Two weeks later Debbie arrived home. Bea was working nights so Allie had offered to pick her up from the station. She would be staying for two weeks so she didn't want the young Smith to be dragging her luggage across the city, or waste her money on a taxi. It was her night off anyway, and as her girlfriend wasn't around she had nothing else to do. She was looking forward to spending a bit of time alone with Debbie, and it would give them a chance to get to know one another better.

The conversation in the car had been light, Debbie filling the blonde in on how her course was going and about her new job in the bar at the student union. The young brunette confessed that she was a little bit worried about telling her mum about the job as she knew the redhead would worry that she was taking too much on, asking Allie to be there when she told her. That way she would be less likely to lose 'her shit', and demand that she quit the bar.

Once Debbie was settled Allie stood, ready to leave, the brunette asking her to stay for dinner and suggesting that she stay over. She was pretty sure that they spent most nights together, and she knew her Mum would love coming home to find the blonde at the house, plus she liked her company. She had been surprised when she initially found out about their relationship, and wondered if it would just be a fling for Allie, but seven months later and they appeared stronger than ever. She was glad her Mum had found someone, and she could tell by the way the blonde smiled every time the redhead's name came up in conversation that she was very much in love.

They chatted about Bea and Allie's recent trip to New Zealand, and how the blonde almost had a heart attack when she had stepped out onto the walkway at the top of the tower.

"So if you're so scared of heights why the hell did you go out there? You know Mum would have understood right?" Debbie said

"I know, and she did, she was great about it. But this guy kept hitting on her and I didn't like it, I didn't want him near her so…"

"So you risked shitting yourself a couple of hundred metres up because you were jealous of some idiot that she wouldn't look twice at?" Debbie said, laughing at Allie

"Pretty much. When you put it like that it does sound crazy"

"Sound! It is crazy, it's also kind of cute. You know she wouldn't so much as look at anyone else though, she loves you"

"I know, I just get a bit jelly bean sometimes. She's perfect, and she could have anyone she wanted. I just worry that she'll find someone better than me" the blonde replied

They sat there for over an hour, Allie filling Debbie in on her past. The young brunette had been shocked when she had told them about her parents kicking her out, she knew her Mum would never do anything like that, and couldn't understand why anyone would disown their child for something like that. The blonde told her about the children's shelter she stayed at, her time working at Crystal, and how she ended up involved with Mia, and the fallout from that.

"So where were you when you met my Mum?"

"I was sleeping rough in an old warehouse when it caught fire. She rescued me and I went looking for her after I left the hospital"

"How come you didn't get out, were you hurt badly?"

"No, just smoke inhalation and a few scratches. I…err…this is going to sound bad, it is bad, but will you let me explain everything before you yell or throw me out?" Allie asked, knowing this could go either way

"Ok sure, but you've got me worried now"

"I was pinned that night, I'd taken some gear that I bought from this guy I knew. I'd been living on the streets for almost three years and I'd had enough. I couldn't take any more, I wanted out, so I took more than I usually did, hoping it would end the shit storm that was my miserable life. I must have blacked out before the fire started. I woke up in the hospital and didn't have a clue how I got there until Bridget told me"

"So you have a drug problem?" Debbie asked. Of all the things, she hadn't been expecting that

"No, not any more. I've been clean for ten months now and I intend to keep in that way"

"Is there anything else I should know?" the young brunette asked, hoping there wasn't any more

"You may as well tell me. I'll find out eventually, and then I'll be pissed at you" she added

"I'd been on the streets for about six months. I had no money, no food, nothing, I couldn't even afford a cup of coffee. One of the other girls was making a lot of money, she gave me bits when she could, but there were so many of us that it wasn't enough for me to live on. She was a prostitute, so one night I tried it. I cried for days afterwards, but the money ran out again, so I did it again. I already hated myself so I couldn't feel any worse, or so I thought. Then the beatings started, some of my customers weren't exactly friendly or well mannered. I took a few pills one night after a particularly bad client and they helped me to escape for a few hours, so it became a regular thing. The more I took, the more I needed, and before I knew it I was addicted"

"Does Mum know about this?"

"Yeah, I told her everything, she knew right from the start"

"So what made you want to stop after all that time? What changed?"

