Drovers Run…The Office…Four months later….
Nick hangs the phone up and picks up the mouse.
Gazing at the screen he moves the cursor and doesn't notice Tess in the doorway.
She clears her throat.
Nick glances up and smiles.
…..
"Everything alright?" Tess enquires.
He sighs deeply before replying. "Yeah it was Mum again."
Tess doesn't react.
"Josie keeps inviting her places."
"So what's the problem?"
"Mum said it goes along ok for a while then she'll say something and before she can explain Josie rips into her and makes her feel stupid or insignificant."
"Oh Boo Hoo."
Nick gives her a disgusted look.
"Don't look at me like that Nick."
"Well you're being harsh Tess."
Tess shakes her head and retorts. "Argh you cannot be serious Nick, your Mother has done that to everyone for as long as I've known her. Karma I say and I for one am glad."
Before Nick can reply Tess storms towards the kitchen.
….
Kilarney….
Xander Ryan toddles along beside his Mother balancing by holding her finger.
Slowly they make their way across the gravel to the sheds.
Marcus looks up as he hears Stevie chattering to his nephew.
"Good Morning!" He calls.
Stevie lifts her head and with a smile calls "Morning!"
"Rhonda wanted to know if you're here for lunch as it's almost ready." Stevie offers.
"Yep I was just about to head up to the house. You're looking well this morning."
Stevie smiles and responds. "I'm feeling great today. First time in weeks that I haven't tossed my breakfast and I haven't felt nauseated at all."
"Wow!" Marcus exclaims grinning at her.
"Hey it might not sound much to you but to me it's like I'm normal again."
"Except for the pot belly!"
Stevie grins and with her spare hand runs her hand across her pregnant belly.
Leaning down she picks Xander up as Marcus arrives beside her.
"Here let me carry him for you."
Leaning towards her brother in law she smiles as her son kicks his legs and gabbles as his uncle takes him into his arms.
….
"Alex rang and they'll be back in about 15 minutes."
"Did he say if my parcel arrived?"
"No and I didn't think to ask. Sorry."
"I hope it gets here soon it's for her birthday."
"What's plan B?"
"I don't have a plan B!"
"You should always have a plan B Marcus."
"What like?"
"Oh I don't know. Book a weekend in Fisher or a mini getaway I always love those and I'm sure Kate would too. We could mind Robbie and you could have a weekend on your own."
Marcus smiles and offers." That's a great idea Stevie I think I'll book it. Even if the present turns up we'll still go. She's been working so hard lately I'm sure she'd love a getaway."
….
Jodi and Grace ride up over the hill.
"Argh I'm buggered I so need a soak in the bath." Jodi remarks.
"Yeah you and me both." Grace agrees.
"I wonder what's going on over there?" Grace remarks.
Jodi begins to follow her line of sight but the breeze shifts and the angry raised voices reach them.
"Shit!"
"I've never heard them yell at each other like that before." Jodi exclaims.
Grace chuckles and quips" Sounds more like Stevie and Alex."
The yell of " Go to Hell!" and the dust drift as the wheels spin are witnessed by Grace and Jodi as Tess leaves Drover's Run with two little boys and her bags on board.
….