All That You Can't Leave Behind

[Adia]

Thanks for your comments! Sorry it took me ages to update, but i finally have some spare time. Here's the next part. Enjoy!

ChapterFive:

Matilda sighed as she looked in the mirror. She unsure about how to handle the Cassie situation. They had been through so much together and they were once the best of friends. But Matilda was still angry about what Cassie had done to Ric. Things had changed between them forever. Perhaps they could still be friends she thought to herself. She gathered up her things and walked out of the bathroom back into the hallway.

As she walked towards her locker she saw Brad showing someone around. As they got closer she realised that it was the girl that she had seen at the beach early that morning. She opened her locker and watched them inquisitively out of the corner of her eye.

They stopped a few metres away from Matilda, as Brad talked about some of the things at the school. The girl seemed a little disinterested as she kept her gaze firmly fixed on the floor in front of her.

“Here’s your locker,’ Brad said handing her the key. “Your first class will be with Ms Fletcher in History after lunch. Do you have any other questions?”

“No, I’m good thanks,” she said quietly, looking down at the floor.

“Listen, if you need anything, my door is always open okay?” he said trying to comfort her a little.

“I’m sure everything will work out Mr Armstrong. Thanks for everything you’ve done so far” she said finally managing a smile. Brad smiled back and then left her.

Matilda was curious about her. She had only caught a fleeting glance of her that morning at the beach, but already she felt that there was something so very familiar about her. In that split second, Matilda had already imagined all the different aspects of her past, her emotions, her personality. She then realised that she didn’t even know the girl’s name, and that she was more of a mystery than anything else.

The girl ran her fingers through her long dark hair and flicked through one of her text books. Everything about her was almost perfect. Her dark features actually reminded Matilda of Leah. But it was her eyes that really drew Matilda in. Even though they seemed to shimmer in the darkly lit hallway there was an intense sadness about them.

“Hi” Matilda said approaching her. “I’m Matilda Hunter. Are you new?”

The girl looked up and smiled. “Hi,” she said surprised. “Yeah, am I that obvious? I just started today. Sorry I’m Nina. Nina Rogers.” She held out her hand and Matilda gratefully shook it.

“Listen, I was just about to head to the diner for lunch,” Matilda said to her. “Are you doing anything? I could show you around a bit if you like? There's still ages till the next class starts.”

Nina looked at little uneasy. “Are you sure? I mean I just…”

“It’s fine really,” Matilda insisted. “I know what it’s like to be new in this town so I totally understand how you’re feeling.”

Nina nodded and put her book into her locker. “Okay, I guess a bit of lunch won’t kill me.” She laughed nervously as Matilda led the way.

[Adia]

I'm on a roll, so i thought i'd post it while i have some free time. I hope you like it!

ChapterSix:

McGrath escorted Jake Rogers out of his office. “I’ll expect you same time here tomorrow. No excuses.” McGrath said firmly.

Jake stood up straight and cheekily saluted him. “Yes Senior Sergeant Darren McGrath” he exclaimed.

He casually walked up to the desk where Lara was. “You really suit that blue” he whispered sarcastically. “I have to say… I’ve always loved a man in uniform.”

Jack was immediately annoyed with him. “Watch what you’re saying” he threatened.

“Oooh! A little jealous mate” Jake grinned. “Don’t worry, you’re more my type.” He laughed loudly before McGrath shoved him towards the door.

“Get out of here Jake,” he warned. “Don’t you dare come back in here tomorrow acting like that towards my constables!”

Jake saluted him again as he walked backwards to the door.

“Bye handsome” he said smartly as he left.

“What a dick” Lara said angrily.

“Sorry about that Fitzy,” said McGrath. “Did you get anything on that green ute?”

“Not much,” she said shaking her head. “But I might have something. The only green ute registered in the area belongs to Caleb Thompson, only thing is… he signed off the ownership a couple of days ago to a wreckers yard just outside town.”

“That’s pretty good Lara,” McGrath said encouragingly. “I guess you’re off then?”

“Yeah, me and Sonya are going to head down there now and ask a few questions. I’ll update you when we get back.” She grabbed her police hat and quickly left.

“So what are you up to now Holden?” McGrath asked Jack.

“I was just heading out for some lunch. I thought I might head back to the diner to see how thing are.”

McGrath nodded in agreement. “Listen Jack. I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something. Since Peter passed away, HQ have had some trouble getting a detective out here. To be honest with you Evan Rice was actually being considered for this but…”

Jack had a pretty fair idea where this was going. He had been waiting for this for a long time now. The excitement was building up inside him.