"Bea. I was pretty out of it in the hospital, but I overheard her talking to Bridget. The doc had found my stash of gear and was going to contact the police but your Mum talked her out of it, then got rid of the drugs. She took a chance on me, no one had ever done anything like that for me before. She didn't know me, but she still did it, and I knew I had to find her and thank her. I was embarrassed, ashamed of myself and my life, and I didn't want her to see me like that, I wanted to be a better person for her, if that makes any sense. I think I fell in love with her a little bit that day in the hospital, despite the fact that I hadn't even seen her. Bridget told me where I could find her, so the next time they were on shift I went looking for her. She treated me like I was a person, like I meant something, not just a toy to be used then thrown away when I was of no use anymore. The more time I spent with her the harder I fell, and when she told me about Harry I wanted to kill the bastard for hurting her. Sorry, I know he's still your Dad" Allie said, worried she had crossed a line. No matter what she thought of the prick, he was still Debbie's parent

"Don't apologise, he is a bastard. As far as I'm concerned I don't have a Dad anymore. So who made the first move? I'm guessing it was you, I doubt Mum has got it in her"

"Technically it was me, but she had already kissed me so I'm not sure. I'd been flirting with her for three months by that point though. I couldn't help it, she's amazing"

"She kissed you? Wow! I was not expecting that"

"We ran into my ex, Mia, when we'd gone out for lunch one day. I tried to sneak out but she spotted me, followed me outside. I must have looked as uncomfortable as I felt, so your Mum pretended to be my girlfriend to get rid of her. I'm not sure she'd really thought it through, but I'm glad she did it. We got together the following day. She was scared at first, worried that I would get bored of her, or hurt her, not that I can blame her after what that arsehole did. I would never do anything to hurt her, and I'd have waited forever for her if that's what it took. I love your Mum so much, and I promise you I will take care of her. I know my past isn't pretty, but that's not who I am, and I will never touch another drug again. But if you want me to leave I understand"

"I don't want you to go Allie, and thank you for being honest with me, I can't imagine how difficult that was for you. As long as you stay clean and keep doing whatever it is that makes Mum smile like that then we're good. Can I ask you something?" Debbie asked

"Sure, go ahead"

"Do you still get cravings, for the drugs?"

"Yeah I do. If I'm upset, or under pressure I feel like I need something to take the edge off. It's a bit like feeling angry, like a rage. Some people scream and shout, or storm off, I feel like I need drugs"

"So what stops you from taking them when you feel like that?"

"Your Mum. I never want her to see me like that, the person they turn me into isn't good, and I know I'd lose her if she did. She means more to me than anything, and although it's hard sometimes, losing her would be so much worse. I can live without the gear, but I can't live without her" Allie replied honestly.

The rest of the night was much lighter, the two of them watching a movie, although they spent most of it commenting on how bad the acting was, and laughing at the poor excuse for a plot. It was about two when they headed to bed. Allie was exhausted, the evening had been mentally draining for her, but in a way she felt so much lighter. She was happy that there were no secrets between her and Debbie, these things had a habit of coming back to bite you in the arse if you tried to bury them.

Bea arrived home just before eight thirty, finding the house surprisingly quiet. She figured Debbie must still be in bed, there was no way a student would be up and out at this time in the morning. Their shift had been unusually quiet, and she had managed to get quite a bit of sleep. Not wanting to make too much noise and disturb her daughter she crept up the stairs, wanting to grab her sketchbook from her bedroom. She wanted to talk to Allie but didn't want to call her too early, so decided to spend an hour drawing while she had a bit of peace and quiet.

Opening the bedroom door she wandered into the room, picking her sketchbook and pencils up off the drawers. As she turned around she noticed a lump in the bed, blonde locks sticking out from under the covers. Placing her book back down she removed her jeans and climbed into bed, pressing up against Allie she placed a soft kiss on her shoulder as she pulled her in closer, the blonde's hand finding hers as she slept on. She wasn't sure how long they had been laying there, an hour, maybe more, but she didn't care. Right there, with her sleeping girlfriend in her arms was the only place she wanted to be, and she had loved coming home to find Allie waiting for her. She would ask her to move in in a heartbeat, but didn't want to rush things, and she wasn't sure how the younger woman felt about them living together so soon. Bea loved watching the blonde sleep, she was so beautiful, and she still found it hard to believe that Allie would be interested in someone like her. Her girlfriend had turned over in her sleep, and was now facing the redhead, a small smile on her face as she slept soundly.

