New Beginnings

[Zig]

  On 11/12/2024 at 18:28, Red Ranger 1 said:

Noah really isn't going to win himself any friends there. I can understand how Jade feels about Kirsty but she can't expect her parents to just forget they've got another daughter.

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No she can't however their also other reasons which will be coming out really soon.

[Zig]

Chapter 9

"Why did he do this, Will? Today of all days." Irene paced back and forth across the living room, her voice sharp with frustration. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she spoke. Of all the days for Nick to pull something like this, it had to be today. The weight of the day’s significance hung heavy in the air, and Irene couldn’t believe Nick would leave his family knowing how much they were all struggling.

Will stood nearby, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. His expression was stern, his jaw tight. "I don’t know, but I promise you, Irene, when we find him, I’m going to have serious words with him about all of this." His tone was firm, but he softened slightly as he looked at Irene. He could see the frustration and hurt etched into her face, and it only deepened his own anger toward his younger brother.

Before Irene could respond, the front door opened, and Hayley and Jesse walked in. Both of them stopped short, taking in Irene’s tense pacing and Will’s serious expression.

“What’s going on?” Hayley asked, her voice quiet but filled with sadness. “Were you talking about Dad?”

Irene paused mid-step, glancing over at Hayley. “No, love,” she said, her voice heavy with exasperation. “We’re talking about your idiot brother, who’s done a runner.”

Hayley’s brows furrowed as she turned to Will. “Our idiot brother did what?” she asked, needing to be sure she’d heard right.

Will straightened up, his expression grim. “He did a runner, Hayley. Took off.”

Hayley blinked, her hands tightening into fists at her sides as the words sank in. She took a deep breath, clearly trying to keep her frustration in check. “Unbelievable,” she muttered under her breath. She didn’t say what she was really thinking, but her disappointment and anger were evident in her posture.

Jesse, standing quietly to the side, spoke up. “Want me to go for a drive? See if I can find him?” His voice was calm, but there was a clear determination in his eyes as he looked at Irene.

Irene stopped pacing and turned to face him, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Yes, please, darl,” she said, her voice softening with gratitude. She managed a small, tired smile.

Jesse nodded. “Okay, I’ll head out now and give you a call if I find anything,” he said. His tone was steady, reassuring, as he gave Irene and Will a quick smile. He had just started heading for the door when Hayley hurried after him.

“Wait,” she said, grabbing his arm. “I’m coming with you. He doesn’t know you that well, and if anyone has a chance of convincing him to come home, it’s me.” Her voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Jesse looked at her for a moment, then nodded. “Alright,” he said simply before opening the door and stepping outside.

Hayley gave Irene and Will a brief glance, her determination clear in her expression, before following Jesse out. The sound of the door closing behind them left the house in a tense, uneasy silence.

 

At the Sutherland house, Shelley turned to her husband, her face flushed with anger. "How the hell are Dani and Jade so calm about this? Their sister is missing!" Her voice was sharp, her frustration bubbling over. She couldn’t believe their indifference.

Rhys sighed, running a hand through his hair as he leaned against the kitchen counter. "Shel, she slept with Jade's boyfriend. I’m pretty sure that broke every unspoken rule there is for teenagers. Can you really blame them?"

"So what if she did?!" Shelley snapped, her tone rising. "Kirsty is still their sister! They shouldn’t be happy that she’s gone. They should be worried, not... this!" Her voice cracked slightly as she gestured toward the stairs, anger and disappointment clear in her expression.

Rhys opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say a word, Jade appeared at the top of the stairs. She descended slowly, her blank expression betraying none of the turmoil Shelley was feeling.

"Where are you going?" Shelley demanded, fixing her daughter with a piercing stare. Her voice was hard, unrelenting.

"Out. To see Seb," Jade replied, her tone flat and uninterested, as if she couldn’t care less about the tension in the house.

"Oh, no, you’re not, missy," Shelley shot back, stepping toward her daughter. Her voice was firm, full of anger and authority. "You can help us look for your sister."

Jade’s calm façade cracked, and her voice exploded with anger. "As if!" she yelled, her face flushed with fury. "I wouldn’t care if she never showed her face here again. She’s dead to me!"

Her words hit Shelley like a slap in the face, and her eyes widened in disbelief. Before she could say anything, Jade spun around and stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind her.

Shelley stood frozen for a moment, her hands trembling as she stared at the closed door. The anger she’d felt earlier was now mixed with heartbreak, her daughter’s cruel words echoing in her ears.

