Parallel Lives

by Narelle Minton

  After a brief acknowledgement, Fay, Josh and Janine continued about their business as if they weren’t there.

  “Would you mind if I made a cup of tea?” asked Natalie.

  Fay answered. “We haven’t got any tea left. You can go to the shop and get some if you want it.”

  It was already late and no one seemed to know where there’d be a shop open at that hour. So much for tea, just as well we stopped for dinner on the way up.

  “Where do you want us to sleep?”

  “There’re mattresses in the spare room. Drag them out into the living room and sleep there.”

  That’s fine for Chris and me, but how am I going to get William off the floor and back into his chair in the morning, if this is all the support we get?

  Natalie snuggled up with William and Chris on the mattresses. This is only the start of the trip. If I injure myself now it’ll destroy everything. William’s lack of conversation betrayed his obvious embarrassment at his family’s behaviour, though it did fit with earlier stories he’d told her. At least there’s no shortage of affection between the three of us.

  Fortunately, next morning the mood had changed and they received a better response. William was helped into his chair and they ate breakfast together. Regardless, it was a relief to be packed up and back in the car, just the three of them once more. William and Chris sang along with the radio, interspersing songs with jokes and stories. Things are going to be all right after all.

  Today’s destination was Taree. That was where William’s dad owned a house he rarely used. It’s a bit of a worry how we’ll cope. With no ramp, it might be difficult getting William inside. Then there’s the width of doorways and corridors to consider, as well as the height of the bed. Toward sunset, they found the dilapidated, old weather-board house, with its rusting tin roof. It was at the end of a street, beside an overgrown railway line.

  William told them where the key was hidden. “I’ll stay in the car while you two check the place out.”

  It was hard not to lose heart at the peeling paint on the exterior walls and badly overgrown lawn and garden. This was certainly a house that had seen a shortage of love in recent years. They pushed their way through the bushes and made their way along a cracked, concrete path beside the house. The key was where it was supposed to be and they were soon inside.

  The narrow hallway was dark and gloomy. Natalie pressed the light switch but nothing happened. “There doesn’t seem to be any power.”

  Chris pointed to the ceiling. “Look, Mum, there’s no light globe.” He went ahead into the next room and tried the switch there. A dim light appeared, showing them the kitchen.

  Chris’s mouth opened in shock. “I’ve never seen anywhere so dirty.” Huge cobwebs hung off the ceiling and the walls. Everything was covered in a thick coat of dust. He went over to the stainless steel sink and reached up to turn on the tap. A rusty brown stream of water gurgled out of the tap, causing a family of large, black cockroaches to scurry out of the sink and across the filthy bench where a few cups and plates had been left on a towel to dry, some time ago by the look of the dust that covered them. Chris opened a cupboard to be greeted with more of the ugly creatures.

  Suddenly, there was a loud roaring noise that grew louder and louder. The house began to shake. Chris grabbed his mother’s hand. Then the culprit came into view. A train passed by the kitchen window no more than three metres from where they were standing. How on earth are we going to spend the night in this place?

  They took a quick look at the other rooms. Only the main bedroom, with a big double bed, had a light globe. The whole house was covered by the same thick layer of dust.

  “Let’s get back to the car,” said Natalie.

  Chris led the way. “You should have seen the train, William. It was enormous and really, really loud. Mum was frightened and I had to hold her hand but we’ll be all right when you’re with us.”

  “Do you think we can stay the night here?” asked William.

  Chris got in first. “There’re spiders and cockroaches everywhere. It’s a real house of horror.”

  William looked to Natalie.

  “It’s pretty awful but I don’t know what choice we’ve got. Do you want to take a look?”

  “Sure.”

  The front steps, though broken and crumbling, were not steep and it didn’t take much effort to manoeuvre the wheelchair inside.

  “What do you think?”

  “We’ll make do for one night.”

