Chater four

Dad drove the Ute out of the main part of town. We passed over the bridge at the Taha Aki River, the road snaking north, the houses flashing past us, growing farther and farther apart. Then we were past the other houses all together, driving through a misty forest. I was trying to decide whether to ask or be patient. When dad turned into an unmarked road, barely visible among ferns and trees.

The Ute snaked amoungsted ancient trees. Finally I couldn't stand it.

I asked, "Dad? You sure we're not lost? The houses stopped a while back."

Dad was confident,"Just wait."

Then after a few miles, there was some thinning of the woods, we were suddenly in a small clearing, or was it a lawn?

Then suddenly a house appeared.

The trees, among the side of the lawn, had a protecting shadow right were the walls of the house that rose among them, raping around the porch on the first story.

I don't know what I had expected but it definitely wasn't this.

The house was graceful, and probably a hundred years old. It was painted a soft faded white, three stories tall and rectangular.

Dads Ute was the only car in sight. I could hear a river close by, hidden in the forest.

"Wow"

"Come on. You've got to see it inside."

I was confused, "How do you know what it looks like inside?"

Dad looked guilty,"Well, this is weird, but I kind of met your mother here when I was once passing though."

This was rare, dad never, I repeat, never, talks about mum.

Tears were glistening in his eyes. "Come, dad. You have a new friend waiting."

This cheered him up, "Yes, and you hopefully have a new bike."

Entering the house we were greeted by a man in his mid thirties. He had wispy blonde hair, warm grey eyes and smile lines.

I amidently like this guy. Charlie held his hand out, smiling like he was attempting to calm a wild animal.

"I'm Charlie. I hope you enjoy Coaltown."

Taking his had,"We have already."

"I'll have have my son show Alice around and the bike."

I was a bit nerves,"Where is he?"

"Down at the back by the garage," his smile faulted a bit, "be careful with him O.K?"

"Why do people keep warning me about him? Stop acting like I'm trying to tame a wild animal." God I've already grown protective over a person I haven't met before.

Charlie actually grimaced at this. "Just be prepared."

Whats a beta?