Return to the Bay

[Skykat]

Thanks Jess for posting that chapter for me. I thought I'd be away longer than I was but I came back early because of the rain. I can promise more Peter and Angel in the future though, just watch this space.

ILM the Gus/Kane story has definately not been forgotten, I just wanted to let it build and tie up some of the other big storylines first but it'll make a reappearance soon, I promise.

As for Zoe...only time will tell!

Thanks to all the people who regualry R+R this story, it's really appreciated and your comments mean a lot, please keep them coming. I'm going to try and update a bit more regulary now that things are starting to settle down at home starting with two chapters which will be up as soon as my excellent proof reader corrects the million of errors I make. Thanks guys. Kat.xxx

[Gypsy & Will Fan]

Brilliant more soon please

[ldscott]

Fantastic Chapter. Can't wait for the next one!

[Skykat]

Hope everyone's still liking this story because I have some huge storylines coming up and I'll be very disappointed if I don't get to write them! As always thanks for the reviews. Anyway as promised two more chapters thanks so much to Jess for proof reading and in answer to your question there are certain characters that I find easy to write for because I liked them in Home and Away, Selina and Angel would both fit that category as does Irene and K/K. Plus I have storylines in mind or playing out for them and I like to write about how the characters react to the situations I put them in which is why there's been a lot of these characters recently. Other characters such as Kim, Martha, Jack, Robbie I struggle with a bit because I don't like them as much but I am attempting to bring them in a bit more especially Martha/ Jack who I have some big drama planned for. Hope that answers your question!

CHAPTER FORTY ONE

“You’re moving in with her?” an astounded Dan asked Peter.

“Why not? She has the room and I need somewhere to stay,” Peter replied.

“Wow.” Dan was speechless.

“Don’t you think it’s a bit soon? You’ve only known her a couple of weeks,” Leah demanded.

“I know that, but it doesn’t feel like it. We clicked straight away, I can talk to her; tell her stuff,” Peter explained, trying his best not to look at Leah who’s face was a picture of shock and anger.

“That’s fair enough but Leah does have a point. What if you split up?” Dan asked.

“We can’t split up because we’re not together. We’re just good friends, she’s still in love with her ex-husband and I’m not interested in anything either,” Peter concluded.

“You mean you still have feelings for Clare?” Dan assumed.

“Something like that,” Peter replied, again refusing to look at Leah.

“You know people will talk though,” Dan warned.

“When don’t they? Seriously, let them. Angel and I both know how things stand, we can cope. I’m just a lodger, I’m going to pay her rent. We have separate rooms and two children and a father figure living with us,” Peter protested.

“That’s alright then, as long as you’re happy,” Dan told him.

“I am, Angel and I get along great and I love her kids. It’ll be nice to live amongst other people again after so many years of living alone,” Peter explained.

“I can see your point there and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of home cooking now is there?” Dan teased.

“Exactly,” Peter replied smiling.

“I still think this is a really bad idea. You don’t have to move in there, there must be somewhere else you can go,” Leah protested.

“Of course there is. Pete knows he can always move in here, don’t you?” Dan asked.

“Yeah of course I do but I’m looking forward to moving in with Angel,” Peter confirmed.

“Just be careful,” Leah warned.

“How exactly do you mean?” Peter asked sharply.

“Well don’t you think it’s strange her asking you to move in? She obviously fancies you and she’s probably been plotting this for ages and you being evicted has just played into her hands,” Leah suggested.

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Peter laughed, “How many times must I tell you? We’re just friends. Angel still loves her ex-husband and besides it wasn’t actually Angel who asked me to move in, it was Dylan and Shane, Angel just agreed that I could,” Peter argued.

“Very convenient,” Dan teased, a playful grin on his face.

“Sly I say, using her kids to snare you,” Leah added.

“Come on Leah Angel’s not like that. She’s about the most honest, straightforward person I’ve ever met and she doesn’t play stupid games like most women I know,” Peter replied pointedly.

“Well just don’t come crying to me if it all blows up in your face!” Parting words shot, Leah left the room and Dan shrugged his shoulders at Peter.

“Women. You’ll have to get used to their moods if you’re going to be living with one,” Dan teased.

“I can cope. Do you honestly think this is a bad idea?” Peter asked him.

