My Life Lies In The Past

[blizzard18]

Another long chapter for you readers to enjoy

CHAPTER 92: THE INTERROGATION

2:30PM

“SIT DOWN!” Fredrick ordered. Tony, with his hands still handcuffed behind his back sat down in the interview room at Yabbie Creek Police Station. Jack followed behind his colleague.

“Fredrick, what are you doing?” Jack asked. Fredrick turned around to see Tony becoming restless and agitated.

“SETTLE DOWN AND BE QUIET!” Fredrick yelled. Jack quickly pulled Fredrick out of the room.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m trying to get through to him” Fredrick replied.

“What? By yelling and interrogating him like he’s some sort of dangerous criminal?” Jack angrily replied. “Dad obviously needs help, and you’re not helping in any way.”

“Look, Jack” Fredrick replied. “Just trust me on this, will you? Trust me, I know what I’m doing.”

“Are you kidding me?” Jack said. “Charlie will bite your head off when she finds out about this.”

“Well Charlie’s not here, is she?” Fredrick replied. “So, I’m going to do things my way, OK Jack? Please, just trust me. I think I know how to handle this.” Jack watched on angrily as Fredrick made his way back inside the interview room. Jack shook his head in frustration as he followed inside.

Aden was at the front desk with one of Richard’s friends, Constable Ronnie Burton, signing a statement with one hand whilst holding an ice-pack on the other. Belle sat down on a seat nearby.

“There you go”

“Thank you” Ronnie replied.

“So, what happens to Tony now?” Aden asked.

“Well, that’s up to you”

“What…..what do you mean?” Aden asked.

“I mean” Ronnie said. “Despite what happened to him recently with his father and everything, he still punched you in the face, which left you bleeding, and we can classify that as assault. Would you like to press charges against Tony for the assault?” Aden was shocked after hearing that.

“What?........NO! or course not!” Aden replied. “He…..he didn’t mean to do that. He’s just……….well, not himself.”

“Are you sure?” Ronnie asked.

“Of course!” Aden replied, still wincing in pain. “Listen. What he needs is help – everyone’s help. He can’t go on like this.”

Rachel and Martha ran inside.

“Hey, what’s going on? Jack called and said that Tony was taken in here.”

“Yeah, they’re just inside the interview room” Aden replied. Rachel noticed the right-hand side of Aden’s face was red and sore.

“Aden, what happened to your face?”

“Oh, er………nothing. Just a little accident.”

“Well, looks more than just a little accident” Rachel replied. “Here, take a seat and keep that Ice-Pack on you.” Rachel guided Aden to the seat next to Belle.

Meanwhile in the Interview room, Constable Fredrick Wilson sat across the table from Tony. Jack sat behind, watching worriedly.

“Let me go!” Tony cried.

“NO, I’M NOT GONNA LET YOU GO!” Fredrick yelled. “DO YOU NOT REALIZE WHAT YOU……….WAIT A MINUTE. YOU’VE BEEN DRINKING, HAVEN’T YOU?...........AND AT THE BEACH? I CAN HAVE YOU FINED FOR THAT, YOU KNOW?” Fredrick noticed Tony struggling with the handcuffs.

“DON’T EVEN BOTHER, THEY’RE NOT COMING OFF BY DOING THAT. NOW TELL ME, WHAT WERE YOU DOING ALONE AT THE BEACH?” Tony kept silent.

“WHAT’S WRONG? ARE YOU SCARED?” Fredrick asked. After a moment of silence, Fredrick banged the table loudly, causing Tony to jump quickly from his chair. With his fists on the table, Fredrick leaned over and stared down angrily.

“WELL, YOU SHOULD BE SCARED!” Fredrick yelled. “Now, this is what’s gonna happen. I’m gonna sit back in my chair and you’re gonna stop crying like a little baby and answer my questions, do you understand? Now tell me, what were you doing at the beach?” Tony ignored him, instead still fiddling with the handcuffs.

“Tell me, Tony. What were you doing there, other than drinking?” Fredrick asked again. He began to lose his patience when he noted that Tony was still ignoring him.

“ANSWER ME!” Fredrick yelled.

“STOP, FREDRICK!” Jack shouted. He couldn’t bear to see his father anymore upset. Fredrick, exhausted after all the shouting made his way out of the interview room.

+++++

Boiling some water in the kettle, Hugo prepared two cups of tea and brought it to the lounge, where Leah was sitting.

“Here”

“Thanks” Leah replied.

“Do you think I should make one for Charlie?” Hugo asked.

“I think it’s best that we leave her alone for now” Leah sighed. “Whatever happened between her and Warren at the door left her upset. She’ll talk when she feel’s up to it.”

“Well what about you?” Hugo said. “After what happened yesterday” Leah slowly burst into tears.

“I’m sorry” Leah apologized. Hugo put his arm around her shoulder.

“Hey hey, you’ve got nothing to apologize for. It’s OK.”

“It’s just that I can’t get yesterday out of my head” Leah wept. “I was scared when Kent yelled at all of us, especially when I saw the gun on his hand, but then I was more scared when he turned the gun on Andrew and shot him.”

“We were all scared” Hugo whispered.

“When we were trapped in the store room, all I kept thinking was………was…….am I gonna be alive? Am I gonna survive this? Will I ever see all my friends again, but especially………..will I ever see V.J. again?” Leah stopped, unable to go on.

“Come here” Hugo sighed, pulling Leah into a hug. Leah then stared straight into his eyes. Hugo did the same. After a moment of pause, neither could keep their attraction away any longer as they both leaned over for a kiss.

+++++

“You OK, Andrew?” Lucas asked. He and Nicole were inside Andrew’s room at the Hospital.

“Here, let me take that” Nicole said, picking up his backpack.

“Thanks” Andrew smiled.

Dr. Jim Winston entered with the discharge papers, which Andrew attempted to sign with his right hand. His left arm was covered in plaster and put in a sling.

“Sorry about that” Andrew said, looking at the messy squiggle on the paper. “I’m a left-hander.”

“No worries” Jim chuckled. “Now just call me if you need anything, and I’ll see you in two weeks to check up on the arm.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” Andrew then turned his attention to Lucas.

“So Luc, how’s Tony?”

“Dad’s gone missing” Lucas sighed.

“What?........what happened?”

“I don’t know, but something set Dad off, and he trashed up the kitchen, then left.” At that moment, Lucas’ mobile beeped, indicating a message.

Luc, we’ve found Tony. Just wait for us back at home. We’ll be there soon. Martha.

“Oh Thank God!” Lucas breathed a sigh of relief.

“Who was it?” Nicole asked.

“That was Martha. They found Dad. We better head home and wait there. Let’s go.” Nicole grabbed the backpack whilst Lucas helped Andrew out of his bed and out of the room.

+++++

3:00PM

After having left Tony locked up inside the interview room for almost an hour, Constable Fredrick Wilson went back inside, followed by Jack. Staring at his co-worker carefully, Jack watched Fredrick approach his father slowly, taking a seat at the other end of the table.

Tony was still distressed, sobbing silently. He looked up slowly when he saw Fredrick staring at him.

“I’ve had enough” Tony whispered. “Do what ever you want. Just throw me in Jail if you have to, but don’t interrogate me again.”

“Come on, I’m not gonna throw you in Jail” Fredrick replied. “Listen. You wanna know why I came down so hard on you?”

“Why?”

“It’s because that’s exactly what’s gonna happen to you if you don’t find a way to deal with what happened between you and your father. We can’t have you throwing psychotic episodes at every person you come across, such as punching people in the face.”

“I………..I didn’t mean to punch Aden” Tony said.

“I’m serious, Tony” Fredrick sternly replied. “If you don’t talk to someone soon, you’ll end up like this. You’ll be brought in by the cops and they will interrogate you the same way as I did to you earlier, and the chances are you’ll end up in Jail. I stared at you straight in the face and I saw that you were scared of me and that you hated me for yelling at you and slamming my hands at the table. Trust me Tony, I don’t want that to happen to you, but you need to sort yourself out and do it now!”

Heading to the door, Fredrick opened it and guided Rachel and Martha inside.

“Tony, thank God you’re alright” Rachel exclaimed, rushing over towards him and giving him a hug, but suddenly stopped when she noticed the handcuffs which bound Tony’s hands behind his back.

“What the………Constable, is this really necessary?”

“Sorry Dr. Armstrong, we had to do that for his own safety” Fredrick explained. “He was violent and out of control.” Rachel slowly took a seat on the chair next to her fiancé. Martha stood back next to her husband, whilst Fredrick returned to his chair. He then turned his attention back to Tony.

“Look around you, Tony. Your fiance, your son, your daughter-in-law. Do you wanna let them down again by running off and doing stupid things?”

“No……No, of course not!” Tony replied.

“Then talk to them, tell them how you feel” Fredrick said. “Don’t push them away and bottle things up, you’ll only end up with regret. Just count yourself lucky that Mr. Jeffries isn’t pushing assault charges on you, and I won’t go forward with the fine for drinking at the beach if you promise me you’ll fix this all up. I don’t want to see you in this room again, OK?” Grabbing his keys from his pocket, Fredrick went around and unlocked Tony’s handcuffs. Releasing his hands, Tony quickly wrapped his arms around Rachel, giving her a hug.

+++++

Later that day...

5:50PM

After visiting Geoff and Miles at the Caravan Park, Xavier and Brendan made their way into the Diner for a meal. Ruby sat with them at a table.

“Only ten minutes of free time until my evening shift starts” Ruby sighed, checking her watch.

“You mean, only a few days of ‘real’ freedom left until school starts again” Xavier said. “Mum enrolled me into Summer Bay High, I mean, what’s so good about school? My old school in Broken Hill was boring enough……….” Xavier stared at his girlfriend.

“Rubes, you don’t look so shocked.”

“I’m not that shocked” Ruby smiled. “I just think that this coming term will be a good one.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, with Mr Bartlett taking leave, we’re gonna have Ms Brighton as our principal.”

“Oh yeah, I think I heard Luc mention that you both took her around the school” Xavier said.

“Yeah, we did. She’s awesome” Ruby giggled. “She seems so fun, unlike Mr Bartlett.”

“Well it doesn’t matter how fun you say she is. I still think School’s boring.” Ruby couldn’t help but laugh.

“So anyway, how’s family life going?”

“It’s good and bad” Xavier replied.

“OK” Ruby slowly responded. “Perhaps you should start with the good.”

“The good part is that there is a chance that Mum and Dad are back together again. Dad surprised her with tickets to the Andre Rieu concert tonight at the Opera House.”

“That’s sounds great” Ruby smiled. “Now what’s the bad part?”

“Uncle Tony” Xavier sighed. “He may be my uncle, but he’s still very important to me, like a father-figure when Dad wasn’t around.”

“I know it’s tough, but he’ll get there, I’m sure” Ruby replied.

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: The Storm)

Plagued with more flashbacks, Tony ignores Fredrick’s comments and does another runner. But with a fierce storm heading towards Summer Bay, will this be a mistake that will cost him his life?

[blizzard18]

Long chapter to enjoy Hopefully it's worth the wait...

CHAPTER NOTE: Flashbacks present in this chapter are highlighted in BLUE

CHAPTER 93: THE STORM

7:00PM

At the Holden House, Tony and Rachel were finishing up on Dinner.

“How’re you feeling now?”

“Better” Tony replied. “Listen…….I’m sorry I……”

“Smashed up the Kitchen?” Rachel finished his sentence.

“Well, that too. But I know you were worried about me storming off like that.”

“Just promise me that you won’t shut down everyone around you” Rachel said. “Would it help, perhaps, if I suggest a counsellor to come and have a chat with you?”

“No need for that” Tony replied. “I don’t need some stranger to talk to. I can just chat with you, the boys, Gina. You know, family.”

“Are you sure?” Rachel asked. “I just thought that it might help if……..”

“I’m sure, don’t worry” Tony interrupted. “In fact, now that I’ve finished my dinner, I might head off to the Caravan Park and have a drink with Alf. You’ll be OK by yourself for an hour or so?” Rachel looked at her fiance. Tony stared at her and could tell that she looked worried.

“Rach, I’m not gonna do a runner. I’m just going to the Caravan Park. Surely that’s OK?” Rachel slowly nodded.

“OK. But please don’t be out too late.”

“I won’t” Tony smiled, giving Rachel a kiss, before heading out the door.

Rachel approached the window and watched as Tony walked down the driveway and along the road. Although she knew where he was going, she was still worried and deeply concerned after what happened hours earlier.

Ten minutes later…

Deciding to take an unusually longer route to the Caravan Park House, Tony walked near the Beach and stopped immediately as he passed the Surf Club. He saw the police tape surrounding the building. Seeing that no one was around, Tony went under the barrier and looked through a side window. The fluorescent light from the display refrigerator behind the Bar gave a dim glow of the room. Tony looked around and saw the mess inside – a stack of overturned tables and chairs and a few broken glasses. He then looked at the corner and suddenly had another flashback:

I’m gonna give you one last chance, son. If you choose to go against me again, make no mistake, I will finish you off for good! Now get down on the ground on the corner.”

“I hate you!” Tony whispered.

“I SAID, GET DOWN ON THE GROUND!” Kent yelled. Tony refused to move.

BANG!

Everyone jumped up in shock. Tony quickly turned around and saw the bullet hole in the wall after it flew just centimeters above his head. Kent had purposely fired that shot to scare him.

“I WILL NOT WARN YOU AGAIN. GET DOWN ON THE CORNER!” Kent screamed. Tony, scared at what his father would do next quickly crouched down on the ground, as his father instructed.

“I have done everything I can to give you a proper life, and your arrogance and disrespect is all I get in return. I got that from your mother, my brother, and now I get that from you. I NEVER thought that my own son would turn against me like that and bring shame to the family, so now you’ve left me with no choice” Kent pointed the gun towards Tony.

“No............NO!” Tony begged.

“You’re not my son anymore.” Kent said. “You’ve gone against me, so now I have to put this to an end. Goodbye Tony.”

“NO!”

Breathing heavily in shock and fear, Tony quickly stumbled back under the barrier and ran off, trying to get away as far as he can from the Surf Club. As he was running, he didn’t even notice the roar of thunder that sounded a fair distance away. Little did Tony know that a storm was slowly heading towards Summer Bay.

+++++

At the Diner, Jack, Martha, Brendan and Xavier were still having their Dinner.

“Brendan wants Ice Cream!”

“You have to finish your dinner first, Bandicoot” Xavier replied.

“But Brendan wants it now!”

“Brendan” Martha replied. “If you finish your dinner, I’ll ask Aunty Colleen to give you an extra scoop. Deal?”

“OK” Brendan giggled. Jack saw Xavier fiddling with his phone.

“Xavier, what you up to?”

“I’m just gonna give Hugo a call and let him know we’ll be back soon.” Xavier dialed his brother’s number but after a few rings he hung up.

“Strange, he’s not answering his mobile.”

“Maybe he has it on silent” Jack noted.

+++++

Meanwhile at Leah’s house, Hugo and Leah were at the lounge room, sharing a long meaningful kiss. They were interrupted when Charlie came out from her bedroom and saw them together.

“Oh, I’m…….sorry. I didn’t realize. I’m just gonna make myself a tea to take to my room and I’ll leave you two alone.”

“Oh Charlie, I’m sorry, I……” Leah apologized, but Charlie had already disappeared into the Kitchen.

Hugo approached silently behind Leah to give her another kiss, but Leah quickly pulled away.

“I think we shouldn’t” Leah whispered. “I mean, Charlie’s obviously upset about something, and we don’t want to get in her way.”

“Why would she be upset with us?” Hugo asked.

“Now that I think of it………I think Charlie’s upset because of something going on between her and Richard. That may explain why Warren was here earlier. Perhaps I should talk to her.”

“But…….” Hugo was interrupted when Leah walked off into the Kitchen.

+++++

7:30PM

After finishing dinner, Jack and Martha were having a cup of coffee at the table. Andrew made his way inside, grabbing a chair and sitting beside them.

“Hey Andrew, how’s the arm?”

“It looks like a mess, but luckily it’s covered up” Andrew chuckled. “Only a little painful, but Dr. Winston said that a full recovery is expected.

“Well that’s good to hear” Martha smiled.

Brendan and Xavier were browsing the internet on the computer nearby. Ruby approached them, her apron soaked with spilt gravy.

“Rubes……..what on earth happened to you?”

“Hug me, Xavier. I’m having a bad day” Ruby sighed.

“Er…….maybe when you’re cleaned up” Xavier said. “What’s going on back there?”

“It’s cranky Colleen” Ruby complained, looking back to check that Colleen was not nearby. “It’s bad enough that Irene, Leah and Warren aren’t here. Colleen’s just too bossy and she knocked over the gravy container from the shelf and now I’m covered with the stuff.”

“I’m sure it was an accident” Xavier replied. “Colleen wouldn’t do that on purpose.”

“Who knows what Colleen does” Ruby rolled her eyes.

As Ruby and Xavier were talking, Brendan noticed Annie, Jai, Lucas and Nicole coming up towards them.

“Look Luc, Ruby looks yucky!” Brendan laughed.

“Yes I do, thank you Brendan” Ruby whispered in frustration.

“Gosh what happened to you?” Annie asked. Nicole looked on, trying to hide her laughter.

“Oh, it’s the Diner’s new gravy drenched aprons. It’s Colleen’s new idea, after the Jukebox and all her other ungodly ideas!”

“Well it looks good on you” Lucas giggled.

“Shut up” Ruby replied, heading back into the Kitchen. Xavier then turned around to face Jai, noticing his bad hair.

“What’s with you? You look just as bad as Rubes.”

“It’s not my fault” Jai replied. “It’s the wind.”

“Wind?”

“Yeah, it’s very windy outside” Nicole replied. “Looks like there’s gonna be a storm tonight.”

“That’s probably why no one was at the beach today with all those rough waves.” Lucas said.

“Well, with this kind of weather, who would be crazy enough to go to the beach, let alone swim?”

