Kane stared at the road sign ahead. Miroola. Or Summer Bay. It was decision time. He gazed down at the passenger seat. Kirsty is asleep. She looks so peaceful. So innocent. And she doesn't have a clue what he's thinking. He knew that she would have a better life with her family. She would be safe all the time and she wouldn't constantly be short of money. She'd be able to buy what she wanted. Have a decent future with family and friends that loved her. The alternative was a life with him. They had love. But that's all they had. The car and everything inside was all they owned in the world. He couldn't give her all that she wanted in life. If she stayed with him they would spend their days picking fruit. Living in shacks and not able to spend their money on the luxuries that she deserved. He knew that the best thing would be for her to return to her family, and that the selfish thing would be for him to keep her away from them because he didn't want to lose her.
Kirsty stirs, realising that the movement of the car has stopped. She was anxious. About her family mainly. Kane hadn't been able to understand when she talked about them. He had never had a family that were close. Part of her wanted to call home and tell them she was alright. Part of her just wanted to stay with Kane. Forever. And shut out the world.
Kane couldn't imagine a life without Kirsty. He had been on a natural high since he had met her. The first person to treat him like a normal person. The first person to pay him that much attention. The first person to like him. The first person to love him. The first person he had ever loved. His life had been perfect after he had met her He had a reason to live. A reason to try his best in life. The past days with Kirsty had been amazing. Just them against the world. He was sure they could make a go of it somewhere else. And if not, he could always change his mind later and drive her back. He couldn't bring himself to let her go. Not now. He pressed his foot on the accelerator and moved the steering wheel to the left. The Miroola road.
"What did we stop for?"
"I just had to work out where we were headed"
"Miroola, right?"
Kane nods.
"Look, I'm sorry if I snapped at you earlier"
Kirsty remembers her words - "keep looking at the road, we'll have an accident". She hadn't meant to sound so stressed, but she didn't like him to see her upset. Upset about her family. She was still feeling guilty for running away. Shelley had sounded so distressed on the phone. It had been so good to hear her voice again though. She didn't want to admit that she missed them.
"Don't worry about it"
Kane's mind was elsewhere. He felt guilty for dragging Kirsty away from a family she adored. He could see how upset she was. How much they meant to her.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah... just tired"
He had been driving through the night without a break. He had just wanted to get away from the orange orchard as quickly as possible. Yesterday had turned into a nightmare. It had all looked so certain to work out. Orange picking wasn't glamorous but hard work meant that the pay wasn't bad.
"Look... Kirst... I've been thinking..."
Kirsty looked across at him as he pulled the car to a halt at the roadside. He looks serious.
"...are you sure you still want to do this?"
"What do you mean?"
Kirsty knew what he meant. She just couldn't believe he was asking. She thought things between them were going well.
"I think you'd be better off at home Kirst"
He had to ask her. He had to let her make her own mind up. He couldn't just make her decisions for her. There was still time to turn back and take the other road.
"No... if I go home I'd never see you again... you know that"
Kirsty just wanted to be happy. And Kane made her happy. She knew how miserable she had been when she hadn't seen him and she couldn't bear to go through that again.
"Yeah... but I can't bear to see you like this"
"Like what?"
"Missing your family... upset. I don't want to make you upset and I can't replace your family"
She slides her hand onto his knee and he places his hand on top of it. It reminds Kane of the day when they drove down to the stream. When Kirsty told him she loved him. They had been so happy. Content just being together. They had no idea that at the time they were lying in each others arms Shelley was figuring out what was going on.
"We'll be alright... We've got each other"
Kirsty smiled at him reassuringly. He couldn't help but smile back. She made him so happy.
"I'm sorry"
"What for?"
"For calling home. I know it was stupid... I was scared"
"Hey..."
Kane squeezed her hand and gazed into her eyes, talking softly.
"...you've got nothing to be sorry for. I shouldn't have left you alone in a place like that."
Kirsty felt a tear running down her face. Her head was all over the place. She had hardly had any sleep. Life on the run wasn't what she had imagined it would be.