"You're staring" Allie said quietly, her eyes flickering open

"I can't help it, I can't take my eyes off you"

"Good, I like it when you look at me. Promise me you'll never stop"

"I promise" Bea replied, kissing the younger woman gently, her fingers caressing her cheek

Rolling them over until she was laid on top of the older woman, Allie deepened the kiss, her right hand moving under her girlfriend's shirt, the blonde's pulse quickening when she discovered Bea wasn't wearing a bra. Tugging at the redhead's shirt, she pulled it over her head, tossing it on the bed, her lips finding her girlfriend's breast, as Bea's hip bucked up into her.

"As much as I want you, and my god do I want you, we can't, not with Debbie next door. I don't want her to hear us again, it was embarrassing enough the first time around" Bea said, pulling the blonde up to her before connecting their lips again.

Pulling away, Allie climbed off her girlfriend and stood beside the bed, holding her hand out to the older woman

"Come on" she said, pulling her up and leading her into the bathroom, locking the door behind them.

Turning the shower on, she removed her shirt and Bea's underwear before stepping under the stream of water, pulling the redhead in with her, their lips finding each other again as hands wandered over exposed skin, both of them hoping the sound of the water would drowned out their moans.

Kaz was buzzing with excitement, her friend really had come up with the goods this time, and she owed her big time. She was expecting to get a little bit of dirt on Smith's little girlfriend, but she had gotten a whole football field full, and she couldn't wait to tell Harry. She was glad things were back on track with him, after her visit the previous month she had been worried that he was still hung up on Bea, but after their conjugal visit two weeks ago, she was confident that he was well and truly over her.

It had been so long since the last time they had been together, almost five years since he had last touched her like that, but it had been worth the wait. He had been so attentive to her needs, so gentle and loving, and she couldn't remember it ever being like that, even when they were young. He had told her that he loved her as she laid beside him, her head resting on his chest. She just wished they could have had a whole night together, not just two hours. But a few hours, once a month, were better that nothing, for now at least. She just had to find a way to lodge an appeal and get him out of there, and home with her where he belonged.

After going through processing she wandered across the visitation room, Harry wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close, nuzzling on her neck as she held on to him. Once they were seated he took her hand over the table and told her that he loved her. She was so caught up in him she almost forgot what she had come here for in the first place. It was time to put the wheels in motion, and Bea Smith wouldn't know what had hit her by the time they were finished.

"Did you find anything out?" Harry asked, stroking his thumb over her hand as he spoke

"I did, and it's so much better than I was expecting. It turns out that Bea's little friend had a bit of a drug problem. She had rich girl Mummy and Daddy issues and ran away from home, but it didn't turn out quite like she expected it to, so ended up selling herself for cash. You're ex-wife's girlfriend is a drug fucked street whore" Kaz said, unable to keep the smile off her face as she watched Harry process everything

"Bullshit, there's no way she'd go anywhere near anyone like that. She was always such a prude, she wouldn't fuck a hooker, your source must have got it wrong"

"I swear, she hasn't got it wrong. I've got proof at home, I'll get JS to bring it in for you"

"Ok so assuming that everything you've just told me is true, what's she up to now?"

"She's working at that bar teal watch all go to, I think it's called Fuel. One of Doyle's friends is co-owner, but I'm guessing Bea got her the job"

"And you're sure they're still together?"

"Yeah I'm sure, they've just come back from holiday, been over to visit Bea's family in New Zealand. I overheard her talking to Conway about it a few days ago, and it sounds like it's pretty serious between them. It wouldn't surprise me if they're shacked up together soon, you know what dykes are like"

"Get me the proof I need and then we can get started. If she thinks she can swan around with that whore, making a fool of me, then she's got another thing coming. Her bitch had better watch her back" he replied, lost in thought as he started to put a plan together.

The rest of the visits had been a little strained, Harry paying very little attention to her. After visiting was over Kaz headed home, calling Jake on the way to set up the drop. Once she got home she gathered everything together, making copies to give to the prison officer. She was hoping that the change in Harry's mood was a result of the shock of her findings, but she wanted to keep the original documents just in case they came in handy at some point. She would be seeing him again in a couple of weeks, she just hoped that things were a little better between them then, otherwise she may have to re-think her plan.

