Nothing was said, but they both realized that their relationship and where it would lead would remain static for the immediate present. Approaching examinations signalled the end of their present study – for the present anyway – and the beginning of a new mode of living.
Both knew their full attention was needed in study for the final exams. – Sinead for a degree in Law; Julian for a Law degree with honours. He had finally accepted a position in the Law firm regarded as the country’s elite.
Meetings with Joe and Eddie often occurred without warning. The bond between them was one of real friendship and comradeship. They had been Julian’s main help and support when he had been in need. He and Eddie had helped Joe through the hardest part of his trauma. He and Joe had supported Eddie in his questioning times, and he would shortly join Eddie in Bourke to help solve the problem there. He knew the friendship they shared was a special one, and he was always grateful for it.
After deep prayerful thought, he had decided to share his feelings with Sinead. If she shared his feelings, he would ask her to marry him. But if he, to her, was a friend with no romantic attachments, then he would accept and plan his future accordingly.
So business-like, he thought! Yet he knew life without Sinead would be almost unbearable.
Even so, he needed to know.
Once again for Julian, exams posed no hurdle. For Sinead, no hurdles but a few stumbling blocks. Results within the next few weeks would be a sign-post for Sinead’s future; for Julian, a document for the file of his new employer, where he was already committed and where he would begin his life in Law within a few weeks.
Julian’s plans of relaxing with family and friends – and more time with Sinead – while they waited on results, were temporarily put on hold. He knew Eddie’s phone call was a call for help. Eddie was obviously witnessing a serious problem within his parish.
He needed Julian’s help. And Julian acted promptly. He knew there would be relaxing time with his family in the near future. He also knew, in the very near future he and Sinead would be deciding their long-range futures. But, right then, Eddie needed his help. He left immediately for Bourke.
In some ways, all his years of the study of law were put to the test during the next few weeks. With Julian’s help, the seriousness of the situation was accepted by senior officials in the State police force and the offenders brought to justice. The success of the operation, however, although bringing life back to the town, was not without tragedy. Julian returned home, with Eddie’s promise to take a short break.
Results duly arrived – Julian, first-class honours; Sinead passes in all subjects, credits in three. They celebrated with friends that evening, all revelling in the success of their final exams and in a door opening to a new future.
For Julian and Sinead it was a happy night with friends as they all celebrated the results of many years study. But for Julian and Sinead, it was also an anti-climax. The next night they had previously planned for their own celebrations.
“How about?” Julian asked, naming a first-class restaurant in the city.
“If you like,” Sinead answered quietly.
“Hm… not so enthusiastic,” Julian smiled. “So, Si, where to? You name it!”
“It’s fine… really,” she stammered.
“No, it’s not really,” he smiled again. “Where would you really like to go? Now, come on, be truthful.”
She hesitated, then answered slowly. “Julian, wherever you choose is fine, really. I was just thinking of fish and chips on the beach.”
“And that sounds great,” he laughed. “Fish and chips on the beach, here we come!”
“And I won’t shame you into paddling with me tonight,” she laughed back.
Along with many others, they walked, hand in hand, along the esplanade. The sun gradually disappeared. The moon rose slowly – just a small quarter moon. Soon the hemisphere was alive with myriads of winking stars. Waves splashed gently close by. They walked on happily, unaware of nature’s glory.
Suddenly Julian stopped. He knew he could wait no longer. Taking both of Sinead’s hands, he turned her toward him. Quietly he whispered, “Si, I love you. I want to be with you always. Will you marry me?”
Seconds passed before she whispered back, “Julian, for the last couple of weeks – since I told you my story – I have wondered. I love you – I don’t deny that. But… pity… love.”
She stopped for a few seconds, then continued, “Well… sometimes the two can be mixed up.”
Julian broke in abruptly. “Si, I don’t pity you. I admire you for your strength; for all you have done. My heart aches for all the pain you have suffered. Regardless of all that, I love you. I deeply love you. Will you marry me?”
“Oh Julian… yes, yes, yes.”
Passersby smiled at the sight of two not-so-young lovers locked in a loving embrace.
“Let’s celebrate,” Julian finally whispered.
“Yes, let’s,” Sinead echoed.
With their packages of fish and chips and a bottle of red wine, excitedly they looked to their futures together.