Trouble Plus Trouble. - 5. Chapter 5

Double The Trouble.

Chapter 5.

 

Andy drove straight to Peter's place, let them off, then headed for Marty's with parting comments about escaping the geek convention.

Peter played the host with a quick snack of biscuits and a drink then took Matthew up to his room where he was eager to show off his collection of books. It was a growing collection and he'd managed to find quite a few treasures, books that he thought were special. Not having lots of money he'd still done very well by visiting op-shops, markets, second-hand bookshops, and as well the librarian at his last school had helped by letting him know when she was having a clean-out of old or damaged books.

"Hey, that’s a great idea."

Matthew was looking at Peter's bookshelf, which he'd made out of big cement wall bricks and planks of timber. At the moment they took up about a quarter of one of his walls.

"It's good isn't it? I just stick on a couple more bricks and another piece of wood whenever I need some more space."

Things got serious now and for half an hour Matthew kept finding new novels he wanted to read, and changing his mind about which one he was going to tackle first. Peter felt really good because Matthew kept saying it was better than the library because all the books were good ones.

"This is hopeless. I can't make up my mind. Which one do you think I should start with?"

Peter thought for a moment then reached for one of his favorites.

"Susan Cooper? I've never even heard of her."

"I don't think she's written much else, but I reckon this is great. It's really five books in one and it's about these people called Old Ones who can travel through time."

"Five books? That'll keep me going for a while."

"The first story is easy but it gets more complicated after that. It's got King Arthur and Merlin in it."

The book discussion ended when they heard the sound of the car and went out to meet Peter’s mum. Matthew was very polite and went quiet, but it wasn't long before he relaxed again, and was chatting away and answering the questions being thrown at him.

"What are you smiling about Peter?"

"Nothing mum. It's just the second time today that Matthew's had a third degree interrogation. Andy gave him one at lunchtime."

"Well I'd better stop then hadn't I? Let's get the meal organised and you can go back to being whatever is that Andy calls you."

"Geeks. They call themselves the geek patrol now."

"So? It sounds as if they like Matthew then?"

"Yes. He gave them a real shock when he beat them at swimming. It was funny because they call him The Kid all the time."

"The Kid? Why do they do that?"

"It's my fault. The first time they called him a kid I said he wasn't, so now he's stuck with it."

Matthew was looking very interested in this. It was one of the things Peter hadn't got round to telling him.

"Are they coming for tea tomorrow night?"

"Yep. They think they're getting roast lamb. I told them they had a choice of that or steaks."

"We can have lamb if you like."

"No. It'll be fun when Marty sees the meatballs."

"And how did training go today? Did they look after you?"

“They were cruel. They pinched all our clothes and we had to wait around till they sent a towel in."

Typically, his mum just thought that was amusing.

"I hope you like lasagne Matthew. It's one of Peter's favorites."

Matthew was in total agreement and then when he found they were having salad as well, offered to make a special one.

"You know how to make special salads? Do you do much cooking?"

"Sometimes I make the meals at home when dad's work holds him up."

Peter's mum picked up on that even faster than he did.

"Oh? Who else is in your family then?"

"No-one. There's just me and dad."

"I see. Peter, you can set the table while the cooks get to work. Then you can fetch and carry when we call for special ingredients."

There was a busy, happy atmosphere while everything was prepared and then Beth sent them off so she could relax while the food was cooking.

"What was that all about Peter?"

They were back in Peter's room with Matthew looking at more books while Peter sat on his bed.

"What?"

"That stuff about Andy and Marty looking after you?"

"Um. It's sort of embarrassing."

"Oh. Sorry."

"No, it's all right. The people at my last school were really nasty and Andy and Marty are trying to make sure it doesn't happen here."

Matthew looked sympathetic but a bit blank so Peter told him everything.

"Um. I'm sort of big.”

“Big?”

“You know. What Andy was teasing me for. At any rate they used to pick on me about it. I suppose it was because I didn't fit in too well because I was different to them.

I was hiding myself here, but Andy reckons it's the worst thing I could do. He embarrasses me all the time so I'll get used to being stirred."

Matthew was nodding at this.

"I think he's right too Peter. So that's why he kept whistling at you? I wondered what was going on."

"And you saved me too. You didn't really get mixed up with the taps did you?"

"Well you weren't ready for Andy's whistle were you?"

It was a nice moment, finding out that he'd been saved purposefully, and Peter was impressed at how quickly Matthew had thought it up too.

