A sequel to ‘At the Turning’

Published: 24 Jan 2019

So you’ve spoken to Ralph.” Lachlan divulged from his favourite verandah chair.

It had been some days since Wayne had seen Lachlan’s vision and after finishing reading the journal he feared that the visitations would no longer occur.

“Regarding seeing you lot, yes.”

“About time but what are you going to do about your feelings towards him?”

“I’ve come close to doing something but just can’t admit it. I can’t even admit it to myself.” Wayne sighed.

“Easy just say it.”

“How did you tell Stephen?” Wayne asked, while stirring the ice blocks into his drink with his finger.

“It slipped out when I gave him the deed to the farm.” Lachlan smiled remembering how he felt on that day so many years previous, “I became so overwhelmed I couldn’t help it and the inner me took over.”

“What did Stephen say?”

“That he also loved me and always knew how I felt.”

“But you two had -” Wayne paused attempting to find the suitable words. He continued, “Well by your journal you had physical contact with Stephen before that day?”

“Yes many times and like you I denied that it was anything but horseplay.” Lachlan explained.

“Horseplay! You also used that term back then? Trouble is we haven’t even had horseplay.”

“Do you want to?” Lachlan asked.

“A part of me does but another part keeps telling me that I’m straight, while another part of me feels like crying when I look in on him at night.”

“Three simple words, that’s all it takes.”

“Possibly, I also think I realise what you meant by conjuncture, being it was necessary for me to get together with Ralph for you to materialize.”

“It has been a long wait but pre-designed.”

“By who or what?”

“By the order of things,” Lachlan answered and commenced to fade.

“One more question, what happened to your father? You didn’t say anything in your journal of his demise, only a little I’ve heard from older town’s folk.”

“The man lost his mind and was last seen on the town’s jetty screaming obscenities at the storm. Come the following day he and the jetty were gone and father’s body was never located.” Lachlan answered without an ounce of regret.

“I’m sorry for you but surely seeing you have materialised as the others, there is some way of you contacting your father.”

“It doesn’t work like that, besides I don’t think I would wish to do so.”

“So even the dead hold grudges.”

“Not at all, it is simple indifference not a grudge.”

Wayne deeply sighed as Lachlan faded from the night, “I’m going to bed; I really can’t talk more on this subject for the moment.” Again he was alone with the dull yellow verandah light throwing shadows across the decking and Lachlan’s empty chair. “Don’t you give up on me Lachlan,” Wayne pleaded and withdrew from the night.

Wayne paused at Ralph’s door, his face beaming with admiration. Gently smiling, he slowly shook his head while gazing upon Ralph curled into his usual way upon the bed clothes. Turning towards his own room Wayne paused then as if in a dream undressed and lay beside his friend. Ralph stirred in sleep to automatically drag Wayne’s arm across his chest, with this Wayne lightly kissed Ralph’s shoulder then cuddled into his back, into Ralph’s warmth and scent.

It had been an overcast muggy night and the humidity caused their closeness to sweat, soaking the sheet beneath them. Ralph had been awake for some time watching Wayne at sleep. He ran his hand along Wayne’s smooth chest and across his side to his back. Wayne had not stirred. Ralph bent towards Wayne and kissed his forehead as the sound of the telephone disturbed the serenity. Quickly Ralph answered the call before it woke Wayne.

“Who is it?” Wayne called from the bedroom.

“Stephen.”

“Which one?” Wayne laughed.

“Funny bugger,” Ralph conversed for a short while then once again called.

“He wants to know if we would like to go for a meal with him, he is staying with a friend in Cairns for a few days?” Ralph asked.

“Sounds alright, what do you think?” Wayne concurred.

There was a lull in the conversation. Ralph agreed to something over the telephone and once more called to Wayne.

“He’s found this great little restaurant and wants’ us to try it.” Ralph called then with a touch of humour in his voice declared it was The House on the Hill.

“Found? That is where Jeremiah works.”

