The Blue Bowl

He had a hazy recollection of the fight. The hotel security guard insisted that he’d been the instigator.

‘Him... with the black hair started it,’ he’d yelled pointing, and the police officer took Joey’s details. He was charged with disorderly conduct. Joey and his friends Phil and Moz had been watching football at the sports bar. Moz didn’t appreciate the drunken bloke beside him denigrating his team. It was a blur after that. They each got a $4OO.OO fine. Joey’s parents didn’t believe it when they heard the news of the altercation. He’d never been in trouble before. His sister Amy gave it away.

‘Joey was lucky just getting a fine the other night... Oh! You haven’t heard about that?’ she’d let slip.

And then there was Mel. ‘A drunken pub brawl! Thank God I wasn’t there to be humiliated,’ she’d screeched, and continued on to highlight the differences in their attitudes, personalities and backgrounds. Joey and Mel’s developing relationship had stumbled and fallen. He’d explained the circumstances at the pub and despite his pleas, she remained intransigent. He’d wanted it to work, to be a couple. Friends were dropping out of the regular pubs and clubs scene and into BBQs and dinner parties. The time was right and Mel had talked about settling down.

‘You could buy the cottage from your dad. The backyard veggie gardens will be perfect with some work,’ she’d suggested to Joey only a week ago and given him an encouraging hug. His father’s country cottage was the perfect getaway for Joey and Mel. They’d spent many weekends there and had even decorated the place together. Joey’s dad was pleased it was being used.

Mel contacted Joey shortly after the incident. They were to meet at the cottage on Saturday morning for Mel to collect the items she believed were hers. ‘I paid for those with my money Joey... and I’d like to keep what’s mine,’ she’d declared. The phone call was terse and brief but at least the meeting presented Joey an opportunity.

He pulled into the dusty driveway with a dragging sensation in his gut. Mel had parked her car at the side of the cottage. She stood on the narrow veranda in front of the door with her phone in hand.

‘Hi Mel.’ Joey flashed his best smile. It had been three weeks since their break-up.

‘I was about to ring you. We said ten o’clock.’

‘Yeah, there was a bit of traffic,’ Joey glanced at his watch. ‘it’s only ten past.’

Geezus, this wasn’t starting well. He slotted his key into the door and opened it.

‘I want to get this all sorted — that’s all.’ Mel hurried through the open door into the lounge room. ‘Let’s start here.’

Joey watched her move, dark hair shining, cotton patterned skirt floating around her long legs — and her scent.

The items they’d bought weren't expensive: a few small paintings, pieces of local pottery. It was an hour’s drive to the cottage from town — why would she bother?

‘I’d like to keep that bowl.’ Mel pointed at a bluish glazed pottery bowl on the side table. She’d picked that one out at the local markets; Joey had preferred the wine goblets.

‘How are you getting on with your mother?’ Joey recalled Mel’s vivid descriptions of arguments with her mother Joan. ‘I need to move out soon. She’s driving me crazy,’ she’d moaned.

Joey had understood the difficulties Mel had with her mother from the moment he’d met her. ‘You’d get a much better job if you had a university degree,’ she’d advised Joey the first time he’d visited.

‘We’re getting along fine. She’s been nice to me lately.’

Joey’s breakup with Mel seemed to have made her more agreeable.

Mel picked up the blue bowl, held it up and stared at Joey.

‘Oh, sure... I don’t really care what you take Mel. But I was hoping we would talk today.’

‘Please Joey, we’ve done enough talking. We’re not right for each other.’

She plonked the bowl back on the side table. ‘I knew this would happen.’

‘Okay, sorry, I thought maybe after some time apart you might have missed me a little... like I’ve missed you.’

‘I have missed you, but that doesn’t mean...’ Mel turned at the sound of a vehicle pulling into the driveway. ‘Are you expecting someone?’

‘No.’

They both hurried to the open front door.

‘Hi, Joey.’ A smiling slim woman in jeans, boots and long sleeve checked shirt waved as she walked towards them.

‘Hey, Ash, long time, what are you doing here? Thought you were in Brisbane.’

‘I noticed the cars. Thought it might be you. I’m home for a break.’ She grinned and wrapped her arms around Joey’s neck.

‘Mel, this is Ashley, my next-door neighbour. We used to hang out together as kids. Dad sold most of his property to Ash’s family when he retired.’

Mel held out her hand. ‘Nice to meet you.’