"Come here"
Kane put his arms around her and she clung onto him, burying her head into his shoulder, closing her eyes. As long as she was with him, everything would be alright. He still smelt of oranges but she didn't care. He spoke quietly into her ear.
"We'll stop at the next town and get booked into a B+B. We can have a rest"
"Can we afford it?"
"I'll get some more cash out of the bank. It won't last forever but it'll tide us over for a week or so. At least until we can get new jobs."
"Does it have to be fruit picking?"
"Not if you don't want it to be"
................................................
Kane and Kirsty walk along a street in a small town, in search of a bank. Kane's arm is draped protectively over her shoulder as they walk. They have parked the car outside a B+B on the edge of the town. It looked like a decent enough place. Family was still weighing heavily on Kirsty's mind. She wanted to let them know that she was alright but she didn't want Kane to think she missed them, or that she regretted coming away with him. Just from looking at her face he could tell what she was thinking.
................................................
Kane and Kirsty enter the B+B. It is a small place, quite old fashioned and dull.
"As long as it isn't infested with fleas and cockroaches then I'm happy"
Kirsty tries to make light of their situation. Kane smiles faintly.
"It doesn't look too bad"
He looks around the small reception area. A lamp sits on the front desk alongside a bell. There is no one in the room. He examines the posters on the notice board as Kirsty goes to press the bell.
"Kirst - what do you think"
She turns to face him. He points at a small postcard on the board. It advertises a post within the hotel
"Me? A maid?"
Kirsty knows that she should be grateful for any job but she knows that she would much rather be doing a job she enjoyed. But there was little chance of that now.
"You could do worse... and think about it - we might get a discount"
"I guess"
Kirsty wasn't convinced.
"It was just an idea"
"No... I mean it'd be convenient but - "
A woman enters the room through a door behind the desk. She's quite old - about 60 perhaps. She reminds Kane of his aunt. The home that he'd left to come on this adventure. He just hoped it would all work out for them. He just wanted Kirsty to be happy. He was responsible for her now.
"Can I help you?"
Kirsty and Kane glanced at one another. Kirsty spoke.
"You've got a job advertised"
"You're here about the job?"
"Hmmmm"
Kirsty nodded. She was still doubtful, but she knew she had to make an effort. Kane smiled across at her.
"Have you had any relevant experience?"
Kirsty shook her head. The kiosk was the only job she knew - and the hairdressers. But she couldn't mention them - her dad owned the kiosk and she had left the hairdressers after taking drugs. Not the best references.
"Right... I can probably give you a trial period of a few days. And if you manage I'll see about giving you the job permanently."
The woman smiled warmly at her. She had taken a shine to this young couple. The young man reminded of her own son, who had left home years ago.
"If we decided to stay here would we get a discount?"
Kirsty glanced across at him. He certainly didn't mince his words. The woman looked mildly amused. More similarities to her own son. She only saw him when he needed a favour.
"I'll see what I can do... we've got several rooms free at the minute. It's usually $70 a night, breakfast included..."
She glanced at the hopeful faces
"...$60 for you - providing you're working here."
"Thanks"
"I'll put you in room 3 - upstairs, first on the right - what name is it?"
"Phillips"
She took a key from underneath the desk and handed it to Kane.
"I'll need a night in advance"
Kane pulled out $60 from his wallet and reluctantly handed it over. He couldn't afford to pay this price for accommodation on a regular basis. He knew he would also have to get a job. But the point was that this place was safe. And Kirsty would be happy.
"You'll need to fill this in - sign at the bottom"
The woman handed him a form and a pen.
..........................................
Kane and Kirsty push the door to their room open
"Well I can't see any cockroaches this time"
The room is an average size, larger than their room at the orange orchard. The room is mainly decorated in pale colours and the large window lets the bright sunlight in from outside. It is a very basic room, but certainly a huge improvement on the room they had left. A double bed sits against one wall and a large fitted wardrobe stretches over most of the opposite wall. A television is mounted on a wall bracket in the corner to the side of the wardrobe. Kirsty gazes out of the window, which overlooks the beautiful countryside. Kane walks up behind her and slips his arms around her waist, resting his head on her shoulder.
"Not bad at all... but should I go and ask if we can a room with twin beds?"
