Language of Love

Chapter 27 - Returning to Bondi

Troy had returned to work but Abi still found she wasn't alone for long. Her family, Troy's family or a lifeguard were always with her. She'd expected Whip, Chap, Matty, Maxi, Deano and perhaps Mouse to share babysitting duties but was surprised to find that nearly all the lifeguards she had met took a turn. Box was a regular. He still seemed to feel it was his fault she got hurt despite her telling him it could have happened at any point. Even Hoppo had dropped in a few times to check in on her.

She had taken to dragging her babysitters out on walks to Bronte Beach. It was quieter now that Summer was over, but the boys in blue were still patrolling in full force, the seasonal lifeguards down to part-time shifts but soon heading off to their winter jobs. Abi would often sit with them at Bronte, dozing off in a chair.

Regular checkups at the hospital were also part of this next stage of recovery and would be for the next month at least. All the scans showed she was healing. The unpredictable headaches, tiredness, occasional dizziness, and struggle with words were frustrating though. The underlying fear that the symptoms would persist long term remained with her and she knew that, though he never said anything, Troy was also worried.

It was mid-week. Troy was on shift at Bondi and her parents were currently on babysitting duty. Abi felt particularly restless today and less tired than usual.
"Dad, Can we drive over to Bondi? I miss it."
"Are you sure love?" Her Mum asked "It's where your accident happened."
"I can't even remember the collision Mum!"
"What if it triggers a memory?"
"Then I'll deal with it. I'm going to ask Ben for the video footage of that day anyway. I want to see it before it's broadcast."
"They're going to put it in BondiRescue?!" Her Mum said indignantly.
"I'd think so. I'm being introduced this season as I'm on the beach and it's usually shown if a team member is injured."
"And you're okay with that?"
"I'm not sure okay is the right word. Being filmed is strange. I'm sometimes recognised already from insta posts even tho I've not been officially named. It's part of the guys life, so it's part of mine now."
Her Mum frowned.
"Mum." Abi sighed."What is your problem with the guys?"
Her Mum looked guilty.
"You talk about them like they're your family love. We're your family, your Dad and I, your sister."
"Are you jealous?" Abi pondered. "Mum, they're not replacing you. You will always be my family. I'm not a kid anymore. Now I have 2 families. It just...I feel like I fit here. Like I'm needed."
"We need you too, love."
"Not in the same way. Here, I can make a difference. I can help people."
"You're not coming back, are you?" Her Mum looked like she was going to cry. Abi pulled her into a hug.
"I talked to Troy last week. Told him I was going to try to find a way to stay once my Visa runs out."
Her Dad joined the hug.
"I'm proud of you Abi. You've found your place. It's hard on us, you being the other side of the world, but all I've ever wanted is for you to be happy."
He squeezed his wife's shoulder.
"Wipe off them tears love. Let's go visit the famous Bondi Beach."

Finding a place in the car park they bundled out of the small rental car. Abi led them immediately down to the sand. It was much quieter on the beach than she was used to. The cool wind today definitely showed winter was on its way. Abi had even put on a light hoody. Taking a deep breath of Ocean air Abi smiled. She could feel her Mum watching her closely, concern creasing her features. But all Abi felt was contentment. This beach felt like home.
"So we watched Bondi Rescue to stalk your boyfriend." Her Dad laughed. "I think I can name the sections of the beach."
Abi laughed as he pointed out South End, backpackers, the ramps and North End.
"Are you hoping Hoppo gives you a job?" She teased. Her Dad laughed heartily and patted his round belly pointedly.
"Let's see whose in the buggy at South." She said and headed across the sand with a bounce in her step.
Behind her her Dad looped his arm through his wife's.
"See, Trish. She needed this."
Her Mum nodded in reluctant agreement and let him lead her after their daughter.