Spiral (Part One)

[Natasha]

CHAPTER TEN

Thanks a lot you bitch. A text message blared across her screen. Laura switched off her mobile. Now she had to change her mobile number…again.

She opened her laptop to check her emails when she decided to phone her friend Rick and ask him if he had divulged her whereabouts to Sam.

She rang his mobile…he didn't answer. That was strange, if his mobile was used for business, shouldn't he answer it?

She tried his home phone and learned it had been disconnected. The last chance was to email him but if he was busy it could be days before he replied to it.

Another idea was to actually go and visit. It would mean taking a day trip into the city but where would she find the time? The hearing was on Monday and she needed to schedule one last meeting with Morag.

Would she see me? Laura wondered as she bought up Morag's email. She wrote a quick message and clicked Send.

20 minutes later, she got a respond, Morag must be online as well. The answer was:

We are pretty much under control, there's no need for another meeting. I'll see you at the court house Monday Morning. Laura's heart sank as she thought: she hates me.

* * *

It was the morning of the hearing. Laura woke up early-6 am even though the hearing wasn't until 8am. She never felt so nervous before.

She changed her outfit several times before she finally settled on one-a black skirt, white blouse with gold patterns on it. It was simple but nice. She put on some stockings and grabbed her black pumps. She left the pile of clothes on the bed and went into the kitchen.

Jacob woke at seven and got ready for school. " Mum…are you sure you don't want me to come?"

" Absolutely. The best thing for you to do is concentrate on school…and not to worry."

" But…what if he wins? He'll take me away and I might not see you again."

" That won't happen." Laura said firmly kissing him on the forehead. Her cell phone beeped and glanced down at it. It was a text from Sam.

Be prepared. Was all it said.

Morag met her client in the hallway just outside the courtroom. She wore the usual courtroom garb, it was the first time Laura has ever seen her in it. She looked very…professional.

" Are you ready?" Morag asked her in a cool voice, without a trace of friendliness. Her face wore no expression either.

" Yes…I think so." She replied.

They entered the courtroom. There wasn't the usual audience or family or friends, or even a jury. It was would be the judge's decision after he or she hears each of the cases from either side. Laura had requested the hearing to be behind closed doors, and she had gotten her wish.

The door opened again and the security guard entered and a few minutes later so did Westerman.

Sam came in last and Laura sighed. He always liked to make a grand entrance.

The bailiff arrived and a few minutes later so did the judge. Laura clasped her hands together and looked over at her ex-husband. He smiled smugly at her-as if he'd already won.

" All rise for the Honorable Judge Riley." The bailiff commanded and they did as they were told. The Judge sat down and ordered them to sit.

* * *

It was a tough hearing. Both sides had equal evidence against the other…both trying to find faults. Westerman turned to his client and glared, " Why did you not tell me about your gambling problems?"

" That was in the past…before we were married. It's hardly relevant." Sam waved his hand dismissively, " They are grasping at straws I'm telling you."

In the end, both side reached a stale mate. The Judge ordering a 30 minute recess as Morag and Laura went outside for some air.

" I knew it was going to be tough but Westerman stops at nothing." She complained, " He has no heart."

" I did warn you." Morag replied.

" I know…I didn't want to believe you. Listen, we need to talk about the other night-"

" This is not the time nor the place." Morag interrupted. Laura sighed as Morag headed for the courtroom.

* * *

" The odds are not in our favor." Westerman told his client, " You've had a colorful past. Do you think the Judge will let someone with a gambling and drinking problem take care of a fifteen year old over someone who is stable and employed?"

" But you are the best lawyer…that's why I hired you." Sam narrowed his eyes, " If you can't do your job then I'll find someone else who will."

" There's no need to do that…look, I know someone who might be able to help us."

" Oh yeah? Who…and how can they help us?"

" I'm close with the Mayor. He might be able to fix things for us." Westerman smiled, " It may cost me a little but it will be worth the look on Bellingham's face when she loses."

" Call him."

Westerman dialed Josh West's number.

" Hello."

" Josh…this is Peter."

" Peter! Gee…it's been a long time."

" A very long time. We'll have to get together soon but I need a huge favour to ask of you."

" And what's that?"

Westerman told him what's been happening. " Morag Bellingham has been on my back for awhile." Josh replied, " I'll fix the hearing for you but it will cost you. I don't do anything for free."

" I know that Josh. So will you help me?"

" I'll be there in 20 minutes."

* * *

Morag walked out of the courtroom looking a bit worried.

" What's wrong?" Laura asked her.

" Judge Riley has suddenly been called away and we will be getting a replacement Judge."

" Oh." Laura said. The recess was over and they all headed back into the courtroom. They waited for what it felt like an eternity before the new Judge finally arrived.

Morag's face went white. " Oh my God." She muttered.

" What's the matter?"

" It's the Judge."

Laura glanced up at the Judge-a female one this time.

" What about her?"

" She's Judge Gilroy. She's the same one who put my brother behind bars."

[Natasha]

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Morag stared at the Judge with hatred. She knows in her heart that Judge is crooked. She hasn’t got any proof though. And now here was Judge Gilroy again…it was all a bit too coincidental for her liking.

She looked around the courtroom to her dismay Josh West had sat down behind Westerman and his client. So he had something do with this! But what on earth for? Did he actually know Sam Tate?

Laura looked over at Morag. She looked quite…pissed off. She was glaring at a man who was sitting behind Sam and his lawyer. The man looked quite familiar but Laura couldn’t quite place him. What was he doing here? Laura wanted a private hearing, no outsiders allowed.

She turned back round to face the Judge and another round of 20 questions from Peter Westerman began and had the nerve to ask her a question about a love affair she once had.

“ I object!” Morag exclaimed suddenly.

“ On what grounds Ms. Bellingham?” The Judge asked.

“ My client’s private life is not on trial here.”

“ Sustained. Westerman, continue.” Gilroy directed.

Laura glared at Sam, how dare he bring that up? It didn’t have anything to do with their son.

“ I have no further questions your honour.” Westerman said before sitting down.

