Lismore Love

Chapter One

Victoria had no idea if this would prove to be a good decision or the worst one she had ever made. She gripped the steering wheel of her Subaru and arched her back as she began the descent into the town that was going to be her new home. It had been a long, uneventful, three-day drive from Melbourne and she’d had lots of time to think about the events of the last six months.

Why Lismore? her friends had asked in disbelief. She’d spotted the physiotherapy job and applied on a whim, not expecting to get it. When she was offered the job she decided to take it. I just need to get away and sort myself out, was the best reason she could offer. At her farewell dinner they wished her luck with promises to visit. Hey Vic, it’s not far from Byron Bay, is it? Nice place for a holiday.

The GPS on her phone guided Vic to the motel she’d booked. As she drove into the driveway she noticed it looked a little shabbier than the photos on the Internet, but she was exhausted and looked forward to a long rest. At least it had a pool. She stepped out of the car and felt the humid air wrap around her like a wet blanket. Sweat began to trickle down her back as she made her way to reception. A palm tree stood like a guard beside the entrance. Vic had expected January to be hot, but the humidity would take some getting used to. She made a mental note to rent a place with air conditioning.

The room was clean but had a musty smell. Vic headed straight for a cold shower to wash away the stickiness. After towelling off, she flopped onto the bed. It was too hot for clothes. The ancient air conditioner rattled away beside her to little effect. As she lay there naked, a feeling of vulnerability swept over her. Vic stared up at the ceiling fan with its rhythmic rotations and realised the enormity of what she had done. She’d left behind a secure job, all her friends and everything that was familiar.

Six months on, the pain of betrayal still weighed heavily on her chest. When Vic shut her eyes, the events of that night replayed in her mind like a broken record. She’d finally admitted to herself how miserable she was. All that was left of the marriage was a veneer of politeness and the shared goal of saving to buy a house. They had different interests, separate friends and very little intimacy. It was not what she had imagined for her life.

She still couldn’t believe how naive she’d been. She’d assumed that an honest discussion would get the relationship back on track. She’d cooked spaghetti bolognaise, Dave’s favourite, and bought expensive wine. After they’d eaten dinner in virtual silence, Vic reached out to touch Dave’s hand, and said, I think we need to talk. That moment was etched on her brain. The look on Dave’s face said it all. He blushed from the neck upwards and looked like he’d been caught out.

OK, said Dave after he swallowed a mouthful of wine. What do you want to talk about?

Vic felt her heart beating in her chest. Are you happy… with us… with our life?

Dave looked down at the tabletop and raked long fingers through his dark, wavy hair. Why are you asking?

Well, are you? Because I’m not. We never do anything together and I feel like I hardly know you anymore. We’ve become so … distant.

We both work a lot. What do you expect?

I know you’ve been working late a lot, but even when you’re home we hardly ever talk about anything … meaningful. And I can’t remember the last time we had sex.

Dave fiddled with his collar and took a deep breath. Maybe this whole thing just isn’t working.

What thing? This conversation?

No, this relationship. You said yourself you’re not happy. Well, maybe I’m not either.

That’s why I’m suggesting we talk about it.

I’m not sure there’s much left to talk about.

Vic’s jaw dropped, What are you saying? You don’t want to see if we can make things better between us?

Well… I’m not sure, but. Then there was silence.

But what?

Dave twirled his glass with his fingers and let out an audible sigh. Well, I don’t know how else to say this, but … I’ve met someone.

What do you mean?

He sat there stiffly.

Vic’s voice went up a few octaves. You’re having an affair?

No, not exactly. I’ve just met someone and we’ve had lunch a few times. Nothing’s happened.

The look on Dave’s face told her that it wasn’t true.

So you’ve been unhappy with me, but you didn’t think to say anything about it?

I didn’t realise it until I met her and started to feel things I haven’t felt in a long time.

Vic reeled backwards as though she had been slapped in the face.

He sat opposite her, playing with his fork, but with a look of something like relief. The secret he’d been carrying around was finally off his chest. I’m sorry, I didn’t know this was going to happen.

So what happens now?

I don’t know. I guess it’s over between us.

So… asked Vic with a hint of sarcasm, Does this mean you want a divorce?

Dave took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, Yes...yes I suppose it does.

