Friendships: A Novel

By P-M Hanlon

P-M has always had a love for reading, something shes had all my life.  She found that opening a book took her into a world where she could escape from reality for awhile.

While her work career took her into the finance sector, her love for words always remained.  It seems she always had a flare for the written and spoken word.  P-M always felt she had a book in her, and now was the time to put it on paper.

Friendships, P-M’s book, takes you, the reader, into an eye opening adventure with warm relatable characters, people whom you could live next door to, who could be your family members. P-M’s writing has a natural ability to draw you in and make you feel one with her novel.  Whether you feel love, sadness, empathy or laughter, you will fall in love with her writing, and always want more.  At least that’s what P-M’s lovely friends and family have told her.  You’ll need to judge for yourself.

Friendships narrates the lives of four 32-year-old women who are all strong in their own right. Suddenly and without notice, they are all diagnosed with unseen, life-threatening illnesses. Toni is a poster girl for partying who lives life to the max. Pam is happily married to Jon, the love of her life. Lara is a focused and driven woman who dreams to be a fully qualified lawyer. Beth is a real estate agent who lives a contented life with her partner Tina. Readers follow these four strangers as they meet at the doctor’s office and eventually become firm friends who support each other through their journeys.

 

Prologue:

Beth and Tina have it all, Beth is a Real Estate Agent, and Tina works in Finance.  Together they help people to realise their dreams of home ownership.  At home they support and love each other, with their fur babies.  Life is good for them living in Scarborough they are close to the beach and enjoy all that life in Perth has to offer, unbeknown they will face a life threatening illness, will it bring them together, or will this end their relationship?

Pam loves her life, married to the love of her life Jon, they work as a team raising their two children Tim and Dawn, with the support of Pam’s parents.  Pam is grateful each and everyday for her life, her children, her marriage and the fact that she can be a stay at home Mum.  Life will challenge them when Pam is diagnosed with a deadly illness, will she survive?

Toni lives life to the max, burning her candle at both ends makes her adrenaline run.  She is the perfect person to manage the Perth City Art Gallery, she loves all things art related.  She keeps the gallery running smoothly so owner Josh can focus on starting another gallery.  With her best friend Nancy’s support Toni will face head on her tuffest challenge, her health, will she win?

Lara, focused and driven to succeed, all she has always wanted to be is a fully qualified lawyer, she has her bar exams to sit soon, just as they are around the corner, disaster strikes, she has an accident that will change her life for ever.  How will she cope, and will she still become a lawyer?

Together they will face some of life’s hardest challenges, together they will support each other, but how, when they don’t know each other?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: May 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664105539

P-M Hanlon

The authors full name is Paige-Maree Hanlon, but as that’s a bit long, people call her P-M, and it stuck. She has a love for reading, which she has had all her life. While her career took her into the finance sector, her love for words remained. She has always had a flare for the written word. This book takes the reader into an eye opening adventure with warm relatable characters, people whom you could live next door to, who could be your family members. She has a natural ability to draw you in and make you feel one with her novel. Whether you feel love, sadness, empathy or laughter, you will fall in love with her writing, and always want more. Although originally from New Zealand, P-M currently lives in Rockingham, Perth, Western Australia, with her husband Pete and two fur babies, Pepe and Hobo, she loves the weather finding the mild winters perfect.

Book preview

Copyright © 2021 by P-M Hanlon.

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.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 05/14/2021

Xlibris

AU TFN: 1 800 844 927 (Toll Free inside Australia)

AU Local: 0283 108 187 ([phone] from outside Australia)

www.Xlibris.com.au

828904

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue, Six months later…

Personal Bio

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To Dr Helen Lamont, the best GP a girl could have, kind, thoughtful, and listens is tough when needed, thank-you for being my Medical point of reference.

To my husband Pete, thank-you for supporting me, believing in me, being my dictionary and helping me to see that I could do this.

To all my friends who read parts along the way, and gave me honest, constructive feedback, thank-you all so much.

To everyone who reads this, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

PROLOGUE

Beth and Tina have it all. Beth is a real estate agent, and Tina works in finance. Together they help people realise their dreams of homeownership. At home, they support and love each other—and their fur babies. Life is good for them, living in Scarborough; they are close to the beach and enjoy all that life in Perth has to offer. Unbeknownst to them, they will face a life-threatening illness. Will it bring them together, or will it end their relationship?

