by Margaret Way
‘So an unexplained pain somewhere but in reality they need to talk?’
‘Exactly.’ He gave her a brief nod of approval, seemingly pleased with her grasp of things. ‘There’s also been an upswing in drug and alcohol use. So use your own judgement but if you’re in doubt at all, check with me before you prescribe anything.’
‘I think I can manage that.’
It was just on ten o’clock when Maxi arrived at Jake’s surgery. Ayleen was, of course, in attendance, beckoning Maxi to the end of the counter out of earshot of the waiting patients. ‘Jake thought you might like to settle in a bit, Doctor, and then see a couple of patients after lunch.’
Maxi nodded. ‘That sounds fine. And, please, don’t let’s be formal. Call me Maxi.’
They exchanged a smile. ‘And I’m Ayleen. So now that’s settled, I’ll show you where to go and you can start getting your bearings.’
‘Brilliant.’
‘This’ll be you.’ Ayleen opened the door on a reasonably sized consulting room.
‘Oh, wow.’ Maxi blinked a bit, seeing a well-equipped, although impersonal domain. It set her thinking and she turned to the receptionist, a query in her eyes. ‘So, was this always a two-doctor practice?’
‘Oh, yes.’ Ayleen was only too happy to supply the information. ‘Jake joined Tom Wilde a couple of years ago but then Tom and his family had to leave for various reasons and Jake’s been soldiering on alone ever since. Such a relief you can stay for a while.’
Yes, but for how long? Maxi’s gaze clouded slightly. ‘The locum’s not turned up, then?’
Ayleen shook her ash-blonde head and gave a little sniff of disgust. ‘Changed his mind, according to the agency.’
‘There’s no chance he’ll change it back?’
‘Not when he’s accepted a job on the Gold Coast instead! Some people have no sense of personal responsibility these days,’ Ayleen proclaimed. ‘It all boils down to lack of respect, of course. In my younger days, you wouldn’t dare not turn up if you’d been offered a job.’ She flapped a hand around the consulting room. ‘This’ll be better once you get your own bits and pieces around. But plenty of time for that,’ she added cheerfully. ‘Now, come through and I’ll give you the rest of the tour.’
Her thoughts very mixed, Maxi followed.
‘Treatment room through here,’ Ayleen said, pulling back a screen.
‘Looks a good work area.’ Maxi was impressed with the array of equipment and would have liked to linger but Ayleen was on the move again.
‘Staff kitchen and other facilities along here. And talking of kitchens,’ Ayleen said with a smile, ‘what about some tea and scones? I brought my usual batch in this morning.’
Oh, dear, the dreaded scones. Maxi thought quickly. ‘Uh, thanks, Ayleen, but I already had a cuppa with Loretta over at the hospital.’
‘Next Friday, then.’ The receptionist-cum-practice manager beamed. ‘Now, I’d best get back and leave you to settle in. I usually make us a sandwich for lunch. Can I count you in?’
Maxi nodded around a smile. ‘Wonderful, thanks, Ayleen.’
‘So, how was your morning?’ Maxi asked. She and Jake were in the staffroom and Ayleen had just cleared their lunch things away and returned to her desk to get ready for the afternoon surgery.
Jake lifted his gaze, his eyes narrowing. ‘Much as usual. How was yours?’
‘Oh, pretty good, I think.’ Her teeth caught on her lower lip as she smiled. ‘I got a good hearing and a promising outcome from Liz Maynard,’ she added, leaning forward and warming to her subject. ‘Apparently the welfare of women and children is the main priority of the association so doing something for Karryn and the new baby comes well within their guidelines.’
Jake raised a dark eyebrow. ‘So, materially, what can they do?’
‘Liz is going to ask some of their members to cook and freeze some meals so Karryn won’t have to worry about getting everyone fed the moment she gets home, and Liz said they’ll get together and make up a basket of goodies, baby stuff and so on, as a gift for Karryn. Hopefully throw in some toys for the older children as well.’
‘That’s brilliant. I’m impressed.’ Jake’s mouth pulled down. ‘Why couldn’t I see all that was possible?’
