Chapter 2: a holiday???

Then an extraordinary thing happened. We were at dinner one night shortly before the term holidays (a two week break) started when Mum announced, "Mrs Keaton came and saw me today."

'Oh shit,' I thought immediately; Mrs Keaton was Randolph's mother.

"She said her family were going to their holiday house up at Lake Mastie for the two weeks break and she has invited Lynden to go along as company for Randolph."

What?????????

"Hey, that sounds terrific," Dad declared.

"Nope, no way," I countered.

Dad put down his knife and fork and gave me a hard look. My stocks of goodwill with my father were at a very low ebb.

"You're going. It's time you learnt how to get on with people rather than just teasing and fighting with them. So that's it, you're going."

I turned to look at my mother, but her face had taken on an uncompromising set.

"Mum, Dad, I don't want to go." My voice was now a plaintive plea.

That made no impression on my father. "Lynden, you're going, and you're going to behave. I will tell Mr and Mrs Keaton to use whatever disciplinary means they feel are appropriate if you give them reason. So, instead of pouting, make an effort to be friendly and to enjoy yourself."

We left early on Saturday morning. We were packed up in their big 4WD with Randolph and me in the back seat. It would take us about three hours to get to the holiday house and we would arrive just before lunch. Of course, I felt awkward and was forcing myself to be polite. But after an hour or so, I couldn't help myself and started to subtly tease Randolph.

He was getting a bit upset, but was trying not to show it and let his parents see. I found that interesting and thought that maybe I might be able to have some fun during this forced holiday after all.