“I guess he doesn’t realise you visit there and know Jeremiah.”

“Yes and we now know his little secrete and who he was visiting in Cairns, this could be interesting. Do you want to go?” Wayne asked his eyes bright and cheeky as Ralph ended the call.

“My good nature says no but the little devil sitting on my shoulder has over ridden that nature, besides I’ve already said we would join him.”

“Ralph you sure ain’t the shy country kid I first met.” Wayne amazed.

“I guess it’s your bad influence.”

The House on the Hill Restaurant was busy and Stephen had booked a table, arranging to meet at seven. Wayne and Ralph arrived ahead of Stephen and Sally showed them to their table, while supplying the wine list.

“Isn’t Jeremiah working tonight?” Wayne enquired while ordering the wine.

“He is having his break.” Sally divulged, her sunny happy voice coming gently from below long flowing strands of yellow blond hair and green eyes.

“Thank you for calming Louise last time you were here.” Sally expressed as Stephen Henderson arrived through the double glass front doors. Sally quickly met him and guided to where the two were seated. Moments later Stephen was at their table looking most pleased. He sat.

“What do you think of the restaurant?” He asked gazing about as if looking for someone.

“It’s my favourite.” Wayne declared.

“So you know the place, I was hoping to impress you.” Stephen continued to scan the room as Jeremiah returned from his break. He came to their table, giving Stephen a nervous smile he commenced to take their orders, his eyes resting curiously on Wayne.

“The usual for me,” Wayne referred to the mud crab, Ralph concurred, while Stephen pondered over the menu, eventually saying he would also have the crab as the fact that Wayne had ordered his usual sunk in. Stephen held his silence but not his confusion.

“I didn’t realise you knew Stephen Mister Jenkins” Jeremiah disclosed somewhat uneasily.

“Sure Jeremiah, he is Ralph’s cousin.” Wayne answered, leaving Jeremiah somewhat bewildered.

“I truly apologise Mister Jenkins.” Jeremiah gasped as reality set in.

“Don’t let it concern you.”

Jeremiah quickly left the table and was soon conversing with Sally, his face bearing the signs on one caught out.

“What was that all about?” Stephen enquired appearing as puzzled as Jeremiah was concerned.

“You have just been outed.” Wayne declared trying to make light of Stephen’s situation.

“I don’t get you?” Stephen remained confused.

“Simple, last time we were here Jeremiah told us about his new boyfriend and how wonderful he was and he gave your name.”

“Oh, so it is out, now I understand. Anyway I was going to tell you both tonight that is why I invited you here. I only told Jeremiah I had invited my cousin.” Stephen admitted while waiting for disapproval from his cousin and friend.

“That’s no worry; I’ve known about Jeremiah for some time and consider him a friend; so you make sure you treat him right.” With Wayne’s words the alarm drained from Stephen’s face as he turned to Ralph.

“What about you Cousin?” He asked hoping for understanding.

“I guessed it was so from the beginning, no it doesn’t worry me.” Ralph condoned.

“I also have an apology to you.” Stephen spoke lowering his head towards Wayne.

“For what?” Wayne asked.

“That night in Yungaburra,”

“So I wasn’t dreaming.”

Stephen didn’t reply but Ralph appeared most enquiring but Ralph being Ralph allowed it to pass without explanation.

“Water under that well known bridge,” Wayne forgave, while Jeremiah kept vigilance on them from his distance without attending to their table. Instead he had Sally deliver their meals. A short time later, Wayne caught Jeremiah’s eye and beckoned to him to come to the table. Jeremiah did so while remaining apologetic and embarrassed.

“Again my apology Mister Jenkins,”

“I’ll have none of it Jeremiah – that just makes you family.” Wayne laughed, which only made Jeremiah more confused.

“Well you’re with Stephen and Stephen is Ralph’s cousin and my family and their family that is another story. Maybe someday I’ll tell you all.” Wayne turned to Ralph asking for his opinion.

