Heavy Rain

‘Dan? Dan, come and take a look at the weather. Do you think it’s wise to send Jonathan to school today?’ Katie called out to her husband.

Jonathan’s father walked over to the window where his wife was looking out worriedly.

‘It’s typical Suva weather darling. It rains all the time like this here. We are not in Europe anymore. We get real rain here and not miserable drizzles,’ Dan told his wife.

‘But have you seen the weather reports? It’s unnaturally cold outside!’ Katie exclaimed. ‘The weather reports say that it’s never happened before.’

‘Yes and they are talking about the temperature dear – not the rain,’ Dan said. ‘The rain is nothing unusual in Suva. As for the wind, Jonathan’s going to be indoors all day isn’t that right son?’

‘Yes dad,’ Jonathan replied. He had his back pack on. ‘Are we going now?’

His father downed his tea in one gulp, got up and kissed his wife on the cheek before making his way to Jonathan. ‘Have you kissed your mum goodbye?’ he asked.

‘Way before you dad,’ Jonathan replied.

‘Well all right. See you later mum! We’re off!’

As they drove along the sea wall to Suva Grammar School, Jonathan gazed at the sea. It was angry and black and lashed at the walls that kept it from coming further inland. On their right, the vast school grounds were already flooding. A question popped up in his mind.

‘Dad, what happens if we get a flood warning? Will you be able to pick me up?’ he asked.

‘I should think so if nothing else comes up. Otherwise, call your mum. You have your mobile on you don’t you?’

‘Yeah. Otherwise, do I catch the school bus into town as usual?’ Jonathan said.

‘Yes. Those big buses are fairly safe. Just use your head, get to a safe place and give your mum or me a call okay?’

‘Okay dad.’ The car pulled into the school driveway. Jonathan bid his father goodbye and got out of the car. It was still raining hard and he ran in, all the way to his classroom.

Classes proceeded as normal for the first half of the day but it was hard to hear what the teachers were saying because the rain was so loud outside that it drowned out their voices.

Just before the lunch bell, their class teacher, Miss Satala interrupted their maths class looking slightly flustered.

‘Kids,’ she said. ‘The headmaster has decided to cancel classes for the rest of the day and instead, you are to make your way back home. Most of your parents are being called as we speak and the school buses will be here shortly. So for those of you who live far away, you should get on those buses immediately. There are parents driving into the school yard now and for the students who normally get picked up, please wait in the lobby by the entrance. That’s it – pack your things and get ready to leave.’

Some kids yelled with glee. However, Jonathan did not join them. Miss Satala called him over.

‘Jonathan,’ she said as he approached her. ‘I’ve tried to call your father but the officials say he’s in a very important meeting and can’t be disturbed. Can you try calling your mum instead? We don’t have her number.’

Jonathan nodded. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and dialled his mother’s number.

‘Hello, Jonathan is that you?’ her voice came over the receiver.

‘Yes mum. Mum, classes have been cancelled today and students are going home. Can you pick me up? Dad’s in a meeting and can’t come.’

‘Jonathan, listen carefully. I had a little accident driving to the supermarket and I won’t be able to drive down. I need to go down to the police station to give my statement as well. Can you catch the school bus into town and I shall see if I can catch a cab as soon as I can? Otherwise, mummy shall send a diplomatic car for you okay?’

‘All right mum. I’ll get on the school bus. Is it okay if I wait for you at the corner of Gordon street where the bar is mum? Do you know where it is?’

‘Is that where you said the little Chinese woman was?’ His mum asked.

‘Yes mum. I’ll wait for you there.’

‘I’ll try to be there as soon as possible sweetheart. If I can’t make it, I’ll call your father all right? Love you dear.’

Jonathan put his phone away, packed his bag and headed out to wait for the school bus. He was glad that he was going to see Popo.