What brings us together - Part 1 - 6. Chapter 6

Tomorrow they would be driving to Stingray Heads. They were setting off on Wednesday morning to avoid the weekend traffic. The Lexus was already packed with all but their “last minute” items such as phones, tablets, laptops and house keys. Jordan had arranged for a roof rack to be fitted so they could take three surf boards. Jordan explained to a surprised Cameron that he had It done on a whim but thought that if they were going to a surfing beach, they should look the part and take surfboards.”

“Jords, that will definitely make us look the part, even if it makes people think we’re older than we are. A Lexus with surfboards on top is going to stand out.” Cameron commented when he saw the roof racks, without at all disagreeing with the concept.

Jordan once again reassured Cameron that he had booked a comfortable house for them for the week. They were not staying in a tent in the caravan park as Jordan had jokingly suggested on more than one occasion.

They had dinner at a local Italian restaurant. Jordan raised a questioning eyebrow when Cameron ordered champagne. “We have something to celebrate. It’s our first holiday together and it’s going to be awesome. I’m so looking forward to it.”

Jordan smiled encouragingly even though he still had reservations. They toasted to “our first holiday”.

Wednesday morning was bustling with final preparations and last minute packing, during which they drank their coffee and ate a simple breakfast. They followed the Pacific Highway until they entered the M1 for the drive north. They stopped for lunch along the way and changed drivers. Cameron would have the pleasure of driving off the highway and into Stingray Heads. Privately Jordan preferred it that way. He was being taken to Stingray Heads rather than just going there.

After passing the golf course, Cameron followed the GPS directions to find the house Jordan had told him was rented for the week. Cameron was amazed that only the road separated the house from the wide north arm of the river. They would have an uninterrupted view across this arm of the river and through to the river itself.

Cameron lifted the sunglasses he was wearing while driving to his forehead, “This view is just as good as at the beach. Thanks for finding it for us.”

“Not a problem, Cam. It’s amazing what you can do online now. The key is around back. I’ll go and get it while you start unloading the car.”

They unloaded the car and carried their bags through the front door and into the kitchen and living area which had wide windows facing the river. Opposite the living area was a bedroom. Cameron suggested they use it.

Jordan countered, “This bedroom will get the western sun and be hot. There’s a bedroom at the back that will get the morning sun. It’ll be great for waking us up to go surfing.”

That idea appealed to Cameron, so they carried their bags to one of the back bedrooms. Cameron looked around at the inside of the house. “This is a very nice house with a wonderful view. It couldn’t be cheap to rent. I hope you didn’t blow our budget on renting this place for the week.”

“I’ve got it covered. We’re not here during a holiday period and it’s a lot cheaper than you think.”

After unloading the car, including the surfboards, they drove down to the collection of shops that clustered together round the post office. They purchased groceries at the local supermarket and then drove down to the Fisherman’s Co-Op where they bought fish and chips to take back to the house to eat. The perfectly cooked crumbed fillets were fish that had been unloaded from the trawlers that morning.

Back at the house they sat on the front verandah with glasses of white wine and ate watching the setting sun reflect off the darkening river. Suddenly Jordan pointed, “Look Cam. Over there.”

Cameron followed where the finger was pointing and saw a disturbance in the stillness of the river that indicated the presence of a small pod of playful dolphins. Before he could comment Jordan continued speaking. “Isn’t that amazing? We can sit here and watch dolphins in the river.”

“It’s almost like they are welcoming us here,” Cameron agreed while noting that there was more enthusiasm about Stingray Heads in Jordan’s voice than previously.

After finishing their fish and chips they sipped their wine while watching the sun disappear below the crimson clouded horizon.

“The night is still young. What do want to do?”

Cameron took Jordan’s hand. “With the drive it’s been a big day. What I want is a shower and sleeping cuddled up next to you. How about we do that and hit the surf early tomorrow morning.”

“If I get to shower with you and sleep cuddled up then, yeah why not an early start. You may have to wake me.”