Maxi made a throw-away movement with her hand. ‘Don’t beat yourself up. It’s hard to be objective when you’re the one having to deal with everyone’s stress day after day. And sometimes …’ she sent him a trapped smile ‘… it needs a woman-to-woman approach. Anyway, that’s not all my good news. Liz’s two teenage sons are home from boarding school early. Apparently the college needs the dorm for a group of overseas students on a study trip. Liz said the lads are bored already so she’s going to suggest to Karryn and Dean that the guys go out to the farm and do the hay drop for the next couple of weeks.’
Jake frowned a bit. ‘I doubt the Goodes will be able to pay the lads much.’
‘They won’t have to. Liz said once she’s explained things to the boys, they’ll be happy to volunteer. And the elder, Heath, has his driver’s licence so they can drive out and back each day—’ Seeing his expression, she broke off and bit her lip. ‘What?’
‘Nothing.’ Jake’s lips twitched thoughtfully. In just a few short hours this woman had begun to weave small miracles. And it felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. There was no denying her input would make a huge difference to the practice, to the patients. But it had taken him ages to close down his feelings about her. Did he really want them dragged out and opened up for inspection again? And that was bound to happen if he let her stay …
‘You don’t think I’ve gone over the top, do you?’ Maxi spoke uncertainly, interpreting his continued silence as disapproval.
‘Sorry?’ he said, looking completely startled. ‘Do I think what?’
‘That I might have gone OTT with the Goodes?’
‘No.’ He raked his fingers roughly through his hair. ‘It’s good stuff. Just keep me posted. Uh, I’ve to go out to one of the properties shortly,’ he said, changing the conversation jerkily. ‘Farmer’s had a confrontation with a cranky bull. Looks like a suturing job. I could be a while so I’ll leave you to take the afternoon surgery. There are only four patients booked.’
‘No problem.’ Maxi sat higher in her chair, hardly able to believe his turnaround.
‘You can get me on my mobile if you need to consult about anything.’ Jake got to his feet. ‘Ayleen will know where I am. I could be pretty late,’ he emphasised.
‘I’ll cope.’ Maxi rose with him and followed him out. ‘I’ll make a start on dinner as well. And don’t panic.’ She flapped a dismissive hand. ‘I’ll make sure it’s something that will keep.’
He seemed amused, although in an edgy, brittle kind of way. ‘Don’t go getting too settled, Maxi. We haven’t decided anything yet.’
‘Meaning you haven’t decided anything yet,’ she retorted. ‘But, then, I don’t believe you’d run me out of town, Jacob. So any decision as to whether I go or stay will ultimately be mine, not yours.’
He stared at her in silence for a long moment, his jaw clenched, a muscle jumping. ‘We’ll see,’ he said, his mouth twisting in the parody of a smile. ‘Just don’t start something you can’t finish. That’s all.’
CHAPTER FOUR
WITH his not-too-subtle warning ringing in her ears, Maxi tamped down the rolling nerves in her stomach. Perhaps she shouldn’t have said what she had—called his bluff like that. But it was done now and one part of her was glad. But if it came to the point where he actually asked her to leave, what then …?
With this unsettling scenario in her mind, she made her way along to Reception, addressing Ayleen, who was busily sorting files. ‘I believe there are only four patients booked for this afternoon, Ayleen.’
‘Mmm, so far.’ The older woman made a small face. ‘But folk wander in off the street so don’t be surprised if your list gets a bit longer.’
Maxi smiled
. ‘No worries. And I prefer to come out and call each patient in when it’s their turn, if that’s OK?’
‘Perfectly.’ Ayleen beamed. ‘Jake likes to do that as well. Anything else I can do for you?’ she asked as Maxi still hovered.
‘There is, actually.’ Maxi tapped a finger to her chin. ‘I wondered if we have a supply of health literature, suitable material I could hand out to patients?’
‘Oh, heavens, yes!’ Ayleen got to her feet. ‘Come with me.’
Maxi’s first patient, Erin Langley, was right on time. ‘Have a seat, Erin,’ Maxi invited. ‘I’m Dr Somers—Maxi.’
‘Hi. I wanted to ask you about Bonnie.’ The young mother tumbled the words out awkwardly, indicating the toddler on her knee.
Maxi hitched her chair closer and tickled the little girl under the chin. ‘What seems to be the problem?’
‘She won’t eat properly. And I’m worried she’ll starve. And she throws her food around and I’m continually cleaning up after her. And her father’s no help.’
