Return to the Bay

[Skykat]

Thanks for the comments and as always to Jess.xx

CHAPTER FIFTY ONE

Matilda felt nervous as she walked into the Beach House and cast her eyes round anxiously for any sign of Dylan but she could not see him. She handed her coat to the waiting Tasha and accepted a drink from Barry and as she looked up she saw Cassie approaching, a smug smile on her face. Matilda prepared herself for the onslaught of abuse but it never came. Cassie waltzed straight past her into Lucas’s arms and began kissing him in such an intense way that Matilda’s jaw dropped open in surprise. Beth and Tony also looked shocked and Matilda locked eyes momentarily with her mother.

“Hypocrites!” she hissed at the embracing couple before racing across the room to where Ric was sat with Belle.

“When did that happen?” Ric and Belle were watching open mouthed at Cassie and Lucas.

“I don’t know but they’re complete hypocrites the pair of them. Do you know they completely blew up at Dylan and me earlier today because we got together so soon after Lucas and me broke up? Hypocrites!” Matilda fumed.

“Hang on, you and Dylan are together? Is this musical partners or something?” Belle asked with a smile and Matilda managed to smile back.

“Why did nobody tell me any of this?” Ric demanded.

“It only happened today. Dylan told me he liked me but didn’t want anything to happen unless I was completely over Lucas and when he stormed off I realised that it was Dylan I wanted. There’s just a spark between us, you know so I went to see him and we got together but Lucas and Cassie walked in on us and went ballistic,” Matilda explained.

“Walked in on you?” Belle asked, her eyebrows almost reaching her hairline.

“Yeah.” Matilda blushed knowing full well that Belle knew what they had been up to.

“Fast worker,” she remarked.

“It wasn’t like that. I instigated everything not him,” Matilda defended him, “but now thanks to Lucas, Mum knows all about it.”

“He told your Mum? Cringe!”

“And Tony, I think Mum’s okay with it, I hope she is anyway and I really hope she doesn’t give Dylan a hard time,” Matilda remarked.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Ric replied, pointing to Dylan who had just arrived with his mother and was making a beeline for Matilda.

“Have you seen those two?” he asked, kissing Matilda gently on the cheek and putting a comforting arm around her.

“Yeah, hypocrites!” Matilda fumed.

“Does it bother you?” Dylan asked.

“No it just annoys me that they made us feel so bad when they’re doing the same,” Matilda replied.

“Well at least we can feel less guilty. My Mum’s okay with you by the way, we had a chat before, she was just in a bad mood when she walked in on us but she didn’t mean to embarrass you,” Dylan explained.

“Hang on, your Mum walked in on you two as well?” Belle could hardly contain her amusement.

“I know it was mortifying but probably not as mortifying as Lucas blurting it out in front of my Mum and Tony,” Matilda replied.

“You’re kidding? Your Mum’s going to kill me!” Dylan’s face drained of colour.

“I think she’s okay about it. I had to convince her that you were for real though, apparently your Mum’s told her all about your reputation in England,” Matilda told him.

“Yeah she’s good at that is Mum. I got a lecture off her too about how I’m not to hurt you and she was pretty hard work to convince but she knows full well that

I can’t lie to her. She has this little lie radar that always catches me out and I always know when she’s lying as well,” Dylan explained.

“That’s because you’re so close. So if you managed to convince her does that mean you were telling the truth?” Matilda asked, fishing for compliments.

“What that I’m just using you for your hot body?” Dylan teased and Matilda glared at him, “I’m kidding, I told her I really like you and I actually want this to work,” Dylan replied.

“Me too.” Matilda kissed him on the lips and the two quickly became lost in each other.

“If I tell you that you look as bad as Lucas and Cassie will you please break that up and remember you’re in company?” Belle demanded. Matilda and Dylan broke away, grinning.

“That works,” Matilda replied.

“I think I might go talk to Lucas, I can’t help feeling that Cassie’s the one making all the moves in that partnership and I wouldn’t want to see him hurt. Cassie’s really messed up at the moment,” Ric remarked.

“Lucas is a big boy,” Belle told him.

“No I agree with Ric, whatever his faults Lucas is a good guy and I think maybe he’s feeling a bit isolated right now and that’s why he’s going along with Cassie. You should go talk to him,” Dylan urged.

“Fine I give in! But if you’re sending my boyfriend away you two better not get all gooey and leave me like a gooseberry!” Belle announced, seating herself firmly between a smiling Dylan and Matilda.

Peter, Dan and Leah had been in the house all of two seconds when Peter spotted Angel and made a beeline for her. She spotted him heading towards her and deftly moved in the direction of Beth and Tony, leaving Peter to watch her in despair.

“I’m not sure I’m quite convinced about that pairing,” Beth was saying to Tony as Angel approached.

“No I can’t help thinking he’s just reacting to Mattie being with Dylan,” Tony replied.

“Hey,” Angel greeted them sheepishly.

“Hello,” Beth remarked coolly and received a glare from Tony.