  “It’s impossible to cook anything here, so I’ll dash back to town and pick up some takeaway for dinner. Will you two be okay ’til I get back?”

  “Don’t worry Mum. I’ll look after William.”

  William’s smile made it clear the comment had been taken in good spirits. Chris can get away with anything when it comes to William.

  After the meal, Natalie rolled William into the big, double bed and the three of them cuddled up together. A quick story from one of Chris’s books and he was asleep. The room was poorly lit in a spooky kind of way, with all the cobwebs hanging about. And those photos of strangers on the wall, they’re peering at us and grimacing, like we’re intruders they don’t want here.

  William interrupted her thoughts. “Do you think the house is haunted?”

  “It feels like it.”

  She only realized she’d dozed off when she was woken by creaking and groaning in some other part of the house. What’s that? Who’s there? Then the voices started. They were loud, male voices, drunks by the sound, arguing and carrying on. Are they inside or outside the house? She turned over in bed. William was awake. The expression on his face showed he could hear the voices too. So, I’m not dreaming. She was too frightened to say anything. Then the commotion stopped.

  He looked at her. “What time is it?”

  Her watch showed it was exactly midnight. “Were those voices inside or outside the house?”

  “I don’t know.”

  They clung to each other. Fortunately, Chris hadn’t woken.

  After that, it was a restless night for both of them. It was hard not to listen for more noises, though all remained quiet.

  With a long drive ahead, they rose early, packed up quickly and got on their way. What a relief to be back in the car, with the sunshine streaming through the windscreen. We’re safe now.

  The day grew hotter by the hour, making driving difficult. Natalie measured their progress by the distance markers along the way but each kilometre was longer than the last. Heat haze steamed off the road, blurring the view ahead. Natalie found herself blinking.

  “Ouch.” William had pinched her on her bare thigh.

  She looked up. The car was on the wrong side of the road with a semi-trailer heading towards them. She quickly steered the car back onto her own side, looking guiltily at William.

  “Gee, you’ve got lovely legs.”

  The trip continued like this, with William prodding her back to alertness from time to time.

  Gradually, the miles disappeared behind them until Natalie drew into a service station for petrol. “Let’s have lunch here. We need a break.”

  “You and Chris go in. It’s too hard getting me out of the car. I’ll be right with the doors open.”

  “I won’t be able to relax if you’re in the car. Please come in with us.”

  “All right, if that’s what you want.”

  Natalie lugged the heavy electric wheel-chair out of the boot, assembled all the pieces and pushed and heaved William to the edge of the car seat and into the wheel-chair. Her hand, arm and feet ached with the strain but she pretended that all was well. Following a quick lunch, it was back in the car and more long miles until finally, they reached their destination at Byron Bay.

  On reaching the resort they were met by a butch-looking woman in a manual wheelchair. She scowled when she saw Chris in the back seat. “This is a place where people come to relax. Make sure the boy keeps the noise down and don’t let him in the pool without s
upervision.”

  That’s a nice greeting after the long, hot trip! Nevertheless, they followed her to their cabin, set amidst tall eucalypts. The wide doorway led into a large, modern bed-sitting room with clad timber walls. It was flooded with light entering through a number of full-length windows. There was a big, double bed, a small camp bed beside the wall, a couch and a small table with two chairs. William led the way into the shower room. Like the rest of the unit, it was spotlessly clean and totally accessible. It was great to see William pottering around independently.

  The manageress turned to go. “I’ll leave you to it then.” And she was gone.

  “Where’s the swimming pool, Mum?”

  They wandered back outside, past two other cabins to a large, blue tiled pool. Along one side was a ramp with a railing.

  Natalie caught sight of a plastic commode chair on wheels beside the pool. “Look William. We’ll be able to use that to get you in and out of the water. It’s going to be fun.”

  “Come on then, let’s have a quick dip before dinner.”

  It didn’t take long to change into their costumes and be back at the pool.

