An Angel in the Family

By John Campbell

Frank is in a bank queue when he looks up into the face of the most gorgeous lady he
had ever seen. She smiles at him but it only lasts a few moments as the queue moves.

Thinking so much about Sandy (he named her after her hair colour) he allowed
himself to be pushed towards a gutter at a corner and fell, breaking his wrist.

He and his work mate, Jim, have women on their minds. In the mean time Sandy has
posed for some photos to be published and presented in the Sunday paper. Frank sees
the photos and tries to get information but it is not forthcoming.

Jim draws Frank’s attention to an ad in a suburban paper. There is to be a writers’
meeting. Frank goes along and finds Sandy has been invited to speak. He takes her to coffee and makes a date for the following Saturday.

He and Sandy go to the Hilton. She invites him to come for dinner. He is captivated by her young daughter who never met her father because he was killed in
Afghanistan He has a couple of meals with them and one night a wild party starts
nearby. Sandy is frightened so he sleep on the lounge. He awakens to the fi re alarm
sounding. He calls the brigade and gets the family outside and starts CPR on the
girl. She responds and goes to hospital.
The offi ce shifts to the coast. He and Sandy buy a house nearby and get married.
Surprisingly Sandy falls pregnant. Khloe starts to ask questions about heaven. In
bed frank dreams of Khloe saying she gave him a daughter for saving her life. Sandy
also dreams of Khloe saying goodbye.

They rush into the other bedroom to fi nd that Khloe has passed away.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Apr 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493135196

John Campbell

The author is eighty five next month. He started writing short stories about ten years ago. He is a single pensioner. This is his only hobby.

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by John Campbell.

ISBN:              Softcover            978-1-4931-3518-9

                        Ebook                 978-1-4931-3519-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 08/25/2018

Xlibris LLC

1-800-455-039

www.xlibris.com.au

605261

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

This book is dedicated to those people who, like me, sometime believe there is a guiding hand helping them through life’s problems.

CHAPTER 1

Frank Edwards excused himself as he bounced off the elderly lady who was leaving the bank. Fortunately the lady was quite solid and resisted his effort to knock her off her feet. Even though he apologised most humbly she gave him a withering look, clutching her handbag as if he were a bag snatcher. Frank had been intent on removing his deposit book from his inside coat pocket. There were two good sized cheques folded under the book’s front cover and in his anxiety at the prospect of increasing his savings, he hadn’t looked up at that particular moment. He looked back over his shoulder and saw the woman still scowling at him. Her face, he thought, looked like the Queensland sky just before a storm broke. He shrugged his shoulder and headed for the queue of customers.

He stood behind two people who were waiting to enter the queue marked by a Queue Here sign. Some brain storm had come up with the idea of placing chrome posts with a black tape at the top, nicely held under pressure by a spring loaded reel on the first post. It seemed all banks and other institutions had invested in the system. The people ahead moved forward and turned into the line. Frank took a quick estimating glance at the U shaped column. He guessed it was six up and six coming down the other side.

On his left there was some bank advertising boards. Frank read the wording with little interest, but noted that the mortgage rate was six point two per cent. The queue moved forward two places and he studied the next board. It read ‘Money invested over twenty thousand dollars would return five point seven per cent’. He grinned; half a per cent to the bank. Near the bottom there was an offer for large investors to inquire about special rates. He was imagining himself handing over a cheque for one million, when he received a push. There was an empty space ahead of him. As he shuffled forward he glanced into the queue coming in the opposite direction.

She was standing two ahead of him in the other line and was staring straight at his face. He stared back; his mouth opened a little and a look of complete surprise came over his face. She smiled and he smiled back at what he thought was the most gorgeous face he had ever seen. She was moving forward and he was being pushed from behind. He was at the turning point and could see her sandy coloured hair at the end of the line. She moved to a teller, made a quick payment and then, as she turned away, she glanced back in his direction, still smiling. He watched her disappear towards the doors. The line moved a couple of places.

Bugger; the lady ahead turned with raised eyebrows. Pardon madam. He tried to hide his embarrassment. Stuffing his deposit book back into his pocket, he ducked under the black tape giving the recoil unit a good test. Hurrying out into the Mall he glanced in all directions. He knew what he was looking for. It was a tallish woman with sandy coloured hair, wearing a short sleeve shiny green blouse and a mid green skirt. There was no sign of her. In any case he guessed it was pretty tough to spot a bunched up hair do at a distance and in the lunch crowd. He walked around all the nearby shops and stared through the windows. Disappointed, he could have kicked himself for not acting sooner. He returned to the bank after twenty minutes, this time the queue was a lot shorter and he was back in the Mall in fifteen minutes.