“Look Beth, you can’t have failed to notice our two have got together…” Angel began.

“Oh I noticed alright, in fact I already knew. Lucas told us he found them in bed together,” Beth snapped, icily.

“I know and when I found out you can trust me I was as worried as you are. I love my son but I’m not blind to his faults. I sat him down and had a right go at him, told him he better not be using her or end up hurting her and he told me he has no intention of doing that. He really, really likes her Beth, I’ve never seen him like this over any girl before. He never lets girls get close, he usually just messes them about. He doesn’t mean to do harm it’s just his defence mechanism, his way of stopping himself from getting hurt but he’s really let Matilda in, he told me he really likes her and I believe him. One thing he’s never been is a liar, he’s never been able to lie to me or me to him so that’s why I know he means it,” Angel explained.

“So that makes it right that they’re sleeping together when they barely know each other?” Beth demanded.

“No of course it doesn’t but Dylan won’t have put pressure on her, he’s not like that. I know he’s done some bad things in the past but he has learnt from his mistakes and I know for certain that he wouldn’t have rushed her into anything because he cares about her and when Dylan cares about someone he goes out of his way to protect them. If they’ve slept together it was because Matilda wanted it as well. I’m not saying I think it’s right but I don’t think it’s entirely Dylan’s fault,” Angel explained. Beth opened her mouth to retort but Tony put a hand on her arm.

“That’s what Matilda told you Beth so happen it is the truth?” he asked.

“They’re so young though, she’s my baby,” Beth protested.

“I know but haven’t you ever been young and in love? Look at them, they’re crazy about each other and I know they’re young but they’re both pretty mature for their age. I don’t think they’d have taken that decision lightly,” Angel remarked.

“I agree with Angel. They have spent an awful lot of time together recently and it’s not as if he comes from a bad family or anything is it?” Tony told Beth.

“If he hurts her I’ll kill him and he better be being careful!” Beth warned.

“Trust me, he is and if he hurts her you’ll be at the back of the queue to kill him because son or not I’ll string him up, how’s that for you?” Angel asked, Beth managed a smile.

“I guess we just have to trust them,” Beth remarked.

“Yeah we do.” Angel smiled at Beth and headed off towards Irene, consciously avoiding Peter who she knew was watching her every move.

“She’s right you know, you have to loosen the bonds at some point,” Tony remarked.

“I guess,” Beth replied but she was still not entirely convinced.

“Hey Sel I just wanted to say I’m so glad you and Stephen sorted things out,” Sally told her old friend and sister-in-law.

“Yeah me too, I do love him,” Selina admitted.

“I know and I’m so pleased to have you both back here, I’ve really missed you both and it helps so much,” Sally replied.

“Yeah, I haven’t really been able to speak to you much yet. How are things? Hopw are you coping?” Selina asked.

“Just about getting through, just taking each day at a time. I still miss him so much but I’ve accepted that he’s gone. I’ll be going back to school at the end of the month so that’ll help keep my mind off it and I have the kids of course,” Sally replied.

“Yeah that Cassie’s a bit of a madam isn’t she?” Selina asked.

“Cassie? No Cassie’s a piece of cake, it’s Ric who I was struggling with but we’re all sorted now,” Sally replied.

“Oh,” Selina said.

“What do you mean Selina? Do you know something about Cassie?” Sally asked suspiciously.

“Well if she’s usually okay we might just be reading too much into things,” Selina remarked.

“Who might be reading too much into what?” Sally asked, curious.

“Stephen and I. It’s just when I arrived at yours earlier Cassie was all over him, asking him about how he got with me when I was at school and did that mean he had a thing for school girls? She was leaning over him, stroking his arm, whispering in his ear, really coming on heavy. I thought Stephen would have said something, he was planning to,” Selina explained.

“Cassie really did that?” Sally was shocked.

“Yeah, I’m sorry Sal but I’m just worried for him. If those sort of roumers start up again while he’s working at Summer Bay High…well you know how hard it’ll be for him,” Selina explained.

“Yeah I know. I can’t believe Cassie would do something like this and to my brother as well. She’s been a bit wild recently but this is a bit too far,” Sally commented.

“Like I saw maybe I’m reading too much into it,” Selina tried to play it down. Sally looked over to where Cassie was smothering an uncomfortable Lucas with kisses and shooting glances at Matilda, Dylan, Ric and Belle.

“Do you know what, I think you might be right. Don’t worry Sel I’ll sort it and thanks for telling me,” Sally replied.

“Sorry I upset you, I really thought Stephen would have mentioned it and Sal?”

“Yeah?” Sally asked distracted.

“Lets catch up soon yeah? You, Angel, and me it’s been a while,” Selina suggested.

“I’d like that,” Sally replied with a smile, “excuse me for a minute while I go sort out that foster daughter of mine.”

“You’re excused I’m just going to batter my husband for leaving it to me to tell you,” Selina replied giving Sally a comforting smile as the two separated.

“Hi Tash,” Robbie greeted her as she sat on the stairs.