+++++

Tony was now alone in the dark, sitting on the sand at the beach. Exhausted and out of breath, he looked ahead and saw the waves crashing onto the surface. Tony wanted to clear his mind – he wanted to get away from everything that reminded him of that terrible siege in the Surf Club the day before. Unaware of the approaching storm, he took off his shirt and shoes and headed towards the water for a swim to clear his mind.

+++++

Back at the Diner…..

7:45PM

“Hey babe, I’m just gonna get another cup of coffee from Aunty Colleen. You want one?”

“You sure that you can drink another one?” Jack asked. “Our baby’s growing inside you, remember?”

“As long as I don’t drink too much, so I’m just limiting it to two.” Martha replied.

“Talking about coffee, surprisingly, Colleen makes it better than Irene. Don’t tell Irene though” Jack chuckled. “OK I’ll another coffee, thanks babe.”

As Martha headed towards the counter, Andrew spoke to Jack.

“How’s your Dad? I haven’t seen him since I left the hospital.”

“It’s been a long day today” Jack sighed. “But he’s calmed down a bit and Rachel’s keeping an eye on him. Speaking of which, I better ring up and check everything’s alright.” Jack took out his mobile and dialed a number.

“Hey Rach, Jack here. Just checking up on Dad…………He’s where?..............At the Caravan Park with Alf. OK, just checking………..thanks Rach.”

“Dad’s at the Caravan Park with Alf, so at least we know where he is” Jack commented.

“If Tony went to see Alf, then why did Alf just walk in the door?” Andrew said, seeing Alf enter inside.

“Alf? What are you doing here?”

“Er……..and a good evening to you too” Alf replied.

“Sorry Alf” Jack apologized. “I mean, is everything alright?”

“Of course it is. Miles forgot to do the shopping, so I’m just gonna pick up some dinner to take back. I hope Colleen’s gonna be quick though, I wanna get back to the house. Looks like there’s a storm coming.”

“Oh, I’m guessing that Dad’s having dinner with you and Miles then”

“Er……….no. Why?”

“But I just spoke to Rachel and she said that Dad was going to see you at the Caravan Park.”

“I never heard anything about that” Alf said. “I mean, Tony’s the type of bloke who doesn’t just turn up unexpectedly. He would always ring up first before coming.”

“If that’s the case, then…………..where could Tony be?” Andrew asked.

Suddenly, a loud roar of thunder sounded, rattling the windows around the Diner.

“Brendan’s scared!” Brendan said, covering his ears.

“Hmm…..perhaps we better get home quickly. Come on, Bandicoot.”

+++++

8:00PM

At the city, Gina and Jeremy were inside the Opera House, watching Andre Rieu’s concert. Suddenly, her mobile phone rang.

“Oh my God, I forgot to put it on silent!” Gina whispered, whilst at the same time feeling embarrassed. Heading quickly to the back, Gina took out her mobile and answered the call.

“Hello?............Jack…………hang on, I can’t understand you. What’s going on?.........”

+++++

Two hours have passed…..

10:00PM

Almost everyone in Summer Bay was now desperately searching for Tony, who failed to turn up at either the Caravan park, or back at the Holden House. The pouring rain, accompanied by the frequent roar of thunder and small flashes of lightning made the search even harder.

Charlie, who was now on duty, was driving her patrol car slowly around the Bay. Richard sat beside her on the passenger seat.

“I don’t even know why I have to be here” Richard mumbled angrily.

“You know that with this weather, we need two officers per patrol car, and seeing that you decided to be on duty, even though you’re still in a wheelchair, and that all the other officers had left, you had no choice.”

“Unfortunately” Richard sighed. Charlie pulled over and stopped the car. After a moment of silence, Richard began to speak.

“Charlie” Richard whispered. “Why?..........why did you do this to me? What have I done?”

“I’m sorry Richard, I didn’t mean to hurt you” Charlie replied, slowly breaking into tears.

“Why did you write that letter?” Richard asked. “I mean, we were good. Why did you break up with me? Have I done something wrong?”

“It’s just too quick” Charlie said. “You want to get married right away, I’m not ready for it, and….”

“Whoa……hang on a minute” Richard interrupted. “Who said I wanted to get married right away?”

“I found an engagement ring in your bag. Then I saw Billy’s picture. He wants me to be his Mummy!”

“Billy drew the picture because he likes you” Richard explained. “But anyway, I’m not even ready yet for another wedding, after what happened with Jill. That engagement ring belongs to Constable Ronnie Burton. I was minding it for him.”

“What?..........so…….you……you weren’t gonna propose to me?”

“No…….well, maybe not now anyway” Richard replied. “I was just happy with us being in a relationship, and taking things slowly, like we agreed.” Charlie sat in silence for a while, sinking in all the information.

“I just feel stupid” Charlie whispered. “I was scared that we were moving too quickly. I should’ve spoken to you first, and now I took things the wrong way. Can I ask you something?...........is there any way we can…….perhaps work this out and go back to the way we were?” Richard kept silent.

“Richard?” Charlie spoke. Richard slowly turned to face the Senior Constable.

“I was hurt when I read that letter, Charlie. We need to give each other some time, I think.” Richard replied.

Wiping a tear from her cheek, Charlie started the engine and resumed with the search.

+++++

At the Holden House, Rachel stood in the Living room, looking out the window. Her eyes then wandered around to a picture frame next to the telephone. It was a picture of her and Tony with the Band members from the night that Tony proposed. Irene came up behind her.

“Here, I made you some tea.” Irene whispered. Rachel, who was still staring at the frame suddenly burst into tears.

“Sorry Irene” Rachel apologized. Irene placed the cup of tea down on the table and pulled Rachel into a hug.

+++++

Brendan, Xavier and Lucas were with Nicole in Nicole’s car. They were searching the southern end of Summer Bay.

“Brendan’s scared” Brendan cried, hearing the loud noise of the rain hitting the roof.

“I know. Don’t cry, Bandicoot. I’m here” Xavier said, placing his arm around his brother. Nicole took out a CD from the glove compartment and placed the disc inside the player.

“You know Brendan, whenever I feel scared and afraid, I put on music, and it helps.” Nicole said. Pressing play, the tune of a song by the ‘Kaiser Chiefs’ was heard from the speakers.

“There you go Bandicoot” Xavier smiled. “Don’t listen to the rain, just concentrate on the music.”

“Brendan loves the Kaiser Chiefs!” Brendan giggled.

+++++

Hugo and Leah joined Colleen and Ruby, inside the Diner, waiting patiently inside, in the hope that Tony will turn up there. Alf went back to the Caravan Park House with Miles to wait there, whilst Andrew and Martha were waiting inside the Bachelor Pad.

Having dropped off Billy with Frances, Warren was driving along the highway back towards Summer Bay to help with the search, but was suddenly stopped when he ran over a pothole, which burst one of his tyres.

“Oh, you’re kidding me!” Warren exclaimed. Battling against the rain and the strong wind, Warren hopped out and opened the boot to take out his tools and his spare tyre. At that moment, another car came by and pulled over behind. Warren turned around and covered his eyes as the blinding light shone at him. A man came out.

“Hey mate, you need some help?”

“That’ll be great, thanks mate” Warren replied. As the man came closer, Warren looked up and suddenly wiped the smile off his face when he recognized who was standing right before him.

“ROMAN HARRIS? WHAT ARE YOU DOING BACK HERE?”

+++++

After arriving back from the city, Gina and Jeremy battled the rain and the howling wind as they participated in the search, patrolling the northern end of the Beach. Aden and Belle joined Jack and Fredrick, who were walking down the southern end.

“This is getting impossible Jack” Fredrick shouted. “The sand is blowing towards us and it’s getting harder and harder to see anything ahead of us.

“I don’t care. We are not stopping until we find Dad.” Jack replied.

“But we don’t even know if he’s here at the Beach” Fredrick said.

“Hey guys, look!” Belle yelled. Aden picked up a T-shirt and a pair of shoes from the ground and handed it over to Jack.

“That’s Dad’s favourite white shirt.” Jack said. “But why is it……..” Jack turned to his left and saw the strong current of the waves crashing down.

“OH GOD! DAD!”

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: Losing Faith)

Jack, Gina and Rachel begin to lose faith with Tony.

Nicole is overjoyed with Roman’s return, but how will Charlie react?

Jeremy comes up with a plan to help Rachel.

[blizzard18]

Next Chapter

CHAPTER NOTE: Dream sequence present in this chapter are highlighted in GREEN.

CHAPTER 94: LOSING FAITH

1:00AM

Three hours have passed…

“Beth?” Tony gasped. “You’re back?”

“Yes I am” Beth replied. Tony saw that Beth was angry and unimpressed with him.

“Beth, what’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I’m very disappointed with you, Tony” Beth replied, shaking her head and folding her arms.

“Disappointed?”

“You promised me that you would return to the living, so that you would love Rachel and be a great father for Jack, Lucas and the newborn on the way.”

“But.......I.......I love them, Beth” Tony replied. “I love Jack and Luc. I also love Rachel.”

“BUT LOOK AT YOU!” Beth shouted. “YOU’RE A COMPLETE MESS! YOU BOTTLED UP ALL THIS ANGER AND HURT INSIDE YOU, AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED. ARE YOU TRYING TO GET EVERYONE YOU LOVE TO TURN AGAINST YOU?”

“WHAT?” Tony exclaimed. “OF COURSE NOT!”

“THEN STOP BEING PATHETIC FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE AND TELL RACHEL HOW YOU FEEL” Beth ordered. “YOU CHOSE TO SHUT EVERYONE OUT OF YOUR LIFE, AND NOW YOU’LL HAVE TO FACE THE CONSEQUENCES. I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU CAN DO SUCH A THING, TONY.” Beth turned around and slowly walked away.

“BETH!” Tony yelled. “I’M SORRY.” Beth stopped and quickly turned around to face the distraught man.

“I’m sorry too Tony, but you’re gonna have to help yourself now.” Beth continued to walk away. Tony saw her disappear, like a ghost. Suddenly, he heard his name being called out.

“Tony?...........Tony?........

Tony?” Julie called out. Tony opened his eyes and slowly looked around, confused.

“What......what happened? Where am I?

“You’re in hospital” Julie replied. “Jack and Fredrick found you washed up at the beach, unconscious.”

“Wh........what?” Tony whispered. “How..........how did I end up there?”

“Perhaps you should tell me” Julie replied. “Or better still, perhaps you should tell your son. Jack asked me to let him know the minute you wake up. He wants to see you.”

About a minute later, Jack walked in, shutting the door behind him. He stood against the wall, facing his father.

“Jack” Tony spoke out. Jack remained silent.

“Jack?” Tony said again. “Please………say something.” Tony saw Jack slowly shake his head, whilst trying to hold back tears.

“Why, Dad?” Jack asked. “Why are you doing this?”

“Jack, I……” Tony was interrupted.

“We were scared to death, Dad” Jack replied. “We thought that you drowned.” Tony watched as Jack could no longer hold back, tears slowly flowing down his cheeks as his voice began to tremble.

“I thought we were a family.”

“We ARE a family” Tony replied. “You, Luc and I are our own little family, and we will always be.” Jack shook his head.

“How can we be a family anymore?”

“Jack, don’t say that” Tony whispered.”

“Ever since Mum died, we stuck together closer than ever. We promised each other that we would not keep secrets and we would tell each other about everything.”

“But…..”

“BUT WHAT, DAD?” Jack cried. “You wouldn’t let us help you. You wouldn’t tell us how you’re feeling. How is that being a family?” Tony bowed his head in shame.

“I’m sorry, Jack.”

“Saying sorry isn’t gonna help” Jack replied. “I just…………I just………”

“Just what?”

“I don’t know who you are anymore” Jack cried.

“Jack, I’m your father” Tony replied. “I will always be your father.”

“I thought you were my father” Jack said. “But the Dad I knew wouldn’t shut me out like that. I’m sorry but………..you’ve let me down. You’ve really disappointed me.”

“Jack…..” Tony called out, but Jack had already opened the door and left the room.

Meanwhile at the corridor…

“It’s so good to see you again, Dad!” Nicole smiled, hugging her father.

“I’m just glad to be with you again” Roman replied. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too” Nicole said. “Oh, by the way, this is Luc. Luc, this is my Dad.”

“Yes, we know each other” Lucas replied. Roman stared at his daughter.

“Wait a minute. Are you two……….together?”

“Yes…….I mean No………I mean……………….Luc, help me out.”

“We’re……………..good friends.”

“Well that’s good enough” Roman chuckled. “You’ve been keeping Nic company while I was away. You’re a good kid, you know?”

“Thanks Roman” Lucas smiled. He looked over and noticed his older brother storm out of the hospital in tears.

“I better check on Jack” Lucas noted. “Excuse me for a moment.”

As Lucas went down the corridor, Nicole and Roman took a seat nearby.

“So Dad, what happened to the SAS?”

“I thought about it” Roman replied. “But deep down, I only did it because I was angry at myself for………for………….”

“Cheating on Charlie?” Nicole said. “I managed to hear about that little incident.”

“Oh” Roman whispered. “I’m sorry, Nic. I haven’t been a good role model, have I?”

“Well I’ll admit that the affair wasn’t your finest moment” Nicole replied. “But I’m old enough to know that everyone in life make mistakes, and that we have to deal with it, so I’m not that angry with you.”

“Thank you” Roman smiled, giving her a kiss on the forehead. “Anyway, I re-joined the SAS just to vent out my anger I suppose, but then only after a few days, I remembered why I left them the first time. It was because I wasn’t happy with that kind of action packed life. I thought I would give it another go and be happy, but I wasn’t. Deep down, all I wanted was a simple life, and I had that in Summer Bay. I knew that even if I went there to get away from all the bad things, I still wouldn’t be happy with my life, so that’s why I came back here. Besides, now that you’re living here, I’d love to keep you company, if I’m allowed to.”

“Don’t be silly, of course you’re allowed to” Nicole laughed.

“Thanks Nic. By the way, you know, I had the strangest trip back here.”

“Oh, really?” Nicole asked. “What happened?”

“Well I was driving along the highway, and ahead of me was a car that had broken down on the side. I discovered that it was actually a flat tyre, so I went out to see if the guy needed any help, and to my surprise it turned out to be Warren Dean. But something was different. He didn’t seem too enthusiastic with me helping him with the tyre. He insisted to do most of the work by himself, despite that he was drenched completely, then after he finished he just drove off without acknowledging me, or even saying thanks. Has something been bothering him recently?”

“Not that I know of” Nicole replied. “But remember, his brother’s fiancé was the one you had an affair with.”

“Well, I suppose that explains it.” Roman sighed. “Maybe I shouldn’t expect to be anywhere in his good books. I mean, my actions did bring grief to Richard, and I just……….”

“ROMAN!” Charlie gasped. After having gotten changed, she arrived at the hospital and was shocked to see her ex-boyfriend standing in front of her.

+++++

At the Holden House…

1:30AM

“Looks like it’s settled down out there” Jeremy said, peeking through the Kitchen window.

“Geez, what a storm it has been” Irene replied. “Thank Goodness they found Tony!”

“Speaking of which, I’m heading over to the Hospital. You all coming with us?” Jeremy looked over and saw Rachel and Gina on the couch in silence. Holding the picture frame, Rachel kept staring directly at the photo.

“Rach?” Jeremy called out. “You coming?”

“No” Rachel softly replied. “I don’t wanna see Tony.”

“Sorry?” Irene asked, confused.

“I don’t want to see Tony” Rachel said. “I’m not going.”

“But love, he’s your fiancé. He needs you.”

“I’m sorry Irene, but I can’t even bear to look at him” Rachel whispered. “He promised me that he won’t run away and that he’ll open up and talk, but that’s what he did, and this time it could’ve killed him.”

“But the most important thing is that he’s been found, and he’s alive” Jeremy replied.

“Jeremy’s right” Irene said. “Rach, he loves you. He needs to see you. Please come with us.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t” Rachel said. Getting up from her seat, she headed into the bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

“Well it looks like it’s just the three of us” Irene sighed.

“No, it’s just you two” Gina replied. “I’m not going either.”

“What?” Jeremy exclaimed. “Gina, he’s your brother.”

“He’s my brother?” Gina questioned. “I don’t know who he is anymore.”

“Gina, don’t say that” Jeremy replied.

“What kind of brother would even attempt to take his own life like that?”

“How can you say that?” Jeremy asked. “Tony is anything but suicidal. He would never do that.”

“What kind of person would swim at the beach in the dark, during a storm?” Gina angrily asked. “Obviously Tony didn’t think about us while he was running off, being stupid. He just doesn’t care, despite the many time we try to give him a helping hand. I’m sorry, but I’m not in any mood to see him, or look at him or even talk to him. I’ve just lost all my faith in him.” Gina got up from her seat.

“Where are you going?” Jeremy asked.

“I’m going to check up on Brendan, then I’m going to bed” Gina said, as she left the room.

+++++

Lucas returned to his seat along the corridor outside Tony’s room. Nicole saw that he looked pale.

“Luc, what’s wrong?” Nicole asked. Lucas shrugged his shoulders.

“It’s everything” Lucas replied. “My entire family’s falling apart, and it’s starting with Dad and Jack.”

“Why, what happened?”

“Jack’s pretty much shut Dad out of his life for good” Lucas sighed. “He said that Dad shut him and everyone out, and now he deserves the same thing in return.”

“That’s a bit harsh, though” Nicole commented. “What about you?”

“Me?” Lucas said. “Honestly, I’m angry and disappointed at what Dad did, but unlike Jack, I will never give up on Dad, no matter how much he stuffs up. I mean, he is my Dad, he’s been through so much and he doesn’t deserve anymore grief. I just wish Jack would see it that way.”

“I’m sure he’ll eventually come to his senses” Nicole said, trying to keep positive. Lucas held onto her hand.

“I hope so too” Lucas whispered.

Not too far away, Charlie was preparing a cup of coffee from the machine. Roman slowly came up towards her.

“Hey” Roman softly spoke. Charlie turned around.

“Hey” Charlie whispered.

“How’ve you been?” Roman asked.

“I’ve had my good and bad days. How are you?”

“The same” Roman replied. “Although I’m happy to be back, for Nicole anyway. How is Richard?”