 

 

The moment Jade reached Mr. Fisher’s house, she knocked on the door, her heart pounding. She silently prayed Seb was home—she could really use his support right now.

It was only a few seconds before the door opened, but to Jade, it felt like an eternity. When Don appeared, she offered him a weak smile.

"Mr. Fisher, hi. I’m sorry for just showing up, but... is Seb home?" Her voice wavered slightly, a mix of nerves and desperation.

Don nodded, his expression kind as he stepped aside. "He is. Come on in."

Jade exhaled a small sigh of relief and followed him into the house. As they reached the kitchen, Don called out, "Seb, you’ve got a visitor."

Seb, seated at the kitchen table, glanced up. When he saw Jade, concern flashed across his face. "Thanks, Gramps," he said, standing up. Don smiled knowingly before stepping out of the room to give them some privacy.

Seb walked over to Jade, his brows furrowed in worry. "What’s wrong? Talk to me." His voice was gentle yet insistent, and the genuine concern in his eyes made Jade’s guard begin to crumble.

Jade crossed her arms, more out of frustration than defensiveness. "Kirsty did a runner," she said, her tone sharp with anger. "Once again, making everything about her." She looked away, her jaw tightening as she tried to steady herself. "Honestly, I’m glad she’s gone, but Mum..." Her voice broke slightly as she continued. "She’s so angry at me—for wanting nothing to do with Kirsty, for being relieved she’s gone."

Seb stepped closer and gently placed his hands on her shoulders, his touch firm but comforting. "Hey, you’ve done nothing wrong," he said softly. "You’re allowed to feel that way after everything that’s happened. Honestly? You telling me that Kirsty’s gone... it kind of made my day too."

Jade couldn’t help but crack a small smile at his words, the weight of her emotions lightening just a little.

Seb smiled back, his eyes softening as he pulled her into a warm hug. "You’ve got every right to feel how you feel," he murmured. "Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise."

Jade relaxed into his embrace, feeling a sense of safety she hadn’t realized she needed. After a moment, she pulled back slightly, though his hands lingered lightly on her arms. "Do you think Mr. Fisher would mind if I stayed here for the day? I just... I can’t deal with Mum right now." Her voice was quieter now, almost vulnerable.

Seb tilted his head slightly, his expression reassuring. "That should be fine. Gramps won’t mind."

Jade let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding and gave him a small, genuine smile. "Thank you, Seb."

"Anytime," Seb replied, his voice steady. His hands dropped from her arms, but his eyes stayed on her, and for a moment, the air between them shifted—softening into something unspoken but warm.

Jade looked away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she felt a faint blush rise to her cheeks. "I appreciate it," she said quickly, stepping back to compose herself.

Seb just nodded, his smile lingering as he gestured toward the couch. "Come on, let’s hang out for a while. You don’t have to deal with anything here."

As she followed him, Jade couldn’t help but feel a small flicker of gratitude—and maybe something else entirely—toward the boy who always seemed to have her back.

 

[Red Ranger 1]

I guess, to flip things, it's not fair for Shelley to expect Jade to react the same way as her either. I wonder if Nick and Kirsty have really gone for good or if their families are going to drag them back.

[Zig]

  On 14/12/2024 at 12:23, Red Ranger 1 said:

I guess, to flip things, it's not fair for Shelley to expect Jade to react the same way as her either. I wonder if Nick and Kirsty have really gone for good or if their families are going to drag them back.

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It's not fair at all but Shelley only got one thing on her mind. As for whether they will be found or dragged back that you will have to wait and see.

[Zig]

Chapter 10

Sally Fletcher stepped into the Diner, the familiar scent of coffee and freshly toasted bread filling the air. The morning crowd was already settling in—familiar faces chatting over their breakfasts, the low hum of conversation mixing with the clinking of cutlery. She wasn’t in the mood for company, but the thought of sitting alone didn’t feel much better.

She glanced around, searching for an empty table, when her eyes landed on Flynn Saunders. He was sitting by the window, coffee in one hand, a book open on the table beside his half-eaten breakfast. As if sensing her presence, he looked up and offered her a warm smile.

“Sally,” he greeted, setting his coffee down. “Join me?”

She hesitated, shifting her weight slightly. She wasn’t sure she wanted to. But she also wasn’t sure she wanted to be by herself.

“Uh… yeah, alright,” she said casually, moving toward his table. “Just for a bit.”

