"Can you freakin' believe that actually happened? I mean, I know we joked about it a few weeks ago – but oh my god, he actually asked you!" I say to Franky, while staring at her in disbelief.
"I know Gidge! Well their wedding will be a family affair now! You as maid of honour, Olivia as flower girl and now me as best man? Or woman? Ah, technicalities, anyway – it'll be a good day, and we both get to plan the parties!" Franky seems very excited about all of this. Will officially asked her tonight at dinner – said it was the least he could do for saving his fiancés life, of course Franky down played it at first, but as the hours have gone on she won't stop talking about it.
"It will be a great day Franky, only a few months away now – do you think I should get a female stripper for Vera, you know, just to return the favour? at least that way I'll get to enjoy the show – which only seems fair" I wink at her.
"Nope! No, no, no – I don't want my wife looking at other naked women." I look at her, my signature 'not impressed' look on my face.
"Hmm, interesting…does that mean you, Will and the guys won't be going to a strip club for his bachelor party?"
"Umm, well I mean I'll have to go – but it won't be through choice, it's his night after all."
"Yeah right! You'd jump at the chance! And I don't have a problem with it – just no touching – or getting a lap dance! Don't think I don't know what you did on yours!" I raise my eyebrows at her expectantly – but she just looks like a deer caught in the headlights.
"Wh-what? Who told you about that?! They said they'd never tell – and I only sat through about half the lap dance…" my facial expression must give me away.
"And, you weren't being serious, were you?" She gives me an uneasy smile – clearly unsure what my reaction will be.
"No, I wasn't, but thanks for filling me in – sounds like you had a great night!"
"It was okay. I must say though, I preferred that one night you did the whole striptease/lap dance for me – it was super-hot babe." She gives me a wink.
"Uh huh, nice recovery darling – but you'll need to be extra good to get that little show again." It's my turn to wink at her, as I walk away – swaying my hips slightly more than necessary. I make my way into the Livingroom to fetch Olivia from her bouncer.
"Hi Olivia – what's made you cry sweetheart, are you needing changed? Or was it just so mummy would come pick you up?" I say, cooing at the little girl in my arms, at 4 months old she's getting so big, she even started to roll over the other day – which was a first.
"She just wanted your attention Gidge, you cave to her too easily. I was reading an article the other day, it said we should be leaving her for longer before picking her up, self-soothing or something they called it." Franky says walking over to us and stroking through the small amount of hair on the baby's head.
"Yes Franky – I am a psychologist remember? I know all about self-soothing, but I don't want to use such a technique with our daughter – I think it's a bit cruel leaving her to cry herself out, maybe when she's a bit older and understands but not at the age, I won't do it." I say with a level of conviction that takes Franky by surprise.
"Okay, okay – you're the expert, sorry it was just a suggestion because I read the article – but you know best Gidge – I trust you to know what's best for our daughter." Franky says, placing a kiss to my forehead.
"I'm sorry Franky, I value your opinion on these things too, I just really hate that particular idea." I offer a small, apologetic smile.
"Nah, it's fine – now let me have my daughter please, because I think your instinct was right – she smells bad and will probably now need a bath." I laugh as I hand Olivia over, Franky is such a natural with her, it truly is one of the most amazing sights.
"Well she's due her bath time soon anyway, why don't you get her stripped off and I'll grab the tub and get it filled."
"Sounds like a plan." Franky says as she walks with Olivia in her arms, to in front of the fire – where we always set up the bath.
PAGE BREAK
"How can it be march 1st already? It doesn't feel like any time since Christmas and new year, I go back to work next month Franky!"
"Wow calm down Gidge! And you have the option to go back – you don't need to actually go – plus it's not until the 24th, you've got almost two months!" Franky replies, I must admit I am being slightly dramatic.
"Okay, valid point – well what do you think? Should I go back then or take another 6 months unpaid? I know I'm going to consult at Wentworth – but I've already told Vera that's a favour and nothing more." Franky and I discussed this, and we decided to offer our services free of charge as favours rather than have Vera try to find money in the budget for us.
"Well, that's really up to you babe, the whole Bea thing might take a while, if you took the 6 months unpaid then at least you could give that all of your professional attention – and not feel obligated by the uni – I support you whatever, just remember, it's not like we need the money right now, we'll be fine on my salary and overtime from Strathon&Myers."
"Good point, well I'll have a proper think in the next few days, I'd like to inform the principle as soon as possible so she can continue to get cover for my classes if need be, most will be finishing up for the semester in June anyway come to think of it." I say, realising the students will be off then for six weeks.
"I'm sure they're all settled with the temporary lecturer by now anyway, you only had these particular classes for what? Two months before you finished up to have Olivia."