“Oh, I know how to do that, so you have a smile on your face.”

As predicted the first rays of sunshine brightly illuminated the bedroom and woke both Jordan and Cameron much earlier than they had anticipated. Cameron looked across at Jordan, “Would you be upset if we go and check the surf first before we have breakfast.”

“Is that what our relationship has become. Not even a morning kiss.”

“I thought it had become strong enough to survive missing one morning kiss.” He reached for Jordan, “But you still get one.” They kissed.

Jordan was infected by Cameron’s enthusiasm. “You’ll be like this until we check the surf and I don’t think I’d cope. Throw something on. We don’t need to shower. We can do that later. I’ll put the boards on the car if you grab our wetsuits.”

Jordan parked facing the surf. It wasn’t perfect but so much better than either expected. Cameron was ecstatic, “Those breaks are just perfect for me. Come let’s get out there. We don’t even need the wetsuits.”

Jordan looked out at the breaking waves. It was too familiar. “You go. The shop’s opening so I’ll have a coffee first and then join you.”

“You and your morning coffee! I’ll wait for you in the lineup.”

“No, you have fun and catch waves. I’ll join you soon enough.”

Cameron running towards the surf, carrying his surfboard and wearing just board shorts was a sight that made Jordan wish they were still in bed. It was still morning. Adjusting himself he pulled his board off the car and carried it across to the beach side café where he placed it on the grass before ordering a coffee.

Michael greeting him. “Morning. Haven’t I seen you here before?”

“Yeah, I’m Jordan and we called in a month or so ago. We were driving from Brisbane to Sydney. If I remember correctly, you’re Michael.”

“I’m impressed.” They shook hands. “Welcome. What can I get you?”

“Just a long black coffee for now. We’ll probably have breakfast after a bit of surfing.”

Michael sat at a table and focused of Cameron waiting for a wave. A boy about seventeen quietly approached him. “Ah Mister, could I use your board while you have your coffee. Please.”

Jordan turned and looked at the boy. There was something about the boy that Michael found immediately likeable. “You reckon you can handle it?”

“Yeah, I’m good in the surf.”

Michael couldn’t help but smile happily, “Sure. Just take care.”

“Thanks mister.” He scooped up the board, balanced it under his arm and smiled back at Jordan, “Nice board.” He turned and trotted towards the water. Jordan watched thinking there was something about the ruffled blond hair and the way the boy moved with the board that stirred his emotions.

“Do you mind if I join you?” Jordan looked up. Michael was holding two mugs of coffee.

“Please, I like company with my coffee.”

“He’s right you know. That is a nice board.”

Jordan nodded as his mind wandered back to his friend Brodie, who made the board. Everyone called him ‘Brodie the Boardie’ and everyone liked his boards. He brought himself back to the present. “Who’s the young guy?”

Michael paused. “Don’t know. He just turned up yesterday, wandered around the beach and swam a bit but looked lost or maybe looking for something.”

They looked out at the waves. Cameron and the young guy looked to be waiting in the lineup and talking.

Michael continued, “He doesn’t have any money. Well, he bought a pie for lunch but it was all he had. When I was closing, I offered him a burger and he said he couldn’t afford it. So I said to him that it’s the end of the day and the ingredients would be thrown out anyway. Said I’d prefer to hand it to him rather than have him scavenge through the bin.”

Their attention was drawn to the surf. The young guy caught a wave with practiced ease and rode it perfectly to the beach. They were impressed. Cameron followed on the next wave. They stood next to each other and happily high fived.

Cameron waved to Jordan, indicating that they were going out again. Jordan waved agreeing and watched as they started paddling out to the back.

“Kid’s not a novice. Actually looks like a natural.”

“Yeah.” Agreed Jordan. There was something about this young guy that he just couldn’t put his finger on. “Michael, you still sell surf wear. If this guy doesn't have any money, I’d like to buy him a change of clothes.”