“Hey Rob,” she replied, softly.

“You look lovely tonight,” he told her, “sorry,” he added.

“Don’t be. It was nice of you to say so,” she told him.

“I just didn’t want to go too far, you know,” Robbie replied.

“You didn’t. I’m glad you came over actually, I wanted to talk to you,” Tasha admitted.

“Oh yeah?” Robbie asked, hopefully.

“Yeah. I know things have been really awkward between us the past few weeks and I know it’s my fault. I know I’ve hurt you, really hurt you and I don’t deserve anything from you but the truth is I can’t handle not having you in my life. Even before you and me got together we were such good friends. You’re my best friend Robbie and with Josie going back to the city and Kim and Kit, I don’t want to lose another friend,” Tasha told him.

“Me neither,” Robbie admitted.

“Do you think that maybe we could be friends?” she asked hopefully.

“I reckon we could probably give it a go,” Robbie replied with a smile which a beaming Tash returned.

[ldscott]

Great chapter!

Cassie really is turning into a bitch!

Can't wait to read more!

[Annette]

I'm glad to see that Selina and Steven are back together . I admire your ability to keep so many stories and characters going, I usually try to involve as small a number as possible to keep things simple!

[I love music]

I'm glad to see that Selina and Steven are back together . I admire your ability to keep so many stories and characters going, I usually try to involve as small a number as possible to keep things simple!

Me too, especially as I thought they were going to fall out over Joey!

I never saw Cassie but in this fic she definitely sounds like the Tracey Barlow of Summer Bay!

ps Where's Kane etc then?

[tasha7905]

Great updates. Ive just caught up. Loving matilda/Dylan. I really hope Evil Cassie doesnt hurt Lucas too much. Cant wait for more.

[Skykat]

I'm glad to see that Selina and Steven are back together . I admire your ability to keep so many stories and characters going, I usually try to involve as small a number as possible to keep things simple!

Me too, especially as I thought they were going to fall out over Joey!

I never saw Cassie but in this fic she definitely sounds like the Tracey Barlow of Summer Bay!

ps Where's Kane etc then?

Coming soon, I just wanted to tie up some loose ends on other storylines first. I'm writing the Kane stuff now in the meantime here's the next chapter. Cheers for the reviews, please keep them coming and thanks again to Jess.xx

PS. This chapter is a slightly different format to the rest because the characters are at a party and I wanted to try and reflect the fact that at a party you get lots of small incidents rather then big major ones. Appologies if it's too confusing the chapters will be in my usual format as soon as the party is over.

CHAPTER FIFTY TWO

“It’s quite busy isn’t it? Looks like most of the Bay is here,” Kim remarked.

“Yeah. Are you regretting your decision?” Kit asked him.

“No, you and me, that’s what’s important. I want to be with you and if that means moving to the city then that’s what we’re doing. It’s not as if it’ll be for good is it?” Kim remarked.

“No of course not, we’ll be back,” Kit assured him and Kim smiled and squeezed her hand. “Hey, do you think Martha’s alright? She’s seemed in a weird mood all night and that’s about the forth drink I’ve seen her with since we arrived,” Kit remarked.

“I don’t know I think there’s something going off between her and Jack. There was a weird tension in the air back at the house, didn’t you think?” Kim remarked.

“Yeah I guess there was, she kind of needs to slow down though or she’ll be rotten soon enough,” Kit replied and Kim could only agree.

Kit and Kim weren’t the only ones to notice Martha’s level of drinking. Morag, newly returned from a short stint in the city was watching her niece downing the alcohol at an alarming rate.

“Martha, do you not think you should slow down your drinking?” Morag asked her as Martha leaned on the kitchen counter for support.

“No,” Martha replied bluntly, picking up another glass of wine.

“Martha is everything alright?” Morag asked, concerned.

“Everything’s just peachy,” Martha replied sarcastically before waltzing off.

“Angel…” Peter began but she quickly moved out of his earshot and he found himself accosted by Kirsty and Kane.

“Hi Peter,” Kirsty greeted him.

“Hi,” Peter replied, his eyes still watching Angel.

“We just wanted to ask you a few questions about tomorrow. I mean what happens when we get his call?” Kane demanded.

“We already went through this Kane, you’re staying here tonight and in the morning you take his call, then contact me and I’ll set things in motion. The police teams can be in place at half an hour’s notice when we have the rest of the details. The rest of the plan won’t be outlined until then,” Peter repeated in a bored voice.

“What do you think he’s planning though?” Kirsty asked.

“Honestly I don’t know. We’ll just have to wait and see,” Peter remarked, moving away from them.

“That was helpful,” Kane remarked, sarcastically.

“Was it just me or was he being weird?” Kirsty asked.

“Really weird,” Kane confirmed.

“Cassie, can I have a word please?” Sally asked.

“I’m a bit busy at the moment Sal,” Cassie replied, her arm wrapped around Lucas.

