Family Farm by Fiona Palmer Read Free Book Online Page A

dream.
    Alice had convinced her to stay for dinner that night and had prepared a feast. Rob had been quiet the whole night and Izzy found it very uncomfortable. Luckily they had the distraction of the kids.
    The next morning they stood together as a family waving her goodbye. She was sure she was doing the right thing for Alice, Emma and Chris. And for Rob. She didn’t hate him. She couldn’t, after all he’d given her, but she was very angry and hurt. One day she hoped they could meet on better terms. She’d love to come back and see the kids and Alice again.
    Izzy now searched her mother’s eyes. Did Jean agree with what she’d done? ‘I racked my brain, Mum, and I’m positive I didn’t do anything to lead him on or give him the wrong impression. I can’t believe I never saw this coming.’
    Jean put her hand on her daughter’s and gave it a squeeze. ‘I know you wouldn’t have done anything to encourage him. These things happen. It certainly wasn’t your fault.’
    ‘But, Mum, I feel bad for Alice. She doesn’t even know. I still feel as if I’ve betrayed her, even though I haven’t. It’s not fair. I already miss Alice and the kids so much.’ Izzy shook her head. ‘I’m hoping that, with me gone, Rob’ll realise what a fool he’s been and remember that he still loves Alice. But the idiot keeps calling me!’
    ‘He’ll stop when he realises you’re not going back. He wouldn’t leave his farm. One day he’ll see how stupid he was and how close he came to losing it all. You were right to leave, Izzy.’ Jean said the words she knew her daughter needed to hear.
    Izzy turned her head to the crowd outside. ‘God, how many heard me out there?’
    ‘Not many,’ said Jean reassuringly, but her eyes told another story.
    ‘I might just hide in here for a while,’ Izzy said, as her cheeks began to burn.
    Jean stood up. ‘Well, don’t stay for too long. This party was for you, remember.’
    ‘Yeah, a good impression I’ve made so far,’ she said sarcastically, before they both laughed. Izzy watched her leave. Thank God she had her mum to confide in. Sometimes poor old Tom just wasn’t enough.
    Eventually she made her way back outside and used the moment to give Aunt B her present. She found her sitting tightly packed into a plastic chair on the verandah.
    ‘Hiya, Aunt Betty. I have a little something for you.’ Izzy gave her a hug and produced the gift.
    ‘Oh, you shouldn’t have, pet.’ Aunt Betty’s thick fingers opened the present gently. ‘My, it’s gorgeous. Thank you. I know just where to put it.’ She wrapped Izzy up against her bright flowery dress and hugged her again. They chatted for a while and Aunt Betty invited her over for afternoon tea on the weekend. ‘I’ve invited Jess over as well. She’s such a lovely girl. You two used to come over all the time for my chocolate slice and sponges. Have you caught up with her since you’ve been home?’
    Izzy smiled as she thought about Jess. She was probably not in the good books with her as they’d lost contact quite soon after Izzy had moved away. But she’d love the chance to catch up with her old friend. She was the daughter of the Painters who lived about twenty kilometres away on their farm, Glencoe. ‘No, I haven’t yet, so that sounds like a plan. You’re a gem. I should have thought to invite her today, but I’m still just getting into the swing of things.’
    ‘Ah, you’ll have your roots replanted soon enough.’ Aunt Betty waved her away with a wink.
    Izzy got herself another drink, then went and said hello to Uncle Jim, Betty’s husband. There was no one else close to her age except for Will, as only closest friends and neighbours had been invited. She’d been away for so long she didn’t know who’d be left in the district of her age. You could usually count on the blokes hanging around, as they’d work the farms, but most girls would have moved to a bigger town or shifted to the city. At least it