Morag stood up, “ Mr. Tate…is it true that you used to physically harm your wife?”

Sam Tate glared, “ I never laid a hand on her. Laura is very good in making things up…don’t tell me you fell for them.”

“ She says you used to physically harm her in front of your son.” Morag faced the Judge, “ Your Honour, what kind of example would Mr. Tate set for his son if his son sees her harming someone…especially a woman? It may have serious repercussions in later life. If it hasn’t happened already.”

“ Objection…she doesn’t have any proof-“ Westerman blurted out.

“ I just pointed out he used to do it in front of their son-“

“ Sustained. Ms. Bellingham unless Jacob will be testifying against his father, you cannot make false accusations.”

“ But they aren’t-“ Morag blustered. What was she talking about? The proof was sitting right next to her.

Laura patted her hand assuringly. Morag got on with it. “ In conclusion I would like to point out that Mr. Tate would be incapable in looking after a fifteen year old boy because of his past-and present-behavior. I would like you to take that into account. Thank you.” She sat down but she already knew Westerman had won.

“ I would like to take a short recess…fifteen minutes.” Gilroy declared and once again, the court was adjourned.

They walked into the hallway. Morag was steaming, her face was very red, “ I cannot believe the nerve of Westerman.” She hissed.

“ Who was that man? I thought this was a private meeting.”

“ That was the Mayor. I suppose he knows your ex-husband…or Westerman. I think either of them has put him up to this and Joshua West got Gilroy to lead this hearing.”

“ You told me the trail of your brother was fixed because that Judge is crooked…how do you think our chances are?”

Morag couldn’t look at her. “ Not very good.” She murmured.

“ You mean…no matter what we say I’ll lose my son?” Laura’s face went ashen, “ Morag, this cannot happen. You have to do something.”

“ It’s out of my hands now. I’ve said all I could. Unless your son agrees to testify against his father-which he hasn’t-then there isn’t a lot we can do.” Morag finally looked at her client, her blue eyes filled with anger and something else…pity? No, it was sadness. Morag was sad for her. It gave her some hope.

Maybe she really does care.

“ I’ve taken each of your cases in account,” Gilroy began, “ And I have come to the conclusion that sole custody of Jacob David Tate will be given to Samuel Michael Tate.”

“ What?” Morag exploded, “ This is preposterous!”

Laura’s eyes filled with tears and she clutched her solicitor’s arm. Sam gave her a cunning smile as he congratulated Peter Westerman.

“ Morag do something,” Laura pleaded, “ He can’t take my son away!”

“ My client has a restraining order-“ Morag began but the Judge interrupted.

“ Which is invalid.”

“ This is outrageous!” Morag snapped and whirled to face the Mayor, “ You’ve fixed this you slimy weasel haven’t you?”

“ Order Ms Bellingham.”

Morag quieted down..

“ There are some conditions however,” Gilroy went on, “ Ms. Tate will be granted visitation for once a month-“

“ Once a month!” this time it was Laura who exploded.

“ that is all. Meeting is adjourned.” They all stood as the Judge left the courtroom. Laura made a beehive for Sam.

“ Sam, please think what you’re doing. We’ve only just moved here. Surely you won’t have Jacob uprooted again?”

“ Ms. Bellingham keep your client away from Sam.” Peter commanded his rival.

“ Laura-“ Morag started but Laura ignored her.

“ Sam, I-“

“ What makes you think I’ll listen to you?” Sam demanded, “ Jacob is my kid now. I can do whatever I please. But I’m feeling rather generous today. You have until the end of the week with him. I’ll be over to collect him on Friday afternoon. Have him ready.”

Laura was so angry she was ready to pounce on him. Luckily Morag sensed her anger and refrained her.

Peter Westerman and Sam left the court. Laura wheeled on the Mayor. She didn’t know him but knew she hated him.

“ You’ve fixed this somehow. You’ll pay for this.”

[Natasha]

Thanks for the feedback guys! It's very appreciated.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Laura walked into her apartment feeling numb. She had lost her son, her baby to that…man. She would only get to see him once every month!

" I'm extremely sorry." Morag said.

" It's okay, it's not your fault. We both know it's been fixed."

" How can the Mayor get away with it? He may be the Mayor of this town but it doesn't give him the right to stick his nose in other people's business."

" If I know our esteemed Mayor, he wouldn't have done it unless there was something in it for him." Morag told her, " and I'll find out what he has to do with Peter Westerman. He's as crooked as Judge Gilroy."

" Would you mind if we cancelled drinks tonight? I'll need some time for my son."

" Of course. You'll be all right while I go out for awhile?"

" Yes…you don't need to look after me Morag." Laura smiled at her and wished Morag would stay for a while. They said goodbye and Laura waited for her son to come home.

" Hey, where's the fire?" Tim demanded as he ran to catch up to Jacob.

" I have to get home." Jacob replied impatiently.

" I thought we made plans."

" they have to wait. I need to talk to mum about something."

" About what?"

" It's none of your business." Jacob said sharply, " I'll see you tomorrow at school." Then he ran off and Tim glared after him. What was his problem?

Jacob threw open the door to the apartment and found his mother vacuuming.

" Mum!" he shouted over the noise, " How did it go?"

Laura switched it off, " Not good. Sit down Jacob." She sat down on the couch and patted the empty space next to her.

" We lost didn't we?" Jacob said worriedly, " I can tell we lost."

" I'm sorry." Laura said, " we lost. Somehow your dad's lawyer thought I was an unfit mother."

Jacob's shoulders sagged, " When do I go?"

" At the end of the week. We have to get you ready for him."

" You mean I have to move again?" Jacob demanded.

" I'm afraid so." Laura knew her son was trying to be strong, for her sake. But she could see he was scared.

" Mum, I don't want to go." He burst out, " I just made some new friends at school. Now I have to move and start all over again! It isn't fair."

" Jacob unless you agree to testify against him there's nothing we can do."

" Are you saying this is my fault?" Jacob frowned.

" Of course not! Look, I'll ask my solicitor if there's any chance of an appeal but I don't like our chances. Your father has a very powerful lawyer."