“No not at all. I think it’s a great idea, Angel’s a great girl and like you say you get on well. I don’t see any harm in it as long as you’re both prepared for the gossip,” Dan told him.

“When have I ever been worried about gossip?” Peter responded, “Angel can hold her own as well, we’ll be fine.”

“In that case good luck to you mate, I’m pleased for you. Do you want a beer?” Dan asked.

“Bit early isn’t it? We’re not long past lunch time!” Peter protested.

“Never too early for a coldie, you said you’ve got the day off and I think yesterday’s a day worth celebrating isn’t it?” Dan replied.

“Well when you put it like that…” Peter took a seat on the couch, grinning to himself as Dan headed to fetch the beers.

Selina blinked in an attempt to adjust her eyes to the light, yawned and stretched her body.

“Where am I?” a sleepy voice said from beside her.

“In hospital,” Selina replied, the memories of the previous day coming back to her.

“It was true then, not a dream? I’ve really got you back?” Stephen asked.

“You sure have. I know I’ve got you back because that’s the best nights sleep I’ve had in ages. No nightmares you see, because you were with me,” she told him.

“I have my uses then?” Stephen teased.

“More than you could ever realise. I love you,” Selina told him.

“I love you too.” Stephen kissed her gently on the lips, then more firmly.

“Er hum…” Stephen and Selina broke apart to see a guilty Irene at the door.

“Hey Irene, come in,” Selina offered.

“You sure girlie? Wouldn’t wanna disturb nothing now,” Irene replied with a smile.

“Not at all,” Stephen reassured her.

“How are you feeling darl?” Irene asked.

“Really good today, thanks,” Selina confirmed.

“Not surprised considering you’ve both been asleep for eighteen hours!” Irene told them.

“Really, that long?” Stephen asked, Irene nodded.

“Did you get any sleep Irene?” Selina asked.

“Actually I got a couple of hours. The police found Tasha,” she explained.

“Really? Oh thank God! Is she okay?” Selina asked.

“Where was she?” Stephen asked.

“They took her back to that Believers farm and she had no idea that anything had even gone on. The flamin’ loons told her she’d collapsed while you were there darl and that she’d been out cold since. Took Peter a fair bit of convincing before she believed him. I’m not too sure she truly believed him until she got her test results back this morning,” Irene explained.

“What tests?” Selina asked.

“Just blood tests, but they proved she’d been drugged. She’s in a state of shock now but physically they think she’s okay,” Irene explained.

“Poor girl,” Selina remarked.

“At least she’s safe now. You both are. Excuse me a minute ladies, I’m just going to go and see the Doctor, find out when I can get you home.” Stephen kissed Selina on the forehead and squeezed Irene’s shoulder.

“He’s been amazing the whole time you were missing you know girlie. He never gave up hope, even when things looked really bad, you’re a lucky girl,” Irene told her.

“Trust me Irene, I know that and I have no intention of ever losing him again. You haven’t told me though, how’s Joey?” Selina asked.

“Stable darl but he hasn’t come round yet, he’s in a coma and until he wakes up they don’t know if his brain has been damaged, poor love,” Irene replied.

“That’s so unfair. You believe me that none of this was his fault don’t you?” Selina asked.

“I do darl. I knew Joey and he’d never have hurt you, he didn’t have it in him. I’ve been sitting with him, having a good old yarn, don’t know if he can hear me though,” Irene replied.

“I’m sure he can, we have to stick by him Irene. Do you know what the Police are planning to do?” Selina asked.

“No lovie. I’ve not seen Peter since he bought Tash in yesterday and he’s having a day off today, but he told me he believes you about Joey so I think he’ll be rooting for him. He’ll come through this girlie, I really believe that,” Irene told her.

“I hope so Irene, I’m so glad to be back here with Stephen and you and my baby’s okay. I am lucky aren’t I?”

“No girlie you’re not lucky, it’s just about time you got the happiness you deserve, that’s all,” Irene told her, pulling her first foster child into her arms for a hug.

“You’re very quiet Tash,” Josie remarked as she stroked back her niece’s hair.

“What am I meant to say? I’ve been such a fool Josie,” Tasha replied, with tears in her eyes.“No sweetie, you trusted someone. We’ve all been taken in like that, it wasn’t your fault, it was the fault of those lunatics who brainwashed you,” Josie soothed.