"Was the bullying why you moved here Peter?"

"Bullying?"

"Of course it was bullying."

"Yes, that was the main reason we moved, but mum’s got a better job too. Last year she finished doing a proper accountant's course by correspondence and this is her first time trying it. We can't believe how well everything's going and the teachers are so much better and I'm doing the exact subjects I want to. Has your dad changed jobs too?"

"No, he's still at the same one. It's a pest because he has to drive for three-quarters of an hour instead of five minutes like he used to. It means he has to leave earlier and he gets home later."

"What does he do?"

"You're not going to believe me, but he's an accountant too. He specialises in taxation."

"Oh wow. Wait till I tell mum. That's amazing. What did you mean at school when you told Andy you had to do well this year? You said it to the coach too."

"I nearly missed out last year and I think this is the crunch year for me. I've made up my mind to do a lot better, but I have to work at it."

"You're doing all the hardest subjects. You must be okay."

"I am, but I got way behind last year from too much training. I don't know where Andy gets the idea I’m a brain."

"What about the computers?"

"Computers?"

"Yes, Andy and Marty said you know everything about them."

"I think I know where they got that idea. I did Info-tech last year and some of the guys saw me using a spreadsheet on the library computer. Everyone knows how to do that though."

Peter didn't. His last school didn't teach much in that area and he couldn't stand the only teacher who did.

"Could you show me? I've never learned that stuff."

"No problems. ....Do you mean now?"

"Well. After we've eaten. We can use mum’s computer. She won't mind."

The rest of the evening flew. Matthew loved the meal and Peter and his mum raved about the special salad. They spent half an hour with a spreadsheet, Peter was surprised at how easy it was, then after another hour’s talking they all bundled into the car to drive Matthew home. When they stopped Peter said goodnight then watched his mum jump out of the car, give Matthew the biggest hug, then tell him he was welcome anytime at all for a meal or to stay the night if he liked. Peter felt a glow of happiness. She must really like him. The drive back was fairly quiet as his mum seemed to be thinking.

Back at home they sat in the living room for a talk about the evening and he heard just how much his mum did like Matthew, more in fact that anyone before.

"He's very special Peter and you won't meet many people like him. I want you to look after him and ask him around at least twice a week."

Look after him? Of course he would, but he didn't really know what she was talking about. So far it was Matthew who’d looked after him.

At school the next day Peter felt like killing Andy. Word about his being stranded without any clothes must have spread like wildfire because he and Matthew got comments about it all day, and when he was changing for swimming practice there was more advice about being careful with his clothes.

Coach talked with him briefly and watched what Matthew was showing Peter for several minutes, then went back to the rest of the team. The finish whistle blew and everyone started making their way to the change room. Andy and Marty joined Peter and Matthew and when they walked in, the room was full of steam, bodies and laughter.

"Yo. Andy. You've got the nudists with you."

"Yeah Phillips. Too bad you missed out on it. You can have a good perve today though."

This brought general laughs but didn't phase Phillips one little bit.

"When they see what I've got, they'll be the ones perving."

"Who wants to see what you've got? And when they do they'll be laughing anyway."

"Wankers!"

With this comment Phillips dumped his bag on the bench and started pulling his speedos off. Andy was going to get the last word in though, and yelled to the room in general.

"Hey! Who's a wanker?"

The response was general too and about ten voices yelled out.

"Phillips."

Laughter rolled around the room and everyone looked at Phillips who was laughing with them. A couple more guys walked in and Peter realised that it must be practically the whole team. He sat on the end of one of the benches and looked around. Gosh. He was practically the smallest person there, except for Matthew and a couple of the younger guys, and Matthew looked fit. Marty was the biggest and there were four or five guys, including Phillips who were about Andy's size. There was some laughter from a group near the other end of the room and then more laughter from around Phillips. It must have been something about Andy because they all looked in his direction.

"So. Bragging again Phillips?"

"No. Talking about your new fan club. Aren't they are bit small for the team?"

"Small? They'll walk all over you."

What? Don't you mean crawl? Like a couple of Rug-Rats."

The grins were building around the room again and Peter was wishing they were for a different topic.

"Rug-Rats. Hey, I like that."

A quick glance showed that Matthew seemed quite happy about all this. Was he used to it?

"At least they've got something to brag about."

"Oh yeah? Well they're hiding it pretty well."

"What's to hide? Come and meet a real man Phillips."