" Morag Bellingham is a crap lawyer." He decided.

" Jacob!" Laura exclaimed, " That's not a nice thing to say. Ms. Bellingham did all she could. She's very sorry about what's happened."

Jacob rolled his eyes, " Whatever. It's her fault my life is ruined." He jumped to his feet, " If I ever see her again I'll tell her that." He ran to his room and slammed the door.

An hour later, Jacob emerged and told his mother he was going out. She didn't stop him but reminded him they still needed to talk. Jacob left then and met Tim at the beach.

" Whatever you have planned for Morag, I'm in." he told Tim determinedly.

" What made you change your mind?" Tim asked, his eyes bright.

" She's ruined my life. I hate that bitch." Jacob replied coldly.

Morag walked into the council chambers and bypassed the secretary. The secretary protested but she ignored her and burst into the Mayor's Office.

" Ms. Bellingham, what the hell are you doing here?" Josh demanded, standing up quickly.

" I need to have a word with you." Morag narrowed her eyes, " You're blackmailing Judge Gilroy aren't you? You blackmailed her so that Sam Tate can have his way. Do you realize what you have done?"

" Yes and I don't really care Ms. Bellingham. Now if you've finished with your little temper tantrum, I'm going to ask you to leave before I call security."

" What's in it for you?" Morag demanded, ignoring his advice.

" Excuse me?"

" You obviously know Mr. Westerman. You wouldn't have fixed the hearing if there wasn't something in for you. What was it-money?"

" You have no proof that I have anything to do with Peter winning the case." Joshua West sneered, " I think you're being a very bad loser Morag."

" Why were you at the hearing?"

" To support my friend Peter. There's no crime against that." Josh said, " Now I'll warn you again, get out."

" I'll find out what you're up to Mr. West. You mark my words."

" You should accept that you aren't as a good a laser as you think you are Morag." Josh said, taking another jibe at her.

" It's Ms. Bellingham to you." Morag countered coldly.

" And you better watch your back from now on Ms. Bellingham." Josh West returned as she turned on her heel and stalked out of the office. Josh sank back down and sighed. When will she ever give up?

[Natasha]

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

" You really want in?" Tim asked Jacob the following morning at school.

" Absolutely. I want to teach her a lesson." Jacob said firmly, " and whatever you have planned make it quick. I only have until Friday to do it."

" Why?" Tim asked curiously.

" Because I'm moving again. " Jacob shrugged. The thought of moving depressed him. He had just made new friends and now he had to start all over again…and it was stupid Morag Bellingham's fault. If she just did her job, he wouldn't be in this mess.

" Didn't you just get here?"

" Yeah." Jacob ambled along the hallway with Tim, taking his time to get to class. The bell had rung ages ago.

" Oh." There was a pause, " Well, I've come up with an idea to make Bellingham pay."

" What is it?"

" You'll see. Meet me after school, the usual place."

* * *

Morag met Laura at Noah's. Laura was already sloshed, she had been there for an hour and had started drinking practically non stop. The pain she has been feeling was numbed.

" How long have you been here?" Morag asked as Laura downed her fifth drink.

" Awhile," Laura slurred, " Pull up a chair Morag."

" I think you've had quite enough." Morag decided. On previous nights they always moderated their drinking but Laura was going overboard, " Or you'll be feeling it in the morning."

" I don't feel nothin' now and I want it to stay tha' way." Laura's tongue felt too big for her mouth and was having trouble speaking. She pushed her glass over to the bartender and ordered another.

" Come on, let's get you home." Morag said, grabbing her arm and puling her off the stool. She paid the tab and guided Laura out of Noah's car and into the parking lot.

" I was just getting started," Laura protested.

" And I'm finishing it." She herded Laura to her car and opened the passenger door.

" Get in." waited until Laura reluctantly climbed into the passenger seat.

Morag climbed into the drivers seat and they headed for Laura's apartment. " I thought the whole idea of going to Noah's was having a few drinks." Laura grumbled.

" That maybe so but we always did it in moderation." Morag reminded her, " Drinking away the pain isn't the answer Laura."

Laura groaned, " Don't start Morag, I'm not in the mood." She was not a happy drunk.

They drove in silence. Laura was staring out of the window moodily. She felt sick but wouldn't throw up in front of Morag-too humiliating. She prayed it would stay down until she was home.

Morag turned the corner, braking slowly but the car just sped around the corner.

" Slow down Morag." Laura complained as her stomach lurched dangerously.

" I'm trying to slow down." Morag snapped as she applied a little more force to the brakes but nothing happened.

" What's wrong?" Laura saw the distressed look in Morag's face.

" The brakes…they aren't working." She tried to brake again but the car spun out of control. Laura screamed as the car lurched off the road and slid down an embankment.

There was a loud bang and everything went black.

* * *

Beth Hunter and Tony Holden were on their way to the surf club when Tony spotted something. It was a car that had slid down an embankment and into a tree.

" Isn't that Morag's car?" Tony asked Beth as he slowed to a stop. They both got out and hurried to the car. Beth peered in. Morag looked shaken and dazed. She had cuts on her face and a nasty looking gash on her forehead.

Laura was not so well. She was bleeding and unconscious. Tony called for an ambulance.

" Morag?" Beth opened the door to Morag's side, " Can you get up?"

Morag looked over. Her vision was blurry, it sounded like Beth, " I-I think so." She said as Beth helped her out. Morag swayed and would have collapsed if Beth hadn't held her upright.

" What happened Morag?"

" The brakes…they weren't working." Morag stuttered, " Laura…is she all right?"

" She's unconscious. The ambulance is coming." Beth assured her. Morag felt dizzy as she leaned against Beth for support.

* * *

Jacob grabbed his mobile and answered it, " Hello?"

" Jacob?" it was an unfamiliar voice.

" Yes…who's this?"

" This is Beth Hunter. I have some rather bad news I'm afraid."

Jacob went cold, " What's wrong?" he didn't like the sound of Beth's voice.