“No worries with me but why don’t you both come down to the farm for a weekend some time,” Ralph offered, “I suppose Jeremiah that makes us Cousins-in-law, if there is such a thing.”

Stephen appeared to find instant relief, he had felt he must tell someone about his newly found sexuality, or more to the point recently admitted, which surprisingly to Stephen, Wayne showed acceptance and understanding as if it were an everyday occurrence for someone to arrive at the dinner table declaring, ‘guess what? I’m gay.’ As for Wayne he remained dogmatic regarding himself straight – But.

“Well Ralph my boy now you know the answer to the question you asked while at the lakes and Wayne who I was visiting that time in Cairns.” Stephen took a deep breath as Jeremiah gently placed his hand on his shoulder and repented for having to leave their company and attend to the other patrons.

“Have you told anyone else?” Ralph asked.

“Shit no, a town like Yungaburra would either run me out or string me up by the balls, besides I am still seeing Glenda Reynolds.”

“Are you fucking her?” Wayne crudely enquired, choosing the words carefully to protect his masculinity.

“Yes occasionally.”

“Isn’t that a little unfair on the girl?” Ralph became most animated, once again showing his strong social fibre.

“Were in a loose arrangement and not going steady and besides I’m not the only one on her score card.” Stephen defended.

“Do you enjoy it?” Wayne asked while thinking of his own relationship with Louise.

“It satisfies my sexual urge but her company doesn’t satisfy my so called emotional needs. When I am with Glenda I feel there is something missing, while with Jeremiah I feel somehow complete.”

Wayne didn’t comment but felt Stephen’s elucidation on how he felt around Jeremiah was a little too close to his own for Ralph, the only difference was he didn’t consider this feeling to be anything but heterosexual while in truth whenever he had been with Louise, he also felt something was missing, believing simply she wasn’t the right girl for him.

The return journey from their meeting with Stephen was unusually quiet, although Ralph did comment at length regarding his cousin’s sexuality but Wayne’s answers were delivered with the minimum amount of words while he pondered over how he was going to express himself to Ralph and how Stephen had accepted his lot obviously without mental commotion.

Back at the farm Wayne excused and took a walk on his own, lasting to almost tea time. On his return he appeared to be in a somewhat improved mood than when he left but still wasn’t his usual jovial self.

“What do you think of Stephen and Jeremiah?” Ralph asked using his question as leverage into his friend’s mood.

“I don’t have any problem with it.” Wayne answered his voice somewhat sharp.

“What is wrong?” Ralph enquired becoming concerned and for once not knowing how to approach the situation. They had never argued and most of the time were fairly open with each other, even on the occasion quite personal but this was a side of Wayne Ralph rarely encountered and he thought the worse.

Wayne’s mood was dragging Ralph down, leaving him filled with despair. Wayne realised the situation and sighed.

“Don’t let it concern you, it’s nothing really, just something I have to think through.”

“Is it me?” Ralph asked nervously.

“Ralph as I have said before it could never be you, trust me.”

That night Ralph retired early, leaving Wayne with his scotch bottle on the front verandah. It was one evening Wayne had no wish for company of any kind and his mood was well understood by Ralph but as the night faded his wishes became neglected.

“Don’t you think you’re hitting that stuff a little hard?” It was Lachlan and sounding critical.

“You my dear uncle are part of why I’m drinking.” Wayne growled.

“No you are drinking because you can’t admit the truth to yourself.” Lachlan firmly denied.

“Maybe that is so but I don’t need you as my psychoanalyst.”

“Would you like me to permanently leave?” Lachlan asked coldly.

“No never, you lot have become part of my life and without Ralph and you all I don’t think I could have started again.”

“Then why are you fighting it?”

“I don’t know. I just don’t know!” Wayne became angered, “I understand your conjuncture but it did rely on many coincidences.”

“I guess some things are just supposed to happen.”

“What if I permanently return to Cairns?”