And you’re at the end of your rope, Maxi decided as Erin’s eyes filled. ‘Is Bonnie your first child?’ she asked gently.
‘Yes—and I never thought it would all be this hard.’
‘Toddlers can be hard work,’ Maxi agreed. ‘But Bonnie looks particularly healthy and bright. And some kids are natural grazers around food.’
‘I guess …’ Erin set the little one down on the floor and watched as she made her way towards a basket of toys in the corner. ‘Is that OK?’ she asked anxiously.
Maxi tinkled a laugh. ‘That’s what they’re there for.’ Maxi didn’t add she’d run around the cheap and cheerful shop earlier and gathered up a selection of toys and picture books suitable for any small patients she might encounter on her list. ‘Tell me a bit about your lifestyle, Erin,’ she invited, needing to get an overview of the family’s situation.
The young mum’s head came up defensively. ‘What do you want to know?’
‘Just a general outline of your day perhaps? Do you do paid work?’
‘No.’ Erin shook her head. ‘There’s no work here even if I wanted a job. We’ve only been here three months. My husband, Craig, was transferred here. He’s a police officer. I hate the place. I had my group of friends in Sydney and a playgroup for Bonnie. And I’ve had to leave it all behind …’
‘And you’re feeling a bit isolated and lonely?’ Maxi homed in gently.
Almost defiantly, Erin blinked the sudden tears away from her eyes. ‘I suppose you think that’s pathetic.’
‘Not at all.’ Maxi shook her head. ‘I think it’s pretty normal. But perhaps it’s why Bonnie’s erratic eating habits have seemed like the last straw for you. I guess your husband works shifts, does he?’
Erin nodded. ‘It’s hard. I have to try to keep the baby quiet while he sleeps or go out. And there’s nowhere to go.’
‘You haven’t tried to find a playgroup here?’
Erin’s mouth turned down. ‘I’ve looked in the library and on the notice-board at the supermarket but everyone just seems caught up in the drought.’
‘What about the CWA?’ Maxi asked with her new-found store of information about the association. ‘They might have some contacts you could tap into.’
‘They’re all older women, aren’t they? I mean, would they even know about playgroups?’
‘Oh, I think they would,’ Maxi refuted lightly. ‘Do you know the craft shop in the main street?’
Erin looked puzzled. ‘I’ve had a look in there a few times. I like to do quilting.’
‘I like to knit when I get time,’ Maxi said. ‘But quilting looks quite challenging.’
‘Not once you get the hang of it.’ Erin brightened. ‘I’ve actually won a few prizes here and there,’ she added shyly. And then a look of uncertainty brushed her gaze. ‘Why did you ask whether I knew the craft shop?’
‘Because Liz Maynard, who runs it, is the contact person for the CWA. And they do have younger members. And with your ability at crafts, you’d be a real asset.’
‘You think?’
Maxi shrugged a shoulder. ‘From what Liz told me, they’re always on the lookout for women who can pass on special skills. Why not pop along after I’ve checked Bonnie over and we’ve had a chat about her diet? I promise you’ll find Liz very friendly.’
‘I suppose I could …’ Erin looked diffidently at her small daughter. ‘But if I joined I’d have to go to meetings. And what would I do with Bonnie?’
‘They’re bound to have childminding,’ Maxi said expansively, hoping like mad that they did. ‘In fact, their whole chapter is about nurturing women and children. At least it would be a good place to start, don’t you think?’
Erin drummed up a tentative smile. ‘It might be nice.’
‘Good.’ Maxi got to her feet. ‘Now, let’s check this little one over, shall we?’
Maxi’s examination was gentle and thorough. ‘She’s up to date with all her vaccinations?’
‘Yes. We’re very particular about that,’ Erin said.
‘Well, she’s seems a very healthy little girl,’ Maxi smiled. ‘And her height and weight are well within the general range for her age.’ She met Erin’s gaze and smiled. ‘I guess in her own way she’s getting enough food. Remember, children don’t have huge stomachs but somehow they won’t let themselves starve either.’
‘She’s very savvy,’ Erin admitted. ‘And I do offer her a variety of foods.’
‘That’s the way to go.’ Maxi finished her examination and swung back to her chair. ‘Is she keen on vegetables?’
‘Not really.’
