Katie knew exactly what would be ahead for her this week. She knew both Reid and Luke would try to pull out of the camping trip. So she planned her week very carefully. The beginning of the week she would spend avoiding both of them so they wouldn't have the chance to blow her off – and the last part of the week she would say it was too little notice and too much had been organised. She also recruited Maddie and Casey to help with Luke. Sadly no one would be interested in helping with Reid. He was down to her alone. So she was slightly surprised to not have to bother avoiding either Luke or Reid this week – they seemed to be doing a good job of that themselves. Which did make her slightly nervous. What were they up to? Well it was now Friday morning and she decided to bite the bullet and find out what was going on with both of them and to sort the details out about the trip. Little did she know – two other people had been thinking about this camping trip all week.


Luke was sitting at his desk reading memo after boring memo – not really taking anything in. Not realising he was clicking his pen endlessly and drvinig Alice completely nuts.

"For gods sake Luke stop that. No more coffee, you are so bloody on edge."

"Oh, sorry. I was just thinking."

"Well what are you up to this weekend? I am off to have a massage. You know I really appreciate this."

"Stop thanking me Alice. You work really hard and I want you to know I appreciate it. You need to take time regularly to rejuvenate. That way I can work you hard and not feel so guilty."

"It's my job – you cant feel guilty for making me do my job! But you do, cause that's you. But you know, you need to take some of your own advice. You never take a break, even more so recently. You need to get a life.'

"Alice I do have a life!"

"Please, playing chess with an old man, eating pizza with Casey and looking after your family is not having a life. And don't purse your lips at me, I am not going talking about Noah or anything related to him. You are pastey. You need some sun."

Luke stretched his arms out looking at his colour. She was right. He used to be tanned. He used to love the outdoors. He still did really, he just didn't take the time to enjoy it.

He suddenly got up and annopunced "Right I am off for the weekend."

"Oh, I didn't upset you Luke did I, I know I can be bossy. I'm sorry."

He laughed and kissed her on the cheek as he walked passed "Alice, I am actually taking your advice. I am going camping with Katie and Casey and a few others. We organised it a while ago." With that he left the office.


"Reid, are you listening to me? And stop clicking that pen for god sake. I am trying to sort this out. I know OH & S is boring but it needs to be addressed and as chief of staff it is your responsibility to ensure these guidelines are met!"

"Shut up Doogie, I have already said yes to all this. It is up to you now to do the rest."

Just then Katie barged into Chris' office.

"Ah, my gorgeous husband and best friend. Just who I am looking for."

"Well on that note, I am out of here. You two can make out without me here."

"No Reid, I want you actually."

He laughed. "I have told you shorty, I am gay."

"Very funny Reid. I am here to sort the details of the camping trip tomorrow."

Chris rose from his chair, kissed Katie on the cheek and left.

"Now Reid, I know you and I know you have been thinking of ways to get out of this but I wont have any of it. You are coming and that's final. You need to have friends other than myself in Oakdale."

"Jacob is my friend. And I put up with Doogie."

"One of them is a child and the other I know you only tolerate."

"Oh, I more than tolerate Jacob!"

"Ha Ha. Deep down I know you like Chris."

"Whatever. Anyway, I am not getting out of the camping trip. I think I might try and sort things out with Luke while we are there."

Katie gasped then squealed. "Really?"

"Don't get ahead of yourself. I meant sort it to a point that we can actually have a conversation together. Maybe talk about how things ended. Talk about his life since then."

"You mean Noah."

"Not just Noah, but he was part of his life for years. Anyway, I think this conversation is long overdue."

"That's good Reid, but I have to go. Pack your bags tonight, we leave at 5am."

"5am? That's ridiculous!" he yelled at her retreating back, at the same time thinking she left very suddenly. She has been begging him to sort this with Luke for years. She should be happy.


Luke was leaving a clothes shop laden with a few bags when he walked straight into Katie.

"Oh hey, how are you Katie?"

"Oh, Luke, I was looking for you!" She was very prepared for his speech of busy at work, family drama or whatever. So she was quite surprised when he asked

"So what time are we leaving tomorrow?"

"What? You're coming?"

"Oh, don't you want me to? Are you cancelling?"

"No, NO. I just, well, to be honest Luke, I thought you would cancel. BUT, I am really glad you aren't."

"Well, I know my track record so fair call. But I have been thinking about things recently and I need to change my life. Well, maybe just get back to living my life."

"By thinking, you mean Reid."

"Well partly."

"And by change does that mean you want him back in your life? I am so glad Luke cause you will never guess –"

"NO, wait. Hang on. I DO NOT want him back in my life. I blamed myself for a long time after he left. But in reality, he was to blame. He blew it years ago and I have realised that he doesn't deserve a second chance. I am moving on with my life, getting passed all my bad history. And Reid is only a small part of that history. But that is exactly what he is - History."

Katie just stood there staring at him. SHIT. What the hell is going on? What is with the change in these two? SHIT.

"Luke, Katie hi!"

"Hi Maddie" they both said in unison.

"What are you doing here Maddie?"

"Oh, meeting Luke. When he rang and said he was coming this weekend I just thought we could grab a coffee and sort details, like cars. I though Reid could go with you and Jacob. Jenny and Casey want their own car, something about sports crap filling the boot. Luke can come in the car with me and Cameron."

"Wait, I thought your boyfriend was called Giles." asked Luke.

"Well his name is Geoff actually, but he would also be my ex-boyfriend."

"So is Cameron a date?" Katie asked.

"Sort of, but not for me." She looked sheepishly at Luke.

"WHAT?" both Luke and Katie shouted.

"Don't get mad Luke. I haven't even mentioned you to him. He is a friend and I asked him to come. If something happens then so be it. And why do you care Katie? Luke can sleep with me if space is an issue? Or Cameron!"

"Stop it." Luke said. But flushed a little at the same time. Which did not go un-noticed by either girl. Katie frowned not liking where this was going and Maddie smirked feeling quite proud of herself.

"I have to go" Katie said.

"Hey, email me the map will you? Also we are all heading off around 5am?"

"Sure Maddie. See you Luke." This was going to be a long weekend. Lets hope Luke is consistent and knock this Cameron down, like he does to every guy he meets.