Chapter 14

Thanks to you all for taking the time out to read my story and for your wonderful reviews, FrankElza, Guest, Kitkat and Thay, I enjoyed reading them. This is my next chapter, hope you enjoy it …..Sandy

"Are you up Case" shouted Brax as he walked into the boys room and opened up the blinds letting the daylight shine in.

"Do you have to do that" questioned Casey as he winged before rolling over in the bed and pulling the blanket up over his head, its way too early!

"Come on mate" replied Brax as he pulled the blankets off the bed, you can't be late on your first day at "Summer Bay High". so get your skates on quickly as I will be back in five so make sure you are out of the bed or there will be trouble.

Brax returned into the kitchen and sorted out bottle's for Matthew's feed while they visited Ricky at the hospital. He was a bit apprehensive about today in many ways, Casey starting school and Ricky.

"I can't do this stupid Tie" exclaimed Casey as he came out into the lounge.

"Here let me do it" replied Brax as he tied up the tie. "The one and only thing I learned how to do in school was how to get the tie right" smiled Brax.

"Now what do you want to eat" questioned Brax as he returned into the kitchen, Casey following behind.

"What's with all the bottles" questioned Casey, normally Brax would only make up one bottle when required.

"I thought maybe it might be easier have some on standby" replied Brax, he hated lying to Casey but he didn't want to upset him on his first day at school by telling him they were going to visit Ricky especially how Casey felt about the whole Ricky situation.

"Hi Casey" smiled Darcy as she walked into the lounge, if you are ready we can walk to school together.

"I was going to drop him in being his first day" replied Brax.

"That would be so UN-cool uncle Brax" replied Darcy with a serious look on her face, he isn't a five year old.

"She is right Dad" exclaimed Casey as he spoke the same time as he shoved a spoonful of cereal in his mouth, maybe I should walk.

"OK, what ever makes you happy" replied Brax but before you go I need a photo of you on your first day at school.

Casey shook his head "I hate taking photo's".

"Come on mate! One for me" questioned Brax with a cheeky grin on his face.

"Fine then" replied Casey as he stood up from the table like a sergeant major with the biggest smile on his face. Even though he was fourteen, he looked a lot younger.

After Casey and Darcy had left for school, Brax grabbed Matthew's changing bag and put in some bottles and what ever other supplies was needed. He picked up Matthew from the bassinet and smiled at him, "you are going to see mummy now" said Brax as he strapped him into the car seat and wrapped a blanket around him.

Darcy and Casey strolled into the school grounds as students where rushing around the place. "Are you nervous" questioned Darcy as she looked over at Casey who seemed to be getting a little pale.

"A little" replied Casey but I will be fine since I have got my bodyguard right beside me as he gave a small push to Darcy with a smile.

"Hey! New Kid on the Block" shouted a student as Casey and Darcy walked past.

"Ignore them" replied Darcy, they are trouble.

"Oi! New Kid, I am talking to you" as three boys stood in front of Casey and Darcy.

"Get lost, No Brainier" replied Darcy, come on Casey as she gave a small pull to him.

"Did you bring mummy with you Casey" questioned one of the boys as the other two laughed, catch you later mate and they strolled off.

Brax opened in the door into the room where Ricky was carrying the car seat with one hand and the nappy bag on the other. Ricky turned and looked with a bleak smile, she didn't know how he felt since she sent Casey packing.

"Hi baby" smiled Brax as he left down the car seat on the floor. Ricky got off the bed and ran straight into his arms holding on tight, she had missed him holding her with his muscular arms, the smell of his aftershave.

"I have missed you so much" replied Brax as rubbed his hand down along her blond hair and pulled her in for a deep and passionate kiss. They both sat on the side of the bed and stared into each others eyes, each of them as scared as the other not knowing how each other felt.

"How is Case doing" questioned Ricky with a nervous expression on her face.

"He is good" replied Brax, he started Summer Bay High today, I think he was nervous.

"I am so sorry for what I done" exclaimed Ricky, if anything had happened to him.

"Don't keep punishing yourself" smiled Brax, everything is all right so maybe we should start focusing on the future.

"I wasn't sure we would have a future" replied Ricky, I can't forgive myself for what I did to Casey, and how I neglected by beautiful little boy Matthew so I wouldn't expect you to forgive me.

"Don't do this Ricky" said Brax as he lifted her chin up wards and wiped away a tear that had escaped down her face "I love you, and nothing is going to change that" replied Brax, "we can get through this together but only if that is what you want", "I understand it is a lot to ask you to take on Casey as well, but he is part of my life, a big part of my life now". "I will understand Ricky if it is all too much for you" exclaimed Brax, you are trying to deal with the post natal, I shouldn't expect you to accept Casey just because he is my kid.