In the centre of the Mall there were tables and chairs belonging to the cafe on the opposite side. He walked over and selected an empty table. There was a number twenty three painted on a small piece of circular metal mounted on a polished base. A waitress came over and Frank ordered a double ham and cheese toasted sandwich with a pot of tea. A man walked past with the afternoon papers under his arm. He held one paper folded in his right hand. Frank beckoned him over and pulled a handful of coins from his trouser pocket. He did a quick take of the amount he held and decided there was more than enough to pay for the paper. The man handed the paper towards Frank’s left hand and then held his empty hand palm upwards. All of the coins were deposited in the palm, but as the man went to hand some back to Frank, he was waved away. The front page had headlines about the war in Libya. Quickly he turned the page to something more interesting. Both inside pages weren’t much more interesting. There was a report about the war in Afghanistan and more boat people arriving. The PM was going down in the poles. His lunch arrived, interrupting his reading. After demolishing the sandwiches and two and a half cups of tea he went to pay at the cashier’s counter. When he opened his wallet he recalled that he had intended to draw out some cash and had completely forgotten about it.

Back at the ATM he withdrew five hundred dollars. He started to relive his previous visit. Outside the bank he paused and looked in all directions. Where could she have vanished to, so quickly? The most obvious thing he could think of was the shop next door which had a window displaying some very nice dresses and outfits. Looking in the shop again, he realized that if she had been there before and he hadn’t seen her, she could be anywhere now. Shaking his head he strolled from the Mall towards Edward Street. Stopping at a men’s wear store he looked at the window display. A new business suit would be necessary before long. There was a dinner jacket behind the suits, elevated up to be visible from the footpath. Frank gave a sigh and though if he ever took that lovely lady to dinner, that’s what he would wear. Moving along he kept that picture in his mind. He turned automatically into Edward Street. The surging crowd pushed him towards the roadway. He stood on the edge of the gutter, tottering to gain his balance. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a mop of sandy hair. He tried to spin around while waving an arm and shouting.

Hey lady! Over here! His foot slipped over the concrete edge, and falling head long into the gutter he tried to save himself with two hands held in front of his head and shoulders. He knew it was going to hurt. It did. His left wrist took most of his body weight and being situated across the area where vertical and horizontal concrete met, decided it had done enough. Frank felt the sudden pain as a bone snapped then lost consciousness as his head hit the edge of the roadway. He never felt the helping hands that rolled him over and supported his head.

*     *     *

At eleven thirty that morning Louise Swords had turned from the teller and looked to see if the good looking man in the queue had regained his composure. He was staring at her. She smiled again and walked out of the bank only to almost bump into her friend Megan Hislop. Megan caught Louise’s arm and pulled her in the direction she was walking.

Good Lord Sandy; fancy bumping into you up here. Have you a few minutes to spare? Louise had automatically fallen into step with Megan.

I’ve got most of what’s left of the day. How are you Megan?

Fine, just fine Sandy; come in here with me for a while then we can have lunch together. Louise was pushed gently into a dress store. Still holding Louise’s arm, Megan went to the cashier.

Good morning Mrs Hislop. You can go straight through to Greta.

Thank you Helen. Come on Sandy, this way. The pair walked through an avenue of dresses towards the rear of the store. Pushing through a frosted glass door, they entered another world. The carpeted floor gave way to tiles. There were dresses hanging off the wall and even across the back of chairs in groups of at least ten. On one side there was an office and on the other, against the wall, a cupboard with an electric jug and about half a dozen mugs. Nearby there was a small table and four chairs. Quite a few cardboard boxes were stacked at the back of the room and there was a long table with some clothing lying across it. Megan walked straight up to the glassed in office and pushed the door open, beckoning Louise to follow.

Hello Greta. How are you? She shook hands with the lady seated at the desk. Greta this is Louise. She and I go back to school days and I found her right on your door step. Louise this is Greta Helensberg. This lady runs the store does the buying and cops all the shit when things go rotten. The two women shook hands.