“I believed them though Josie. Robbie, Martha, Irene, they all warned me and I believed Jonah and Mamma Rose over all my friends,” Tasha told her.

“It’s not your fault Tash, you were brainwashed. Those people, they were clever they knew what they were doing. You have to stop blaming yourself,” Josie told her.

“How can I? They’re all going to hate me and Selina, she was put in danger trying to help me,” Tasha protested.

“Tasha love they had targeted Selina all along. If they didn’t use you to get to her they’d have used somebody else. What Selina went through was in no way your fault and anyway she’s fine, safe and well. As for the others of course they’ll forgive you. I know for a fact that Robbie and Martha have been going out of their minds worrying about you and Irene, we all have. Robbie’s sat in the corridor all night waiting to see you and Martha’s here too, they all care about you,” Josie told her.

“Robbie and Mac are here?”

“Yes,” Josie confirmed.

“I can’t see Robbie. I feel so guilty, I kissed Jonah. Tell Robbie I’m sorry but I can’t see him, will you tell him?” Tasha begged.

“Of course I will but you’ll have to face him eventually Tash,” Josie reminded her.

“I know but I can’t just yet, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, what about Martha. Could you see her?”

“Yeah I’d like to see Mac, thanks Josie. It’s so good to have you back,” Tasha told her.

“I’m always here for you Tash, you know that.” Josie kissed her niece on the forehead and left the room. In the corridor an anxious looking Robbie and Martha greeted her.

“How is she?” Martha asked.

“She’s okay, she’ll see you if you’d like to go in,” Josie offered to her.

“I will do, thanks.” Martha looked momentarily at Robbie but Josie shook her head gently so with an apologetic smile Martha headed into Tash’s hospital room.

“She won’t see me?” Robbie guessed.

“I’m sorry Robbie. She just feels guilty you know, about what she’s put you through,” Josie told him.

“That’s stupid!” Robbie exclaimed.

“We both know that, and deep down so does Tash. She’ll come round Robbie, you just need to give her time,” Josie explained.

“I still love her though, will you tell her that?”

“Of course I will,” Josie promised. Robbie nodded and head lowered he left the hospital.

“Tasha’s feeling guilty?” Irene’s voice made Josie jump.

“Yeah,” Josie confirmed, “she’ll come round though, we just need to support her.”

“We will. I do care for that girlie you know,” Irene remarked.

“I know you do. I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted over the past few days, I was just worried and I’ve taken it out on you. I’m sorry,” Josie apologised.

“I’m sorry too. Tasha’s safe though so that’s all that counts and from now on we’ll work together with no more fighting, deal?” Irene suggested, holding out her hand.

“Deal.” A half grinning, half teary eyed Josie shook her hand.

“Knock knock.” Angel put her head around Selina’s door.

“Hey come in!” Selina greeted her and Angel took less that a second to cross the small room and hug her friend.

“How are you?”

“I’m feeling really good, sorry I gave you a scare taking off like that,” Selina told her.

“It’s okay, I’m just so pleased that you’re safe. We’ve all been so worried,” Angel told her.

“I know, Stephen’s barely left my side; not that I want him to,” Selina replied.

“I don’t blame him, he’s been so worried. Where is he now?” Angel asked.

“He went home to get me some clothes. Apparently they want to keep me in another night just to be on the safe side,” Selina explained.

“But nothing’s wrong though?” Angel asked, concerned.

“No, I’m fine and so is my baby, they’re just being cautious,” Selina replied.

“That’s such a relief,” Angel told her.

“I know. I can’t really believe that it happened now, it seems like such a nightmare,” Selina told her.

“It was. I can’t believe Joey could do that to you.”

“It wasn’t his fault, that woman made him do it. He had schizophrenia,” Selina replied.

“Who was that woman?” Angel asked.

“I don’t know but Peter had a photo of her so he must know who she is,” Selina remarked.

“Really? He never said,” Angel replied.

“So he tells you everything now does he?” Selina asked, a teasing smile on her lips.

“No I…” Angel began but stopped on seeing Selina’s grin, “Actually he’s moving in with me,” she told her.

“No way! You’re kidding?” Selina was astonished.

“For real, he’s bringing his stuff round later,” Angel replied.

“Wow things have moved fast. When I last spoke to you you’d been on one date that wasn’t even a real date!” Selina remarked.