“I said now, Cassie,” Sally told her firmly. Cassie rolled her eyes at Lucas. “Outside,” Sally urged, pointing Cassie in the direction of the back door.

“I’ll be back soon lover,” Cassie told Lucas.

“I wouldn’t count on it,” Sally warned as Cassie reluctantly followed her outside.

“Mate, hi,” Ric greeted Lucas, the minute Cassie had departed with Sally.

“Hi,” Lucas replied sheepishly.

“So what’s going on with you and Cassie?” Ric decided to get straight to the point.

“What does it look like?” Lucas snapped.

“It looks like she’s all over you and you’re just letting her be,” Ric replied.

“So it’s okay for Matilda to move on and not for me?” Lucas demanded.

“I didn’t mean that Lucas, it’s just Cassie…last week she was coming onto Dylan, the other day it was me and now you, she’s playing games mate,” Ric warned him.

“To be honest, after Matilda, Cassie’s like a breath of fresh air. Dylan’s welcome to her,” Lucas replied.

“You know, you’re not convincing anyone with that. I know you’re upset about Matilda, but I’m still your mate you can talk to me,” Ric offered.

“Yeah but you’re better mates with them nowadays aren’t you? Nah I’ll stick with Cassie, thanks all the same.” Lucas stalked off, leaving Ric cursing himself for blowing things.

“Haven’t you spoken to her yet?” Dan demanded of his brother.

“I’m trying, in case you haven’t noticed she won’t speak to me!” Peter snapped, frustrated.

“So try harder then. Do you really want to lose her altogether?” Dan demanded.

“Of course not, but there’s not much I can do if she won’t listen to me,” Peter replied.

“Then make her listen. That’s if you really want to.”

“Of course I do. Angel and this baby mean everything to me,” Peter replied.

“So why don’t you tell her that? Collar her on her own and talk to her,” Dan urged.

“Easier said than done,” Peter replied.

“It’s so nice to be in real company again. You know, to be accepted,” Sutty remarked to Rachel.

“Yeah it must be weird,” she replied.

“I’m glad though. I just want to be normal again,” he told her.

“You are normal,” Rachel assured him.

“I’m not though am I? I’m an ex con,” Sutty replied.

“Nobody here even knows about your past Jay, you need to forget it,” Rachel urged.

“How can I? How many people here would actually be interested in me if they knew the truth?” Sutty demanded.

“You have to stop being so down. Prison’s in the past, I’ve forgiven you, isn’t that enough?” Rachel demanded.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. Six months ago to have you back would have been my dream and now it’s come true I can’t quite believe it,” Sutty told her.

“Well it’s true and I’m not going anywhere,” Rachel replied.

“You better not,” Sutty told her, kissing her gently on the lips.

“Hey Sel, good party,” Angel remarked.

“Yeah it is isn’t it, Irene did a great job. I didn’t know so many people cared about Tash and I,” Selina remarked.

“Of course they do. You should have seen how concerned everyone was when you were missing. It was great the way the town bonded together, it’s one of the things I really missed,” Angel replied.

“And I hear our local Detective put in hours of overtime on your behalf. You can’t avoid him forever you know Angel, when are you going to tell him about the baby?” Selina demanded.

“He knows,” Angel replied.

“Really? What did he say?”

“Nothing, he was going on about Leah, so I just snapped and told him I wanted him to have nothing to do with it,” Angel explained.

“Oh Angel,” Selina sympathised.

“That’s life I guess,” she replied and Selina squeezed her shoulder in a comforting gesture.

“Hey Mac, good party huh?” Tasha asked.

“Wonderful,” Martha replied, picking up a fresh glass of wine.

“Mac are you okay?” Tasha asked.

“Peachy, peachy,” Martha repeated, gulping down more of her drink.

“Is everything okay? Did you speak to Jack?” Tasha asked.

“Jack who? I don’t know any Jack, there’s no Jack round here who notices me,” Martha replied.

“Oh, did you two have a fight?” Tasha asked.

“Something like that. Fresh drink?” she asked, downing the last of her wine and heading off to fetch another, leaving Tasha worried about her.

“Peter, we need to talk.”

“Not now Leah,” Peter brushed her aside.

“No now. I want you to stop playing games Peter, one minute you’re with Angel in front of me, making me jealous and the next thing you’re all over Dan and ignoring me,” Leah told him.

“Because everything is all about you, isn’t it Leah? Dan’s my brother and I do have things to talk about with him other than you, you know,” Peter told her.

“Like what?” Leah demanded.

“Like none of your business,” Peter snapped.

“Why are you being like this Peter, I really thought we had something,” Leah told him.

“In case you haven’t noticed you’re married to my brother Leah,” Peter reminded her.

“I know but we can’t help how we feel can we?” Leah told him, looking up at him. Peter looked at her, startled.

“Just what exactly are you trying to say Leah?” he demanded.

“It’s going to be really quiet around ours without you mate,” Jack remarked to Kim.

“Yeah it’s been good our little bachelor pad hasn’t it?” Kim replied.

