A Life Like No Other: Jimmy, the boy from Mildura

By Geoffrey K Weule

Following a sequence of extraordinary circumstances, the intelligent, articulate and notably attractive Jimmy O'Sullivan amassed a following on social media that ran into the millions, making him a very wealthy household name across the world.

But in his early twenties, after being lured to Rome by an offer he couldn’t refuse, Jimmy turned his back on fame and fortune, became an ordained priest, and was appointed to head up one of the most powerful and influential congregations within the Catholic Church. His journey had just begun when one of the most tragic events of the 21st century occurred.

The story of Father Jimmy O’Sullivan is the story of one man’s remarkable ability to adapt and accomplish what most would consider improbable.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Feb 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781922440990

Geoffrey K Weule

Within weeks of working in a record and music store in regional Australia, Geoff Weule found himself in London working for, what was then, ‘The Greatest Recording Organisation in the World’, a career that spanned 18 years with EMI, and bringing him into contact with some of the industries greatest showbiz names.For well over 50 years Geoff Weule has been involved and associated with many music industry firsts that ultimately led him into the film and video industries and then returning back into the music business, finally ending his working career as a college lecturer, passing on his wealth of knowledge and experience to potential music industry graduands.Taking full advantage of being in the right place at the right time, Geoff Weule’s career path has mirrored an industry that has experienced change after change and enjoyed amazing technology advances and innovation in his lifetime.Geoff Weule takes the reader behind the sacrosanct doors of the music industry and gives an intimate glimpse of its inner workings.Now retired, Geoff lives in the beautiful Blue Mountains, west of Sydney.

Book preview

Chapter One

As Jimmy walked down towards the river, he heard voices and laughter coming from a secluded spot just ahead. He quickly found a clump of bushes and crouched down low, so as not to be seen. Carefully parting the foliage, he saw two boys his age emerging from the vast Murray river, and to Jimmy’s surprise, they were stark naked.

He recognised one of the boys immediately, it was Paul Giles.

Paul was a fellow classmate, and one of the best bowlers in the school cricket team. He didn’t recognise the other boy who, by now, was standing side on to Paul. Jimmy watched intently, as they vigorously dried their glistening tanned bodies in the hot summer sun. It had been a scorching summer, and the waters of the river had been a favourite refuge for the residents of Mildura and the surrounding districts.

Jimmy felt quite safe in his leafy hiding place and was glad of the shade provided by the tall gangly gum tree that towered overhead, giving relief from the sun’s penetrating rays. The long summer holidays were almost at an end, and in a little more than a week, Jimmy, Paul, and possibly his friend, would be sitting behind their desks for the start of another school year.

After drying off, Paul and his friend spread their towels down on the lush green grass by the riverbank. Laying alongside each other, they propped up on their elbows and gazed out over the swiftly flowing river.

For a brief moment, Jimmy thought of creeping up behind the pair and surprising them, however the idea was dismissed as quickly as it had occurred.

Suddenly he heard one of the boys raise his voice. Parting the bushes, he observed that they had become involved in an altercation. Paul’s friend stood up and then bent down, grabbed his towel and proceeded to wrap it around his waist. Paul gingerly stood up and did likewise. Jimmy thought he heard Paul’s friend say something to the effect that he wasn’t gay.

Jimmy was just too far away from the two boys to make out clearly what was being said, but he was getting the distinct impression from their body language, that Paul’s mate was more than a little upset with what had transpired.

Turning their backs on each other, they proceeded to get dressed in their shorts and T-shirts, and then to walk back towards town.

Momentarily, Jimmy completely forgot that he had come to the river to swim, cool off and do some fishing. Emerging from behind the bushes that had hidden him so well, he realised that it was still too early in the afternoon to fish, so he gathered his rod and backpack, and made his way to the exact spot, where minutes before, Paul and his friend had lain naked.

Jimmy placed his fishing rod against a large gum tree and removed his towel from his backpack. He carefully spread it out on the ground and, as the boys had done moments before, took off his T-shirt and sat down.

