(prompt- ‘ticket’ – 21/2/2020)
You didn’t believe it all ended there – with that jaunty little sailing vessel, the ever-valiant Volkswagen having spent the night at sea? No way. The next damsel in distress was the young lovely our hero was gallivanting with when he came to grief (see last two stories, ‘Steer Clear 1&2’ if you have no idea what I’m talking about – or need a refresher?).
“But how shall I get home now?” With fluttering eyelashes and her most plaintive tone, she knew even his black heart would melt.
Ever true to the gallant prince image he’d worked hard to project, he instantly stated, “Why I will, of course – as planned. How could you doubt me? I’ll borrow a car.” And prayed fervently his dear old Dad would ‘come to the party’ one more time. He reasoned he’d undoubtedly pay for this some time in the very near future, but in usual cavalier fashion, chose to worry about that ‘tomorrow’… or whenever.
“Kadina, you said? No worries!” Although, it must be said he had the odd quiver after the first few hours driving, as he contemplated the return trip – alone this time.
But all else paled on yet another occasion (no, not due to the errant Veedub this time), when after a sooper-dooper party night, he was late picking up yet another ‘likely little lady’ from her hotel. Rush as he would to the airport (setting a new land-speed record, we understand), current damsel with plane ticket fluttering in her hand, they arrived in time to see the boarding gate at the other end of the airport being securely locked… and deserted. All pleas fell on deaf ears. Airline staff were decidedly unimpressed by the ‘love game/set/match’ that had taken place.
Undaunted (on the surface anyway), the princely escort – who some were calling ‘King Kanute’ by this time – once again, bravely said, “Never fear my dear. I will drive you home.” At which point, no doubt, she swooned into his arms and shed a tear or three on his manly chest. Truth be told, she was fully aware exactly where her home was. Blissfully, the so-called ‘King’ believed he’d experienced all on the trip there and back to Kadina. He’d never been to Port Lincoln yet – and though he’d made many transitions from customary distances in Denmark compared to the wide, open spaces of Australia, it would be many a long year before he became a long-distance larrikin of significance.
You see, Port Lincoln is seven hours non-stop driving from our capital city of Adelaide. Thankfully, the little lady’s family took pity on our knight errant and provided a bed for the night. Around about this time, he saw the error of his ways and decided it was time to get serious about me – the ‘keeper’ from the next suburb. Heading towards 55 years later, we believe he got it right that time.
Although I’ve never been too sure about the ‘kept woman’ title!
Photo by Csaba Bakos on Unsplash
Title, story and photo-editing by Christine Larsen