“Except that I’ve managed to lose both my housemates to women,” Jack remarked, “What am I going to do with myself without you?” he asked.

“You could always move Martha in,” Kim suggested.

“Right now, I very much doubt it. Things have been a little strained recently,” Jack replied.

“Yeah I didn’t like to say. Is everything okay?” Kim asked.

“Not really, I don’t know what’s going on. We just can’t stop fighting though,” Jack replied.

“You should talk to her,” Kim suggested.

“I doubt she’ll even listen to me,” Jack replied.

“Not if she keeps knocking back the drinks she won’t,” Kim remarked.

“Yeah, but she won’t listen to me,” Jack protested.

“You could at least try.”

“I guess.” With a deep sigh Jack headed off in Martha’s direction.

“Talk to him,” Dylan urged.

“How can I? Look he’s with her again,” Angel pointed out.

“They’re just talking Mum and from where I’m standing it doesn’t look like there’s anything between them,” Dylan told her.

“You don’t have to protect me Dyl, I can handle it. He loves her,” Angel replied.

“You’re being paranoid,” Dylan said.

“I’m not, just realistic. Look, look at them together, they’re all over each other. Don’t tell me there isn’t something going on,” Angel fumed.

“I really don’t think there is,” Dylan replied.

“Whatever, I’m not blind and I’m not staying to watch this!” Angel turned on her heel and bolted from the house.

“Mum!” Dylan called after her but Angel was already gone.

“Martha, do you think maybe, you’ve had enough to drink?” Jack asked.

“Oh it’s Jack, who are you Jack?” Martha asked, her voice slurred.

“Martha, I really think you’ve had enough,” Jack repeated.

“Since when is it any of your business!” Martha snapped.

“I’m your boyfriend and you’re making a show of yourself,” Jack warned.

“Oh you’re my boyfriend now? Some boyfriend!” Martha shot back.

“What’s gotten into you?” Jack demanded.

“What’s gotten into you?” She repeated.

“Oh very mature,” Jack replied.

“You want mature, here’s mature.” Martha stuck up her middle finger at him and stalked off.

“Why didn’t you tell Sally about what Cassie said?” Selina demanded, having finally caught up with her husband.

“I completely forgot, sorry,” Stephen apologised.

“Well I told her thinking you already had and now I look like a right trouble maker,” Selina told him.

“I doubt it somehow. Sal won’t think like that,” Stephen reassured her.

“Well she didn’t entirely believe me either, it would have been better coming from you,” Selina persisted.

“I’m sorry alright. I thought we said no arguments anyway?”

“We’re not arguing,” Selina replied.

“Yes we are!” Stephen protested.

“I can’t believe we’re arguing about arguing!” Selina told him, giggling.

“How about we just cut straight to making up the?” Stephen asked pulling her into his arms for a kiss.

“Auntie Morag, do you think Martha’s maybe had too much to drink?” Ric asked of Morag as he watched Martha staggering about out of the corner of his eye.

“Yes I do, but I’ve tried speaking to her, she won’t listen,” Morag replied.

“I know, I tried too. I think she and Jack have had a row,” Ric remarked.

“Well maybe I’ll have another word before she makes a fool of herself,” Morag remarked.

“Looks like she’s already doing that,” Belle commented, gesturing to where Martha was trying to make Robbie dance with her.

”And just who asked you, you little upstart?” Morag demanded angrily.

“Jeez, sorry I was just saying,” Belle replied, taken aback.

“Well don’t say anything and keep out of my way in future,” Morag spat, her voice laced with venom.

“Auntie Morag!” Ric spoke up, shocked but she merely waved a hand in dismissal and headed in Martha’s direction.

“I’m sorry Belle, I don’t know what’s got into her,” Ric apologised.

“I do, she hates me. Just like everyone does, I’m never going to be accepted around here am I?” she asked sadly and Ric put a comforting arm around her shoulder.

[tasha7905]

Great update, I hope Sally has a major go and Cass. Poor old Belle I cant believe no one will except her, its the bay they except everyone. Angel and Peter need to get together, I cant wait for Leah's reaction when she finds out they are having a baby. Hope there is more soon.

[Jazer]

Mmm talk about a party. Some people are happy while others can't stand each other.

I hope that will find out more about Morag and her secret involving Belle.

Once again SKYKAT you did a superb job!!!!

Jazer (Jarad)

[I love music]

Great party, Skykat!!!

Glad to see you're working on the Kane and Kirsty angle even tho I only saw them briefly. And it was nice to see Sutty and Rachel there too!

[Skykat]

Okay next chapter...I'm getting quite good at this regular update business aren't I? This is the second half of the party after this it'll be back to normal format with the KK storyline taking centre stage.xx

Please keep reading and reviewing, every comment means loads, thanks.xx

CHAPTER FIFTY THREE

“I’m trying to say that maybe you and I have a chance together,” Leah replied, answering Peter’s question.

“And you accuse me of playing games Leah?”

“I’m not playing games, I mean it,” Leah insisted.