“Jack, you’ve done a pretty good job the time you’ve been here, and you certainly proved yourself during the whole pyro thing. I’d like to put your name forward for detective’s training. I think you’ve got the potential.”

Jack was ecstatic. It was what he had been working towards since he graduated from police college. All the hard work he put in was finally paying off.

“But listen Jack, there is only one spot available in this district and there is some tough competition for this spot.” McGrath warned.

“Anything, I’ll do anything. Whatever it takes” Jack insisted.

“Don’t you want to think about it first?” Get your head around the idea?” McGrath asked cautiously.

“No, I don’t need to think about it. Are you kidding? This is an opportunity of a life time.”

“Alright calm down mate. The district superintendent will be evaluating your performance over the next month or so, so I hope it’s not too much pressure?”

“No way! This is great! Thank you so much Senior”

“Alright, I’ll go and set the paper work in motion now. It’ll be all ready to sign once you get back.”

Jack thanked him again and cheerfully rushed out of the station.

As he walked out to his car, he pulled out his phone and dialled Martha’s number. “Hey it’s me. Listen I’ve got some great news. Do you want to meet me at the diner in about 20 minutes?” He smiled as he listened to Martha talk. “Great, I’ll see you soon.”

[Adia]

ChapterSeven.

Nina was very quiet as she walked with Matilda along the beach. Matilda explained all the sites and sounds to her, while Nina just nodded and smiled.

“So where are you from?” Matilda asked Nina as they walked into the diner.

“I’m just from the city,” she said quietly sitting down at a booth.

“So why did your family move here to the Bay?”

“It’s just me and my brother. He wanted a fresh start.”

Matilda could sense that Nina didn’t really want to talk. “Look I hope I’m not prying” Matilda apologised.

“No, no, no. It’s just new town, new school… I’m just trying to take it all in you know? I hope I’m not being rude?” said Nina.

Matilda smiled and shook her head. “No you’re not being rude at all.” Matilda looked around for a seat. She saw Cassie and Macca in one of the booths in the far corner, and Lucas was sitting with Tony and Beth and Martha at a table by the counter.

She glared at Cassie for a second, then walked over to Beth.

“Do you mind if we sit with Lucas and my mum?” she asked Nina.

I’ll introduce you.”

“Yeah, that sounds good” she agreed.

“Hey sweet” said Beth when she saw Matilda. Tony pulled up a couple more seats to the table.

“Guys, this is Nina, she’s new in town and today’s her first day at school.” Matilda said as she and Nina sat down. Nina gave a quick wave and a smile.

Matilda pointed everyone out. “Nina this is Tony, Martha, Lucas and my mum Beth. Tony is Lucas’ Dad, and Martha is married to Tony’s other son Jack… and my mum and Tony are ‘together’ and I’m rambling on aren’t I?” she laughed.

“Just a little Maddie” said Lucas.

“So Nina, where are you from?” asked Martha.

“I’m from the city, I’ve just moved here with my older brother.” She said softly.

“What does he do?”

“Jake doesn’t really have a job at the moment… but...”

Irene interrupted her as she came over to their table with her notepad. “Hiya darl,” she said cheerfully to Maddie. “What’ll you have today?”

“I’ll just get a burger and an orange juice” Matilda smiled.

“Oh hello love, I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before?” Irene said to Nina.

“I’m new in town” said Nina.

Irene smiled. “I’m sure that you’ll fit right in here love. We’re not so bad once you get to know us. What’ll you have then?”

“I’ll just have the same as Matilda. Thanks.”

Irene walked back into the kitchen to prepare their food.

Martha looked at her watch and then looked towards the entrance of the diner. “He’ll turn up,” Tony said rubbing her back.

“Yeah, well he’s late and I actually had things to do today” Martha said angrily.

“Cheer up Martha.” Lucas interjected. ‘You had one fight with Jack. It’s not the end of the world. I bet he’s got some great big apology lined up.”

“It can’t be easy for him either Martha. All the late nights he’s putting in at the station lately…” said Beth.

“No one said it would be easy being married to a police officer,” said Tony. Everyone laughed except Nina.

“You’re married to a police officer?” Nina asked Martha.

“Yeah, and believe me… they look good in that uniform, but once you get married, that’s all you’ll ever see them in,” said Martha.