“Richard?.........well, he’s had a little incident and he’s in a wheelchair for now, but he’s getting some physiotherapy and hopefully he’ll be get back to his feet soon.” Roman nodded, understanding everything.

“So Charlie……..”

“Look, Roman” Charlie interrupted. “I’ve already made it clear before – we can no longer be in a relationship, after what happened between you and Tina.”

“Charlie, I wasn’t gonna ask you about that” Roman replied. “I know we can’t get back together. I stuffed up, I know, I don’t blame anyone else but myself. But there’s something I’d like to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“I was hoping that…….because I’m back in Summer Bay for good, that perhaps………..we could still be friends.” Charlie kept silent for a while, but eventually responded.

“I suppose we can be friends.”

“Thank you, Charlie. That means a lot to me” Roman smiled.

“Well, I’m taking this cup of coffee to my car and I’m heading back home. I guess I’ll see you around.”

“I guess I will” Roman replied. “Take care of yourself, alright?”

“I will” Charlie whispered.

+++++

Jeremy drove his car into the Service Station on his way to the hospital. With Irene waiting inside the car, Jeremy filled it up with petrol and made his way into the store towards the counter.

1:45AM

“Rough night?” The assistant asked. Jeremy saw the man’s badge which read ‘Karl.’

“Rough indeed” Jeremy replied. “I just can’t wait to get home and get a good long sleep.”

“Same here” Karl chuckled. Jeremy noticed a particular pamphlet on the magazine stand next to him.

“What’s this?” Jeremy asked, picking up the pamphlet.

“Oh, it’s this resort known as the ‘Helping Hand Resort’ up in Queensland” Karl explained. “As you can see, I have plenty of these on display.”

“I can see that indeed!” Jeremy noted.

“It’s a great place” Karl continued. “They helped restore my marriage with my wife Erica. But it’s not just for that, they can help anyone with any problem. And the good thing is that the accommodation is not like some sort of prison or anything. They have a miniature golf course, a pool room, a bar, plus Airlie Beach is only ten minutes walk away.” Jeremy quickly browsed through the pamphlet.

“You know, this pamphlet might come in handy after all. Thanks Karl.”

After paying for the petrol, Jeremy returned to the car. Irene saw the pamphlet that he was carrying.

“What’s this?”

“This, Irene, is the answer to everything” Jeremy smiled.

“Sorry? You’ve left me so flippin’ confused.”

“Trust me.” Jeremy took out his mobile and dialed a number.

“Rach, it’s Jeremy. Thank goodness you’re still awake…………..don’t hang up, just hear me out OK? I think I have the solution to everything……………”

+++++

2:00AM

“Hey Tony, how’re you feeling now?” Jeremy asked as he entered Tony’s room.

“What do you want?” Tony asked angrily. “Did Jack send you here to tell me how much of a bad father I am?

“No, actually I’m here to help you.”

“You? Help me? Please! You’re the last person on Earth that I would ever trust, after what you did to Gina” Tony scoffed. Jeremy began to get angry.

“Yeah, well I’m here to help you, because I’m probably the only person left who actually cares, after you pushed away pretty much everyone in your life.”

“What do you mean push away?” Tony said. “I still have Rachel.”

“Rachel didn’t even want to come here to see you” Jeremy replied.

“Wh………what?” Tony whispered. “But…….why?”

“Count yourself lucky that I finally convinced Rachel to come here. She’s waiting outside.” Opening the door, Jeremy brought Rachel inside. Rachel stood at the end of the bed, facing her fiancé.

“Rach……I’m sorry, I……..”

“Save it, Tony, I don’t want your apology” Rachel interrupted. “You’ve really let me down, you know that?”

“I know” Tony whispered. “I know I’ve broken promises before, especially when I promised you that I wouldn’t disappear like that again.” Jeremy and Rachel watched as Tony began to tremble in his voice.

“Please don’t leave me Rach, because I love you with all my heart, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Tell me what it is that I have to do to make it all up to you and I will do it.” Opening her bag, Rachel took out the pamphlet and handed it over to him.

“What is this?”

“It’s the ‘Helping Hands Resort’ in Airlie Beach” Rachel replied. “They specialise in helping people with many things, from counselling relationship troubles to traumatic experiences.”

“Why are you showing this to me?” Tony asked.

“You need to go there with Rachel and sort yourself out” Jeremy explained.

“If you want to make this all up to me, then you will agree that you need help and that we will go to this resort” Rachel added. “If not……..then………..”

“No……Rach, don’t say it” Tony begged.

“I’m sorry Tony, but this is the final straw” Rachel replied. “If you don’t agree to this, then I’m sorry, but……….that is gonna be the end of us.”

After hearing those words, Tony began to cry. He felt heartbroken at the fact that Rachel was prepared to end their relationship. He knew that the ball was in his court – it was up to him to take the shot and get all the help he needs.

+++++

2:30AM

Lucas made his way back to the Bachelor Pad. Opening the door carefully and quietly, he tiptoed towards the Kitchen, keeping silent not to wake Andrew and Martha, who were already asleep. Heading towards the fridge to get a drink, he saw a note left on the bench. It read the following:

Luc, Martha and Andrew,

As you read this letter, I am on my way to the airport. I don’t know where I’m going, or how long I will be, but I promise to keep in touch whenever I can. I just need to spend some time to get away from everything that’s happened. Once I’m ready, I’ll be back home. I promise.

Jack.

Lucas made his way to the lounge and sat down. Taking out his wallet from his pocket, he stared at a photograph of his family: Tony, Jack and himself. Lucas sighed, knowing that if his big brother didn’t find a way to get through this, it could very much destroy their family forever.

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: Jack’s struggle)

Jack struggles to forgive Tony. But when he arrives in Broken Hill to visit his mother’s grave, could that be the strength he needs to move on and restore his relationship with his father?

[blizzard18]

Very long one. Hope you enjoy

CHAPTER NOTE: Dream sequence present in this chapter are highlighted in GREEN.

CHAPTER NOTE: Flashbacks present in this chapter are highlighted in BLUE.

CHAPTER 95: JACK'S STRUGGLE

Hours have passed…

6:00AM

Inside a small charter plane, Jack was asleep, leaning over towards the window. He suddenly opened his eyes and sat upright on his seat when he heard an announcement coming through the speakers.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the captain speaking. We will land in Broken Hill in approximately half an hour. Please ensure your seat belts are on securely as we make the final preparations for landing.”

Jack fastened his seat belt, then looked out the window and saw everything was dark. Only a very faint glow of red and orange shone over the horizon. Leaning back, Jack closed his eyes again – as time passed by, he fell asleep...

“Here we are boys” Tony sighed as he held onto nine-year old Jack’s hand, whilst pushing one-year old Lucas’ pram with his other hand. Jack was holding a small bouquet of flowers that Tony bought from the florist. They all stood in front of Kate Holden’s grave at Broken Hill Cemetery. Jack took a few steps forward and placed the flowers in front of the stone cross.

“I love you Mum” Jack cried. Picking himself up from the ground, he ran towards his father and hugged him tightly.

“I know, Jack. I’m upset too” Tony whispered, rubbing his thumb across Jack’s cheeks to dry up the tears. “But always remember that Mum’s looking down at us, smiling. You and Luc are her special little guys, aren’t you? And you know what she’s thinking up there? She’s thinking about us all the time. She’s proud of all of us.” Tony then took out three small cards that he had written and handed one each to Jack and Lucas. Written on each card read the following:

'Dear Mummy. We promise to stick together as a family. We will be open to each other, we will not hide anything from each other, and we will work together and stand by each other, through all good and all bad times, just like the way we were, while you were still with us.' Signed __________

“What’s this, Dad?” Jack asked, looking at his card

“It’s the Holden Family Contract” Tony replied. “We are all going to sign our copy, and keep our copy somewhere safe. We are all gonna promise Mummy that we will all stick together as a family, because she loves you boys and I love you boys too.” Taking out a small marker from his pocket, Tony handed it over to Jack, who wrote his name on his card. Tony then drew his signature on his card, then handed it over to Lucas, who scribbled all over his copy.

“That’s good enough for a signature” Tony chuckled, as he picked up Lucas’ card.

“Excuse me, Sir?” The flight attendant called out. Jack suddenly woke up. Looking around, he saw that the eight other passengers had already left the plane.

“Did…….did I fall asleep?”

“You did” The attendant chuckled. “But at least you had a little extra time for a sleep in. There were some problems at the runway and we didn’t land here until an hour after we were originally scheduled. The time is now 7:30AM.”

“Oh, thanks” Jack whispered.

Leaving the foyer of Broken Hill Airport, Jack entered inside a waiting taxi.

“Hello Driver, can you take me to Broken Hill Cemetery, please?”

“Cemetery?” The driver asked. “Er…….I’m sorry if I’m rude or anything, but I would’ve thought you would’ve liked to check into a motel or something first.”

“I’ll worry about the accommodation later.” Jack replied.

“Alright then, the Cemetery it is.” The man noted, as he started the engine and drove off into the main road.

Five minutes have passed…

Jack looked over at the meter, mounted at the dashboard. Opening his backpack, he took out his wallet to gather the cash for the ride. Shuffling through the pockets, he stumbled across his copy of the card – the Holden Family Contract, which he had kept with him for so long. He then remembered everything that happened over the past eight hours or so…

“I thought we were a family.”

“We ARE a family” Tony replied. “You, Luc and I are our own little family, and we will always be.” Jack shook his head.

“How can we be a family anymore?”

“Jack, don’t say that” Tony whispered.”

“Ever since Mum died, we stuck together closer than ever. We promised each other that we would not keep secrets and we would tell each other about everything.”

“But…..”

“BUT WHAT, DAD?” Jack cried. “You wouldn’t let us help you. You wouldn’t tell us how you’re feeling. How is that being a family?” Tony bowed his head in shame.

“I’m sorry, Jack.”

“Saying sorry isn’t gonna help” Jack replied. “I just…………I just………”

“Just what?”

“I don’t know who you are anymore” Jack cried.

“Jack, I’m your father” Tony replied. “I will always be your father.”

“I thought you were my father” Jack said. “But the Dad I knew wouldn’t shut me out like that. I’m sorry but………..you’ve let me down. You’ve really disappointed me.”

Feeling disgusted and angry, Jack tore up the card into small pieces. Opening the window, he threw it out. The Driver saw what Jack was doing from his rear view mirror.

“You know, you shouldn’t be doing that.”

“I know. I’m a police officer” Jack muttered under his breath.

“Then, if you’re an officer, why did you do it?” The man asked.

“I’m just…………I’m” Jack was trying to find some words. “I’m just angry……….at everything!.........and at everyone!”

“Do you want to talk about it?” The man asked. Jack shook his head.

“I’d rather just have some time to myself in silence, if that’s OK.”

“Alright then, I understand.”

+++++

Back in Summer Bay…

8:30AM

“Where could he have gone?” Martha asked. She, along with Lucas and Andrew were seated around the Dining table inside the Bachelor Pad.

“I think Jack didn’t tell us, because he just wants to be left alone” Lucas replied. “He’s so heartbroken and angry about what Dad did last night.”

“Anyone have any suggestions on where Jack might be?” Andrew asked.

“Who knows?” Martha replied in frustration. “He might not even be in Australia. He might be………in…………..Luc, give me a name of a country.

“Er……..Belgium?”

“Yeah, Belgium” Martha continued. “For all we know, he might be in Belgium.”

“Perhaps he’s calming himself down by eating all the chocolate from every corner shop!” Lucas joked. Martha stared furiously at her brother-in-law.

“OK, smartypants. First of all, you gotta stop listening to Aden’s obsession with Belgian Clocolates. Secondly, Men DON’T cheer themselves up with Chocolate – it’s a lady’s thing, and it’ll always be. And thirdly, this is NO JOKING MATTER! We don’t know where Jack is. Is he safe? Is he alright?”

“Have you tried his mobile?” Andrew asked. “If he answers, then that means he’s somewhere within Australia.”

“I’ll go and give him a call” Lucas said, heading over towards the telephone in the living room.

Andrew and Martha looked over to see Gina enter the front door.

“Hi” Gina whispered. “Mind if I join you?”

“Go ahead” Martha bluntly replied. “We’re all miserable here anyway.”

“Come on, Martha. Stay positive” Andrew said. “Anyway, what’s going on at the Hospital?”

“Jeremy and Rachel are picking up Tony and taking him home” Gina replied.

“Well, shouldn’t you be next door, waiting for them?”

“I don’t wanna see Tony” Gina replied. “I don’t even wanna look at his face. I am just so angry at him right now, putting us through all that grief.”

“Well, you’re not the only one” Martha replied. “Apparently, Jack’s taken off somewhere in this crazy world. Luc says that he’s just upset at everything.”

“What? Jack too?” Gina asked. “Well, where could he be?”

“For all I know, he could be flying to the North Pole to ask Santa for a gun, so he could shoot Tony” Martha replied in exaggeration. “Anyway, I heard something about a trip to some resort in Queensland. What’s going on there?”

“Rachel told me this morning that Tony has decided to go with her on this program” Gina replied. “He’s gonna get counseling and all the professional help that he needs. Jeremy went on the internet this morning to book their tickets. They’re leaving this afternoon.”

“Well, that’s good. This time, he’s finally tackling his problem instead of bottling it up” Andrew commented.

Lucas returned to the group at the table.

“Jack’s not answering. Perhaps his phone’s off.”

“Well, there you go!” Martha exclaimed. “He’s on his way to the North Pole.”

“Or Belgium” Lucas added.

“Guys, what happened to No Joking, this is serious?” Andrew asked.

“Yeah…………..I don’t care about that anymore” Martha replied. “I’m sticking with North Pole!”

“Whatever” Andrew rolled his eyes.

+++++

9:30AM

Jack stood in front of his mother’s grave. Bending down, he placed a small bouquet of red and white flowers on top – Kate’s favourite colours.

“I miss you, Mum” Jack whispered. Picking himself up, he made his way over to a bench nearby and sat down. He kept his eyes directly at the tombstone.

“Mum, I need your help” Jack spoke out. “It’s Dad, I don’t know what I’m gonna do with him. We made a promise to you that we would all stick together and help each other out, but he broke that promise last night, and it’s tearing me up inside. What am I meant to do now? How am I ever meant to forgive him for what he did to us?” Suddenly, Jack clenched his hand into his head as he began to feel dizzy.

“Ooh…….I really didn’t get enough sleep, despite the extra hour” Jack moaned. He then looked over to his right and saw his mother sitting next to him. Jack was now beginning to have hallucinations…

“Hello Jack” Kate smiled.

“Mum” Jack exclaimed. “What?........How did you……….?”

“I heard what you said” Kate replied. “I know what you meant about your father. He broke his commitment to the Holden Family Contract, didn’t he?”

“He did” Jack nodded. “It upsets me so much, because we always stuck together like best mates, and now, all I feel is that I’ve been let down.”

“Let me tell you something” Kate said. “Your father had let me down a few times himself, but despite that, I never hated him like the way you’re hating him right now.”

“Why not?” Jack asked.

“Because” Kate continued. “Although I felt hurt and disappointed, I still stuck by him, because I love him.”

“How…..how do you do it? I mean, Dad’s let us down big time, and I just can’t see any way that I can forgive him.”

“Let me ask you, Jack” Kate replied. “What does everyone in the world have in common?”

“I…….I…….who knows, Mum” Jack responded.

“Everyone is human” Kate said. “We’re all capable of making mistakes – your father included. But in his case, most of his mistakes are understandable.”

“What do you mean?” Jack asked. Kate placed her hand on his shoulder.

“Jack, your father’s not one of the lucky ones in this world” Kate explained. “He’s had a life which has constantly been painful, since he was young. He’s told me everything about what happened. I could’ve chosen a different man, perhaps one of the lucky ones, you know, someone rich or someone who had a great upbringing. But your father was different. There was something in him that I loved – maybe it was his cute, cheeky smile, or the way he would sing to me to cheer me up when I wasn’t well. Or maybe, it was the fact that I would always hear his annoying rock music blasting out from the Living room.”

“I still remember” Jack chuckled.

“Your father is worth more than a billion of any of the lucky men out there that I could’ve picked” Kate continued. “Please, Jack. Don’t punish you father because of his mistakes. You and Luc are all he has left. Your Aunt Gina can’t always be there for him, she’s got her own family to worry about. Like I said, your father’s not one of the lucky ones – he needs you and Luc more than ever. If you and Luc can do that, then your father will feel much better, and it will prove to me that you’ve kept your promise to me in that Contract: that you boys will all stick together as mates, no matter what happens. Can you do that?” Jack buried his head in his hands in deep thought.

“Jack? Can you and Luc look after your father for me?” Kate asked. After a few moments of silence, Jack sat back up.

“I need to………..”

Jack looked up to see that Kate was gone. He looked around in confusion and disbelief. He looked at the tombstone again.

“What just happened?” Jack asked himself. “Everything just seemed so real. Was I dreaming?” He then reached into his pocket and switched on his mobile phone. After a few seconds, it rang.

“Talk about perfect timing” Jack whispered, pressing the green ‘answer’ button.

Hello?................Martha…………..listen, I’m sorry for not telling…………..no Martha, I am NOT at the North Pole, I’m in Broken Hill…………….well I just wanted some time to myself. Anyway, now that I’ve got you, what’s going on now with Dad?..................Helping Hands resort?.............this afternoon? What time is the flight?..................OK, I see…….OK, well I love you, even though you’re yelling at me right now……..I’ll keep in touch. Bye.”

“Plane leaves at 3:30PM” Jack said to himself. He then stared once more at Kate’s tombstone and began to think. He then began to sink in everything that he could remember Kate saying from his life-like hallucination. After a few moments, he suddenly jumped out from his seat.

“If Dad’s flight from Sydney isn’t until 3:30PM, then I may still catch him if I can get any flight out of here before noon. I have to get to Sydney before he leaves the airport. Wish me luck, Mum.” Jack picked up his backpack and ran out of the Cemetery.”

+++++

1:30PM

“Gina, he’s your brother” Andrew explained. “His actions may have upset you, but at least he’s now acknowledged it, and admitted to getting help, which he will get. Rachel will make sure of it, but you need to see him before he leaves.”