Michael smiled, “He’s got to you too. You can have whatever you want at cost price.”

Jordan signaled to the surfers standing together on the edge of the water to come and join him at the café. The young guy was reluctant, but Cameron convinced him. They approached the table and Cameron introduced Joshua to everyone.

Joshua said “Hi” to everyone and turned to Jordan, “Thanks for letting me use your board. It’s awesome. I hope you’ll let me use again sometime. I’ll get going.”

“Not so fast Joshua. Stay and have breakfast with us. My treat.”

Joshua was conflicted. He didn’t want to impose, but he was hungry and found himself drawn to Cameron and Jordan. “Thanks, but you don’t have to do that.”

“I know I don’t have to. I’m offering because I reckon you’re a good guy and I suspect that like us, you’re hungry.”

Joshua grinned, “Yeah, OK.”

The three of them ordered ‘breakfast burgers’ and coffee and sat at the empty table. Three guys who had been in the surf with Cameron and Joshua were seated at the other table and kept glancing across at Joshua. Finally one of them called out, “Some pretty radical surfing out there mate. You hanging around for the weekend?”

“Dunno. Maybe.”

“Hope so. Come and join us any time. See ya.” He smiled and returned to chatting with his friends.

Their breakfasts arrived and they started eating. The conversation flowed as long as they didn’t ask too much about Joshua. He admitted he was running away but wouldn’t reveal why. He tried to avoid saying he had nowhere to stay until Jordan revealed he knew Joshua slept under the table the previous night. Joshua’s response was “Yeah I did and I can do it for a couple of days and then I’ll be moving on.” He didn’t reveal his plans.

When they finished eating Joshua shifted slightly on the bench. “Jordan, would I be able to borrow your board again. Please.”

“Sure. Actually Joshua, I’ve another board I can use. You keep using that one during the time we’re here.”

“Cool. You coming Cameron?”

“Give me a couple of minutes Joshua. I need to talk to Jordan about what we’re doing.”

“Cool see you out there. Basically, call me Josh. It’s what I liked my friends to call me.”

“Will do. And I’m Cam, and this wonderful guy is Jords.”

Joshua gave a thumbs up, picked up the board and trotted towards the surf. Again, that image unsettled Jordan.

Cameron’s question, “Well?” brought Jordan thoughts back to Cameron.

“Sorry, what were you saying?”

“Well, what are we going to do for him?”

“When you join him out there, I’m going to book a cabin in the caravan park for him.”

“Caravan park! We have a whole house with spare bedrooms. Why not with us?”

Jordan was thrilled that Cameron also wanted to help Joshua. “Because I don’t think two gay guys asking him to stay with them would be interpreted the way we intend. It could scare him away when he really needs people to gather him up and help him.”

“Yes, you’re right. So what’s the plan?”

“At the moment the simple plan is that we get him a safe place to sleep, buy him a change of clothes, give him some money and keep an eye on him until he trusts us enough the tell us what he’s running from and why. Then we can start to help him.”

“How long will it be before he trusts us enough?”

“Good question. Hopefully not too long. Cam, while I go to the caravan park, will you go out there and keep him company.” They both looked and saw Joshua had been joined beyond the break by two other surfers. “Maybe, just keep an eye on him.”

Armed with the key to a cabin, three sets of board shorts and T Shirts and Speedo "underwear" Jordan sat and waited for Cameron and Joshua to walk up to the table. They sat and Cameron offered to get drinks for everyone. He placed everyone’s orders and returned to the table.

Jordan started, “Josh, Cam and I are worried about you. We like you and want to help you.”

Joshua stiffened enough for Jordan and Cameron to notice.

Jordan continued, “Please just listen Josh. We’ve booked a cabin at the caravan park for you. You can stay there at least for the week.”

“Well, you can unbook it. I can’t afford it. I don’t have any money.” He then added in a mumble, “And I’m not going to do what men would pay me money for.”

