A new story I have been working on. Hope you enjoy! :)

Chapter One:

"What are you doing at work when the surf is so good?" Casey grinned, leaning against the bar watching his big brother work.

Brax laughed. "Someone's gotta keep this place going. It pays the bills."

Casey looked over to the table where Kyle, Ricky and Phoebe sat eating lunch. "Kyle can do it."

"Nah mate. He's been working too much lately."

"Well he clearly can't get enough of the place if he is here on his day off."

Brax gave a small nod and glanced over at the table where his family sat. He caught Ricky watching him. Their eyes met briefly before she quickly turned her attention back to the table.

"They are always watching you now," Casey stated.

There was silence before Brax finally said, " You know what mate? I do feel like that surf."

-x-

"We shouldn't be doing this Ric," Kyle stated before taking a bite of his pizza.

"Doing what?" Ricky feigned ignorance.

"Spying."

"We aren't spying. We are just having lunch."

"Call it whatever you want, but Brax knows what we're doing here and he doesn't like it."

"Kyle's right Ric," Phoebe interjected. "Brax going back to work is a good thing. If he thinks he can handle it, then maybe we should trust his judgment and leave him to it?"

Ricky shook her head in frustration. "We all know he is not OK." She looked over at Brax whose mind was clearly elsewhere. Brax stared back at her and she quickly turned to face Kyle. "He is still…."

Ricky couldn't finish the sentence but Kyle didn't need her to. He gently rested his hand on her hand. "If that's what he needs to do to get through this, is it really the worst thing?"

A single tear slipped down Ricky's cheek.

-x-

Brax left Casey at the bar and walked towards the table where his family was sitting. "How's your lunch?"

"Yeah good," Ricky forced a smile, quickly wiping away the tear before Brax would see. "How are you?"

Brax could see that Ricky was upset, but he didn't want to think about that now. He turned to Kyle. "Listen mate, do you think you could cover me for a bit? There's something I need to do."

"I don't think so Brax," Phoebe answered before Kyle had a chance. "This is Kyle's first day off in weeks."

Brax didn't take his eyes off Kyle. "Can you do it?"

Kyle slowly nodded and stood up. "Yeah I can do it."

"Kyle…No!" Phoebe moaned. "You need a break."

"Just leave it Phoebs. I'm here anyway." Kyle walked over to the bar and Brax walked out the door, happy to be free of the watchful eyes. Casey followed him out the door.

-x-

Brax paddled out on his board. Casey was close beside him. "Why didn't you take on that wave?" Are you getting soft in your old age?" Casey teased playfully.

"Maybe." He wasn't out here for the waves today.

"Do you remember the first time you took me surfing?"

Brax smiled. "Yeah. You didn't listen to a word I said and ended up cracking your head open on the rocks."

"I didn't want to stay on the sand."

"Patience has never been your strong suit Case." Brax chuckled.

"Maybe if I had a better teacher, I wouldn't have had to try to teach myself."

"Oi'," Brax gave Casey a playful shove. "You might be headed for another injury if you're not careful."

"Oooo I'm scared." Casey laughed. "Empty threats Brax. You'd never hurt me." Casey paddled fast to catch the next wave. Brax followed and hoped the rush of the wave would overpower the sudden feeling of nausea sweeping through his body.

-x-

Phoebe looked down at her watch and huffed. "I can't believe he is still not back. He said he was only going for a short break." Phoebe and Ricky were sitting at the bar watching Kyle clean glasses while they waited for Brax to return.

"I knew he wasn't ready to come back to work," Ricky was slumped against the bar, propping her head up with her hand.

"I think it has a lot more to do with the fact he was feeling smothered," Kyle sighed. "I did try to warn you."

"Mmm, he'll be back soon," Ricky murmured.

Kyle couldn't help but notice how tired and pale she looked. "Phoebs can you take Ricky home? She needs to rest."

"NO!" both girls called out at once.

Ricky sat up straight, the anger evident on her face. "I'm going to pretend you didn't just say that Kyle. The last thing I need right now is you fussing over me."

"And I'm not leaving this place without you Kyle," Phoebe demanded, looking just as angry. "I'm not letting you work another shift. I'll drag you out of here if I have to."

Kyle sighed. "You two are just as stubborn as each other." He walked out from behind the bar and placed a light kiss on Phoebe's cheek. "I appreciate you looking out for me Phoebe, I really do, but I'm fine to keep working." He turned towards Ricky. "Ric, do I need to remind you what Nate said about stress?" Ricky slowly shook her head. "It's not good for the baby. He told you to take extra care of yourself right now and I can see how tired you are," Kyle put his hand on her shoulder. "Please go home and take it easy and leave Brax to me. I'll call as soon as I hear from him."

Phoebe linked arms with Ricky and the girls reluctantly made their way home.

-x-

Brax and Casey sat on the sand, letting the sun dry their skin. "Don't you need to get back to work?" Casey asked.

"Nah, not today."

"Home?"

"No."

"They'll be waiting," Casey stated but Brax remained silent. "They'll be angry," Casey continued.

"Anger is better than…." Brax kicked the sand with his feet. "Let's just stay here a bit longer."