How do you do Louise? If you two went to school together it must be about time for you to wake up to her. It was said with a grin. Take a seat.

Hello Greta. I woke up to her a long time ago and discovered what broad shoulders she has for me to cry on now and then. Megan lifted up her brief case and removed some pamphlets.

Well now that you two are old buddies let’s get round to business. Greta these are the new lines we are selling this season. They are the ones I told you about during our last conversation. Greta took the proffered material and started shuffling through them. Louise turned away and watched a young girl sorting the clothes on the long table. Every now and then she hung an item on a wheeled stand. Louise thought of the man in the bank. She had first noticed him when he had been startled by a push in the queue and kept an eye on him until he was pushed again and looked up and caught her gaze. She had smiled at him and noticed how he became embarrassed. He was good looking.

Sandy. Are you asleep? Greta just spoke to you.

Excuse me Greta but my mind was doing a bit of a wander.

No problem Louise. Would you stand up to one side please? Louise stood and shifted away from the desk. I guess you would be a size ten? Louise nodded. Greta held up one of the pamphlets and looked from it to the woman. She nodded and said. Thank you Louise. Megan I’ll keep this one and these three here. She patted them into a pile. Where are you headed for now? Megan was putting the other pamphlets in her briefcase.

Sandy and I are going for lunch. I thought we might try the place around the corner. I’ve been there a few times and the cafe on the third floor is nice and quiet. Shall we move on Sandy?

Yes, when you are ready. It’s nice to have met you Greta. She shook hands with the lady.

If you two are going to that place you mentioned I’ll let you out the back and you only have to walk to the end of the lane. She led the way through the jumble of cartons and clothes. At a steel door she produced a key and unlocked it, revealing a wire door. Standing aside she watched the two women step out into the laneway. Enjoy your lunch and give me a ring sometime Megan.

I shall Greta, bye. The door shut. Come on Sandy let’s eat. One thing about back doors you don’t get caught in the traffic like I can see there. A thick group of people were walking passed the end of the lane. Reaching the footpath they nudged their way into the moving throng and at the centre of a building turned through the automatic glass doors and headed for the elevator. Phew, it’s nice to get out of the crowd. Where’s the lift? The indicator lights above the door showed twenty. You can’t win them all the time. What did you think of Greta?

She appears to be a nice lady. The lift descended. They fitted into the lift with about six other people. At the third floor they pushed out into the foyer and the cafe was right in front of them. Glancing around Megan indicated a table near a wall.

It will be private over there and we can swap lies without interruption. Settling at the table, Megan put her brief and handbag on the nearby chair and Louise hung her bag from the back of her chair. Shall we have a glass of house wine for starters? It might give you an appetite. She glanced around and caught the eye of a waitress. A few minutes later they clicked glasses and sipped the cool liquid. As you were saying down stairs, Greta is a nice lady and her staff like and respects her. She is a good customer. I’ve been selling to her for six years.

I didn’t notice you filling in any order forms.

It’s not my job; not with Greta anyhow. You see I have all these pamphlets and I show them to Greta first and as you noticed, she picked out some she liked. She will study them for a few days and perhaps talk to her staff. When she has decided how many and what sizes she thinks she can shift, she rings our warehouse and places an order. Our order clerk puts an X against my name so the boss knows I am on the job. The other dresses that she didn’t like will perhaps suit some store out of town. When I reload similar pamphlets to those I left behind, I will take them to the country. Ipswich, Toowoomba up and down the coast and possibly over the border.

You said Greta was the manager. Who does she manage for?

Herself, she owns the shop. Her husband has a men’s store in Ipswich. They live half way between their workplaces. I think Greta once said they have units or flats that they lease. They are not short of a quid or a dollar either. Two plates of sandwiches, a cup of coffee and a pot of tea were placed on the table. For a few minutes the women ate in silence. How are your mum and the children Sandy? Are they all keeping well? Louise knocked some crumbs off her fingers and took a sip of coffee before she answered.

Pretty much; Mum had a chesty cold last month but it has cleared up. Khloe and William managed to get off lightly with only a sniffle, thank goodness. You should have some children and start to get the worries of raising them, Megan. There was a snort across the table.

Have you been talking to my Harry? Every now and then he breaks out and says we should have kids. She laughed. Anyway, what about you, have you got a man in your life yet? Louise shook her head.

No and there will not be. I can’t besmirch the memory of their father.