Before leaving home, Jimmy had meticulously covered his entire body with SPF 50 sunscreen, as it was supposed to block 98 per cent of UVB rays, and he did not wish to take any risks where the sun was concerned. Applying the liquid was not an easy feat, as he had no help in the task. However, that was some time ago, and since today’s UV Index was 14: Extreme, he soon realised he had made the right choice.

It was another day in the low 40s, typical of the weather in Mildura for this time of year, and there certainly was a lot of sting in the sun. He retrieved the bottle of sunscreen from his bag and gave his body an extra coat of the sticky liquid, being careful not to get any on his shorts. This year he would turn eighteen and sit for the Victorian Certificate of Education known as the VCE. The year ahead was full of promise and yet, more than just a degree of uncertainty.

He was much taller and stronger than almost all the other boys in his class. On the school scales he weighed in at exactly 79 kilos. He stood 194 centimetres tall, and when you added his handsome good looks, he certainly presented a magnificent specimen of today’s youth.

Jimmy looked around quickly and realised that there was not a soul in sight. He effortlessly slipped out of his shorts and continued to apply the sunscreen to his muscular legs, right up to the rim of his briefs. He smiled to himself at his modesty, as he remembered that the whole school had seen him in just his speedos at swimming events. He was an excellent swimmer and had won the 200m Men’s Butterfly race at the inter-school swimming championships last year. The Butterfly race was his favourite, as you had to be fit to be successful, and fit he was.

Jimmy lay back on the towel and thought to himself, I must not overdo this, as the sun is particularly strong today. He soon relaxed and began to recap the events of the day.

Paul Giles was not a close friend – just a fellow classmate. The two boys shared a love of cricket. Physically, Paul was almost as big as Jimmy, but not quite as tall. Jimmy began to think more about Paul and what his friend had said about his sexuality. It made him think about several situations that had occurred in the showers over the past couple of seasons.

Jimmy sat bolt upright! Shit, Paul could be gay.

Jimmy had nothing against gays, in fact, those he had met had been a lot of fun, full of life. Several of the openly gay boys at his school were amongst the most popular, both with students and teachers alike.

Jimmy rolled onto his back, and gazing at the lofty gum leaves above, began to rethink many things concerning Paul. From now on he was going to have to pay closer attention to Paul. Why? Jimmy was not entirely sure, but he felt that under the circumstances it was the prudent thing to do. Should he tell Paul that he had seen him and his friend down at the river? Perhaps not. Well, not yet anyway!

Paul was the last person Jimmy thought could possibly be gay. Like Jimmy, Paul was an outstandingly good-looking young man. Physically, they bore a remarkable resemblance to each other. Jimmy’s crowning glory was his magnificent shock of jet-black hair, a legacy of his Italian heritage. As well as that, he had been blessed with an exceptional speaking voice, and commanded attention whenever he spoke at school assemblies.

There was no question that Jimmy had much more going for him than Paul. However, as ambivalent as he was towards Paul, there was something endearing about him that he liked. There had been occasions when Jimmy felt that he would like to get to know him a little better. Conversely there were other times when Paul acted so smug and arrogant, as though he was God’s gift to everyone, and so up himself, that Jimmy didn’t want to have anything to do with him.

Paul was the only child of rich parents. His father was the district’s leading estate agent, and over the years, had built up an extremely successful business. Jimmy was the eldest of six – he had three brothers and two sisters.

The O’Sullivan family in Mildura was a highly regarded and respected family. Jimmy’s father, Christopher O’Sullivan, ran a successful law practice, and his mother, Maria, was now the local librarian. She had been a teacher for many years, before retiring to start a family. Like many residents in Mildura, Maria had immigrated to Australia from Italy, as a small child. The family settled into the district and established a successful vinery.

Christopher O’Sullivan, third generation Australian, was of Irish descent, and was a devout and staunch Catholic. All his children were being given a sound Catholic education. They projected a close-knit and loving family to the community.

Jimmy’s musing was suddenly interrupted by the sound of his mobile ringtone in his backpack. He was at first annoyed at being disturbed, then pleased to know that reception was strong in such a remote area.