“WHY, UNCLE ANDREW? TELL ME WHY I NEED TO SEE HIM!” Gina angrily lashed out.

“This is gonna be his first step to recovery” Andrew calmly replied. “He may have Rachel by his side, but he needs to see you too, so that……….he feels loved and supported.” Gina kept silent, unsure of how to respond.

“Please see him” Andrew begged.

Meanwhile at the Holden House…

“Here’s the tickets, and the booking information for the resort” Jeremy explained, handing some papers to Rachel. Hearing the taxi pulling up outside, Hugo and Xavier went outside and loaded the bags.

“Well, there’s the taxi” Rachel said. “You ready, Tony?”

“I’m proud of you” Jeremy commented. “Despite that you may hate me for everything that happened with Gina, I’m still gonna look out for you because Gina cares about you, and whoever she cares about, I care about too.”

“Thank you, Jeremy” Tony slowly replied. “And you know, perhaps you’re not such a bad person after all.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, thanks Tony” Jeremy chuckled. Lucas approached his father and gave him a hug.

“Take care of yourself, Dad. Jack and I are behind you, one hundred percent.” Lucas said. Tony slowly looked away in disbelief.

“Luc, can you promise one thing for me while I’m away?”

“Of course, anything” Lucas replied.

“When you see Jack” Tony said. “Tell him……….that despite how much he hates me, I still love him.”

“I’ll tell him.”

Making their way outside, Tony and Rachel exchanged hugs with Hugo and Xavier.

“Take care guys, keep safe.” Hugo said.

“We will” Rachel replied. As they entered the taxi, they heard a yell.

“WAIT!” Gina yelled, running up towards them. Tony opened the window a notch.

“Gina?” Tony exclaimed, seeing his sister looking directly at him. Gina knew that Andrew was right – she needed to be there for support, but at the same time, she was battling her anger over her brother’s actions.

“Gina, you’re scaring me, please, say something.”

“Just promise me you’ll get better” Gina bluntly replied, before turning around and walking back inside.

+++++

One and a half hours later…..

3:00PM

A message was played through the speakers:

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the first call for passengers on flight 502 to Mackay. Please ensure that you have checked in your luggage. Your boarding gate, Gate No. 22 will open in five minutes.

“OK, we better check this in” Rachel said, commenting on their luggage which was still on the trolley in front of them. She turned around and saw Tony looking down on the ground, looking disinterested.

“Why are you so unhappy?” Rachel asked. “Don’t you dare tell me that you’ve changed your mind about going!”

“I just wish that I could see Jack before we go” Tony whispered. “I just want to tell him that I love him, and that I’m sorry, sorry that I’ve let him down. I mean, only in my wildest dreams could I imagine him running inside this airport right now, and………..”

“DAD!” Jack yelled. Tony was in shock and disbelief as he saw his eldest son rushing as fast as he can towards him.

“Jack!” Tony gasped. But before he could say another word, he felt Jack’s strong embrace around him.

“I forgive you, Dad.”

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: Goodbye Forties)

The teens are in for a shock when they return to Summer Bay High for the new School Term.

Gina and Jeremy's relationship continues to grow stronger.

Colleen is upset when Warren damages her Jukebox.

Roman settles back down to life in Summer Bay.

[blizzard18]

Here's the next chapter

CHAPTER 96: GOODBYE FORTIES

Inside the Bachelor Pad, Jack, Martha, Andrew, Lucas and Jeremy sat around the Lounge.

4:30PM

“So how’s Dad and Rach?” Lucas asked.

“They’re fine” Jack replied. “They should arrive at Mackay airport later this evening.”

“Let’s hope the resort is as good as they say” Jeremy noted. Jack placed his arm on his uncle’s shoulder.

“Uncle Jeremy, I just want to thank you again for doing this. It means….”

“Don’t worry about it” Jeremy replied. “I know that your father and I are not exactly the best of friends, but I still care about him, and whoever Gina cares about, I care about too. Speaking of which, I better go next door and check up on her and the boys.”

“OK. Thanks again” Martha smiled. Jeremy headed out the door.

“So, babe” Martha focused her attention to her husband. “You’ve had a long day, going in and out of Broken Hill. What was it that made you change your mind about Tony?”

“It was Mum” Jack smiled.

“Sorry?” Andrew asked, confused.

“I went to visit Mum’s grave” Jack continued. “And……it’s…….it’s just so hard to explain. I must’ve been dreaming or something but I saw Mum stand right in front of me. And she got me thinking…”

“What about?” Martha asked.

“Family is more important than everything and that we have to stick together” Jack smiled. “Including Dad, no matter how many times he may stuff up.”

“See, Jack? Even those beyond the grave can still get a message through” Lucas chuckled.

“I know, thanks Mum” Jack laughed. Lucas looked at his watch.

“Guys, I better go. Nic’s invited me for dinner tonight at her place.”

“But it’s only 4:30PM” Martha said, checking the time.

“I know” Lucas replied. “But Nic and I are just gonna……..hang out, you know?”

“OK but be back by 8:30PM” Jack noted. “School term starts again tomorrow.”

“You don’t need to remind me, Jack!” Lucas groaned as he made his way out the door.

+++++

As evening came, Aden and Hugo sat at a table inside the Diner.

6:00PM

“Still painful, is it?” Hugo asked, noticing the side of Aden’s face still slightly red.

“It’s almost gone, just give it a couple more days and it will be as good as new” Aden replied.

“Once again, I apologise on behalf of my uncle for…..”

“You don’t have to” Aden interrupted. “I’m not gonna hold a grudge on Tony or anything. He just wasn’t himself. I understand.”

“Well, if you say so” Hugo said. He then looked over at his watch.

"Sorry I can't stay and chat. I've gotta be off somewhere."

"Let me guess, a date?" Aden questioned.

"Well.......if you must know, Leah's invited me for Dinner at her place."

"So it is a date then" Aden chuckled. "Have a great night."

"Thanks mate" Hugo smiled as he went out the door.

Meanwhile, Irene and Belle were having a discussion near the counter.

“So what do you think Ruby will like?” Irene asked.

“What about those ham and cheese croissants?” Belle suggested. “Annie says that she loves those.”

“I don’t know” Irene replied. “If this is a party for Ruby’s 17th, then ham and cheese croissants are not really classified as party food, is it?”

“Well, what suggestions do you have Irene?”

“Love, I’ll have to check what we have in stock that we can take out from here” Irene noted. “In the meantime, get Annie, Jai and Xavier to help you. They’ll know more of Ruby’s interests than I would, and also stop worrying too much. Ruby’s birthday isn’t for a few days or so, right?”

“I know” Belle said. “Alright then, I’ll get back to you on the food.”

Arriving inside to start his evening shift, Warren noticed the collection of forties music playing in Colleen’s Jukebox.

“What the hell?” Warren said to himself. Bending down, he pulled the plug out of the socket. Hearing the music stop, Colleen rushed out of the Kitchen.

“Excuse me, I was listening to……..”

“Colleen, I want a word with you, now!” Warren demanded, heading towards the Kitchen.

“Why is that Jukebox on?” Warren asked. “I thought we made an agreement that all your music can be played on Wednesdays. Today is Sunday. I just came back from Church, and after enjoying hearing the nice sounds of the organ and the choir, the last thing I want is to come here and hear repeats of all those CD’s you’ve got stored in that stupid Jukebox of yours!”

“I’m sorry Warren, but that is MY Jukebox, and I should be able to play whatever I want, WHENEVER I WANT!” Colleen argued. Warren was now furious.

“WELL WHY DON’T YOU TAKE THAT JUKEBOX BACK INTO YOUR CARAVAN AND PLAY ALL THE FORTIES TRASH IN THERE INSTEAD, SO THAT PEOPLE LIKE……….LIKE…………THE WHOLE OF SUMMER BAY DON’T HAVE TO SUFFER?” Warren shouted.

“FOR THE LAST TIME, STOP CALLING MY MUSIC TRASH!” Colleen screamed.

“I DON’T CARE” Warren yelled. “TO ME IT’S TRASH, AND TRASH LIKE THAT DOES NOT BELONG IN HERE!”

“What’s with all the yelling?” Irene shouted, rushing inside.

“I’m sorry Irene, but Warren’s giving me a hard time” Colleen argued.

“Don’t listen to her Irene” Warren replied. “Colleen’s the one who’s giving ME a hard time!”

“Shut up, Warren!”

“No, you shut up Colleen!”

“Both of you shut up!” Irene demanded. “Now unless you two want to lose your jobs on the spot, you will find a way to work together and I do not want to hear one more word about the Jukebox, do you understand?” Keeping one eye on her nemesis, Colleen quickly paced towards the counter.

“Whatever” Warren rolled his eyes as he headed to the store room to grab an apron.

+++++

Roman, Nicole and Lucas were having Dinner around the Dining table at Roman’s House.

6:30PM

“Here you go kids.” Roman called out, taking a tray of mini pizzas out of the oven and onto their plates. “Hope you like it.”

“Smells great!” Lucas smiled. Nicole stared at her plate.

“Dad, how many times do I have to tell you, I hate Olives on my pizza!”

“OK, hold your horses Nic. I’ll fix that.” Roman began to pick the Olives out of her slice.

“Ohh gross!” Nicole exclaimed.

“What?”

“You’re using you hands Dad.”

“So?”

“You know………germs and that.” Nicole childishly complained. “Now you have to keep that slice and get me a new one.”

“OK fine” Roman replied, picking up her slices off her plate. “I apologise Luc, Nic’s being a bit of a brat tonight.”

“I am not a brat!” Nicole argued.

“Sometimes you can be” Lucas teased.

“Excuse me!” Nicole squealed.

“Anyway Roman, what brings you back to the Bay?”

“Well” Roman replied. “I went back to rejoin the troops in the SAS, but after just a couple of days, I just lost interest completely.”

“But I thought you were so keen to go back there?” Lucas asked.

“I thought I was” Roman said. “But everything’s so different now. It wasn’t like what it was before. I gave it much more serious thought, and, you know, my life belongs here, back in the bay. And now that Nicole’s come here, I can’t ask for anything else.”

“What about the Diner?” Lucas asked. “Are you planning on getting your job back here?”

“I don’t know” Roman replied. “At the moment, I just want my first few day back to relax and enjoy the moment, and I’ll worry about everything else later.”

+++++

At the Holden House, Gina, Jeremy, Brendan and Xavier were having their Dinner.

7:00PM

“This looks lovely” Jeremy said, glancing at the plate of food in front of him. “Shame Hugo’s missing it.”

“He said that he’s off to Yabbie Creek Bar” Xavier noted. “But really, I think he’s off having a little ‘love-fest’ moment with his girlfriend.”

“Hugo loves Leah!” Brendan blurted out.

“Leah?” Jeremy asked. “You mean, the Greek waitress at the Diner?”

“That’s the one” Gina smiled.

“Aww isn’t that sweet, my eldest’s finally found love” Jeremy laughed. “And since you Xavier, are with Ruby, that just leaves you, Brendan.”

“Brendan doesn’t want a girlfriend! Brendan thinks kissing is yucky!” Gina and Jeremy burst out laughing.

“Come on Bandicoot, it’s not all that bad” Xavier chuckled. Gina decided to change the topic.

“So when do you start fixing up your house?”

“Actually thanks for reminding me, Gina” Jeremy said. “I was gonna ask you guys if you would like to help me start work tomorrow.”

“Cool!” Xavier smiled. Jeremy stared at his son.

“No Xavier, it’s not an excuse to skip your first day at school. You can help out after school.”

“Damn it!” Xavier whispered to himself.

“Well, I’m not doing anything tomorrow, so I can pitch in here and there, if you want” Gina said.

“Awesome” Jeremy smiled. “What about you, Brendan? I have an idea – why don’t you get out your paper and crayons and make a design for one of the bedrooms?”

“Brendan likes that!” Brendan giggled.

+++++

Another new day comes by for the residents of Summer Bay. Walking along the beach, Xavier, Ruby, Lucas, Nicole, Annie and Jai were having a discussion amongst each other on their way to School.

8:15AM

“Ham and Pineapple Pizza………Doritos………..bite-size Toblerones…………gosh, there’s so much stuff I like.” Ruby said. “Anyway, why all the questions?”

“er………nothing” Xavier replied, trying not to give his girlfriend the slightest hint about the surprise party that was being planned.

“Come on Xavier, you asked me what’s my favourite food. You wouldn’t have asked me if there wasn’t a reason for it, would you?”

“Er………well, it’s………..”

“It’s for P.E” Jai interrupted.

“P.E? Why P.E?”

“Well………er…………” Jai was struggling to find words.

“It’s for our upcoming health topic” Annie said. “I checked the syllabus and we……..er………… are going to learn……..er……….about what………we……..should and shouldn’t be eating, you know.

“OK, so why are you all asking me?” Ruby asked. “Do you think I eat unhealthy food?”

“No, we don’t think that” Jai replied. “It’s just practice for our……….our…………..self evaluation test for the topic later on this term.” Ruby stared awkwardly at the pair.

“Er……..right. I have no idea what you’re talking about, but I’ll believe you anyway.”

“Really?” Xavier asked.

“Yeah, why not?” Ruby replied. “And besides, we haven’t covered Food yet in P.E, so that’s gotta be it.”

+++++

Later in the morning, Jeremy, Gina and Brendan were clearing up some of the material left over inside the old house which Jeremy only recently purchased. Jack and Andrew entered, followed by Martha.

10:30AM

“Hey guys, I brought some tea” Martha called out, carrying a basket of scones, biscuits and muffins.

“Brendan’s tired and hungry!” Brendan moaned.

“Are you kidding me?” Gina chuckled. “You only worked for five minutes!”

“Brendan doesn’t care” Brendan replied. “Brendan is hungry and Brendan wants scones and muffins now!”

As Brendan joined Jack and Martha at the back with the food, Andrew approached his niece.

“Hey Gina, just before we left, we got a call from Rachel. They arrived at the resort safe and sound and they’ll be attending their first session today.”

“As long as Tony gets better, that’s all I care about” Gina whispered. Andrew stared at her, surprised.

“Gina, remember what I said before. He needs our support.”

“OK, OK I won’t hold a grudge on him forever” Gina replied. “I’m just a bit disappointed at what he did the other day.”

“I know” Andrew sighed. At that moment, Jeremy’s phone rang. Gina and Andrew watched as he headed out the front door to answer the call.

“Jeremy’s phone has been ringing continuously for the past two days” Gina commented. “I wonder who’s calling him?”

“Hmm, he’s a bit of a busy man now, isn’t he?” Andrew wondered.

+++++

Later in the Afternoon…..

3:30PM

“Well that was the worst day of school ever!” Ruby complained, as she, Xavier, Lucas, Annie, Jai and Nicole entered the Diner.

“Seriously, what’s wrong with the new principal?” Jai asked.

“Don’t know” Lucas replied. “I mean, Mr. Bartlett asked Rubes and I to give Ms. Brighton a tour around the school and she was so nice, she even gave treated us a free meal afterwards.”

“Well after giving twenty kids a detention and another twenty with playground litter duty all in her first day as principal, you think she’s nice after all?”

“I think I want Mr. Bartlett back” Jai replied.

“Yeah, me too” Annie replied. “But for this term at least, we’re stuck with Ms. Brighton, unfortunately!” Xavier looked up and saw Belle enter inside, heading towards Irene at the counter.

“Can you excuse me for a moment?” Xavier said. He made his way towards Belle.

“Hey Xavier, how did you go?” Belle asked. “Did your girlfriend suspect a thing?”

“Not a thing!” Xavier replied. “Here’s the list of her favourite foods.” Taking out a note from his pocket, he handed it to Belle, who handed it over to Irene.

“Well love, this doesn’t look so bad” Irene noted, reading the list. “I think we can supply most of this in time for the party.”

“Sounds great!” Xavier smiled. “Rubes is gonna love this!”

Meanwhile, Warren was carrying a tray of food, as well as a large jug of water. One of the customers looked up and saw him approaching near a bag on the ground belonging to another customer, which was blocking the path.

“WATCH OUT!” The man yelled. But it was too late. Warren tripped over the bag, sending the plate of food all over the floor. He then looked up and saw sparks coming out of the Jukebox. He suddenly realized that the jug of water spilled all over the machine.

“Oh my!” Warren gasped.

Hearing the crash, Colleen left the Kitchen and screamed when she saw her beloved Jukebox all broken and water-damaged.

“NO! MY JUKEBOX! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY JUKEBOX?”

“I’m so sorry Colleen, it was an accident” Warren apologized.

“YOU BROKE MY JUKEBOX!” Colleen shrieked.

“Again, it was an accident” Warren calmly spoke. “I didn’t do this on purpose.”

“On Purpose?” Colleen yelled. “DON’T GIVE ME THAT RUBBISH! OF COURSE YOU DID IT ON PURPOSE! I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU WARREN! I ACTUALLY THOUGHT YOU WERE A NICE MAN, AND ALL OF US WELCOMED YOU IN HERE, BUT NOW YOU’VE JUST PROVEN THAT YOU’VE ALWAYS BEEN AGAINST ME FROM THE DAY YOU STARTED WORKING HERE. I’M SORRY, BUT THAT IS THE END. IT’S OVER!”

“Excuse me?” Warren asked.

“I CAN’T WORK WITH YOU ANYMORE. I QUIT!” Taking off her apron, Colleen threw it on the ground and stormed out of the Diner. Irene and Warren looked on in shock.

+++++

After clearing up the mess inside the Kitchen, Gina and Jeremy were working together, painting one side of the wall.

“You know, yellow isn’t such a bad colour for the Kitchen wall, now that I’m looking at it” Gina commented.

“Yeah it isn’t so bad after all” Jeremy replied. Gina turned to face her ex-husband.

“Whoa, looks like you got a spot of paint on your cheek there” Gina noted, pointing at the spot.

“Really?” Jeremy replied. “Because I can also see a spot of paint on your face.”

“Where?”

“There!” Jeremy laughed, poking the paintbrush of wet yellow paint directly onto Gina’s forehead. Gina let out a small scream.