“Then the conjuncture is broken and we are no more, besides for the conjuncture to work, the future has already happened, the present only works its way up to it,” Lachlan paused, “it is like a novel, there is a beginning a middle and an end, you have to work your way to the end but it is always there.” Lachlan explained.

“What if Ralph hadn’t made his way up here to the farm, or Grace left the property to the dog’s home and I had never known about it?”

“That could not have happened because of the conjuncture as it was forged long before you and Ralph were born yet not strong enough to become permanent, that is up to you but for now Wayne you have Ralph thinking he is to blame.”

“That’s not true.” Wayne’s voice became low and irritated.

“Then get in there with him and tell him so, he loves you and would never say for fear it offended you.” Lachlan sighed deeply then disappeared from the night as Wayne pushed his drink aside and capped the bottle.

‘I guess you are right.’ Wayne silently concurred with Lachlan’s summation.

‘I suppose there is nothing more to do than give in to that bloody little voice inside my head.’

‘Somehow I always knew it would win out.’

At the door to Ralph’s room Wayne stood for a time watching his friend sleep, then his emotion and that deep seated voice took control. Undressing he lay next to the naked body of Ralph. This night it would be different, Wayne didn’t place his arm across Ralph’s shoulder which Ralph would hold in silent closeness. Instead placing his hand gently on Ralph’s shoulder he spoke.

“Are you awake?” Wayne asked.

“Yes.”

“Come here.”

Ralph turned to face Wayne.

“Can I kiss you?” Wayne asked his voice in nervous stutter.

“Yes.” Ralph answered without hesitation. Wayne faltered. His face close to Ralph’s and could smell his breath. It was sweet like Toby’s. Again in the semi-light Wayne could see Ralph’s freckles, they made him smile and humorously he shook his head. Ralph appeared nervous but made no further advance.

Wayne would have to take the lead. He did so, closing his eyes he moved his face closer to Ralph until like an electrical current their lips gently touched. Wayne allowed his heterosexual experience to take control, while to Ralph this was the first time he had kissed anyone at all.

At first Wayne wished to pull back from his commitment. He did not nor did he feel repulsed, instead he felt the blood flow to his crotch and moments later realised he was aroused. Even Louise didn’t cause such strength in physical reaction and it felt good. Ralph placed his arms around Wayne and held him close, so close Wayne realised Ralph was also excited by their embrace. Wayne paused from their kissing and looked down on Ralph’s face. His eyes were closed and he appeared peaceful.

“I hope I haven’t overstepped the mark.” Wayne whispered and giggled.

“Wayne you could never do that.” Ralph softly answered, his eyes remained closed.

“What do we do next?” Wayne spoke, his voice breathy, while running his hands across Ralph’s chest. His skin smooth, like running fingers through silk, while beneath this silken touch was a solid build of muscle not apparent to the eye. Ralph didn’t answer.

“You have a great body.” Wayne whispered and kissed the nap of Ralph’s neck, sending a shiver through him.

“You’re not so bad yourself.” Ralph nervously answered not knowing how to handle the complement.

The night advanced without progress to their activity. Wayne digressed to Toby’s actions but wasn’t ready to continue further or sure if Ralph would accept, he decided to play it safe. It appeared that Ralph was of like opinion besides there was no rush. Eventually they fell asleep wrapped in each other’s embrace.

Wayne opened his eyes with the first light of the new day, a new beginning, to find Ralph smiling down at him.

“Morning,” Wayne greeted.

“It is.” Ralph brushed Wayne’s hair away from his eyes and placed a finger on his lips.

“How long have you been awake?” Wayne asked and stretched the night from his shoulders.

“Not long.”

“What are you looking at?”

“You,” Ralph teased.

“Don’t.”

“Why not?”

“You are embarrassing me.”

“Then I’ll look out the window.” Ralph turned his head.

“No come here,” Wayne reached and pulled Ralph towards him until his head rested in the nap of Wayne’s neck.

“What next?” Ralph asked.

