Billy sat down outside the packed cafeteria and watched. The people moved past him, in and out, making the most of the chance to stretch their legs. Probably the only place busier would be the loos. He saw Tony drive up searching the throng, unable to drive closer than the fuel pumps because of the crowd and the parked bus. Billy blessed him for being reliable and stood up, waving his arms so that he wouldnt miss him. That was a possibility Billy hadnt forgotten his appearance had changed a little, and it had been over four years since Tony had last seen him.
Billy didnt look like a faggot anymore either. He wasnt so dumb that hed left the hospital in those backless gowns they dress you in. Actually, and embarrassingly, he did! Hed forgotten, and thats why he hadnt let the lady at his old house see him. Later, he borrowed some of Tonys clothes, had his first ever shave a very painful experience a shower, spruced up totally. His long, dark hair was clean and brushed. He had to look good for Jen, and Tony of course.
Tony stared at him in amazement before recognition hit home. He leapt out of the car and raced over, hugging Billy embarrassingly in front of everybody. Billy was brought up with little or no physical affection and he was uncomfortable with this scenario. Tony hadnt grown much, or maybe it was just that Billy had he stood half a head taller than him. It was fortunate he dressed like a dag so at least his clothes fitted both of them. Tony stood at arms length looking Billy up and down, his hands cupping his shoulders as he carried out his inspection. That Cheshire grin he possessed was plastered right across his face.
Fucking hell man, that is you in there isnt it?
Of course its me you idiot, Billy told him.
As soon as he heard the retort his smile widened. It is you! Jeeesarse man, where ya bin, wow, look at you!
Lets get outta here Tone.
Yeah, yeah, cmon, well go down to the Aussie, no somewhere quieter and you can tell me all about it.
He remained looking at Billy, in awe almost. He had hardly changed, except for a wispy goatee. He chatted non-stop all the way to the pub only once did he pause, after he mentioned Jen. A quick glance at Billy then he carried on talking as if hed never stopped. But Billy knew Tony. It may have been almost four and half years for him but it was still only mere months for Billy. There was something about Jen. Something had happened that he didnt want to talk about. Billy thought about Jens bedroom, how empty it had been and made a mental note to bring it up later, but he ran through the possible scenarios. The most likely one was that she was with someone else, married probably. Billy was patient enough. He knew he would find out in due course.
They walked into the pub and Billy was about to make a joke that this was his first time legally on licensed premises. Now that would take some explaining! Their early years familiarising themselves with the interiors of such establishments meant it wasnt such a big deal anyway. However, like most teenagers, and he still thought of himself as one, Billy had been looking forward to this very occasion. The Aussie, as he had known it, had been flashed up a bit since the last time. Tony had said they would go somewhere quieter but its where they ended up. Billy didnt bother questioning it. Tony had almost exhausted his chat and begun to ask questions. Billy replied as best he could, having quickly prepared some set responses.
Nah, just shared a flat with some old guy on the Gold Coast for awhile.
Yeah, worked around doing odd jobs. No, no singing.
Yeah, I was gonna call so many times, but you know, I thought, I didnt know what to say to you man. Like, I buggered off and all on you, I thought you might hate me!
Yeah, I heard about Mum. After the funeral though. You went hoping I was going to be there? Why thanks mate.
No, by myself. No sheilas. Have you seen Jen? What? No I havent heard. You thought I already knew? About what?
So, she married? Got knocked up, had a kid? What?
Tony was shrinking on his bar stool if it hadnt been there he would have been under the table by now. It was very obvious that he did not want to discuss Jen. For some reason he assumed Billy already knew. Billy thought he knew why. Tony would assume that Billy had already contacted her, or kept in contact even.
Tony?
Shes, ah, gone Billy. Coupla years ago now. No! More, longer, same year you left.
Gone where?
Gone. Gone gone. Um dead. Killed. God, Im sorry Billy. I thought you knew. She, she and some, some guy, got killed, down at Rileys Hill quarry. Murdered. Cut the guys head off too they did! Um, Billy, Im so sorry man.
Chapter Eleven
The Apostle of Girangar
He stepped through the swirling mist, aware that at any time he must be prepared to act and act quickly. A large rock face became visible in the gloom. Sheltering under a minuscule overhang was the seven of them, huddled together. Their faces reflected mortal fear. There were five men and two women, well perhaps three men and two boys. The women were teenagers themselves. They stood arms around each other for warmth and protection, the act of physical contact salvaging what little semblance of sanity remained. A glimmer of hope shone in some eyes as they saw him approach, confidently stepping through the mire and obviously heading toward them. Salvation! They had been found! Their confidence was boosted by his sudden, soundless appearance.
Ho he called to them.
Its just a boy, one of them whispered, one who was barely older himself. Can you help us? he said as the figure stopped directly in front of them. The boy that spoke had a comforting arm around one of the girls.
The figure smiled a happy and confident smile and nodded. I surely can, I surely can. Which one of you is Errol? he asked looking directly at one of the men.
Thats me, Errol acknowledged, a considerable vibrato betrayed his fear.
Errol, come here, the boy motioned to a position beside him. Errol stood his ground, looking at the others for support, any support. Come on Errol, I wont bite, I promise, the boy grinned.
Errol slowly detached himself from the group and moved forward. A hand reluctantly released his shirt. His steps were slow and his body trembled. He faced the boy but turned side on so that he could still see the others. The boy appeared to ignore him as he addressed them all again, but to his horror Errol recognized that it was a question meant for he, and he alone to answer. He glanced sharply at the kid.
How much did you drink tonight?
I didnt, only, had a couple, he shook even more, the pitch of his voice almost a squeal.
Try seventeen, the boy smiled at the group again. And your two mates there werent much better. How did it feel driving with a blood alcohol concentration so high that you could have been considered clinically dead?