Frontier - 31. FR Chapter 31

“Come over to the house at 6pm, and we can all go out for dinner at the tavern,” I said to the crew, as I lead my brothers off the yacht and then drove back to the house, where we all sat down at the dining table to do our homework. When Neale and Jedd had finished theirs, I let them go outside to play, once they had changed out of their school uniforms.

An hour before the others were due to arrive, I stopped doing my homework, and headed outside to check on the boys. I turned on the water pump to give the trees a good drink, and I checked on how they were going as the sprinklers were on. Back in the house, I had the boys take a shower and change to prepare going out for dinner, and when Simon, Jasper, Kirk and Leon arrived, we all drove into town in two cars for dinner.

“We have received some enquiries for charters while we were travelling from the Abrolhos Islands to Fremantle, and I had to defer one charter since we were still finishing one,” Jasper began to say, as we were halfway through eating dinner, getting everyone’s attention. “Two enquiries are for the new three-day charter from Fremantle to Jurien Bay and back, with the first one happening in three days on Friday. So, we have to clean up, restock, and head back to Fremantle tomorrow,” Jasper added.

“That is great news. What about the other two charters?” I commented, pleased that the new advertising seemed to be working.

“The second charter is also for three days, starting on the following Tuesday. So, we will have a one-day gap, then on return to Fremantle we will have another two-day gap before the next charter where we have a special request for a south bound charter to Albany, which will be three days and two nights leaving on the Sunday,” Jasper announced. Smiling, I nodded my head.

“I see no problem with that extra trip. Where will your overnight stops be?” I replied.

“We will have a short stop at Carnac Island, before heading down the west side of Garden Island, and stopping overnight at Busselton. Then we travel around the two capes, and stop at Augusta for our second night. With an early start on the 3^rd day, we will arrive in Albany at sunset,” Jasper replied.

“I am doing 6 hour shifts at the helm and Jasper is doing the other 6 hour shifts,” Simon added, pleased to be able to take on some more responsibility, and I smiled to him. At that moment, my phone rang, and looking at my phone I saw it was Mum calling.

“Hello, Mum. How is Gramps?” I said straight away.

“I am getting better thanks, Grandson,” came and unexpected voice. I was so happy to hear his voice.

“Hello, Gramps. You are sounding well too. It’s great to hear you,” I said. The boys came over to listen into the conversation, so I put my phone onto loud speaker.

“Hello, Gramps,” the boys chorused.

“Hello, Marcus,” Simon and Jasper said almost at the same time.

“Hi, Skipper,” Kirk and Leon said together.

“Wow, you are all together!” Gramps said in response to all the greetings.

“Yes, Gramps. We are having dinner out tonight, as the crew have to head back to Fremantle tomorrow, for three more charters over the next two weeks,” I announced.

“That is good news, Anton. I am so pleased that things are improving for you and the crew. Are you still going to go to university next year?” Gramps asked.

“Yes, I am, and I am relying on Jasper to keep things going, while I am away. I’m not sure what Simon’s plans are. We need to sit down and discuss it some more. Gramps, I have been seriously thinking about something regarding the trimaran since we have gained ownership of it again.

“We only paid a fraction of what the yacht is worth, and with Jasper taking ownership of the catamaran, I have been thinking that we need to make full payment. The way I thought was best, is to give them part ownership of the trimaran. So, if you are happy with the idea, I would like to split my half of the ownership, to give Vic and Rita a 25% ownership of the trimaran and its business,” I said to Gramps. There were a few moments of silence, before Gramps responded to the idea.

“How about we give them 10% share in the yacht and business, with you having 35% share, I have 35% and your brothers have 10% share each?” Gramps suggested.

I smiled as I saw a shocked look on my brothers faces, which made me chuckle a little.

“The boys are a little surprised, but I think that will be agreeable to all concerned,” I said to Gramps.

“Good. Well, I get out of hospital tomorrow, so your Mum and I will go to the lawyers tomorrow and finalise that arrangement, and send the information to Vic and Rita. I will talk to you all again soon. Bye for now,” Gramps said and he ended the call.

After we had all eaten, I took my brothers home, while Jasper and the crew headed back to the marina. Once the boys had prepared for bed, I read them a story, before they settled down to sleep. After I had locked up the house and had a shower, I too retired to bed for the night, to get a good night’s sleep, to be fresh for school in the morning.

When I woke in the morning, a little earlier than planned, I decided to head down to the marina to talk to the crew, leaving a note on the dining room table for my brothers – “Neale & Jedd, I have gone down to the Marina. Please have breakfast and get ready for school. I will be back in time to take you to school, Anton”. When I stepped onto the trimaran, I saw Jasper was in the formal lounge drinking a morning cuppa, and I walked straight in.