That’s silly Sandy. Jeffery has been gone for what . . . three years?

Over . . . Khloe wasn’t born when he was killed. Anyway I am not that way inclined. Megan studied her friend and felt sorry for her.

Listen love. Some people go all their lives living as widows but you don’t see them doing hand stands in the street, do you? What about the children? They need a father figure. Personally speaking, I think you are too thin and I have often seen a lonely look on your face when you don’t think anybody is looking. I reckon you need a bit of loving, a roll in the hay, a good old fashioned root. Louise was not looking miserable now. She was laughing at her friend who had the ability to call a spade a spade and not hedge around the subject. Anyway, what are you doing this far up town?

I didn’t intend to come up here when I left home. But being at a book store one block down, I remembered I had a bill to pay at the bank and I thought of the branch around the corner. Now this is something you will appreciate. I was in a queue going towards the tellers and there was a man coming up the other way. Apparently he was reading all the bank ads and got pushed from behind when the queue moved up. Then it happened again and he got a real shove. I was grinning at him in his confusion when he looked straight into my eyes, so I smiled and he became embarrassed and started to colour up. He went up one way and I came down the other and went to the teller. After paying the account I looked back and he was still staring at me so I smiled back at him.

Did you notice anything about him?

Not really. She started to get a dreamy look on her face and spoke slowly as she recalled two swift glances. He was wearing a grey suit with a red tie. I guess he was just short of six foot. His hair was fair with blue eyes and he was very good looking . . . She trailed off looking into space. Megan held her peace for at least two minutes before interrupting the other’s thoughts.

Well if you are not interested in men you at least should be a detective. Sounds like you fell for him. Louise felt her face burning.

Oh Megan, look you are making me colour up. Can’t I look without touching? Her companion started to get her brief and hand bag in order.

You certainly can dear, but believe me it’s much more fun touching than looking. Let’s shake a leg. Even though I am a sort of free agent, I like to keep appointments when I make them. They went to the cashier and Megan paid the bill, refusing Louise’s offer to pay her share. I’m off to the Valley to see a good customer. Which way are you travelling?

Train as usual. I hate bringing the car into town. I had no trouble parking at the station this morning. The pair walked through Albert Street to Adelaide Street and crossed the road to a bus stop. There were a lot of people waiting for a bus. They were mostly women carrying some form of shopping.

Bloody hell Sandy, the buses will all be packed. You go to the station and I’ll walk up the road to the taxi stand. It will look better on my tax next year. She reached over and kissed Louise on the cheek. You take care and remember my instructions. Give me a call one of these days.

I will and I will. Thanks for the lunch. She gave a parting wave as Megan moved away, then turned and headed for Central Railway station. She glanced at the time table under Ferny Grove line, noting the platform and time of the next train. Walking smartly she arrived at the designated platform and touched her GO card in front of the register. A few minutes later the train pulled into the platform. About half the seats were still vacant in the carriage she entered, so she secured a window seat.

*     *     *

Frank tried to open his eyes. They didn’t quite answer his command, so he shut them tight again. He put his right hand up to his face to feel what was going on. A hand took hold of his. And there was a voice.

It’s okay mate. You have an oxygen mask on your face. Can you hear me clearly? Frank opened his eyes a little wider on the second attempt. There was an outline of a person in a white shirt. A head came close and the mask was removed. Can you hear me? The head said.

Yes, whispered Frank. My head hurts and my wrist is broken, I think. He shut his eyes again. The mask was replaced.

That’s right mate. We have you on a stretcher and in a minute we want you to sit up a little so we can remove your coat. Your wrist is certainly broken; pretty badly it appears. Now sit up a little. Frank did as he was requested and his coat was removed very carefully. He resumed his prone position, realizing he was on a stretcher at ground level. That’s it. Now we will lift the stretcher and give you some treatment. Frank felt his torso rise up then his lower body followed by his torso and again his lower body. Someone was rolling his right sleeve up his arm. We are going to put a drip in your arm and some pain relief.

Am I bleeding? Do I need blood? The drip worried Frank.

No mate not a drop. What’s your name?

Edwards; Frank Edwards, why do I have to have a drip?

