About Jules Mead
Jules Mead is a Nurse Practitioner who has worked with young people experiencing persistent pain for over twenty years. She has a PhD in creative writing, where she explored the lived experience of pain through a fictional narrative. Jules is interested in transdisciplinary research and establishing links between the creative arts, education and health. She is currently undertaking a post-doctoral research fellowship at the University of Queensland. Jules lives with her husband, Baz, their dalmatian, Max, and four crazy chickens—Mildred, Frankie, Judith and Millicent.
Translating Emma is her first work of fiction.
From 'Translating Emma'
Ground Zero (Day 0)
My ankle gave way, then I was on the ground, mud spraying my face and grass up my shins as I slid along the water-soaked surface. The tryline was right in front of me—if I reached out, I could still get the ball over the line. Pain seared through me, but this was our last chance—no time for another play. The fluorescent yellow of the umpire’s jersey came into view as he positioned himself beside the line, whistle in place. The screams of the crowd vanished as I stretched my arm towards the line …
The sound of the whistle filled my ears, then the final siren. Game over. The team swelled around me— the state title was ours!
‘You did it, Em,’ screamed Lily. She pulled me off the ground and wrapped her arms around me. Warmth spread across my body as I pulled her into a hug.
Kat launched herself at us.
I lost my balance. Instinctively, I put my foot on the ground and pain shot through my leg. ‘Aargh.’ I yelled and pushed Kat away.
Kat stared at me. ‘What’s wrong with you?’
‘It’s my ankle.’ I put my hands on my knees and bent forward. ‘Went over on it when I scored.’
‘A sprain?’ said Lily.
‘Better be. Trans-Tasman Cup is less than two months away,’ I said.
Kat punched me on the arm. ‘Don’t get ahead of yourself, you might not even make the team.’
‘Yeah, right … she’s been in the national team since we were in under twelves and she was vice-captain last year,’ said Lily. She slung my arm around her shoulder and helped me off the field.