“Well, I can already say it’s quieter up here,” Amy said.
“Takes a little getting used to,” Mum replied, “But you’ll love it up here. There’s everything you need. Yes, we’re in a provincial city, but it’s not the back of beyond. And rather than drive so far south to Sydney, you can always go just down to Coffs Harbour. North, there’s Byron Bay, or treat yourself to a long weekend on the Gold Coast.” She paused. “Hmmm, guess you’ll want to avoid the school holiday’s, at least. But I grew up here. The only reason I left was the fact I made it into university and then met your father. The plan was always to return here eventually. Just took longer than anticipated.”
“So you’ve made a life here, Mum?” I asked.
“Many of my old friends from school remained here so I’ve spent the past few years re-establishing friendships. I’m not the only divorcee, but I think I’m one of the few that had an amicable parting. Other than that, I focused on my work, look after my garden, and a young man has helped look after my lawn and house.”
“Guess I can help out with that now, Mum,” I said.
She smiled. “I don’t expect either of you to pay much. The house is bought and paid for. I’ll need help with bills and food, but we’ll figure it out as we go along. And I assume you’ll want to move out eventually. There’s enough housing around, and it’s much cheaper here than down south. But you’re welcome to stay as long as you want. As I said, you’ll always have a home here.”
I was tired after a long drive, but Mum suggested treating her grown children to dinner that evening, so after we’d both enjoyed a hot shower, where I worked out the kinks from being sat behind a steering wheel for close to seven hours, we walked towards the city centre, grabbing dinner at one of the hotels. As we ate and enjoyed a drink or two, we caught up on the basic news of our lives, Mum eventually opening the can of worms that was my inevitable divorce, while also asking about Amy’s private life. Hers sounded as miserable as mine, to be honest.
Returning home, we gathered out on the veranda again, the sun now having set, finding ourselves looking at far more stars in the sky than back down south. Mum had wine in the fridge but no beer, though she did have scotch, which was good enough for me. After a couple more drinks, Mum was falling asleep in her chair, so I helped her to bed, no surprise she gave me a long hug at her doorway.
“You know I’m going to dote on my children now,” she said.
“I’d expect nothing less, Mum.”
“Did you look after your sister?”
“As best as I could, Mum. You know I always have, but if she doesn’t tell me…”
She kissed my cheek. “You’re a good son, and better big brother. And I’m glad you’re both here.”
“Me too, Mum. It’s a new start for both of us.”
Wishing her goodnight, she shut the door and was probably fast asleep within a couple of minutes, while I joined Amy back outside. As it was the middle of the year, the temperature dipped considerably, particularly in regional New South Wales, so I grabbed a jumper from her luggage, and one for myself from mine. She was still sipping at some wine as I sat next to her, no surprise she curled her legs and snuggled against me.
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