It was Billie, Jimmy’s current girlfriend, and she was calling to see where he was. Billie was not happy that Jimmy had overlooked an important engagement. Jimmy was mortified that he had gotten the days mixed up, thinking all along that their appointment was tomorrow. He had previously mentioned to her that school holidays tend to create confusion, with one day being much the same as the next.

I am so sorry Billie my love. Please give me half an hour, and I’ll see you at yours. Bye.

Chapter Two

Jimmy’s love of sport was evident in the way he excelled in both swimming and cricket and he loved both activities with equal passion. Swimming was more about achieving personal bests, whereas cricket required more of a team effort.

Jimmy had a very demanding swimming coach, Doug Hawkins, who saw potential in him and encouraged him to be at the pool, five days a week to train. Thank goodness he had a loving and devoted mother who happily woke from her slumber, every morning at 5:30 to drive Jimmy there.

At 6:00 sharp, every morning, a troupe of dedicated, bleary-eyed young swimmers, would assemble for their rigorous training regime, under the watchful eye of Mr Hawkins. The morning ritual was never easy, but for Jimmy it was made somewhat more enjoyable, particularly since Billie Smithers had joined the throng.

Billie also went to Jimmy’s school and was in Year 10, a year behind.

Billie was beautiful, really stunning, and when Jimmy could catch glimpses of her taking off her tracksuit it would send him into a right whirl. She certainly was gorgeous, and Jimmy longed for the day when he would pluck up the courage to speak to her. Oh! how he desired her. Jimmy had noticed that Billie also enjoyed swimming butterfly, his favourite stroke, this is great he thought, at least we have something in common.

The State Swimming Championships were rapidly approaching, and the selection committee was now regularly attending the daily training sessions to make their choices. Jimmy realised he needed to be paying more attention to his training routine and to stay focused, rather than to be taking sneak peeks at the voluptuous body of the gorgeous Billie Smithers.

The morning finally arrived for the selection committee to announce the composition of the team that would represent Mildura in Melbourne. Mr Hawkins had gathered everyone around and the chairman of the selection committee slowly announced the successful squad members. As Jimmy’s name was called out, he looked across at Billie, and much to his relief, her name was also announced. For the first time ever, there was an acknowledging smile exchanged between them. Bashfully, they both quickly looked away.

After the coach congratulated the successful members of the squad, Jimmy walked across to where Billie was standing, thankful for the fact that today he had chosen to wear his black speedos, as opposed to his revealing red ones. Finally, he was able to speak to her.

Congratulations Billie. He wanted to say more, but sud­denly was lost for words and couldn’t think of anything to add.

Thanks Jimmy, that’s very kind of you. Congratulations to you as well. I guess we’ll be off to Melbourne in a few weeks’ time then. I suppose we are the butterfly twins.

You could say that, Jimmy nervously laughed.

Billie and Jimmy were two of the most beautiful looking students at Christian Brothers School. They were the epitome of health, vitality, strength and beauty. Suddenly, Jimmy had become aware that Billie was taking fleeting glimpses of his near naked torso. He had only partially covered it by nonchalantly flinging his towel over his left shoulder. He hoped that she hadn’t noticed he was equally as guilty of giving her the once over.

Billie had just recently turned sixteen and was the only daughter of Mr and Mrs Smithers who ran the local newsagency in town.

Well I suppose I’d better change and think about getting off to school. I’ll see you around Billie.

Sure Jimmy, and congratulations once again.

Thanks heaps Billie, see you – by the way are you on Facebook? We should link up.

Cool, let’s. Bye.

As Jimmy walked off towards the men’s change rooms, he looked back over his shoulder and saw the rear view of the one person he had been lusting after since he first saw her at the pool.

At assembly later that day the headmaster, Mr Dwyer, congratulated Billie and Jimmy on their selection into the swimming squad and wished them both well.

After several weeks of intensive training sessions, the day finally arrived for the team to head off to Melbourne Olympic Pool, where the State Championships were being held.