Frank, all our passengers get a drip. It is to help overcome shock. There was the sharp pain as the needle was pushed into a vein. With clearer vision he could now see the plastic bottle supported just above, and to one side of his head. The other person was a young woman. Now I am putting a couple of belts around you to keep you safe while you are in the ambulance. Nicole will ride in the back with you and take some notes. There were some words between the officers then he was pushed into the rear of the vehicle. Frank closed his eyes and realized some of the pain in his head was lessening. A sudden bang as the rear doors were closed brought him back to the present. He turned his head slightly and saw the young woman take a seat on the other side of the vehicle. Another door was shut.

Hi Frank are you comfortable? He nodded. I’m Nicole. We put some binding on your broken wrist and pinned it to your shirt so it wouldn’t flop around and give you pain. Now I have to get some information from you. She had some sort of a report book. Frank removed the mask.

Here in my left pants’ pocket, my wallet. All you want to know is there. Nicole removed the wallet. She copied information from several cards.

I’ll put your wallet in your shirt pocket, so you can get to it. We have to keep your Medicare card and hand it to the sister who books you into emergency. Are you a registered contributor to the ambulance organization?

Yes and I also have medical insurance and want to be a private patient. Which hospital are we going to? There was mumbled voices from the front seat as the driver radioed in and waited for information.

We don’t know yet. It depends upon which one has the spare beds. Has the pain in your head eased yet? He nodded.

Yes thank you Nicole. There was a burst from the radio. Nicole tilted her head towards the front.

Did you hear that? We are going to the General. She sat in her seat and the ambulance moved off. Not too long after, the vehicle stopped and then reversed and finally came to its destination. Nicole moved forward and left through the sliding door. The back opened and Frank’s stretcher was pulled out and the wheels dropped. He could see numerous ambulances on either side of his conveyance. It won’t be long now mate. That was one mistake the ambulance officer made. Frank was wheeled into the emergency department and joined a group of other people lying on stretchers. Nicole went off to speak to someone. A nurse approached and wrote on a clipboard. She left for a few minutes and returned with a bangle which she placed around his right wrist. She produced a pair of scissors and removed the unnecessary piece hanging free.

She asked his name and age. Then his address and took his Medicare card which was lying on the blanket. She disappeared. Another nurse appeared and glanced at the clip board she had with her. Mr Frank Edward; I’m the triage sister. It looks like you have a pretty badly broken wrist. It will be a while before we can get you to X-rays as we are short of beds as usual. Frank pushed himself up a little.

Sister I want to go private. Can you organize that please?

Yes I can and it may get you a bed a bit quicker. I’ll have to check. She left and the two ambulance officers stood nearby chatting to each other. After a while the sister returned and spoke to them before talking to Frank. Mr Edwards there is a bed in the private ward. We will wheel you out beyond the cubicles and you will be transferred to a bed in a few minutes. It must be your lucky day. Frank snorted. Now, now! Look around you. All these people are public and in a worse shape than you. Here comes your new nurse now. She handed over the paper work, which had now been transferred to a new board that could hang on the rail at the foot of the bed. She said a few words to the nurse and gave Frank a small wave, then marched away. The petite nurse came alongside the stretcher and signalled to the ambulance officers. As the stretcher moved off she spoke.

Hi Frank. I’m Elizabeth. We will transfer you to a bed in the ward. Then you can change your clothes and we will see what can be done. They passed all the cubicles with their curtains drawn. They stopped at a lift and in a few minutes were travelling along a corridor in an upper level. Here we are. The nurse indicated a door and pushed the two halves aside so the stretcher could pass through quite easily. The ambulance officers lifted Frank onto the bed and left with Frank calling out his thanks to their retreating backs. First we have to get you into a gown. I’ll remove your shoes and socks then your shirt. She took the shoes and placed them in the bottom of a wardrobe. The coat was shaken and brushed with a hand then hung in the robe. You had better sit up while I get your shirt off. That left hand may be a problem. Those ambos must have had a lot of bandages on board. I may have to cut the sleeve. The shirt sleeve was manoeuvred over the broken wrist. Do you think you can manage to remove your trousers and put that gown on? She pointed to the gown and towels on a chair near the bed. Remember the ties have to go to the back.

Yes Liz I believe I can manage. For the first time in his life Frank felt fear of a woman seeing him undressed. I’ll be okay, thank you.

Would you like a cuppa?

Yes please, black with sugar. She nodded and left the room. Frank quickly changed into the gown but couldn’t fasten the tapes at the rear. After quarter of an hour the nurse returned with his tea.