Pam loves her life, being married to Jon, the love of her life. They work as a team raising their two children, Tim and Donna, with the support of Pam’s parents. Pam is grateful each and every day for her life, her children, her marriage, and the fact that she can be a stay-at-home mum. Life will challenge them when Pam is diagnosed with a deadly illness. Will she survive?

Toni, a poster girl for partying, lives life to the max; burning her candle at both ends makes her adrenaline run. She is the perfect person to manage the Perth City Art Gallery, as she loves all things art related. She keeps the gallery running smoothly so that owner Josh can focus on starting another gallery. With her best friend Nancy’s support, Toni will face head-on her toughest challenge: her health. Will she prevail?

Lara is focused and driven to succeed. All she wanted to be is a fully qualified lawyer. She has her bar exams to sit soon. Just as they are around the corner, disaster will strike: an accident that will change her life forever. How will she cope, and will she still become a lawyer?

Together they will face some of life’s hardest challenges. They will support one another, but how—when they are all strangers?

CHAPTER ONE

44165.png

Pam

As the sun streamed into her bedroom, Pam awoke to the sound of birds and the feeling that today was going to be a good day. After the stress of yesterday, it would make a change, she thought to herself.

Suddenly she became aware of noise in the house. She could hear the children downstairs. Today it was different: their voices were excitable, they were giggling, and then she heard Jon’s voice say, ‘Careful, you’ll break it.’ She wondered which one of the children he was talking to. Donna, who’s just turned five in age but about 25 in bossiness. She smiled and then thought of Tim, her beautiful firstborn, so soft and gentle, and turning 12 in a couple of months.

All of a sudden there were footsteps outside the bedroom. She snuggled down and pretended to still be asleep. Their voices were hushed and whispered. She heard Tim say, ‘Dad, do you think she can hear us?’

‘Not a chance,’ he replied. ‘You know your mum. She sleeps so soundly. Now go over to her side of the bed and put the tray down.’

Donna’s giggle was infectious, and it was all Pam could do to not laugh out loud at all the commotion.

Then their voices ran out in chorus. ‘Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Mum and Pam, happy birthday to you.’ She opened her eyes and rolled over. There beside her on the bed were her beloved family, her reason for living: Jon, handsome Jon, her rock, her support and her partner-in-crime, and their two amazing children, Tim and Donna, all grinning at her, smiles on their faces, a tray of yummy food, and the presents all waiting for her to wake up, eat, and open.

She felt her smile grow as Donna wiggled onto her knee and gave her a big wet kiss. ‘Happy birthday, Mummy, I love you. Open mine first,’ she said, putting a lovingly wrapped present into her hand. Pam hugged Donna close, and with her on her knee, she opened her present. Her smile widened, and she showed everyone the beautiful picture that Donna had drawn for her. It had a birthday cake, with lots of candles, and of course her standing behind it with a big smile on her face.

‘I love it,’ Pam said, snuggling into Donna, giving her a kiss. ‘Is that me with the smile?’ she asked.

‘Yes, Mummy, of course.’ Donna giggled.

Pam felt so loved. Jon smiled and gave her a wink. Her internal warmth grew.

It was Tim’s turn to give her his present on her special day, and he was so excited as he had worked so hard on this and knew she would love it.

‘Close your eyes, Mum, please,’ he said.

Pam closed her eyes and felt something rather large being put beside her. I wonder what he’s made this year, she thought. Last year, with his dad’s help, he had made her a lovely birdhouse to hang off the tree in the backyard.

‘Open your eyes, Mum. Open your eyes,’ Tim said excitedly. Pam opened her eyes and gasped. She was totally blown away by this young man she called her son. Sitting beside her on the bed was a huge plant pot filled with all her favourite flowers, and the smell was amazing. It was filled with bright-yellow daffodils, coloured freesias, tulips, and a lovely purple pansy.

‘Wow,’ she said. ‘This is amazing. Where did you hide it?’

She realised that they are mostly bulbs, so he must have been working on it for ages.

Tim’s smile grew, and he said, ‘At Granny’s. She helped me this year, and we kept it secret.’

Jon had suggested a couple of years back that for birthdays, that they give only homemade gifts to each other, and each birthday since has been so special, and this one is one to top.

Pam was so proud of her kids. They were growing into loving, caring people, and she knew that Jon had a lot to do with that. He was a great dad, and they all loved him.

Jon stepped forward.

‘My turn now,’ he said, handing her an envelope. An envelope, she thought. What was handmade about that? She opened it, and tears started to flow. As she wiped them away, she read

Mummy (my darling Pam), you are invited to dinner in the dining room tonight, at 7:00 p.m., the 12th of March. Please come dressed in your best dress.