Jimmy’s dad dropped him off outside the Post Office, on Fifteenth Street, where the bus was to pick them up. Chris wished Jimmy all the best and hoped that he would have a great time.

Jimmy boarded the bus that was already quite full and looked for Billie. She was nowhere to be seen, so Jimmy sat down in one of the seats towards the back of the bus.

It was almost time for the bus to depart and Darren, one of the organisers in charge, said he would call the roll to see if everyone was there.

Billie was obviously missing. Jimmy started to panic. Where the hell is she?

Wanting to reassure everyone that no one would be left behind, Darren said out loud, so that everyone could hear, I have her mobile number, so I’ll give her a call.

Jimmy thought to himself, how stupid it was that he hadn’t thought of doing that.

It’s okay, she’s been delayed. She will be here in a couple of minutes, Darren said.

A very flustered Billie arrived with her backpack and bag and climbed aboard the bus much to the relief of everyone, especially Jimmy who greeted her with a big beaming smile that lit up his whole face.

What happened Billie? He asked, as he moved across to the window.

Silly me, I forgot my folder with all of my things in it. I had to get Mum to drive me back home to get it – in fact, the first time I got here I saw you getting on the bus.

Well you are here now, and that’s all that matters. Jimmy was happy as Larry. He had the most beautiful girl sitting beside him. He was on his way to Melbourne with her. Wow!

Thanks for saving me a seat. I thought that I might have to sit right up front where nobody likes to be.

Of course, I was going to save you a seat, who else did you expect to sit with? After all I am your butterfly twin. They both burst out laughing and exchanged glances, glances that revealed a new phase of their budding relationship. Love is in the air!

The trip took just a little longer than anticipated, and they arrived just after two o’clock.

During the trip, Darren, gave them their last-minute instructions as to what was to take place over the next couple of days. Things like where they were staying, times they were due at the pool, and all the details necessary to ensure there was no chance of any confusion or undue stress.

The folder Billie had left behind, contained all the details that Darren mentioned, so she was quite familiar with the facts, but along with Jimmy, she was pleased and comforted to hear them being reconfirmed.

By the way they have arranged things, it looks like we’re not going to be able to see much of each other, as I would have liked, but I am sure we’ll think of something.

I certainly hope so Jimmy.

In the last couple of weeks, in fact since the time of the announcement they had both been selected to go to Melbourne, they had begun almost daily contact, firstly by sending ‘much about nothing’ texted messages on Facebook, then using the closed messages feature of the platform. The messages had gradually become more provocative and somewhat sexual.

Two days ago Billie had dared Jimmy to send her a photo of himself, one that he would not have shown to anybody else. Jimmy had replied that he would if she would, but so far, no exchanges had transpired.

At this stage, their intimate exchanges on social media were far removed from reality, and only time would tell how this might develop.

Back on the bus for the return journey, the air was one of jubilation.

Billie and Jimmy had both won their final heats, and Jimmy broke the State record for the Men’s 100 metre butterfly in the winning time of 50.25.

You really were magnificent Jimmy, said Billie seizing the moment to cuddle up and hold on to her hero.

You had everyone on the edge of their seats with your win Billie. I nearly went hoarse shouting out to you.

Gosh I can’t keep up with my texts – how about you?

A hero’s welcome awaited the bus on their return, even the local newspaper photographer was there to capture the moment.

And so, the seed was sown. Billie and Jimmy’s earlier attraction had been improved out of sight by their amazing swimming feats, and they were now becoming the very best of friends. The butterfly twins!

By their very nature, mothers are very perceptive, and Jimmy’s mother Maria was no exception.

Darling, I hope you don’t mind me saying this but, I have noticed recently that you seem to be walking around in a bit of a daze. Is everything okay? You know that you can confide in me if something is not right, or troubling you.

Thanks Mum, that’s sweet of you. Love you Mum.

Love you too my darling. If you are worried about the VCE, then you shouldn’t be, your progress reports in all subjects show you will do well in the trials and ultimately the finals.

Thanks Mum. No, it’s just something that Billie said that has been playing on my mind.