I scrounged you two bickies. If you are going to theatre tonight you won’t get any dinner. Looks like you need a hand to tie those tapes. She moved around him and tied two sets of tapes. If you stand up I’ll do the other ones. Dutifully he stood up beside the bed. Great, you left your undies on. She tied the tapes. There are some ladies in this ward with weak hearts. I wouldn’t want them to have a seizure when you walk out to be weighed. I’ll fix the drip so it is outside your gown before we go. She pulled the tube from the canular, retrieved it from the gown’s sleeve and replaced it in its former place. The scales are in the corridor. He moved towards the door.

I bet those ladies have seen more of what I have covered up than I have had breakfasts. Elizabeth laughed and guided him into the corridor.

You may be right but we can’t take the risk; around to the left and along a bit. At the scales he stood on the platform while she adjusted the weight along the bar. His weight was entered on the clipboard. Back to bed, we have to get all you information written up. Once he was in bed, she pulled a blood pressure monitor over beside the bed and fitted the inflatable arm cuff and pumped up the pressure noting the reading on the clipboard. I think I had better leave your temperature till that tea wears off; now, next of kin?

Mrs Mary Charlotte Edwards, mother, lives on the Sunshine Coast. He gave the address. If you would be so kind to get my mobile and wallet from my shirt pockets, it might make things a little simpler. The nurse obtained the required items. Thank you Liz. Here is my driver’s licence so you can see I am not impersonating anybody. He dug a bit deeper in the wallet and produced a business card. That’s the local manager of my medical insurance. I’m sure he will be glad to pay my costs, or at least a large portion. Before you ask I don’t believe I’m allergic to anything. She put the thermometer in his mouth, stopping any more talk for a while. The thermometer was removed.

How’s the pain? Give me a number between one and ten, where one is just a niggle, and ten is what you would consider unbearable.

Eight He answered quickly. It’s the wrist. The head is pretty dull, just sore. She pushed the blood pressure monitor towards the wall.

I’ll see if I can rustle up some pain killers. Don’t run away. She returned in half an hour with a young doctor. He approached the bed and held out a hand.

Hi Mr Edwards, I’m Doctor Murphy. I would expect you to be in pain with the report about your wrist. Let’s hope it won’t be long before we get you to the X-ray department. He lifted Frank’s left arm and pressed parts of his forearm. He lightly brushed a finger across each finger and the thumb. Do you feel my touch in each finger? Frank nodded.

Yes Doctor. Is this a sign of something? The Doctor was looking at the clip board and wrote something before handing it to the nurse.

Well there is a good possibility that your nerves haven’t been damaged too much. The nurse will get you something for the pain. He turned and left abruptly. The nurse followed, returning shortly after wards with a kidney bowl and another nurse. Elizabeth took two gloves from a dispenser on the wall near the wash basin.

Are you Frank Edwards? The other nurse had looked at his bangle.

Yes I am. He replied. Elizabeth held a hypodermic needle so the other nurse could read its contents. The needle was pushed into the canular and delivered its contents. The extra nurse signed a place on the clipboard and left. Liz placed the needle in the special box attached to the wall. The latex gloves went into the rubbish container. She washed her hands then wrote on the clipboard.

That should make you a bit dopy in a while. Are you feeling alright?

Yes thank you Liz. If I am going to sleep I had better phone an order for a change of clothes. Elizabeth gave a wave and departed taking the kidney bowl with her. Frank reached for his mobile phone. He dialled and waited until he got an answer. Hello Mum are you still coming down tomorrow? . . . Yes I know I just wanted to be sure . . . . I have something I want you to do for me . . . . Well Mum I am in hospital . . . . It’s all right don’t get upset. Listen dear. I want you to bring me some undies and a shirt and a pair of grey slacks and socks . . . . Oh I broke my left wrist and it will have to be operated on, probably tonight and also Mum will you bring my shaving gear and a comb and so forth. Also do you know the charger for my phone? . . . . Good that’s it, pop it in too . . . . I’m okay Mum, I suppose I’ll only be her for a couple of days. I didn’t have time to shop so you had better pick up some milk at least . . . . I’ve been told I will get sleepy from a pain killer I had . . . . Oh, I forgot, I’m in the General in Private . . . . Love you my dear, see you tomorrow. He dialled a second number. Hi Jim . . . . Sorry I couldn’t get back to the office . . . . Well I had a fall and I am in the General with a broken wrist . . . . Yes the nurse is very pretty, just your type . . . . I guess I’ll be here for a couple of days because they have to operate and put some hardware in . . . . Thanks mate I’ll keep you posted. He felt himself dozing off and put the phone on the bedside cabinet.

