In Jeopardy by Lynette McClenaghan

arbitrator of argument and discord.
    Julian breaks the ice by asking his niece and nephew what excites them at the moment and what their plans for the future are. He starts with Lawrence. ‘Year twelve’s a big year for you. What are your plans when you leave school?’
    ‘I’ve shortlisted some university courses, but I have no real plans.’
    Diana says, ‘Yes you have. You’ve already chosen your preferences.’
    ‘I can still change them.’
    ‘You’re not going to do that. We’ve already discussed this matter and you agreed you’ll stick with your best options.’
    ‘Mum – there’s no
we
here – this is what
you
want.’
    Interrupting, speaking at the same time, Paul and Natasha break in, ‘Time to change the subject.’
    Lawrence says, ‘I want to hear what Christine and Julian have to say.’
    A long pause amplifies the tension. Christine is too afraid of Diana’s sharp tongue to offer an opinion.
    Julian looks across the table at Christine, notes her pursed lips, and speaks for both of them. ‘What have you put down for, Lawrie?’
    ‘He wants to do a number of impractical things that will lead to nothing.’
    ‘It’s my life.’
    ‘You’re not going to throw your life away on an empty dream – we won’t let you.’
    ‘When did you ask dad what I can and can’t do?’ Lawrence directs his gaze at Paul. ‘Dad, do you have a problem with me studying bio-medicine or physio in Sydney or Melbourne?’
    ‘You can study here in Perth – this is your home. You don’t know anyone in Melbourne.’
    ‘I know Christine.’
    Diana flushes red. ‘I don’t mean that – I mean younger people.’
    Paul plays peacemaker. ‘I think it’s time this conversation ends.’
    ‘Not when it’s about my life.’ Lawrence turns to Christine. ‘Tell them that Melbourne universities are filled with overseas and interstate students.’
    ‘I guess, in the same way as Sydney, Perth and other capital cities.’
    ‘No more about interstate study. As you don’t qualify for government assistance we will have to foot the bill.’
    Lawrence shoots his mother an angry look. He blurts out, ‘Christine tell them how much better Melbourne is than this dump.’
    Diana returns an equally angry look and says, ‘And we don’t need to hear about your plans to delay your studies to work in a boatshed.’
    Diana drives Lawrence and Natasha to school before taking Christine to the airport.
    Lawrence says, ‘It a shame you can’t stay longer.’
    Natasha adds, ‘Next time you can tell us more about Melbourne.’
    ‘Maybe we’ll just come visit you.’
    Diana wades in. ‘Wait a minute guys, who said anything about interstate travel?’
    Julian remains in Perth for another few more days before he returns to the east coast to assist a team of rookie journalists to wrap up their project.

 

Chapter Ten
    The ward is a flurry of activity when Christine returns. Richard almost fades from her mind. Unseasonably warm Melbourne weather lingers and brings in a rush of casualties. Hoards of daredevil types, mostly young people living a comfortable existence, flood the Emergency Ward. Others susceptible to broken limbs are cashed up types – bankers and stock brokers securing six figure deals with clever talk and the stroke of a pen. They seem to overestimate their ability to engage in outdoor pursuits. They mistakenly believe any obstacle is simply mind over matter, and that self-belief and motivation can master anything.
    Every day blends into night without Christine noticing. She takes on extra shifts, finishes exhausted and usually collapses into a lounge chair or bed when she returns to the apartment. It is easier for her to work extra shifts than organise colleagues reluctant to work longer hours to take on another shift. For a number of days she neglects to check her inbox. She eats, sleeps, reads newspaper headlines, flicks through trashy magazines and engages in small talk at the hospital.
    She steps out of the