Pam was excited by this invitation and quickly agreed to meet everyone in the dining room at 7:00 p.m.

‘Right,’ said Jon, ‘Tim, Donna, Pam, let’s eat this delicious breakfast and then get ready for school and work, just ’cause we have a special birthday girl in the house doesn’t mean we can laze around all day.’

And eat they did, finishing off everything: toast, coffee, juice, fresh fruit, and yogurt. Then they all got ready to head off for the day.

Lara

As she was rushing out the door, Lara caught her heel in a tiny rip in the carpet and went down like a ton of bricks. She hurt her right elbow, twisted her right ankle, and broke her heel. Damn, she thought, this is all I need. I’m already running late, and I really don’t need another run-in with Tom.

Tom is Lara’s supervisor, and he loves to lord it over her, always taking credit for her work and throwing her under the bus whenever he could. Tom was new to the company, and Lara couldn’t stand him. He was smarmy, two-faced, and only cared about himself. He was totally selfish, not to mention the way he sucked up to Natalie, the head of the law firm.

Unfortunately Lara had to put up with things just as they were for the time being. She had the bar to take in just under a fortnight. With all the work Tom piled on her desk, she worried that she’d have to resit and be stuck under Tom’s thumb. Tom Thumb. She smiled to herself. If only he was two inches high, she’d put him on top of a cupboard and leave him there. She started to laugh at her thoughts when the pain hit her. Wow, I’ve really hurt myself. She hobbled back to her room to change shoes, and with that she walked out the front door, locking it after herself.

As Lara started to walk to the train station, her right side throbbed. Maybe I should head to the hospital, just make sure I’m OK, she thought. Before she knew it, she was in the back of a taxi heading straight to Fiona Stanley’s emergency department. She quickly messaged Tom, updating him on what happened and where she was. Now all she had to do was report, sit, and wait; hopefully they had some good magazines.

It had been two hours and Lara was still waiting to see someone. There had been a few emergencies come in. One very pregnant lady came in via ambulance; she looked like she was in a lot of pain. Lara hoped that she would be OK. As well as an elderly gentleman who could hardly walk. He was so thin. She overheard his daughter telling the desk staff that he hasn’t been able to keep food down for three days now, and she was really worried about him. Lara sent out a quick prayer for both of them, that the new mum-to-be would be OK as well as her newborn and that the gentleman got a doctor who could find out what was wrong and fix it. Lara was amazed at how easy the flow was, lots of people coming and going. The staff, whether it was someone from reception, nurses, or doctors, they all did their best to put the patients at ease.

‘Lara Brownie,’ she heard her name called, just in time as she was beginning to nod off. She got up and walked towards the door, well, hobbled, really, as each step was painful.

‘Hi,’ said the nurse with her chart, ‘my name is Amanda. Now what have you done to yourself?’

Lara explained her fall and broken shoe and that her right side took the fall. As it’s very painful, she thought she should come in and get things checked out. The nurse agreed and took Lara into a cubicle, giving her a hospital gown and asking her to change into it.

‘Do you know how long I will be here for?’ Lara asked.

‘Hmm, well, it could be a while. Let’s get your blood pressure and get you comfy, then I’ll get the doctor.’ And with that said, Amanda disappeared.

Lara changed into the gown and got on the bed under the top sheet, moved the pillow around a few times to get it just right, and then relaxed and waited. She must have waited for a while as she dozed off and was gently woken by a smiling woman, saying, ‘Hi, good you’re awake. I’m your doctor today, and my name is Dr Zoe Milligan, but you can call me Zoe if you like. Now what seems to be the problem?’

Lara once again repeated herself and started to feel silly. ‘It was just a fall after all,’ she said. She’s only 32 years young, so she shouldn’t have any major damage although her foot is terribly sore to walk on.

Dr Zoe said she wanted Lara to have an X-ray of the foot, ankle, hip, elbow, and shoulder on the right just to be sure. Once they are done and she’s seen the results, she will know whether to order any more tests. Also, she asked Lara if she had been drinking or if she had alcohol last night that could still be in her system. Lara explained that she is sitting the bar in a fortnight to be a lawyer, and all she’s been doing lately is studying. She couldn’t say when the last time was that she had a drink. Maybe when I’ve passed, she thought to herself, I’ll get a really nice bottle of bubbly to celebrate.

Zoe excused herself and said she’ll be back once she has the X-rays booked in. Lara thanked her, and resting back, she once again closed her eyes.

