By Quarry Lake by Josephine Myles

By Quarry
Lake
by Josephine
Myles
     
    The river
wasn’t the same as when he’d left it.
    Tommy had
thought that here at least he’d be safe. Be able to pick up the
threads of his old life, pre-university. Pre
running-away-to-London. Because nothing ever changed in sleepy
rural Somerset, did it?
    But what he
remembered as a joyful, gurgling river now was little better than a
stagnant ditch, the rocks in its path barely causing a ripple on
the glassy surface of the water. The moss line on the far bank
revealed just how much lower the water was running than usual. All
these weeks without rain, the sun beating down mercilessly. It had
been bad enough back in the city, but he’d expected relief from the
stifling heat out in the countryside.
    Yeah, like that
was the only reason he’d wanted to get back here.
    Did Rob even
know he was back?
    And if he did,
would he care?
    Tommy sighed
and trudged down the pathway. The year-round mud of his youth was
now a hard, cracked surface, the only remnants of the boggiest
places a shrinking area of sticky, clay-like mud. It was meant to
be cooler here in the woods. He’d planned to paddle in the
shallows, reconnecting with old haunts before taking those steps
down the pathway to the Carvers’ farm. Prepare himself to meet with
Rob again.
    But maybe there
was no way to prepare for their meeting. Should he appear with an
apology on his lips, or just try to pick up where things left off?
Before the kiss, that was. The kiss that changed everything.
    Fuck it. He’d
clear his head with a swim instead.
    It took him a
few moments to recognise the turning. A tree had fallen, confusing
him. But with every step he took up the narrow pathway the memories
returned, crowding him.
    Bumping
shoulders with Rob, laughing about something they’d both watched on
telly.
    Carrying
fishing rods and bait buckets, telling themselves they definitely
weren’t turning into their dads.
    Dashing after
each other in their swimming trunks, yelling about finding pirate
treasure.
    Swimming
trunks. He hadn’t even thought to bring them with him. But it
didn’t matter, did it? Not at Quarry Lake. Not if it was still his
and Rob’s secret.
    Tommy increased
his pace. The thought of slipping into the cold water, having it
kiss his skin all over, made him shiver with longing. That was what
he needed. Everything would make sense again in the water. He knew
it.
    ***
    The pasture was
starting to singe under the heat of the July sun. Rob Carver stood
at the top of the hill, eyes shaded by the brim of his hat, and
surveyed the land around him. The cattle had all moved down to the
bottoms, lying in the shade of the willows. The grass there was
still green, but for how much longer?
    Pointless
wondering about it. The best he could do was to keep the herd well
watered and hope he didn’t have to buy in any feed.
    Rob whistled
for Lex. The collie came bounding up from wherever she’d been
hiding, and he reached down to pet her behind the ears.
    “You feeling
hot, old girl? Fancy a swim?” Her panting sped up. He could swear
she was nodding her head in response. “Come on then. Let’s take a
break.”
    They headed
down through the high meadows, butterflies flitting lazily through
the wildflowers around them. His father had been talking about
cutting the hay a month early this year, seeing as how it was all
pretty much dried out before it was even cut. If they left it too
late, it would be worthless as winter feed. But the thought of
spending the next week out here on a tractor in this relentless
heat, arms burning and dust flying up into his face...
    Rob shook his
head and strode through the long grass, feeling it whip against his
shins. No point wallowing in self-pity. He’d chosen this life.
Loved this land. He knew how to make the best of it. Compromise was
a way of life. The small rebellions against his father were all the
sweeter in contrast to his usual obedience.
    Like now. He
should be heading back to the barns and