“Liar! You just wanted to do that!”

“Perhaps I did!” Jeremy chuckled.

“Well, you asked for it” Gina squealed, grabbing her brush and scribbling some paint over Jeremy’s face.

“Hey!” Jeremy replied, doing the same in return.

“Stop it!” Gina giggled.

“You stop it!” Jeremy teased. After a moment, they both suddenly stopped. Jeremy stared right into his ex-wife’s face.

“We both look stupid, don’t we?” Jeremy noted. Gina burst out into laughter.

“We do indeed! Perhaps we better wash up before Brendan comes out of the Bedroom and sees us looking like yellow coloured freaks!” Both were interrupted when Jeremy’s phone rang.

“Why don’t you go first to the tap and wash yourself up?” Jeremy suggested. “I’ll join you in a minute.”

“Alright then” Gina replied, heading towards the Bathroom.

Seeing her disappear around the hallway, Jeremy pressed the green button and answered the call.

Hello?................Hey, thanks for calling. Do you have what I need?........................No, no. Gina doesn’t know a thing…………………..good, I’ll come and pick it up soon. Bye.”

“It’s only a matter of time” Jeremy chuckled, placing the phone back into his pocket. “Gina doesn’t know what’s coming to her.”

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: Romantic Evening)

Romance is in the air at Ruby’s 17th Birthday Party.

Gina and Jeremy’s relationship takes a big turn.

Charlie and Richard decide to discuss the break-up incident.

Watson returns to work, but the Commissioner has other plans.

[blizzard18]

Finally done

Reminder: I started this fic before they revealed on the actual show that Charlie and Ruby are mother/daughter, so throughout this fic, they are still sisters.

CHAPTER 97: ROMANTIC EVENING

A few days have passed. It was now Friday afternoon.

4:30PM

Gina was in her bedroom inside the Holden House, sorting out some laundry and a few of her belongings. Opening the drawer inside her cupboard, she pulled it too far, tipping the drawer and its contents – her jewellery collection all over the floor.

“Silly Me!” Gina muttered to herself. Picking up her jewellery, She noticed a small ring box and noticed the ring inside. Looking at the ring, she suddenly remembered – it was the wedding ring that Brenda had passed on to her a long time ago to give to Jeremy on their wedding day. Since the divorce, Jeremy had taken out the ring and left it with her. Putting the ring on, Gina began to remember the happy times that she and Jeremy had, both in Alice Springs and Broken Hill, right until the point when things turned bad when he left the family on Brendan’s 4th birthday. Her thoughts were interrupted when there was a knock on the door. Leaving her bedroom, she answered the door.

“Charlie, Hi. Come on in.”

“Thanks Gina, I won’t be staying long though” Charlie replied. “I just wanted to drop in and see how you are doing.”

“I’m fine, thanks.”

“How are Tony and Rachel doing?”

“They’re fine” Gina replied. “I spoke with Rachel over the phone last night. She says that Tony feels much better now, and that they are both enjoying the nice weather at Airlie Beach.”

“That’s good to hear” Charlie smiled. She then noticed the ring that was still on Gina’s finger.

“That ring looks stunning. Is it new?”

“Oh, this old thing” Gina chuckled, looking at the ring. “This belonged to my mother. She gave it to me to pass on to Jeremy on our wedding day, but since the Divorce, I got it back.”

“So why have you got it on now?” Charlie asked.

“I just thought I’d try it on” Gina replied. “Even though I gave this to my ex-husband……you know, it brings back so many memories.”

“So how are the two of you going?” Charlie wondered.

“Much better” Gina smiled. “I was first skeptical whether Jeremy was a changed person, given his criminal past and what he did to me and the Boys all those years ago, but I decided to give him a second chance and, well, it paid off. Jeremy and I couldn’t be happier, and the boys are happy to have him back.”

“Well I’m happy for you” Charlie replied. Gina stared at the constable and noticed a sense of disappointment.

“Charlie, you OK?” Gina asked. “Is it about Richard?” Charlie slowly nodded.

“Have you seen him lately?”

“Other than work, where we pretty much avoid each other, I haven’t seen him much” Charlie sighed. “I suppose he’s also been busy with physiotherapy and everything. Plus I’m scared to even approach him if his brother is around. Warren already hates me.”

“Who cares about Warren?” Gina said. “If you want Richard back, you need to talk to him about that engagement ring incident, and you need to tell him how you feel. I’m sure you guys can work something out...”

+++++

“Almost there” Xavier said, guiding Ruby through the hallway inside Jeremy’s house. They entered the Dining room.

“OK, you can open your eyes now.” Ruby opened her eyes and saw a Dining table, covered with lit candles. Two plates, each with a bowl of warm soup were placed on each end. Above them was a web of Christmas lights, glowing with small blue globes.

“Oh my God, Xavier!” Ruby squealed. “This is………incredible!”

“Really?” Xavier asked. “I was worried that you wouldn’t like it because Dad hasn’t entirely finished this room yet, but he offered his house to us for the afternoon.”

“Who cares, the thought of you doing this for me is so romantic, thank you!” Ruby smiled, giving her boyfriend a kiss. Both took a seat opposite each other at the table.

Ruby looked at the bowl of soup.

“This looks delicious. I’m guessing this is only the start of the many things you’ve got left to surprise me.”

“Actually, soup is all we’re having” Xavier replied.

“What?” Ruby said. “You…..you mean………you prepared this elegant setting for me, just so that we can have soup?”

“Yes”

“But….”

“Soup is only the entrée” Xavier smiled. “After we finish, we’re going somewhere else. There’s another surprise waiting for you!”

“er…..OK then” Ruby replied, curious to know what else is yet to come. Xavier knew that his girlfriend will be in for a big night – Next on the schedule is Ruby’s surprise party at Irene’s house.

+++++

Inside Irene’s House, chaos erupted as everyone was racing around the clock to get ready for Ruby’s surprise party.

“Oh God! Don’t tell me it’s not working!” Irene panicked, trying to fiddle with the toaster oven. Leah came over towards her.

“Maybe you should plug it in” Leah pointed out. Irene then noticed the plug out of its socket.

“Stupid me!” Irene whispered.

As Aden, Belle, Annie and Jai hung up the birthday posters, Brendan, Lucas and Nicole were at the lounge, blowing up the balloons.

“Luc, watch this” Brendan said, deflating a helium balloon into his mouth. “Brendan’s an alien!”

“Oh my God!” Nicole burst out laughing.

“Brendan, be sensible” Hugo called out from the kitchen, clearly unimpressed at his little brother’s childish behavior.

“Come on Hugo, he’s just having fun” Lucas explained.

“Well it doesn’t look fun to me” Hugo replied. “It just looks…….freaky!”

“Oh my God Brendan, your brother needs to lighten up, like……seriously!” Nicole whispered.

“I heard that!” Hugo said.

Alf arrived, entering through the Kitchen door.

“Thank God you’re here Alf” Irene exclaimed, handing him a lighter and a tray of raw meat. “Go outside and start up the Barbeque.”

“Strewth Irene!” Alf groaned. “I just came in!”

“Great, well you can start helping like everyone else” Irene replied. “By the way, what time’s Colleen coming?”

“She’s not coming” Alf sighed. “She’s still upset over that broken Jukebox of hers.”

“What?” Leah said. “But we told her that Warren rang and said he’s not coming tonight, so she’ll be more than welcome to come. And we want her to come back and work for us at the Diner.”

“Maybe she’s not into the party mood today?” Alf suggested.

“Well that’s headline news” Irene replied. “Colleen’s not in a party mood!”

+++++

4:45PM

Charlie was walking along the park near the Beach. Turning to her right, she noticed Billy and Frances sitting on the sand, watching Richard walking around with the assistance of a walking frame. She looked back in front when she noticed Roman, who was jogging, coming towards her.

“Hey” Roman called out.

“Roman, you look exhausted” Charlie noted.

“Really?” Roman replied. “Because I feel so energetic, I’m not feeling tired at all!”

“What are you doing? Training for Mount Everest?” Charlie asked sarcastically.

“No, but I heard that the Yabbie Creek marathon is on next week, so I’m training for that” Roman replied. “Perhaps you should sign up.”

“Are you kidding me?” Charlie exclaimed. “I heard they’ve made this years course much longer and harder, so I think I’ll give it a miss. But you know what, good for you. Perhaps you’ll win this year.”

“I am gonna win this year, I know it!” Roman smiled. “And, given that Tony’s probably still gonna be at that resort, I’m gonna finally snatch first place! I mean, I like Tony as a friend, but I’m so sick of him always getting first place every year, but I’m glad he’s gonna miss it because this year is my year!”

“What about Aden?” Charlie said. “He always beats you too, and don’t even get me started with Geoff – that guy’s born to run!”

“Which is why I can’t stop now to chat. I’ve got more training to do. Bye” Roman said as he continued jogging.

“Bye” Charlie giggled.

“Go Daddy, you can do it!” Billy cheered. Using his walking frame, Richard was walking slowly along a marked path that Billy drew on the sand.

“Done!” Richard smiled, reaching the finish line. Frances looked around and saw Charlie coming towards them.

“Billy, why don’t you come with me and we’ll get some ice cream from the Diner?”

“What about Daddy?” Billy asked.

“er………Daddy will join you in a minute” Richard replied. As Frances and Billy headed further down the beach, Richard slowly made his way towards his ex-girlfriend.

“Hey.”

“Hey” Charlie replied. “Back up on you feet again, I see?”

“Only slowly” Richard said. After a short moment of silence, Charlie spoke.

“Do you wanna talk?”

Moments later, sitting on the bench at the park next to the beach…

“I still think we should’ve gone back to your place to talk” Charlie said.

“Don’t worry if Warren sees us” Richard replied. “This mess is for the two of us to sort out, not him.”

“But….”

“Yeah, I know he’s a bit overprotective of me, given my disastrous past relationships” Richard interrupted. “But he has to know that I’m already more than old enough to sort out my problems.”

“So……where does this leave us?” Charlie asked.

“I don’t know, Charlie” Richard sighed. “We were going along nicely until a small misunderstanding completely destroyed our relationship.”

“I know, and I take all the blame for that” Charlie replied. “If only I knew that the engagement ring was for Ronnie’s girlfriend, and not for me, then…………you know, it’s my fault. I should’ve asked you about it, instead of jumping to the wrong conclusions.”

“Well it doesn’t matter now” Richard said. “I don’t have the ring anymore.”

“What happened to it?”

“I gave it back to Ronnie a couple of days ago” Richard replied. “He proposed to his girlfriend Belinda last night and she said yes.”

“That’s great news, good on them!” Charlie smiled.

“I know” Richard replied. “And that’s what you thought I’d do to you, and you broke up with me.”

“Like you said, it was a misunderstanding” Charlie sighed. “I wish I knew better. But the damage is done now, isn’t it?”

“Yes, unfortunately” Richard whispered.

“Richard………..there’s one thing I’d like to ask you. I hate having to spend my whole time each day at the station trying to avoid you and not speak to you. It’s killing me, having to do this every day.”

“You know Charlie, I will admit. It’s killing me too.” Richard replied.

“That is why I want to ask you” Charlie continued. “I’m hoping that…….at least……….we can be friends again, because the last thing I want to do is lose your friendship, both on and off duty. What do you say?” Richard took a moment to think.

“I would love that, Charlie” Richard smiled.

+++++

After speaking to Richard, Charlie arrived at the station and was stunned to see Constable Georgie Watson sitting on the chair next to the front desk.

5:00PM

“Georgie, you’re back!”

“Maybe not for long” Watson replied.

“What do you mean?” Charlie asked, confused.

“Ted Donaldson asked me to come in today.”

“Ted, the commissioner?” Charlie asked. Watson nodded.

“He’s called me in to discuss the incident at the Surf Club. He’s going to make a decision whether or not I stay in the force.”

“Of course you’re gonna stay” Charlie said. “What you did was courageous. You had to shoot to protect Tony. I’m sure the commissioner will take that matter into consideration.”

“I can only hope” Watson whispered. Charlie sat down next to the constable.

“Listen, do you want me to stay with you until Ted arrives?”

“But I thought you’re going out” Watson said. “Fredrick told me that you going to Ruby’s party.”

“But this is serious.” Charlie replied.

“Charlie, it’s your sister’s birthday party. You don’t have to wait with me. I’ll be fine, promise.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive” Watson replied. Both exchanged hugs to one another.

“Good luck. We’re all behind you, one hundred percent.”

“Thanks” Watson smiled.

+++++

5:15PM

After finishing the soup entrée, Xavier and Ruby were now making their way out of Jeremy’s House to head towards Irene’s for the surprise.

“Come on, Xavier. Why can’t you just tell me what other surprises are left for me?”

“Why should I?” Xavier replied. “If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise anymore.”

“Damn it!” Ruby whispered. “I hope it’s a good surprise!”

Fifteen minutes later…

“WHOA!” Ruby screamed. She and Xavier had just walked inside Irene’s house, where all the guests had just yelled out to surprise her.

“Well, are you surprised now?” Xavier asked.

“This is awesome, my own party” Ruby squealed.

“Smile!” Brendan called out, pressing the flash button on Belle’s camera that he was holding.

“Brendan’s such a pro on that camera” Aden whispered to Belle.

“He might be the next Ken Duncan” Belle giggled.

As everyone went around to gather plates for the meal, Hugo and Leah looked over and noticed Jeremy standing near the door.

“Is something bothering your Dad?” Leah asked.

“Don’t know” Hugo replied. “He looks a bit pale. I wonder what’s going on with him?”

Jeremy reached into his coat pocket and held onto an object that he had inside. He began to feel shaky and nervous.

“Tonight is the night” Jeremy whispered to himself.

Gina sat down with her plate of food at the outside table. Picking up her fork, she noticed the ring still on her finger which she had forgotten to remove before leaving the house. Staring at it one more time, she took it off and hid it in her pocket. Charlie came with her plate of food and sat next to Gina.

“Hey Gina.”

“Hey” Gina replied. “How did your talk with Richard go?”

“It went……….well, actually” Charlie said. “It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. We’re back as friends.”

“Well that’s great” Gina smiled. “I’m guessing he knows now that the ring he had with him was just a misunderstanding on your part.”

“Yeah. But I don’t have to worry about that ring anymore” Charlie replied. “Constable Ronnie Burton got it back and he proposed to the girlfriend and she said yes!”

“Really!” Gina smiled. “That’s great news.”

“I know” Charlie replied. “And, given that the two of them had a big falling out a couple of years ago, I’m just happy for them that they still stuck by together and sorted it out. I think in their case, the proposal was their second chance of having a great, happy relationship.” After hearing this, Gina began to think.

“Is there something that’s bothering you, Gina?” Charlie asked.

“No, nothing at all” Gina replied. She began to think over what Charlie said about Ronnie and Belinda. Reaching into her pocket, she felt the ring inside. She then remembered all the happy times she spent with Jeremy since his return.

“Could an engagement be a second chance for me and Jeremy?” Gina thought to herself.

Hearing the mobile ring, Charlie took her phone out to answer the call.

“Charlie Buckton…………….Fredrick, Hi. How’s Georgie?......................that’s great news, I’m so glad to hear that……………………….what?........................whoa, I mean………I mean that’s huge……………….OK, I understand. Thanks for letting me know. Bye.”

“Something wrong?” Gina asked.

“That was Fredrick” Charlie replied. “Georgie will not lose her job for shooting your father.”

“That’s great” Gina smiled. “I’m not angry with her or anything. She had to do what had to be done.”

“But that’s not all” Charlie continued. “Ted, the commissioner was actually very pleased with her handling of the situation, that he’s asking her to take over from Jason Nelson as the Senior Constable of North Valley police station!”

+++++

Later on, as darkness fell over Summer Bay…

7:00PM

“Gina, what’s wrong?” Jeremy asked. Having left the party early, Gina pulled Jeremy into the Dining room inside his house.

“Gina, you’ve been quiet all night, is there something……..”

“Shut up for a minute. There’s something I need to do” Gina replied. Reaching for the plug, she turned on the display of Christmas light that decorated the ceiling – the same ones that Xavier used for his earlier surprise with Ruby.

“What are you doing?” Jeremy asked.

“There’s something I need to ask you” Gina replied. Jeremy noticed her pulling out his old wedding ring from her pocket.

“Isn’t that the wedding ring you gave me?”

“It is” Gina replied. “Jeremy, I’ve given our relationship some thought, and I’ve been thinking all night about us. You and I both know that all we want is for us and the boys to become a family again, so now I want to make things right.” Jeremy slowly watched as Gina got down on one knee, holding up the ring.

“Oh my………..what are you doing?”

Hugo walked in from the front door.

“I was wondering where you guys went to.” Hugo stopped in his tracks when he saw his mother on one knee on the floor.

“Oh Dear God, what’s going on?”

“Jeremy Austin” Gina spoke out. “Will you marry me?” Jeremy stared at the ring, then at his ex-wife before giving his answer.

“No.” Jeremy whispered. Gina stared at him in shock, whilst Hugo looked on, stunned at what just happened.

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: Unexpected News)

Jeremy’s actions leave Gina stunned.

Watson says goodbye to Yabbie Creek Police Station.

Warren gives Colleen a special gift.

Dr. Winston makes a discovery that shocks Jack and Martha.

[blizzard18]

Next chapter And, just to confirm, I do have an extra 4 or 5 chapters planned before the 2 chapter finale.

CHAPTER WARNING: (Small to Medium amount of) Drug references mentioned in this chapter.

CHAPTER 98: UNEXPECTED NEWS

“Hugo, can you wait outside for a minute?” Jeremy whispered. “I need to talk to your mother alone.” Hugo slowly made his way out the front door. Jeremy then turned around to face Gina, who was sitting on a chair, feeling embarrassed and shocked.

“Gina, what are you doing?”

“Listen” Gina replied. “I feel stupid, I should never have done that. It’s too soon. I’d better go.”

“No Gina, please don’t go” Jeremy said, holding his ex-wife to stop her as she tried to make her way out. Gina slowly sat back down. Jeremy pulled up another chair and sat next to her.