“We’re not together, just friends,” Angel told her.

“But he’s moving in with you?” Selina was confused.

“Yeah. He received an eviction letter and Dylan told him to move in with us, Shane backed him up so I didn’t really have a choice but to ask him to move in,” Angel explained.

“You don’t sound very disappointed,” Selina remarked.

“I’m not, I’ve come round to the idea now. Peter and I get on well and Don’s never there so it’ll be nice to have some adult company around,” Angel explained.

“Are you sure there’s nothing going on?” Selina asked.

"Positive, we’re just friends. I don’t think I could ever love another man again, it’s hard to trust anyone after Simon and Peter loves someone else anyway,” Angel explained.

“Right. So you’re not even tempted? You said yourself he’s attractive and having seen him I’m inclined to agree,” Selina told her.

“I know but you can think somebody’s good looking without fancying them,” Angel protested.

“You can until you get drunk together and realise it’s more than that,” Selina retorted.

“We already did that. We slept together,” Angel told her, Selina’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “It was just after you’d gone missing, I was upset, he comforted me and it just happened. We talked it through the next day and booth said we didn’t want to take it any further, that’s why I know we can just be friends,” Angel explained.

“Wow, you floored me there, I wasn’t expecting that response,” Selina admitted.

“It’s no big deal, like I said we got past it and if we can get past that and still be friends I’m sure we can manage living together,” Angel remarked.

“Sure,” Selina replied and smiled at Angel. Just who was the girl trying to kid?

“Pip! Sal!” Stephen called out as he entered the Caravan Park House.

“Coming!” Sally’s voice called and footsteps thundered down the stairs as she raced towards her brother and embraced him in a hug.

“Thanks I needed that,” Stephen told her.

“Me too,” Sally admitted, “I’m so pleased Selina’s safe.”

“So am I. I can’t believe it, I was seriously losing hope but it’s a miracle that she’s alive and even more of a miracle that our baby’s going to be okay considering the amount of drugs they gave her,” Stephen explained.

“Oh Stephen I’m so happy for you!” Sally hugged him.

“I know, I feel like I’m in such a daze,” Stephen admitted.

“How’s Joey doing?” Sally asked.

"Still the same,” Stephen replied, his voice cold.

“What is it?” Sally asked sensing tension as she handed him a cup of tea and the two took seats at the table.

“Selina’s so worried about Joey and I believe her that it wasn’t his fault but I’m really struggling to feel sorry for him. I know it wasn’t his fault and everything but he’s still responsible for pumping Selina full of drugs; he physically did that to her. What if he’d harmed her, or the baby? How can I forgive him for that?” Stephen asked.

“He’s sick Steve, that’s how you forgive him. He wasn’t in his right mind,” Sally replied.

“I know all that but I still feel weird about him. And who’s this crazy woman? The police haven’t caught her yet, what if she wants to come back for Sel? How am I meant to let her out of my sight now?” Stephen demanded.

"I know how you feel, it’s like what we went through with the Summer Bay stalker last year. She terrorised us and we never knew where or when she was going to strike next. I was terrified for Flynn, Cassie, Ric and Pippa but at the end of the day you can’t protect someone from anything, you’ve just got to trust that the Police will track this woman down the same way they did with Eve last year. Peter’s a good cop, he cares and he’s not failed us in the past has he? He promised he’d find Selina and Tasha and he did; he’ll get this woman as well, I’m sure of it,” Sally soothed.

“I guess so,” Stephen replied, “I had the weirdest dream last night you know.”

“Do you remember it?” Sally asked.

“Bits and pieces. We were both in it and Pippa, Carly, Frank and Lyn no Tom though and Milko, Milko was there but he was a real person,” Stephen explained.

“Milko was a real person!” Sally protested with a laugh.

“Of course he was. Do you remember when Pippa and Tom wanted Bobby to move in with us and Frank and I voted with them but you Carly and Lyn voted against it and you insisted it was a draw because Milko voted with you,” Stephen reminded her.

“Yeah I remember and Pippa appealed to Milko about how Bobby needed our help knowing that I’d change my mind, not many people would have allowed me my imaginary friend would they?” Sally mused.

“Pippa and Tom were special though and they were usually right. Bobby became one of us in the end, even after all these years I still expect her to turn up and punch me or something,” Stephen commented.

