By Fleur Lind
Here’s the first contribution from the Rose City Writers for 2021 – this week, a short story from FLEUR LIND…
‘Educating Rita’
Great Aunt Rita had just finished the dusting when a large 4X4 car pulled up in her driveway. Her niece Cathy and her four children had come to visit. They left the shiny black car parked in the shade of the carport and made their way to the colourful, stained-glass front door and rang the bell.
Rita was old school, she had no time, nor understanding for mobile technology, so had insisted everyone leave their phones and other devices in an old cane basket beside the front door.
Rita’s home décor was like stepping back in time. She hadn’t changed a thing since 1976. The wallpaper was loud and floral, bright orange, yellow and green with swirly gold trims. Large flowery patterns graced the living areas, linear designs in the hallway. The toilet and bathroom were also bright, despite being faded with age. Her visitors would never tell her, but the wallpaper designs made them feel dizzy. Cathy didn’t do mind-altering drugs in the ‘70s but she thought the wallpaper must have been designed by someone under the influence. Some of the aged paper was peeling slightly at the corners, making it a huge temptation for her son Jake, to pick at.
The kids were bored while Cathy chatted to Rita, although Cathy tried to keep the conversation in the present and upbeat.
Jake sighed. He felt lost without his phone. He had been in the middle of a game and he was doing quite well. His score was climbing, he was killing off the enemy like a boss, but he was told he must surrender his device to show respect at Great Aunt Rita’s. Lisa had been in the middle of a juicy exchange of gossip on a Messenger chat group, and the detail was just getting to the best bit when she too was told to turn her phone off and surrender it to the cane basket. Leo was scrolling Facebook, and Terri, with her passion for Palaeontology, had been Googling tectonic plate movements and fossils. All movement on their devices, however, had come to an abrupt, enforced halt. It was that or face the wrath of Rita’s complete intolerance for mobile phones and devices.
Kathy told Rita the exciting news of her sister’s newborn son, now almost 8 weeks old and how lovely it be to go and visit. Rita never wanting to miss out on an opportunity to coo and fuss over a new baby in the family, sat up from her relaxed slouch on the couch. I’ll have to go into the travel shop and ask about airfares.
“It’s cheaper online. They always have deals and discounts.” Leo piped up.
Rita huffed.
Cathy gave Leo a look. Leo raised his eyebrows with a ‘What did I say?’ look, unaware he had been anything but helpful.
Cathy then couldn’t help herself, adding that she had baby photos sent to her only yesterday, on her phone.
Rita gave a shorter huff, but she couldn’t help but feel curious. The chance to see the baby was overwhelmingly tempting.
“Have you?” she asked cautiously, not wanting to sound too keen.
“Yes, I have. I have about 100 photos so far. Meg is a typical new mum, taking loads of photos. I’ve got bath time photos, cuddly ones, on a blanket… sorry Rita but having a phone is really good for keeping up to date with everyone and everything.
“Yes, but have you seen how people can’t get their faces away from the screen? They don’t talk anymore! And they get sore necks! Rita huffed again, her strong principles overwhelming her desire to see the baby.
Cathy thought it was time to change the subject, when Lisa added, “She’s the cutest baby, Aunty Rita. Dad says she looks so much like you…”
That did it. Rita sat up, sniffed, and asked Cathy to get her phone from the cane basket. Lisa couldn’t help herself and asked, “Can I get mine too?” this could be her chance to find out more about the gossip.
“Do you have baby photos?” Rita asked suspiciously.
“No…” Lisa trailed off, knowing well that she couldn’t put it cross her wise old aunt.
Rita softened her tone, not wanting to sound too harsh. “Best wait until you are heading home, then.”
Leo and Jake looked at each other, doubtful they would be allowed retrieve their phones from the basket, but Terri had a plan.
“I’ve got some really interesting stuff on my phone about when the world was still forming and moving around. I’ve got it all in a folder, and images of fossils as well. I can show you if you like.”
“Have you? What are you looking at all that for?”
“It’s interesting, I want to learn more at Uni, Aunty Rita.”
Leo and Jake looked at each other, rolling their eyes. How unfair would it be if Terri was allowed but they weren’t?
And so, it began as they tried to win over Great Aunt Rita with tactics to get their phones out of the cane basket.
It only took 15 minutes. As soon as Rita saw the baby photos on Cathy’s phone, she also noticed Meg’s newly decorated home and the paintwork and wallpaper in other photos. Within seconds, Cathy was searching wallpapers for her. Terri was delighted to share her passion for fossils with her Aunty, who was probably similar age to some of the specimens.
Lisa had to wait to join in the gossipy exchange again but felt excited to see her stubborn Aunt enjoying the technology. She would make sure she had something interesting to share with her on their next visit.
After a sumptuous afternoon tea, they Cathy and the kids bundled back in the car to return home. Great Aunt Rita, beaming with happiness, waved as they pulled out of her driveway. She was thrilled to see the baby photos. She then wondered if she should get one of those phones. She would talk to Cathy about that, next visit.
Times were changing and babies were growing so she wanted to be part of the action. And new wallpaper would be a fresh look for 2021!
