Promises

Reedy has raided the freezer.

He has brought out some frozen pastries, on a flat tray.

They look nice, says Louisa. What are they?

Bethmännchen and bienenstich, says Reedy.

He goes back inside the blue caravan.

Creak!

Terence watches the pastries sweat in the sun. 

This is the worst Christmas ever, says Terence.

It's not Christmas till tomorrow, says Louisa. I'll find you a present.

Yay! says Terence. 

We can't eat these, says Polynesia, looking at the pastries.

You certainly can't, says Gaius. Do you eat insects?

We do, says Polynesia.

Well, look closely, says Gaius. 

There are flies on the pastry.

That does it, says Louisa. I'm not eating those. Coming Terence?

Okay, says Terence. Coming, parrots?

Not yet, say both Polynesias, eying the flies.

Reedy comes out with two beers and a red drink in a tea cup.

This is for you, little guy, says Reedy. 

What is it? asks Terence.

Ribena, says Reedy. It's got Vitamin C.

Drink it, and then we're leaving, says Louisa. 

Already? says Reedy. The pastries aren't even defrosted.

Flies, says Louisa.

What flies? asks Reedy.

Ducks ate them, says Louisa.

Well then, says Reedy.

Louisa finishes her beer. Okay. Now I'm going back to my place to get ready for Christmas. 

See ya. says Reedy. 

I'm going too, says Terence. And my parrots.

They're ducks, says Reedy. Is that what you're having? Ha ha! Only kidding.

You can all come, says Louisa. 

She sticks her head round the wooden door, and peers into the caravan.

Arthur and Sweezus are drinking beer, and picking at frozen baked apples.

My place tomorrow, for Christmas dinner, says Louisa. 

Cool, says Sweezus. What time?

Lunch time, says Louisa. Don't be late.

She heads for her bike on the other side of the sand hills.

Hey! She forgot me, says Terence.

Never mind, says Gaius. 

The Polynesia duck-parrots wonder how this is a life of adventure.