Nina looked uncomfortable. “Don’t worry about Jack” Matilda whispered to Nina. “He’s a really good cop, a really nice guy too.”

Nina flashed a half smile. She was a little worried.

[>>Emma<<]

Wow, I just read all that you've written so far, and it's a great story, and its really different. I don't usually read fics like this, but you have me hooked, and it was great when I got onto the last page and there were three chapters just waiting for me to read. This is brilliant, so please post another update whenever you have time. I will be reading them all.

[Adia]

Thanks JackandMartha4eva. I've been reading your fanfic and i love it! It's one of the first fics i always check for updates!

I mananged to write another chapter this afternoon. Here it is...

ChapterEight:

Johnny sat on the hood of his car and flipped open his phone. It was midday and he still hadn’t heard from Rocco. The thought crossed his mind that maybe he had gotten Rocco into too much trouble. However, that thought seemed to be a moment of weakness for him. ‘Nah,’ he thought to himself. ‘Rocco’s been in worse trouble, he can deal with it’. He grinned to himself. ‘I’m doing what’s best for him’ he reflected.

He slammed his phone shut and grunted as he watched his mates demolish a car.

“It’s all done Johnny,’ his friend called out to him. “By the time the cops get here, there’ll be no trace of the car, we’re gonna bury it with some of that old crap.” The guy walked towards Johnny wiping his sweating brow.

Johnny nodded. “Good job Karl. We lay low tonight, and plan our next move. This town hasn’t seen our best work yet.” He flipped open his phone again.

“You waiting to hear from Rocco?” Karl asked him. “Maybe they’ve got him holed up at the cop shop?”

“Nah, I doubt it.” Johnny scoffed. “We would’ve heard about it by now. Besides I gotta teach that boy a lesson. He’s got to learn to stand on his own two feet. Stop depending on me you know?”

Karl frowned. “Whatever you say mate.”

Johnny’s phone suddenly rang. He was disappointed that it wasn’t Rocco, but he didn’t let it show. “Yes?” he answered. “Well, well well. I’m glad you’ve decided to join us. We could really use your expertise on our next job… alright. I’ll come and pick you up myself.”

“Who was that?” Karl asked as he and Johnny got into the car.

“Our new best friend.” Johnny grinned.

“Listen, Johnny, are you sure you can really trust this guy? I mean we hardly know him.” Karl argued.

Johnny scowled. “Mate, he’s done hard time. He’s violent, he’s dodgy, he’s a criminal. He’s exactly the kind of guy we want to be around. If didn’t know any better I would’ve thought the two us were twins.”

Johnny sped along the dirt road. He looked ahead and on the other side he could see a police car approaching. He looked over at Karl and sniggered. He sped up.

Lara and Sonya weren’t sure what to make of the speeding car. When the two cars passed each other Lara caught a glance of the driver. “It’s Johnny Cooper”. She quickly swerved the car around and turned on the sirens.

“WOOO HOOO” Johnny yelled as he hit the accelerator. Karl sat in the passenger seat laughing. Lara and Sonya sped up as fast as they could. “He’s not stopping. Call for back up Son” Lara advised.

Johnny and Karl listened intently to their police scanner. “Aww… They’re calling for back up,” Johnny said sarcastically.

“I guess they can’t handle the jandal” Karl laughed.

Johnny slowed the car down and pulled over to the side of the road. Lara and Sonya pulled up behind them and got out of their car.

“I’m sorry officers” Johnny said as Lara approached his window. “I didn’t realise you had your sirens on. I’m going a bit deaf you see…”

“Sir, do you realise you were speeding back there” said Lara.

“Oh no officer… Was I? I didn’t mean to” he mocked.

“Will you both please step out of the car” Lara said sternly. Johnny and Karl smiled as they both got out of the car. Johnny walked around in front of Lara and Sonya so that they both had their backs to Karl.

“Listen, I’m sure we can work something out. We haven’t actually done anything wrong” Johnny negotiated. “What’s the worst you can do anyway? Give me a speeding ticket?” Johnny grinned as he kept a close eye on Karl.

“He’s right Lara” said Sonya.

Lara took a deep breath and pulled out her notebook. She scribbled down his speeding fine and handed it to him.

“You’re doing a good job upholding the law in the community officers,” said Johnny. “I think I’ve learnt my lesson. I won’t do it again.”

The two guys both laughed heartlessly as they got back into the car.

“Have a nice day officers” Karl yelled as they drove off.

“This town seems to be over run with stupid idiots like him lately” Lara moaned.