" It's your mother. She's in hospital. She's been in a car accident."

Jacob's heart stopped, " A car accident?" he whispered.

" They were driving in Morag's car. Her brakes weren't working and they lost control of the car. Morag is all right but your mother…we are on our way to pick you up."

" Okay." Jacob said as he hung up. He couldn't believe the rotten luck. His mother was in hospital and could die…and it would be his fault. After all, it had been he who tampered with Morag's brakes.

[Natasha]

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Morag had been looked over, she had a mild concussion-hence the dizziness-a few scratches and bruises but otherwise she was going to be okay. Morag was more worried about Laura then herself. She climbed out of bed, ignoring the doctor's advice to stay there and went to find Laura.

She found her in the ICU, hooked up to machines. Her head was covered with a bandage and a nurse was cleaning her cuts.

" Morag?" Dr. Rachel Armstrong walked in at the moment, " didn't I tell you to stay in bed?"

" I want to see if Laura is all right." Morag replied, " How is she?"

" As you can see, still unconscious. She has some swelling to the brain which we have to monitor. And may I ask, has she been drinking?"

" Um yes…but I was behind the wheel…but I haven't been drinking. Why?"

" She had a high reading of alcohol and as a result of her brain injuries it may take her a bit longer to wake up." Dr. Armstrong explained.

" I see." Morag said, " and has anyone called her son?"

" He's on his way." Dr. Armstrong replied, " I'll let you stay for ten minutes but you have to get back to bed. You have a concussion remember?" Dr. Armstrong left the room.

Morag sat down on a chair next to the bed and studied Laura. She felt guilty Laura was lying in a hospital bed unconscious. She had been the one driving after all. She could have done something to stop the car.

Its not your fault the brakes weren't working, Morag tried to reason with herself but still felt guilty all the same.

Things had not been easy for Laura since she arrived to Summer Bay. She moved here to get a fresh start in life but instead lost her son and ended up in hospital.

Morag reached over and clasped Laura's hand in hers, shocked at how cold it was. I hope it isn't a sign. She thought, Laura you had better get through this. I don't want to lose you as a friend.

There were running footsteps and Jacob dashed into the room. Morag dropped Laura's hand like a hot potato and stood up-a little too fast. The room spun dizzily and Morag steadied herself.

" What are you doing here?" Jacob demanded her as he reached the bed.

" I am just visiting your mother." Morag replied.

" You have no right being here, get lost." Jacob snapped.

Morag frowned at him, " I know you are upset but there is no need to speak to me like that young man."

" You were driving right?"

" Yes but-"

" Then you nearly killed her. So you have no right to be here. Get out." Jacob snarled. Morag glanced down at Laura before leaving the room.

Jacob sat down and took his mother hand, " Mum, I'm so sorry." He said then started to sob. He didn't mean to yell at Ms. Bellingham but he had to blame someone.

Blame yourself Jacob, you caused the crash not Ms. Bellingham, he reminded himself as he wiped his eyes.

It was around 9pm when Sam Tate entered the Diner. He looked around briefly and almost walked into the waitress…her name was Irene something.

" Excuse me," he said to her and she looked up.

" Can I help you?" Irene asked, leaning over to wipe up a table.

" Have you seen Jacob or Laura around?" he asked politely.

Irene hesitated as she studied this stranger. She hasn't seem him before.

" I'm sorry and you are?" she wasn't about to tell him anything.

" Sam Tate. I'm her husband," he told her getting impatient. Who did this nosey woman think she was questioning him? " I'm looking for them. Can you tell me where they are?"

Irene knew perfectly well where they were but she also knew this man had a restraining order against him, " I don't know." She shrugged, " I don't know them very well."

Sam could tell when a person was lying and he hated it when people lied to him. He reached out and grabbed her by the arm in a vise-like grip.

" Let go of my arm, you're hurting me." Irene protested as her arm went numb.

" Where are they?" he growled, brining his face up close so that she was staring right into his cold, empty eyes. This man was dangerous.

" I told you, I don't know." Irene replied as she struggled from his grip but he only held on tighter. Unfortunately the diner was empty because it was almost closing time and no one could come to help her.

But she was wrong. Just as she was about to ask him why he wanted to see Laura and Jacob, Barry Hyde walked in.

" What are you doing?" Barry demanded Sam when he realized this man intended on hurting Irene.

Sam dropped Irene's arm, " Nothing," he snarled and stalked out of the diner. Irene rubbed her arm.

" Are you all right? Who was he?" Barry asked her.

" The devil himself." Irene replied shakily.

* * *

" Jacob?" Dr Armstrong tapped Jacob on the shoulder and the boy whirled around, his eyes wide with fright.

" Oh I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Rachel apologized.

" What do you want?" Jacob snapped, his heart thudding in his chest. He had been lost his thoughts and this woman came out of nowhere.

" Visiting hours are over," Rachel pointed out kindly, " Would you like me to take you home?"

" Irene invited me to stay the night while Mum's in hospital." Jacob told Rachel, " Can you take me to her house?"

" Sure. I'm off shift in five minutes." Rachel peered at the patient. Laura was still unconscious. She asked Nurse Julie Cooper to monitor her all night.

She checked on Morag, the older woman was asleep. If she felt okay she could go home tomorrow.

Rachel took Jacob to Irene's place and left him there. Irene tried her best to make the boy feel welcome but he was tired and sullen.

" I just want to go to bed." Jacob told Irene.

" Aren't you hungry?" Irene asked him and he shook his head. Irene made up the spare bed in Kim's old room.

It took Jacob a long time to fall asleep. The guilt ate away at him as he tossed and turned. It was round midnight when he finally did fall asleep.

* * *

Morag slid out of bed and went into Laura's room. It was well after one pm and she still hadn't woken. Morag sat down next to the bed and held her hand as she thought about the night when Laura kissed her.

When she wakes up you have to tell her, Morag told herself, you have to let her know you have feelings for her too.

[Natasha]

Author's Note: I am not exactly sure what Nurse Julie's last name is. So I'm taking a punt and calling her Julie Cooper.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Morag was looked over by the doctor and was told she could go home. Morag got dressed and went to Laura's room.

