“Did he now?” Libby mused, rubbing a hand over her face, tugging her hair back over her ear. “Well, with that in mind, I’m in the shower first while you wake your brother, and then I'll have that coffee while you eat your cereal.” Libby ruffled Holly's hair, ticked little Henry under the chin, and headed for her final shower in the dingy, old bathroom.
When Libby walked into the kitchen after her shower, Josh was on the back lawn with his dog, still unnamed, romping around with Henry while Holly sat on the grass with her bowl of cereal.
“Morning, Josh.” Libby waited until he looked her way. “Come get something to eat, and then we'll make a move. If we don't hurry up and get on the road, it’ll be pitch-dark before we find the farm, and I don't want to end up sleeping in the car.”
By the time they’d loaded the vehicle and cleaned up the rest of the kitchen, the movers were at the door. She handed over the house keys and left them to it. As she prepared to drive away from the first house she had ever owned, her eyes misted, and her stomach clenched as a sudden wave of terror grabbed her. She sat with her head on the steering wheel breathing deeply until she had herself under control, ignoring the kids' questions until she could speak without tears clogging her throat.
“Sorry, guys.” She sniffled loudly. “Just a little bit emotional there for a moment. It is an ugly house, but it is ours, and if things go totally wrong in Charleville, we’ll still be able to come back to it.” Am I trying to convince them...or myself?
They were quiet as they drove through the suburbs and headed north up the Logan Highway toward Goodna, the first stop on their journey. The scenery changed noticeably as they drove inland. Bustling cities gave way to smaller, quieter towns and large, open spaces. They stopped for fuel and a cold drink before heading toward Toowoomba where Libby planned on stopping for lunch.
“Oh, look at those flowers.” She pointed out the window at the brightly colored blooms as she drove slowly into the country town. “They're so pretty. I'm going to have a flower bed at the farm.”
“Huh, you kill anything that looks like it wants to grow, Mum.” Josh laughed at her.
“I can try, can't I?” Libby was determined to make an effort.
“You always try, and look what happens. I say let the poor plants be and work on something you are good at.”
“Oh, like what, tending the bar. I don't think there will be much call for a barmaid at the farm somehow.” Libby mused her options.
“I'll help you, Mum.” Holly always had her back.
“Thanks, baby.”
The next few towns all passed by in a blur. The kids alternated between sleeping and listening to music, and Libby's mind started to roam back to her dream that morning. Why she thought of the guy from the lawyer's was beyond her. He certainly wasn't the type of man she would choose if she were in the market for another partner. He was too arrogant, too grumpy, and too handsome for his own good.
Her thoughts were interrupted again when the kids started to complain. They had been on the road for over eight hours including stops, and they were all tired and getting cranky. Libby gave the map to Josh with the torch so he could direct them once they got to Morven, the town closest to Charleville.
“It's only thirty kilometers, Josh, so keep an eye out for the turnoff.”
Libby glanced down at the red needle of the temperature gauge. She was sure it hadn't been in the middle before. When she checked again, it had moved even farther toward the red zone on the instrument panel.
Libby started to panic. Should she keep going or pull over and let the car cool down? If she stopped, would the car start again? It was no good calling Aaron. He couldn't do anything for her this far out. Before she could make a decision, there was a loud hiss, and the car filled with steam before grinding to a halt.
“Damn, damn, damn.” She slammed her hand down on the steering wheel, despair climbing up her spine.
“What the hell just happened?” Josh’s voice was high pitched with fright.
“The car’s overheated.” Libby knew full well there was more to it but where did she begin?
“Can you start it again when it cools down?” Josh leaned over the seat, waving his hand at the steam.
“I don't know.” Libby's heart pounded as she tried to think of what chances they had of being rescued on this dark, deserted road. Trying to sound brave, she turned to him with an attempt at positive thinking. “Let's wait and see, shall we?”
“Just great.” His usual angry tone reappeared. “What a welcome to the country, broken down on the side of the road, no houses in sight, and no hope of recovery.”
Holly sat quietly, thumb in her mouth, holding onto Henry with her gaze on her mother.
“Let's just give it a minute, okay?” Libby pleaded. “If the car won't start, I'll call Aaron and ask him to send Tom to get us. We aren't that far from the farm.”
They sat in silence for fifteen minutes before Libby felt confident the car was cooled down enough to start again. She sat up in her seat and put her hand on the key. Turning it, she held her breath. The clicking sound made her groan, and she quickly turned off the ignition, slumping back in her seat.
“I think you killed it.” Josh’s words were bitter.
“Thanks. I kind of figured that much.”
“What do we do now?” Holly's voice was timid and scared compared to her brothers.
Before she could answer, lights blinded her in the rearview mirror. She put her hand up to shield her eyes and got out of
