Supposed To Be Somewhere Else

Arthur's left us the snacks and the water, said Emerald. Let's stay here all day.

Is it Friday? said  Ruby.

Yes, said Emerald.

Yeah, let's stay, agreed Ruby. Cos of school.

You said you were too old for school, said Baby Pierre. I heard you tell Arthur.

Yep, that's what we told Arthur, said Emerald.

Why don't you like school? asked Lavender. I would like school.

You wouldn't like our school, said Emerald. Every morning we do the same thing.

What's that? asked Lavender. Maths and physics?

Blowing noses, said Emerald. Which sucks. Then coughing and breathing. And exercise.

Lavender was silent, imagining blowing her nose.

So we'll go back on Saturday, said Ruby. That'll be better.

Our friends will be coming on Saturday, said Lavender. In the Jeep.

In the Jeep! echoed Emerald. That's so cool! Let's all wait for the Jeep.

.......

Arthur trudged on towards Gemtree. But he kept looking back.

Where were they? It was hot, and they had the water.

Everything had gone wrong. He was supposed to be learning to surf. And here he was, in the middle of nowhere with nothing but spinifex and dirt. He spotted a movement under a bush.

It was Ageless.

What are you doing there? asked Arthur.

Moulting, croaked Ageless, pick me up, will you.

Why? said Arthur.

My shell's too tight. Get me to the water, said Ageless.

Left it behind, said Arthur. Sorry.

Not that water, said Ageless. The water ahead, with the fish in. And dark crevices with pebbles and grit.

How do you know? asked Arthur.

I smell it, said Ageless.

I believe you, said Arthur.

He picked up the unfortunate Ageless by the legs and slung him over his shoulder.

In this way they travelled companionably until they came to a gate.