Goodness, well if it’s causing you so much concern, then you need to have it out with her. That would be my advice. Sores only fester and need to be dressed.

Cheers Mum. Yes, I need to give it some careful thought, as I don’t want to lose her over such a stupid thing.

I am sure that it will all end up okay, whatever it is. True love never runs smooth. It’s obvious she is such a sensible and good friend.

Jimmy had long been aware that several of Billie’s friends were taking drugs and he wondered if she was also involved in the evil habit. He had resisted discussing his concerns with her until now but decided that he could delay it no longer.

With the local Music Festival coming up, he thought there would never be a better time to have it out with her, as he really wanted to let her know just how important it was to him. An opportunity arose and Jimmy took advantage of the moment to discuss the matter, to clear the air once and for all.

Billie was quick to let Jimmy know that, although she knew some of her friends had taken drugs on the odd occasion, in most cases it was the exception rather than the rule. She assured him that she was drug free and was determined to remain so. ‘Cross my heart and hope to die,’ was her promise.

Jimmy gave her a big loving hug and said that he’d never mention it again.

Chapter Three

Tony Gilbert was Paul Giles’ favourite cousin, and Paul was always excited at the thought of him coming to stay. Paul had wished most of the school holidays away doing absolutely nothing and his cousin’s impending arrival cheered him up no end.

Tony’s father, Rodney, was Paul’s uncle on his mother’s side. The Gilberts lived in Adelaide, 400 kilometres from Mildura. The boys were born in the same year, and this year they would turn eighteen, Paul in April, and Tony in July. For, as long as they could remember, they had alternated between each other’s homes when it came to summer school holidays.

This year it was Tony’s turn to visit, and it was a memo­rable occasion, being the first year that Tony had been allowed to drive the family car any distance, since getting his licence.

Tony arrived at his destination after an uneventful trip, and excitedly beeped the horn as he drove up the long driveway. Look at you, shouted Paul, as he ran out of the house with his mother trailing behind, relieved, at last, his cousin and aunt had arrived. Tony quickly parked the car and with equal excitement, gave his cousin a big friendly, brotherly style hug.

Tony’s mother, Joy, alighted in a less exuberant manner, and gave her sister-in-law, who had now joined them, a quick kiss. She then turned to Paul, who by now was detached from his favourite cousin, and gave him a quick loving peck on the cheek.

Aunty Joy held Paul out at arm’s length, and said, Young man you are getting more handsome by the minute. Turning to Tony she said, Don’t you agree Tony?

No, he is too ugly for words!

Everyone laughed and Paul received another peck on the cheek from his loving aunty.

Paul’s mother, Alice, said Right, let’s get you all organised. You two boys bring in the luggage and I’ll put the kettle on for a nice cup of tea. Perhaps you might even prefer a cool drink first.

A cool drink would be fine thanks Aunt.

I’ll wait for a cuppa thanks Alice, replied Joy.

The two boys turned and headed towards Tony’s Toyota Corolla, arms around each other as they strolled along. Paul said Gosh, it’s cool to have you back here again man, so much has happened since you were last here; I can’t wait to fill you in.

Paul carried Tony’s case into his room and deposited it on the bed that Tony had slept in many times before. Thanks Buddy, you’re spoiling me. My pleasure Cuz, replied Paul. With that, they once more briefly embraced each other.

Let’s go and get this drink, how does a nice cold beer sound?

A beer? said Tony, What will your Mum say?

She’s cool in letting me have one, seeing that I am almost 18 now, and so are you. Gosh, I can’t believe that we turn 18 this year.

Mum, Tony and I would like a Hahn Premium Light, is that okay?

Sure, but only one.

Thanks Mum.

Paul gave Tony a wink as he went to retrieve a couple of cold tinnies from the fridge.

With the tea brewed and beers in hand, they all sat down at the large wooden kitchen table, that could easily seat twelve people, as it had on more than one occasion.

So, Joy, how was your Christmas? asked Alice.