Andy had totally emphasised the real, and beckoned at the same time. It was a kind of challenge and Phillips sauntered over to stand close with a questioning kind of look.

"Peter, show him. He'll have to brag about you from now on instead of himself."

Show him? Peter wanted to faint, or disappear, or run, or something. Instead he just stared at Andy.

"Go on. He says you're little. Show him."

So with every pair of eyes watching to see what was going on, Peter had to will himself to take the speedos off. As Andy had said, Phillips had the biggest dick of anyone on the team. Not anymore. He took one look.

"Holy Hell. What a monster. Hey everyone, look at this."

He didn't have to say it. Everyone already was. Phillips laughed and headed for a shower which had just come vacant.

"Well he probably doesn't know what to do with it anyway."

"That'll make two of you."

Peter wanted to put his speedos back on, but somehow knew he shouldn't, and had to wait for five minutes before a shower was available. Hopefully the show was over. At least all the guys were smiling when they looked at him. Andy and Marty were talking about how many laps they'd done and comparing it with different guys round the room. Evidently it must be something you did to impress everyone. Matthew came in to the next shower and gave Peter a grin.

"Hey Big Boy. You got through that really well."

Matthew was stirring him? After an instant of surprise Peter smiled back, realising it was as much a kind of support as a stir. He watched his clothes carefully but there was no sign of any pranks and fifteen minutes later the four of them were in the wagon. They dropped Matthew off and went to Andy's place to hack around till it was time for tea.

"Death match on the computer. Come on Peter. Show Marty how good you are at car racing."

They played for half an hour and when it ended Peter was winning as many times as losing.

"See, I told you he's a brat. He'll be beating us all the time soon."

Marty wasn’t so competitive with the computer game and was more likely to laugh when he bingled, whereas Andy would groan or curse about the time lost. They pushed him on the bed and Andy sat on him.

"What'll we do Marty? Will we bellybutton him?"

"No. He'll just tell his mum about it. Give him a red chest instead."

This was funny. Peter knew Marty was slightly nervous about meeting his mum, and Andy laughed too.

"Hold his arms for me."

Totally helpless, Peter submitted while the fingers drummed, then started shrieking when the tickling and poking began. His reactions were so strong that Marty couldn't help joining in as well. God, this was impossible. There was nothing he could do to get out of it and at the same time as he begged for it to stop, underneath he wanted them to keep going.

"Hey Peter. Guess what I remember?"

They'd stopped to let Peter catch his breath.

"What?"

"Someone pulled the hairs out of my chest didn't they?"

"It's Marty's fault. He made me."

"Well he's making me pay you back then isn't he?"

Marty laughed and nodded his agreement.

"The problem is I can't find any on your chest. So what am I going to do?"

"Look on Marty's chest instead."

"Cheeky hey. Well we’ll have to look for them somewhere else. Any ideas?"

"Yes..... Your own chest?"

This got the grins, and probably more trouble too. Andy tugged Peter's t-shirt from his shorts then worked it up his body and past his head till it was in a ring holding his arms.

"See, Phillips was right. Just like a kindergarten kid. I know. How about this?"

There was a sharp tug and a tiny pain as several hairs departed from Peter's armpit. Tug. A couple more went.

"There's not many left. Will I take them all Marty?"

"Yeah, why not? You'll have to do the other side too otherwise he'll look weird."

"No, we’d better not. But where else could we get some from?"

They both thought this was hugely funny. Andy moved back and tugged the front of Peter shorts down just far enough so he could make another target. Ouch. That hurt a little more than before.

"Here you are Marty. You can keep this."

"Gross. What for?"

"So Peter can tell his mum you keep it under your pillow. She already knows you're obsessed with him."

Peter's arms were freed, and he curled into a ball shape when Marty dived at Andy. He was nearly squelched as they wrestled and rolled over the top of him. He escaped off one side of the bed and watched as, inevitably, Andy was subdued.

"Get another one Peter."

"What?"

"Another one of your pubes. And give it to me."

This resulted in a breathless splutter from Andy.

"See. He does want your pubes Peter. He said it himse... aaaaghh"

His words ended in an unintelligible noise as all the air was squished out of him. Knowing he was damned if he did and just as damned if he didn't, Peter provided the necessary hair and gave it to Marty.

"Open wide Andy. Open wide."

"No way. That's too gross."

"Isn't it just. Now. Open wide."