" How is she?" she asked Dr. Armstrong.

" The swelling of her brain has decreased quite a bit and the effects of the alcohol has completely worn off. She's in a stable condition."

Rachel left the room and Morag took her hand in hers. It was warmer than it has been. Laura's eyelids started fluttering madly.

Laura tried to opened her eyes but they felt as though they were glued shut. Her whole body screamed with pain and her head was pounding. What happened to me? She wondered. She felt someone holding her hand, she couldn't speak so she squeezed the hand instead. She then heard someone call her name.

" Laura?" the voice sounded faraway as she struggled to cry out. There was something stuck in her throat and she gagged trying to get words out.

" Open your eyes Laura." The voice urged and she tried.

I can't. She wanted to cry, it hurts too much. She forced her eyes open. Her vision was blurry but could vaguely make out a person sitting next to her bed.

She tried to speak but the thing down her throat stopped her from doing so. That's when she realized there was another person standing on the other side of her.

" You have a tube down your throat Laura. Just relax and I'll get it out for you." The voice told her. The tube was pulled out-that part wasn't pleasant

Laura licked her lips, they were dry and cracked, " W-water," she rasped and the other person held a glass to her lips as she drank.

" What happened?" she asked as her vision started to clear. It was Morag who was sitting next to her. She looked around for her son but he wasn't around.

" We were in a car accident you've been unconscious since yesterday." Morag answered, " Don't you remember any of it?"

Laura tried to think back. She remembered sitting in a car with Morag but after that, her mind was a complete blank.

" You were worse off than me, I'd been afraid-" Morag didn't finish her sentence. She urged to herself to fulfill the promise she had made to herself. But she couldn't bring herself to do it.

" Where's Jacob?" Laura asked after a moment of silence.

" He's at school, I can call him if you want."

" No…I want him to stay at school. He can come afterwards." Laura turned to the doctor who was checking her vitals, " when can I go home?"

" Not after we've done a few tests. We might need you to stay here overnight."

" But…I have to go home.' Laura protested, " I only have three days left to spend with my son."

The doctor only just smiled apologetically before he finished and left the room. Laura sat up but the room spun sickeningly around her.

" Morag…I have to get out of here. I'm losing precious time with Jacob."

Morag nodded and patted her hand, " I'll see what I can do." She said before leaving the room also.

* * *

Jacob arrived at the hospital to find her mother not in her room. Her bed was made.

He ran back to the desk, " Where's my mother?" he demanded one of the nurses.

" I'm sorry, who?"

" My mother…Laura Tate."

" Oh…she's off having a couple of tests done, she'll be back soon."

" You mean…she woke up and no one called me?" he frowned at her.

" I'm sure someone did…" the nurse didn't know what to say. Jacob was about to head back into the room when he saw Morag walking down the hallway.

" Why didn't you call me when she woke up?" Jacob demanded her.

" I was going to, but your mother insisted on you staying at school." Morag shrugged. She's just about had enough of this young man's attitude.

" When she is getting out of here?"

" Not until tomorrow afternoon I'm afraid. I tried talking to the doctor about getting her discharged but-"

Jacob didn't want to hear anymore, he went back to her room. An hour later, her mother returned, in a wheelchair.

" Mum!" he exclaimed with relief when he saw her. She looked pale, thin and her forehead was covered with a bandage.

" Hi son." She smiled when he kissed her cheek.

" I'm so…bummed that you won't get to home until tomorrow." He said, " we would only have three days till Dad comes."

" I know sweetheart. We'll just have to make the most of it won't we?"

" Can't I take the days off from school and spend it with you?"

" We'll see." His mother smiled at him, she looked tired.

Morag's phone rang then and she talked briefly. " Well, since Jacob is here, I'll be off."

Laura nodded as she was helped back into bed. " Thanks Morag."

" For what? I didn't do anything." Morag didn't want to leave but something had come up.

" Just for being here."

" Yes well…I'll come by tomorrow and pick you up." Morag left the room and Jacob sighed.

" I don't know why she insists on hanging around."

" Jacob! She's been a good friend and I think you ought to lose the attitude."

" Mum, she's the one who almost killed you," he reminded her, " Don't you remember anything? She was the one was driving."

" I know but it was just an accident Jacob." She pointed out. She tried to remember what happened before the crash but came up with nothing. The doc had assured her that her memory would return.

" What do you want to do when you get out of here?" he asked, changing the subject.

* * *

The keys dropped from her hand and they both knelt to retrieve them when their hands brushed together. Laura glanced at her friend and in a split second decision, she planted a kiss on Morag's mouth!

Morag was stunned as she felt the woman's lips on hers and her first instinct was to recoil, but she didn't. Instead she found herself returning the kiss-tentatively.

Laura was jolted awake when someone walked into her room. She had fallen asleep when Jacob left. She had dreamed that dream again-the night she kissed Morag. Nothing had been resolved between them.

Things had changed now, they were back to being friends again but Laura had noticed Morag had not let go of her hand until Jacob arrived. Laura had felt something between them.

Or maybe it's all a lost cause. She thought bitterly.

" Mum? You ready to go?" Jacob asked. She glanced at the clock and realized it was well after 4pm.

" I have to get dressed first." They had made the decision that she was going to discharge herself, against the doctor's orders. She wasn't going to lose anymore time with Jacob. She hadn't told Morag the plan either, she'd only try and stop her.

" Well, hurry up Mum or someone will come." Jacob said impatiently.

Her body still hurt like nothing else she had felt but she tried to move fast. And within five minutes, they were out of the hospital.

" We did it." Laura grinned at her son as he called for a taxi on his phone, " We make a good team you and I."

Jacob nodded in agreement. He knew the three days with his mother would fly by and that Friday would come quickly.

He had to come up with some plan to get out of it.

* * *

Morag went to visit Laura before visiting hours were over for the night. It was almost eight and she was sure Jacob would be back home. She did not feel like dealing with him right now.

