Chapter 6 - Home
After six weeks in observation Imogen had not displayed any more signs of self harm and so she was to be released to her parents Roger and Darlene. Karen was at the exit interview and quickly observed the parents. Darlene looked haggard and at her wits end. Roger looked in better shape.
Karen began, “First of all thank you for coming in, Imogen will be here shortly and she is just readying herself. How have you been coping with it all?”
Roger spoke first, “I haven't had a lot of time to think about it. Work has suddenly got very busy and it looks like I could be taking more guys on to cope with the workload. I guess I've thrown myself into my work. At the moment there is a large influx of people into Albany, possibly due to all the hot weather in Perth and Kalgoorlie. If it gets too hot then sooner or later people have to start moving.”
“That is a very common coping mechanism. As important as work is, Imogen needs you now to provide a strong pillar of support and an anchor for her morality. Try to spend as much time together as you can. Darlene, how about you.”
“I can't help thinking its all my fault. Maybe I've over mothered her and been too confining, I saw this Oprah ...”
“I'm sure you have been the best of mothers”, Karen interjected. “Blaming yourself doesn't help Imogen and certainly doesn't help you. To be honest I really have no idea what happened with Imogen and neither do my colleagues. However under observation guidelines we are ready to have a trial home reunion. I do however advise that you take a prudent approach in managing your expectations.
In cases of mental illness involving children they respond best to a loving environment based on mutual respect, love and trust. These are qualities which I am sure you have in abundance.”
There was a knock on the door and Imogen came through. Confident as ever. She walked up to her mother, who got up, and they hugged. Darlene was a bit clumsy about the whole thing, not quite sure of how to react and being a bit too exhausted for quick improvisation. Roger, who had taken on the role of being the strong one, gave his daughter a hug as well.
“How are your teeth, did you lose any?”
“Not a single one, its all healed up perfectly.”
“Christ don't ever fu... frighten us like that again Imogen. Your mother and I have been worried sick. Promise me now, NEVER!”
Darlene jumped at the intensity of the word. “I promise Dad, I'll never do that again.”
“Imogen”, Karen enquired, “I would like you to spend as much time with your Dad as possible. Do you have any suggestions as to how that could be done.”
“Hey Dad, how about doing some of the paperwork with your company. I could learn from Christine. She could do with the extra help with the way things have been going lately.”
Roger was a bit surprised at the suggestion, partly due to the fact that it was on the 'too good to be true' list. Sure I guess you have to learn that stuff if you want to take over the family business one day. Christine is a hard task master though, it aint going to be no holiday.”
“Roger there is one thing I need to ask of you”, said Karen. “Darlene and Imogen need some girl time together. I know its hard since you haven't seen much of each other over the past six weeks, but this would be really appreciated.”
“Sure, no problems.” Roger was well aware of Darlene's condition and was all for getting her back on her feet again.
The interview concluded pleasantly enough. Imogen and Darlene went to the Dome, on the way the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation put in a request for surveillance with North Albany Senior High School.
The DOME was, as always, wonderful. It was a grand old dark brick building from the late nineteenth century. There was a veranda with chairs at the back which overlooked the Target shopping centre. When it wasn't dark, overcast and raining the weather in Albany was a delight to behold and could bring warmth to the darkest of souls, assuming of course that those souls were human.
The waitress was soon in attendance. Darlene was still making her mind up and was caught of guard as she realised that her daughter was half way through placing the order. How fast they grow up, or is it me who just hasn't pulled herself together.
“I hate to harp on about old ground Imogen, but I can't help blaming myself for what happened to you. I know Dr Karen doesn't agree with that but that's just the way that mothers are. Your father has buried himself in his work. I guess I can be grateful that he isn't looking through the world from the bottom of a bottle. Tell me Imogen where did we go wrong.”
“Hmmm there was that time at my birthday party with Joanne when you had ran out of ice cream. That was very traumatic. It took me years to get over it. Even now I still have the occasional flashback.”
Darlene knew that her daughter was not taking the conversation seriously. The only reason she remembered the name Joanne was because she was Glenys' daughter. Glenys and her had gone to Curtin University together and had been close friends ever since. But how long ago did they leave town. Must have been years ago. The ice cream didn't ring any bells. Anyway back to the present.
She wasn't quite sure where to begin. “Are you looking forward to going back to school? I can always help with catching up.” Her daughter was eating her food with such elegance, as if nothing had ever happened, as if nothing ever could happen.
“Honestly Mum, I think school is going to be good. This is the time to start talent spotting, building allies and preparing for life's great adventure...” Imogen caught the expression on her mothers face “...who knows I may even be lucky enough to find an embarrassing pimply boyfriend that you disapprove of.”
Darlene was caught off guard and despite her best efforts found herself giggling.