“Yeah I know what you mean. We had a good childhood didn’t we?” Sally remarked.

“Too good, I just hope my kids grow up feeling as loved as we all did,” Stephen replied.

“They will, you’ll be a great Dad Steve and Selina will be a great Mum. There’ll be plenty more kids for the pair of you, I’m sure of it,” Sally told him.

“I hope so. Do you find it hard, knowing you can never have more kids?” Stephen asked.

“I did, but Pippa’s so precious to me and I have Ric and Cassie, they’re as good as family. I love them both like they were my own and I forget sometimes that they aren’t. It’s so easy to fall in love with children even when they drive you crazy and act like monsters,” Sally remarked.

“Anything in particular?” Stephen asked.

“Oh just Cassie’s being a bit difficult recently, I think she’s still grieving over Flynn but I just can’t get through to her, you know. Ric seems to be doing okay but I feel so guilty about how horrible I’ve been to him recently,” Sally admitted.

“You didn’t mean it though and I’m sure Ric understands,” Stephen told her.

“I really hope so,” Sally replied.

CHAPTER FORTY TWO

“I’m just glad everything’s settled down now. It’s been bedlam at here these past few days,” Belle remarked as she lay back on her bed.

“Yeah, it’s good that everyone’s safe though,” Ric replied.

“I know but seeing how worried Irene’s been about Selina and Tasha has made me think about my real Mum,” Belle told him.

“You’re real Mum?” Ric asked surprised.

“Yeah, I’m adopted. The people who bought me up aren’t my real parents, that’s why they hate me so much,” Belle admitted.

“For real? Why didn’t you tell me this?” Ric asked.

“I don’t know but I want to find her Ric. I need to know where I come from,” Belle told him.

“I guess I can understand that. Do you have anything to go on?” Ric asked.

“You mean you’re going to help me?” Belle asked, surprised.

“Of course I am. So what leads have you got?” Ric asked. Belle could not help the involuntary smile that broke out on her face as she headed to her dresser.

“Just these, letters and photos that my adopted parents gave me. They said my real mother was from Summer Bay though, that’s why I came here,” Belle admitted.

“Well lets look through these letters then, see if we can find a name from somewhere,” Ric suggested.

“I’ve read through them several times but nothing jumped out,” Belle replied.

“Well maybe fresh eyes might be able to find something you couldn’t. Do you mind me reading them?” Ric asked.

“No of course not, help yourself. Shall I go get us a drink?” Belle offered.

“Yeah please.” Ric had already begun to study the letters so Belle headed to the kitchen and fixed two drinks smiling as she did so at a whistling Irene.

“You happy or something?” Belle teased.

“Do you know what girlie, I am happy, aren’t you?” Irene asked.

“Actually I am,” Belle replied thinking about Ric and the search for her mother.

“Then everything’s good darl,” Irene replied.

“I guess so. Listen Irene I understand if you want me to move out now that Tasha’s back, it’s getting a bit full around here,” Belle remarked.

“No way are you moving out girlie and anyway Kirsty and Kane beat you to it. They want to move back into their own place, and Kim announced last night that he’s going the city to live with Kit next week, so there’s going to be plenty of room. You’ll just have to stay put,” Irene told her.

“Really? Oh thanks Irene!” Belle could not resist hugging her and she was still grinning as she headed back to her bedroom. Ric’s head was immersed in the letters.

“I think I found something, a name. Go get the phone book,” Ric instructed and a curious Belle did as she was told.

“What’s the name?” she asked.

“Katherine Allgate, look it up and see if there’s anyone by that name living round here,” Ric suggested.

“Okay,” Belle replied an involuntary shiver running down her spine at the thought that she was another step closer to finding her real mother.

“Hi Dylan.” Dylan turned round to see Lucas sat at the diner booth behind the door.

“Hi,” Dylan replied, he paused a bit, feeling awkward but then realising he had to sit somewhere while he waited for his order, he took his seat.

“So what are you up to?” Lucas asked.

“Just getting some lunch in. Mum’s gone the hospital to see Selina and Peter’s moving in with us this afternoon so I thought it’d save Mum a job if I sorted lunch out,” Dylan replied.

“Peter’s moving in with you? Peter Baker?” Lucas asked, surprised.