*     *     *

Louise left the train and quickly walked to her car. She switched the ignition on and stood beside the vehicle for a few minutes until the air conditioner had time to pull the temperature down a little. She settled on the hot seat and found the steering wheel almost too hot to hold. Driving the few hundred meters to the Brookside shopping complex, she parked underneath in the welcome shade. Upstairs in the cool air she phoned her mother. Hi Darling I’m at the shops . . . . No I just arrived. Have you thought of anything else for me to bring home? . . . . I couldn’t get that book, but wait you will never guess who I ran into; Megan. I’ll tell you about it when I get home. See you in about a quarter of an hour. She went into the food centre and made a few purchases. She waved to a couple of women she knew and looked at some soldiers in their drabs, but didn’t recognize any of them. Back in the car she drove to her home in Menzie’s Drive. Her drive way went down a sloping concrete surface besides the house and turned under the building in the last few meters. She stepped out of the car and removed her shopping, then went forward through a door way into the laundry. Half a dozen steps took her up to the living area of the house. Beside her another set of steps led to the bedrooms in the split level house. Hi everyone I’m home. There was a squeal and Khloe came running and threw her arms around her mother’s legs. Louise bent over and kissed the upturned face.

Mummy, Mummy. I painted a picture of you today at Kindy

That’s good dear. Let me walk into the kitchen and put these parcels down. They walked into the kitchen and Louise’s mother followed them in. She kissed her daughter’s cheek and turned to the electric jug and depressed the switch.

I thought you would have been home earlier dear, coffee or tea? She reached for two mugs and placed them on the bench. Louise dropped the parcels on the table.

I think I will have tea Mum. If I have sugary coffee I will drink it too quickly. Mrs Answorth was removing some biscuits from a container and placing them on a plate. What’s Bill doing? He sounds terrible quiet.

He’s in your study pounding away at the computer. It’s a wonder he doesn’t break it. She placed a tea bag in each mug. So you saw Megan? That was a surprise.

Yes it was. She shouted me a nice lunch. Khloe go and get the picture you painted and tell Billy I’m home. The child stopped climbing onto a chair and ran out of the room. Louise sat at the table while her mother made the tea. She added milk to both mugs and put them on the table and put the biscuits between them. As she sat down Mrs Answorth looked at Louise who was staring into space.

A penny for your thoughts dear, Louise came back to the present.

Oh, I was miles away . . . . She seemed to be dreaming again. Startled she looked into her mother’s eyes. Sorry Mum. I keep thinking of something that happened today at the bank and it keeps coming back to me. Her mother took a sip of tea.

It must have been something very unusual to keep you thinking about it.

It was. Well unusual for me, that is. It was a man. Her mother took a deep breath, opened her eyes wide and threw her arms into the air.

Glory be! She almost shouted. Lazarus has risen.

Oh Mum don’t be silly. I saw him in the bank and thought nothing of it until after wards when I was talking to Megan. Khloe arrived with her painting and Louise heaved her up onto her lap. She pushed her mug further away and put the painting on the table. That’s a very good likeness of me, darling. Hey I saw Aunty Megan today and she asked about you and Billy. The bearer of the name came around the table and kissed his mother while she managed to put an arm around him and hug him.

I’ve been on the computer, Mum.

Is it still working? You haven’t broken it yet?

No Mum, it’s okay. Can I have another bickie, please?

Did Nan give you one when she brought you home from school?

Yes mum and a glass of milk too. Louise looked at the clock and decided.

Well I guess tea will be a bit late tonight so you can have another. What about you Miss, do you want a bickie, too? She pulled the plate over and offered it to the children. There were two ‘thank you Mum’ and they started to leave. Bill finish the bickie before you go near the computer. There was a mumbled answer.

Now tell me what happened to stir your blood.