"I do want to be with you" replied Ricky "more than anything" but I can't see Casey excepting me back into his life.

"I suppose, maybe you are right" said Brax, but all we can do is try and hope our love is strong enough to get through this it must be worth one shot at least.

"Thank you" smiled Ricky for being so wonderful, a great dad, and a wonderful lover.

"Well if I am that wonderful" replied Brax, we will have a lot of making up to do when you get out of here as he once again wrapped his arms around Ricky pulling her tight into his chest making her feel safe.

Matthew began to wriggle a bit in the car seat and let out a cry interrupting his Mum and dad from some well deserved quality time.

"Hey little man" smiled Brax as he bent down and lifted Matthew out of the car seat.

"Do you think you are ready" questioned Brax as he looked over at Ricky.

"I sure hope so" replied Ricky as she put out her hands to take her little baby into her arms.

"He has got heavy" smiled Ricky as she stared down at Matthew, she had missed him so much, even though it was only a week it seemed like a life time.

Casey walked out into the school grounds hoping to meet up with Darcy for lunch, he turned a corner only to be faced with the three boys from earlier.

"Hey mate" smiled the leader who put his arm around Casey's shoulder and pulled him in near the wall the other two boys standing behind.

"I am Courtney, this is Jaime and that one is Tyler" replied Courtney.

"Rumour has it that your are Darryl Braxton's kid" is that right questioned Courtney

"What's it to you" replied Casey

"We are only being nice mate" smiled Courtney as he turned to Jaime and Tyler "Isn't that right boys" as they both nodded in agreement.

"Do you see, the way it works around here" replied Courtney is that we do what we want and you do what we say as he lightly slapped Casey on the face.

"I am doing nothing for you" replied Casey as he tried to walk away only to be pushed further against the wall by Jaime and Tyler.

"Now you listen and listen well" smiled Courtney as he stood very close to Casey, "I need 100 dollars by Friday and you my friend are going to get it for me, because if you don't I will make your life hell" "Comprende".

"What are you boys doing around here" questioned Mrs Palmer as she looked at all four boys.

"We are only telling Casey here" replied Courtney with a smug look on his face "what a great school he as come to and how it has a great principal".

"I bet you are" said Gina now move along.

"Later's Case" replied Courtney with a smirk before they moved away.

"Casey, were they hassling you" questioned Gina, they are year 12 students and have a habit of throwing there weight around.

"No" nodded a very nervous and scared Casey.

"If you are sure" replied Gina, why don't you come with me and I will introduce you to Jett and VJ they are in your year. "If you think of it also Casey, you might let your dad know it is 100 dollars for school book rental, no panic whenever he can drop it in.

"OK" replied Casey and followed Gina.

"Jett and VJ" called Gina as she could see them in the distance.

Both boys arrived over "this is Casey, why don't you both show him around and introduce him to the others in your class" replied Gina with a smile.

"Sure" replied Jett, "do you want to come to the diner first and get lunch with us".

"I was supposed to meet Darcy" replied Casey but I can't see her, so yes that would be great.

Brax and Ricky lay in the bed looking into each others eyes, baby Matthew was stretched out in between them and was quite content.

"I suppose I better be heading back" said Brax, I need to be home before Case gets back from school.

"I wish you could stay longer babe" replied Ricky as she stroked his hair but hopefully I will get out of here next week. "I will try and get back in before then" said Brax as he picked up Matthew and placed him into the car seat. "Casey has an appointment with the Councillor in a few day's here in the hospital" replied Brax, so I will pop in here to you for the hour.

"I am counting the hours down already" exclaimed Ricky as she pulled her arms around Brax and kissed him, "Love you Babe and you my little prince charming" as she kissed Matthew.

"How was school" questioned Brax as Casey arrived into the lounge throwing his bag on the floor.

"It was fine" grunted Casey, is there anything to eat.

"I presume everything went well then" said Brax as he stood up to make Casey a sandwich.

"Mrs Palmer is looking for money for book rental" replied Casey.

"How much then" questioned Brax.

Casey thought for a minute, thinking of the treat that Courtney had made if he didn't get the money for him. "I think it was 200 dollars" replied Casey.

"200 dollars" repeated Brax, you could buy a whole library full of books with that. Leave it with me I will have it in the morning for you.

Casey smiled in acknowledgement and headed into his bedroom.

"How was Ricky" whispered Bianca as she appeared into the kitchen to where Brax was.

"She is actually doing great and looking great" replied Brax. "She was asking for you all and cant wait to get home".

"That is wonderful Brax" replied Bianca, I am delighted you both are going to give your relationship a chance especially for little Matthew, you and Heath grew up with one parent and Casey also.