Toni

Opening her eyes a crack and hearing that bloody kookaburra laughing at her, Toni wondered what time it was and where she was. Hang on now. It’s coming back, she thought. She’d stayed at Nancy’s after drinking too much last night; now that explains the sore head, well, more sore than normal. I’m too old for this life, she thought then dismissed it. She loved her life so much; she had always been the party girl, and now her job meant she could party every day, well, once a month for the exhibits anyway. Toni managed a rather exclusive art gallery in the city, right next to all the great fashion places. Perfect, she thought. Life just can’t get any better except this headache and that bloody bird.

Just then Nancy popped her head through the door. Seeing that Toni was awake, she came in bearing gifts … Panadol and a glass of water. Phew, just what I need, thought Toni. Gotta love a good friend.

‘How you feeling this morning?’ asked Nancy.

‘Well, to tell you the truth, I thought I was OK till that kookaburra started laughing at me, and then my head started to throb. Thanks for the Panadol and water. They are gratefully received.’

Both of them laughed. They have known each other for years now, having met one night at a club, hit it off, and have always been there for each other. Life hadn’t always been kind, Toni remembered, but good friends are worth their weight in gold, and Nancy deserved every coin.

‘Right, out of bed with you, shower, and I’ll get breakfast ready. Hop, hop … see you soon,’ said Nancy as she left the room. As she stepped out of the shower, Toni was starting to feel better; her headache was subsiding, and she felt human again. She smiled as she saw the clothes Nancy had laid out for her. That’s so Nancy, she thought, such a mother hen. She was a great mum to her three little ones and with a fourth on the way. Nancy had always wanted a large family; she married Eric, a cattle farmer, so she had lots of land for lots of kids.

As she walked towards the kitchen, she could hear the family chatter and smell whatever wonderful creation Nancy had made. She was an amazing cook. Toni loved coming to stay. She felt at home, part of a family; it made her feel good inside.

As she opened the kitchen door, she was greeted with a tirade of smiles, good mornings, and hugs from the four-year-old twins Daniel and Kevin and two-year-old Tyler. What a great way to start the day, she thought.

‘Well, good morning, all,’ she said and knelt to hug all the boys. Nancy was hoping for a girl this time around, but as she wants a huge family, she wouldn’t mind another boy as long as he’s healthy. Toni loved being Aunty to the boys, they were cheeky, normal, high-spirited boys. While she was focused on work, this was her family, and these were her kids too.

The table was overloaded with delicious morsels. There was toast, jam, marmalade, marmite, pancakes, maple syrup, fresh fruit, yogurt, bacon, eggs, sausages, and of course, coffee and juice.

‘Have you been up since 3:00 a.m.?’ she asked Nancy. ‘This is amazing, and I don’t even know where to start.’

‘Not quite.’ Nancy giggled. ‘I just wanted you to feel special after the week you had.’

‘Thanks, but I’m good, and like you said, until I get the results I’m perfect.’

Toni reflected on her week. She had been suffering the most debilitating headaches for a while now. She took that much Panadol that she could have shares in the factory. Toni had taken herself off to a GP recommend by a friend. She had recently had an MRI, thankfully covered by Medicare; all she had to do now was wait for the results. So for now, all she had to do was eat.

Beth

Stopping to check her heartbeat, Beth loved living in Perth. The beaches were perfect and the perfect place to run, walk, or exercise. She wasn’t the only one who thought that way. Good, she thought, I’ve got it up to 145 bpm. She was so happy with her weight loss so far and the fact that she was now able to run. She started walking six months ago, and she was running already, how exciting. Looking at her watch, she noticed the time. Oops, best keep going or I’ll be late for work again, she thought.

Once home, she showered, changed, had a quick shake, and was out the door within 20 minutes. Perfect, she’ll be in time for the morning meeting. Everyone will be surprised, she thought. Driving to work, she turned up the music and let it wash over her. She always starts the day with her favourite song, ‘Walking on Sunshine’ by Katrina and the Waves. It’s her happy song that helps her to focus on the day ahead.

Arriving at work, she greeted the receptionist then ran upstairs to the meeting room. She was five minutes early. Nice, she thought to herself, it’s going to be a great day. The meeting was just the same as ever, all about the current property market, what areas are selling better than others, what each person sold and listed last month, and of course, the top lister and seller.

Beth was a real estate agent, and she loved it, loved helping people to move on with their lives, helping people get into their first home, people wanting to invest, whatever their property needs, she was able to help. She had a passion for people since she was a small child; she loved people.

