The Sunnyvale Girls by Fiona Palmer

back into the kitchen to help clean up the dishes with Maggie. ‘Nan, can I do anything to help?’
    â€˜There’s nothing more to say or do, love. I’ve let the cat out of the bag and there’s no way we can ever stuff it back in.’ Maggie gave her a weak smile.
    â€˜Would you like me to stay? I’m sure Mum can shift the sheep on her own.’
    â€˜I’m okay, I’m just worried about Toni. It’s not how I thought things would go. I didn’t really think this through. No, you go and get the sheep in, love.’
    â€˜Only if you’re sure?’
    Her nan stood up straight. ‘I may be old, Felicity, but I’m not frail and I don’t need watching over. Go do what you have to. I’m fine.’ She gave Flick a tight hug as if to show her resilience.
    Flick was reluctant to leave but knew once Nan had said her piece that was the end of it. Besides, she also wanted to go and see how her mum was doing. As she turned to leave Maggie grabbed her hand.
    â€˜There is one thing. Tell Toni I’m sorry. I didn’t see the point of telling her, since Rocco never came back. I was trying to protect her, you understand? It was bad enough he hurt one person – I didn’t want him to hurt her too. Do you think she will ever forgive me?’
    The desperation in her eyes was gut-wrenching. Flick patted her on the hand.
    â€˜I’m sure she’ll come around. Just give her time. You know how pigheaded Mum can be. I’ll talk to her – well, I’ll try. I’ll be back later. You rest up.’
    Flick went to saddle up Contractor. Knowing her mum, she’d be at the shed.
    Sure enough, when Flick arrived, Toni was sitting on the Honda motorbike next to the Hilux, just staring into space with glassy eyes.
    â€˜Wow, the ute looks weird without the bullbar,’ said Flick. Contractor neighed and stamped his foot impatiently. He loved sheep work and was oblivious to all the drama.
    Toni glanced up vaguely. ‘I know. I’ll see if I can get it back on but it might be pointless. It’s not like the ute goes fast enough to need it. Here, Fella, get up. Let’s get these sheep moved.’
    Flick opened her mouth, ready to talk to her mum about all that had gone on, but Toni started the bike and revved it while Fella leapt onto the back. He stood, balancing as she took off towards the east paddock.
    Flick leant down, resting her face against Contractor, and rubbed his neck. ‘Well, that went well . . . not. Let’s go, mate. Follow that bike.’
    It was a warm spring day and Flick was glad she’d put on her wide-brim hat. There was a hint of a breeze, which pressed against her blue-checked shirt as Contractor galloped along the track. What a perfect Friday afternoon. Almost good enough to forget the last few hours.
    They rounded up the mob and moved them towards the gate. Toni shut off the bike to close the gate but when she tried to start it again, it wouldn’t kick over.
    â€˜Are you out of fuel?’ Flick asked, turning Contractor back towards her.
    â€˜No, it’s over half full.’ Toni got off and looked over the motor. Then she unscrewed the spark plug. ‘Ah, shit.’ She stood up and put the spark plug in her pocket. ‘Can I catch a lift?’
    Flick bit her lip so she didn’t give her mum the smug look that was just dying to spread across her face. ‘Sure.’ Flick took her foot out of her stirrup and hooked her arm so her mum could lift herself up onto the Contractor’s back. Toni wrapped her arms around Flick’s waist and, after a slight pause, hugged her tight before resting her head against her shoulder. Flick drew her lip in between her teeth to hold back her tears. Fighting to control her voice, she asked, ‘Dirty spark plug?’
    â€˜Yep.’
    â€˜Do you want me to take you back to the shed or shall we pen these sheep up first?’ asked