Flynn smiled, nudging his book aside to make space as she sat down.

Before she could say anything else, Leah approached, pen in hand. “Morning, Sal. You having the usual?”

“Yeah, thanks, Leah,” Sally replied, stealing a quick glance at Flynn.

Leah looked between them, her lips twitching slightly as if she wanted to say something but thought better of it. Instead, she just gave a small nod. “Alright, coming right up.” And with that, she walked away, leaving them alone.

Sally exhaled, tapping her fingers lightly against the table. “So… what are you reading?”

Flynn turned the book over, showing her the cover. “Something about mindfulness. Thought I’d try to practice what I preach.”

Sally raised an eyebrow. “Mindfulness before nine a.m.? Bit ambitious, don’t you think?”

Flynn grinned. “Maybe, but I like a challenge.”

She couldn’t help but smile. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

 

Back at the Sutherland house, the morning light streamed through the kitchen window as Rhys poured himself a coffee after all he figured he would need one to keep him awake until Kirsty was found. He leaned against the counter, watching as Dani sat at the table, absentmindedly stirring her cereal. She hadn’t taken a bite.

He sighed, setting his mug down. “How are you holding up, love?”

Dani looked up, surprised by the question. “I’m fine,” she said automatically before sighing. “I mean, I’m okay. I’m just worried about Jade.”

Rhys nodded, pulling out the chair across from her and sitting down. “I get that. She’s been through a lot, and so have you.” He reached across the table, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. “I just want you to know, I’m here for you too. You’re my daughter, Dani. That means something.”

A small smile tugged at Dani’s lips. “I know, Dad,” she said softly. “And I’m lucky to have you.”

Rhys smiled, squeezing her hand again before letting go. “Well, I’m lucky to have you too.”

Dani finally took a bite of her cereal, and for the first time that morning, the weight on her shoulders felt just a little bit lighter.

 

Hayley and Jesse drove through the quiet streets, the sound of the tires on the road a steady hum in the background. The sun had risen higher, but the weight of the day still hung heavy in the air. They hadn’t found any trace of Nick or Kirsty yet, and the frustration was building. Hayley’s fingers gripped the door handle, her knuckles white as she stared out of the passenger window.

“Nothing yet,” Jesse muttered, glancing at Hayley. His eyes softened when he saw the tension in her face. “You okay?”

Hayley sighed, her shoulders slumping. She was used to holding it together, but today was harder than usual. The anniversary of her dad’s death always brought back the memories, the pain. The empty space where he should have been.

“No, not really,” she admitted quietly, turning her gaze to Jesse. “It’s… hard. It’s always hard.” She looked back out the window, her voice catching in her throat. “And now Nick’s made it worse. It just makes me sick thinking he could add to that pain today.”

Jesse’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, his eyes flicking between the road and Hayley. He already knew what today was. They had met up earlier that morning, and she’d mentioned it briefly, though she hadn’t wanted to talk about it too much. He’d been silently aware, letting her decide when to bring it up.

He could see how much it was affecting her, the raw emotion beneath her tough exterior. He glanced at her again, his voice gentle but firm. “You don’t have to go through this alone, you know. I’m here, Hayley. Whatever you need.”

She gave him a small, grateful smile, but the sadness never quite left her eyes. “I know. Thanks.”

The silence between them was comfortable, but it didn’t ease the heaviness in Hayley’s chest. Another street passed, another dead end in their search for Nick and Kirsty. She sighed again, but this time it was softer.

“I just want this to be over,” she murmured. “I want to stop feeling like this.”

Jesse nodded, his jaw setting with determination. “We’ll find them. And we’ll get through this, together.”

Hayley turned to him, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and doubt. She didn’t have all the answers, but with Jesse by her side, she felt like maybe, just maybe, she wouldn’t have to carry the weight of the day alone.

“Together,” she repeated softly, her voice stronger than it had been in a long time.

Jesse offered a quiet smile, and they continued driving, the road ahead uncertain, but not quite so lonely anymore.

 

 

[Red Ranger 1]

Things seem to be progressing between Sally and Flynn.Nice of Jesse to help Hayley look for Nick and Kirsty.

[Zig]

  On 20/03/2025 at 15:30, Red Ranger 1 said:

Things seem to be progressing between Sally and Flynn.Nice of Jesse to help Hayley look for Nick and Kirsty.

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they are, thank you for your ongoing support. So glad your enjoying this fic