The Road Back: A Novel

by Di Morrissey

  ‘But Chris, you’re a print journalist. Surely you went and saw the local Star?’

  ‘Mum, when I approached them to write a piece or two, it was assumed that I was going to write for free. When I asked what I’d be paid, there was a shocked silence. Then I was told the pay rate and it was a pittance, so I said I’d changed my mind.’

  Susan frowned. ‘Was that wise? Even a pittance is better than nothing. I mean, just to get yourself out there.’

  ‘Mum, I earned more when I was seventeen.’

  ‘I see,’ she said quietly. ‘Have you thought about what I said? Considered any other kind of work, just in the interim?’

  ‘I have, but Mum, I just don’t know that I have many other skills,’ said Chris ruefully. ‘You remember what a disaster it was when I tried to mow the neighbours’ lawns.’

  ‘You weren’t that bad,’ said Susan. ‘You managed to save up enough from that job to put down a deposit on your first car. Your dad and I were very proud of you. And what about Megan? Does she have to work for her pocket money?’

  ‘I’m not sure. Gosh, I haven’t even discussed that with Megan. Is that another thing I’ll need to pay for?’

  ‘Let’s make a cup of coffee.’ Susan went into the kitchen, flicked on the kettle and got out a couple of mugs. Chris followed her.

  ‘Where’s Megan?’

  ‘I caught her moping, so I sent her down to the supermarket for a few things for dinner.’

  ‘She’s still missing Ruby,’ said Chris. ‘She had her bestie with her and now she’s alone again.’

  ‘I would scarcely say she’s alone! She’s milled around with the kids at the skateboard park. She thinks Carla is kind of cool and she’s visited some of my friends. Stephen and Val have asked her out to their farm, as they have new kid goats which are adorable. Her life can’t be all shopping malls and trips to the beach,’ said Susan briskly.

  ‘Maybe you’re right, Mum, although I can understand how Megan feels. Her friends are getting on with their lives without her. I guess she feels left out.’

  Susan poured their coffee and they walked back into the living room. ‘Chris, sorry to bang on about this, but you have to decide what you are going to do about Megan’s schooling. You can’t keep putting off the decision.’

  ‘I don’t know what to do,’ said Chris, slouching in his chair. ‘I have no idea where I’ll be.’

  ‘You have to decide,’ said Susan firmly, taking a seat beside him. ‘Do you think you should sell your flat and rent for a while in Sydney? You could use the sale money to pay Megan’s school fees and live off your savings until you find another well-paying job. Could you use your savings and money from selling the flat to send Megan as a boarder? How much is it for her to board?’

  Chris told her the amount and Susan looked shocked. ‘That’s even more expensive than I thought,’ she said. ‘No wonder Jill’s baulked at wanting to pay for that.’

  Chris shook his head sadly. ‘Being realistic, Mum, I know the flat wouldn’t bring me that much. I haven’t had it long enough to have much equity in it. Besides, have you any idea what rent is like in the area near Megan’s school? I’d run out of money in no time.’ He ran his fingers through his hair. ‘And I don’t have much saved up either. I just never expected this situation. Maybe Jill was right after all when she said that an expensive school wasn’t a very good idea, but I didn’t know when Megan enrolled that I’d lose my job.’

  Susan put her hand on his arm. ‘Then what? Shall I loan you the money so you can stay in Sydney and Megan can keep attending her school? I have more than I need and everything I have goes to you and Kate anyway, so you could take part of your inheritance now.’

  ‘No! Thank you, Mum, that’s very generous of you, but I wouldn’t hear of it. I wouldn’t know when I could pay it back.’ Chris was horrified. How could he take money from her? Even for something as important as Megan’s education, taking money from his mother just didn’t seem right. He rubbed his eyes. ‘I appreciate your offer, Mum. I’ll think about it. I just can’t believe I’m in this nightmare.’

  ‘It’s called Life, sweetheart. Ups and downs. The good and the bad, but nothing lasts forever.’ She sipped her coffee. ‘May I make a suggestion?’

