.
Robert was half expecting, they would find the cars missing, and the road for that matter, just a continuing track. But just past the rocks, the cars came into view. Erlyn said he would drive Allan's car, and take him home. Andy would drive for Robert.
Connie felt they should get some medical help, when they got back, but both said they would be fine, and see how they felt in the morning. Until now, Robert and Allan had not discussed what had happened. Each desperately wanted to see if it was a dream, or even if they shared the same dream.
All of a sudden, Allan, who was getting into his car, turned around, and asked Robert, if it would be alright, to stay the night, at his place.
Robert agreed, and asked them all to come back and have something to eat at home. He had no idea if he had a place any more, or any food. But he needed to talk, to anyone, but to Allan most of all.
Both of them dozed, on the trip back to Gladesville, and Connie had to give Robert a nudge, when they pulled up outside his unit. He stood looking at the building. He put his hands in his pockets, and felt a bit of paper. His heart was beating at a fast rate. Without looking at it, he knew it's texture, size and shape. And that on it, was written the two addresses, and map, that Sean had provided, in the Pitt St. cafe. This was not shaping up to be a dream.
As Connie fussed in the kitchen, with Erlyn helping her, Robert sat on his lounge, and saw the familiar surroundings of his lodging. Allan sat opposite, whilst Andy poured drinks.
"I guess," Robert said to Allan, who looked up at him, when he spoke, "it would only take a few words, to see, if we..."
Allan didn't answer, but nodded slowly.
"A boarding house in Petersham," said Robert.
"Run by Sylvia," replied Allan, "and the Blue Bell."
"Run by ...Myra." Robert said this last word slowly. He didn't say anymore, nor did Allan, and they sipped their beers, slowly.
Each was frightened. What had happened in the last week, to them, was now, in their minds, not a dream. Unless there was a way, they could share the same dream. But it was too real. Each knew what they had experienced, and they knew they had experienced it together.
They ate, and a measure of warmth and familiarity, returned. Robert was surprised, that Connie had found any food, at all, but she did.
A measure of support, showed suddenly. It was Erlyn who spoke.
"You know. For both of you to be, somewhere, together, and that seems to be coming through, it is possible..."
"I hope this is a positive suggestion, Erlyn." It was Allan. The lack of a smile, made it clear to all, that he was not in a mood to be flippant, about the situation, rather he needed some support.
"Yes," he followed up, "I thought it was a fantasy of literature, but couldn't this be some sort of virtual reality experience?'
"You've lost me,' said Connie, "explain, in my language."
It was Andy who explained for him. "Like it's so real, you believe you are in it. Maybe. What about an alternate reality?"
"Confusing," said Allan, "you're suggesting there are different real lives, and I, we, slipped from one to another. Think I just want to shower and sleep." He stood up, and the others made moves to leave.
"I'll ring you both tomorrow, and make sure you're Ok," said Connie.
"Good idea," countered Andy, and then they left.
"Shower's through there. I'll get a towel, and the bed’s in the study. Unless you want to sleep on the bedroom floor?"
Allan shook his head.
"Think I just need to try and get some ideas. You take first shower. Clear any junk off the bed. Can't remember what's in there. Allan, I was thinking of that TV show. You really think there could be a parallel world?"
Allan shrugged his shoulders. "All I know, is that we both were in the same place, or dream, or world. That means, in my book, it happened. And that means, no dream."
"Agree. I'm washed out. Have your shower, and I'll catch you in the morning. By the way, going to work?"
Allan looked lost at first. Probably." Then he grinned, "saved in the nick of time, from looking for one. The refuge was OK, but the pay was lousy. See ya."
Robert stood on the small balcony, looking at the lights of a city, and the river. When he heard Allan, go into the study, He came inside, and made for the shower. Later, as he lay in bed, trying to think, why, rather than, how, he got so frustrated with the lack of any glimmer of understanding, he started to just drift away. Myra's face was his constant companion, for most of the next hour, then he drifted off.
When Allan appeared, next morning, he found Robert had already been up, and was dressed. Some tea and toast were on the table.
"Have some,' said Robert.
Allan nodded and ate. As he poured a second cup, he had a thought. "The piece of paper, with that fellow's, um, Sean. His address. He gave a phone number."
Robert gave a jolt. "You're right." He fumbled in the jacket pocket, and retrieved it. He dialled the number. After four rings, someone answered. Robert listened, nodded a couple of times, and said 'thanks', and hung up. "His face was grim. "Room mate. Said he hasn't been seen for some months. Unless he's off with the young lady, I'd say, they are still back there."
