Book 3: Chapter 1 - A New Chapter Begins for the Hibiscus Clan

 It had been a very wet and cold November and everyone was ready for summer. Last weekend it had rained the whole time and some rivers had been flooded. When school started on Monday morning, there were only 4 students in Hibiscus’ class as the others were still on their way. Their transport had been delayed by fallen trees, flooded roads and detours. Although everyone had wished for 2020 to be over, 2021 also brought on more lock downs, restrictions, remote learning, masks and vaccinations. It had been a tough year and it seemed like nothing was turning out in a fair and fun way.

 When the students returned to school after yet another remote learning time, Hibiscus decided to take out The Dovic Adventures story and read it to her new class. She and her clan had moved to another place where there was bush and beaches nearby and they were enjoying this new chapter in their life, despite the global pandemic. When her students heard the last chapter of Book 2, they asked if Dovic could have new adventures. Hibiscus looked at their eager, young faces, thought about how hard this year had been and agreed that it was time for Book 3. Dovic, Lulu and Tumbarumba had already been to the school and had been spending time with the new class while Book 1 and Book 2 was being read.

 That afternoon, The Old Wise One (TOWO), Harley and Richo went to their favourite seat that looked over the plains, the Mitchell River and the walking track. They ate a Freddo Frog and breathed in the fresh air. Richo spoke first, “I miss Dovic. I know he and Lulu have only been gone for a week at the school but it feels like forever.” He fiddled with the lid on the lolly jar and The Old Wise One remained silent and waited. Harley spoke up, “Hey Richo. What happened to your footy? I haven’t seen it in months!” Richo mumbled, “Footy season is over. Richmond didn’t even make the Grand Final this year and I can’t find my footy anyway.” Harley finished eating his chocolate frog and was silent.  

They sat and listened to the magpies singing and watched someone walking their dog along the road. They saw how wet the paddocks were down below and looked at the flashing sign that said “Water across the road”. The Old Wise One wondered what it would be like to walk along the track he could see off in the distance, while Richo tried to count how many weeks it would be until footy season started again. He was really hoping that Richmond would come back ready to win in 2022. After they finished off the last Freddo Frog, they walked back to the house and found Flippy, Ellie and Bruiser sitting on the bike. They joined Bruiser in the basket while Flippy hung off the handlebars and Elly squeezed into the water bottle holder.

“Where have you been?” asked Bruiser and while Harley answered, Flippy did a cartwheel over the handlebars and landed upside down. Ellie squealed with delight and told her that she was more nimble and graceful than Ronnie. Harley laughed and remarked that he didn’t think Ronnie would ever be graceful despite the dance routines he’d learned with Lulu. Flippy grinned and did a 360^o turn on the other side of the handlebars. “Now you’re just showing off!” said Bruiser and he winked at Flippy to let her know he was only kidding.

Ellie spoke up, “Did you all see Hibiscus’ new bike? She even took it to school to show it to her class. They wanted her to ride it on the BMX track at school but she said she didn’t want to because she didn’t want to get hurt!” Flippy asked, “Do you think we will get to ride on her new bike? It doesn’t have a basket.” Ellie replied, “I saw her trying to fit the pink basket on the front, but it doesn’t fit. I don’t think we will get to ride it unless we are in her backpack.” Flippy sighed and Richo mumbled, “It’s not the same as riding in the basket and feeling the wind pull your fur and ears back, anyway.” They all climbed down the bike and went inside so that they could play with Lego and do some quiet reading before lunch.

 A bit later on, Ellie and Flippy were sitting on the bench when The Old Wise One came along and asked them what they were talking about. They were embarrassed and didn’t say anything at first but then Ellie blurted out, “It’s not fair! It’s been a horrible year! We go in and out of lock down, we have to wear masks, and we are in a new place where we have to make new friends. It’s always raining and always cold and it’s meant to be nearly summer. I am so cold! Hibiscus has been on lots of walks and rides and she has been leaving us behind. Today, she got another medal for completing a Conqueror challenge virtual distance and this is her 7^th one! Why doesn’t she care anymore? Why is she being so mean? It’s been the worst year and I’ve had enough! And now, Lulu isn’t even here and neither is Dovic.” Ellie burst into tears and Flippy put her arms around her and was silent.

 The Old Wise One was quiet. He had found it to be a challenging year too and he had even lost a bit more of his fur. His joints were a bit stiffer and he was finding it harder to move around. He had been to school earlier in the year when the class had been learning about the History of Toys in their Integrated Studies unit and even then, he hadn’t stayed for very long because he was so fragile. Finally, he spoke up and was very gentle in his words. He told Ellie it was OK to not feel OK and to feel hurt and lonely with all that this year had brought on. He reminded her of all the good things she had in her life and told her that she was always loved. He said some more words to Ellie and Flippy listened in too. When he finished talking, Ellie looked up at him and smiled, “Thank you for listening… and thank you for being with me Flippy. I do feel a bit better now.” Flippy did a flip off the bench while Ellie helped The Old Wise One climb down. As they went inside, Flippy and Ellie sang, “You can count on me like one, two, three and I'll be there. And I know when I need it, I can count on you like four, three, two And you'll be there, 'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh, yeah”. When they sang, "Oooh, oooh, ooh, ooh" their voices went high and they giggled, then collapsed on the floor, laughing. The Old Wise One smiled and then sighed. He wondered when the others would come home from the new school. He really missed his old friend Tumba.