Chapters 7 – 12
Cheryl Wilson
You can find links to previous chapters at the end of this post.
Chapter Seven – Reasonable Doubts
Two weeks later she receives Merle’s letter, and noting the meeting puts it aside as Alice appears in the doorway. “Hi Loren,” she flops on the sofa, “Will Jack be here this Saturday or Sunday? ‘Cause if it’s Sunday I’m free, and we can all go to the zoo.” “That sounds great, Alice,” she smiles, “I will let Travancore know.” “On Saturday I’m swotting with a friend in Northcote. No offence Lorie but she has lots more room.” “That’s interesting – as Stan recently mentioned a house soon up for rent. It’s the old family home, Stan’s that is.” “Really?” goes Alice. “It’s reasonably priced, and in Princes Hill – set back from Lygon Street ” – “So do I have to move on?” interrupts Alice alarmed. ”Of course not,” beams Loren, “It has three or four bedrooms, and Stan’s mentioned a backyard – with a kid’s swing – for Jack during the day.” – “So he can be home? Like overnight?” Loren says nothing, instead goes to the window, tugs at the Holland blind. She worries he mightn’t settle down if he stays. Still not forgotten his distress when the three lived in the sad house in Carlton – and Howard, often moody and offhand, increasingly avoided them both. Suddenly, as if Alice has been reading her mind, Alice is grabbing her hand. “C’mon Lorie, why should you wait? It’s been a long time. Let’s try Jack coming here for a night. We can make room. In fact he can have my room,” she makes a face, “as yours is so stuffy, while my bed’s really great, and there’s my little tv.” Then grins, “I’ll survive on this damn awful couch… for a small price.” Alice’s enthusiasm is working, it is contagious; and it dawns on Loren at least these last years have been a minor success. – With her slowly setting up house here which Jack really enjoys. “I’ll do it Alice,“ she says “and thanks for your offer” then is smiling “at your small price whatever that means.” “I will think of something, Lorie,” she grins. “Trust me!”
Chapter Eight
It’s Friday night so Dire Straights play loud as she makes soup for the following day. “Lorie,” announces a voice. She glances up. “Oh hi Abie, didn’t hear you. Sorry,” – “Alice let me in,” she goes as Loren races into the lounge, turns down the new stereo and calls, “Want a coffee?” “Okay, but I can’t stay long. As I’m packing.” “Yes, Jules mentioned it the other day.” Then coming back Loren is frowning, “So how are you?” “I could be better,” she says. “The Michael thing’s been the final bloody straw. I’m off to Coffs Harbour with Ritchie for a month or two. Straighten myself out, pick up work.” Abie makes a face. “Something in retail while I’m there… I’ve made such a bloody mess of my life. Haven’t I?”“No, I think others did that for you. Your toxic parents for starters.” ”Yeah, you can choose your friends,” she goes.“Yeah,” answers Loren and hugs her. “Though I’d certainly never choose my so called family … well, aside from Ritchie – I’d be lost without him, not to mention yourself, Lorie, we’ve had some good times you and I.” Loren handing her a coffee adds, “And you have been a good friend.” “Hmm yeah, that’s true.” is Abie’s casual response. “Although my love, as we leave on the Monday I won’t get a chance to say goodbye to Jack. So give him a big hug from me.” “Of course, but we will have other times won’t we Abie?” “As always Lorie.” “Also Jack might stay overnight in a couple of weeks…” “My god, Lorie how did you come to that?” “I was sort of prompted. At first it was by Stanley, the guy I work with.” “Huh? And I think I know Stanley!” goes Abie, surprised. “Gay guy, and he’s quite a life saver. I met him at Watsons. I’ll spare you the details as loose drinking was involved. Unfortunately mine,” she frowns, “and Stan and his friend got me out of a pickle… “Because she already knows this, Loren’s relieved that Alice walks in…so can pointedly say “Though it’s Alice who’s really encouraged me to have Jack for a sleepover.“ “Yes, and it’s absolutely the right time!” states Alice, opening the fridge, and taking out cake. “Seeing as fairly soon we will all be …” – and Loren, knowing she’s about to blab about Stan’s house cuts in – “Though Alice, you realize I’m not making any other decisions just yet!” The truth being now that she’s finally received Merle’s notification she is reticent as hell about most everything. “Yes of course Loren, you must first work out what the future might bring,” responds Alice, a tad archly. Though on exiting the kitchen she does manage a nice smile toward Abie – never a favorite. Next she’s reflecting that upon Abie’s return, with a bit of luck, they could already be set up in the next rental house. With the bonus of Alice getting to know Jules a little better.