“Umm Lara, we have a problem.” Sonya pointed at their police car. Their tyres were flat.

Johnny and Karl picked up Jake from outside the police station.

“Parole check in” Jake muttered as he got in the car.

“We’ve all been there mate” Johnny said cheerfully. “Listen, these locals are such idiots. The local cops are even worse. Once you hear our plan… I’ve got a place where we can talk… Discuss the finer details of our little business agreement. This town is gonna go down!”

[ash_mc]

Geez, Adia, you've been busy! Wonder how Martha will feel when Jack tells her about the detective job....

Great Chapters! Update soon!

[Adia]

Geez, Adia, you've been busy! Wonder how Martha will feel when Jack tells her about the detective job....

Great Chapters! Update soon!

Yeah i know... i didn't think writing fan fics would be so addictive! But it's really fun.. i'm enjoying it. Glad you like the fic though. Funny you should mention Martha's reaction. That's coming up next...

[Guest]

Haha I was craking up in every bit of it and I just love it and please always continue on this Fic for a very long time as I love it

[Adia]

ChapterNine:

Nina looked around the diner nervously.

“The food shouldn’t be too far away now,” Beth said to her.

“Oh yeah, I’m just starving that’s all,” Nina said laughing it off.

Beth looked at her closely as though she were trying to solve a maths puzzle. She noticed that Nina was incredibly polite, but very guarded when it came to questions about her situation or her brother.

“You know Nina, Maddie has some old uniforms that she doesn’t use, you’d be a perfect fit for them.” Beth said as she eyed up Nina’s blue jeans and green zip up hoodie.

“Thanks,’ Nina said gratefully, “but I’ve already got it sorted.

Mr Armstrong was going to give them to me after school. Thanks for the offer though.”

“Look if you ever need anything, Matilda has probably got five or six of everything, so we’re always happy to help,” Beth said warmly.

Matilda nodded. “Yeah, I have a huge family so there are a lot of hand me downs!”

“Maybe you should introduce your brother to Jack?” said Lucas. “Jack knows a few people around here, they might get on well.”

Martha interrupted their conversation with a loud sigh. “I don’t think I can wait any longer.” She said grabbing her bag.

“Martha, just relax,’ suggested Tony. “Jack will be here. Why don’t you give a ring and see how far away he is.”

Martha pulled out her phone and sent him a text message. Almost immediately, her phone was beeping.

“Jack says he’s about five minutes away” she said a little happier.

“Umm is there are bathroom anywhere around here?” Nina said anxiously biting her lip.

“Yeah just around corner there” Tony answered.

She smiled and quickly grabbed her bag. “Excuse me. Umm, I’ll be back in a minute.”

“She seems really nice Maddie,” said Beth once Nina was out of earshot.

“Yeah, not really what I expected” said Lucas.

“What do you mean mate?” Tony asked him.

“Well Dan told Drew that there was another student starting who had some sort of run in with the cops. Like they were Rocco the second or something” Lucas told him.

“Nina doesn’t seem to be like that” Tony said puzzled. “Unless she’s an extremely gifted actress. She seems like an ordinary girl.”

“She does seem pretty quiet” said Beth.

“Mum!” Matilda said frowning. “What happened to giving people the benefit of the doubt? You know innocent until proven guilty?”

Nina locked herself in one of the stalls in the bathroom. She took off her hoodie and hung it up on the door. She reached around to the back of her jeans and pulled something out from underneath her

t-shirt. She held the gun in her hand for a moment while she thought. She pulled out the bullet cartridge and put it into one of the small side pockets of her bag. She grabbed her hoodie, wrapped it around the gun and quickly stuffed it into her bag.

Nina walked out and approached Irene at the counter. “Umm, you know what. I might just take mine to go if that’s okay?” Nina asked politely. “I just remembered that I had to do something back at school before I start class.”

“Sure darl” said Irene. “I’ll just put these in a bag for you”

“You’re leaving?” asked Matilda.

“Yeah, I’ve got to get back to school,” she apologised. “I’ve got some things to take care of. But thank you so much for showing me around. I really appreciate it.” Irene handed her takeaways. “Thanks,’ she said giving Irene some money. “I’ll see you all around.”

The group was a little shockeda t her abrupt departure, but waved her off politely anyway.

Nina breathed a sigh of relief as she rushed out of the diner. As she walked through the door, she crashed into Jack who was just coming in. She hadn’t zipped up her bag properly and her books and her hoodie came spilling out as she dropped it.