“Why did you say no?” Gina asked, close to tears as she was feeling the embarrassment of her actions.

“Don’t you see it?” Jeremy said. “It’s crazy. You, proposing to me? Women aren’t really meant to do that.”

“I don’t care about tradition, Jeremy” Gina replied. “I thought that we promised each other that we would get back together as a family. We were married, Jeremy. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

“Of course it does.”

“Then why did you say no?” Gina asked again. Jeremy stared at her and took a deep breath.

“I was the one who wanted to surprise you.”

“Excuse me?”

“Those calls that I made over the past week” Jeremy explained. “That was Philip, the owner of the Jewellery store in North Valley. I bought this.” Pulling out a box from his pocket, Jeremy opened it up, revealing an engagement ring.

“I wanted to be the one to ask the question” Jeremy continued. “I was the one who broke our family apart, now it’s my job to bring it back together………and besides, I’m the man. I’m the one who’s meant to get down and propose. Gina watched silently as Jeremy got down on one knee on the ground, holding up the ring box.

“Gina Austin, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife…………….again?”

Meanwhile, Hugo was waiting impatiently outside.

“What’s taking them so long?” Hugo said to himself. Deciding not to wait, he silently peeked through the front door.

Gina stared at the ring. After a few moments, Jeremy saw the smile that was slowly forming in her face.

“Yes” Gina replied. “I’ll marry you.”

“YES! YES! YES! MUM AND DAD ARE GETTING MARRIED!” Hugo screamed, jumping up and down on the wooden floors. Gina and Jeremy swiftly turned around and saw their son behaving like an excited child. Hugo stopped suddenly when he saw his parents staring at him.

“I’ll…….I’ll just go out and……..and leave you two alone. I’ll jump on the grass instead.” Hugo quickly made his way out of the house.

+++++

Meanwhile in Irene’s house, the ladies were preparing the desserts and the cakes for Ruby and the other guests. Jack and Martha were seated around the table outside.

“You know babe, you forgot to ask me something.”

“What?” Martha asked.

“You didn’t ask me how my day was.” Jack noted.

“Oh, I’m sorry” Martha apologized. “So, how was your day?”

“Busy” Jack replied. “Fredrick and I arrested a group of six people responsible for providing drugs and cigarettes to minors. I just don’t understand it. Cigarettes are just so……..unhealthy. Who would want to smoke that thing?”

“I did, once when I was a teenager.”

“What?”

“I only tried it, and I hated it” Martha replied. “Come on, Jack. Are you saying you’ve never had a cigarette before?”

“Well………………OK Martha, I had………….well, about five actually.”

“Really” Martha exclaimed, trying to hide her laughter. “You are such a rebel! What happened?”

“I just turned 18” Jack explained. “Dad, Luc and I weren’t living in Broken Hill anymore, we were living just south of Sydney and I was hanging out with a bunch of mates, and one of my friends offered me one cigarette, and I thought I would give it a try, so I tried it, and it turned out that it wasn’t as bad as I thought. But……..”

“But?” Martha asked.

“But one night, I snuck into a pub to meet my mates behind Dad’s back and I had my fifth cigarette, but what I forgot was that day was Friday. It was the day that Dad would always head to the same pub for a couple of drinks after school. He walked in and saw the cigarette in my hand.”

“Oh my God! Busted!” Martha giggled. “What happened next?”

“What happened next was perhaps the most embarrassing moment of my life” Jack replied. “Dad caused a scene by grabbing my ear and pulling me outside. Once we got home, he forced me to sit in front of the TV and he put on a 30 minute video about the consequences of smoking. It was one of the videos he uses for his P.E. classes. He even made sure that the speakers were loud enough for me to hear it! Then after the video, he yelled at me and, strangely, gave me a big hug! From then on, I never touched once cigarette ever again.”

“Tony has some strange parenting methods” Martha commented.

“Yeah, but he only wants what’s best for me, and I love him for it” Jack smiled.

Aden and Belle joined the pair at the table.

“Hey guys” Belle smiled. “So……your first check-up tomorrow. How you feeling?”

“I’m kinda nervous” Martha replied. “I just hope the baby’s alright.”

“Don’t stress about it too much” Aden said. “In about eight and a half months it’ll be all over and you’ll have a beautiful baby boy or girl. Speaking of which……” Aden turned his attention to his girlfriend. “When are we gonna have a junior Jeffries of our own?”

“Ask me again, and you won’t be having one with me!” Belle teased. “Besides, we have to get married first!”

“What’s wrong mate? Jealous?” Jack chuckled.

“Yeah” Aden replied. “First it’s Rach, then it’s you Martha. I want a baby of my own!”

“Sorry babe, but as far as I remember from Science class, Men can’t grow their own babies, so you have to be nice to me if you want one, OK?” Belle giggled, giving him a small kiss on the forehead.

“Looks like Irene and Leah have the cake ready” Martha said, looking over at the window. “We better go inside.”

+++++

After a night of party and excitement, the next day came. It was a Saturday.

9:00AM

“How much altogether did you get?” Annie asked Ruby. The pair, along with Jai, Brendan and Xavier sat at a table inside the Diner.

“Eight hundred dollars” Ruby squealed.

“Eight Hundred!” Brendan exclaimed. “Brendan wants Eight Hundred!”

“Bandicoot, what happened to the Eight Hundred that you saving up from the pocket money from Mum?” Xavier asked. “It took you ages to get that! Don’t tell me you spent it already?”

“Brendan bought this” Brendan said, taking an Apple iPhone out of his pocket. Xavier stared at it in shock.

“What the hell?” Xavier gasped. He then saw Annie and Jai take out their iPhones. “Are you kidding me, you all have those things?”

“er…..yeah, because, they’re awesome!” Jai replied.

“Excellent” Ruby smiled. “I’m off to Yabbie Creek this afternoon to spend my Eight Hundred dollars on an iPhone. Looks like you’ll be the only one who is left in the dark, Xavier!”

“Aww, what a shame!” Annie and Jai said in unison.

“Damn it, I want Eight Hundred!” Xavier mumbled silently.

Colleen entered inside and approached Irene at the counter.

“Colleen!........it’s……..good to see you again!”

“Don’t worry, I won’t stay long” Colleen replied. “I’m just here to pick up the cake for Hugo that he ordered this morning, so just get me the cake and I’ll be out of your way.”

“Colleen, come on” Irene replied sympathetically. “We miss you. We want you to come back and work with us.” Colleen shook her head.

“Forget it, Irene. I refuse to work with that ignorant, rude and selfish chef of yours.”

“But love, it was an accident.”

“No it wasn’t” Colleen squealed. “He hated me from the start. Ever since the time we were beginning to lose customers, all I ever wanted was to get the Diner back together. I’ve tried and tried to save the business, whilst at the same time tried to be friendly to Warren as much as I can, but he’s just been against me from the start. He may have hated me, but he didn’t have to go so low as to destroy my beloved Jukebox like that. But it doesn’t matter now.”

“Sorry?” Irene asked.

“I’m getting Miles and Geoff to take it out of here this afternoon. You can tell Warren that he’s won – the Jukebox will be gone and he won’t have to see a poor old woman like me again. A woman, who tried her best to save the business!” Picking up the cake, Colleen quickly made her way out of the Diner.

Meanwhile, Warren was leaning against the wall in the Kitchen, covering his hand in his head in guilt. He had heard the entire conversation.

+++++

Inside Yabbie Creek Police Station…

10:30AM

“Well, this is it” Watson said, staring at a box of her things.

“I just can’t believe this is it!” Charlie said. “Can’t you stay for one more day?”

“I wish I could” Watson replied. “But the Commissioner wants me to start my new job tomorrow, so now is the time to go and check out my new station.”

“Well, we’re happy that you now have your own Police Station, being granted the position of Senior Constable, but we’re gonna miss you” Richard spoke.

“Aww, I’m already missing you now” Charlie said. Close to tears, she hugged her friend.

“Oh, trust me, you won’t miss me!” Watson chuckled. “There’s always so much action in here, you’ll forget I was part of it. Besides, North Valley is only fifteen minutes away. Both our stations can work together.”

“Group photo!” Jack called out. Setting the camera on the desk, Jack pressed the timer button as Charlie, Watson, Richard and Fredrick gathered in a group.

“Here we go!” Jack said, quickly making his way towards them. “Smile!”

CLICK

+++++

Alf had invited the Austins, as well as Jack and Martha for lunch at the Caravan Park House to celebrate Gina and Jeremy’s engagement.

12:00PM

“Here’s the cake” Hugo called out, carrying the box as he entered the Kitchen.

“Where’s Aunty Colleen?” Martha asked. “I thought she was coming with you.”

“No, she just gave me the cake that I ordered, then walked away, but I can say that she didn’t really seem like her cheerful self. Is something wrong?”

“Colleen’s a bit upset after her Jukebox in the Diner was damaged” Alf replied.

“But Leah mentioned to me that the damage was an accident?” Hugo noted.

“Well, accident or no accident, she’s devastated” Alf replied. “And, no amount of friends or invitations is gonna cheer her up at this stage.”

“Poor Colleen” Jeremy sighed. “I didn’t see her at the Party yesterday either.”

“I think Irene said she’s gonna try and talk to her this evening, so let’s hope that works” Alf commented. “Anyway Hugo, why don’t you keep the cake in the fridge for now, and we’ll go and get Lunch prepared.”

“Sure” Hugo replied. “Come, Bandicoot.”

Gina, Jeremy, Jack and Martha were left at the table.

“How are you feeling?”

“Nervous” Martha whispered.

“Don’t be nervous” Gina replied. “I’ve had to go through this many times. It’s only a small check-up to make sure the baby’s fine. Just one Ultrasound and it’ll be over before you know it.”

“I can still remember the hospital visit when Gina had her ultrasound when she was pregnant with Brendan” Jeremy said. “Hugo, who was only three, was sitting on my lap and we all looked up at the monitor. When he saw Brendan, he asked me who it is. I said to him “That’s your Brother.” He then said “Why’s my brother inside a machine?” Jack and Martha burst out laughing.

“Obviously he had no idea” Martha giggled.

“Hey!” Hugo called out. “I was a baby back then. What would I know?”

“Hey guys” Xavier called out as he arrived at the front door. “I’m not late, am I?”

“You’re alright, mate” Jeremy replied. “Alf and Hugo are just starting lunch.”

“That’s good then. Listen, Dad. There’s something I want to ask you. It’s…….”

“If it’s about the iPhone, the answer is, get a job!” Jeremy interrupted.

“Damn it!” Xavier whispered to himself.

+++++

Watson and the Commissioner, Ted Donaldson were inside North Valley Police Station…

“Thanks for showing me around” Watson said. “So what happened to Senior Constable Jason Nelson?”

“Let’s just say that Mr. Nelson won’t be back in the police force anytime soon” Ted chuckled. “In fact, you probably won’t see him around for quite a while, given that he’s probably the most disliked person in this town.”

“Well now, I’m gonna make sure that this station is back to normal.” Watson replied.

“That’s great to hear” Ted smiled. “Anyway, I’ll leave you alone so that you can get yourself sorted in here.”

“Thanks.”

Seeing the Commissioner leave the station, Watson unpacked the box of her belongings inside her new office. Picking up a picture frame, she stared at it closely. It was a picture of her friends at Yabbie Creek Police Station. Watson took a deep breath – she missed them already, but she knew that she had to do what was right. Being the boss of her own police station is what she always wanted.

+++++

Later that afternoon…

3:00PM

“Letter for Ms. Colleen Smart” The postman announced, handing an envelope to Colleen outside the doorstep of her caravan.

“Thank you” Colleen said. “Wonder who it’s from?”

Sitting down on her chair, Colleen opened up the envelope and read the note inside.

I’m sorry for destroying your Jukebox. Please forgive me, I don’t wanna fight. All we want is for you to come back with us at the Diner. Please think about it. Warren.

P.S. There’s a package waiting for you inside the House. I’ve asked Alf to take care of it until you pick it up. I found this item as I went past the Antiques shop in Yabbie Creek during my lunch break. Hope you like it.

Colleen placed the letter down and slowly made her way out of her van, heading towards the House.

A few minutes later…

“Oh my God!” Colleen squealed, staring at a brand new Jukebox that Alf had just set up inside the Living room.

“I know, she’s a beauty, isn’t she?” Alf commented.

“It looks just like my old one” Colleen smiled.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I wanted to plug it in and test it out for you.” Alf said. “When Miles gets back, he can help me move it into your caravan.”

“That’s lovely, thank you.” Colleen smiled, unable to hide her excitement. “I’m just gonna go back into my van and gather all my forties CDs and we can test it out on the machine and play it all afternoon until Miles gets back!”

Seeing Colleen race back out, Alf leaned over at the Kitchen bench and buried his head in his hands.

“Here we go again!”

+++++

Inside the hospital, Jack and Martha were inside with Dr. Jim Winston for Martha’s ultrasound check-up. Aden and Belle, who came to support the pair were waiting at the corridor.

4:00PM

“OK, now this is gonna feel a bit cold, but it’s nothing to worry about” Dr. Jim Winston explained, whilst placing some of the gel-like substance over Martha’s tummy.

“Hey Babe, there’s nothing to worry about. Everything will be fine” Jack whispered, holding his wife’s hand firmly.

“OK, here we go” Jim said, placing the handheld device on Martha. All of them looked up at the screen.

“Wow, look at that, that’s our baby. Our own baby, Martha!” Jack smiled.

“I can’t believe it!” Martha chuckled. “That’s………”

“Hang on, something’s wrong” Jack interrupted. “What’s that over there, doctor?”

“Let me double check” Jim replied, moving the device around. “That’s the baby’s head………and that’s the baby’s hands, developing nicely and…………whoa!”

“What” Martha asked. She was beginning to panic.

“This is what I was not expecting at all!” Jim gasped.

“Oh my God” Martha panicked. “Jack, something’s wrong, I know it. This is what I was scared of all along.”

“Doctor?” Jack whispered.

“Mr and Mrs Holden” Jim slowly spoke out. “This is gonna come as a surprise, but it appears to me that you're…….you’re……….you’re………having twins!”

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: The Beach)

Belle receives another letter from the Photography Institute in Amsterdam.

Roman and Nicole enjoy a Father/Daughter day together.

Charlie becomes caught in the middle of a fight between Richard and Warren.

Tony and Rachel spend a final day in Queensland before heading back to Summer Bay.

[blizzard18]

Another new chapter

CHAPTER 99: THE BEACH

“Twins?” Martha gasped in shock.

“Yes it is” Dr. Jim Winston replied. “Today’s your lucky day!”

“Wow……..but I mean, how did that happen?” Martha asked. “I don’t have a history of twins in my family as far as I know.”

“I think it came from my side of the family” Jack replied. “My Grandfather from my Mum’s side had a twin brother.”

“It runs in the family then” Jim chuckled. “Anyway, it looks like both the babies are in great shape, so there’s nothing to worry about, although there are slightly higher chances of complications than can happen later on unlike normal pregnancies.”

“What do you mean?” Jack asked.

“Conjoined twins, or abnormalities with one of both of the babies” Jim explained. “But trust me, those scenarios are very rare, so given from what I’ve seen from you so far, it’s all good.”

“Thank God for that” Martha smiled.

“I’ll just go and get some forms for you to sign from the front desk” Jim said, heading towards the door. “Do you want me to call your friends inside for you?”

“Sure, bring them in” Martha replied.

“Mr. Jeffries and Ms. Taylor” Jim called out to the pair at the corridor. “You can come in. Martha wants to see you.”

“Thank you” Aden replied. Entering inside, they sat down next to Martha on the bed.

“So, how did the test go?” Belle asked. Aden noticed the huge smile upon Jack’s face.

“It’s good news, isn’t it?”

“It’s better than good news” Jack replied.

“We’re not having one……….but we’re having two babies!” Martha squealed.

“Oh my God!” Belle smiled. “Twins!”

“Cool!” Aden laughed. “Can I have one?” The laughter in the room turned into silence as Jack, Martha and Belle all stared at him.

“What? I was only making a joke!”

+++++

Roman and Nicole were jogging together along the main road, heading back towards Summer Bay.

4:15PM

“Come on Nic, you’re too far behind me” Roman yelled out.

“Dad, the marathon’s not until tomorrow. We’re meant to be jogging only, remember?” Nicole replied.

“I need all the practice I can get” Roman said, slowing down. “Most of the guys will be there – Geoff, Aden, Fredrick to name a few, and I want to beat them tomorrow!”

“Well Dad, if you overdo it now, you’ll injure yourself and then you won’t be able to run tomorrow” Nicole replied, catching up behind Roman.

“I’m not gonna overdo it. Besides, it’s not gonna be too hard – Tony’s not gonna be here in time for the marathon, and he’s my biggest rival, so I’ve got one less person to worry about.”

“Yeah, you’ve only got another 199 to think about” Nicole replied.

“Well it’s better than 200!” Roman laughed. “I am gonna win the trophy this year, and if I don’t………well I’ll just steal one from Tony’s house.”

“Yeah, sure you are” Nicole said, rolling her eyes.

+++++

4:30PM

“Twins!” Belle squealed as she and Aden arrived back home at Irene’s. “Jack and Martha are one lucky couple!” Aden was flicking through the mail.

“Aden. Did you hear what I said?”

“Hey babe, take a look at this” Aden said, handing over an envelope to his girlfriend. “Looks like it’s been posted from Amsterdam.”

“Amsterdam?” Belle asked curiously. “But who would………….wait a minute. Do you think it has something to do with the photography course?”

“Why don’t you open it and we’ll see” Aden suggested. Sitting down at the Dining table, Belle tore open the envelope and unfolded the piece of paper inside.

Dear Belle,

We are writing to inform you that one of our applicants has pulled out of our scholarship photography program. Therefore, there is one spot available for our next course which is due to begin at the end of this month. If you would like to apply, please log on to our website and enrol online.

Kind regards.

Samuel Van Rijn

Course Coordinator.

“Wow” Belle exclaimed, surprised at what she just read. Aden held onto her hand.

“So, are you gonna take it?”

