Olivia and Maxie now wanted all the details. Jeannie told them Emmet was put into a medically induced coma. His cousin let all the family know. His father came out from Ireland, his mother staying back in Ireland praying and fearing the worst, looking after his three younger brothers. His girlfriend was away travelling in South America, unreachable. They’d left messages for her everywhere they could. It was a terrible, terrible time, Jeannie said.

Olivia was shocked. ‘Why didn’t you tell us when it was happening?’

‘Jeannie, we should have known,’ Maxie said.

‘I didn’t know how it was going to end. I felt so guilty. The fight started because of me. And I was so worried he might die. And that they might press charges against me – Emmet’s family – and it would be like last time, with the police involved, but this time I wouldn’t be able to get off . . .’

Jeannie began to sob. In Sydney, Olivia and Maxie looked at each other with concern.

‘But what happened to him, Jeannie?’ Maxie asked. ‘Is he okay now? Where is he?’

‘He was in a coma for three weeks. I was in there every day. His father and cousin and I started taking turns. We didn’t know if he’d ever wake up again or not, if he would be brain-damaged. But then it was like a miracle. His father was in with him one day, reading an Irish newspaper to him, and Emmet woke up. Bing, eyes opened, as if he’d been having a nap. They kept him there for two more weeks, and then he flew home, with his father and cousin. Everyone kept telling him how lucky he was. The vision in one of his eyes was damaged, but it could have been so much worse. I felt so guilty, for weeks afterwards. I was the one who wanted the chips, I was the one they’d insulted, and yet he was the one who paid for it.’ She was sobbing again.

‘But he’s okay?’ Olivia asked. ‘Back home, with his girlfriend?’

‘Yes. The engagement’s back on, everything. I’ve only spoken to him once since he got back, but he sounded like himself again. He’s so lucky. It could have —’

Olivia lost patience. ‘Jeannie, I’m sorry about Emmet and I’m glad he’s okay, but can we please talk about you now? How pregnant are you? When did you find out?’

‘Just this week. The doctor said he couldn’t be completely sure, because my periods are always all over the place, but he thinks I’m about five months.’

‘Five months!’ Olivia said. ‘And you’re only telling us now?’

‘You didn’t realise until now?’ Maxie said.