“Yeah right, what about Dan? Have you forgotten about him?” Peter demanded.

“No of course not but he’ll get used to it eventually, you and me are right together,” Leah insisted.

“You are so wrong. I used to really believe I was in love with you Leah but these last few weeks, meeting Angel I’ve realised what love really is and it’s certainly not what I felt for you. Hell I don’t even like you very much, you’re selfish, deceitful and permanently whining and you’re playing my brother like a fool. I feel sorry for him, he deserves so much better,” Peter told her.

“I do love Dan,” Leah desperately tried to backtrack.

“You need to decide what you want Leah before someone really gets hurt,” Peter replied.

“That’s an idea Leah, what do you really want?” Both Peter and Leah turned to see Dan observing their conversation and the look on his face did not bode well at all.

“Martha time to go home,” Morag insisted.

“No! No Auntie Morag the party’s only just begun,” Martha replied.

“Not for you young lady, you’ve had enough,” Morag persisted.

“Get off me!” Martha pushed aside Morag’s hands.

“Martha you’re making a complete show of yourself, pull yourself together!” Morag snapped, losing her temper.

“I thought you were on my side! Just leave me alone!” Martha pushed Morag aside and ran away from her.

“Well?” Dan demanded.

“Dan it’s not what you think…” Leah protested.

“So you don’t think you’re in love with my brother then?” Dan snapped.

“No..I…” Leah began.

“Don’t lie to me Leah, I just heard it with my own ears, you and him are right together,” Dan repeated, calmly.

“Dan I think…” Peter felt guilty that Leah was taking all the flak for something that was as much his fault as hers.

“Stay out of this. I’ll deal with you later right now, I want to talk to my wife,” Dan replied. Not knowing what else to say Peter made himself scarce.

“Well young lady what do you have to say for yourself?” Sally demanded.

“What now?” Cassie rolled her eyes.

“What now? How about you making a play for my brother in front of his wife?” Sally demanded.

“So they went crying to you, god Sal can’t anyone take a joke?” Cassie demanded.

“I don’t see anyone laughing Cassie, in fact I think it was downright cruel of you.,” Sally told her.

“Alright keep your knickers on it was only a joke,” Cassie repeated.

“How dare you speak to me like that? What’s gotten into you Cassie?” Sally demanded, furiously.

“Maybe I’m just fed up of you,” Cassie shot back.

“Maybe you need to learn some respect. I want you to go home right this instant and think about your behaviour tonight,” Sally replied.

“Yeah right.” Cassie moved to head back into the house.

“I mean it, home now,” Sally repeated, livid now. Cassie’s face blackened over.

“Fine I’ll go but you’ll live to regret your treatment of me,” she vowed, storming off and leaving Sally frustrated and on the verge of tears.

Martha was stumbling aimlessly around the room having had increasing amounts to drink when she suddenly lost her footing and tripped.

“Woah, take it easy!” Sutty had been nearby and managed to catch her in time to stop her falling.

“My hero, hello,” Martha swooned, fluttering her eyelashes.

“Hi. I think maybe you need to sit down and have some water,” Sutty suggested, seating her down on the stairs.

“I’ll go fetch a glass,” Rachel offered, looking at Martha with concern.

“You’re gorgeous, why haven’t I seen you before?” Martha was asking as she wrapped her arms around Sutty’s neck and landed kisses on his face.

“I really think…you need…to…sober up,” Sutty insisted as he tried desperately to remove her arms from his neck. Martha giggled and fell backwards onto the stairs pulling Sutty down on top of her. “You need to let me go!” Sutty told her, desperately trying to break free as she landed kisses on his face and neck.

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?” Sutty felt himself being forcibly lifted from Martha and was relieved until he saw the look on Jack’s face. The other guy was furious.

“Hang on, you’re angry with me?” Sutty asked, incredulously as the look on Jack’s face provided his answer.

“Dan listen to me, that wasn’t what it looked like,” Leah protested.

“So what was it like then Leah?” Dan demanded, angrily.

“Please don’t get mad,” Leah begged.

“Get mad? My wife has just declared her love for my brother, why on earth would I be mad?” Dan fumed.

“I don’t love Peter,” Leah protested.

“Not what you just said,” Dan replied.

“It’s true I don’t love him but I did have feelings for him. I don’t anymore,” she protested.

“And that makes everything alright? He’s my brother Leah. Besides which you weren’t talking about past feelings just then were you?” Dan demanded.

“I was, you misheard us,” Leah told him.

“Don’t lie to me Leah, right now I just want you as far away from me as possible. You make me sick!” with that Dan stormed angrily from the house and Leah raced to the bathroom to cry.

“I know she’s drunk but that does not give you the right to take advantage!” Jack fumed.

“Hang on a sec mate, I don’t know what you think you saw but she was the one coming onto me. I’ve been trying to get rid of her!” Sutty argued.

“I’m not your mate,” Jack snarled.

“I think you need to calm down,” Sutty warned.

