| |
When Aaron called Lee to tell her of Jarra's call from Australia she had not long arrived back at her motel room from the photo location session a hundred miles out in the Mojave Desert; it was Zack's assignment really, she was there to assist him. They had driven there, it was only two hours on the freeway. They had planned a five day shooting schedule and had just completed day two.
Zack was in the room with Lee; he had switched the television on and was slumped into the well-stuffed couch, reclining along its length.
'Well, what do you think baby?' Aaron asked Lee. 'We might be able to help.'
'Of course, if he thinks we can, we should.'
Aaron was surprised at Lee's willingness: between his ceremonial spearing and the beach battle of the Wandjina, there had been a remarkable change in his wife.
Lee turned to look at Zack as she spoke to her husband.
'You make whatever arrangements are necessary... we can talk further about it when I get home tonight.'
Zack raised himself from his prone position.
'Okay baby... but I don't think we should leave right away, there is no hurry for you to come home just yet.'
'No... I'll come home tonight Aaron,' she said, aiming her words at Zack.
'Great... I miss you baby.'
'I miss you too darling.'
'Love you.'
'Love you too... see you soon.'
As she hung up she headed for the closet and pulled down her suitcase.
Zack followed behind her at a distance.
'Home?...' he said knowing.
'Yes Zack, he needs me. We're going back to Australia and .... '
She was stuck for words.
'You don't have to say anything Lee, really I understand. I can manage tomorrow, I'll call the agency and get someone out here for the rest of the shoot.'
He went to the window and looked out, deep in thought as Lee continued to pack. She moved about swiftly and had everything in her case in a few minutes.
'I don't know when we'll be back,' she said.
'I know... it's okay,' he said and opened the door.
He took the bag from her and helped her to the car.
They kissed and hugged and he watched her drive away. It was early evening, windless and quiet. The desert was dark, the sparse foliage was in silhouette against the sky which glowed soft red at the horizon.
As she drove along the secondary road prior to reaching the freeway, Lee felt an excited rush inside, at the pit of her stomach. She was once again going to the place she held precious, that had stirred her so much spiritually. A distinct chill swept through the car and Lee felt the coldness of the desert autumn air touch her. She shuddered, turned up the car's heater and took a firm hold of the steering wheel.
Just before reaching the freeway she pulled in under an all-weather awning at a gas station and refuelled. The drive to Berkeley was not so stimulating: she felt awkward about leaving Zack on his own. She knew it wasn't a very professional thing for her to do.