It took a couple of minutes and a huge amount of effort expended by both of them, but finally the hair was forced between Andy's tightly compressed lips and he was released, blowing, spluttering and wiping his mouth.

"Oh my God. I can't believe you did that."

Peter couldn't believe it either. Marty was laughing so much he wouldn't have been able to think anything. Andy suddenly started laughing as well and it was so contagious Peter was soon helpless with them. The laughter gradually subsided and they started tidying themselves up. It was time to go anyhow, and Peter's mum should be home soon.

By coincidence, she drove up as they were crossing the street, and by the time she parked in the driveway they were level with her. Peter was given his customary hug, then Andy, looking like he enjoyed it, received one as well. Marty, rather sheepish about this open display of affection, and maybe expecting the same, was given a friendly pat on the shoulder instead.

"So, you're Marty. I've heard so much about you."

To Peter's total delight Marty blushed bright red.

"Um. Hi."

They went into the house, Andy and Marty politely carrying the groceries and Beth’s briefcase because Peter was loaded with his own school stuff, and were promptly dismissed with instructions for Peter to keep them entertained till their meal was ready. This meant going to his room and doing whatever Andy and Marty wanted.

"She doesn't seem all that scary."

"Mum? No. She likes you Marty. I told you that. Remember to call her Beth though. She thinks it's unfriendly if you don't."

"Hey. What's this entertaining? Does your mum know we’re waiting to see you give us that show?"

"Funny one Andy. You and Marty already had your own show."

Andy grabbed Peter in a headlock and held him there.

"Well, start entertaining then. What did you do last night when Matthew was here?"

"He looked through my books."

"Pass on that one. What else?"

"He showed me some stuff about spreadsheets on mum’s computer."

"Gods, I can't handle all this excitement. Are there any games on the computer?"

He didn't sound very hopeful.

"No, it's her laptop for work."

"Have you got a home computer then? I haven't seen one."

"No. We might be getting one soon though. I need it for school."

"Use mine brat. It's got a printer and everything. I’ll give you a key so you can get to it if I'm not home."

When they heard that Peter and Matthew spent all the rest of the time talking they decided that was typical and boring.

"Teach him some of your holds Marty. I know he’s too weak but it'll be fun watching."

Peter found out that Marty had been on the wrestling team for a year before he decided he liked swimming better. It was fun.

They stirred him the whole time, pretending they were helpless when he tried different holds. A couple almost worked on Andy, but Marty was just too big and strong. Next they started giving Peter all the advantages they could, then seeing how long he could last till he was pinned or restrained or whatever. This was usually just a couple of moves and a few seconds till his stomach was being crushed by a knee, his arms twisted behind his back, or his neck tucked under an arm in a headlock. It was fantastic fun really. Andy and Marty liked showing off how much stronger they were and the room was filled with a mixture of grunts, groans and laughter, punctuated every now and again with a plea for mercy. There was some banging on the door and his mum wanted to know if it was safe to come in.

"Goodness me. It sounded like a mob of wild animals. Tea’s on when you get there."

 

Five minutes later they were all sitting round the table with food almost the only thought in their heads. The room was filled with the aroma from the cooking and Peter couldn't wait. There were three courses and Andy and Marty discovered just how well Beth could cook. First was a big pot of mushroom soup, homemade with the mushrooms in chunks rather than mashed up. There were smiles from Andy and Marty when they understood they were expected to help themselves to seconds. Next were roast vegetables, served on the platters so you could help yourself, and of course the meatballs, piled high in a casserole dish with special sauce poured over them.

Marty looked embarrassed when Beth told him she had to chase three different horses to collect enough, but somehow he managed to eat more of them than anyone else. Everyone was too busy eating to talk much till the edge of hunger was gone and they’d reached the stage of trying to find room for another tasty portion, but then they relaxed and conversation started in earnest. Andy was in high spirits and brought lots of smiles and laughter. Marty was fairly quiet till Beth got him talking about his trip away and he forgot about being the polite guest. Andy told some stories about the local neighbourhood, then Peter found out that Andy and Marty had practically grown up together because their parents were friends from before they were born. Beth was thanking Andy for driving Peter to school and it turned out he'd only had his car for two months. Marty said that was funny because Andy would use any excuse he could to go driving in his car.

"If he didn't have to pay for the petrol, he'd never be out of it."

"I'm surprised you haven't got a car too Marty."

"Um. I'm not old enough yet. I might have one at the end of the year."