"No... we'll be alright"
"I'll go and get our bags out of the car."
"Do you need some help?"
"No, you get some rest. It's been a long day"
Kane walks slowly towards the door before turning back to face her, taking his phone out.
"Kirst... why don't you phone home... let them know you're alright"
Kirsty smiles at him, overwhelmed by his gesture. He puts his phone down on the bed and leaves, closing the door gently behind him. He knew that she wanted to let them know she was ok. He could see that she missed them and he'd do anything to make her happier.
Kirsty picks up the phone and contemplates what she is going to say to her parents. She dials and the phone rings twice before Shelley answers it.
"Hello?"
"Mum?"
"Kirsty... are you alright? Where are you? What's going on?"
"Calm down Mum, I'm fine. There was a bit of trouble, it's sorted now"
"Where are you?"
"I can't tell you that Mum. I just phoned to let you know that I'm fine - don't worry about me"
Shelley glances round her. The house is empty. Dani is still out.
"And Kane? Has he tried anything?"
Kirsty sighs. She knew that question was coming. She just wanted to scream back that Kane would never hurt her. She just wanted to defend him
"Kane's been great. He's looking after me"
"Where is he now?"
"He's gone out"
"And left you alone again?"
Shelley sounded concerned now. She was furious at Kane for driving her daughter away from her. For putting her in danger.
"Mum, it's alright. We're somewhere else now. I'm not in any danger"
"Kirst, I know that we've argued a lot recently but the whole family are missing you... all we want is for you to come home"
"I can't do that... not unless you accept this relationship
There was silence at the other end of the phone for a moment. Shelley gritted her teeth. She didn't like her daughter referring to it as a 'relationship'. Just like Rhys had been furious that Inspector Carter had called Kane Kirsty's 'boyfriend'. She just couldn't accept it.
"I'm sorry Kirst... but Dani doesn't know yet... if you come home now she'll never have to know. You know as well as I do what this would do to her."
"Mum, I'll come home when you and Dad accept that that me and Kane are together... until then, I just want to be with him"
Shelley was distraught by her daughters attitude. She couldn't understand her sometimes.
"Have you got enough money?"
"Just about... I've got a job now..."
"Look Kirst, I'm going to transfer some money into your account... you have your card with you don't you?"
"Yeah... thanks Mum"
Kirsty didn't want to accept the money but she knew that they needed all the money they could get right now. She couldn't be stubborn when Kane was trying his hardest to build them a new life. Shelley just wanted to make sure her daughter was going to be alright. She had a bit of money set aside. She and Rhys were going to do something special for their anniversary but their daughter was more important right now.
"Will you call again soon?"
"Maybe..."
"Where are you calling from?"
"Kane gave me his phone"
"Can we have the number?"
Kirsty thought for a moment. She didn't like her Mum keeping tabs on her.
"No, not just now... I'll call you... bye Mum... I love you"
"I love you too Kirst... bye"
Kirsty hung up and sat down on the bed. She was glad that she was able to talk to her Mum, even if it wasn't the same as talking to her to her face. It had been comforting. She was grateful at Shelley for not kicking off. For trying to support her. For caring. She wasn't sure how her Mum would react to the call. Whether she would even talk to her. This had put her mind at ease. Now she could settle down into her new home.
CARAVAN PARK
Rhys and Jade enter and notice that Shelley is stood looking distant, phone in hand. Rhys rushes to her side.
"Has there been any news."
"Yeah, Kirsty called again... she's alright, she's safe"
"What else did she say?"
"She's got a job. She doesn't want to come back... not unless we accept that she and Kane are an item... I said I'd put a bit of money into her account - just to make sure she's alright financially"
"You did what?"
Rhys was angry. Kirsty had made the decision to run away and fend for herself so why should they help her? She had betrayed them.
"We have to try and support her, Rhys. If we push her away there's less chance of her ever wanting to come back. We have to let her know that she's still welcome in the family."
"Was Kane with her when she called?"
Jade was concerned for her twin. She missed her. They had always shared everything. The bedroom was lonely without her. The whole house felt different.
"No, he had gone out"
"And left her alone again?"
Rhys was madder.
"It sounded like they had moved on from wherever they were before."