Jordan was listening very closely and heard and understood the mumble but pretended he hadn’t heard. He put the cabin key, with its identifying tag, on the table in front of Joshua and continued, “Josh, the cabin is paid for. You can stay there, or it stays empty. It’s your choice. Josh, I know you slept under this table last night. Believe me the cabin is more comfortable and safer.”

Joshua paused and thought about the offer and yes, the cabin would be more comfortable, but. He was interrupted by Michael bringing the drinks to the table. Jordan cleared a space, moving the key closer towards himself.

When Michael returned to the café, Joshua looked at the key, “How many keys are there to the cabin.”

Jordan smiled understandingly at Joshua. “Honestly Josh I don’t know how many the caravan park have but I promise you, that is the only one they issued to me.” Joshua’s hand moved to discreetly cover the key.

Jordan then put the clothes on the table. “We bought these for you. Michael said you can exchange any you don’t like or are the wrong size. I don’t know how long you’ve been wearing what you have on, but we think you could do with some new clothes.”

The clothes didn’t quell Joshua’s concerns. They reignited them. “Are you staying in the caravan park?”

Cameron answered, “No we’re staying in a house down by the river.”

Joshua was still suspicious but now equally curious, “You didn’t ask me to stay there with you?”

Cameron responded, “Josh, if we said to you ‘hey we’ve got this house down by the river. Come and stay with us’ what would you say?”

Joshua had spent a lot of time during the day surfing and chatting with Cameron and caught the edge of humour in this serious question.

“I’d tell you to fuck off.” The tone was intimate but still serious.

“Just as you should, and why Jords and I went for the cabin idea instead.”

Joshua sank back onto the seat and looked at them, deep in thought. “You only met me today and you are doing all this for me. What are you expecting from me in return?”

Cameron took the risk and put his hand gently on Joshua’s shoulder, “None of what you’re thinking Josh. In that regard, Jords and I are enough for each other. We’re not looking for anyone else. All we want is to help you get your act together and know where you’re going.”

Joshua wanted to say “I have my act together and know where I’m going” but there were already cracks in that resolve. There was also something else nagging at him. Something that said he should trust these two strangers.

It was afternoon when Jordan stopped his car outside the cabin close to the caravan park entrance and they all stepped out. Joshua was holding Jordan’s backpack that carried the few new clothes Jordan had bought for him. Joshua didn’t want to exchange any of the items and fleetingly Jordan wondered why.

Joshua walked up the step to the door and used his key. He looked inside and smiled back at Cameron and Jordan. “This is so cool.”

Jordan moved forward and offered Joshua money. Joshua’s expression froze. “What’s this for. I thought you said. . “

Before Joshua could finish Cameron interrupted, “Josh, you need to have some money, even if just so you can buy a pizza and a drink from that pizza place just up the road.”

“That’s all?”

Jordan was still holding out the money and nodded, “Yeah.” Joshua slowly reached out and Jordan handed him the money. “By the way there are toiletries in the bottom of the backpack so you can have a shower and clean your teeth.”

Joshua smiled, “Thanks. Jords, can I use your board this evening while it’s still light?”

“Absolutely. Cam and I will get it off the racks for you.”

Cameron added, “Josh, this is where we are staying. Jords has written it on the back of his business card. If you need anything come around. It’s not far.”

Jordan parked the Lexus at the side of the house and then entered through the front door. They were barely inside when Cameron asked, “Well how do you think that went?”

“Better than I expected with the cabin and the clothes, but the money was still an issue.”

“And we both suspect why.”

“True, but he took it. That was positive.”

“So what do you want to do now?”

Jordan was almost lecherous, “First I want us to catch up on what we missed doing last night and this morning.” He took hold of Cameron’s hand and they walked to the bedroom.

Quickly naked and in bed they kissed passionately and lovingly. Their lips and tongues moved teasingly and were encouragingly erotic. Jordan whispered, “Cam I want us to be loving and I want to feel you lovingly inside me, but first I want to make sure you’re ready.”

