Title: Postcard
Author: Esme
Date: 7th Septemer 1999
Category: ??
Disclaimer: I do not own anything associated with Water Rats. The characters in this story that you recognise probably belong to Hal McElroy, Southern Star and the Nine Network. If there are characters you do not recognise, then they belong to me [so don't steal them unless you ask me first].
Author's Notes: ah well, it's another happy one, but we need them! I think this was in a reply to a challenge that said something like "write the first postcard or letter from Frank [after he sailed away] to Rachel".
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Postcard
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Rachel looked nervously up at the departure board. It was a big step. Should she do it? The main thing holding her back was David, but they'd talked about it and he'd told her to go. He was so mature and grown up about it. She sighed as she thought about the day when he would be completely grown up. She never wanted that day to come.
She pulled the postcard out of her pocket and read it again, even though she'd already memorised it.
Rachel
I'm in Brisbane so I decided to send the promised postcard. I bought this jumbo-sized one, coz there's lots to tell you. I know you thought I'd only get as far as this, but I'm keeping on going til I get to Venezuela. The sailing is amazing. Just me and the wide wide ocean. The freedom and everything, it's just perfect. Well, not quite perfect. You know what I mean. I know you said you couldn't, but it's still not too late to join me. I know there's David, but he'll be there when you get back. Everything will still be there when we get back. Come for a couple of weeks at least. Flights to Brisbane aren't very expensive at this time of year, and I had a bit of an accident coming in here, so I won't be leaving for another two weeks. While the boat's being fixed I'm staying at the 'Dockside Apartment Hotel'. Nice huh? It was close to the marina. Anyway, think about it.
Take care,
Frank
Why was this so hard? Well she knew why, but David had wanted her to go; and Frank was right, he'd still be here when she got back. Then the announcement came over. "The 10am flight to Brisbane is boarding now. Could all passengers please proceed to departure gate 5."
She took a deep breath. Then a voice came from behind her. "Send us a postcard, won't you." Rachel turned around "Helen" Rachel looked so guilty. Like a rat caught in a trap.
"I followed you here. You've been so jumpy lately and then you suddenly took long service leave. I just knew there was something up I'm glad you're going."
Helen gave Rachel a tight hug as another call came over "This is the final boarding call for the 10am flight to Brisbane. Could all passengers please proceed directly to departure gate 5."
"Have fun," said Helen, "And send us that postcard from"
"Venezuela!" grinned Rachel. She quickly went through departure gate 5. She turned and waved to Helen. This was it. She felt so impulsive and foolish, but this was a once in a lifetime chance. Her, Frank, a boat, and the wide wide ocean.
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end
hope you enjoyed it! feedback - erinwilson@trump.net.au