"I've had enough of this. I'm going out to have another look for her"
"Don't be ridiculous Rhys. They could be at the other side of the country by now"
"She mentioned fruit picking on her last call. I'll check out some of the orchards in the area and see if they've been seen. I can't just sit around while Kirsty's God knows where with that man. And when I catch up with him, he's going to be sorry he ever crossed paths with my family."
Kirsty stirs, realising that the movement of the car has stopped. She was anxious. About her family mainly. Kane hadn't been able to understand when she talked about them. He had never had a family that were close. Part of her wanted to call home and tell them she was alright. Part of her just wanted to stay with Kane. Forever. And shut out the world.
Kane couldn't imagine a life without Kirsty. He had been on a natural high since he had met her. The first person to treat him like a normal person. The first person to pay him that much attention. The first person to like him. The first person to love him. The first person he had ever loved. His life had been perfect after he had met her He had a reason to live. A reason to try his best in life. The past days with Kirsty had been amazing. Just them against the world. He was sure they could make a go of it somewhere else. And if not, he could always change his mind later and drive her back. He couldn't bring himself to let her go. Not now. He pressed his foot on the accelerator and moved the steering wheel to the left. The Miroola road.
"What did we stop for?"
"I just had to work out where we were headed"
"Miroola, right?"
Kane nods.
"Look, I'm sorry if I snapped at you earlier"
Kirsty remembers her words - "keep looking at the road, we'll have an accident". She hadn't meant to sound so stressed, but she didn't like him to see her upset. Upset about her family. She was still feeling guilty for running away. Shelley had sounded so distressed on the phone. It had been so good to hear her voice again though. She didn't want to admit that she missed them.
"Don't worry about it"
Kane's mind was elsewhere. He felt guilty for dragging Kirsty away from a family she adored. He could see how upset she was. How much they meant to her.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah... just tired"
He had been driving through the night without a break. He had just wanted to get away from the orange orchard as quickly as possible. Yesterday had turned into a nightmare. It had all looked so certain to work out. Orange picking wasn't glamorous but hard work meant that the pay wasn't bad.
"Look... Kirst... I've been thinking..."
Kirsty looked across at him as he pulled the car to a halt at the roadside. He looks serious.
"...are you sure you still want to do this?"
"What do you mean?"
Kirsty knew what he meant. She just couldn't believe he was asking. She thought things between them were going well.
"I think you'd be better off at home Kirst"
He had to ask her. He had to let her make her own mind up. He couldn't just make her decisions for her. There was still time to turn back and take the other road.
"No... if I go home I'd never see you again... you know that"
Kirsty just wanted to be happy. And Kane made her happy. She knew how miserable she had been when she hadn't seen him and she couldn't bear to go through that again.
"Yeah... but I can't bear to see you like this"
"Like what?"
"Missing your family... upset. I don't want to make you upset and I can't replace your family"
She slides her hand onto his knee and he places his hand on top of it. It reminds Kane of the day when they drove down to the stream. When Kirsty told him she loved him. They had been so happy. Content just being together. They had no idea that at the time they were lying in each others arms Shelley was figuring out what was going on.
"We'll be alright... We've got each other"
Kirsty smiled at him reassuringly. He couldn't help but smile back. She made him so happy.
"I'm sorry"
"What for?"
"For calling home. I know it was stupid... I was scared"
"Hey..."
Kane squeezed her hand and gazed into her eyes, talking softly.
"...you've got nothing to be sorry for. I shouldn't have left you alone in a place like that."
Kirsty felt a tear running down her face. Her head was all over the place. She had hardly had any sleep. Life on the run wasn't what she had imagined it would be.
"Come here"
Kane put his arms around her and she clung onto him, burying her head into his shoulder, closing her eyes. As long as she was with him, everything would be alright. He still smelt of oranges but she didn't care. He spoke quietly into her ear.
"We'll stop at the next town and get booked into a B+B. We can have a rest"
"Can we afford it?"
"I'll get some more cash out of the bank. It won't last forever but it'll tide us over for a week or so. At least until we can get new jobs."
"Does it have to be fruit picking?"
