Chapter Thirteen – A Step Backwards

They had a great life, they were safe, they were cared for. Matt felt safe too. Bess put a paw on Matt’s arm, a gentle reminder that he’d stopped rubbing her belly. Matt looked down at Bess, who stared intently back, slowly wagging her tail in encouragement. Gary was right, it seemed that dogs train their owners just as much as their owners trained them.

​“You are a silly dog,” said Matt quietly, “a lovely, silly dog.”

Bess sat up abruptly and stared down at the house. She let out wuff and lifted her head high. Matt followed her gaze and saw two cars coming up the driveway. Gary walked out from the shed and waved. Matt put his arm around Bess and pulled her close to him. “It’s alright, Bess, it’s alright,” he said while rubbing the side of her neck.

People emerged from the cars and one by one shook hands with Gary. One car towing a large trailer started making its way slowly across the yard to the sheep paddock. The others walked behind and together they slowly made their way to where Matt and Bess sat. The wind blew the grass in waves across the paddock. The waves of grass made the wobbling car and trailer look rather like a boat at sea. As the group got close Bess could no longer contain herself or be contained. She tore toward the approaching group barking and jumping, but taking care not to get too close.

 One of the group, an older man, bent down and held his hand toward Bess. “Why are you barking at me, dog. Don’t you remember me from last time?”

Gary whistled and Bess ran to his side. “I think she does remember you, that’s why she’s barking,” he said.

“Too bloody right,” replied the older man, “I was just trying to get close enough to kick her in the teeth!”

The group laughed and Bess, having done her duty, began to circulate amongst them and seek attention.

“Matt,” called Gary, “come and meet the team.”

The older man approached Matt. “Hi, I’m John,” he said while shaking Matt’s hand. “Okay everyone let’s run around the names.” He pointed to each person and called out their name.

Now,” began Gary, “John’s in charge of this unruly bunch.”

“We prefer Rotarians actually,” interjected John, “much the same, but makes us feel important.”

“Wait a second,” said Tony, “if this is a Rotary event, where’s the alcohol?”

“Don’t worry, the alcohol is sorted,” laughed Kristine, “you just need to earn it first.

Gary smiled. “A most honourable collection of community-minded folk. How about that?”

“That’ll do,” replied John.

“Now I think you’ve all been here before and John assures me that you’ve been through the safety talk. It’s important. If you’re not sure about anything please ask. We need two people on the mulcher. The mulch will go straight onto the trailer. The rest of the team will be on milling and stacking. We will run sleepers down to the shed in groups of twenty and stack them in there. So who’s comfortable with the mulcher?”

“I’ll take that,” said Tony.

“Great,” said Gary, “grab a friend and Matt. Matt if you could drag the branches over to the mulcher as they finish the first lot that would be helpful. The mulching should not take too long, we can rotate the stacking of the sleepers, as that can be a bit of hard work.”

“I’m looking forward to this,” said Phil to Matt, “we come each year and it is one of the most enjoyable things we do. I just love this farm.”

Matt nodded, he too was looking forward to seeing how the mulcher and mill worked. It was then on with the gloves, eye protection and earmuffs. Indeed the mulching did not take too long. The branches flew through and were reduced to chip and chopped leaves in a noisy burst, one after the other. Matt was most surprised at what a relatively small pile of mulch was left after all the branches were gone. The next job for Matt was to pick up all the firewood that Gary had previously cut. As the logs went through the mill the discarded edges were cut into more firewood by Gary, faster than Matt could pick it up. Each time a load of sleepers was taken down to the shed Matt went and helped stack them. It was hard work, but everyone knew their role and in a few hours they were done. Bess, of course, ran back and forth from the shed to the trees barking at the vehicles.

“Hey, Matt,” called Gary, “we’re pretty much done here. Could you please have one final look around for any tools, then we’ll head down for a drink.” Matt walked a back and forth carefully over the work area and ran to catch up with Gary and the team.

“Matt, are you coming out with us tonight?” asked Kristine.

Matt looked up and said nothing. “Out where?” he wondered.

Kristine smiled back. “For a drink in town,” she said, “the rest of us are catching up at four.”

“Okay,” said Matt, although he had no idea how he’d fit into this plan.

Heather was waiting for the working party to return and it was no surprise that drinks and baking were waiting. Soon everyone was sitting around chatting and eating. John, who Matt found out was a retired policeman, spent some time chatting with Matt and asking about his plans. Matt took great pleasure in explaining what mechatronics was and that he and Gary might convert Gary’s boat to electric propulsion.