“I don’t know if I should” Belle whispered.

“But babe, you told me that photography is your dream” Aden replied. “I remember you were gutted when they wrote back to you the first time, saying there were no spots left, but now you’ve got the chance.”

“It’s not just that” Belle said.

“What else is there?” Aden asked.

“It’s just that………we just got back here a month ago” Belle explained. “Summer Bay has been my home for the past five years. I don’t wanna leave again.”

“What’s wrong with Amsterdam?” Aden asked. “I thought that sometimes, moving to another place and starting a new life is the best thing.”

“I don’t know, Aden” Belle replied. “As much as I like this offer, I don’t know if I want to move away from the people that we love. Irene, Geoff and Annie are pretty much like family to us.”

“Well I better go” Aden said, checking his watch. “I’m gonna hit the gym for some training for the marathon tomorrow. Please, just think carefully about what you’re gonna do. OK?”

“OK” Belle weakly smiled, giving her boyfriend a kiss. “Bye.”

“Bye” Aden replied, heading out the back door.

+++++

Meanwhile, over a thousand miles away…..

4:00PM (QLD)

“Tony” Rachel called out, gently stroking her fiancés shoulder as he lay next to her on the sand.

“Oh, Rach. Did I fall asleep?”

“You did” Rachel chuckled.

“I mustn’t have had a good sleep last night” Tony mumbled, shaking the sand off his chest.

“That’s OK. Now that we’ve finished the program, we can just relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Just the two of us.”

“Whoa!” Tony exclaimed, looking at his arms and legs. “I think I’m a bit sunburnt.”

“Oh dear, you look so red!” Rachel said, noticing the redness that covered Tony from the top of his shoulders to the tip of his toes.

“I think we better go back into the hotel” Tony suggested.

“Good idea” Rachel nodded. “Help me up.” Grabbing Rachel’s hand, Tony helped her up. Grabbing their towels and their picnic basket, they slowly headed back.

“So now that the program is over……….how do you feel?” Rachel asked.

“I feel much better” Tony replied. “You and Jeremy were right. I had to do this, not just for myself, but for you and the boys, Gina and everyone else. Can you forgive me for what I’ve done?” Rachel leaned against his arm and held onto him.

“You don’t have to apologize to me again. You know that I’ve forgiven you.” Rachel replied.

“I’m just glad that everything is back to normal in my life and I’ve got you to thank for it” Tony smiled. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

“Of course I am!” Rachel chuckled.

+++++

6:00PM

At Yabbie Creek Police Station, Charlie and Richard were filing some documents inside Charlie’s office.

“Before I forget, Billy asked me to hand this over to you” Richard said taking out an envelope.

“What’s inside?” Charlie asked.

“I actually don’t know” Richard replied. “Billy sealed up the envelope and asked me to just give it to you.”

“Wow, er….OK” Charlie spoke. Opening the envelope, Charlie unfolded the piece of paper to reveal a drawing. It was a picture of her with Richard. Below the picture was written: ‘I miss you, Charlie.’

“What is it?” Richard asked.

“Take a look” Charlie said, handing over the paper. Richard stared carefully at it.

“Oh” Richard sighed.

“I take it that Billy doesn’t really know that we’re not…………..together at the moment.”

“He really misses you, Charlie” Richard whispered. They were interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Come in” Charlie called out. Fredrick appeared at the door.

“Hey guys” Fredrick said. “We just arrested a guy who verbally assaulted Constable Ronnie Burton. He’s in the interview room.”

“Is Ronnie alright?” Richard asked.

“Ronnie’s a bit agitated, but perhaps you need to see who actually assaulted him.”

“We’ll be there in a minute. Thanks Fred.”

One minute later…

“What the hell?” Richard exclaimed, seeing his big brother sitting at the table inside the interview room.

“Richard, get me out of here!” Warren hastily replied. “That stupid officer pulled me over at the highway in Yabbie Creek, accusing me of running a red light.”

“Well, did you?” Richard asked.

“I didn’t” Warren replied. “It was still orange. I couldn’t stop in time. Anyway, he was the one who started verbally assaulting me.”

“Really?” Richard asked sarcastically. “Because you usually do have a bad temper.” Warren looked up in anger.

“You’re not helping me Richard!”

“OK Fine, I’m sorry” Richard apologized. “But before we go on, we need to ask you questions about what happened.”

“We?” Warren asked in confusion. “Who’s ‘we’?” Hearing the door open, he looked up to see Charlie enter inside. He then immediately grabbed his brother’s arm.

“Richard, what is she doing here?” Warren angrily whispered. Charlie overheard his loud whisper.

“She is going to interview you.” Charlie replied.

“Oh No you’re not!” Warren laughed in disbelief. “You think I want to talk to you, the person who ruined my Brother’s life?”

“Warren, calm down.” Richard pleaded.

“NO, I WILL NOT CALM DOWN!” Warren shouted. “RICHARD, DO YOU REALIZE WHAT SHE’S DONE TO YOU?”

“I know what she did” Richard replied. “But you know what? Charlie and I are talking things through.”

“YOU WHAT?” Warren said in shock. “ARE YOU TRYING TO TELL ME THAT YOU’RE GIVING THIS IDIOT A SECOND CHANCE?”

“DON’T YOU DARE CALL CHARLIE AN IDIOT!” Richard yelled angrily. “APOLOGISE TO HER RIGHT NOW!”

“I MOST CERTAINLY WILL NOT!” Warren argued. “AND YOU, LITTLE BROTHER, YOU MUST BE AN EVEN BIGGER IDIOT FOR TAKING HER BACK!”

“YOU KNOW WHAT? I DON’T CARE!” Richard screamed. “YOU CAN CALL ME AN IDIOT FOR ALL I CARE, BUT AS FAR AS I’M CONCERNED, THE SITUATION BETWEEN CHARLIE AND ME IS COMPLETELY NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!”

“Actually, you know what?” Charlie interrupted. “I’m not even gonna bother wasting my breath questioning you, Warren. You are just too vile! I’m gonna go and get Fredrick instead.”

“Yeah, good luck” Richard whispered to his angry brother. “With the way you treat people like Charlie, you deserve to be grilled by a tough guy like my friend Constable Fred, and he’s gonna come down hard on you, whether or not you verbally assaulted a police officer.”

+++++

Back at Irene’s house…

“What should I do?” Belle asked Ruby, Annie and Jai, who were sitting with her in the Living room. She noticed the teens busy playing with their Apple iPhones.

“Excuse me technology geeks, but I’m actually asking you a question here” Belle called out.

“Sorry Belle, but I’m just really into this touch hockey game” Ruby replied.

“Well, what about you guys, what should I do? Should I go back to Amsterdam?”

“It’s hard for us to say, Belle” Jai replied. “Do you really want this?”

“I do” Belle replied.

“Then maybe you should take a risk and go for it.” Jai said. “If you want something, then you should stop at nothing to get it. Don’t let anything get in your way.”

“But I’m gonna miss you guys!”

“I have an idea” Annie suggested. “Why don’t you try looking for a photography course here in Sydney?”

“I thought of that” Belle said. “But it’s just that it doesn’t seem to be as extreme as the one in Amsterdam.”

“Yeah, but do you really need to go to a big, expensive, exquisite institute all the way over in Amsterdam just to prove to everyone about your passion for photography?” Annie asked. “There are people who just go to these small ones here and in the end, they still come out as amateur photographers.”

“Have you spoken to Aden about this?” Jai asked.

“We had a little chat” Belle replied. “I don’t know, it’s just so complex. A part of me wants to go, and a part of me doesn’t want to go. Anyway, I better go on the computer and do some research. I’ll have to think about this.”

As Belle headed upstairs, Ruby, Annie and Jai were left alone on the couch.

“Cool!” Ruby exclaimed.

“What is?” Annie asked.

“I just found out that you can download this application where you can get direct access to ‘Entertainment Tonight.’ Excellent. OK then. Download to mama!”

“I wonder what Xavier’s thinking right now” Jai said.

“I bet he’s kicking himself at the fact that he doesn’t have one of these iPhones!” Ruby giggled.

+++++

Inside the Gym…..

7:00PM

“How many push-ups have you done?” Roman asked.

“Thirty-five” Aden replied, gasping for breath.

“I’ve done fifty. I’m beating you!” Roman chuckled.

“Guys, come on. Stop acting like Children!” Nicole said. “It’s only a marathon.” Roman and Aden stopped suddenly and stared straight at Nicole.

“What?”

“It’s only a marathon?” Roman asked.

“er………..yeah, it is.”

“I’m sorry sweetheart, but it’s not ONLY a marathon. It’s a competition of which of us guys are the strongest and the best, and quite frankly, I’m gonna win tomorrow!”

“Excuse me” Aden interrupted. “I believe you’re wrong. I’m gonna win tomorrow!”

“No you’re not. I am!” Roman said.

“No, I am” Aden replied.

“Yeah whatever” Nicole said. “If I knew you two were gonna argue like little kids, I would’ve stayed at the bar and hung out with Alf. Actually as a matter of fact, that’s where I’m going right now. He may not be taking part in the Marathon, but at least he's more mature than the pair of you. Bye.”

“But” Roman saw his daughter leave the Gym. He then turned his attention back to Aden.

“You know I’m gonna win, right?”

“In your dreams!” Aden scoffed.

+++++

6:00PM (QLD)

“Tony, I’m just going downstairs to reserve our dinner table” Rachel said.

“OK. I’ll be down there in a minute” Tony replied. Rachel headed out of the room and closed the door.

Tony was using the computer in his hotel room. Opening up his email, he saw a New Message…

Reminder: YABBIE CREEK MARATHON. Sunday 7th Febuary, 1:00PM.

“7th Febuary?” Tony said to himself. “That’s tomorrow.” Opening his backpack, he took out his plane tickets and read them carefully.

“Arrival time 9:00AM” Tony noted. “Beautiful. I’ll be back in time.” Picking up the phone, he dialed some numbers.

“Hello…………….Good evening, this is Tony Holden. I was wondering if it’s not too late to sign up for the Yabbie Creek Marathon tomorrow………………..it’s not. That’s great……………OK……………Yes that’s fine. No worries. Bye.”

“Excellent” Tony chuckled. “Those boys have no idea! I'm gonna win again, that's for sure!”

+++++

Later that night…

8:30PM

“Aden, I’ve made a decision” Belle said. She and Aden were sitting alone at the Dining table in Irene’s House.

“Just before you tell me” Aden interrupted. “Remember that, whatever you decide, I’m fine with it, even if I have to move to Amsterdam.”

“Well, you don’t have to” Belle replied. “I’m not going.”

“What?” Aden asked, surprised at what he just heard. “But I thought…..”

“It wasn’t really my decision.”

“What do you mean?” Aden asked.

“The last position just got taken” Belle replied. “I went online to their website, but it wouldn’t let me enrol. It means that someone else must’ve beat me to it.”

“And are you OK with this?” Aden asked. Belle kept silent.

“Belle?”

“You know what?” Belle replied. “Perhaps it’s for the best. And besides, there’s always opportunities in the city, and the best part is – we’re here with our family and friends. That’s the most important thing.”

“You are happy with that decision, right?” Aden asked. Belle placed her arms around him.

“I’ve never been happier” Belle whispered, giving Aden a kiss.

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: Battle of the Best)

Irene gets caught up in Hugo and Leah’s games.

Lucas and Nicole argue over who will win the Yabbie Creek Marathon.

[blizzard18]

Finally finished this chapter

CHAPTER 100: BATTLE OF THE BEST

The next day came for the residents. It was a Sunday - the day of the Yabbie Creek Marathon.

7:00AM

“Shh……walk slowly and quietly” Leah whispered as she came out of her bedroom, followed by Hugo.

“Why do we have to tiptoe?” Hugo quietly asked. “I’m pretty sure Charlie already knows about us.”

“Yeah, but does V.J?” Leah whispered back. “I haven’t told him about us and he’s just in the next room.”

“OK. Understood.”

Entering the Kitchen, Hugo took a seat whilst Leah turned on the kettle.

“Do your parents know that you’ve spent the night here?”

“They don’t have a clue” Hugo giggled. “I’m just worried about Brendan though, he usually jumps to the wrong conclusions. He might spill the beans!”

“Well I just hope V.J doesn’t come to the wrong conclusion when I tell him about us” Leah replied.

“What’s going on?” a voice called out. Leah and Hugo quickly turned around and saw V.J standing near the fridge.

“Er………good morning sweetheart” Leah smiled.

“Hugo, what are you doing here?” V.J asked.

“Er…….I………I………was just…”

“I invited Hugo to come over for breakfast” Leah finished his sentence.

“At seven in the morning?” V.J asked.

“Yes……..yes. What’s wrong with breakfast at seven in the morning?”

“Nothing wrong” V.J replied. “It’s just that I thought work started today at 7:15AM.”

“Oh My God!” Leah gasped. “I……..I……..was….”

“Your mother invited me to have Breakfast with her in the Diner” Hugo explained. “That’s why I’m here.”

“Yeah, that’s right” Leah smiled uneasily. “Er…you know what? V.J, why don’t you stay here and keep Hugo company whilst I go and get changed.”

“OK” V.J replied.

V.J took a seat alongside Hugo at the Dining table.

“So how long have you and Mum been together?”

“What?” Hugo said. “I……I…….your mother and I aren’t together. We’re……..just…..just……..friends. Your mother and I can be friends, right?”

“Yeah” V.J replied. “So, how much do you know about my mum?”

“Well” Hugo replied. “I know that your mother works at the Diner.”

“What else?” V.J asked.

“Er………….” Hugo began to think.

“You don’t know my Mum that well, do you?” V.J said.

+++++

At the Holden House….

8:00AM

“Pancakes are ready” Gina called out.

“Finally!” Xavier exclaimed as he, Brendan and Jeremy raced to the table. Jack, Martha and Andrew appeared at the front door.

“Did I hear the word pancakes?” Jack smiled.

“Come in, there’s plenty for everyone” Gina replied. Jack and Martha took their seat.

“I won’t stay long though. I need to get to Dad’s gym and do some final practice before the Marathon” Jack explained.

“Since when did you run a marathon?” Jeremy asked.

“Yabbie Creek organize one every year” Jack replied. “Since we came to the Bay, Dad and I signed up to all of them, and he always takes first place.”

“What about Luc?” Gina asked. "Does he participate in this?"

"Of course he won't" Martha chuckled. "He's the laziest Holden!"

“Speaking of Luc" Xavier said. "Did you leave him by himself next door?”

“Luc left early to hang out with his friend Nicole” Andrew replied. “Where's Hugo?”

“He had a few drinks at the Surf Club last night” Jeremy said. “I’m guessing he spent the night at the Caravan Park.”

“Brendan thinks Hugo was with Leah!” Brendan yelled out in excitement. "Hugo loves Leah!"

“Really” Gina exclaimed. “So all those nights he snuck out of here, he was in Leah’s house all along?”

“I never knew the two were really that crazy about each other” Martha wondered.

“Well I’m gonna have a big word with him when he get’s back, if he get’s back!” Gina said.

“Come on Gina, leave Hugo alone!” Jeremy replied. “He finally has a girlfriend.”

“And besides” Andrew added. “Jeremy, didn’t you do the whole sneaking out thing with your parents when you dated my niece?”

“Yeah” Jeremy smiled, holding onto Gina’s hand. “Remember, every Friday night, I would tell my Mum and Dad that I was staying with my friends on our so-called Study group, but really, I was with you?”

“I remember” Gina chuckled. “And then we would slowly make our way to my room and……”

“OK, I think I just lost my appetite” Jack interrupted, dropping his pancake back onto his plate. “I’m gonna head off to the Gym now. We’ll see you all at 1:00PM.”

“See you then” Martha replied, giving her husband a kiss.

+++++

Inside the Gym, Roman was operating the treadmill whilst Aden and Jack were lifting weights.

8:30AM

“Come on Jack, I can lift five of those with one hand” Roman teased him.

“Well at least I don’t run like a little girl, like you’re doing right now!” Jack replied.

“Forget it ladies, I’m the fittest amongst the three of us.” Aden said. “I’m gonna win!”

Lucas and Nicole were sitting at a table inside the Surf Club. Both have a fair view of the Gym next door.

“See my Dad on the treadmill?” Nicole pointed out. “He is so gonna win the Marathon today!”

“Excuse me, but my Bro is a pro” Lucas replied. “He’ll be the one to get first place.”

“er….I don’t think so!” Nicole said. “Dad’s put so much work and so much training!”

“Yeah, I know he has” Lucas replied. “Just not as much as Jack!”

“What are you talking about?” Nicole argued. “You’ll be feeling sorry when my Dad comes home this afternoon with the trophy. You’ll see.”

“Er….Nic, I’m guessing you don’t know much about us Holdens” Lucas replied. “We’re good at everything from asking out girls, to winning the marathon. My Dad won this marathon three times in a row!”

“Well your Dad’s not here, is he?” Nicole said. “Anyway, look at those weights that Jack’s lifting. He’s so weak, I can lift five of those in one hand!”

“Yeah, well, have you seen your Dad?” Lucas argued. “Look at him. He’s running on that treadmill like a little girl!” Nicole gasped in shock.

“You take that back!”

“No, because Jack will win, whether you like it or not!” Lucas replied.

Jack’s not gonna win!”

“Oh yes he will!” Lucas said.

“Here’s your Orange Juices” Alf said, handing them their glass.

“Thanks Mr. Stewart” Nicole replied. Grabbing her glass, Nicole gulped the entire contents in one go. Alf and Lucas looked on, stunned. Finishing, Nicole slammed the glass back on the bar.

“Bye loser!” Nicole said to Lucas as she grabbed her bag and left the Surf Club.

+++++

At the Diner, Leah was cleaning up some tables. Hugo was following her around.

“Where are your parents from?”

“Both my parents are Greek” Leah replied.

“OK. What about V.J” Hugo asked.

“V.J was born here” Leah replied.

“Here? In the Diner?”

“No, silly. In the Hospital” Leah replied. “Why are you asking me all these questions?”

“Well, since we’re together, shouldn’t we find out a bit more about each other?” Hugo asked.