“Hey, Boss. What are you doing here?” Jasper said to me as he stood up and we both headed down to the galley. I sat down at the crew mess. “I am concerned about Simon missing too many days at school, so we need to resolve this somehow. I am going to suggest to him that he goes on distance education for the remainder of the year, so he will at least graduate with decent grades. So, I will need you to give him the free time to be able to do his studies,” I said to Jasper in a serious tone.

“Ok, Boss. We will adjust things so this can happen. I think Kirk and Leon can do some of the helm duties during the day. That will free up the time for Simon,” Jasper replied.

“Ok. Well, I better head back to the house and make sure my rascal brothers are up and getting ready for school. Have a safe trip to Fremantle, and I will see you when you get back,” I said to Jasper. I headed back upstairs, and drove back home.

The boys were eating breakfast when I arrived back, but they were still in their pyjamas. So, I had to quickly find their school clothes and get them dressed and ready for school. I delivered the boys to the junior school with five minutes to spare, and I had to rush to get to my locker, to get to my first class in time.

During the short morning break, I went to the administration building, to talk to the deputy principal. “Hello Anton, how can I help you today?” he asked as he motioned me into his office, and I sat down, in the available chair. “Sir, as you know I am best friends with Simon Adamson, but also he is my employee, and we have just taken on a number of charters, starting from tomorrow, so he won’t be attending school for a while, I was hoping that we can transfer him to distance education, so he can keep up with his studies while he is on charters” I announced to the deputy principal.

“Well, I see no problem with that, knowing that you are his friend and employer, although we usually deal with the student and their parents regarding these matters. So, leave it with me and I will start this process going. Is that all you wanted to speak to me about?” the deputy principal asked me as I stood up.

“Yes, Sir. Thank-you for your time,” I replied and I headed to my locker, to get my books for my next two classes.

At the end of the day, when the boys and I returned home, I had the boys change out of their uniforms and get started on their homework, while I went out to start the reticulation system to water all of the trees and the vegetables. Once that was done I started on the laundry, and cleaning up some of the house, which had been neglected a little with Mum being away.

By the time the boys and I sat down to delivered takeaway dinner, I was fairly worn out, having to do all the house duties, and I hadn’t even started on my homework yet. While the boys went to shower and get ready for bed, I cleaned up the kitchen and dining room. I sat down to relax for a little while when my phone rang, and looking at the caller ID, I could see that it was Mum or Gramps calling.

“Hello,” I said as I answered the call.

“You sound very tired there, Anton,” came Mum’s voice on the other end.

“Yes, Mum. It’s just been a long start of the week. I’ve been catching up on house work this afternoon, so I haven’t had time for homework yet,” I replied.

“Well don’t let it take up all of your spare time. The reason I have called is to let you know that Dad and I will be back home on Friday, so you only need to hang in there for a couple more days. We will see you on Friday,” Mum said to me.

“Ok, Mum, see you then,” I replied and I ended the call.

For the next few days, Neale, Jedd and I stuck to a routine each day, and I was glad when Friday finally arrived, knowing that when we returned from school in the afternoon, that Mum and Gramps would be home. I was a little surprised, when instead of seeing Gramps vehicle parked in the driveway, a local police vehicle was there waiting for us, and my stomach started to feel very uneasy, as I parked near the front door.

As I opened my door, I saw Anita and her work partner step out of the police vehicle and walk towards us.

“Hello, Anton. Can we go inside to talk,” Anita said to me, and looking at the boys I quickly decided what to do.

“Boys, can you go inside. Get out of your uniforms and start on your homework please,” I said to them, as I handed Neale the house keys. They dashed off to do as I had asked. “Ok, what is it that you want to tell me. Does it have anything to do with my mother and gramps?” I asked facing Anita again.

“Yes, I am afraid it does. Anton, when do you turn 18 years old?” Anita asked me.

“April next year. Why do you ask?” I replied as I became more concerned.

“Because I am sorry to inform you, that your mum and gramps were in a bad road accident on the Indian Ocean Drive, shortly after noon today. Your gramps is still alive and in a critical condition, but your mum was killed instantly,” Anita said as I sank to my knees, and started to cry quietly.

After some time, I calmed down a little, and I looked up to Anita.

“So, what happens now?” I asked her.

“Well, we usually need to have a responsible adult look after the boys. I have called Jasper’s uncle, and he is on his way down from Leeman now. He will stay here, until we come up with a plan that will acceptable to everyone,” Anita replied.

I pulled out my phone and I dialled the yacht sat phone. I handed it to Anita.

“Hello, Jasper. It is Anita here. Where are you at the moment?” she said as soon as the call was answered. I already had a good idea where the yacht was. “I see. When you arrive at Boulanger Island, can you come over to the mainland by dinghy? I need to speak to you on an urgent matter, that cannot be talked about over the phone,” Anita said to Jasper. Soon after she ended the call and handed the phone back to me.