"That wasn't by choice" exclaimed Brax, I would have been there for Casey from the start if Natalie had let me.

"I wasn't blaming you" explained Bianca, I know you would have been there for him, look you and Ricky were always great together and it would be a shame if you had decided to go your own way, that's all I am saying.

"What's with the 200 dollars book rental" questioned Brax, Casey mentioned Gina Palmer asked him for it.

"He must have got his wires crossed" replied Bianca, it is 100 dollars.

"That sounds more like it" said Brax, "Is it OK to give it to you?" as he pulled the 100 dollars out from his wallet.

"No problem" replied Bianca I will sort out his books tomorrow.

Friday arrived at last, Casey had almost done a week at school and had avoided bumping into Courtney and his friends since Monday. He got along great with Jett and VJ and all three had a lot in common, especially soccer which Casey enjoyed most. He knew today was when Courtney had requested him to pay up the money, but as his dad had given the book rental to Bianca meant he was going in empty handed.

Casey and Darcy and Jett walked in towards the school . On seeing Courtney, Casey felt a sudden chill of fear shiver up his spine towards his skull. He could feel his hand quiver, he tried to calm himself down as he hurriedly went into the school building.

During recess, Casey went into use the toilet.

"Are you avoiding me mate" questioned Courtney as he appeared in behind Casey, Jaime and Tyler following. Casey turned and looked at the three boys, he just wanted to scream.

"I don't have your stupid money" Casey blurted out as he could feel his legs beginning to shake.

"Wrong answer Braxton" replied Courtney as he came right into Casey's face. Before Casey knew it he was held back by Jaime and Tyler while Courtney punched him into the stomach five times, causing Casey to bend over in pain while holding back his tears from escaping.

"This isn't over yet Braxton" exclaimed Courtney, I will be back next week with another request and maybe this time you might actually get it right before all three of them headed out the door.

"Is everything OK" asked Darcy as she walked home with Casey from school, you don't look too good.

"I am fine" said Casey even though the pain in his stomach was hurting him so much.

"How did school go for you two" questioned Heath as they arrived back, "I bet you are glad it is the weekend".

"Yes" they both replied together. Casey your dad had to pop into the restaurant for a few hours, "so you can hang out in here with us for a while" exclaimed Heath.

"I am just going to change out of this uniform first" replied Casey as he opened in the door and headed into his bedroom shutting the door behind him. He pulled off his white shirt and tie and stood in front of the mirror looking at the bruising that was forming in his abdomen.

He pulled on a t-shirt and headed out into the kitchen where the pain relief was left. He opened the container and took two pain relief with a glass of water, then he took two more hoping he would get instant relief.

"What is delaying you Case" questioned Darcy as she appeared into the lounge.

"I am ready" replied Casey as he shoved on the lid on the box and shoved it back into the press.

"Come on then" replied Darcy, Dad said we could watch that movie I was telling you about. Both kids were just about to enter into Heath and Bianca's house when they heard Bianca say "It's great Ricky is coming home tomorrow"

Casey stood, he felt he couldn't breath, he could feel sweaty, light-headed.

"Dad" shouted Darcy, hurry up something is wrong with Casey.

Heath rushed to the door just on time to catch Casey as he collapsed into his arms.

"Ring Brax quickly" shouted Heath as he carried Casey into the lounge and placed him onto the couch.

After a few minutes Casey opened his eyes only to see eight more eyes staring back down at him.

"It's OK mate, just relax" explained Brax who had rushed back from the restaurant, "What happened?".

He heard Dad and Bianca discuss that Ricky was coming home tomorrow" exclaimed Darcy.

"Shut your face" replied Casey, I just didn't feel well, I missed lunch.

Brax looked over towards Heath and Bianca and then turned to Casey "What did I tell you about skipping meals Casey" replied Brax, I will get you something to eat.

"We will leave you to it" said Heath, if you need anything just give us a shout.

"Thanks mate, will do" replied Brax.

Brax heated up soup and gave it to Casey. When he had it finished, Brax sat down on the couch next to Casey.

"I was going to tell you this evening Casey" exclaimed Brax, that Ricky was coming home tomorrow, "she is doing great, cant wait to meet you" smiled Brax.

Casey pulled the blanket off himself and stood up. "I am going to bed".

"Casey" replied Brax, everything is going to be all right, and in a couple of weeks when Ricky has settled back in "maybe, you and I could go camping"

"If she has anything to do with it, I probably won't be living here" replied Casey a tear escaping down his cheek before he turned and headed into his bedroom.

Coming Up!

Ricky tries to settle back into Motherhood and also tries to find a connection with Casey. Courtney takes his bullying to a higher level, leaving Casey to take the blunt.