A Teddy Bear Story

Part 5

“Yippee!“, cried Peter. “Let‘s go!!!!“ Mr Hewitt laughed as he picked up Peter and tucked Sebastian under his other arm. “Not so fast, no one goes anywhere without first having breakfast“. As he made his way down the stairs to the friends cabin, he looked down at Peter and gave him a wink. “And it might be a good idea for you to change out of your pyjamas and red slippers.“

The day was taken up with a whirlwind visit to the sights of Sydney. Because their ship was docked at Circular Queue, it was only a hop step and a jump to the Sydney Opera House. Well, steps for Mr Hewitt, hops for Peter, and honking, flapping jumps for Sebastian. As Peter trotted off with Mr Hewitt, Sebastian wasn‘t so sure he wanted to go inside.

“What‘s wrong Sebastian?“ asked Peter quietly over  his shoulder. 

Sebastian looked up and pointed to the souring sails that formed the roof and wallls. “It looks lovely from the outside, but do you think we should really go in there?“ questioned Sebastian. “I mean, it looks as though it will sail away, and I‘ve had enough of ships to last a life time“

“Be brave, Sebastian“, said Mr Hewitt, stooping down to pick up their fathered friend as they climbed the steps to the entrance.  “Peter, stay with us, this building is huge and it‘s easy to get lost. Peter.........Peter....?“ 

Too late,  Peter was off and already exploring the main Concert Hall, skipping down the aisle and heading for the stage. Mr Hewitt smiled. “It looks like I‘m going to have a busy day“, he thought to himself , laughing aloud.

Peter‘s excitement and love of exploration set the tone for the rest of the day. The Opera House was followed by a picnic lunch at Lady Macquarie‘s Chair, a beautiful public garden overlooking Sydney Harbour. Peter promptly lost himself and Sebastian, exploring the gardens and talking to the birds and cheeky possums that came to see what Peter and Sebastian were having for lunch. 

As Sebastian passed the last sandwich to Peter, in a flash a large Kookaburra swooped and snatched it from Peter‘s paw. 

“Hahahahahahahahahaha“, laughed the Kookaburra as he quickly finished Peter‘s sandwich. 

“Goodness, that was so... rude!“ said Peter as he turned to face Kookaburra, paws on hips. “If you are so hungry, you could have just asked, we would have been happy to share with you.“

“Hahahahahahahahaha,“ laughed Kookaburra again from his perch high in the Gum trees.

“Don‘t judge us all by how HE behaves“, came a trilled voice from behind where Peter, Sebastian and Mr Hewitt were enjoying their picnic (well, they were enjoying it up until Kookaburra showed up).

Sebastian twisted his head, looking for their new visitor. “And who are you?“ he said, spotting the striking black and white bird that was walking up to them bravely.

“My friends call me Magpie. Don‘t worry about Kookaburra, he laughs at everyone. Would you have anything left for me, I must say I‘m a bit peckish.“

“I‘m sorry we don‘t have any more sandwiches“, said Peter, “but we do have some rather nice cake and you are welcome to join us. My name is Peter, this is Sebastian and our friend Mr Hewitt, who is showing us around Sydney..“

“Oh, I just love cake, especially a fresh chocolate sponge with a whipped cream centre. That looks great!!!“ 

So, while the new friends ate the last of their lunch, Magpie listened as Peter and Sebastian told them of their adventures so far. Magpie was enthralled and listened, spellbound, as the two adventurers told stories of London, snow, and the wide expanses of Canada.

“I‘ve always wanted to travel, but I don‘t think I like the idea of snow. Sounds a bit too chilly for me, I love my hot summers and mild winters. But you really do sound as if you have had the greatest fun“, chirped Magpie in his pleasant sing-song voice.

After lunch, Magpie took Peter and Sebastian on a guided tour of his home in the park and introduced the adventurers to his friends. The afternoon passed quickly and, all too soon, Peter heard Mr Hewitt calling to them that it was time to go.

“Magpie, this has been just the best afternoon. Thank you so much for being our friend. When you do decide you want to travel, please visit us, we would love to have you stay with us. And we‘ll introduce you to all our friends“.  Peter kneeled down and Magpie jumped up on his shoulder. 

“I‘ll do that Peter, enjoy the rest of your trip and you never know, we might meet again sometime. Goodbye Sebastian, have fun“. Magpie spread his wings and gave a gentle beat, gliding off up into a large gum tree hanging over the path.

As the sun began to set, Mr Hewitt gathered up the friends and helped them into his car. “Right, time to head back to the ship.“

As they drove back to Circular Queue, Mr Hewitt  took the time to drive through the city and point out the many landmarks throughout the city. Peter and Sebastian found themselves pressed against the windows, taking in Mr Hewitt‘s very word. In no time though, the two friends found monuments and statues, skyscrapers and plazas blending together, and Mr Hewitt‘s gentle voice became a quiet buzz.

“And finally, here we are, back at the ship“, said Mr Hewitt. “We‘ll have to hurry too, there goes the ship‘s whistle, we‘ll be sailing soon.“ 

When there was no answer, he turned to look in the back seat. Peter and Sebastian were sound asleep. Our adventurers have had a long day!! Gently, so as not to wake them, Mr Hewitt tucked Sebastian under arm arm and picked up Peter in his other. 

Peter, half awake, wriggled to get comfortable. “Thank you Mr Hewitt,  our day would have been so very, very boring without you.“

“Thank you, Peter“, said Mr Hewitt, giving Peter a gentle hug, "but just imagine how boring my day would have been without you.“

Peter and Sebastian had a safe trip back to their home and told all their friends about it. A trip like this they would never forget. Well ... maybe until the next one!

The End!