"Not if you don't want it to be"
................................................
Kane and Kirsty walk along a street in a small town, in search of a bank. Kane's arm is draped protectively over her shoulder as they walk. They have parked the car outside a B+B on the edge of the town. It looked like a decent enough place. Family was still weighing heavily on Kirsty's mind. She wanted to let them know that she was alright but she didn't want Kane to think she missed them, or that she regretted coming away with him. Just from looking at her face he could tell what she was thinking.
................................................
Kane and Kirsty enter the B+B. It is a small place, quite old fashioned and dull.
"As long as it isn't infested with fleas and cockroaches then I'm happy"
Kirsty tries to make light of their situation. Kane smiles faintly.
"It doesn't look too bad"
He looks around the small reception area. A lamp sits on the front desk alongside a bell. There is no one in the room. He examines the posters on the notice board as Kirsty goes to press the bell.
"Kirst - what do you think"
She turns to face him. He points at a small postcard on the board. It advertises a post within the hotel
"Me? A maid?"
Kirsty knows that she should be grateful for any job but she knows that she would much rather be doing a job she enjoyed. But there was little chance of that now.
"You could do worse... and think about it - we might get a discount"
"I guess"
Kirsty wasn't convinced.
"It was just an idea"
"No... I mean it'd be convenient but - "
A woman enters the room through a door behind the desk. She's quite old - about 60 perhaps. She reminds Kane of his aunt. The home that he'd left to come on this adventure. He just hoped it would all work out for them. He just wanted Kirsty to be happy. He was responsible for her now.
"Can I help you?"
Kirsty and Kane glanced at one another. Kirsty spoke.
"You've got a job advertised"
"You're here about the job?"
"Hmmmm"
Kirsty nodded. She was still doubtful, but she knew she had to make an effort. Kane smiled across at her.
"Have you had any relevant experience?"
Kirsty shook her head. The kiosk was the only job she knew - and the hairdressers. But she couldn't mention them - her dad owned the kiosk and she had left the hairdressers after taking drugs. Not the best references.
"Right... I can probably give you a trial period of a few days. And if you manage I'll see about giving you the job permanently."
The woman smiled warmly at her. She had taken a shine to this young couple. The young man reminded of her own son, who had left home years ago.
"If we decided to stay here would we get a discount?"
Kirsty glanced across at him. He certainly didn't mince his words. The woman looked mildly amused. More similarities to her own son. She only saw him when he needed a favour.
"I'll see what I can do... we've got several rooms free at the minute. It's usually $70 a night, breakfast included..."
She glanced at the hopeful faces
"...$60 for you - providing you're working here."
"Thanks"
"I'll put you in room 3 - upstairs, first on the right - what name is it?"
"Phillips"
She took a key from underneath the desk and handed it to Kane.
"I'll need a night in advance"
Kane pulled out $60 from his wallet and reluctantly handed it over. He couldn't afford to pay this price for accommodation on a regular basis. He knew he would also have to get a job. But the point was that this place was safe. And Kirsty would be happy.
"You'll need to fill this in - sign at the bottom"
The woman handed him a form and a pen.
..........................................
Kane and Kirsty push the door to their room open
"Well I can't see any cockroaches this time"
The room is an average size, larger than their room at the orange orchard. The room is mainly decorated in pale colours and the large window lets the bright sunlight in from outside. It is a very basic room, but certainly a huge improvement on the room they had left. A double bed sits against one wall and a large fitted wardrobe stretches over most of the opposite wall. A television is mounted on a wall bracket in the corner to the side of the wardrobe. Kirsty gazes out of the window, which overlooks the beautiful countryside. Kane walks up behind her and slips his arms around her waist, resting his head on her shoulder.
"Not bad at all... but should I go and ask if we can a room with twin beds?"
"No... we'll be alright"
"I'll go and get our bags out of the car."
"Do you need some help?"
"No, you get some rest. It's been a long day"
Kane walks slowly towards the door before turning back to face her, taking his phone out.
"Kirst... why don't you phone home... let them know you're alright"
Kirsty smiles at him, overwhelmed by his gesture. He puts his phone down on the bed and leaves, closing the door gently behind him. He knew that she wanted to let them know she was ok. He could see that she missed them and he'd do anything to make her happier.