“I dunno’ breakfast I suppose.” Wayne made light.

“I’m almost too frightened to imagine,” Ralph admitted as he rose to upright.

“Why do you say that?” Wayne asked.

“I feel as if I’m in a dream and any moment I will awaken and realise so.”

“It’s no dream Ralph.”

“I hope not.”

“Come here you silly little bugger.”

During the day Wayne felt light headed, he went over the previous night again and again but could only find serenity in his deeds and a deepening respect for his friend, which by the day’s end was quickly turning into admitted love but still he would find difficulty relating the fact. As for Ralph, he appeared to be more relaxed but didn’t comment, yet once at lunch he did wrap his arms around Wayne’s shoulders in hugging embrace before releasing his contact without speaking.

Some day’s had passed and yet they had not progressed further than foreplay but each night they shared the same bed and remained silently entangled through their sleep. It appeared words were unnecessary within their developing relationship.

During their weekly shopping even Biff noticed a further difference in Ralph, asking Wayne if the lad was in love, to which Wayne, in fear of disclosure, declared that Ralph was in love with his horse.

“No there is definitely a change in him.” Biff added while Ralph pondered over her supply of second hand comics and books.

“You two talking about me?” Ralph called over the top of a comic.

“Hey kid, are you going to read them all for free or buy them?” Biff answered.

“I’ll take these,” Ralph placed three comics onto the counter, “this book as well.” He placed a tattered novel on the glass top.

Biff read its title, “The Secret River, I haven’t read that one. Is it a love story?” she teasingly laughed.

“I don’t think so and by the synopsis it’s about life in colonial Sydney,” Ralph admitted.

“History,” Wayne simply answered.

“Well more a historic novel I guess.”

“You’ve got that one.” Wayne declared taking the bottom comic from its pile.

“So I have but how would you know.”

“I secretly read them as well.” Wayne admitted.

“Sneaky.”

“How’s the garden?” Biff asked as Wayne collected their groceries.

“Not a lot in at present Biff, I’m about to replant.”

“Nola Bedford from the old folk’s home said you were a right little hero for what you deliver there.” Biff related as she passed Ralph a chocolate.

“Thanks Biff, I like visiting the old folk.”

The morning was somewhat hot and dry, taking Ralph to his vegetable patch with his water buckets.

“Want a hand?” Wayne called from the kitchen window. Ralph negatively shook his head.

“Hey I have to go into town for a while, Biff has something she needs doing, want to come along?”

Ralph once again shook his head while refilling the buckets from the tank.

“Why not use the main’s water?”

“I like hand watering,” releasing a grin he continued; “it’s like bottle feeding I guess.”

“Okay, see you in a couple of hours.” Wayne closed the kitchen window against the hot breeze that had sprung up from the north-west. Then looking back at Ralph watering close to the long grass at the back fence line, he smiled. “Tonight is the night.” He told himself. He had made up his mind to advance their contact beyond cuddling and kissing. He was ready and had told Lachlan so the previous evening, who without reservation declared his pride in his grand nephew.

Wayne at first could not find his car keys, though he eventually did so in the crack at the back of the couch, the hiding place for most missing objects from keys, to coin to sticky lollies. He once again checked on Ralph through the kitchen window but he wasn’t in sight. ‘Must be at the tank,’ he admitted while changing his shirt as he had earlier spilt coffee on it.

The telephone rang but was a wrong number bringing humour as the caller wished for Verrocchi, “I’m afraid you will need the telephone to glory for him,” he breathed while discontinuing the call. Wayne checked the refrigerator. “Milk, butter and bacon” He mumbled while heading for the front door.

At the car he removed a rubbish bag attached to the passenger door handle and placed it in the bin. Then after starting the vehicle, allowed it to roll freely over the gravel path towards the gate. At the gate he activated the left blinker and was about to plant his foot when Lachlan appeared, coming out of the heat haze to stand close by. Arms folded across his powerful chest. Wayne paused as Lachlan spoke.