Everything went well thanks Alice. The Bishop asked Tony if he would serve Midnight Mass at St Francis Xavier Cathedral. So, we all went to Midnight Mass there instead of going on Christmas day, as we usually do. Tony was a little nervous as he hadn’t served the Bishop’s Mass for some time, but he did a great job. Didn’t you my love?

Hey Tony, you didn’t tell me you served the Mass, that’s awesome. Tony was slightly embarrassed but managed a smile and a nod of the head in reply to his cousin.

Joy went on to explain, We had the usual crowd over for morning drinks and then a few stayed on for lunch, and in the end we had 14 people all up. Rod did his usual BBQ and Tony did the salads. Uncle Charlie was there and could not stop raving over how delicious Tony’s salads were. He amused everyone by constantly suggesting that Tony should think seriously about becoming a chef.

They all laughed.

The two boys downed the tinnies with the speed of lightning, a fact that didn’t go unnoticed by both parents. Alice said, Goodness me, you must have both been thirsty, I suppose you want one more, but this time I mean it, just one more and that’s it!

Turning to Paul, Joy asked him how he spent Christmas and he explained that, when school finished, he took on some casual work at the local Woolworths Supermarket.

He had worked right up until late on Christmas Eve, and unlike the Gilberts, his family did not go to Midnight Mass, but went to the 9:30 Mass on Christmas morning. Alice broke in and said her husband much preferred doing it that way, but she did miss joining in the lovely Christmas carols they usually sang.

And what did Santa bring you darling? asked Aunty Joy.

This year it was clothes, clothes, clothes. As I am quickly growing out of most of my old things, and I needed new cricket gear, I really did pretty well, thanks Aunty, Paul politely replied.

As the conversation turned to more mundane family matters, the two boys excused themselves and adjourned to Paul’s room.

I haven’t told you my good news Tony, said Paul as he threw himself down on his neatly made three-quarter bed. No, do tell, replied Tony, as he flopped onto the other one.

My old man has promised me a car for my eighteenth in April.

Really? You’re having me on.

No, I promise you it’s true. The mother of his assistant is unable to drive her car anymore for health reasons, and the family needed to sell it, so Dad said that he would buy it from them. It’s a Hyundai i30 with only twelve thousand Ks on the clock. It also happens to be in my favourite colour, red.

Man, that’s awesome beyond belief, lucky you.

Tony felt more than a little jealous at such news, and quickly explained that he could use his mother’s Corolla anytime he liked, as she hardly used it. She mainly used it to do the weekly shopping, and occasionally to visit friends. Most days it just sat in the garage.

It was a glorious sunny day, so Gary Giles gave himself an early mark and left his office just after lunch. As he drove his magnificent gleaming Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan into his drive­way, and pulled up behind the Corolla, he beeped the horn.

That’s Dad. Great he’s home early. The two boys jumped off their beds and raced each other out on to the front veranda.

Gary was delighted to see his boys, as he always considered Tony to be his second Son. Stepping up on to the veranda he embraced Tony and said how pleased he was to see him.

Paul gave his Dad his usual hug and a pat on the backside, something he had done since he was a little boy.

So how was your drive up here Tony? I was thinking about you and your Mum driving all this way in the heat, in the middle of the day.

It wasn’t too bad Uncle Gary, Mum’s car has good air conditioning, and I took it slowly.

You drove? That’s right, I was forgetting that you were going for your licence last year and you were obviously successful. Good on you. Paul also got his, as no doubt he has told you. Well, I’d better go inside and say hello to your Mum. I suppose you guys will be going down to the river for a swim.

The boys had not discussed going for a swim, but now that it had been mentioned, it seemed like a good idea. It was now almost three o’clock, the hottest time of the day, and what better way to cool off, than to go for a swim in the mighty Murray River.

The boys followed Gary inside and headed for Paul’s bedroom to change into something cooler to go down to the river.

The house was one of just a handful located close to the river and, although it was only a ten-minute walk to the water’s edge, flooding had never been a problem.

The boys changed into their shorts and T-shirts, and Paul went to get them both a towel from the linen press. They had been through this routine many times, in fact since they were first allowed to go down to the river unaccompanied by their parents.