  “Just tip me out of the chair.”

  “You’re joking.”

  “Go ahead. Try it.”

  She lent on the chair and flipped him into the water. William did an amazing somersault under water before floating up to the surface.

  “See, you don’t have to worry about me. I float.”

  Oh, no. The electric chair was racing toward the pool. Quickly, Natalie pushed the button the other way, stopping the chair just in time. That was a close shave.

  The three of them played in the pool like young kids. William demonstrated William stroke, achieved by lying on his back and flapping his arms to move slowly from one end of the pool to the other. The manageress came over to join them. She sat beside the pool, chatting about various well-known disabled people who’d stayed there. “Tell you what Chris, I want you to do different dives into the pool and I’ll take your photo.”

  He was delighted, going over to check each photo on the Polaroid camera.

  “I’ll keep an eye on him if you two want to have a shower and get changed.”

  Natalie wheeled the commode chair into the pool. William easily floated into it, enabling her to push him up the ramp and back to their cabin. She wheeled him into the shower. They were soon undressed and cuddling up together under the warm water. It was a long, loving shower. When they returned to the pool to collect Chris and the chair, the manageress winked at them. Not such a dragon after all.

  Natalie cooked them a meal in the nice, clean kitchen. Once the dishes were done, the three of them snuggled up together on the double bed to watch television.

  Next morning they were awakened by a knock at the door. A personal care assistant had arrived to toilet and shower William. This really is being spoilt. Natalie gave her a hand as they chatted together. She assumed that they were married and nobody put her straight.

  After a quick breakfast, they drove to the beach. While William remained in his chair on the grass, Chris and Natalie meandered along the sand. Gulls glided smoothly across the water. A beautiful, naked lady with flowing hair swam gracefully through the waves. They passed a group of children building a sand-castle together. Chris ran ahead, collecting shells from the water’s edge, which he carefully placed in his red, plastic bucket, leaving Natalie to carry the spade. She turned to see William silhouetted on the hill. Straight-backed with his beard flowing in the breeze, he sat motionless, looking out to sea. What a wise man he looked. She ran back along the beach into his welcoming arms. Chris wasn’t far behind with his collection of shells to show William.

  They made their way to the charming, little shopping centre where they looked about, chatting to shop assistants. William always seemed to have a quip at the ready to make them laugh. He bought her a white lace blouse and flowing lace skirt, along with a pearl, hair clasp. “Go on, put your hair in a ponytail. You know what I like – Chantilly lace, a big-eyed girl with a ponytail.” Then he started singing.

  The remainder of the week was spent at the resort, swimming and relaxing beside the pool. It was glorious. Then, the long, tedious trip home! On their return to Crystal Gardens, they discovered the flag being flown at half-mask. Another resident was dead. Why does William have to live in this tomb of a place? He belongs in my family. Crystal Gardens, I’ll fight you for him. Whatever it takes to separate him from you, I’ll do it. I love him and I’m determined to see him happy.

  Chapter 41

  Natalie opened her eyes. It was already morning and the sun was sneaking its way into the bedroom. She stretched. That feels good, unusually good. What’s different? I’m alone. She’d slept right through the night without being disturbed. William was at Crystal Gardens and she hadn’t been called upon to light a cigarette, move a leg, fetch a bottle, provide a kiss or wash and dress and pull and shove until her whole body ached with exhaustion. Freedom! She could go out the front door to the park if she wanted. William’s fear of being left alone no longer restricted her movements. For once, she was not a prisoner in her own home. Why do I bother with him?

  Natalie laughed. She knew she couldn’t help herself. In a day or two, she’d be obsessed with him again, her thoughts continually returning to him as she craved the cuddles and warmth that made her feel whole. Then she’d go to collect him, the car automatically accelerating along the way in her passion to be with him again. She’d try to calm herself, even plan to chat with some of the other residents on her way to meet him, but she knew she’d be powerless to do anything except rush straight to him. He’s my life now.