“You better check on Ralph.” Lachlan declared then disappeared from the day. Immediately Wayne reversed the vehicle back to the house, quickly taking himself to the vegetable patch. Ralph didn’t appear to be anywhere. Wayne searched once more and found him slumped in the long grass barely conscious while holding his lower leg.

“King Brown.” He whispered before passing out.

“Shit!” Wayne shouted, picking up his friend and carrying him to the car.

“What do you do?” Wayne began to panic.

“Cut the wound.” He growled loudly while unceremoniously dumping his friend onto the passenger’s seat.

“No that’s out, must apply pressure.” He argued against his own advice and did so. He reached for his mobile telephone and quickly called emergency, it answered,

“My friend has been bitten by a King Brown.” Wayne shouted into the telephone.

“Where are you calling from?” The calming voice of a woman softly enquired.

“A property near Federation Bay,” Wayne was hyperventilating.

“What is your name sir?” The woman asked.

“Wayne.” Wayne answered sharply.

“And your friend?”

“Ralph but shit – hurry.”

“Wayne my name is Veronica and you can’t help your friend if you panic. There isn’t a doctor at Federation Bay who can help, so we will have to send the helicopter from Cairns.” Veronica advised.

“That will take too long?”

“Some time I’m afraid but you should keep your friend calm.”

“He has passed out.”

“I am arranging the air ambulance now.”

“What if I put him in my car and travel towards Cairns, and I can meet the helicopter along the way.”

Wayne’s suggestion was agreed and after taking particulars and giving Wayne a direct telephone number to the Air Ambulance Wayne made Ralph comfortable in the car and quickly moved out.

“Don’t you dare die on me!” Wayne was near tears. “I love you – you silly little bugger, do you hear I love you, don’t you die.” He was now in tears as he sped towards the Bruce Highway with Ralph breathing somewhat erratically.

The minutes dragged by as if they were hours and Wayne became more and more stressed until after a quarter of an hour he saw a speck in the sky to the north, then the sound of the helicopter met his ears. As it approached he flashed his lights and using the number supplied he was in direct contact with the paramedical team onboard the helicopter.

It appeared that there was a cleared area some distance to the north of Wayne’s position and the pilot guided him there. On his arrival the helicopter had already landed and the paramedic alighted carrying a small leather bag. Wayne quickly brought his car to stop close to the aircraft. Immediately the medics removed Ralph from the vehicle placing him on a stretcher and within seconds Ralph was given antivenin and placed on a drip.

“What’s your friend’s name?” The medic who administrated the medication asked.

“Ralph Matthews and I am Wayne Jenkins.”

“I’m David and that is Trevor.” The medic introduced while checking on Ralph’s pulse and blood pressure.”

“You’re a lucky boy Ralph, if you friend hadn’t acted as fast as he did you wouldn’t be with us now, those Brown’s give a nasty punch.” David spoke to the still unconscious Ralph.

“You’ve done a good job Wayne but Ralph will have to be taken to the Cairns Base Hospital for observation.”

“Sure.”

Ralph’s stretcher was placed inside the craft and David turned to Wayne, offering him his hand.

“We don’t have room for another, you will have to drive up to Cairns; do you know where the hospital is?” David asked.

“Yes I’m from Cairns.”

Quickly the helicopter rose back into the sun hazed sky and headed north. Shortly it was once more a speck while its whirring was lost to his ears. Wayne stood watching the northern sky as the helicopter disappeared from sight. Shocked but relieved he climbed back into his vehicle, commencing a slow and troubled drive towards Cairns. It was then his build of emotion took control and for the first time in his adult life Wayne broke into uncontrollable sobbing, having to pull to the side of the road until his passion had subsided enough to continue his journey.