A few days later and Debbie had gone to the beach for the day with her friend's, and after making the most of having the house to themselves by staying in bed until early afternoon, they finally got around to showering and having lunch. After they had eaten Allie grabbed her girlfriend's laptop and searched the internet, trying to find information on her brother. He had been working in Sydney when she had last spoken to him, four years ago, but she had no idea if he was still there. Three hours later and she had discovered that he was now coaching the national team. There was a contact number and email address, but it was for general enquiries and she didn't want to make contact so publicly. Sighing loudly, she placed the laptop on the coffee table before crashing back down on the sofa, Bea wandering in a couple of minutes later with a cup of coffee for her. Noticing the frown on Allie's face, the redhead placed the mugs on the coffee table, and sat beside her girlfriend, wrapping her arms around her and stroking her hair.

"What's wrong sweetheart?"

"It's like looking for a needle in a haystack, I'm never going to find him Bea"

"Ok so what do you know?"

"He's still coaching, with the national team now. But I have no idea where they are based and the only contact details are for general enquiries. I'm wasting my time" the blonde replied, her voice breaking slightly as she spoke, giving away just how disappointed she was

"Don't go anywhere, I won't be long" Bea said, untangling herself from the younger woman's embrace and heading through into the kitchen. Ten minutes later she walked back into the lounge, sitting down beside Allie again and taking her hand in hers.

"I've just spoken to Franky, thought she may be able to do a bit of digging while she's at legal aid. She's not sure if she can help but Bridget's brother's a cop and she's offered to ask him to see if he can get you a contact number. It's a long shot, but it's worth a try. Don't give up Alliecat, we'll find him, even if we have to go to every cricket match in the country…and I hate cricket"

"You'd do that?"

"I'd do anything for you, surely you know that by now" the redhead replied, tucking a lock of blonde hair behind her girlfriend's ear as their gaze locked. She loved Allie's blue eyes, and every time she looked into them it felt like coming home.

Debbie arrived home later that afternoon, walking through the house slowly, she listened out for any noise, hoping not to have a repeat of last time. As she wandered into the lounge she stopped, taking in the sight before her. Allie was laid on the sofa, her Mum cuddled into her, head resting on her chest, and the blonde's arms were wrapped protectively around her, both of them fast asleep. Grabbing the red comforter from the chair she draped it over them both before heading upstairs to take a shower and get rid of the sand from the beach.

An hour later she came back downstairs, finding them exactly as she had left them. Heading through into the kitchen she checked the fridge, before making a start on dinner. Her friend's had suggested going out to a bar but both Allie and her Mum had the night off, so she had arranged to go out the following evening, wanting some family time while she was home. She felt closer to the blonde after they had talked the other night. Allie clearly hadn't had it easy, and considering everything she had been through, she was surprisingly well put together. It was clear that she would do anything for her Mum, and would never hurt her the way her bastard of a Dad had done, and for the first time in ages, she felt like her family was back on track.

With dinner in the oven she wandered back into the lounge to wake the sleeping duo up. As she stood over them, wondering what would be the best way to do it, Cormack launched himself on top of her Mum, waking her up instantly. Jumping up, startled by the cat, Bea held on to the blonde below her, both of them tumbling off the sofa and crashing down onto the floor. Debbie tried not to laugh, but the look on both of their faces was priceless, and she couldn't hold it in.

"What the fuck!" Bea groaned as she tried to get up, the weight of Allie's body pinning her down. Looking up she saw Cormack curled up on the sofa, a smug look on his face as he stared down at them.

She could hear Debbie laughing, and by the vibrations coming from the blonde's body, she was clearly finding their situation rather amusing as well. Looking over to her daughter, who had tears streaming down her face, she couldn't help but join in

"I was trying to figure out the best way to wake you up, but he did it for me" Debbie said, still laughing at them as they clambered to their feet

"Thanks for that, I thought you were my buddy. No more ear rubs for you little man" Allie said, trying, but failing to glare at Cormack, the cat showing absolutely no interest in her whatsoever.

"Right, now everyone's awake, the food will be ready in about fifteen minutes. I'm guessing you're staying Allie?"

"Yeah she is" Bea replied, kissing her girlfriend on the cheek before grabbing her hand and following her daughter into the kitchen.

As they sat around the table, eating dinner and chatting, Bea had never felt safer, or more content. Things had been pretty rough over the years, but sitting there with her new family, she knew that she would go through it all again if it meant getting here.