  ‘Anything. I feel helpless and at a loss. My career might be over. I’m worried about whether I’ll be able to pay my mortgage and my car loan. And worst of all, I’m scared I’m going to let Megan down. I’ve finally had the chance for real time with my daughter and now everything is a total mess.’ Chris put his head in his hands. He didn’t want to say it out loud, but he recognised that this was one of the lowest points in his life.

  ‘Well, I think you and Megan should stay here, with me, until you get back on your feet,’ said Susan. ‘Hopefully it will only be for a short time, maybe no more than one school term. I’m sure arrangements could be made between her current school and the perfectly good high school here.’

  Chris stared at her. ‘She’d hate that! What about all her friends? And it would really disrupt her schooling.’

  Susan shook her head. ‘Not necessarily. She’s not at the stage of having to sit any big exams yet. It’s the beginning of the school year, which is the best time to change schools. Quite frankly, as a former teacher, I think it would be easier for Megan to start a new school now rather than having to change later in the year. Besides, if you get a job quickly, you can always return to Sydney and really nothing will be lost. She can pick up where she left off. Kids are really more adaptable than we give them credit for.’

  ‘I suppose her other option is Perth,’ Chris said. ‘I don’t think she would like that either, although she might prefer it when faced with such a choice. But you’re right, Mum. I’ve known it all along, really. The expensive school is out for the time being.’ Chris paused and then drained his coffee. ‘But what about me? We can’t stay here forever. What should I do?’

  ‘Keep doing whatever you have to do to get a job back in your world,’ said Susan. ‘But if you lived here, it would be a lot cheaper, no rent. If you feel the need to share household expenses, that’s fine with me, although as far as I’m concerned there is no need. But I do think that you should get some sort of work to put some cash in your pocket. Do anything, work as a tradie’s helper, farm worker, see what’s going in Coffs Harbour. Look online or in the local papers. Ask your mates.’

  Chris frowned. ‘That’ll be awkward.’

  ‘For goodness sake, Chris, no it won’t!’ exclaimed Susan. ‘These are your friends, people you’ve known all your life! And it’s the country, where real people live, not the city where everyone feels they have to keep up a super-successful façade!’

  Chris managed a smile. ‘Okay. I hear what you’re saying. The boys and I are playing golf tomorrow. I’ll sound them out about finding work.’

  ‘Good,’ said Susan, looking mollified. She took their empty cups to the sink and washed them out. ‘It seems dire now, Chris, but it will all work out. You’ll see.’

  Chris watched as she padded down the hallway to her bedroom. He felt better having talked over his problems with his mother. Some of the weight he had been carrying had lifted. Staying at Neverend wasn’t a perfect solution, but it was the best thing for the time being. But how was Megan going to take it?

  *

  Megan chose the next morning to have a long sleep-in, so Chris postponed his conversation with her until the afternoon. Chris decided to revisit the Coastal Star, the newspaper that serviced the local area around Coffs Harbour. He asked at reception to speak to Oliver Brand, the editor, and gave his name.

  ‘Not sure if Ollie’ll see you without an appointment, but it’s a bit of a slow day,’ said the girl at the desk with a smile.

  Chris was ushered into the editor’s small office, which was separated from other cubicles and a larger room where an older man and a young girl were working at computers. Along one wall Chris could see storage cabinets so over-stuffed that their drawers were unable t
o close properly, sitting beside files of old newspapers attached to wooden frames.

  Oliver Brand was in his early thirties, if that, Chris thought. He was wearing a club football jumper.

  ‘Sorry to just drop in,’ said Chris. ‘I was in town.’

  ‘Very pleased to meet you,’ said Oliver, shaking Chris’s hand. ‘It’s a privilege. I believe you were in the office a few days ago. I’m sorry I missed you. I’m a new boy here and I didn’t realise you came from the area.’

  ‘Are you from down south?’

  ‘Wagga Wagga via Mildura. You gotta go where the work and the promotions are, right?’

  Chris nodded. He’d been keen like this once, ready to go anywhere, write whatever stories he was given. This job was a stepping stone for this young bloke. But would he continue to hop around the chessboard of new journalism or find the pool of papers drying up and have to move sideways into digital and online work like so many others?

