“Will it always be like this?” Raven asked as she began washing the dirty dishes in the sink. She’d been helping Janette prepare the Christmas turkey ready to start cooking in the morning.
“Having this many people over for Christmas?”
Raven wasn’t sure how they were going to feed so many people. Anne and her boyfriend were outside setting up tables and chairs which they’d borrowed from the town hall. Brumbie wasn’t the only one to lose his house, a young family with two young girls also lost everything. They were all coming here for Christmas Day lunch.
“No, Ben on the harvester when it’s Christmas tomorrow.”
“Yes, we don’t often manage to get the harvest finished before Christmas.”
Raven didn’t mind. At least there were still paddocks for Ben to reap. They came too close to being burned in the fire.
“I’ve been thinking,” said Janette suddenly.
“About what?”
“I’m moving out.”
Raven fumbled with the cup she was washing at the sink, just managing to hold the grip so it didn’t break. “What?”
“You heard me. I’m moving out.”
“You can’t.” Raven blurted out the words. This was the last thing she wanted. Now. A few days ago, she would’ve celebrated. So much had changed so quickly with the fires. Raven had seen what it meant to be part of a community and a family, all sticking together no matter what.
“I can so.”
“I don’t want you to.”
“You two love birds need your space.”
Raven hoped she wasn’t blushing at those words. “I’m sorry about the other day. It won’t happen again.”
“But it will.”
Fuck it better not, thought Raven.
“This is your home, and you’re staying,” said Raven.
“But you and Ben, well… you two need privacy.”
“We’ll just have to go on holidays, then.”
“Planning on going on a lot of them, are you?”
Raven quickly turned away to grab the dirty plates so Janette wouldn’t see the shock mixed with blushing on her face. Janette had a way of sharpshooting to the point, that was for sure. Raven grinned to herself, realizing she was getting used to it instead of being offended.
“If my graphic designs take off.”
“Better hope they take off then, you’ll need the money.”
“Damn right.” Raven smiled as she looked Janette straight in the eye. “So, it’s settled then. You’re staying and never moving out.”
“Let’s not say never.”
“Why?”
“Makes me think of dying.”
“Oh.” She let the plate she was washing drop back into the water with a soapy splash and forced Janette into an embrace. “You’re much too young to think of that.”