Room twenty-three Ward B just another hospital ward smelling of a concoction of medications and applications. There were six beds and one had its curtains drawn, where a doctor could be heard quietly talking to his patient. A nurse worked her skills on a young man who had come off his motorcycle and received broken legs. She clearly advised him to give up biking or next time it may be worse. The young man assured it was a freak accident but she wasn’t convinced, “eventually,” was all she spoke while taking his pulse and temperature. Eventually she repeated but knew her sentiment would be unheeded.

In the last bed near the window was Ralph and either unconscious or asleep. Wayne sat beside the bed and placed his hand on that of Ralph. Ralph smiled and opened his eyes. He was awake.

“Thank you,” he said weakly. Wayne remained silent while applying a measure of pressure to his friend’s hand. He felt choked to the throat.

“I also love you.” Ralph said and again smiled.

“You heard me?” Wayne amused.

“I’ve waited a long time for you to say those words.” Ralph voice came weakly.

“And I mean it Ralph, I love you but don’t you ever scare me like that again.”

“I’ll try not to.”

“How do you feel?”

“A little week and woozy, the doctor said I was lucky the snake didn’t inject a great deal of venom, sometimes they don’t, or even your dash may not have been successful.” Ralph lips were dry and he asked for water.

“What would I have done without my caretaker?” Wayne offered a glass of water and helped it to Ralph’s lips.

“Caretaker.” Ralph repeated.

“Yes the caretaker of my sanity.”

It was three days before Ralph was allowed to return home. Three days of visits from Wayne with presents and chocolates but no flowers, Wayne declared, he didn’t want the staff concluding the correct idea. Ralph even received a visit from his cousin Stephen and a separate visit from Jeremiah, who brought more chocolates and entertained the hospital staff with his gregarious ways.

The first chore Wayne performed on their return home was to mow the long grass adjoining Ralph’s vegetable patch and well into the paddock beyond. While standing behind the whirring blades he not only felt safe but gratified that if that King Brown was still prowling the yard it may enjoy a destiny without mercy. Thankfully it was nowhere to be seen as Wayne mowed even further into the paddock.

“That should keep the little buggers away.” Wayne said as he wheeled the mower back to the shed, “or at least make them easier to be seen.”

“A good job.” Ralph admitted.

During the afternoon Biff arrived to enquire on Ralph’s wellbeing and soon after Nola Bedford with wishes from many of the old folk at the retirement home.

“See you are popular,” Wayne admitted once they had gone, “what would like for dinner?”

“Something simple I guess.”

“With my ability it will have to be simple.” Wayne admitted.

Two days passed with Wayne fussing over his patient, applying an overdose of attention but still he hadn’t returned to Ralph’s bed. On the third night Ralph came to Wayne.

“I’m alright now, I won’t break.” He said while placing himself beside Wayne.

“Are you sure?”

“Come here.” Ralph reached out bringing Wayne closer to his body. He sighed, “How would you like to take that extra step you have been so anxious about.”

“How do you know that?” Wayne was surprised in Ralph’s knowledge.

“Lachlan doesn’t only talk to you.”

“Big mouth but I’m glad he did.” Wayne laughed.

It was a week before Lachlan again materialised sitting in his favourite verandah chair, his broad arms clasped behind his head, with his gaze directed across what so many years previously was his and Stephen’s and the other’s kingdom.

“I must thank you Lachlan as you are really the one who saved Ralph.” Lachlan remained silent. “I’ve taken you advice.” Wayne added.

“You’ve told Ralph what you think of him?”

“Accidentally but I meant it and I’ve taken the next step,”

“And your masculinity survived?” Lachlan smiled knowingly.

“It did, now I realise it was what I always wanted, possibly it’s in our genes dear uncle but whatever, I now know that Ralph is my life’s partner as was Stephen to you.”

“So you won’t be wanting us around?” Lachlan suggested.

“Don’t you dare leave, any of you, we are all family.”

The End

Like any good novel, we had a beginning, a middle and an ending… Only the middle was a long slow boil that led to a rapid but satisfying end. Drop an email to Gary: Gary dot Conder at CastleRoland dot Net.

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