Hi Everyone! This is my first Fanfic! This story is about Ric and Mattie when they return home to Summer Bay.

Please review! I would love to know what you all think.

ALL CHARACTERS AND PLACES ARE NOT MINE. ONLY STORYLINES.

The Return.

Chapter One: Home Sweet Home

RicPOV

"Hello!" I yelled as I walked through the door.

"Anybody home?" Matilda called. We walked into the living room and set our bags on the floor. As I lifted my head I saw a very familiar face.

"Streuth!" exclaimed Alf.

"Ric!" So good to see you!" he said while shaking my hand.

"And you too young Matilda!" pulling Mattie into a warm hug.

"Good to see you too Mr. Stewart." Mattie replied.

"Yeah Granddad, it's been a while huh?" I said.

"Yes, well, I'm sorry I haven't called you two in a while. Things have been so busy here I just haven't had the time. "

"That's okay" I replied.

"We've been pretty busy too." Mattie added.

"Well don't just stand there kids! Go sit down and I'll make us a cuppa."

Matilda was already sitting down on the sofa and was looking up at me with a grin on her face.

"It's good to be home." She said.

"Yeah", I replied sinking into the sofa "It really is.

MatildaPOV

"So what are you two doing in this neck of the woods?" asked Mr Stewart.

"Well we were kind of missing home." said Ric. "I mean, Perth is nice and all, but there is nothing like Summer Bay."

"Well you are right on that one." He replied handing us each a cup.

"So where are you kids staying?" Mr Stewart asked sipping his coffee.

"Well", I said, "we were thinking of maybe renting a caravan."

"Oh, well if you would find it more comfortable, you could just stay here in the house."

"Are you sure Mr Stewart?" I replied, "We wouldn't want to put you out."

"Nonsense! It would be no trouble at all love."

"If you're sure that's okay Granddad, we would love to stay here. "Said Ric.

Ric gave me a smile. Just as Mr Stewart was getting up to put away the cups, a woman wearing a hot pink shirt and really high stiletto's rushed in.

"Oh, Mr Stewart guess wha-"

"Oh, um, hello." She said with a small wave and an awkward smile.

"Mr Stewart", she said under her breath, "who are these lovely looking people?"

Mr Stewart says laughing "Don't worry Marilyn; this is my grandson Ric and his girlfriend Matilda."

"Mattie", I said smiling and holding out my hand.

"Oh this is the grandson!" she proclaimed and pulled us both into a hug.

"Um, yeah", replied Ric, "It's nice to meet you, uh, Marilyn." As she let go.

"Lovely to meet you." I chimed after him.

"I have heard so much about you two! She said. "And how is university going Matilda?"

"Um, yeah, it's good thanks." I replied smiling.

"How wonderful! Now can I get you anything to eat or drink? I can make this really delicious tofu sala-"

"No no, don't worry Marilyn love; we've already had a cuppa." Alf butted in.

"Oh, lovely!" she said smiling.

"Well, I'm sorry to be gone so soon but I have a shift at the diner. "She said hurriedly. "But I will be back later and we can have a nice long chat, how does that sound?"

"Yeah, good. Can't wait." Said Ric.

"Oh and would you not tell anyone that we are here? I think we would like to surprise them all later." I added.

"Oh, of course!" Marilyn said. "My lips are sealed! Bye!" she said while quickly rushing out the door.

"Phew!" exclaimed Alf. "We do love her but she can talk a mile minute when she's in a hurry!"

"Do you think she would mind us being here? And what about the others?" Ric asked running his hands through his hair.

"Oh, no she won't mind at all. I am sure the others will be fine with it. Your Aunt Ruth is staying with us at the moment too. You have never really met her in person yet."

"Yeah." Ric replied. "I think I talked to her on the phone a few times when Martha was staying with her."

"Yes, yes. I remember her saying something about that. Anyway, it will be good for her to meet you in person. "Mr Stewart then glanced over at our bags sitting by the door.

"Oh Streuth! I almost forgot. Come on Ric, grab those bags and I'll show you to your room." He picked up my case and Ric grabbed his.

"Come on Ric, you know the way." Said Alf gesturing to the stairs. Ric led us up with Mr Stewart at the rear. We stopped at the top and waited for Mr Stewart to show us to our room. He walked over to a very familiar looking door.

"Nobody is using this one at the moment." Alf said as he opened the door. "We have a bit of junk in here but that's easily removed." He said pointing towards a few cardboard boxes in the corner.

"Thanks Granddad!" Ric said his eyes sparkling as he looked around.

"Oh and one last thing. I'll be right back." Alf said and walked out of the room.

"Looks almost exactly the same." I said sitting down on the bed.

"Yeah." He replied as he handed me my bag. Mr Stewart came striding back in carrying something purple.

"I knew we still had this thing around somewhere." He exclaimed unfolding the purple fabric.

"Hey! It's our old doona cover!" Ric said.

"You still have it?" I asked Alf.

"Yes, we do. After you both left I just couldn't throw it away. I was going to send it over there for you but never got round to doing it."

"Well I'm glad you didn't." Ric said smiling. Alf chucked the doona cover at Ric's head and smiled.

"I will leave you kids to it." He said. "Give you some time to settle back in." He smiled at us and then started to walk towards the door. He stopped for a second and turned around,

"It's good to have you both home." He said his eyes twinkling.

"It's good to be home Granddad." Ric replied.

Hope you enjoyed the first chapter! Review and let me know what you think! Will hopefully have the next chapter up in a few days. :)