Allan looked pensive. "Bad luck. Get anything else back with you? I've found a couple of tram tickets, and some money. Lucky everything I had, was in my pack."
Robert jumped up and came back with his pack. He did a quick search. "Much the same. Still got the shirt I pinched. Sorry. Hey! My camera." They both looked at it.
"Today's a flexie," added Robert, "just decided. I'll ring in." Allan looked aghast. "Public Service, Allan. Under control. Then drop the film in. Sure you want to go to work?"
"Better. Could you meet me outside at 12.30? I'd like to see the photos."
Allan grabbed his gear and headed for the door. "I know you're going to Burwood. Have a look, but it's nearly 50 years ago. Sorry, but she has to be gone. At 100, it would be better, not to..."
"I know, I know," replied Robert, a little impatiently. "I have to be sure, that's all."
Allan came over and put his hands around Robert's shoulders. "I should go. Let's hope the pictures are good."
Robert smiled, and Allan slipped out the door, and was gone.
He rang the office, then dressing, picked up the camera, and left himself. After putting in the film, at a one hour shop, he thought about having a quick medical, but decided against it. Then he headed for Burwood, catching the last of the peak hour rush.
He had to park a long way from the business centre, but the walk did him good. As he approached the corner, his heart started to race. He saw the building, and then he was standing outside.
The only problem, it wasn't any longer, a cafe. The building was old, and the video outlet that now occupied the downstairs area, scarred the memory. The doorway, where he had his last vision, of Myra, was still there. He stood looking at it. He was tempted to knock, but knew it was too late. Years too late. He went back to the shop front, and entered.
"Yes sir?", a young girl, chewing gum, asked.
"I'm trying to find the previous owner."
Her attitude changed, however slightly, when she perceived he wasn't a customer. "Can't help you, mister. Me and my boyfriend, we only rent this place. Try Hookers."
He thanked her and went up the street. The real estate, were polite, but wouldn't tell him who the owner was, only that it was a local with many properties. He thought of the council, then just realised, it was a useless exercise, as Allan had predicted. He remembered, Myra was just managing it.
Robert walked up to where the grocery business was, but the whole section, was a new development. "Hope they can do without me today', he mused. Back near home, he picked up the photos, and didn't open them until he sat in the car. The earlier ones were what he had taken over previous weeks. Clear as a bell, he held shots of the young lads at Two Logs Creek, including Allan and he. The later photos, on their sight seeing, also came out. He looked and re looked, and now they had some proof. He really expected them to be useless.
He had to wait ten minutes, for Allan.
"No good?" asked Allan, putting out his hand towards the packet.
"Little ripper,' replied Robert.
Allan was impressed, and more pleased, when these were a second set, for him. "And about Burwood?"
Robert made a grimace. "As you said, long gone. Still, I needed to be satisfied. Guess just a memory."
"Work sucks," said Allan, "but it's reality, I think. Eating?"
They bought sandwiches at the plaza, and ate in a small garden area. Robert had decided to drive out to Parramatta, and see if Tom was able to be traced. Allan needed to finish a work project, but would take a sickie tomorrow, and help.
Robert was deep in thought, as he drove along the main road to Parramatta. 'What if I can't find any of them? They could all be dead or interstate, or vegetables. But I have the photos, so they were real people'.
Stopping to check the directory, he made a few turns, and ended up in the street, written down by Tom, all that time back. They were all old houses, some brick, some weatherboard. Robert noted the next street was already in the throws of units replacing the originals. He stepped up on to a wooden veranda, and knocked.
A woman, about his age answered. "Yes?"
"I'm looking for a Tom Hancock. He lived here, well a long time ago." Robert wondered if this was his daughter.
"Sorry, no Tom here. Sure it's this place?"
His heart fell. "No.16. It was back in the 1950s."
"Only been here 20 years. Can't remember the people we bought it off, but try next door, they’ve lived here for ever."
He thanked her, and nearly tripped over the garden hose, when he left. Next door didn't answer, but just as he was leaving, an elderly woman, turned in from the street. "You looking for me?"
"Afternoon." Robert thought he try some tact, her face looked like she was no stranger to a cross cut saw. "Actually, I'm looking for Tom Hancock. He used to live next door, but the lady said you might know."
She put her shopping bag down. He saw she was sizing him up, and checking that her front door was still closed. "Who wants to know?"
'Now what' he thought. "I do. My father knew him, and, and I want to meet him. My father spoke very highly of him, but they lost track." The words came automatically.
"Don't remember."
Then Robert remembered the photos. "I have a photograph in the car. Just a moment." He went back to the car, and took out the print of all of them. He hoped she wouldn't notice it was very new, or in colour. He came back and showed her.