“Of course” Leah replied. “As a matter of fact, it’s my turn to ask questions about you.”

“Hey, I haven’t finished yet!” Hugo said. “Besides, there’s nothing interesting about me anyway.”

“Excuse me, Hugo” Irene interrupted from the counter. “You say you want to know each other more, but that also means you have to tell Leah about yourself too!”

“Irene’s right” Leah added. “There’s got to be something interesting about you. Tell me a little bit about your family. Something Interesting.”

“OK” Hugo replied. “My grandparents from my Dad’s side are quite famous people.”

“Really?” Leah said. “How famous?”

“My grandfather was once the Prime Minister of Japan and my grandmother is the sister of the inventor of the Lawn Mower.”

“HUGO!” Leah shouted. “Tell me the truth!”

“What?” Hugo raised his hands in defence. “You told me you wanted something interesting!”

“If you’re grandfather was the Japanese Prime Minister, then I’m the Mayor of New York” Irene said.

“Really?” Hugo smiled.

“No, stupid! I was only making that up” Irene yelled.

+++++

As the morning went on, Roman and Aden were still competing with each other inside the Gym.

10:30AM

“Fifty six……Fifty seven……….Fifty eight” Aden counted the number of push-ups, but collapsed on the next one.

“Ha! You can’t even do sixty!” Roman laughed.

“Yeah, I’d like to see you do better” Aden replied.

“Yeah Roman, I’d like to see you do better” A voice called out. Aden and Roman looked up and were shocked to see Tony standing at the doorway.

“Tony?”

“That’s right girls” Tony chuckled. “Make room for this year’s winner of the Yabbie Creek Marathon.”

“But……what…….”

“What am I doing here?” Tony finished Roman’s sentence. “What, you think I’d miss this for the world?”

+++++

“I thought of something interesting about me” Hugo said.

“Oh really” Leah rolled her eyes. “Does it involve Japan or Lawn Mowers?”

“No, I’m serious” Hugo replied. “This was in 1997. I was ten years old, and we were living with Jack, Luc and Uncle Tony in Broken Hill. One day at school, we had a very special guest visit our class.”

“Really?” Leah asked. “Who?”

“Ever heard of Pete Murray?”

“Pete Murray, the singer?” Leah asked.

“Indeed!” Hugo smiled. He then saw Irene roll her eyes in disbelief.

“Something wrong, Irene?” Hugo asked.

“No, nothing at all. Keep going with your story.”

“Anyway, he performed a couple of songs in front of the entire school, and then he signed an autograph for me.”

“That’s awesome!” Leah exclaimed. “See, I knew there was something interesting about you.”

“I told you so” Hugo smiled.

“Yeah, sure there was” Irene whispered to herself. Leah looked over from the Kitchen and saw a customer waiting.

“I’ll be back in a minute. Keep those interesting stories coming.”

“OK” Hugo replied.

As Leah left the Kitchen, Hugo turned around and saw the evil look that Irene was giving him.

“What?”

“Pete Murray didn’t pursue his musical career until 2002. Also, I just can't imagine why a Queenslander like Pete Murray would travel hundreds of miles to visit a small school in the middle of nowhere!"

"It isn't in the middle of nowhere" Hugo replied. "It's Broken Hill."

"You are so evil!”

“What?” Hugo exclaimed. “That’s the only thing I can come up with that was interesting......other than Japan and Lawn Mowers.”

“You mean something that was fake." Irene replied.

“Well I’ve said this all along, I am not really an interesting person” Hugo said.

“Yeah, but you know what, you can be interesting by taking this plate to table four, and this plate to table eight.” Irene handed two plates of food to Hugo.

“But I don’t work here.”

“Whatever you say, liar!” Irene smiled as she left the Kitchen.

+++++

Back Inside the Gym, Tony, Jack and Lucas were having a conversation. Gina and Jeremy entered inside and spotted the two.

11:00AM

“Tony!” Gina exclaimed, as she entered the Gym, giving her little brother a hug. “Rachel said you were here.”

“Glad to see you back” Jeremy smiled. “How was the Resort?”

“You know what, mate” Tony replied. “It has helped out a lot. I just feel that I’ve been given a new life, and I’ve got you to thank for it.

“Well you’re most welcome” Jeremy smiled. They were interrupted when they heard arguing behind them.

“Hey, quit playing with it!” Aden demanded, pulling Roman’s hand away from the Treadmill controls.

“Come on Aden, If you really claim you can beat me at the Marathon, you’ve gotta run at a faster speed that that!” Roman teased.

“Hey!” Tony exclaimed. “I own this Gym. You play around with my machines and I can have you girls thrown out.”

“Sorry Tony” Aden and Roman apologized.

“Apology accepted” Tony replied. “And by the way Aden, Roman’s right. If you want to win the marathon, which you won’t by the way, you need to stop running like a three year old and put that treadmill at a faster speed! But then again, what does it matter? I’m still gonna win.”

“Sorry Dad, but it’s my turn to take the title” Jack replied. Tony placed his arm around his son.

“I don’t think so, mate!” Tony chuckled.

Looking over near the Bar, Lucas saw Nicole enter back inside.

“Excuse me guys, I’ll be back in a minute” Lucas replied. Heading towards the Bar, Lucas took out his wallet.

“OK Nic, I thought about it, and there’s only one we’re gonna settle all this.”

“Settle what?” Nicole asked.

“See this?” Lucas said, holding a $10.00 note. I’ll bet $10.00 that my Dad will win the Marathon.”

“Excuse me? You’re Dad?” Nicole asked. “But your Dad’s not even here.”

“He is now” Lucas smiled. Nicole looked over and was shocked when she realized Lucas was right.

“What is your Dad doing here?”

“He’s here to run the Marathon” Lucas replied. “Oh dear, looks like Roman doesn’t have a fighting chance now, does he?”

“No, you’re wrong” Nicole argued. “If you only saw how much my Dad trained for this marathon, you’d realize that you’re wrong. My Dad will come home tonight with the trophy. Five Dollars says he’ll win."

“Five Dollars? What kind of rubbish bet is that.” Lucas laughed.

“OK, fine” Nicole exclaimed. “Twenty Dollars.”

“Twenty Dollars?” Lucas asked. “Do you even know how to place a bet?”

“Fifty dollars” Nicole said. “I bet you Fifty dollars that my Dad will win today!”

“Done deal” Lucas smiled.

“I suggest you start counting your money, Holden! You’ll lose Fifty of it by the end of today!”

“Yeah, we’ll see about that” Lucas laughed. “Especially that there are now two Holdens against your Dad.”

“My Dad’s got more strength than your Dad and your Brother put together” Nicole smiled.

“Whatever you say, Nic” Lucas scoffed.

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: The Marathon - Part 1)

Aden, Jack, Roman and Tony prepare to battle against each other.

Gina, Jeremy and Rachel are surprised by Hugo and Leah’s growing relationship.

Belle is left stunned at Brendan’s photography skills.

Colleen and Warren decide to call their rivalry a truce.

[blizzard18]

Hey guys. I was writing the next chapter and it turned out to be longer then I expected, so instead I've decided to split the 'marathon' chapters into two parts, each part a separate chapter. I've edited the chapter preview in the last chapter for this one. I still have to finish the second part.

Enjoy

CHAPTER 101: THE MARATHON - PART 1

Inside Irene’s house, the teens along with Aden and Belle sat around the couch in the Living room.

12:00PM

“Hang on Belle, are you OK about this?” Xavier asked.

“I’m fine with it, honestly” Belle replied. “I think it’s for the best.”

“What do you mean?”

“Someone else beat me to it on the online application for the last spot in Amsterdam.” Belle explained. Perhaps it’s a sign, meaning that I should stay here and study.”

“A sign” Aden said. “Sounds spooky.” Everyone stared at him.

“Shouldn’t you be off somewhere?” Belle said.

“OK, OK, I better go. Aden replied. “Wish me luck.”

“Good luck” Ruby replied. Giving Belle a kiss, Aden went out the front door.

Hearing footsteps, the teens turned around and saw Nicole enter from the back door.

“Hey guys, you ready?”

“Ready?” Belle asked. “What’s going on?”

“Nic offered to take Jai, Rubes, Xavier and myself for some shopping at North Valley, then we’re gonna go to the beach where we’ll wait at the finish line for the runners at the marathon” Annie replied.

“I see” Belle understood.

“I have an idea” Ruby said. “Why don’t you come with us?”

“Rubes, I’m not driving a bus, I’m driving my car! I can’t fit anymore people” Nicole replied.

“It’s fine” Belle replied. “Besides, I need to be at the starting line at Yabbie Creek to get some photos taken for the local paper before the marathon starts.”

“OK then” Xavier said. “Are you sure you’re gonna be OK with Brendan?”

“Brendan will be fine” Belle replied. “We’ll have fun won’t we?”

“Brendan’s gonna have fun!” Brendan laughed.

“OK Bandicoot, do you remember what I said to you last night?”

“Brendan has to stay with Belle so he doesn’t get lost” Brendan replied.

“That’s correct” Xavier smiled. “Do you remember what else I said?”

“Brendan has to behave.”

“Yes he does” Xavier replied.

About ten minutes later after Aden, Annie, Jai, Nicole, Ruby and Xavier had left…….

“I’ll just wait outside for you” Belle called out.

“OK” Brendan yelled out. About a minute later, Brendan came out of the bathroom and noticed Belle’s camera on top of the bed as he peeked in to her bedroom. Grabbing the camera, he placed it inside his backpack and left the house.

+++++

It was now only fifteen minutes until the start of the Yabbie Creek Marathon. The two hundred participants gathered at a park near the starting line opposite Yabbie Creek Police Station to make the final preparations. Along with them was Aden, Jack, Roman and Tony.

12:45PM

“You guys have gotta win” Lucas said to his brother and father. “I don’t care which one of you, just as long as you get first prize.”

“Well that won’t be difficult for me then” Tony chuckled.

“Why are you so concerned?” Jack asked.

“There’s Fifty dollars at stake.”

“Excuse me?”

“Nic and I placed bets” Lucas explained. “If Roman wins, or finishes in a place ahead of either of you, I lose fifty dollars.”

“Are you crazy mate?” Jack asked.

“No he’s not” Tony replied.

“What?”

“Luc’s fine” Tony said. “He placed a bet with Nicole. Trust me Jack, Roman’s very weak. By the end of the day, Luc will be fifty dollars richer.”

“Can’t wait” Lucas smiled.

“Then” Tony continued. “He can use the money to buy his own shoes for school without having to ask me.” Lucas suddenly wiped the smile off his face.

Nearby, Andrew, Gina, Jeremy, Martha and Rachel gathered around.

“Do you realize how stupid we look?” Gina said. “It’s so embarrassing.” Each of them was wearing a blue shirt with the words ‘Team Holden’ printed in big bold white letters, front and back. “No one else is wearing stuff like this!”

“There’s nothing wrong with this” Andrew commented. “We promised Jack and Tony that we’d wear this.”

“At least it’s better than having ‘Vote 1, Tony Holden’ written down” Rachel laughed.

“Voting?” Andrew asked. “For what?”

“Prime Minister. It was a drunken joke at our engagement night…………..it’s a long story” Rachel replied.

“I can still remember that” Martha chuckled. “It was a great night, that one.”

“Shouldn’t Hugo be here by now?” Jeremy wondered.

“He’s probably hanging out with Leah, where else would he be?” Gina replied. Looking around, she spotted Hugo coming towards them.

“Speak of the devil” Gina whispered.

“Hey guys.”

“Hey Hugo” Gina replied. Hugo then noticed all of them looking at the red shirt he was wearing.

“Team Austin?” Martha asked. “Care to explain?”

“I got this shirt made a few days ago.”

“Do you even know how to spell ‘Holden?” Rachel asked.

“I know, but I had ‘Austin’ written down because I have my own team.”

“What team?” Jeremy asked. “Is Brendan or Xavier running the race?”

“Of course not, but this whole rivalry thing with the guys, it’s so childish. It’s a marathon, NOT the Olympics!”

“OK, you’ve made your point.” Gina replied. “Anyway, where were you last night?”

“er…….I was at the Surf Club, but I drank too much so Alf took me to the caravan park and I crashed there.”

“You know Hugo” Gina smiled. “I don’t believe you for one second.”

“But…..”

“You spent the night with Leah, didn’t you?”

“I…….I…..don’t know what you’re talking about” Hugo uneasily replied, whilst quickly thinking of a way to change the subject. “Where’s Jack?”

“Don’t change the topic” Gina interrupted. “About you and Leah………”

“OK Mum, I’m sorry. I should’ve asked permission first before………” Hugo stopped suddenly when Gina, Jeremy and Rachel were unable to hold back their laughter.

“What?”

“Don’t be silly” Gina laughed. “You’re 24, you’re an adult. You don’t need my permission for things like that. It’s just that it would be good if you would let me know if you’re not coming home.”

“So Hugo, I didn’t realize you and Leah were that serious” Rachel giggled. “Perhaps I should go to Leah for all the details!”

“I’d hate to disappoint you, but there’s not much in detail to tell” Hugo said. “Leah and I are dating, and we spent a couple of nights together. That’s all. Nothing extraordinary or…………extreme, should I say. It's just simply a relationship that is slow and steady. Hey, maybe my relationship with Leah will beat all the boys at the race. It's slow and steady. You get the joke?”

“Really” Rachel replied.

Not too far away, Colleen was helping out preparing drinks. Looking over, she saw Warren sitting by himself at a bench. Remembering the special gift that he gave her a week ago, she headed towards the bench.

“Hello Mr. Dean. How are you?”

“How am I?” Warren asked. “Well, not only did I lose a friend yesterday over a cash dispute, this week I also managed to get my name written down in my brother’s bad books, as well as getting myself in trouble with the cops over something that is completely ridiculous, so can you tell me how I am?”

“Rough week then?” Colleen said. “What did you get in trouble for?”

“I’d rather not discuss that” Warren replied.

“Anyway, I’m glad that you’re here. I really can’t tell you how grateful I am for that Jukebox.”

“Do you like it?” Warren asked.

“I love it” Colleen smiled. “It’s almost like my old one.”

“Listen, about your old one……”

“No, no, don’t apologize” Colleen replied. “It’s my fault. I was a bit over the top, and I should’ve considered you and Irene and Leah instead of being self obsessed with my machine. I’m guessing that me quitting my job at the Diner was for the best.”

“Are you kidding me?” Warren said. “Sure, you and I have our differences, but it’s not the same without you. I also speak on Irene and Leah’s behalf when I say, I’d like you to come back and join us at the Diner. What do you say?”

“Er…………”

“Come on Colleen, we miss you” Warren said. “Let’s all work something out and let’s put all this rivalry away once and for all.”

“You know Warren” Colleen smiled. “You’re not such a bad person after all. Thank you.”

Belle came up towards the pair.

“Hi Colleen. Hey Warren, why aren’t you running this year?”

“I would’ve, If I knew that Richard was gonna hate me beforehand” Warren sighed.

“What?”

“I only took this year off because of Richard’s accident, and I thought that he might need me to help him and look after Billy, but if only I knew earlier that he was getting back with that cop friend of his, I wouldn’t have wasted my time.”

“You mean Senior Constable Buckton?” Colleen asked.

“Yeah” Warren replied. “Look, I understand you guys are friends with her, but me – after the way she used Richard, I’m nowhere near as her big fan. Anyway let’s talk about something other than my gloomy, miserable life. So Belle, what brings you here?”

“Well Jerry, the boss of Coastal News asked me to get some pictures of the race for him and……..OH MY GOD!........MY CAMERA! I…….I LEFT IT AT HOME!”

“Er……Belle” Colleen interrupted. “Just one other thing. I ran into Gina this morning outside the Surf Club and she mentioned that Brendan’s coming with you.”

“Yeah I know, Brendan’s right..............here” Belle turned around and saw that Brendan was nowhere to be found. “OH MY GOD, I’VE LOST BRENDAN!”

Running around amongst the crowds of people, Belle was desperately searching for Brendan. About a minute later, she stopped suddenly when she spotted him with Jack and Tony. Belle saw her camera in his hand.

“There you are, you cheeky thing!” Belle said. “Where have you been?”

“Brendan’s been taking photos” Brendan replied.

“Can I have a look?” Belle asked. Handing over the camera, Belle scrolled through the pictures.

“Oh my God…………that’s impressive!”

+++++

It was now only one minute away until the start of the race. Aden, Jack, Roman and Tony took up a spot amongst the other 196 participants.

12:59PM

“That’s so unfair!” Aden complained. “Why is Geoff over there at the front?”

“Who cares” Tony chuckled. “I’m still gonna beat him, even if I start at the very back. In fact, I can beat all of you!”

“Sorry Dad, but you’re old” Jack replied. “It’s time for someone younger and stronger, like me to take the title.”

“In your dreams” Roman scoffed, overhearing the conversation.

“What? Are you saying you can do better?” Jack asked.

“Of course I can!” Roman smiled. “Have you seen me on the treadmill?”

“Yeah I’ve seen you” Tony replied. “Hey, aren’t you the one who runs like a little girl?”

“Whatever you say, old man” Roman said.

“Hey! I am not old………….well, not that old.”

“Come on Dad, seriously, you’re getting old” Jack said.

“Really?” Tony replied. “So you’re saying that I’m too old? OK. Maybe, Jack, I’m too old to remember things like the time last year when Rachel out-ran you at the Beach?”

“You got beaten by Rachel?” Aden laughed.

“You are so gonna regret you said that when I win, Dad!” Jack mumbled.

“Yeah, we’ll see about that.”

“OK, EVERYONE READY” The man yelled out on the megaphone.

“The victory is mine!” Roman smiled.

“Whatever you say, Miss Harris” Jack whispered.

“ON YOUR MARKS………….GET SET………………………….GO!”

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: The Marathon - Part 2)

Nicole and Lucas continue to argue over who will win the Marathon.

Warren’s bad mood causes more friction between him and Richard.

Colleen comes to Leah and Irene’s rescue at the Diner.

Tragedy strikes at the Yabbie Creek Marathon, leaving one participant fighting for their life.