The marks? says Arthur, when Sweezus has ended his call to the office.
THE marks, says Sweezus. How freakin' awesome is that?
What for, marks? says Arthur, not really caring.
Not what for, WHO, says Sweezus. Oh yeah. Sorry. MARX! THE Karl Marx, not MARKS marks.
And? says Arthur.
Come on, says Sweezus. This'll be huge. I've got an assignment. Interview Marx for Velosophy.
For money? asks Arthur.
Perhaps he will get his new surfboard after all.
It's not a long story.
Arthur had a good surfboard and he lost it.
One morning it floated away.
Perhaps a shark ate it.
It belonged to Surfing-With-Whales, who doesn't know yet that it's happened.
Arthur wants a new one. A Modern Blackfish Tangerine long board. They cost five hundred and fifty five dollars.
Yeah, for money, says Sweezus. Let's go.
They grab their bikes and set off for the city.
The sea slaps and sizzles, the wind whips, the seagulls are sorry.
........
Gaius and Rosamunda stop off at Mrs Swales' house.
Hello Gaius! says Lauren. Long time no see! Who's your companion?
Rosamunda Secunda, says Rosamunda.
You remind me of someone, says Lauren Swales.
Moon Goddess Chang'e? says Rosamunda. On Chinese stamps?
No, not that, says Lauren. Pity you people have missed Bob, He's just left for the city.
( Eee! Bob! This is the embarassing real name of Surfing-With-Whales. You can't control mothers).
Time for a cuppa? asks Lauren.
Yes please, says Gaius, who is already feeling quite dry.
.........
They drink tea at the kitchen table.
I know! says Lauren.
What? asks Gaius.
Who she reminds me of, says Lauren. Arthur! In a feminine way of course. Are you related?
No, says Rosamunda. But I know him quite well.
Ah, says Lauren. I have this sixth sense, you see.
Don't we all, says Gaius.
No, says Lauren. Bob certainly doesn't.
Just then there's a knock on the door.
.........
Hi Mrs Swales, says Sweezus, Could you let Surfing-With-Whales know we're heading back to the city. I've got a job on.
Why yes, says Lauren Swales. Is Arthur with you?
No, says Sweezus. He's gone on ahead of me.
(Arthur is out on the road)
Aw, says Lauren. Well, you might see Bob, anyway. He's also headed for the city. He's going to Tassie with someone you know.
She winks, like the wrong sort of mother.
Who? asks Sweezus. Shit! I mean, sorry........ not Unni?
Yes, says Lauren, triumphant. Her boy has his old girlfriend back. Who knows what respectable outcomes may follow. A wedding?
Sweezus' thoughts are somewhat different.
What the fuck's Unni up to?
Gaius is here, with Rosamunda, says Lauren. Want to come in?
No time, says Sweezus. Say I said hi. See 'em later. In the city. Gotta go. Bye Mrs Swales.
He races back down the path to tell Arthur.
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