Well I was in a queue at the bank going one way and he was in the opposite side. When I first noticed him he was reading the bank ads. Then he got a push from behind because we all moved a space. He went on reading the ads then got a big push again. This brought him almost level with me and he looked up in my direction. I smiled at him because he looked flustered and he got embarrassed and coloured up. But he did smile back. The queue moved about three spaces so he was behind me. The next move I went to the teller and as I left I looked at him again and smiled. He smiled back. I left the bank and bumped into Megan right at the door and she grabbed my arm and took me into the dress shop next door. I never thought anything about the man until we were sitting with the shop owner out the back looking at Megan’s pictures. Then I sort of drifted off and they had to call me to pay attention. While we were having lunch I did the same thing again, just as I was telling her about the episode. Then she gave me a lecture about getting a man. Honestly Mum I don’t know what has got into me.

I do. It’s the mating season. Don’t hush me up. Louise had her mouth open. Remember when you met Jeffery? It’s just the same. Pity you didn’t grab him while you had the chance. He’s probably flying to Melbourne or Paris or somewhere. You don’t know if he’s married or single. He might have half a dozen kids. She got up from the table and reached for her handbag on the bench. Louise went up to her and put her arms around her mother and hugged her tightly. The mother could feel the shiver going through her daughter’s body. It’s okay darling. It happens to all of us now and then. They walked out towards the front door. Louise called.

Billy and Khloe! Come and say goodbye to Nan. The two children rushed out and hugged their grandmother. She bent down and kissed each one in turn.

Bye Nan . . . . Bye Nanny.

Bye my darlings; I’ll see you in a few days. Be good for mummy. She planted a kiss on Louise’s cheek. Bye dear. It will work out. She went down the three steps and out the small wire gate, giving a wave before she walked to her car. The three people on the little veranda watched as she drove away then on entering the house went their separate ways. Louise headed for her bedroom and removed her good clothes and replaced them with a thin short dress. Back in the kitchen she put the jug on and quickly emptied the shopping bags and placed items in there correct places in the cabinets. She made another mug of tea. Sitting at the table sipping the hot beverage she thought of the man. Really he needed a name. She decided on ‘Banker’ and wondered where he was.

*     *     *

Frank was woken up by a nurse shaking his shoulder. Hi I’m Patsy. I’ll be keeping an eye on you until the next shift comes in. We are taking you down for x-rays. Here’s your chariot. A wards man pushed in a wheel chair, turned it round and turned up the foot rests. He locked the brakes on each wheel. Do you feel okay to get up or do you want a hand? She pulled the sheet off him. Frank made the effort and sat in the chair.

Right mate, lift your feet and I’ll let the foot rests down. The job was completed and the wards man spoke to the nurse. Are you coming with us Patsy? He released the wheel brakes.

Yes Jasper. I may be needed to unbandage the wrist if they have a problem getting a clear view. Let’s roll. She carried the clip board from the bed. Frank was wheeled back along the corridor he had been in coming up to the ward; however he was taken to another lift and descended some floors to arrive at the X-ray department. Patsy went to the office and handed in his clipboard. When she returned she said it would only be a few minutes wait. Jasper I think you can wait as it should only take about ten minutes. Frank they are going to x-ray your head as well as the wrist. She had hardly spoken when a door opened and the radiologist beckoned them in. Jasper wheeled him in and then did a reversal of the bedroom procedure and when Frank stood up he quickly backed out. The technician checked Frank’s name tag.

Mr Edwards will you lie on the table please, on your back first. Frank did as he was bid. The machine was placed above his head and adjusted. Hold your head still. He was alone. There was a faint murmuring sound. Right oh. Just turn your head around sideways. That’s it. Don’t move. He was back in no time and removed the negative from under the table, returning with a fresh one which he slid under the table near Frank’s wrist. Now can you wriggle over this way a little? That will do. He put a soft bag under the palm of Frank’s hand so that the hand was up as if he was holding a ball or something. Keep your wrist flat on the table. He readjusted the machine. That’s it. Don’t move. He was gone again. Okay, now I want you to turn your wrist onto its side. He twisted the wrist. Like this. You can clench your fist. That will help you to steady it. That’s it. Don’t move. He was gone again. You can relax now while we check if we got it right. Frank relaxed and was almost nodding off. Okay you can go now." The door was opened and Jasper wheeled in the chair.

Righto mate hop on board and we will have you back in bed in a jiffy. He was as god as his word. Frank climbed back into bed and Patsy fussed around pulling up the sheet.

I thought the ambulance people would have put a splint on my wrist.

"They did. It’s a piece of heavy plastic