“Sounds like robocop is coming!” joked John, “lucky I’m retired already.”

Trevor clapped his hands and got everyone’s attention. “I just wanted to say a very big thank you to Gary and Heather for their generous contribution. Of course, we mostly come for the food, however, the fundraising is a most excellent bonus, for which we are very grateful.”

“Hear, hear,” Noel chimed in.

“You’re most welcome,” said Gary.

“Now,” continued Trevor, “it’s drinks at four at the usual. So let’s give ourselves time to get organised.”
Following a flurry of handshakes and hugs, the team headed for the cars and with a round of horn-tooting went on their way. Gary put his hand on Matt’s shoulder. “Good effort, buddy, that was great. Heather and I are going to meet the others in town. Dylan, Jude and Art are coming too. So if you’re free be sure to pop along, I’m sure we can accommodate you too. What do you reckon?” Matt nodded before sitting down and giving Bess one last big rub. Bess caught Matt out with a lunge to his face and pushed him over. Gary laughed as Bess gave Matt’s face a good licking. “You need a real shower, not a dog wash,” laughed Gary, “only sheep shearers settle for a dog wash before going out.”

Matt rolled over and stood up. “See ya,” he said as he got on his bike and rolled down the drive. He took a big breath in and out before pushing hard on the pedals, this was going to be a fast trip home. Indeed it was a fast trip home, much faster than after karate training. Matt rode very slowly down his driveway to give himself time to get his breath back. He felt good though, no more sore muscles, no more sore backside. He was starting to feel very comfortable on the bike. All of those rides and hill sprints with Dylan were paying off. Matt lay down to cool off a bit before having a shower. His phone buzzed, it was Jed.

“Catch up?” Jed wrote.

“My house and walk into town?” asked Matt.

“Coming,” replied Jed.

“Sweet.”

Matt jumped up, he would have time for a shower if he was quick. Showers had become an unexpected challenge. Dylan had urged Matt to only have cold showers and they had made a pact. Only cold showers or confess, no cheating. This time would be easy though, Matt was hot and sweaty. Besides he was starting to enjoy the fresh, invigorated feeling that came after a cold shower. Matt had just got back to his room when there was a tap on his door. “Come in,” Matt called.

“It’s Bill,” came the reply. “Gary has called and invited me into town to meet with him and some others. Did you want a ride?”

“Nah, Jed’s coming around, we’ll walk in,” replied Matt.

“Why would Gary invite Bill?” wondered Matt. Though he didn’t care, Dylan and Art would be there too. Matt started walking to meet Jed.

Matt heard Jed whistle and waved. Jed had mastered the art of whistling and Matt was very impressed. He had also noticed Gary could whistle very loudly without using his fingers, something Gary suggested was very useful if you were working with animals. Gary told him, ‘Whistling can taste pretty bad on a farm if you need to use fingers!’ As usual, the discussion went straight to what Matt had been up to. Jed was much more impressed with what Matt had been doing than Matt expected. Even little things like learning to sharpen a chainsaw or prepare the boat. Jed was keen to meet Gary and they agreed that Jed would stay with Matt just long enough to do so.

“I can’t invite you out,” stressed Matt.

“I know, I know,” Jed assured Matt, “just a hello.”

However, unbeknown to Matt and Jed they had been spotted and things were about to go badly.

“Hey, Ru, that’s the dick from school,” said Rooster pointing to Matt. “With his girlfriend.”

“Which one?” asked Ru.

“On the right,” replied Rooster, “it was his mate who hassled me after school.”

Ru pulled the car over. “Let’s see which way they go.”

Matt and Jed turned down a side street, as they always did to get away from the traffic.

“That works,” said Ru, “let’s meet them at the other end.”

Matt and Jed were, as always, lost in conversation. Matt had agreed, to Jed’s enormous joy, to ask if Jed could come to the farm, or go out on the boat. They never saw Rooster and Ru waiting for them.

“Hey,” called Rooster.

As Matt turned to see who had called he felt a heavy whack on the side of his head. It was a large clump of mud thrown by Rooster.

“Just helping with your makeup, bitch,” sneered Rooster.

Matt put his head down and started to walk away. In one moment the joy and confidence of the previous weeks were gone. He was back at school, being bullied. Nothing had changed after all. His stomach felt cold and his legs a little wobbly.

“Where’s your big ass friend now eh?”