"Yeah about that I think – right anyway before we got into this rather heavy conversation we were going for a walk, remember? So let's get Olivia and head out." I say, as Franky walks to the nursery to get our daughter.
One week later I find myself in the office that I used to accommodate, but it now belongs to my wife. Franky has already done her weekly sessions, Boomer and Kim Chang included, I'm told Kim is now being on her best behaviour, which is either because Bea has had a word, or she has only now realised she needs Franky's help to get out of here. Franky has just gone to get some coffees before we meet with Bea, after Franky explained what we were trying to achieve, we were all quite keen to get the ball rolling. I'm looking through Bea's file, just to re-familiarise myself with everything, when Franky walks back in.
"Hey babe, thought I'd pick up some pastries as well – I got you a Pain au chocolat, your favourite." She says, placing all the items on the table before giving me a quick kiss.
"Oh, thank you darling, that was very sweet of you." I smile as she sits down on the chair to my left.
Not even five minutes later, there's a knock at the door and Will appears, with Bea behind him.
"Hi. Franky, just phone Vera's office when you're finished okay? Will be easier that way."
"Sure, no problem, thanks. Hey Red, take a seat, I brought some coffee and pastries if you're wanting anything." Franky says, as Bea's eyes go wide at the coffee table.
"Wow – you bring enough? Not that I'm complaining though! Thanks I'll take you up on that offer." Bea sits down and we all prepare our coffees and take what else we want.
"Right, well I guess I'll just get started then. Bea, you've been in here for seven years now, and the charges against you are very serious. However, if I can evaluate you and come to the conclusion that you are stable and pose no risk to the public, or yourself then I can recommend various things to the board, such as a reduced sentence, reinstating parole or possibly even another facility – one where you could better develop skills – it's up to you of course, but if we get to that stage, in my professional opinion I would advise you to look at all options. I will need to conduct weekly sessions with you, for a minimum of eight weeks, these are mandatory. So what do you think so far Bea? Still something you'd be interested in pursuing?" I can tell Bea has been listening intently, taking in all of what I've said.
"Okay, yeah sure – I mean it's worth a shot at least, like Franky and I discussed before, it's not like I have anything to lose." I nod and give her a smile.
"Okay, that's settled then, Bridget will do eight weeks with you, starting Monday 24th April – you still okay with that Gidge?" last night we decided I would take until Olivia's first birthday off from the uni – and doing this at Wentworth won't affect my job because I'm not taking any fee.
"That's fine – I look forward to starting our proper sessions, let's hope we get a good outcome."
"So Red, I'll look over your case, try and find any discrepancies and we can work on your statement together as well – we've got a few months, so I'll focus on Boomer and Chang's parole for now, hopefully they'll get out then I can come back and focus on you, okay?"
"That's fine with me, thank you both so much for trying to help – even if it fails, just know I'll be forever grateful for you doing all this – especially as I imagine you've got your hands full at home." Franky and I share a knowing look with each other, before turning our attention back to Bea.
"Well, a baby is hard work – but we seem to have been lucky so far, she sleeps through the night almost always now and she's not much of a crier. She's just over four months, so I know soon she'll be more mobile and we'll need to watch her more carefully – I wish she could stay this small forever." Franky says, face full of pride as she talks about our daughter.
"Yeah, if only they stayed that small, my Debbie was crawling just before six months and took her first steps at nine months, she always had to be an over-achiever and best at everything." Bea let's out a sad laugh at the memory, then adds.
"Just make the most of everything, appreciate every single day and always kiss her goodnight – if you do those little things she'll always know how much you love her." Franky leans over to squeeze Bea's hand as an act of comfort.
"We will, thanks Bea. Well, I think that's us for now, you can start to think of your statement and what you'll put in it, and we'll be in contact nearer the time of my first session with you to let you know a time." I smile at her as she stands up.
"Let me just give the Governor's office a call so we can get you an escort back to H2." Franky adds, moving towards her desk phone.
"Okay, well thanks for the coffee – and that croissant was amazing. I look forward to hearing from you both again."
"Mr Jackson is on his way Red, you take care – and watch out for the girls – especially Booms, she could be out of here in two weeks if the hearing goes well – don't let her do anything stupid." Franky gives Bea a look that I've only seen a few times before, and never once has it been directed at me – it's a cross between 'you don't want to piss me off' and 'this should be enough of a warning' I think Bea is slightly taken aback by the expression.
"Yeah, yeah of course – you know I don't want to mess that up, I won't get her involved in any shit – you have my word." Just then Will knocks, then enters the office.
"Good to hear Red, well we'll see you later – be good." Franky does her signature wink and smirk combo, just causing Bea to laugh and roll his eyes.