“I’ll calm down when I’m good and ready but first I want to know what gives you the right to come onto my girlfriend?” Jack demanded.

“For god’s sake I wasn’t coming onto her!” Sutty protested.

“Taking advantage of girls might win you respect in prison but it doesn’t work on the outside world,” Jack fumed.

“What did you just say?” Sutty was floored.

“Once a con always a con, I bet you just couldn’t help yourself,” Jack continued and Sutty found his good humour quickly evaporating as he raised his fist and bought it down on Jack’s face.

“Jack!” Tasha raced forward to see if Jack was all right and Sutty realised that all the occupants of the room had seen what had happened and he felt his anger building as he looked around him. His eyes finally rested upon Rachel and as he looked at her he saw the disappointment in her eyes and suddenly he felt ashamed

“Wow what did I miss?” Sally asked of Selina, Irene and Colleen as she re-entered the house.

“Well it turns out that that Jamie character’s a prisoner!” Colleen announced.

“A prisoner?” Sally was baffled.

“Gawd save us woman will you learn to get your facts straight before you open that beak of yours?” Irene demanded.

“Sorry, I’m sure.” Colleen flounced off, upset.

“Gawd, now I’m going to have to apologise aren’t I. Colleen?” Irene went after her.

“So what really happened then?” Sally asked Selina.

“Martha was coming onto Jamie because she was drunk but Jack thought that he was coming onto her so had a go at him and blurted out that he used to be in prison so Jamie punched him. Now Jamie’s run off after Rachel and Jack’s nursing a black eye,” Selina explained.

“Wow, I missed all that? What was he in prison for?” Sally asked.

“Not sure. We’ll probably find out eventually, it’s a shame, he seemed like a nice guy,” Selina remarked.

“Doesn’t mean he isn’t, we should probably reserve judgement until we know the full story,” Sally replied.

“Yeah. How did you go with Cassie?” Selina asked.

“I don’t know. She says she was joking but her attitude was awful. I just don’t know where I’m going wrong Sel,” Sally admitted.

“Kids hey?” Selina remarked and Sally managed a smile but she still felt troubled inside.

“Rach…” Sutty began but she turned away from him and raced outside. He followed her, desperate to explain. “Rach please!”

“I don’t want to hear it Jamie,” Rachel insisted.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hit him, he provoked me, wound me up. Did you hear what he said?” Sutty demanded.

“Yeah I heard,” Rachel replied, turning around.

“I just lost it. You don’t honestly believe I was coming onto his girlfriend do you?” Sutty demanded.

“No I don’t. Martha was drunk, I saw her all over you and Jack was drunk too that’s probably why he over-reacted,” Rachel explained.

“He just told the whole party that I used to be in prison, I mean how the hell did he know?” Sutty fumed.

“He’s a police officer, it wouldn’t take much. The fact is though Jamie that you and me could have worked through the ex-con thing, we could have convinced people you’ve changed. I believed you’d changed but the way you just lashed out…” Rachel began.

“Come on Rach, I have changed, I lost my temper, I’m sorry. He deserved it,” Sutty told her.

“And if I say something that makes you angry would I deserve it too?” Rachel demanded.

“I’d never hit you,” Sutty insisted.

“And I’m meant to believe that, how?”

“You have to trust me, I love you, I’d never hurt you,” Sutty told her.

“You’ve lied to me so many times I can’t tell what’s the truth and what’s not anymore Jay, how can I possibly trust you?”

“Please just give me a chance…” Sutty begged.

“You had your chance Jay and you blew it. Stay away from me from now on.” Rachel turned and fled on the path home and Sutty merely watched her go, devastated by the latest turn of events.

“Auntie Morag why were you so rude to Belle just then?” Ric demanded.

“I’m busy Ric, in case you haven’t noticed your cousin is making a holy show of herself,” Morag told him.

“I know but I want to know why you were so horrible to Belle just then,” Ric insisted.

“Oh for heaven’s sake Ric, can’t you see the girl is trouble. She’s bad news and you should stay away from her,” Morag urged.

“That’s unfair Auntie Morag, Belle has bent over backwards to make a new start for herself in this town and I think you’re being really unfair,” Ric told her.

“I’m not going to argue with you Ric, that girl is trouble, she has bad blood,” Morag told him.

“Bad blood? That’s ridiculous! She doesn’t even know who her parents are, why would you say that?” Ric demanded, suspiciously.

“Lets leave it for now Ric,” Morag urged.

“No Auntie Morag if you know something about Belle’s parents you best tell me,” Ric threatened.

“I don’t know anything now are you going to release me so I can make sure your cousin gets home?” Morag demanded and Ric did as she said but as he watched her walk away, clearly rattled his suspicions were aroused.

“What were you thinking? It was clear to everyone that Martha was the one doing all the flirting!” Tony fumed at his son as he held an ice pack to his face.

“He looked like he was all over her,” Jack replied.

“How much have you had to drink?” Tony demanded.

“Not much,” Jack slurred.