“Yeah he was getting evicted from his place so we offered him a room,” Dylan replied.

“So are he and your Mum, you know?” Lucas asked, curiously.

“No, mores the pity. I’d love them to get together but I don’t think it’s going to happen; they’re just mates,” Dylan explained.

“Won’t it be weird having a strange man live with you though?” Lucas asked.

“Maybe a little, but Peter’s not really a stranger. He spends most of his time at ours anyway so it’s no big issue,” Dylan replied.

“Fair enough then. So have you seen much of Mattie?” Lucas changed the subject abruptly.

“No, should I have?” Dylan asked.

“No, I just wondered. You know we’ve split up don’t you?” Lucas asked.

“I knew you had but I figured you’d have got back together by now. You only split up because of Cassie didn’t you?” Dylan asked.

“At first yeah, but we’ve talked about it since then and we both realised that it wasn’t working weeks ago,” Lucas explained.

“That’s a shame, you seemed good together,” Dylan remarked.

“Yeah well, she’s free now anyway if you wanted to make a move on her,” Lucas offered.

“It’s okay mate, I have no intention of doing that,” Dylan replied.

“How come? I thought you liked her?” Lucas asked.

“I do but I’m not into complications, an ex-boyfriend she lives with would class as a complication. Besides I very much doubt you and she are completely over each other, so the last thing I’d do is muscle in. I kind of hoped you and me might become mates, I don’t really know anyone round here except you guys and Ric,” Dylan explained.

“Of course we’re mates but seriously if you want to go after Mattie I don’t mind you know,” Lucas offered again.

“Thanks I’ll bear it in mind but it’s not going to happen anytime soon. I think Matilda’s a great girl but if anything was to happen it’d have to come from her, I never chase girls,” Dylan replied.

“Sounds like confidence,” Lucas remarked.

“Not really. In England I never really had to make much effort with girls but that wasn’t what I meant. I like Matilda but, you and her are not long finished and I’m not going to make a move on someone if they still like their ex. If she likes me she’s have to come after me and even then I might not do anything, it’d depend,” Dylan explained.

“On what?” Lucas asked curiously.

“On whether I could be bothered,” Dylan replied.

“Dylan your order’s here!” Leah called from behind the counter, Dylan stood up.

“See you later mate,” Lucas told him.

“Yeah see you.” Dylan stood up to collect his order and neither he nor Lucas noticed Matilda dart from outside the door of the Diner where she had been standing, listening to every word.

“Jack! Jack are you in?” Martha burst through the door of the old Holden house looking for her boyfriend, and found him slumped on the sofa fast asleep. “Jack wake up!” she shook him.

“What do you want?” Jack snapped.

“I bought you breakfast. I asked at the station and they said you had the day off. So I thought we could spend it together seeing as we’ve not spent much time together recently,” Martha replied.

“I was just planning on sleeping today,” Jack replied.

“Oh come on Jack, don’t be boring,” Martha urged nudging him.

“I’m not being boring. I’m exhausted, I’ve been working solidly for the last week,” Jack told her tiredly.

“You’re not the only one who’s tired you know! My best friend’s been missing, I’ve hardly slept either and I’ve barely seen my boyfriend! Do you not think I might be exhausted? Well I am, but I still came round here because I thought that my boyfriend might actually want to spend time with me because we’ve not seen each other in weeks! Guess I was wrong!” Martha shouted at him.

“Please don’t be so loud Martha,” Jack replied.

“Is that all you can say? I tell you how frustrated I am with you and all you can do is ask me not to be so loud?” Martha demanded, stunned.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Jack replied sitting up.

“So how did you mean it Jack? It seems like I’m the only one making an effort at the moment and I’m sick of it Jack. There needs to be two people in a relationship and right now there’s only me,” Martha fumed at him.

“I’m sorry Mac, I don’t mean to be like that. I’m just over stressed and tired, I’m sorry,” Jack apologised, looking him in the eyes and seeing the genuine apology there, Martha softened.

“I didn’t mean to shout I just get so frustrated,” she told him.

“I know and I’m sorry I’ve been a rubbish boyfriend, I’ll make it up to you,” Jack told her.

“I’m sure I’ve heard that one before. How about you take me out for the day, the beach would be nice, it’s gorgeous outside,” Martha suggested.