"I look like my father."
She pulled out a pair of spectacles, looked at the photo, and then at Robert. "That's Tom. Same age as me, almost. This must have been, probably early 50s. My first love. Courted me when I was, must be 25 or 26. Didn't last. But we remained friends."
Robert tried to think of suitable words, "That's good."
"No it wasn't," she retorted, "I wanted him. But I couldn't hold him. Wandering feet. Asked me to go with him, but I wanted me comforts, so we parted. He wrote, and when he came home, just before his father died, wanted to take up again. Too late for him. Richard had came along."
A plane competed with her, and she waited.
"It's been a while, but he's still in the area, in a retirement place. Not my cup of tea, those places. Try the bowling club. I know he used to play, probably still does."
"Thank you, it's a start. Can I help you with your bag?"
The defensive eye again. "No thanks. I best be getting in. If you find him, give him my regards. Bett. He'll know." She moved forward, and taking the hint, Robert, smiled and left.
Exhaustion was catching up with him, and he took time to have coffee, and a bite to eat. He decided to have a medical, when this was all over.
There were two bowling clubs, in the area. He chose the closest, as his first try. It was fairly busy, and he went to the bar.
"I'm looking for Tom Hancock," he asked.
"He owe money? Still owes the bar, for last month," the fellow replied.
Robert felt a shiver run up his back. "No. Just catching up on family business."
"Down the end table, with his wife."
Robert thought it was too easy. "Thanks." He started to walk past tables, and then he was standing next to the table. He looked down, as the man and woman, stopped talking, and looked at him.
Robert didn't immediately recognise him, but there was that nose and those eyes, that were unmistakeable, even after 50 years. Robert felt unsteady on his feet, and sat down at the spare seat.
"Yes? Do we know you?" It was a strong voice, for it's age.
"Tom? Tom Hancock?" Robert didn't know what else to say. He wouldn't be believed, whatever he said.
Tom looked at him. He didn't reply straight away, but squinted his eyes, then looked at his drink, then back again. "Have we met? I don't think I know you, but...."
Robert put his hand, in his pocket, and pulled out a ten shilling banknote, on him, from when he went to Manly. "I came to pay back your loan, you made to me. Penrith, 1950." The words just came out.
Tom did not move for a moment, then he looked past Robert, out the window. It was his wife, who spoke. "You alright, Tom, you look, a bit funny?"
He looked again at Robert. "No. It's wrong. Excuse us, we have to go." He stood up.
"Please. I don't understand it, but look at this photo." He placed the photos of that day, on the table. "Frank, Bluey, Dave, and Billy. And yourself, and my friend, Allan." Tom sat down.
"I think Tom and I, should leave. He doesn't look too well." It was his wife.
Tom ignored her. "Who are you? Why are you here?" He hadn't touched the bank note, but was staring at it.
"I'm frightened to go to sleep, 'cause I don't know what year I'll be in, when I wake," said Robert. "You have to believe me."
"I know who you are. Why?."
Robert just shrugged his shoulders. "I can bring Allan, another time. And I can tell you every detail, about that weekend. especially that bull that got out."
Tom stood. "We have to go. But come by tomorrow, about this time. If I'm here, we could talk. If I'm not, you know there's nothing more to say." He nodded at Robert, and taking his wife's arm, left without turning around. The bank note remained on the table.
Robert sat, feeling depression approaching. 'What else could I do', he thought. 'I had to find someone.'
He drove back home, showered, and lay down. Soon he was asleep.
No dreams, only rest. About dinner time, Allan rang, and woke him up. He told Allan to ring back in ten minutes, and then made some coffee. Allan rang back. The afternoon's events were related, and Allan suggested dinner, agreed to.
They went to the Balmain Club, had drinks and a good feed, and played the pokies for a short while. When they had done their $10 float, they went back to Drummoyne, and sat in a quieter coffee shop, to reflect on the past events.
"Something tells me I should leave it alone," said Robert, "but I just can't. I know it happened. You do, but we need to make the connection."
"Thought you did, today."
"I want a positive response. Come with me tomorrow. If Tom's there, it means he, well at least, wants to believe. If I was him, he's probably looking for the scam, a bloke called Robert, is about to spring."
"I'll take a half day, and pick you up, around one. Let me look at him, too, assuming he comes back." Allan then got up, paid for the coffees, despite Robert waving his wallet about, and, they left.
Back at home, Robert rang Sean's number again, but got the same response as before. That night, he dreamt of a boat ride in the Harbour, and waves coming over, and fog, and they were lost, and then it ended.
