Page 21 of Ruby’s Outback Love

Sydney NSW

RUBY

I’d been restless for a long time. Not unhappy, but not happy either. All of my friends were now married, settled with children. They tried hard to include me in their lives, but something was missing. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew it was definitely not a man. So, I’d made the decision to return home to Bourke, back to my roots.

The previous night, I’d had a great send off by the staff and had received some beautiful gifts. I’d also caught up with my friends two days earlier. We’d met for dinner at Fratelli Paradiso which was where the beginnings of our friendships had been forged. It seemed fitting it would be where we’d also farewell each other.

Good times were talked about, laughed about and tears were shed. There was no doubt in my mind that we would all stay in touch, but face to face meetings were bound to be scarce.

I finished the staff assessments for the last time, ready for when the new Director of Nursing took up the position on the following Monday. I locked the last files away, shut down the computer and stood. My jacket and handbag were at the ready and I took one last glance around the office before moving to the door.

I’d been in the job for two years and although I’d loved it, it wasn’t what I wanted to do any longer. Switching off the light, I plunged the space into darkness.

As I headed down the hospital corridor, staff smiled and wished me good luck as I passed. I was going to need it; nothing was set in stone and I knew I was taking a huge chance by returning to Bourke.

I swiped tears from my eyes as I climbed behind the wheel of my small car, switched on the motor and sat quietly gazing up at the hospital building. Silently saying my farewells.

I would miss Sydney and the good times I’d had, the experiences and friends, but it wasn’t home. Bourke was deeply embedded in both my heart and soul. It was where my family was, the people who had made my dreams of attending university come true. I was indebted to the community and it was time I returned. I’d been away long enough.

My belongings had been packed up and were headed to storage until settlement on the small house I’d purchased became final. Until then, I’d be staying in the home I’d grown up in.

I headed for the motel which I’d booked for the night before heading to Dubbo the following day. I had a date with the Flying Doctor Service – my future. I hoped.

***

Fifteen Years Later

Brisbane

PHIL

I finished filling out the report on a break and enter, my partner and I had attended earlier in the day and shut down the computer. It completed my final shift at the Brisbane watchhouse.

“Coming to the pub?” Wade, my partner asked.

I swivelled in my chair to face where he sat at a desk behind me.

“Yeah, why not. I have to call over and say goodbye to my parents first, meet you there around seven?”

“Sounds good. See ya then.” Wade pushed back his chair, stood and headed from the room.

Turning back around, I leaned back in the chair, threaded my fingers through my hair and sighed deeply. I again wondered if I was making the right decision, but in my heart, I knew it was what I needed to do.

***

After almost a year and numerous interviews with the powers that be in both the Queensland Police and NSW Police, my application for transfer to Bourke and promotion to Senior Sargeant in charge of the station, had been accepted.

I had explained my worth in the force was more suited to the rural community I’d grown up in and did my best to convince them, I could be a much more valued member of the force in Bourke. Both forces admitted it wasn’t easy to get someone with my qualifications and background into any outback town and the transfer was finally, albeit reluctantly approved. I was due to leave Brisbane the following day.

I looked forward to going home, to where my heart had always been. In the years I’d been away, I’d heard nothing about the town and its people. Francine and I had been advised; it would be best if we made a clean break.

For Ruby’s sake, I’d agreed. I’d already caused her enough pain and humiliation. I had no idea if she was back home or if she’d made a life for herself down in Sydney. I wondered – was she married? Did she have a family of her own? My gut clenched at the thought of another man having what I’d wanted so badly. Not a day had passed when she hadn’t been in my thoughts.

Not a day had passed when I didn’t curse Francine, although, I knew most of the blame was on me.

When she’d lost the baby five weeks after our engagement, I’d felt a sense of relief even though I’d mourned the loss of our child. I was free to walk away, but not free to win Ruby back. The damage had been done, she would never speak to me again and I didn’t blame her. So, I didn’t go after her, try to win her back. Even though it hurt like fucking hell, I honoured her wishes and left her alone.

Francine accepted my calling off the engagement much better than any of our parents, but after sitting down and telling them all how I felt about Ruby, how I would always feel about her, they agreed, I had made the right decision.