Kirsty picks up the phone and contemplates what she is going to say to her parents. She dials and the phone rings twice before Shelley answers it.
"Hello?"
"Mum?"
"Kirsty... are you alright? Where are you? What's going on?"
"Calm down Mum, I'm fine. There was a bit of trouble, it's sorted now"
"Where are you?"
"I can't tell you that Mum. I just phoned to let you know that I'm fine - don't worry about me"
Shelley glances round her. The house is empty. Dani is still out.
"And Kane? Has he tried anything?"
Kirsty sighs. She knew that question was coming. She just wanted to scream back that Kane would never hurt her. She just wanted to defend him
"Kane's been great. He's looking after me"
"Where is he now?"
"He's gone out"
"And left you alone again?"
Shelley sounded concerned now. She was furious at Kane for driving her daughter away from her. For putting her in danger.
"Mum, it's alright. We're somewhere else now. I'm not in any danger"
"Kirst, I know that we've argued a lot recently but the whole family are missing you... all we want is for you to come home"
"I can't do that... not unless you accept this relationship
There was silence at the other end of the phone for a moment. Shelley gritted her teeth. She didn't like her daughter referring to it as a 'relationship'. Just like Rhys had been furious that Inspector Carter had called Kane Kirsty's 'boyfriend'. She just couldn't accept it.
"I'm sorry Kirst... but Dani doesn't know yet... if you come home now she'll never have to know. You know as well as I do what this would do to her."
"Mum, I'll come home when you and Dad accept that that me and Kane are together... until then, I just want to be with him"
Shelley was distraught by her daughters attitude. She couldn't understand her sometimes.
"Have you got enough money?"
"Just about... I've got a job now..."
"Look Kirst, I'm going to transfer some money into your account... you have your card with you don't you?"
"Yeah... thanks Mum"
Kirsty didn't want to accept the money but she knew that they needed all the money they could get right now. She couldn't be stubborn when Kane was trying his hardest to build them a new life. Shelley just wanted to make sure her daughter was going to be alright. She had a bit of money set aside. She and Rhys were going to do something special for their anniversary but their daughter was more important right now.
"Will you call again soon?"
"Maybe..."
"Where are you calling from?"
"Kane gave me his phone"
"Can we have the number?"
Kirsty thought for a moment. She didn't like her Mum keeping tabs on her.
"No, not just now... I'll call you... bye Mum... I love you"
"I love you too Kirst... bye"
Kirsty hung up and sat down on the bed. She was glad that she was able to talk to her Mum, even if it wasn't the same as talking to her to her face. It had been comforting. She was grateful at Shelley for not kicking off. For trying to support her. For caring. She wasn't sure how her Mum would react to the call. Whether she would even talk to her. This had put her mind at ease. Now she could settle down into her new home.
CARAVAN PARK
Rhys and Jade enter and notice that Shelley is stood looking distant, phone in hand. Rhys rushes to her side.
"Has there been any news."
"Yeah, Kirsty called again... she's alright, she's safe"
"What else did she say?"
"She's got a job. She doesn't want to come back... not unless we accept that she and Kane are an item... I said I'd put a bit of money into her account - just to make sure she's alright financially"
"You did what?"
Rhys was angry. Kirsty had made the decision to run away and fend for herself so why should they help her? She had betrayed them.
"We have to try and support her, Rhys. If we push her away there's less chance of her ever wanting to come back. We have to let her know that she's still welcome in the family."
"Was Kane with her when she called?"
Jade was concerned for her twin. She missed her. They had always shared everything. The bedroom was lonely without her. The whole house felt different.
"No, he had gone out"
"And left her alone again?"
Rhys was madder.
"It sounded like they had moved on from wherever they were before."
"I've had enough of this. I'm going out to have another look for her"
"Don't be ridiculous Rhys. They could be at the other side of the country by now"
"She mentioned fruit picking on her last call. I'll check out some of the orchards in the area and see if they've been seen. I can't just sit around while Kirsty's God knows where with that man. And when I catch up with him, he's going to be sorry he ever crossed paths with my family."