  ‘I think I mentioned when I was in here before that I’ve just come back from the US. I was about to be posted to Asia but my family situation has changed and now I have my fourteen-year-old daughter living with me. I know I said I couldn’t take that column that was offered, but I was wondering if you might allow me to reconsider. I like to keep my hand in, and as I’m staying in the area . . .’

  Oliver held up his hand. ‘Don’t tell me. You’re doing some research up here! Anything to do with that highway upgrade? That’s a nightmare. No, look, sure, Chris. We’d be honoured to have your by-line in the paper. Can’t pay over the going rate, you understand . . .’

  Chris made a gesture. ‘Of course. I understand budget constraints. But it would also help me get a feel for what’s happening in not only this part of Australia, but the general mood of the country. I want to stay in touch with the grass roots of Australia.’

  ‘Well, that’s great, it’ll be fantastic to have you on board. Look, feel free to write what you want. Seven to nine hundred words max, say?’ They shook on it. ‘I still reckon this is a cover for something big you’re doing. G’luck with it.’ He winked and grinned. ‘Tuesday for Wednesday’s paper, okay?’

  ‘Fine. Appreciate it. Cheers, Oliver.’

  ‘Ollie. Can’t stand Oliver, dunno what possessed my mother. Leave your number with Gina out the front. Just in case.’

  Chris left the office feeling like a fraud. Ollie clearly didn’t believe that Chris needed a real paying job. But Chris knew that his mother had been right; for the time being, he was going to have to be flexible until something better came up in Sydney.

  *

  ‘Haven’t played here in years,’ said Chris as the four friends walked beside the flowing river to the first tee. ‘Such a mighty view. Not too many courses overlook a river and the ocean.’

  ‘Playing beside the river is relaxing but in the summer the mozzies feast on you. I’ve brought plenty of insect repellent, if anyone needs it,’ said Duncan, spraying himself liberally from a can and then offering it round the group. ‘We’ll get eighteen holes in, it’s not a comp day. Do you remember the course, Chris? You get to tee off first. Watch the dogleg to the right and those pine trees. Par four for this hole.’

  ‘Can’t say I remember this course in much detail, but I do recall the time I was attacked by a magpie in the breeding season,’ said Chris, laughing.

  They played the first nine holes and paused for cold drinks at the clubhouse before going round a second time. Alex and Duncan, always strong competitors, compared score sheets and analysed every hole, deciding where they could have improved, while Chris and Shaun relaxed in the shade with their drinks.

  ‘You’re doing pretty well, considering you haven’t played for a long time,’ said Shaun. ‘I thought everybody played golf in the States.’

  ‘Business execs do, Frenchy. Lots of deals done on the golf course, apparently. I didn’t have a coterie of golfing buddies, just people on the paper in the same position as me.’

  ‘Do you miss the States? Where’re you off to next? This has been a nice long break for you here. First time in ages we’ve all had a chance to really catch up.’

  Chris paused. Up till now he’d been vague and tried not to reveal his true situation. But he knew these childhood friends were good people and there was no need to keep up any pretence in front of them any longer. ‘Actually, Frenchy, I don’t have any definite plans,’ Chris said quietly.

  ‘Spoiled for choice, eh?’ Shaun grinned, not picking up on Chris’s tone.

  ‘Not quite. You mightn’t realise it, but the media business is in a bit of strife. Some of the best journos in the business are being let go. They’ve become expendable due to financial constraints, that sort of thing.’

  ‘But not you, surely? I mean, you’re big time.’

  Chris gave a weak smile. ‘Unfortunately that’s sort of what’s happened to me. I was offered a posting to Bangkok, but I turned it down because Megan wanted to live with me in Sydney. It turned out that as far as my former employer was concerned it was Bangkok or nothing. So at the moment, I have nothing.’

  ‘Ah, I’m getting the picture,’ said Shaun, shaking his head. ‘You and Megan are very close, I noticed. Guess she hasn’t seen as much of you as she’d like. It’s a pretty big call to make, your daughter or your job.’

  ‘I figured this was my last chance to spend time with her before she grows up.’ Chris shrugged. ‘But the job situation is looking a bit grim and I’ve got so many financial commitments: Megan’s school fees, the mortgage on my flat and now a car to pay off. Without a job, things are quickly getting out of hand.’