“I’m so sorry” said Jack bending down to help her pick up her stuff.

“It’s okay, it’s fine,” she said calmly. She reached over to grab her hoodie, but Jack had picked it up first.

She gasped as he handed it back to her.

“Are you okay Miss?” he asked her.

She hastily stuffed it back in her bag. “Yep, I’m good. Thanks.”

“I’m sorry but have we met before?” he asked her.

“Nope, I don’t think so” she said walking away.

Jack and Martha are up next, I promise!

[Adia]

ChapterTen:

Martha looked up as Jack entered the diner. Their eyes locked for a moment. Even with all that had happened the night before, Jack still beamed at her. One part of her was relieved. She loved the way Jack was so carefree about things. He was always looking ahead to the good times. She felt bad about being angry at him, but she couldn’t help it. She was angry because she loved him. She quickly turned away and looked down at her plate. She smiled on the inside. Whenever Jack looked at her like that, she felt like she was the only one in the world that mattered.

“Hey mate,” said Tony. “We were starting to think that you’d never get here.”

“Sorry,’ he apologised. “I didn’t think it would take this long to get here.”

“Well you’re here now,’ said Beth. “We’ve all been waiting to hear the big news.”

Jack smiled as he sat down. “Yeah, well. Is not that big a deal really.”

“Come on Jack, there must be a reason why you got us all here” said Lucas.

“Hang on,” Matilda interjected. “You and Martha aren’t….”

Jack and Martha looked at each other blankly. “No,” Martha said quietly. “Actually I have no idea what Jack is on about.”

“Okay, okay” Jack said waving his hands to quieten them down. “McGrath’s given me an offer. It’s an opportunity that I just couldn’t refuse… he told me to think about it, but I said yes straight away.” He bit his lip as he tried to figure out how to put all of excitement into words. “Basically, he’s put my name forward for detective’s training.”

Tony and Lucas jumped up in excitement. “Oh, Jack” Tony said embracing him. “That’s just great!”

Lucas patted him on the back. “Congrats Jack, that is so awesome” he exclaimed.

“Jack this is absolutely wonderful’ Beth said happily.

“Yeah, you know it’s not set in stone yet,” Jack told them, “I’ll have to go through an evaluation with the superintendent first before he makes his decision. There’s only one spot up for grabs in the whole district so I’ll have to be on top of my game the next few weeks.”

“Oh, you won’t have to worry about that mate,” said Tony, “You’re always on top of your game!”

“Yeah, you shouldn’t have any problems grabbing that spot!” agreed Beth.

“Sorry to spoil the celebration guys,” Matilda said looking at her watch, “but I’ve got to get back to school.”

Lucas nodded. “Yeah, I might head off as well” he said to Jack.

As Lucas and Matilda left, Beth noticed how quiet Martha had been. She looked over at Tony who was still beaming like the proud father he was. “Sweetheart, isn’t it time that you got back to the gym” she asked him.

Tony shook his head. “I’ve still got ages yet” he said puzzled. Beth flashed her eyes in Martha’s direction and Tony immediately got her hint. “Oh geez, is that the time already?” he said looking at his watch. “Sorry Jack, but I’ve got to go. I totally lost track of the time”

“Okay. I’ll catch up with you later” said Jack.

“I might walk you there” Beth said standing up. “Maybe you guys can come over for diner tonight?” she asked.

“Yeah, we’ll see you guys later” Martha said suddenly.

“So… what do you think?” he asked Martha.

“It’s great Jack, it really is. I’m so glad for you.”

Jack laughed. “Is that all? You’re just glad? Not even a smile, or a kiss, or a congratulations? You’re not still angry about last night are you?”

Martha sighed. “I don’t know Jack? Look of course I’m happy for you. I’m happy, I’m glad, I’m ecstatic even.” She leaned into him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m very proud of you Jack,” she told him. “This will be great for your career.” She forced a smile which Jack was completely oblivious to as he pulled her into him and held her tightly.

“Thanks Martha.” He whispered in her ear.

She drew away from him and stood up. “Listen I’ve got to go. I told Tasha that I’d look after Ella this afternoon, and I’m running a bit late now.”

“That’s okay. I’m sorry Martha, about last night, and how I was late today. I promise I’ll make it up to you tonight okay?” He stood up and kissed her on the cheek. “See ya.”

Martha watched him as he walked away. She knew that she should be happy for him, instead, she was extremely angry.