Matt kept walking with his head down. But Rooster kicked Matt’s leg, aggressively tripping him.

“Piss off,” yelled Jed.

“Come on. One on one,” said Ru, “let’s see what he’s got.”

Matt got to his feet but kept an eye on Rooster. Rooster walked around in front of Matt, blocking his path. “So what you got, pussy,” sneered Rooster.

Rooster stepped forward to push Matt. But Matt stepped back just as Rooster was about to make contact. Rooster stumbled, regained his balance and more aggressively lunged at Matt. But Matt stepped to his left, brushed Rooster’s arm out of the way and lunged forward himself, pushing Rooster as hard as he could. Rooster fell over, but only for a second. He came straight back at Matt with his fists up, there would be no pushing now. Matt could hear Gary’s advice, ‘If they rush you, then a front kick. Don’t try and stop a charge with your fists.’ Matt prepared to kick.

WHACK. Matt fell to the ground. He had no idea what had hit him. He tried to get up but fell awkwardly on his side. He got onto his hands and knees, then thump, a kick in his ribs. He could hear Jed screaming for help. Again Matt tried to get up, but he was struggling to find his balance. He turned to look at Jed for help. Rooster took his chance, while Matt was halfway up he stepped forward and punched Matt as hard as he could in the face. Matt fell again. This time he did not try and get up. He rolled over onto his front and lay there.

“Piss off. Piss off, you arseholes,” screamed a woman from a nearby house. “I saw that. You hit that kid from behind you coward. Piss off. Hey! Roger, get your dog and put him on these pricks. Go on PISS OFF.”

Rooster and Ru started walking back to their car. Jed came over to Matt. “Oh man, oh man,” cried Jed. There was blood pouring from Matt’s mouth.

“Hey, kid,” called the woman, she was close now. “Take their photo, get their number plate.”

Jed took out his phone and pointed it at the car. Ru looked at him and shook his head. Jed knew what that meant, but took the photo anyway and held out his hand and gave Ru a long finger. A dog started barking. Matt heard a man’s voice.

“Where are they?” he asked.

“In that car,” said the woman. Matt heard the dog barking as the man walked to the car. But the car started and roared down the road. Jed and the woman both leaned over Matt.

“Come with me. Come inside and let’s clean things up a bit,” said the woman. Matt was dazed and not sure what to do. But he gladly followed the woman with Jed holding his arm.

“Here, sit on the porch until we get that bleeding sorted.”

Matt looked up. A man was approaching with a dog. It was a big dog which was straining on its leash and breathing heavily. “Sorry I didn’t get there a bit quicker mate,” the man said.

“We know where they live,” Jed replied, “can we borrow your dog?”

“He’s easy to start and hard to stop,” said the man, “maybe not the best option.”

“Sounds perfect actually,” replied Jed.

The woman returned with a bucket of water and some paper towels. “Here, best you clean yourself up, I might make things worse,” said the woman. She turned to Jed. “How about you ring his folks?”

“Dylan,” said Matt, “call Dylan.” He passed his phone to Jed.

Jed looked at the contacts list, Art, Dylan, Gary, Home, Jed. It was Jed mused a very short list.

“Hi, Dylan, it’s Jed. Matt’s been beaten up. Not sure,” Jed turned to the woman, “what’s the address?”

The woman held out her hand. “Pass me the phone.”

Matt looked down into the bucket, the water was now red. He kept dabbing his face and cleaning the blood away. The woman put her hand under his chin and lifted it. “Open your mouth, sweetie,” she said. “Teeth look fine, just split lips I think. Okay, see you soon.”

She handed the phone back to Matt. “That looks a lot better,” she said with a concerned smile. “How I wish my Barry was still around. He was in the army. Woulda beat the crap out of those arseholes in a second.”

“She’s right,” said the man with the dog, “Barry was a right bruiser.”

The woman laughed. “All love at home though,” she added.

Matt nodded. He didn’t want to talk. He just wanted to go home and lie down. He heard the familiar sound of Art’s car. He looked up, it was Art and Dylan. Dylan walked over to Matt and put his hand gently on the side of his head with his fingers under Matt’s chin. He gently lifted Matt’s head. Matt looked at Dylan and burst into tears. He didn’t want to cry, but the more he tried to stop the more he cried. Dylan knelt and put his arms around Matt. “This is no good, buddy, no good at all,” said Dylan gently.

“I tried,” said Matt, sobbing. “I really tried.”

“Rooster’s brother Ru hit him from behind,” said Jed loudly.