"Andy's older than you? You've surprised me now. You look quite mature."

Andy went into a fake coughing fit and got a whack on the arm.

"His parents won't let him get one unless he does okay at school this year. They reckon he doesn't work hard enough."

"Well I'm sure he does."

Marty didn't have anything to say to this, but Beth acted as if she didn't notice and went straight on.

"Why don't you let Peter help you? I know he'd like to. Which subject gives you the most trouble Marty?"

"Maths.""Yeah, me too. The teacher last year didn't like us, did she Marty?"

"There you are. That's perfect then because it’s Peter's best subject. Why don't you work something out between you? He's going to help Matthew too."

Peter was quite astonished when they were both really keen about it. It was different to the way they talked about their work at school.

"Peter. Go and get the photo albums."

Peter jolted upright. She wouldn't?

"Don't look so embarrassed. You know I don't get many chances to show off how cute you used to be."

He couldn't argue back. Andy and Marty had already noticed his reaction, and the cute bit had set them smiling.

He got back just in time to hear his mum’s comment.

"He was a terror when he was little. I could never keep clothes on him. It didn't matter where we were, they were off in a flash, and he'd run away when I tried to put them back on."

She was doing this on purpose. He knew it, and Andy and Marty were loving it.

"Where's the big red album? That's the one we’re talking about."

That little ploy didn't work and after a second trip Peter sat listening to all the stories while Andy and Marty were laughing their heads off. He was never going to hear the end of this.

"And here he is on the beach with a flag from the surf carnival. He liked the men marching past with their flags so he ran off and marched with them. I think everyone on the beach was smiling. One of the men must have had a sense of humour because he handed his flag over."

Finally the albums went away and they started on sweets. There was nothing fancy this time, just a two litre tub of ice cream, a selection of toppings to choose from, and orders to try and finish it off. Peter was always telling his mum that ice cream was a special food because it didn't matter how full you were, you could always manage to fit it in.

They started talking about the trip up the river and Marty was saying the current was so fast and he still had a bruise from the chute. Peter said that the water in the waves at the beach was much faster and you didn't have to worry about rocks as much."Peter. Why don't you take Andy and Marty to the old town and show them the surf. It would be a good adventure for you all."

 

"Mum, it's at least three hours driving to get there."

"Well, Andy loves driving doesn’t he? He wouldn't mind, and I'll put in the petrol money since it so expensive these days. What do you think Andy?"

"Um. You wouldn't have to pay for the petrol."

Wow. Fancy his mum doing this. Peter could see that Andy was rapt in the idea and Marty was looking very interested too.

"Where would we stay though? You know how much it costs while the hot weather’s

"Why pay anything Peter? Remember when you used to take your sleeping bag and sleep in the sand dunes? You've got a station wagon and a tent too, so it sounds perfect for three teenagers to me. No. Four teenagers. You should take Matthew with you."

Andy and Marty were nodding and Peter knew it was a done deal. His mum knew it too and she looked really pleased.

"Go and plan it out with Andy while Marty helps me clean up these dishes."

Peter and Andy disappeared to the bedroom and Andy wanted to know if Peter had known about the idea of going on a trip.

"No way. She surprised me too. She's always coming up with ideas. I hope it’s all right. She kind of pushed you into it."

"It's terrific Peter, but she shouldn't be paying for the petrol."

"She will though. She’s made up her mind. I can tell."

They started talking about what they might do and Andy got keener and keener the more this went on.

"This will be my first real trip in the wagon. We were still at school when I got it, and then Marty was gone for the whole holidays, and I didn't want to go anywhere too far by myself. How far is it?"

They ran down to Beth's car to collect the road-map then worked out a couple of ways to get there.

"240 kilometres. That's three hours for sure."

"It'll be longer than that. We go on the Great Ocean Road and it's really windy."

Marty turned up and got stirred about having to do all the dishes. He was happy as Larry about it though.

"You're an idiot Andy. You had me all worried about Beth."

"She knows everything about you now Marty. She wanted to get you by yourself."

He didn't look worried and this was also the first time he’d called her Beth when they were talking between themselves. They talked for a little while but it was getting close to eight o'clock and Peter needed to get a couple of hours study done. Too many things were happening in his life and he knew he was going to have to organise himself somehow to make it all work. When they left he sat with his mum for a quarter of an hour before heading for his room.

The end of Chapter 5.

Iarwain.