Page 30 of Between Two Shores

“Returned last night. It’s good to be home.” Was that a lie? It was great to be off the ship, that was true.

“Thought you had a couple more months left?”

“When the ship needed to dock on the West Coast for supplies, my team captain suggested I skip the last few months since the last bit of training didn’t involve me.” He shrugged. “So we started the discharge process.” Lachlan had joined in extra, non-required training to build friendships with the men, and he’d established trust over the years. But it was time for a new season.

Lachlan rubbed his hand over his two-day stubble. “How’s Marnie and the kids?”

Arnold’s eyes lit up. “Great. Really good.”

Lachlan looked Arnold up and down. “You’ve lost weight. A lot. Have you been taking your meds?”

Arnold chuckled. “Yes. Don’t worry. There’s no way I’d risk losing everything I’ve recovered these eight years. I changed prescriptions last year. A new drug, slow-release. No food cravings or slow metabolism. I lost forty pounds in the first three months.”

“Whoa. Dude, that’s awesome.” He was so happy for Arnold. The guy deserved a normal life. Eight years ago, his manic episode had him in the hospital for two months and unable to work for the rest of that year. Lachlan had awoken when he’d heard all the commotion from next-door. Then Marnie had rushed over, at one in the morning, and asked for assistance to get Arnold to the mental health unit. Not much made sense to Arnold at the time, but thankfully he’d trusted Lachlan enough to get in the car.

“Yep, work is good. Promoted to senior manager. The pay is enough that Marnie’s cut her hours to part-time.”

“Your girls must’ve grown. What level are they in now?”

“Nineth and tenth grade.”

“I can’t believe Annie is a Sophomore student. Man, the time has gone fast.”

Arnold crossed his arms. “What about you? You must have some stories to tell.”

“I do. The emergency relief projects were life changing. Such a privilege to be a part of rebuilding communities. I’ll never be the same. It’s hard to come back here and settle. I’m ruined for normal.”

“That’s what it was like when I had the manic episode. My brain got so high that it was hard to return to normal. My doctor says that’s why a lot of patients don’t stay on their meds. But the low isn’t worth the high.” He shook his head. “Or wrecking the family life. I just had to get used to a new way of life.”

“Well, I’m glad you’ve stuck to your regime and the check-ups.” He stood back and lifted his palms. “Look at you now, no one would ever know you have Bipolar. You’re a walking testimony to modern medicine.”

“Thanks, man. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s as good as it’s gonna get, and I’m a happy husband and dad. Life’s good.”

“It is. Even I need a reminder now and then.”

Chapter Twelve

BETH

Beth waited at Pizza Bella Roma for Nick to join her for dinner. She scrolled through their recent messages and reread the beautiful words he’d sent yesterday. I’m adrift in the ocean of new love. You are my gift sent from above.

They spent every spare hour they could together—a morning stroll, her lunch break, dinner, and the weekend. Tomorrow was his last day in Fremantle. She’d miss him—unless?

Nick waved through the window before slipping inside. Before he sat, he kissed her on the top of her head. “How’s my girl?”

“I’m well. Not much has changed since lunchtime.” She smiled.

“Maybe you need some more excitement in your life.” Nick winked and picked up the menu. “Have you ordered for us yet?”

“Garlic bread for starters.”

“Good. And I feel like some greasy pizza.”

Beth scrunched her face. “Ew. Sounds gross. I’ll have the grilled field mushrooms with a Greek salad.”

“Mmm. That almost sounds yummy—if you’re a vegetarian.”

A waitress placed a large pizza between a couple on the next table, then came over and served garlic bread to them. The mix of garlic and herbs rose to her nostrils.

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