Free Dessi's Romance by Goldie Alexander Page A

hands finally stop
trembling. Because of the three year gap since I last saw Robert, I’m able to
view him and Laura through clearer eyes. They say enough about themselves to
make me realise their attitude is ‘You got it, you flaunt it.’ In some ways I
can’t blame them for being proud of their newfound prosperity. But then isn’t
Laura that bit too quick to point out that local aborigines are responsible for
a recent outbreak of crime?
    By the time we
finish talking, it’s so late I sleep over. Waking in this fabulous room, I feel
like all my dreams have come true. In this vast bed I can admire the shadows
dappling my windows, and the swimming pool sparkling outside. There’s a notebook
and biro in one of the dresser drawers. Before diving into the shower I try to
capture with only a few lines Laura and Robert eating dinner by their pool.
    It’s hard
catching Dad’s distinctive smile, but I get that lock of grey hair falling over
his high forehead, the same forehead, short nose and wide lips I’ve inherited.
My sketch of Laura comes out better. But even if these drawings aren’t all
that accurate, Dessi will get an idea of what they look like. Sketching also
helps sort out some of my emotions. I’m still confused as to how I feel…really
feel about my dad. Do I still love him? Can I ever forgive him for walking out
of my life and then hardly ever contacting me?
    Memories flood
in: of being carried on his shoulders; Sunday mornings in our local park and
being pushed on the swing, the wind blowing hair into my face. Others are less
pleasant; holding my hands over my ears to block out their angry voices; him
leaving home and Julie falling in a heap; and since then Julie’s constant:
‘What a shit your father is’ and ‘No man can be trusted.’
    It reminds me of
the way Dessi and I argue about our current male interest. The major reason I
didn’t have sex with Abdul is probably due to Dessi. Though I openly scoff at
her puritanical attitude, I know she uses it to maintain her self respect. But
whether you go half or the whole way with a guy… does it make any difference to
what that guy feels about you? Would Danny have treated me better if I’d
refused to have sex with him? Frankly, I doubt it. Besides, I’m secretly
convinced that the only reason Dessi hangs onto her virginity is so she can
boast about it. Is pashing on with a guy to the very, very edge all that
different from going the whole way?
    By the time I
leave my room, Robert’s left for work. Laura offers me breakfast. I settle for
coffee and ask, ‘Can I email my friend?’ I’m bursting to tell Dessi all my
news.
    ‘Don’t forget to
tell your friends about the cruise, will you,’ says Laura bustling away.
    Robert is now
captain of a deluxe cruiser. He sails people to Tipplers, a resort area on the
Broadwater, a huge change from his old office job. He and Laura plan set up
their own business. Presently Laura is taking ‘Food Handling’ and ‘First Aid’
courses. What was strongly hinted at last night is that there’s a job for me
soon as this get off the ground.
    I find my way
around this new computer and then click into hotmail.
     
    Hi Dessi.
    I’ve got so
much to tell you on MY OWN BRAND NEW LAPTOP! The house is fantastic! So-o-o
unlike the dump me and Julie live in. And you’ll never guess, Dessi. They want
me to live here. Truly. Last night Dad went on about how I could defer for a
year…I don’t even know if I’ve got an offer yet…and work up here. Naturally,
I’m going to say NO, because we have our own plans, don’t we? And there’s Abdul
to be considered. But to be perfectly honest, Dessi, I’m so tempted.
    Have you
seen him, Dessi? Has he called you to explain why he didn’t take me to the
airport? Or called in or anything? Don’t forget, I am relying on you to TELL ME
EVERYTHING!
    The unit we
have at Broadbeach Towers is great, but get this! Sacha has moved in with us
and is going to share my room. What do you