Page 39 of Ruby’s Outback Love

“I’ll look forward to it. Are you married?”

“No, I have a partner though. We’ve been together for almost fourteen years. His name is Zac.”

I know I must have had a shocked expression on my face when Carl mentioned having a male partner and it was confirmed when he laughed. I felt my cheeks warm with embarrassment.

“Sorry, I didn’t realise you were gay, not that it makes any difference to me having you as a friend. I’m hoping we can be friends?”

“Of course, and no need to apologise. I kept my sexual orientation pretty close to my chest for a long time. I worried how people out here would take it. I wasn’t sure I’d be accepted. When I was at Uni and met Zac, he sort of forced me out. When we came for our first visit together, no one here batted an eyelid about me being gay. Once I qualified as a doctor, Zac and I made the decision to apply to the hospital and if accepted, we would move back. He has no family and the country lifestyle appealed to him.”

“Well, I can see you were accepted, what about Zac?”

Carl nodded. “He’s a Radiographer at the hospital and also helps out in Brewarrina once a week after they lost theirs.”

“Is he free Monday night?”

Carl placed a hand on his hip and tilted his head to one side. “You trying to snatch my lover?”

I must have appeared shocked and he burst out laughing.

“I’m kidding. Yes, he’s off so I’ll get him to join us. It’s good to see you two together.” He glanced over at Ruby who was sleeping again.

I nodded, not wanting him to believe otherwise.

Carl shook Ruby’s shoulder, her eyes blinked open.

“Hi, Ruby.”

“Carl, how are you?”

“I’m good. I had a look at your scans and everything appears to be fine. I’m going to stitch up your wound and then leave you in peace.”

“Thank you.”

Ruby was certainly groggy and if not for the doctor’s assurances, I would have been worried.

I stepped out of the way, allowing the nurse and Carl access to Ruby. The doctor donned a pair of latex gloves and removed the bandage covering Ruby’s forehead. A large, nasty looking wound was revealed. After dabbing at the torn area a couple of times with a soaked cotton wool ball, he injected anaesthetic under the skin in several places around the gash. I knew it was anaesthetic, being a football player during high school, I’d been in this same situation, requiring stitches on numerous occasions.

He lifted a needle and thread, which the nurse had prepared, from the trolley and commenced stitching the wound closed, wiping away blood which oozed as he proceeded. Once done – I counted ten stitches, he covered his handiwork with a large white plaster and removed the gloves he’d been wearing – tossing them onto the trolley.

“Someone will be in to check on Ruby every fifteen minutes for the next couple of hours. If all looks good, and I expect it will, she can go home tomorrow. She will need someone to stay with her for a day or so. Gotta go, I’ll see you around and catch up Monday night.”

I watched as he stepped back out through the curtain, sat down in the chair and gathered Ruby’s hand.

“Why did you let him think we’re together?” Ruby asked.

“I guess I’m hoping.”

She nodded but didn’t say a word before closing her eyes and drifting back into unconsciousness. I was worried about her inability to stay awake but staff didn’t appear to be concerned so I put it out of my mind.

***

Around an hour after we’d arrived at the hospital, the curtain parted and Ruby’s mum and dad rushed in. Both had strained expressions creasing their faces. I stood and stepped out of the way as her mother approached the bed. She sat in the chair I’d vacated and placed a hand on her daughter’s arm.

When she whispered Ruby’s name, my lady’s eyes flickered open. She held her arms out towards her mother who leaned close and they hugged. I watched as they embraced each other. Mr Waters stood alongside me also observing his wife and daughter before turning towards me.

“Thanks for calling, Phil and for being with her. You said a plane went down?”

It was the only information I’d given him over the phone apart from telling him his daughter was okay.