“That’s right,” added the woman, “this young fella was going fine until the man slapped his head from behind. Knocked him clean off his feet. The other one gave him a good kicking on the ground. Nothing fair about that.”

Dylan looked at Jed. “That right?”

“Yep, he was really wobbly and Rooster punched him in the face while he was trying to get up.”

Dylan pulled Matt close and whispered in his ear. Matt nodded.

“Art, please take a look and see if this will stop bleeding,” said Dylan.

“Sure,” said Art gently, “could we please have some clean water?” Art carefully looked inside Matt’s mouth. “Teeth all good?” he asked, “check with your tongue and see if any are wobbly.”

“All good,” said Matt.

“This is going to hurt for a week or two, Matt,” said Art, “but you’ll be fine. Do you have a headache?”

“No,” replied Matt.

Art turned to Dylan. “He’s a bit shocked and we should consider concussion. A trip to the doctor I think.”

“Okay,” replied Dylan, “first we’ll drop by town and let Bill and Gary know.” Dylan helped Matt to the car while Art thanked the woman and man repeatedly and commended them on their courage. Dylan drove very slowly, he seemed deep in thought. He parked the car and turned to Matt and Jed in the back seat. “You guys wait here, be back in a moment.”

Matt lay back in the seat. His face was starting to hurt now. He heard footsteps and looked out the window. There was Bill, Gary, Heather, Dylan and Kristine, the woman from this morning. Matt could tell from their faces that he did not look so good.

Bill opened the door. “Oh, Matt, this is terrible.”

“Jed,” called Dylan, “please come here for a minute.” Jed walked to Gary and Dylan. They stood in a huddle and spoke quietly. Matt could see from Jed’s movements that he was reenacting what happened. He saw Gary pat Jed on the shoulder and shake his hand. Jed came back to the car and sat next to Matt.

“Gary said I can come to the farm with you next time,” said Jed excitedly. Matt gave Jed a thumbs up, it hurt to smile.

Kristine leaned into the car. “Hi, Matt. Remember me?” she asked.

Matt nodded. He was feeling very tired now. “Look at my finger, Matt,” she said. Matt tried to look at her finger but was somehow not interested. He just wanted to sleep.

Kristine turned to Bill. “Straight to hospital, Bill.”

“Jump in, Bill,” said Art, “I’ll drive. Jed are you coming.”

Gary came over to the car and bent down to Bill. “Get Matt sorted first. Then call the police,” said Gary. He turned to Jed. “You okay with making a statement to the police?”

“Can’t wait,” replied Jed.

Gary nodded and gave Matt a thumbs up. “I’m proud of you, Matt, stay strong.”

“Kristine, thank you so much for taking a look at Matt,” said Gary.

“You’re welcome,” Kristine replied, “he seems such a lovely young man.”

“He is,” said Dylan. “Gary, can I have a quick word?”

“Sure,” said Gary, then turning to Kristine and Heather he added. “I’ll see you inside in a minute.” Gary watched the ladies walk away before turning to Dylan. “You know where they live?”

Dylan nodded. Gary shook his head. “This fella’s your age right and hit him from behind? Just a promise. Is this clear? The police will be involved so don’t be foolish.”

“Got this,” replied Dylan.

Gary pulled his ute keys from his pocket and patted Dylan on the shoulder. “Don’t be long.”

Dylan drove slowly toward Rooster and Ru’s house. Their car was in the driveway. He parked further along the street by a tall hedge, one that would not allow the houses nearby to see the ute. He walked briskly to the house, straight to the front door and knocked loudly and took a step back.

The door opened, it was Ru, “What the faa,” he started, but he did not finish. BOOM. Dylan kicked the door open right where Ru was holding it and sent him flying backwards. Ru scrambled to his feet as Dylan entered the house. Ru opened his mouth to speak, but before he could speak, woof, all the air was driven from his lungs as Dylan kicked him in the chest. Dylan turned to Rooster, who was half sitting, half crouched on a chair and shook his head. Rooster sat slowly back in the chair. In the background Ru started making wheezing, squeaky sounds. Rather like a small pig.

 

Dylan walked over to Ru. “So, you hit a kid from behind while he was faced up to your brother, you damn coward.” He turned to Rooster. “And you kicked him while he was on the ground.” Dylan shook his head.

Dylan stared at Ru. “If you or your half-wit brother ever bother or touch Matt again I will return. It’s only you I will be coming for, Ru. That’s a promise.”

Dylan turned and walked out the door.