  ‘I would’ve thought with your name a door would open. And you’ve exhausted every avenue?’

  ‘Seems like it, but school goes back in two weeks, so I have to make a decision soon.’

  ‘I can see why. So what’ve you decided?’

  ‘Bunny suggested I stay here with her for the time being and put Megan into the local high school.’

  Shaun nodded. ‘Makes sense. My kids go there, it’s a good school. Some really excellent teachers and everyone is capable. Megan would fit in, and, well, your parents taught there for years.’

  ‘She’ll be really upset to leave her friends and school in Sydney.’

  ‘If she wants to be with you, she’s gotta take the rough with the smooth. She does have a choice. She can always go back to Jill.’

  ‘I don’t think that would suit her. I’ve spoken to Jill about what’s happening. She doesn’t have any objections to Megan going to the local school. She also said Megan could come to Perth if she doesn’t want to go to Neverend High, but I’m hoping Megan will accept the idea of staying here once I explain what’s happening. But the crux of the issue, Frenchy, is that I need to make some money. I can’t just sponge off Mum. The Star offered me a column and I initially turned it down because the money was a pittance. But I went back later and ate a bit of humble pie. Funny thing was, while the editor took me on, he’s convinced I’m researching some big story.’

  Shaun laughed. ‘You’re not, are you?’

  ‘I wish,’ replied Chris ruefully. ‘No, I just need the cash.’

  ‘C’mon, you blokes, let’s get going or we’ll have other players up our bums,’ called out Alex. ‘Anyone want to lay some money on the outcome?’

  ‘Winners stand the first round at the nineteenth hole,’ said Shaun. He added quietly to Chris, ‘Let’s talk later.’

  *

  Shaun walked with Chris to their cars after the round was over and they’d had a couple of drinks. ‘Listen, Chris, Dad and I have started a second business, a courier service, and we’re desperate for drivers,’ Shaun said. ‘We’re paying reasonable money. Would you be interested? I mean, just till you get back on your feet,’ he added, hurriedly. ‘I know it’s not what you’re used to, but the money is okay, and it’d help Dad and me out.’ When Chris didn’t immediately answer, Shaun shrugged and said, ‘Well, anyway, think about it.’

  ‘Frenchy, thank
you. I’m grateful for the offer,’ said Chris slowly. ‘But I don’t want you to feel sorry for me, and feel you have to . . .’

  ‘Mate, you’d be doing us a favour,’ Shaun cut in. ‘Dad and I have been taking turns running all over the joint and frankly Dad’s a bit past it. Mind you, we might have to pay danger money. There’s often a trip up to the plateau on that bloody road with those B-double trucks from the quarry.’

  ‘Yeah, I noticed them. I’ll be okay. Frenchy, I can’t thank you enough. You’re a real life saver.’

  ‘Hey, listen. I owe you one. Remember the day we went up the creek at the swimming hole after the storm and I fell in and got swept away?’

  Chris nodded. ‘Funny you mention it, I was thinking of that just the other day, when I took Megan and her friend up to Neverending Creek.’

  ‘My kids like to go up there, too. But I’d have given you the job anyway, even if you hadn’t saved my life. That’s what mates are for.’ He held out his hand. ‘Let’s shake on it. Dad’ll be real pleased.’

  It was done. Suddenly Chris felt the decision had been taken out of his hands. Without really thinking, he had accepted a mundane job in Neverend. How was he going to tell all this to Megan? It wasn’t just an option; they were staying. In his head he knew this choice was the right one, but in his heart he felt he was letting her down.

  *

  Chris knew he needed his mother’s support to help him explain to Megan that accepting Shaun’s offer was the best possible plan, at least for the time being. After forty years as a teacher at the high school, Susan would be able to convince Megan that Neverend High had a solid and respected reputation. And he hoped that Megan would understand that in spite of everything that was happening to them both, he loved her and only wanted the best for her.

  Megan knew something was up as soon as she saw her father’s expression as he ushered her into the sitting room where Susan sat on the sofa, scratching the cat’s ears.

  ‘What’s happened? Is everything all right? You’re not changing your mind about me, are you, Dad? You’re not going to make me go to Perth, right?’ demanded Megan.