“Thanks for doing that for me. I will go and talk to the boys, I guess you will bring Jasper and Simon over when they arrive just after 9pm tonight,” I said to Anita, who smiled and nodded her head. Then they left to deal with other work matters, and I grabbed my backpack and stumbled into the house. I sat in the lounge room for a while.

“What’s wrong, Anton? You don’t look very well,” Jedd said to me, and I realised that both of my brothers were standing in front of me.

“Sit down, Boys. I have something that I have to tell you,” I said to my brothers. I informed them of our mother’s accident, and comforted them and for the next hour or so, as they went through the process of shock and mourning the loss of their mother.

Isaac arrived shortly after I had broken the news to the boys, and he helped me to comfort the boys. He organised takeaway dinner for all of us, and we organised the boys to shower and get ready for bed. At about 9.30, there was a knock on the front door, and I went to answer it. As soon as I opened the door, Simon rushed forward and wrapped me in a tight hug.

“I’m so sorry that you have lost your mum. I am here for you. All you have to do is ask,” he said to me softly, before stepping aside to let Jasper enter, along with Anita, who was in casual clothes now.

“Hey, Mate. Anita filled us in as soon as we landed at the marina. We are sorry to hear this terrible news,” Jasper said to me as he too wrapped me in a hug. Eventually we made our way to the lounge room to sit down, except for Simon, who went to the kitchen to organise drinks.

Once hot drinks had been served, Simon got to work cleaning up the kitchen and dining table, from the dinner, which was only half eaten.

“So, Anton, have you had any thoughts on what you want to do regarding the boys?” Anita asked me.

“No, not really. I have been trying to help the boys get through all the emotions of losing their mum,” I replied and there was a long period of silence. Letting out a loud sigh, I looked round the room.

“Jasper, can you please continue with the three charters that we have on the books. Simon, I had a chat with our deputy principal the other day, to get you onto distance education, so you can keep working and still get an education. I have already spoken to Jasper regarding making sure that you have spare time to do your studies. I may be doing the same thing. I am still trying to get my head around everything, so nothing is definite yet.

If Isaac is agreeable, I would welcome his assistance in regards to the legal side of guardianship of the boys, since I am not old enough to do that, although I did think about Jasper, but that makes it difficult when you are skippering the yacht. I received an email from Gramps the other day, confirming the changes to the partnership of the trimaran and chartering business. He also added a note to it, saying that in the case of anything happening to him, that I would inherit 17% of his share, while the boys would each inherit 9%,” I said to everyone gathered.

“Yes, I am happy to help out with anything to help the boys. How about we take them to the farm for a couple of days, to try and distract them a little,” Isaac announced.

“Yes, that is a great idea. Thank-you. Anita, would you be able to contact the deputy principals from both the junior and senior school, and let them know that the boys and I won’t be at school all of next week please? I need to start preparations,” I said to everyone.

“I can help you with the details on that matter. I will come over in the morning, to fill you in on everything,” Anita said to me, as she stood up and said good night and made her way out of the house. Once Simon and Jasper had left, I helped Isaac to get settled in for the night, before checking on the boys, then heading to bed. The next morning as I was drinking my second cup of tea, while chatting to Isaac, the boys staggered into the living area, still dressed in their pyjamas. It looked like they hadn’t slept very well.

“Good morning, Boys. Do you remember Simon’s grandfather, Isaac?” I said to the boys who quietly said hello, before sitting at the dining table. I gave them a bowl of cereal each, so they could eat. “We are going up to Isaac’s farm for a few days. So, can you guys pack a weekend bag each? We will be going soon after breakfast, although I will be coming up separately after lunch time, as I have a few important tasks, I need to do, before I come to the farm,” I announced to the boys, who didn’t look too happy.

After coping with a mixture of emotions with the boys, I managed to convince the boys to travel with Isaac to the farm. Once they had gone, I prepared a weekend bag for myself, finishing just as Anita arrived.

“Hi, Anton. How are you feeling today?” Anita asked as I let her into the house.

“It could be better. I have been battling with the boys trying to convince them to go to the farm with Isaac. They left about half an hour ago, so they should be arriving there soon,” I said just as my phone beeped with a message.

“Hi, Anton. We have arrived at the farm. The boys are amazed with all the animals, which is a good sign. See you later this afternoon, Isaac.”

I smiled when I read the message. “They have arrived at the farm, so that’s one thing I don’t have to worry about for now,” I said to Anita, and we sat down in the lounge, where Anita talked to me about the process of dealing with a family death, and organising a funeral.

After three phone calls, with Anita’s assistance, everything that needed doing had been organised, and I was able to relax a little.

I also received a text message from Jasper. “I have postponed the third charter, explaining the sudden death within the family, and the guests were happy to delay the charter for a week, Jasper”. I showed the message to Anita, who nodded and smiled.

“With your plans for a cremation, can I suggest that maybe the family and crew, go out to sea and spread the ashes out in the ocean,” Anita suggested, which I thought was a great idea.