Chapter Twelve





“A good job done well!” laughed Joe as they stopped waving and the train vanished into the distance.

“I think the kids enjoyed being part of such a big event. It was well organized. They’ll have plenty to chew over for the next few weeks. And, hopefully, they are all pretty well tired out, so the teachers will have a quiet journey home.”

“I’m sure you exhausted that group in the last session,” Joe teased. “They’ll be glad of a rest.”

“Listen to who’s talking!” Naomi responded with a laugh.

Joe and Naomi had been part of the organizing committee for the State Youth Festival.

Representing their diocese, they had been responsible, not only for the organization of the group coming from the diocese, but also for some of the combined activities of the Festival.

“Are you driving back now?” Joe asked.

“No,” Naomi replied. “I decided to stay down here for the night and leave early in the morning.”

“Great minds think alike…” Joe began.

“Or fools seldom differ!” Naomi added. Then, “Sorry, did I interrupt you?”

“You certainly did!” he laughed. “If you have no other plans, would you like to join me for dinner?”

“No other plans, Joe. And dinner sounds great. After those few hectic days keeping an eye on the kids most of the time, a relaxed dinner will be heaven! Where and when?”

“I’ve no idea!”

“Well, Joe,” Naomi smiled. “You’re a great worker, but as a planner there’s room for improvement. So… let’s start. Where are you staying?”

“Well, Nae, I don’t know! I thought I’d try the place where Mum and Dad always stay when they come to town. But I haven’t booked yet.”

“Joe, you’re hopeless! I’m okay. But we’d better get you fixed up. With the Festival, the city’s accommodation is well booked.”

The ‘place where Mum and Dad always stay’ was booked out. But management advised that, for the sake of his parents, if he found no other accommodation they would find ‘something’. Joe thanked them and added, “Expect me if you see me.”

“What about you?” Joe turned to Naomi.

“I’m okay – just around the corner. And it has a first class restaurant attached. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”

“Me too!” Joe grinned. “Let’s eat. I can always go back to the broom cupboard!”

As they walked to the restaurant neither was aware of the emotions racing within the other.

This may not be such a good idea, thought Joe.

Don’t get morbid, thought Naomi. Enjoy – probably the last time to enjoy time together.

Soon they reached the restaurant and were seated at a window table ordering pre-dinner drinks.

“This is the life,” laughed Joe, determined to make it a happy meal.

“Yes,” agreed Naomi, “and with a successful few days to celebrate.”

“Enough! No further mention of the last few days. Time to reassess later.”

“Fine with me.”

It was a happy carefree meal as each veiled feelings in laughter and light-hearted conversation.

A slight argument developed as they were about to leave.

“Well, at least let me contribute.”

“No, Nae. You deserved this meal after all your hard work. And I’ve enjoyed celebrating with you the success of the last few days – and without any serious mishap in our squad!”

“Thanks Joe.” She hesitated. Then added brightly. “Come on Joe, let’s walk along the esplanade.”

“Yes, let’s.”

Outside the air was still, but heavy. The moon was blanketed by thick cloud. Far on the horizon lightning zig-zagged, lighting up the sky. Silently they walked along the Harbour shores, each fighting surging emotions. Eventually Naomi broke the silence, “Thanks Joe, for an enjoyable evening.” She hesitated. “Perhaps my send-off!” She waited a few minute before continuing, “Joe, it’s only fair to tell you. I’m leaving. But I’m not saying anything in advance, so please keep this to yourself.”

Joe, openly surprised, asked, “Why and when?”

“I applied to a high school in Melbourne. I didn’t expect an answer as quickly as this. It has such a high reputation and is very popular. I flew down for an interview a couple of weeks ago – have just received notice that my application is successful and asked to begin there next term, which is only a few weeks away. I’ve already resigned from my present job, which is now being advertised. I’ll be leaving the week after next.”

Joe was stunned. “But why, Nae? Why such a big move so quickly?”

How could she answer that without alluding to the truth – that she was so deeply in love with him that she would have to get away before it became obvious.

“Just needed further experience,” she lied. “And this position came up so quickly and seemed such a good idea.”

“But Nae.” He was lost for words and fighting for self-control. Suddenly he stopped and faced her.

“Nae, something is wrong. Why are you leaving like this? Something is very wrong. What is it? Please tell me.”

“No,” she whispered as she turned away.

Gently he turned her back to face him. “Nae, look at me.”

As their eyes me, secrets faded into reality.

“Joe,” she whispered as he pulled her to him.

They kissed, lovingly, passionately, as their previously untold reciprocal love found expression. Some time passed before they became aware of the drizzle and cold wind that had developed. Arm in arm, they ran to the shelter of the pier.

“No broom cupboard for you tonight,” she whispered.

“No,” he smiled back.

Each had made a decision. Wordlessly, the decision was accepted by the other. Both had inwardly decided that this night would be theirs. As she opened the door to the apartment, he picked her up, carried her in and gently lifted her on to the bed. Their eyes met, conveying the message no words could adequately express. No words could express the depth of their love; no words could express the heartache of the separation that both knew lay before them. But tonight they were together to share and experience their deep, unique love.

Words were inadequate, time motionless; yet each felt the depth of the love they shared.

After their first love-making, they lay close, with so much to say and so few appropriate words.

“Will you be all right tomorrow and all the tomorrows after that?” he asked.

“Yes,” she whispered. “Life will be hard without you. But your love will be my strength.”

“My darling Nae,” he answered. “Tonight I have experienced loving and being loved in the deepest way. Your love is so very precious to me. How it will help me in my life ahead!”

He hesitated, then added softly, “But I can never be a husband to you.”

Tears welled. Minute passed as each battled deep emotions.

Softly Joe added, “In the years ahead you may meet someone who would be a good mate and husband. Please don’t let what we have shared prevent you from accepting life with another.”

She smiled gently at him. “It’s okay Joe. I know. And, please, never feel guilty.”

She hesitated for a few minutes.

“Joe?”

“Yes?”

“Will the Church law on compulsory celibacy ever change?”

“Oh, Nae. They are not likely to change in our life time.” He sighed. “So, please, don’t spend your life waiting and hoping.”

She nodded.

“Nai, I do love you,” he whispered.

“And I do so love you,” she answered as he pulled her to him.

Once again they made deep, passionate love.

Morning came around far too quickly.

As they prepared to leave the apartment they hesitated, already feeling the pain of separation.

For several minutes they held each other in silence. Both knew life would never be the same. How could love hurt so deeply? Both knew they had broken a law of their church.

But God’s law of love…?

Time never stands still. Soon they were looking at each other, knowing their separation was about to begin.

“Joe,” she spoke softly. “I won’t be seeing you or contacting you before I leave. I hope you understand – it would be too hard.”

“Of course I understand,” he interrupted.

“I will eventually contact you. For now I can never express adequately how grateful I am for your love and for what it means to me. There are no words. I love you so deeply. God bless you and look after you.”

“Nae,” Joe whispered as his eyes filled with tears, “thank you for your love and for all it means to me. God bless you and keep you and may you find peace and joy in your life ahead.”

They held each other and kissed longingly, knowing this may never happen again.

As they closed the door to the apartment and parted in separate directions to their cars, each knew that life would never be the same.