‘There is a sneaky way you could try to interest her,’ Maxi said. ‘Most kids like chips so perhaps you could make some chunky oven chips but for variation, try some pieces of sweet potato or pumpkin—even beetroot. They’re all very rich in vitamins.’
Erin bit her lip. ‘I never thought of that. So, any suggestions how I could get her to eat fruit? Usually she just chucks it.’
‘As they do.’ Maxi chuckled. ‘Maybe you could give her a little party platter—say a selection of fruits cut small, even slip in some carrot and celery sticks and add a little bowl of yoghurt she could dip into. And sit down and share it with her. Kids like company when they eat.’
‘It all sounds so easy when you say it.’ Erin’s mouth turned down. ‘I think I’ve been a bit slack.’
‘Hey, don’t beat yourself up. It all comes with experience. And every child is different.’ Maxi reached across to the hastily erected magazine rack beside her desk. ‘Take some of these leaflets,’ she invited. ‘They’re mostly reader-friendly and they’ve some excellent suggestions about toddler health in general and you might even find some recipes there as well.’
‘Thanks so much, Dr Somers.’ Erin took the printed matter and tucked it into her big shoulder-bag. She rose to her feet, taking Bonnie by the hand. ‘You’ve been great,’ she added shyly. ‘I really thought I’d be in for a lecture on proper parenting.’
‘No lectures here,’ Maxi said with a smile. ‘I can guarantee it.’ She touched a finger to Bonnie’s little cheek. ‘Take care of yourself, too, Erin.’ And remembering Jake’s cautionary advice about monitoring the stress levels of their patients, she added, ‘And come and see me any time you need to talk.’
‘Thanks.’ For the first time Erin really smiled. ‘I will.’
Maxi’s last patient for the day was sixty-two-year-old Les Fielding. He’d come to get a repeat of his prescription to reduce his blood pressure.
‘Your BP is up a bit today, Mr Fielding,’ Maxi told her patient, after carrying out the necessary checks. ‘Anything bothering you?’
‘Just the bloomin’ drought, Doc. It’s enough to make anyone crook.’
‘You’re a farmer, then?’ Maxi asked.
‘Nah—run the general store out at Emerald Crossing. But folk can’t pay their bills so I let ’em tick up stuff where I can. And they pay eventually, but you know …?’
He came to a halt with a dispirited shrug.
‘I’m sure it’s very difficult,’ Maxi commiserated, pulling out a prescription pad from her desk drawer. ‘I see from your notes that Dr Haslem calls you in every six months for a review.’
‘That’s right.’ Les frowned a bit, pulling his feet back under his chair and sitting up straight. He’d caught the new doctor’s English accent. He hoped she didn’t want to suggest some newfangled treatment …
‘Don’t be alarmed.’ Maxi had immediately picked up on her patient’s body language. ‘I’m just a bit concerned about the jump in your blood pressure.’
‘Jake’s told me it goes up and down a bit,’ Les offered. ‘But it was nothing to worry about.’
‘It’s probably not.’ Maxi smiled as she signed the script and handed it across. ‘But let’s be cautious and have you back in a month. Can you manage that?’
‘If you say I have to, then I’ll be here.’ Les folded the prescription into the top pocket of his shirt. ‘Will I see you then, Doc?’
In a reflex action, Maxi’s hand went to the small medallion at her throat, as if touching a talisman. Would she even be in the place in a month’s time? But, then, hadn’t she already decided that particular decision would be down to her? Determinedly, she lifted her chin and dragged every positive thought into her head. ‘If that’s all right with you, Mr Fielding. But I’ll understand if you want to stay with Jake as your doctor …’
Les shook his head. ‘You’ll do fine, Doc.’ He rubbed a hand across his cheekbones and gave the glimmer of a smile. ‘And it’s Les. Only the wife calls me Mr Fielding.’
Maxi’s surprise showed in her raised eyebrows and then she realised. He was ever so gently taking the mick. She waggled a reproving finger at him and gave a low laugh. ‘Les it is, then. See you in a month.’
Jake drove back to the town centre. It was late and he was whacked. All the way home his mind had been pulling his thoughts further into disarray.
He wondered how Maxi had coped with the afternoon surgery. Brilliantly, he imagined. His mouth tightened. She’d slotted into the practice as easily as a duck took to water.