Chapter Nine
Sorting it Out
“Jack would live full time in the facility” starts Merle – “The prerequisite is that you would have to live close by.” There is a pause. Merle is quoting this from a document. “It is all about bonding, Loren,” she adds. “The focus is on the child bonding with immediate family. They feel family involvement is crucial to a successful outcome for the child.” Merle knows this is, and does sound rather pedantic. But it is what she is paid to do. To deliver this positive sounding drivel to parents in search of hope; for a better outcome for their young and challenged offspring.
Fresh slices of mud cake nestle among the clutter on Merle’s desk; while saying thanks Loren accepts the smaller slice. They are discussing, to use Merle’s startling words – an establishment – set in rural Victoria, for children such as Jack. “It’s a small township, with farmland, country activity, local interests, light on entertainments – and no beach to speak of – ” adds Merle with a grin. “I imagine their programs are similar to those set up here at Travancore, with Jack’s particularinterests in mind, and exploring some elementary schooling at his particular level.” Loren notes the emphasis on the word particular as it’s not really saying anything, aside from suggesting Merle’s own vagueness about her son’s prospects; and which Loren herself is quite unable to predict. As in her mind though he is over seven, he is yet a young child with some development still to go.
*
Merle glances at Loren, knowing most anything she says is daunting to her ears. She also suspects Loren may feel she is being judged – which Loren does – that she is not quite measuring up. And let’s face it, thinks Merle, especially as she’s a single parent and mostly left to her own devices. She waits. She listens. “I really don’t think we can do this Merle.” starts Loren, “I have a life in Melbourne, as does Jack. She is blunt. He has his interests when at home. We have outings, and he likes my friends. Any shift to the regions would offer nothing of benefit to either of us.” “Yes, I would uphold that,” adds Merle, and reiterates Loren. “Nothing would be achieved if you moved out of the metropolitan area.” Then is saying, “At this point there is no expectation at Travancore that Jack transfer elsewhere. As Jack’s future is basically up to Jack.” “Thank you,” is Loren’s simple and slightly guarded response. Next Merle arches eyebrows. “I’ve heard on the grapevine your son may be staying overnight?” “Yes Merle, Andrew and I are currently planning it.” “You’ve obviously established a close relationship with Jack,” continues Merle, “And have good communications with Andrew. I’ve no illusions about that.” And signaling the meeting is over, she stands. “Please let either of us know if we can further assist – although it’s an exciting idea, it is something quite new for Jack, and you may need a little support.”
Chapter Ten
Blast from the Past
“So you think you will go soon, move into another house?” Jules pulls a face. “Mainly because Stanley has offered it.” He drains his beer. “Why not, Jules?” responds Loren. “It’s official Jack’s not suited for regular school and he’ll stay at Travancore. Which means I can try living elsewhere. Perhaps I can have Jack home overnight. And Stan’s house is handy to everything.” “Of course Loren, and I get it,” he replies. Then smiles, “Another drink?” “Thanks, just a beer,” she answers, and he saunters toward the Albion’s crowded bar. Five minutes pass. As she fishes in her bag for change she knows Jules likely won’t accept – “Hi Loren,” goes a vaguely familiar voice. “Where’s your girl friend?” She glances up at the once handsome face now sporting two broken front teeth. Fuck. It’s bloody Michael – eeeyaar – Loren is slightly panicked. “She’s gone interstate,” she tells him coldly while thinking Jules! Does he know how this shit treated Abie? ‘Cause if he does he will likely punch Michael’s head in right here! Then be in trouble himself. – “Hope she’s okay,” the creep’s saying as Jules hands her a drink. “Thanks,” she smiles at him and adds “Southern Comfort – you shouldn’t have, Jules!” “So you’re Jules?” goes Michael. “Yes, and you are?” is the response. “Michael. I once knew Abigail just briefly” he lies. “Think she mentioned you. Called you an old friend.” Michael is nervous. “I no longer live here,” he adds quickly, “Just passing through actually so we stopped for a beer; me and my mate over there.” He nods at a bulky man in a black t shirt, thick arms coated in bad tattoos. Loren immediately senses his role, though belatedly, is as Michael’s protector – “Wonder why Abie mentioned me?” Jules comments as the two leave. Loren, thankful he’s unaware of the man’s appalling treatment toward Abie responds, “Perhaps all the women find you unforgettable, Jules – but in a good way” “Maybe so” he grins, “and I also wonder about the broken teeth,” then adds, “Cheers anyway Loren!” and raises his glass. And while drinking Loren very privately recalls how Ritchie, shortly on his way up the Coast with his sister also knew her ex-boyfriend – and stops there. Knowing that she and Abie will have a few stories to share in the not distant future.
Chapter Eleven
Saturday Twelfth
Alice, ready to leave, is showing Jack her comfy bed. It’s plumped with pillows and among them is her childhood teddy. “You can sleep with Freddie bear if you want,” she smiles. “And look, you have your own tv” and is switching it on as Jack, unsure, glances up at his mother.
