Page 30 of Ruby’s Outback Love

“On a serious note – Ruby, are you okay?” There was an expression of genuine concern on Viv’s face.

I sighed. I’d been asked the question so many times over the past couple of weeks, I’d lost count. “I’m fine. I know I’ve dropped a shit tonne of weight and yes, it’s because I’m not eating properly. I promise, if it starts to get out of hand, and I’m sure Linda will get on my case if it does, I’ll discuss things with Barry. I have a lot going on in my life at the moment and I need time to get everything in perspective.”

“I only hassle you because I care.” Linda spoke a little defensively.

“I know and I’m grateful, but I promise, I’ll be good.”

“Food’s up, ladies.” Gary called.

Viv stood and lifted a large platter which had been on the table. She crossed to the barbecue and waited while Gary layered the food onto it. Once done, the gas was switched off while Viv crossed back to the table and set the platter down. The men moved to the table and joined us.

“How was surgery?” Gary spoke as dishes of different salad vegetables were passed around.

“Everything ran without hiccup except for an eight year old boy who clung to his mother and wouldn’t let us near him. He was terrified but Ruby distracted him with a plastic model of an FDS plane and managed to cajole him into taking the sedation. Everything went as per the book after he dropped into sleep.” Drew spoke while he passed the potato salad to Linda. The smile he gave her lit up his face and his eyes twinkled with love.

A stab of yearning, along with the question – “what if?” had my previous stable mood crashing and tears burning my eyes.

Viv clucked her tongue. “It’s frustrating, the number of young children suffering with cataracts. Elderly people I can understand and accept, but some of these kids are still years away from being teenagers and some are only babies.”

All of us in the team nodded, we were also saddened and frustrated by the situation.

“Some of it is genetic, diet can play a part, but the most common cause is trauma or untreated infection in the eyes. Now Barry and Linda are running a clinic in these parts and out of Tarara every second week, general health management will be greatly enhanced and hopefully, the situation will improve for everyone. It’s unfair these people have been unable to access decent health care until now.” Cam spoke with a passion I didn’t often hear. It was obvious he had a genuine concern for all people in outback communities.

“The best thing we ever did was build this clinic, thanks to you Viv and Gary.” Drew smiled at the couple.

“I agree and with the team being situated out of Bourke and Drew doing the post-op consults, it’s freed Barry up to spend a full day each fortnight in both places. He can focus on general health issues, including mental health. Even though it’s only been a couple of weeks, I have seen the positive effects on both communities.”

Linda was passionate about health care, the mental health of these communities concerned her greatly and she spoke animatedly about the strides her and Barry were hoping to make. She had found her special niche in coming to us.

Viv and Gary brought us up to date on local gossip and concerns about the deepening drought. They’d already sold off one third of their stock before they were ready and confessed more would have to go if rain didn’t present itself soon. There were many others in the district in the same desperate situation and suicides due to the inability to cope had already occurred.

Local indigenous elders had been begging the deities above because without rain, food for their communities was sparse, and they feared not only adults, but children would soon find themselves starving. The situation was dire and one which needed to be carefully monitored.

***

Once lunch was done, Cam stayed behind to help Viv clear up, Gary headed out to catch up with a couple of stockmen while I headed towards the clinic with Linda and Drew to commence afternoon consultations.

Patients and their families stood chatting to each other but I noticed two men were becoming rather animated with each other. Arms flailed in the air threateningly as they argued heatedly.

I hurried towards them to intervene before the altercation got out of hand. Before I could reach the pair, the taller man’s fist connected with the other’s jaw. The loud crack as he connected caused everyone to stop talking and turn their way.

Before the fight could escalate further, I stepped between the men, a hand flattened against each of their chests. Fists were curled at their sides and had it not been for Linda and Drew coming closer, I had no doubt one would have connected with me.

These men were born with an inbred pride and attitude of male superiority. Allowing a woman to take control was considered an insult to their masculinity. It was just the way these men often were even in this day and age. The tradition of men being in charge was still alive and well.

Both men glared, the taller of the two snarled at me, warning me to get out of the way. I shook my head, anger at their show of disrespect bubbling within.

“This is neither the time nor place for your squabble over who has the biggest fucking dick. The people here have done a great deal for our community in many ways and they don’t deserve to witness your aggression towards each other. If you have a problem, take it the fuck elsewhere.”

I pushed at them and they each took a step backward.

“Arsehole.” The taller man muttered.

“Dickhead.” The other growled.

For a moment I thought my warning had fallen on deaf ears and they would go at it again, but they turned and stomped back to where their families stood, separated by several others.

Drew stepped closer and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Will they start up again, do we need Cam to keep an eye on them?”