She walked into her room and was surprised to find the bed empty and made. She walked back out and asked one of the nurses.

" Laura Tate?"

Morag nodded, " in that room." She pointed.

The nurse flipped thorough the book, " Oh, here she is. She discharged herself today at 4pm."

Morag stared at her dumbfounded, " She what?"

[Natasha]

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Morag sighed, she knew why Laura discharged herself against doctor’s orders. She walked away from the desk and called Laura’s mobile, but there was no answer. Morag called her apartment and Laura answered.

“ Hello?”

“ Laura…what do you think you’re doing?” Morag blasted her.

“ I know you’re angry-“

“ you’ve just been in a car crash and your body hasn’t heeled! I want you to get back down to the hospital-“

“ I can’t do that…I only have three days left with my son and then knowing Sam, I might not see him again.”

“ I’m worried about you,”

“ I know that but I’m fine. Really.”

Morag argued with her for a few more minutes than agreed to give her some space.

Laura replaced the receiver and joined her son on the couch. Her body still felt as though she been run over by a truck. She’d taken three painkillers and they were taking a long to time to work. Jacob had made her a cup of tea and a sandwich but she wasn’t hungry.

“ So, what movie are we watching?” she asked sleepily as she settled against the pillows and rested her legs on Jacob’s knees.

He held up a movie, Cheaper By the Dozen. She never heard of it before and smiled anyway. Maybe a good laugh was what she needed.

They didn’t even get five minutes into it when Laura fell asleep.

* * *

Jacob stopped the movie when it finished and got off the couch without disturbing his mother. She had slept right through the movie. It was nearly eight pm. He grabbed a blanket from the hallway closet and covered her with it. He left the lamp on beside the couch before he got ready for bed himself.

He was almost dozing off when it came to him-the plan that will save him. It was so perfect, he wondered why he didn’t think of it before.

He jumped out of bed and ran into the living room and shook his mother awake.

“ Mum!” he said, “ Wake up!”

“ Hmm? What?” she opened her eyes and peered at him, “ What’s wrong Jacob? What time is it?”

“ Nothing’s wrong and never mind what time it is. I just had the best idea.”

“ About what?” she yawned and buried deeper underneath the blanket, “ Can’t it wait until morning? I thought you’d at least let me sleep right through-“

“ It’s about Friday, I’ve come up with a way to get out of it!”

Laura blinked at her son, feeling a bit more alert, “ How? How are you going to get out of it? You are going-whether we like or not.”

“ I won’t if we’re not here.”

Laura stared at him, “ What do you mean?”

“ We can leave this place and go somewhere where he’ll never find us! Maybe to Western Australia. He’ll never find us there. But we’d have to leave ASAP.”

“ Jacob-“

“ I don’t mind leaving this place Mum. To tell you the truth, it sucks. Everyone knows everyone’s business…we’re city people.”

“ I have friends here now.” She protested, thinking of Morag. How could she leave her now when she was so close?

“ There are emails and phone calls. C’mon Mum, it’s a great idea.” Jacob waited expectantly for her answer.

“ I don’t know…can’t I sleep on it?”

“ Mum, you need to make up your mind now. We don’t have much time left.”

“ I’m sorry Jacob, but I have unfinished business here. I need to think about it Jacob.”

* * *

Morag woke in the middle of the night and went downstairs. She was having a terrible night sleeping, images of Laura kept plaguing her mind. She made herself a good, stiff drink and went to sit on the couch.

Why didn’t you tell her when you had the chance? Morag asked herself. She glanced at the clock and saw it was not as late as she thought-only ten pm. She grabbed her mobile and sent someone a text. She knew it was late and quite possible Laura was asleep but if she never did it now, then she’ll never will.

* * *

Laura got dressed quietly. She had just received a text from Morag which had woken her up. Morag wanted to meet her somewhere because she had something urgent to tell her and it could not wait. She threw on her denim jacket and left the apartment and headed down to the pier.

Morag nearly changed her mind and almost left when she saw Laura walking across the pier, wearing jeans and a denim jacket.

“ Good evening Morag,” Laura greeted her.

“ Thanks for meeting me.” Morag said.

“ It’s quite late…what was so urgent?” Laura asked her.

“ There’s something I need to tell you. I was going to tell you at the hospital but Jacob was there and it didn’t really seem the right time.”

Laura nodded. Morag looked nervous but determined.

Morag took her hands in hers and confessed.

“ Morag…” Laura wasn’t sure what to say instead she kissed her full on the mouth.

[Natasha]

I am glad everyone is enjoying this fic. Thanks again for the feedback. It's encouraging!

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The kiss ended and another hungry one started. Laura felt dizzy as the headache pounded but she ignored it and concentrated on Morag instead. But the dizziness got worse and she leaned against Morag for support.

“ Are you all right?” Morag steadied her.

“ I’m fine, I just need to catch my breath.” Laura smiled but she looked as white as a ghost.

“ I’ll take you home-before Jacob notices you went missing.” Morag took her arm and they headed back to Laura’s apartment.

“ So…what now?” Laura asked as they walked.

“ Things have changed with us…however I would like us to be kept a secret.” Morag paused, “ for the moment. I don’t think I’m ready to tell anyone yet.”

“ All right,” Laura agreed. Personally, she wanted to tell the world, but she respected Morag’s wishes. When the time was right.

They arrived at Laura’s apartment, “ I hope he’s asleep.” Laura said looking at her watch, “ He’d demand to know where I went to. I better come up with some kind of excuse.”

“ I’ll come by tomorrow while Jacob is at school.” Morag decided. Before she left, she leaned over and pecked her on the cheek. She gave Laura a little half-smile before she disappeared down the hallway.

* * *

“ Do I have to?” Jacob pleaded as he followed his mother to the living room, the following morning. “ There isn’t any point if I’m going to move schools.”

“ That isn’t definite. You are going to school.” She said firmly. She wanted Jacob out of the house while Morag was here.

“ Wasn’t the main reason for you leaving hospital was to spend time with each other? How are we supposed to do that when I’m at school?”