“It’s wonderful Jack is here,” adds Alice. “Sorry I won’t be back until late tomorrow. But I can’t say no to a Skyhooksgig.” “They will be worth it!” goes Loren and Alice exclaims, “It’s fabulous this is all happening” – though next is worrying, “And how do you think Jack will go?” Loren pauses. “Stan’s offered to drive us back if there’s a problem.” “Oh, is that allowed?” “Of course, Alice. Travancore have responsible night staff and someone is always on hand.” Knowing at this point she can’t afford to be vulnerable.
*
As it is raining they spend time in the kitchen. With Alice gone she prepares a small roast for dinner. Jack is listening to the transistor radio propped beside him – it’s playing Mamma Mia as he draws at the table. Shortly the phone rings. It is Jules, with a quick question. “Hi, Lorie,” he starts, “I’m just checking. How did you get there today? Was it Alice?” “No, she had other plans. So Stan stepped in. He drove me in to pick up Jack then back here for lunch.” “Nice of him,” comments Jules. “Stan has an MG Sports. Jack loves it! What with the hood down and the wind in his hair! He was totally sold.” – “Lucky Stan!” goes Jules, “What’s the colour?” “British Racing Green!” she laughs. “Nice one,” he responds, “I’m glad all is well, see you after tea.” Placing the receiver she is impressed by the kindness of both men. Recalling that even as Stan waved goodbye at the kerb and sped off was yelling he would call her tomorrow – and she’d stood there waving him before taking Jack’s hand. In the other she’d clutched the overnight bag stuffed with the new Superman pyjamas, all jaunty red and blue – plus the usual change of clothes for his return. The plan being Jack’s expected for dinner at Travancore at six. Which Loren has agreed will suit, as on Monday Victoria wants to stock take.
*
Jack watches Alice’s tv until Jules arrives – then comes to the kitchen smiles Hello at Jules and goes to the other room. “It looks like Alice’s bedroom is not his thing” comments Loren, and immediately follows. As Jack, now in the amusing pyjamas curls up in the corduroy bean bag and gazes at the darkened screen. She flicks it on. Something has started, a variety show; and Olivia Newton-John is singing. He looks quite settled. Still she asks, “How’s that Jack? Okay?” “Good …mum,” he tells her, keeping his eyes on the screen.
“So where’d Alice end up tonight?” asks Jules, now standing among used pots and dishes in the kitchen. “Alice will be staying at her friend’s – that’s after they’ve seen Skyhooks,” grins Loren. “Not my scene,” he comments, then “Hey where did these come from?” As among the table’s debris he’s spotted three interesting packets. “Chocolate Royales!” he goes.“My favourites!” “Actually it was Merle. From Travancore. She dropped them off after organizing staff on the night shift. Also left some great picture book comics for Jack. He really likes them she said.” “If I clean up this mess you’ve made can we have some? Like for supper?” “Maybe,” she says. “There’s also a bottle of Coke in the fridge that Merle bought for tomorrow. Only don’t tell Jack. He’d be up all night if he drank it now.” “Sounds like shades of myself with a bottle of Jack Daniels!” retorts Jules, and making a face she laughs – then is off to the lounge, also her pokey bedroom to collect what she needs for the night.
Chapter Twelve
Earlier she had covered Jack in the mohair blanket, and loosely tucked it under the beanbag. She had placed the pillow behind his blonde head. She put the two big cushions plus reading lamp on the carpet beside him. While he took it all in Jack smiled, then he had turned back to the stray episode of “The Aunty Jack Show”. Soon it seems that Jules must go, he’s had a long day, so pops in on Jack and after saying goodnight then mentions to Loren Jack is yawning, “Good sign, possibly his bed time” he grins.
Loren’s already decided to book a taxi the next day, and Jules, at her front door questions, “Are you certain?” “I can afford it,” she grins. “I’ll stay there awhile as Travancore will ask how it went. I can get another cab home.” “Of course, Lorie,” he says, placing an arm around her shoulder, then quickly releasing it adds, “I’ll ring Abie tomorrow and say adios for Monday.” “That’s nice,” she answers, and reminds him to give Abie her love. She is also aware it’s gone midnight, TV transmission has ceased, and sees that Jack, is now sound asleep while snuggled under his extra blanket. Certain that all is going well; she dims the floor lamp, and rests on the carpet, among the comfy cushions and a spare blanket and reaches for her book.
The End
Copyright Cheryl Wilson, April 2025. All rights reserved; this intellectual property belongs solely to Cheryl Wilson.
About Cheryl Wilson
Writing stories may be a way of life or as an escape from real life. I enjoy inventing characters and placing them in surroundings once familiar to me – especially our inner northern suburbs during the seventies. I also write shorter pieces about real people who are closer to my heart.
Find links to Part One and Two here
Stories Connecting Us 
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