So just like that, all the years we’ve had together are over, finished just because you’ve got a better offer.

It’s not like that. Neither of us has been happy for a long time, have we? We’ve only just got round to being honest with ourselves.

Vic clenched her fists. How long has it been going on?

What does it matter?

Where did you meet, at work?

Dave nodded.

When did it start?

He looked away, A few months ago.

So if I hadn’t said anything, you were just going to keep the affair going?

He stared at her blankly.

Vic gripped the edge of the table and pushed her chair backwards so that it scraped across the floor. So are you expecting me to move out, or will you?

I don’t know.

Why don’t you go and move in with her?

He hesitated. She’s married.

Nice. And I suppose there are children.

Dave raised his voice and banged his hand on the table. Look, neither of us planned this. It just happened. If you want, I’ll go and stay at a motel.

Vic stood abruptly, her head spinning. Don’t worry, I’ll leave. You can keep paying the rent on this place seeing you like it so much. She grabbed her bag and slammed the door behind her. Half an hour later she was standing at the front door of her sister’s house.

The ring of her phone brought Vic back to the present. It was her sister Kathy.

Hey, Sis.

Hi. Just wondering if you made it in one piece.

Yes, I’ve arrived. It’s so hot, you wouldn’t believe.

That’s good, I mean, it’s good you got there safely. How are you feeling?

OK, just exhausted. I think I’ll sleep for a week.

Just thought I’d ring while the kids are watching Play School.

Vic heard a whiney voice in the background.

Sorry, got to go. Someone needs to use the potty. I’ll call later when they’re in bed

Thanks for ringing, talk later then.

Vic put the phone down and fished for her bathers in the suitcase. She tied her shoulder length brown hair into a loose ponytail. It was time to go and check out the pool.

Chapter Two

Sam opened the door to the old brick garage beside the house, coffee in hand. She wanted to start on the sculpture early, before the heat of the day made it too hot to work. She walked around and surveyed the chunk of Huon Pine clamped to her workbench. She’d been saving this piece for a while. It had cost her an arm and a leg. In a few weeks she would be back at university, but for now, she could make anything she wanted to. She was looking forward to working with the wood for the sheer pleasure of it. It was her favourite wood with its honey complexion and aromatic smell.

Sam wandered over to her old record player. She flicked through her extensive record collection, pulled out a Mozart concerto and lifted the lid of the turntable. She never tired of hearing the crackle the needle made as it started its journey round and round the record. As the first strains of music wafted from the speakers she closed her eyes, and let her body absorb the energy of the music. She liked to empty her mind so she could work intuitively.

Sam put on her safety glasses and gathered her tools. She pulled a cap over her short sandy coloured hair. For the next two hours she chiselled away, bit by bit. It wasn’t a process that could be rushed. Sam felt peaceful when she worked this way and liked the element of surprise when the shape took place. She liked to think that, like Michelangelo, she would reveal what was already in the wood.

Sam stepped back to take a look at what she had created. What she saw was a figure, hunched over with head bowed. Although it was far from completed, she could not deny the feeling of sadness it evoked. She had to admit she’d been feeling morose again lately.

Sam had tried to stop dwelling on the past, but thoughts about Shane, and what she’d done, kept coming into her mind. She oscillated between anger and self-pity. People had warned her about Shane, and her track record, but she’d become so infatuated with her, she didn’t want to believe them. Looking back, she could see how foolish she’d been. Lately, her anger was more with herself than the woman who had played around behind her back.

The clock on the wall told Sam it was time to get ready for work at the cafe. Once her scholarship money came in, she wouldn’t have to work there, thank goodness. She brushed the woodchips from the front of her t-shirt and put the chisels back in the toolbox. She rubbed her finger where a small blister had started to form. Sam flexed her arm muscles. They were weary from the physical work, but it felt good.

Chapter Three

Vic came back to the motel room after her continental breakfast and turned on her laptop. She typed rental properties Lismore into Google. Quite a few places came up but she had already decided to live close to the hospital so she could walk to work. She’d gained a few kilos over the last six months. The short-sleeved shirt she was wearing was tight across her bust, and she felt self-conscious going out in shorts. She wanted to shed a bit of weight rather than buy a whole new set of clothes.