“ Jacob, please don’t make things difficult.” Laura sighed, “ Look, we can do something tonight…we can go out for dinner, watch DVDs, anything you want and tomorrow you can stay home.” Tomorrow was the very last day they have together.

“ Deal.” Jacob picked up his backpack, “ We don’t have to go out for dinner, we can order some greasy take out and DVD’s. I’ll even let you choose this time.”

Laura smiled, “ Thanks Jacob.” She watched her son leave and sent Morag a text to tell her he was gone.

* * *

Irene actually saw Morag smile as she read a text message on her phone. She handed Morag her coffee and breakfast.

“ What are you so happy about?” Irene asked chirpily.

“ Something is actually going right for a change.” Morag said, picking up the take away bag and coffee.

“ Care to enlighten me?” Irene asked curiously just as Colleen Smart walked out of the kitchen.

“ Uh, no. I’ll see you later Irene.”

“ Wait a minute…I need to ask you a favour.”

“ Can’t it wait? I’m in a bit of a rush-“

“ Colleen, can you please go see to that table over there?” Irene asked Colleen impatiently. She didn’t want the nosey women around.

“ When Laura first moved here, I thought she looked like someone I know-someone named Katherine O’ Neil. She denied it of course but it’s been on my mind since. I was hoping you’d do some digging-“

“ Sorry Irene, can’t be done.” Morag interrupted.

Irene looked taken-aback, “ Oh…I just thought since-“

“ I’m sorry Irene. Some other time?” she picked up her order and left. Irene frowned, lost in thought.

“ What’s up Reenie?” a voice asked. Irene looked up to see Tasha and Robbie at the counter.

“ Nothing, I was just thinking.” An idea came to her and she turned to Robbie, “ Robbie, can you do something for me?”

“ Sure, what is it?”

“ Hop onto the Internet and search for a woman named Katherine O’ Neil.”

“ Is she Australian?”

“ Yes.”

“ Cool. I’ll see what I can find. Who is she?”

“ Someone who could be lying about herself,” Irene murmured.

Morag opened the door to Laura’s apartment and found her sitting on the couch reading the newspaper. Morag leaned over to greet her with a chaste kiss and joined her on the couch with their breakfast. After fifteen minutes Laura asked Morag what was wrong.

“ Nothing, why?”

“ You’re awfully quiet, have I done something wrong?”

“ No…it’s something Irene said at the diner.”

“ Has she figured us out?” Laura asked, her eyes wide.

“ Of course not. “ Morag put her coffee on the coffee table and turned to Laura,

“ I’m going to ask you something and I need you to be totally honest with me.”

“ What is it?”

“ Laura…who is Katherine O’ Neil?”

[Natasha]

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

" Morag…how did you find out?" Laura demanded her.

Morag told her what happened with Irene, " So who is this mysterious Katherine O' Neil woman?"

Laura took a gulp of her coffee and wished it was something stronger. She hadn't heard that name mentioned in a long time.

" Katherine…is my sister. I can see why Irene would get us mixed up. We look a lot alike." Laura laughed bitterly, " Actually that's an understatement. She's my identical twin."

" You have a twin sister?" Morag was doubly surprised. She couldn't imagine there was someone else out there looking just like her girlfriend.

" Where is she? Why haven't you told me about her? And why was she on the news?"

" Katherine is a writer-or was one. She was on the news because she got unwanted publicity when she was put into a mental institution about eight years ago."

" Why is she in a mental institution?"

" She tried to commit suicide when she was found guilty of plagiarizing. Her career went down the drain and she suffered the consequences. I haven't seen her since then."

" Whereabouts?" Morag asked.

" Perth."

" And you haven't seen her in eight years?"

" Yes…my brother visits her and he's tried to get me to as well but there are other reasons why I can't see her. Won't see her."

" I wish you told me this earlier." Morag looked at her sternly, " Laura, I hope there aren't any more secrets. I had to hear this from someone else and not you. In the future, I'd like us to be honest with each other."

" Of course." Laura nodded.

" So no more secrets?"

" No more secrets." Laura agreed and took another gulp of coffee.

After Morag left around four pm, Laura decided it was time to catch up on some housework. She's been letting it slide and the place was starting to look it. Even though she knew she should be resting, Laura didn't want to sit around and do nothing.

She dusted the apartment and the started her least favourite chore, vacuum cleaning. She did the entire apartment before doing Jacob's room last. She hummed to herself as she pushed the vacuum cleaner under his bed when she heard a clinking noise. It sounded like glass, he must have stashed empty dishes under the bed. It wouldn't be the first time. He can be so lazy sometimes.

She reached under the bed and her hand came in contact with a glass bottle. Thinking it was just an empty coke bottle, she pulled it out.

She nearly dropped it when she discovered it wasn't a coke bottle at all.

It was vodka.

Laura knelt and peered under the bed, there was a second bottle. She pulled that out too and stared at them.

They hadn't been opened but that wasn't the point. What was her fifteen year old son doing with two bottles of alcohol? And how on earth did he manage to buy them?

She turned off the vacuum cleaner and put it away. She texted her son a message, ordering him to come home now.

* * *

Jacob unlocked the door to his apartment, wondering what was up with his mother. He'd been playing pool with the guys when he got the stern sounding text message. He put his bag on the floor when his mother walked in.

He went white. She was holding the vodka bottles.

He was in deep trouble…

* * *

Morag stirred sugar in her coffee, smiling to herself. It had been a nice afternoon with Laura and it had also been nice not to have that scowling son of hers around. She wondered what he had against her? She has done nothing to upset him.

The phone next to her rang and she answered it.

" Morag Bellingham."

" Hello Mrs. Bellingham, this is Doug from the Yabbie Creek Garage."

" Hello Doug, have you found out what was wrong with the brakes?"

There was a pause, " Um, yes. I'm afraid I have some bad news about them. It seems your brakes were tampered with."

" What do you mean tampered with?" Morag demanded as she tried to absorb this news.

" Someone cut the brake line." Doug said. They talked for a while longer until Morag hung up. She could not believe it…first her tires were punctured and now someone tampered her breaks. They wanted her to have the accident.