He gently fingered and licked Cameron’s nipples. It wasn’t long before Cameron moaned, “Mmmm I’m so ready.”

“I just need to check.” Jordan licked his way down to Cameron’s hard cock and then slid his lips down to its base.

“Oh god. I’m now totally ready to make love to that incredibly sexy body of yours.”

“And babe I’m more than ready to take you.”

The western sky was ablaze with the setting sun illuminating the scattered clouds bronze when they headed exhausted for the shower. Both were accomplished home chefs but neither felt an urge to cook.

Cameron offered, “Why don’t we go and get a pizza and bring it back here?”

“I’ll be in that. We can pick up a bottle of wine at the same time.”

Jordan angle parked close to the pizza shop. The shop was predominately take away but had tables and seating extending across the footpath, where there were four small tables for patrons to sit and eat. Cameron nudged Jordan and pointed to one of the tables. Joshua and a girl his age or a bit younger were sitting and sharing the two pizzas in front of them.

At first it looked as if Joshua didn’t want to know them but when he recognized them, he smiled and waved them over. “Olivia, these are some surfer friends of mine, Jords and Cam. Basically, I’m using Jord’s board.”

“Great to meet you, Olivia. Do you surf?”

“Yeah mega, it’s how we met. We finished when it got dark and came here for something to eat. Then it’s home and school tomorrow for me.”

“Well, we need to go and order. See you two around tomorrow.”

They both replied, “Sure.”

Back at the house they sat in the cool of the front verandah enjoying the pizza and wine. The moon was reflecting off the stillness of the dark river. There were no dolphins or pelicans to disturb the surface.

“Did we see a budding friendship at the pizza shop?”

“Certainly, looked like it. I hope they’re sensible.”

“Me too, but I have a feeling that they are.”

Once the pizza and wine were consumed, they each contacted their parents to reassure them that they were enjoying their vacation. Jordan’s mother had stopped daily phone calls but appreciated regular updates. The calls weren’t as long as either mother would have liked.

‘Come on Jords. Bedtime, because tomorrow you are surfing with me at dawn. We can surf and watch the sunrise.”

On the way to the beach, they stopped at the cabin. Joshua and the surfboard were not there suggesting that he was already at the beach. What caught Jordan’s attention was that the clothes Joshua was wearing had been washed and were hanging on the railing to dry.

At the beach the sun was poking above the horizon. They collected their boards from the roof racks and walked towards the surf but were surprised to see Michael sitting at the tables outside the café.

“Morning Michael. Do you always open this early?”

“Morning guys. Nah. Only during busy times. I’m not open yet but this morning I wanted to keep an eye on Joshua and my daughter. She wanted to surf with him before school.”

“Olivia?”

Michael was puzzled. “Yeah, how’d you know?”

“Last night we met them outside the pizza shop sharing their pizzas.”

A sense of relief flowed over Michael. He looked at Jordan and Cameron, “Did you give him money?”

Jordan replied, “Yes, he didn’t have any and needed some to buy food.”

“That’s a relief. This morning, he offered to pay for the food I’d given him, and Olivia told me about them having pizza. I wondered how he got the money.”

Cameron looked at the surf, “Is that Olivia out there with him?”

“Yes. She needs to come in soon. She has to get ready to catch the school bus.”

“They seem to get on well.”

“Yeah,” and then with a tinge of concern, “She really likes him.”

Their attention was drawn to the surf where Olivia was riding a wave with Joshua following.

Michael commented, “He knows what he’s doing out there. Looks like a natural.”

They picked up their boards, waded out of the surf and trotted up the beach.

“Thanks Dad, I’m ready to go home. Will you drive me?”

“Sure, sweetheart.”

She turned to Joshua, “Can we meet up tonight?”

“Sure, if it’s OK with your ‘rents.”

Her face lit up. “Dad?”

“We’ll discuss it after school. Come on.”