Once again Jim was the top salesperson; everyone congratulated him. Morning tea was provided, and then it was back to the daily grind.

Beth had an 11:00 a.m. appointment, a possible new listing, so she left with 30 minutes to spare, as she liked to collect cakes from her favourite bakery to take with her, just a little something that she liked to do each time she meets someone new.

What a fabulous meeting. They signed up on the spot. Beth is heading back to the office with a new listing. The exciting part is she has a couple of clients to whom this home would suit. On her way back to the office, she called them on her hands free, while driving, and booked both of them in to see the home this week before its first home open. How amazing would it be to sell before it was advertised; she felt excited.

Suddenly her phone rang.

‘Answer,’ she said to her hands free. It was Tina, her love, her support, her everything. She couldn’t wait to tell her about her morning.

‘Hey, how are you?’ Beth asked.

‘Good, and you?’ replied Tina.

‘I’ve had the best day ever,’ said Beth, and she proceeded to tell Tina about her morning. The excitement was evident in her voice. Tina told her how proud she was of her, that she loved her, and hoped the sale came to be.

‘I’ve made an appointment with my GP for you. We need to find out what’s going on with you. Those twitches, shakes, and balance issues need to be addressed. I hope you aren’t doing too much, honey, as I need you around for a long time, OK?’ said Tina.

‘Sure,’ replied Beth, ‘as long as you come with me. You know how I feel about doctors.’

‘Of course I’ll come with you. Holding hands is what I do best.’ Tina laughed. How I love that sound, thought Beth. Tina had a great laugh; it was contagious. They said their goodbyes, and Beth hurried to the office.

Stopping only to get lunch and petrol, Beth was back in the office by 2:30 p.m. She waved hi to Jen the receptionist and hurried up the stairs to take her new listing to the sales manager. She had adverts to write; cut-off for this week’s local newspaper is today at 4:00 p.m.

‘Head down and focus, my girl,’ she heard her dad say, and that was exactly what she needed to do. ‘Phew, I did it, adverts done, checked, and sent.’ The new listing was being added by sales admin. To celebrate, she’ll talk to Tina about going to the beach with their four-legged babies and have fish and chips. Scarborough beach is the perfect place for that.

Beth began to collect her things as her phone rang. It was Tina.

‘Hey ya,’ she said.

‘Hey,’ said Tina, ‘I was thinking, how would you like to head to the beach tonight, take Coco and Rufus, and get some fish and chips to celebrate your very successful day … what do you think?’

‘I think you should stop reading my mind,’ said Beth.

‘I was going to call you in the car and say that exact thing. Are we that connected?’ She laughed, which caused Tina to laugh. Love that laugh, thought Beth. Love that girl. Can’t believe that she’s in my life. Life is just so good sometimes. ‘OK, I’ll see you at home,’ said Tina. ‘Bye, love you.’

‘Love you too. Yes, see you soon, bye.’

Saying her goodbyes, Beth jumped into the car and turned up the volume listening to Katrina sing her favourite song. Great day, she thought as she drove home.

CHAPTER TWO

44165.png

Toni

It was a quiet day in the gallery. They had an opening for a new artist, James Black, on Saturday night and had such a great turnout, with 70% of his paintings already sold. Anyone coming in was greeted with ‘Sold’ signs. Toni passed the day by dusting and straightening the paintings. What a shame, she thought as she dusted her favourite one, looking at the ‘Sold’ sign. I should have been quicker and purchased that one. With everything she’s seen since taking over as manager five years ago, that was the best one. Maybe I’ll ask James to paint something just for me. That would be special.

Suddenly the phone rang interrupting her thoughts.

‘Hello, yes, this is Toni, yes, OK, sure, do I need to bring anything? Oh OK, sure, yeah, that’s fine, OK, thanks, yes, I’ve got all that. Thank you for calling. See you in the morning.’ Crap, what now? she thought, ringing Nancy. ‘Come on, Nanc, answer the phone,’ she said out loud.

‘Hey,’ said Nancy, ‘what’s going on? I don’t normally hear from you during work hours. Everything all right?’

‘No,’ whispered Toni as she tried to fight back tears. ‘Oh Nanc, what am I going to do?’ Toni’s voice cracked as she felt hot tears on her cheeks. Trying to close the gallery while holding her phone was a struggle.

‘Hold on Nanc, I’ll be right back,’ she said as she put the phone on the counter. Nancy waited on the line wondering what could have driven her best friend to tears. She wasn’t one to cry, so what was going on?