Next day, he went to work, but asked for the afternoon off. His supervisor, wasn't particularly happy about it, but said go. Robert promised to make it up. He went home, and watched some TV.
A short time later, Allan arrived, and they drove to the bowling club. Tom was sitting at the same table, alone.
They went up to him, and Robert put out his hand. Tom took it. He looked at Allan, and did the same. "You're Allan, aren't you? Even without the photo, yesterday, I remember."
"Your wife? It's not causing any problem?" Robert was concerned.
“No. She doesn’t understand, but left it to my judgement. She’s outside, playing a mixed game. Sit down.”
Robert pulled out the banknote, again, and placed it in front of Tom. Then a hand, now wrinkled a little, picked it up. “Took your time returning the money. Thanks.” Then a big grin, and Robert grabbed both his hands, also grinning.
Allan had been looking at Tom, very intently. “You haven’t changed, only aged. Nine or ten days ago, you looked so much younger,” and laughed. Tom laughed too.
"A question, If I may. Remember that day, down on the creek, before Gil...." Tom hesitated.
"Gillespies," completed Robert.
"Sorry. I did know."
Robert reassured him, "No problem."
"Well, I thought about that weekend last night, and remembered. Frank, I think it was him, mentioned a movie, and I wondered, just to settle me, if you remembered the name?"
Allan answered. "I can recall the conversation, sort of. And the picture was 'Sons of Mathew'." Tom shook his head, and Allan mentally checked to confirm himself, that he was right 'Yes'.
"It's unbelievable. It was 'Sons of Mathew'. It took some brain racking. Can I buy you a beer, now your younger than me?" Tom went to stand up.
"No," cut in Robert, I owe you. No, we owe you, for helping us, then."
Tom put up his hands. "Fine. I'd like two beers for me, if you don't mind." Robert left.
"How have you been keeping," asked Allan, "I don't suppose you still walk?"
"Not now, but I did until about 5 or 6 years back, just day things in the last 20 years. My wife walks. That how I met her." His eyes wandered outside, and Allan guessed he was looking for her.
"What about the others...." Allan started to ask.
Tom put up his hand. "When Robert's here. Where do you live?"
Allan told him, and then Robert arrived, carrying a tray with four beers. "You've developed a thirst," said Robert.
"I don't mind a beer, now and then, but this second one, is not for me." Tom placed it in front of the spare chair, and pulled the chair out.
"It's for me."
Robert and Allan turned to the next table, as the man who had spoke, turned around. "The wrinkles might slow you down, but I remember you both, somewhat vaguely." He stood up and stuck out his hand to Robert. "I'm Bluey."
Robert and Allan were dumbstruck, then both stood up, shaking his hand heartily. Then Bluey sat down with them, and lifted his beer. "To old times." They joined in, and drank.
"You old bastard," said Allan, "you were sitting there all this time. You two keep in touch?"
Tom replied. "Sure do. Good friends, after all these years. I rang him last night, and he came over this morning. It was a bit of a support for me, but Bluey gave the thumbs up. We may be a little unsure of what has happened, but we believe you."
"And I gather, Winston never caught on." Allan was laughing as he spoke.
Bluey looked surprise, then smiled. "Now, as then, few blokes survived, if they called me that. You remembered that. Amazing."
"Tell us what happened, after we left you. Where was it? Parramatta Station, I think," asked Tom.
Robert, with Allan's support, gave him a brief history, right up to, yesterday, not forgetting to mention Bett's name. Tom smiled at that, but said nothing. They seemed to take it in, a few questions being asked. Then Robert wondered if they could describe their lives. The afternoon went by. Tom's wife came in, and joined them, and another round of drinks.
"What about the others," asked Robert.
"Dave joined the army a few years later. Killed in Malaya. We were pretty upset." A quietness came over the conversation. "And Frank. Lives in Darwin. Exchange cards at Christmas, but haven't seen him for, must be thirty years. Married a Chinese girl. Loads of kids."
Bluey coughed. "I knew those freckles were good for something."
"And Billy?" asked Robert.
"We lost touch."
"Kids?" asked Robert. Out came the wallets and the photographs. Then Robert gave the other photos he took, to Tom and asked for their addresses, also promising to send copies to Bluey.
Then it was time to leave, and they reluctantly said goodbye, and jokingly, Bluey suggested a get together, at Two Logs. Allan declined, and they agreed, that tempting nature, might be disastrous. They'd ring around in three months, and have a meal.
"People grow older, but don't really change," said Allan, as they drove home.
"No," replied Robert, "most don't, and I'm glad that's the way it is. Well, time to forge ahead, into 1998. "