“See ya,” was directed to Joshua and then she noticed Jordan and Cameron. “Oh hi, you’re Josh’s friends I met last night. The water’s great. Enjoy.” She waved as she followed her father. Joshua watched her leave.

“You like her. She seems nice.”

Joshua let out a long sigh and very quietly said, “Yeah I like her but she’s probably too nice for me.” He looked up and saw Jordan and Cameron watching him. “Come on guys. The surf’s waiting.”

Smiling, Cameron quickly followed him into the surf and started paddling out. Jordan stood on the wet sand with the expiring waves gently lapping his feet. He looked out just beyond the waves and felt the surf was beckoning to him. Wading into the surf he put his board in the water and started paddling out.

For a while the pod of dolphins arrived and frolicked in the surf with them before returning to deep water. Enjoying themselves and with no commitments, they didn’t notice how long they’d been out there. The sun was climbing in the sky and more board riders had joined them.

Jordan decided he needed coffee and something to eat. He communicated that to the others and the three of them agreed to stop after their next ride. Jordan went first and standing on the wet sand watched Joshua catch his wave. There was something about Joshua on that wave that again stirred feelings inside Jordan. Cameron followed and soon the three of them were carrying their boards towards the café.

They placed the boards on the grass and walked to the café bar and ordered coffee and a late breakfast. There seemed to be just a few others around as they sat at one of the tables. Michael brought out the coffee. “I’ll have your breakfasts ready soon.”

They were becoming comfortable with each other and the conversation was easy, especially as they started playfully ribbing each other about their surfing.

Having finished breakfast they stood, collected the rubbish and after separating it dropped it in the appropriate bins.

As they started to walk towards the boards on the grass, Joshua asked, “Coming out again?”

Jordan replied, “Sorry Josh, but I’m taking Cam for a walk through one of the littoral forests. There’s a nice track through there. You're welcome to join us if you want or you can keep surfing with those young guys out there." Jordan smiled warmly, "It's up to you.”

Joshua stopped them, looked at the ground and cleared his throat. “I’ve got something I want to tell you. I’ve been thinking. Last night in the cabin, and this morning out there. I want to thank you guys. You’ve basically saved by life.”

Jordan’s first thought was that Joshua was being dramatic but fortunately didn’t say anything as Joshua looked at the sand and continued.

“I came here to kill myself. I was going to swim out there and drown there. But you showed me you cared about me and wanted to help me. You didn’t want to just use me. Since being here and meeting you I’ve realized that people can care about me. If you can care about me, I should care about me and work to make my life better.”

Cameron and Jordan looked from Joshua to each other trying to comprehend the significance what they had just been told. Joshua was again looking down at the grass wondering if he had scared them by talking about suicide.

Cameron put a comforting arm over Joshua’s shoulder and spoke softly, “Josh, we’ve spent a lot of time together and I’ve come to know you and I’m really pleased that you want to live. I’d like you to continue to be in our lives. What I don’t understand is wanting to drown yourself. You’re a strong swimmer. That makes deliberately drowning very hard.” Cameron paused as another thought came to him. “And why did you come here to do it?”

“Why did I come here?” Joshua paused and looked around and out to sea, “This is where my brother died. A shark attack. I even thought that possibly it could happen to me.”

In the moments that followed, Jordan looked straight at Joshua, slowly closed the short distance between them, held Joshua by the shoulders and gently pulling him away from a startled Cameron. He held Joshua and stared at him.

“Adam was your brother!” Tears appeared in Jordan’s eyes. “Of course he was. I should have seen it. You have his deep sea blue eyes, and you carry that board and surf just like he did. Josh, I’m so sorry. I’m really so sorry. I tried to save him. I wanted him to live more than anything. I did all I could to save him.” Tears were streaming down Jordan’s face. “You’ve got to believe me I did all I could to save him.” He let go of Jordan and sank to his knees sobbing. “I did all I could, but it wasn’t enough. I loved him. I really loved him but I still couldn’t save him.”