“I was thinking more about cuddling up in bed seen as we’re both tired,” Jack replied hopefully.

“No way! I’ve had three coffees and been to see Tash so I’m wired. It’s the beach or nothing, you’ve got making up to do remember,” Martha reminded him.

“I’ll go get a shower then,” Jack replied.

“I’ll make you a coffee,” Martha told him with a smile. She felt relieved, the past few days it had really felt like he was slipping away from her; she knew he was tired and stressed but a few hours of his time wasn’t asking much was it? Okay he’d done it begrudgingly but at least he’d agreed to spend the day with her, he wouldn’t have agreed to that unless he still wanted to be with her. Feeling reassured Martha put the kettle on.

“How can one man have so much stuff?” Angel remarked as they hauled the last of the cardboard boxes into the room that was to be Peter’s.

“I’ve lived alone for a while, I am trying to fit a whole flat into one room here, give me some credit,” Peter shot back.

“Aw let me get the violins out,” Angel teased, Peter shot her a dirty look, “well at least I would if I could figure out which box you packed them in!”

“You’ve got a cheek,” Peter replied with a smile.

“Four in total,” Angel retorted causing Peter to laugh and they were still laughing when Dylan entered the house.

“I bought lunch,” he explained.

“Oh you little angel,” Angel told him.

“Thought you were the Angel?” Peter teased.

“I am, but Dylan’s my little angel,” Angel replied, “that was a lovely thought sweetie.”

“I just figured you’d be busy what with Pete moving in and going to see Selina this morning,” Dylan replied.

“It was, and it was a lovely thing to do,” Angel replied.

“Yeah nice one mate, I’m dying to see what you bought,” Peter added.

“Who says you’re getting any? Seriously thanks Dylan,” Angel replied.

“It’s okay but erm Mum?” Dylan asked cautiously.

“Yes sweetie?” Angel was busy unloading the food.

“Is there any way I could have the money back that I paid for it? I’m kind of skint,” Dylan asked. Peter burst out laughing and even Angel could not hide her smile.

“You’re a cheeky beggar Dylan, how you’re not Shane’s son I’ll never understand, you’re so like him,” Angel replied, a wistful smile on her face.

“I wish I had been his son.” Dylan added.

“Here you go mate will twenty cover your costs or do you need more?” Peter asked, opening his wallet. Dylan’s eyes lit up.

“I seriously doubt Dylan will have spent twenty dollars on lunch. I think a ten should cover it,” Angel remarked, “besides I’ll pay.” Dylan’s face fell.

“No I insist I’ll pay, you’re doing enough by letting me stay,” Peter replied.

“I’m not arguing with you,” Angel replied.

“So don’t then. I’ll pay for lunch and you get to cook tonight,” Peter told her.

“I cook every night!” Angel protested.

“Well not anymore you don’t. I can cook you know and I’ll do my fair share,” Peter insisted.

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Angel shot back.

“Sounds like a challenge to me,” Peter told her.

“Go on then,” Angel accepted. She stood up to answer the ringing telephone and the minute her back was turned Peter slipped a grinning Dylan a twenty note. “Hello Angel Parrish?” Angel picked up the receiver.

“Be careful of Peter Baker, he’s not what you think he is,” a whispery voice on the other end warned.

“Excuse me?” Angel demanded, startled.

“You heard me, just be careful.”

“Who is this?” Angel demanded but the line had gone dead. She quickly dialled last caller but found the number had been withheld.

“Who was it?” Peter asked.

“Oh just a wrong number,” Angel replied pasting a smile back on her face but deep down she was shaken.

[I love music]

Still superb reading. I was half watching Coronation Street while I was reading this but ended up not having a clue what was going on in Corrie because this soap was far more interesting.

Milko's certainly getting around these days!

[vikkysmile]

Its getting really great, when is Selinas baby due or how many months has she got left? I love selina. Keep up the great work.

[Gypsy & Will Fan]

Brilliant more soon please!

[Sunny Girl]

I'm loving it! Your writing flows so well!! . . .

[Jazer]

Ohh how I love reading this great fanfic.

I wonder who called Angel??? Could it be Zoe or even Leah!! lol

Well done SKYKAT!!!!

Thanks,

Jarad

[ldscott]

Fantastic chapter!

Can't wait to read more!