“Brilliant so you’re drunk as well. You have just made a complete and utter fool of yourself Jack, you’ve probably destroyed that poor guy and all because he was trying to help her out,” Tony fumed, glaring at where a drunken Martha was sobbing.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t thinking,” Jack apologised.

“Too right you weren’t. What the hell do you think you’re playing at blurting out private police information?” Peter demanded furiously.

“The people deserve to know what sort of a person he is,” Jack argued back.

“A good man. That’s the sort of person he is, he served his time and now he’s trying to make a fresh start which you’ve just blown for him!” Peter shouted.

“Ease up Peter, he’s a bit drunk that’s all,” Tony defended him.

“That’s no excuse, you better get him home but I want him at the station first thing in the morning to answer some questions. You’ve well and truly done it now Holden, I just hope you’re sober enough to start saving your career!” Peter shouted.

“That’s enough Peter,” Tony snapped as he helped a clearly drunken Jack to his feet.

Kane found Sutty sat on the wall outside and approached him.

“Hey,” he greeted him. Sutty looked up, startled.

“Hi,” he replied, shyly.

“Look I just wanted to say that not everyone thinks bad of you for what just happened in there. We’ve all go a past mate and I reckon everyone’s entitled to a fresh start,” Kane told him.

“Is it possible to get one though?” Sutty asked.

“Yeah if you work hard enough and give it time. I managed it,” Sutty replied.

“You?”

“Yeah at one point I was the most hated man in the bay,” Kane told him.

“So what changed that?”

“Nothing, I just stuck at it and they came round eventually. Are you going back to hers tonight to try and talk to her?"

"Nah reckon I best let her cool down, I'll sleep on the beach or something."

"here's the key to our place. Kirst and I are staying here tonight so knock yourself out." Kane handed the key over and Sutty looked at him, amazed.

“Why are you being nice to me?” Sutty asked.

“Because I know what you feel like,” Kane replied,

“You shouldn’t be nice to me, not after all the things I’ve done,” Sutty told him.

“Everyone deserves a fresh start,” Kane replied.

“You wouldn’t say that if you knew the truth,” Sutty replied. He felt a desperate urge to confess all to Kane and get it off his chest.

“How do you mean?” Kane pressed.

“Hey babe is that you?” Kirsty’s voice called from the back door.

“Yeah babe, I’m coming in now. You coming back?” Kane asked.

“No, I think I’ll head off,” Sutty replied as he began to trudge, head down, away from the Beach House, if possible feeling worse than he had before.

Peter turned away from them, his hand shaking. Sure Jack had been stupid but he was well aware that he was taking his own personal problems out on Jack and he did feel slightly guilty as a result.

“Peter can I have a word please?” Dylan asked.

“Right now?” Peter asked tiredly.

“Yes right now,” Dylan replied.

“Sure,” Peter said, “what is it?” he asked Dylan.

“What’s going on with you and her?” Dylan asked.

“Who?” Peter asked.

“Don’t treat me like a fool, Leah.”

“Nothing, nothing at all,” Peter replied.

“And what about Mum?” he demanded.

“What about her, she wants nothing to do with me,” Peter replied.

“You know that’s not true. Do you care about this baby?” Dylan asked.

“Of course I do,” Peter told him.

“And do you care about Mum?”

“I love her,” Peter replied honestly.

“And she loves you so will you please go and put her out of her misery because she’s convinced you’re still in love with Leah,” Dylan told him.

“She loves me?” Peter asked, dumbstruck.

“Of course she does. Jeez I thought adults were supposed to be clever!”

“Where is she?” Peter demanded.

“Out the front, she took off when she saw you with Leah,” Dylan explained.

“Right,” Peter replied, racing from the house, a hint of a smile on his lips.

“Ladies and gents can we just have everybody’s attention please. Now that all the drama’s over for tonight there’s just a few things I’d like to say,” Barry stood up and took everybody’s attention. “Firstly I’d like to thank Irene for this party tonight and to everybody else who has contributed in one way or another,” Barry announced and everyone gave Irene a round of applause. “Secondly I would just like to extend a welcome home greeting to Tasha and Selina. It’s wonderful to have you both home safe and well and I’m sure I speak for everyone when I ask you not to put us through anything like that again,” Barry told them.

“Here, here!” Irene whooped as everybody clapped and cheered for Selina and Tasha. “Finally I’d just like to take this opportunity to say a few words about my son Kim. As you’re all aware young Kit is heading back to the city tomorrow and my besotted son has decided to go with her. While I don’t begrudge you him for one second I am going to miss him. I know they’ll be back every now and again but in the meantime I am going to miss you and I’d just like to wish you all the best for the future. So ladies and gentlemen if you could please raise you glasses.” Everyone held their glasses aloft. “To Kim and Kit!” he toasted.

“Kim and Kit,” everyone repeated.

“Thanks Dad, that was lovely of you,” Kim told him.

“It was no problem, I meant every word,” Barry replied.

“I’m going to miss you too,” Kim admitted and he and Barry shared a warm hug.