‘Come in Ash. We’re just... ah, tidying up the place.’ Joey glanced quickly at Mel.

Ash appeared different from when he’d seen her years ago. Not so much in looks — more confident, perhaps.

‘You’re looking good Joey, been going to the gym?’ Ashley inspected his lean frame up and down. Mel casually assessed the preoccupied Ashley.

‘Yeah, there’s one close to my apartment.’ The sweaty effort was paying off.

‘Geez, the old cottage is in good shape.’ Ashley wandered through the open lounge gazing from side to side. ‘Are you guys staying here tonight?’

‘I love this place,’ Mel chirped. ‘It’s a great weekender. Joey’s dad is keen for us to use and maintain it.’ Mel half-smiled. ‘And you’re visiting on your own?’

Joey’s eyes narrowed. Why not admit they weren’t staying — not tonight, or any other night? Joey’s frowning face was carved in stone.

‘Yeah, my friends visit their families this time of the year, same as me.’

‘And your Boyfriend?’ Mel’s delicate eyebrows rose.

‘Too busy for that with uni. Vet science is full-on with study and practical work.’ Ash turned to towards Joey smiling. ‘And I can thank Joey for that. He encouraged me to do it. Never thought I’d make it.’

‘C’mon Ash, you’ve always loved animals: snakes, bugs, you name it — I can’t imagine you doing anything else.’

‘Yeah, but you were the one who wanted to be a vet. I was lucky with two brothers to stay and help on the farm.’

‘That’s the way it goes.’ Joey could feel Mel’s eyes burning through him.

‘I’ll be at home until the new year. If you guys want to catch up for a drink, call me.’ Ashley’s gaze flicked from Joey to Mel. She pulled a phone from her jeans and gave Joey her number.

‘Nice to meet you, Mel.’ Ashley smiled at her, skipped to Joey, kissed his cheek, turned and hurried out the front door with a parting wave.

‘Friendly girl,’ Mel mumbled, watching Ashley through the window as she got into her car and drove away.

Joey and Mel stood for a moment in silence as they recollected their reasons for being there.

‘There’re two paintings in the bedroom you might want,’ Joey sauntered toward the open door. Mel followed him. Being in this room with her, stoked the ache in Joey’s belly.

‘Did you do well enough to get into Uni?’  Mel’s question took him by surprise.

‘Yeah, I did, but I had to work on the farm.’ Joey moved from one side of the room to the other. He removed the two small paintings from the walls.

‘So, why don’t you do it now? Your father’s retired and you’re finished with farming.’

‘That opportunity passed me by.’ He looked down at the paintings clutched in his hands and placed them gently on the four-poster bed.

‘You’re still young — you won’t do any good in that bloody warehouse. A worthwhile career is important for your self-esteem. You could be a teacher. We would have so much in common if you did that. I could help with assignments.’

Joey’s forehead furrowed. ‘Hang on! You’re here collecting your stuff because we have separated. You decided we are not suited to each other — remember. So, what are you saying?’

‘I realise perhaps I’m being capricious... and I’m sorry, but I thought you were only interested in manual work, farming, machinery, you know. There are so many other opportunities.’ Mel beamed.

Joey would Google the meaning of ‘capricious’ later. He took hold of Mel’s hand and drew her close — the aroma of her perfume was intoxicating. ‘Are you saying we will stay together if I study and get a better job?’

‘That depends on you,’ she grabbed Joey’s other hand. ‘But yes... that’s what I’m saying.’ She stood up on tiptoes and kissed him softly on the lips.

He’s felt sure Mel could hear his heart thumping. ‘Why don’t we stay here tonight?’

Mel retreated half a step but held his hands. ‘I can’t; Mum’s expecting me home by lunch. I’ll come to see you tomorrow though, and we can discuss your future career. I’m excited for you Joey... and for us.’

                            ***

The following day, Sunday afternoon, and Mel arrived at Joey’s first-floor apartment. She leapt up the stairs and knocked on the front door. She’d given back her key three weeks ago. Joey opened the door and Mel pranced into the lounge room with a confident smile. Before she could say a word Joey spoke.

‘Mel, I’ve been thinking about this since yesterday. I’ve decided on my career. It came to me almost as soon as you left the cottage. I could hardly sleep last night.’

Mel stared at him, waiting, with eyes opened wide.

‘I’m joining the army.’ A grin split his face. ‘Oh and here... I brought this for you.’ He held out the blue pottery bowl from the cottage.