Finally Toni picked up the phone.

‘Sorry,’ she said in tears, ‘I had to close the door.’

‘What’s going on?’ asked a worried Nancy.

OK, deep breath, here it comes, thought Toni.

‘I just had a call from my friend’s GP, not the office, not the receptionist, the actual GP, whom I’ve never meet, she called to say that she has received my MRI and could I please come in tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. She’s in Osborne Park and gave me the address. She’s made the appointment especially as there is something we need to discuss. Nancy, I’m so scared. Can you come with me?’ Toni pleaded.

Without hesitation Nancy said, ‘Of course, in fact, come stay with us tonight. The kids will keep your mind off things, and I’ll make your favourite for dinner … Nachos with all the toppings, how does that sound?’

Tears flowing, Toni agreed.

‘That sounds so amazing. I love you. Thanks for being here for me.’

‘Anytime and always. I love you too,’ said Nancy. ‘Call Josh, the gallery owner, and explain what’s happened and ask for the day off. Let him know you’ll update him tomorrow when you know what’s happening. You OK to do that, or do you want me to call him?’

‘Thanks, but I’ll call him,’ said Toni, ‘and I might take the rest of the week off as it’s Wednesday.’

‘Then you pack a bag, hon, as you’re staying with us till Sunday. Honestly I could use a babysitter. Please say yes,’ said Nancy.

‘Yes, I would love that. I don’t want to be on my own right now, and I love your babies like they were my own, so I’d love to help you. Thank you. I’m so lucky to have you in my life.’

‘Ditto,’ said Nancy. ‘Now call Josh, go home and pack, and we’ll see you soon. Drive safe, love you.’

‘Love you too. Yes I will. See you soon. At least I don’t have to deal with the freeway traffic tonight. Bye, hon.’

‘Bye.’ They both hung up and sent each other virtual hugs.

Josh totally understood and told her to please keep him informed and to take as long as she needed. He knew Toni’s worth; her eye on paintings, sculptures, pottery, in fact, anything in the art world, was second to none. And she worked all the hours needed to keep the gallery running. He needs her fit and healthy, so if she needs some time off, he will gladly give it to her.

Toni got home in record time; packed some clothes, toiletries, and snacks for the kids; jumped in the car; and headed from Hillary’s to Mandurah. She was enjoying the fact that it was during the day and the roads weren’t too busy. She looked at the clock; it was 1:13 p.m. She’d be there early, so she might go via Rockingham and pick up some Baskin-Robbins ice cream as a real treat for the boys. They’ll love it. She smiled to herself, turned up the radio, and felt better than she did an hour ago.

Lara

It was getting on to 3:00 p.m., and Lara had just had her X-rays taken. She was waiting on Dr Zoe for the results. All of a sudden, her tummy did a big growl, and Lara remembered she hadn’t had anything to eat yet. I wonder if I could get a sandwich, she thought. As if on cue, Amanda popped in to take her vitals, so Lara plucked up the courage to ask.

‘Excuse me, Amanda,’ she asked. ‘I’m being a bit cheeky, but I’m starving and wondered if I was able to get a sandwich or something?’ As she finished asking, her tummy growled again, and they both laughed.

‘I’m sure I can find you something. What about a hot drink?’

‘Oh yes, please, coffee would be amazing. White with one sugar please.’

Just then Dr Zoe came in looking very serious, and her first question to Lara was, ‘Have you eaten today?’ Amanda explained that no she hadn’t, and she was just about to go find her a sandwich and coffee.

‘Good, I’m glad I arrived back when I did,’ said Dr Zoe. ‘Lara, you have broken your ankle and cracked your elbow. We need to get you into surgery for your ankle as it’s not going to heal itself. Your elbow will. We will put a cast on that. I’m so sorry, but you’ll be with us for around three to five days. Can you get someone to bring you some things from home? We will be taking you through any time now. Do you have any questions for me?’

Lara didn’t know what to say, and suddenly tears started to roll quietly down her cheeks. She couldn’t believe she broke her ankle and elbow. What’s wrong with me? she thought. Amanda passed her a box of tissues and told her she’s going to be OK. She is in the best place, with the best people.

‘Will I be OK, and will I only need the one surgery?’ Lara asked Zoe.

‘We are hoping one surgery will sort out your ankle. But there seems to be other issues at play, so I’m going to do some more tests. I’ll get Amanda to do bloods, and we’ll put in a cannula now for your surgery. To be honest with you, you may need a second surgery, which is why we want you to stay for three to five days.’