Kylie would often joke about the pain and suffering she felt as a result of having to learn the piano for twelve years of her life but also made it very clear to her mother that when she was distressed or unsettled, she could turn to music to calm herself down. Music had given her that connection and outlet to pound away any anger or frustration she felt in her day-to-day life, onto eighty-eight unsuspecting innocent keys, a bit like going for a walk or a jog clears your mind. Even after Kylie stopped learning the piano she still maintained a few key pieces that she could play repeatedly on her own, or duets she could play with her mother to ease any woes. She also felt a huge connection to music itself and enjoyed sitting and listening to the different styles created throughout history from classical to jazz to pop to country music and was extremely grateful to her Mother for giving her the opportunity to experience different facets of music, from solo and duets on the piano to playing clarinet in the school and Mount Isa Concert Band as she grew up. The broad range of sounds and parts that she, at the time seemed to have to endure, had since given her the appreciation for the overall composition of music and she felt she was able to appreciate a musical piece at a deeper level than someone who perhaps didn’t get the opportunity.
“But I still felt that doubling my practices when I didn’t do them was a bit rough,” Kylie complained after she had thanked her Mum for the musical experience. “Especially when it impacted my ability to engage in social interaction!”
“I guess I was just trying to teach you some kind of discipline towards reaching specific goals,” her mum answered calmly. “For example, to play the piano to the standard you did and to pass your Piano Grade Exams required hard work, determination and dedication. You had the desire to reach certain levels of piano, and to achieve them, you had to work hard. You can’t believe that you would have achieved those goals without the hard work and dedication? I mean, practise makes perfect right?” her mother asked.
“Yeah, towards the end, the level was very hard and I needed to put the time in,” Kylie said.
“I mean, if you are going to do something, you give it your best, don’t you?” her mum asked.
“Absolutely. Why bother doing something unless you are going to do it properly,” Kylie replied.
“Well that’s what I hoped you’d say. That in itself shows me that I did something right. Apart from that, I just love music and I wanted to give you the opportunity to love it as much as I do.”
“Yeah, I love it, but I don’t love it like you love it. Woo! You have quite a relationship with music Mumsy, you and your pianola, and pianola rolls, and your organs, and keyboards, and piano accordions. Remember when we used to joke that your grave would have to be deep enough and wide enough to accommodate all of those instruments because when you croaked we would be free of having them in our lives!”
“Yes! You kids were buggars. I was only trying to give you something that I loved.”
“Yeah, well, it’s lucky you persisted, because now I can see why.”
“So, I’ll just buy the ordinary size plot now at the cemetery.”
“Yeah absolutely! I mean, I think there is going to be confusion when you kark it anyway.”
“What do you mean love?”
“Well, I can imagine you on your last legs in hospital and the doctor thinking, hmmmm, if we give her the kybosh we can use all her parts to fix other people, because she has stated her intention to be an organ donor. But actually, you ticked the organ donor box because you wanna donate your organs, you know, your two and three-tier keyboard organs, not your heart and lungs. You want to keep the music alive after you’re gone!”
“Yeah, I see the potential mix up, that would be funny.” She laughed.
Kylie wriggled in her seat so that she was facing her mother as she drove. She looked out the window past her mum’s profile and enjoyed the view as they continued to talk. When they arrived at the lake they took a poignant last swim together, laughing and looking back on the life they had had together and especially all the fun. It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon after such an emotional morning.
Two days later, Kylie was getting ready for her going away party that she had organised herself. All the invitations had been sent and the final preparations for the food, music, chairs and tables were complete. Her school friend Nicole arrived first, bringing her a farewell card and three mini chocolate mud cakes, all with different messages on them. One said “Goodbye and Good luck Kylie”, the second said “I miss you already”, which was a sign off Kylie used whenever she said goodbye to someone, and the last one had a picture of a mop and bucket and the words “Here’s to cleaner pastures at BHP”.
“Wow! These are great Nicole. You didn’t have to bring me anything!”
Nicole set them down on the table and gave her a big hug. “It’s nothing. I wanted to celebrate with you and have a laugh before you headed off, since you and clean have never really gone together before.” She started giggling.
“This is true. And it is going to be interesting believe me, but it’s a foot in the door and I’m really excited about it!” Kylie replied honestly.
“I can’t believe I moved away, missed this place, came back, and now you’re leaving,” Nicole said.
“Yeah, I know. I never thought I’d ever leave but I guess I’m going. I mean I have to....I’ve got to find my husband!” Kylie said.
“So what happened with Alex? I heard you ........broke up?” she said softly.
“Yeah, I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to talk about it to anyone. He was never going to marry me and by the end of it, all he ever said to me was Don’t. Don’t do this, don’t wear that, don’t you think you should exercise more, Don’t think you’re funny! You’re Not! Don’t think I’m ever going to be dropping anything to be with you. It was for the best and I’m all good about it. Surprisingly, I don’t hate him. But I’m sure that will change if I hear he’s banging someone else too soon?” Kylie said.
“I probably shouldn’t say this but I never liked him.”
“Oh, Why didn’t you tell me mate?”
“Chicks can be funny when you tell them the truth, especially when it’s something about their boyfriend. I didn’t want to lose you so I just kept my mouth shut.”
“I know and if I could change the way people feel about telling and hearing the truth I would because I reckon life is too short to pussyfoot around stuff that can really make a difference to someone if they have all the information. You and me could’ve started the whole awful truth scenario off! Oh mate. I’m gonna miss you. But we can talk heaps on the phone, whenever we need a chat,” Kylie said hugging her and giving her bottom a squeeze so that Nicole pushed her away and they didn’t wallow in sadness. “Come on, let’s get a drink!” said Kylie as she stood back and tried to smile
“I don’t think I’ll be drinking too much tonight, I’m a bit emotional” said Nicole, putting her fingers under each eye to catch the tears before they ran down her face and ruined her make up.
“I know, I feel the same way. At least if I’m holding a stubbie of beer I won’t be groping your arse!” Kylie said playfully.
“Well then, let’s get you a beer!” Nicole said laughing.
Nicole had arrived at the time specified on the party invitation, whereas everyone else arrived in Mount Isa time which was casually about