The next few days were spent looking at places for rent and filling in application forms. Whenever she and Dave had decisions to make, he had a way of convincing her why his ideas were best. He found his own arguments the most logical. It had been easier to go along with him rather than turn everything into a battle. Now that she was single again, she only had herself to please.

Once she’d handed in several applications, there was little to do but wait. Vic had a few days before the new job started and decided to get better acquainted with her new surroundings. A visit to the information centre provided her with an armful of pamphlets and maps. She wandered around the town until she found a café and ordered coffee. She sat outside, under the shade of a large umbrella.

Vic looked about at the interesting array of locals. A man with dreadlocks half way down his back sat opposite her. A table of four young women were engaged in animated conversation. She thought about the people she had left behind in Melbourne: her sister, work friends and her best friend since high school, Lucy. This is where she lived now, for a while at least. If things didn’t work out she could always go back, she assured herself.

Vic looked up and noticed a tall, striking woman with short, sandy coloured hair walking toward her, cup and saucer in hand. She placed it on the table, her expression neutral.

Thanks, said Vic. Her heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. How odd. She didn’t remember ever responding that way to a woman before.

You’re welcome, said the woman in a low melodic voice. Vic thought she noticed the hint of a smile in her eyes. As the woman went back inside she watched the solid but graceful way she walked, like an athlete or a dancer. She averted her gaze before she was caught staring. She knew she had gone bright red. To distract herself, she pulled the brochures from her backpack and began to peruse the local attractions. Beaches, national parks, the town of Nimbin and something called the Macadamia Castle. Vic wiped perspiration from her forehead with the back of her hand and decided a swim in the ocean was what she needed.

The woman walked back in her direction. Can I get you anything else, she asked as she began to clear away the dishes from the table beside her.

No thanks, I’m good … I’m new in town and I want to go for a swim in the ocean. Where would be the best place?

The woman stopped what she was doing. Ballina is closer, but the beaches in Byron are better. Though, it’s pretty crowded this time of year.

*

Sam took the dishes out the back and stacked them in the dishwasher. She came back to stand behind the counter where she could take another look at the woman with eyes the colour of cobalt blue. Something had transpired between them as they spoke. The woman had blushed when their eyes met and Sam had felt her heart rate increase. She watched the woman flick through brochures and sip her coffee. She had a cute dimple on her chin and her brown hair was pinned up at the sides. From the way she was dressed, in a retro print dress and leather sandals, Sam guessed that she was from the city, probably Melbourne or Sydney.

Chapter Four

Vic woke well before her alarm and was momentarily disorientated by the not yet familiar surroundings. She’d moved into the unit only two days ago. She was happy with her choice. It had two bedrooms, so as to accommodate visitors, new carpet and an air conditioner. The kitchen window looked out onto a small private courtyard with red and green leafy plants around the edge.

It was Vic’s first proper day of work. She’d completed her orientation the week before, but her sweaty palms let her know that she was feeling anxious. As she walked through the main doors, Vic noticed the familiar smell of a hospital which, strangely enough, helped put her at ease. She found her way to the physiotherapy department and was met by Peter, the Physio in charge. He was a fit looking guy in his forties and he shook her hand warmly. Good to have you on board, Victoria, I’ll make the introductions when everyone gets here.

Thanks, it’s good to be here, responded Vic.

At that moment a woman about Vic’s age came into the room. She greeted everyone with a cheery, Good morning. She had her dark hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, which bounced as she walked. She noticed Vic standing with Peter and came straight in their direction. Hi, I’m Natalie, you must be Victoria, you’ll be working with me today.

Oh, that’s great. By the way, my friends call me Vic.

Vic it is then, responded Peter. As it’s your first day, I thought you could shadow Natalie. She’s been here for ever and can help show you the ropes.

A few other people wandered into the room and began to take their seats for the morning meeting.

Peter introduced Vic to everyone and said a few words of welcome before the meeting started. As they began to discuss new patients, their treatment, staff allocations and rosters, she felt a sense of familiarity. It was a language she knew.

As they started their work for the day, Vic discovered that Natalie was great to work with. She was friendly, helpful and informative. She had an enthusiasm that was infectious. They spent the morning in the hydrotherapy pool with patients from the orthopaedic ward.

At 12.30 Natalie decreed it was time to eat