And she knew who that someone might be.

Jacob.

[Natasha]

CHAPTER NINETEEN

" Mum…" Jacob stared as his mother put the bottles on the counter silently, then she turned to stare at him. It was her disapproving silence that unnerved him.

" What were you doing snooping in my room?" he asked, trying to delay the inevitable.

His mother narrowed her eyes dangerously, " I wasn't snooping, I was house cleaning. Where did you get these?."

Jacob swallowed and rubbed his sweaty palms against his jeans, " Um-" He thought fast and came up with something that might get off the hook. As his mother inspected the bottles she noticed a small sticker on the bottom that read, property of Noah's Bar. She raised her eyebrows. This answered her first question.

" You got these from Noah's Bar?"

Jacob nodded, " Y-Yes."

" Who sold you these?" she asked, how could anyone sell a fifteen year old booze?

" No one did."

" Then how did you get your hands on them?" she demanded.

" I found them," he blurted out.

" Found them?"

" Yeah, on the beach. I was going to hand them in but I guess I forgotten about them."

Laura narrowed her eyes again, " Are you sure?"

" With everything that's going on, they were the least of my thoughts." Jacob held out his hands pleadingly, " Please, you have to believe me. There's no way I would steal booze from Noah's Bar-how can I when it's manned all the time?"

Laura relaxed, she knew her son wouldn't thieve. He was an honest boy, " I believe you Jacob. Let's give these back then eh?"

" I'll do it." Jacob volunteered, relieved she fell for his little lie.

" Thanks. And while you're doing that I'll order us some Chinese Food?" she was trying to make amends for doubting him. He nodded, trying to be enthusiastic, but his mother's discovery really rattled. He told himself to play it cool or she'll be suspicious again.

Jacob left and Laura ordered some Chinese Food. She then sent Morag a text and a few minutes later, Morag called her.

" Miss me already?" Laura teased.

" I got a call from the garage," Morag replied, neatly avoiding the question.

" Oh and what did they say?"

" The brake lines have been cut."

Laura fell silent, " Someone wanted us to have the accident?"

" Not us. Me." Morag paused, " I've been trying to rack my brain to figure out who would want me dead."

" No one wants you dead Morag-"

" Ah yes, well there are several people in town who has vendettas against me, not to mention people I've put in prison. The list goes on." Morag decided it was best not to tell Laura she thinks it was Jacob who did it. The best way was to confront the boy herself.

" Jacob's back…I must go. Will I see you tomorrow?"

" Don't you want the day free to spend with Jacob?" it was the very last day before Friday.

" Yes…" they said goodbye and hung up.

" Who were you talking to?" Jacob asked curiously as she hung up.

" Morag. She was telling me the brakes of her car had been tampered with. That's what caused the accident." Laura said as she went to get some more painkillers. The headache was back with a vengeance.

The brakes. Jacob clenched his fists. Another thing to worry about. What if Morag discovered it had been him? She'd tell his mother and his mother wouldn't trust him again. She'd probably be glad to see the back of him when his father came to pick him up.

I hope Friday never comes. Jacob thought. Then he came up with another idea. It was risky but the risks didn't matter much if he was leaving Summer Bay for good.

" Mum…I know who tampered with Morag's brakes." Jacob said.

" You do?"

Jacob nodded, " I didn't say anything before because he threatened me. If I told anyone, he'd…beat me up. It was Tim."

" Tim? I don't know who he is."

" A kid at school. He's got some kind of vendetta against Morag because she put his father behind bars. I caught him doing it."

" Thanks for telling me Jacob." Laura grabbed her phone, " I have to ring her."

* * *

Morag was surprised but pleased when she heard from Laura again. She listened as Laura told her about Jacob's confession.

" Timothy Morally. " Morag sighed, " He's always had it in for me. I suppose he was the one who punctured my tyres earlier on too."

" Just thought you should know."

" Thank you, I will deal with Mr. Morally later." Morag promised.

" Well, goodbye again. We'll talk later."

They made plans after all before Morag disconnected the call. She then got up and headed for the surf club, a favourite hang out of Timothy Morally's. But as she got there, she realized if she confronted him now, Timothy might take it out on Jacob. It was best to wait until after Jacob had left the Bay.

* * *

Thursday went by in a blur and Friday came much to quickly. Laura woke up with the usual splitting headache and downed two pills before she got up. She slowly moved around the kitchen making coffee and Jacob his breakfast.

" Jacob, breakfast." She called out. A few minutes later, Jacob emerged from his room carrying his luggage and a few boxes.

" I can't believe it's Friday." Jacob whispered. His face looked pale and there were dark circle under his eyes.

Laura only nodded as she handed him his cereal. Sam would be here in less than two hours.

" Are you ready?"

" Yup. I just need to go to the surf club to say goodbye to a couple of guys but otherwise, I'll be ready for him.

* * *

Sam Tate arrived on time as Laura answered the door. He asked for Jacob and Laura went to his room but he wasn't there.

" Where is he then? I asked you to have him ready." Sam answered, anger slowly building. This was a plot against him.

" He said he would be here." Laura told him, " I'll give him a ring." She did but got no answer.

" You can come back and-"

" No. I'll wait till he comes. If he doesn't get here in one hour, I'll be very angry." Sam narrowed his eyes, " And I won't be held responsible for my actions."

* * *

I'm sorry Mum, but I have to do this. Jacob thought as he boarded the bus. He was running away, he had planned it all along. He knew his mother would get hurt but she was strong, she had friends to support her. He didn't, he had no one.

It was close to six as Morag entered Noah's Bar and waited for Laura. They had made plans to meet here after Sam had picked Laura up. Laura had wanted to drown her sorrows again and needed company too. Six-fifteen pm came and went and still no Laura. Morag frowned, Laura was never late.

She called Lara's mobile but got voicemail. She hung up and went to her apartment. She knocked once and entered.

" Laura, are you-" the words died on her lips.

Laura's living room had been ransacked and there was blood on the floor…