  They were enmeshed in their own loving world, into which others sometimes looked with envy. Shopping sprees were always a treat. William was such an expert on women’s clothing, especially frilly undergarments. He would peruse the ‘titty-holders’, selecting a lacy bra in pink or white for Natalie to try. Then he’d peek around the change-room curtain for a sneak preview. She wouldn’t be able to contain her giggles. “You’re not allowed in here.” Shop assistants joined in the fun though.

  One fine morning William decided to take the now fully grown dog for a walk around the block. Before long she heard scratching at the door. The dog had returned alone. “What’s happened?” When William didn’t appear, she went out looking for him. On turning the corner, she stopped, aghast, at the sight of an ambulance. William lay on the ground, his mangled chair beside him. She raced forward. Blood ran down his head onto his clothes and into the gutter. He was trembling as he looked at her through terror-stricken eyes. She knelt down and reached out her hand to his.

  “Please come with me to the hospital.”

  Natalie turned to the paramedics. “Where are you taking him?”

  “The Valley Hospital.”

  She watched as he was put onto a stretcher and loaded into the ambulance. “I’ll follow in my car, darling. I won’t be far behind.”

  William nodded. He looked reassured. The ambulance drove off.

  Only then did she notice a woman standing nearby wiping back the tears. “I didn’t see him. I backed my car out of the drive and knocked him out of his wheelchair. I’m so sorry. I hope he’ll be all right. You will let me know how he is, won’t you? Here, I’ll write down my name and phone number. I’m so sorry.”

  “I’ll get back to you. I need to be with William now.”

  Natalie found the emergency department. A nurse let her in, pointing in the general direction she’d find William. The stench of blood and antiseptic greeted her as she made her way past patients attached to beeping machines. Moaning could be heard from another part of the room. Staff rushed about the place, too busy to attend to her. She found William, lying on his back on a stretcher bed, looking pale and vulnerable. The blood on the side of his head and clothes had now dried into a nasty-looking mess. He reached out to grasp her hand, looking up at her with tears in his eyes. “I’m frightened. Don’t leave me.”
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br />   Natalie stood helplessly beside the bed, holding his hand. She winked at him. He winked back. She smiled and he returned her smile. After that, the jokes started and their old, cheery camaraderie returned. She found a urine bottle for him to use and held a dish for him to spit into. However, when the doctor arrived, he clung to her hand once more. Following a brief examination, William looked up at the doctor with pleading eyes. “Can I go home?”

  The doctor looked at Natalie. “You can take him now but we’ll being sending an ambulance in the morning to transport him to Western Hospital for tests.” A wards-man helped William into the car.

  As soon as they got home she put William to bed, where he immediately fell asleep. She watched blood seeping out of his ear onto the pillowcase. This is really serious. What if he gets worse? What will I do? I’ve no idea how to look after him in this condition.

  She put a baked dinner on to cook. Phone calls had to be made. First, she rang the driver who’d hit William, to update her. The woman was still distressed and Natalie unwillingly fell into the role of reassuring her. Then, a phone call to Crystal Gardens. Chris came home from school complaining of an upset tummy and promptly started vomiting. She supported him and helped him change his clothes. After rinsing the soiled clothing, she discovered dinner was completely spoilt but no one was hungry anyway.

  It’s all too much. I’m so tired. But before she could collapse into bed, she had to wake William to give him his medication. That done, she prepared for bed. She’d just gone off to sleep when William woke her to be turned. After that, her mind wouldn’t settle. How can I look after William and Chris at the same time? Is William going to be all right? The tension mounted making sleep a remote possibility. After seemingly hours lying there, trying not to disturb William, she finally drifted off, only to be woken again.

  “Can you get me some painkillers?”

  Natalie was trembling all over. She gave him the medication. Then she started crying inconsolably. “Why won’t you let me get any sleep?”