The boys were excellent swimmers having both won several swimming championships for their respective schools.

They were 13 years old the first time they were allowed to go down to the river alone. Their favourite spot was easily accessible, but somewhat of a challenge to strangers coming from the other direction. It was also a safe haven for naturists, and now and again they had seen the odd person indulging.

On the first occasion they went to the river unsupervised, Paul had been quite shocked when his cousin suggested that they too should swim naked.

I dare you to go into the river naked Paul.

Paul nervously laughed and was not too sure what to make of his cousin’s suggestion. He hesitated. I will if you will. The two boys had seen each other naked since they were toddlers, and nudity was not an issue, but doing it out in the open was something else. On that first occasion, Tony stepped out of his shorts, peeled off his T-shirt, and, standing in just his briefs, waited to see what his cousin had decided to do. Paul did likewise and when he saw Tony whisk his briefs off, he turned and raced towards the water and dived in.

Paul had no option but to follow suit, and so from thereon in, nude swimming was the order of the day.

They were now in their eighteenth year, and in keeping with tradition, the boys approached the water, dropped their towels in a heap on the ground, and without a word being said, stripped off and ran towards the cool waters of the river and dived in.

Boisterous laughter rang out amongst the magnificent gumtrees that lined the riverbank as the boys gleefully splashed each other and enjoyed the refreshing waters of the swiftly flowing river. Over the years, the two cousins had perfected a sort of routine they followed in the water, with dunking and splashing each other. It was such boyhood innocent fun. Today was no different.

Tiring of their water aerobics and boyish antics, they decided they’d had enough.

After drying off thoroughly, they laid their towels out on the lush green grass and flopped onto their stomachs. Propped up on their elbows, they gazed out across the river to the green fields beyond, except this year the fields had begun to turn brown early, due to the long hot dry summer.

I can’t wait to bring Julie down here one year and swim naked. In saying that, Paul burst out laughing and turned on his side towards his cousin. Still laughing loudly, he embraced his cousin, in a manner the likes of which, he had never done before.

Tony pushed him away, What the fuck are you doing man? He jumped up, grabbed his towel and quickly wrapped it around himself. I am not fucking gay. What’s got into you. Don’t you ever do that again, you hear.

I’m sorry Tony. I was just fooling around.

Paul stood up and followed his cousin, draping his towel around his waist as his cousin had done, thinking that is what he was supposed to do under the circumstances.

Tony began to dress and when he had finally pulled his T-shirt on, without looking at Paul, he said, I’m going back home.

Paul did likewise, and followed on in single file, not quite knowing why his cousin was so upset with him.

What a bloody lousy way to start their holiday he thought.

Chapter Four

Good morning Dad!

Chris turned around and acknowledged the greeting, as he poured his morning coffee.

Good morning Son.

Brewing a strong cup of espresso was the perfect way to start the day for Chris, and he looked forward to the ritual so much first thing every morning.

Well Son, today is the long-awaited day, Year 12, the big one, hey!

Dad, I cannot believe that it is finally here.

Buongiorno!

Maria seemed to appear out of nowhere, looking her usual stunning, sparkling self. She was wearing the dress that Jimmy liked above all others in his mother’s wardrobe, as the colour seemed to suit her complexion perfectly. Maria always looked beautiful, and regardless of the circumstances, be they happy or sad, her smile seemed to have the most amazing effect on people. It was a smile that Jimmy had inherited.

Buongiorno mamma.

Jimmy loved his Mum very much and enjoyed breaking into Italian when he could. Much to his father’s annoyance at times.

I am so glad you’re up early before the other children come down darling. Dad can drive you to school, on his way to the office, as you’ve got so much gear to return to school with this term.

I sure would appreciate a lift Dad.

The mighty ‘Merc’ will leave in 15 minutes Son.

As Chris left the room, Maria made her way across the kitchen to where Jimmy was sitting and drew up the chair beside him. She sat down and, with the tenderness that only a mother can give, stroked his hair, as she had done, so many, many times before.

"Darling, I wish you all the very best for the coming year, I know