Many hours turned into days, days into weeks, and weeks into a peaceful month; Kirsty and Kane were together and growing stronger by the day. They literally had hours together after work, so made the most of the time they had. Sometimes they took trips to the nearby beach, or just chilled at the caravan park, under the glowering eye of Jayne. Kirsty realised that her relationship with Kane was strong, of course they'd have some arguments in their lifetimes, all healthy couples did. It just made them appreciate and love each other more. Kane often whispered to Kirsty when they curled up in their bed, "I don't know what I'd do without you babe."
Rhys' frustration grew stronger. He'd been driving around various towns for the past three weeks, putting up posters of his missing daughter. He was angry with her for leaving, not contacting them, but he didn't want her with Kane. He wanted her back on his terms, not when Kane had finished with her. He shuddered at what he might be doing to her, surely it couldn't be right? Little did he know he had nothing to worry about. Another day, another town he thought. More disappointment ahead. He tried to keep positive, for his family's sake, but even their resolve had started to wane. They were just carrying on as normal; Max with his scams, Dani with her many admirers. It was as if Kirsty had just gone to visit a friend. Rhys was visiting a town near Queensland. Mulberry. Another pointless visit. Nothing would come of it. How long would he have to travel round Australia for until he'd found her? Little did he know that today was his lucky day. Jayne, being the brooder she was, decided to indulge in some serious shopping with her friends from Mulberry. Retail therapy to help her get over her rejection. She'd soon forget him, with a new dress and a vanload of American backpackers staying at the caravan park soon. As she traversed through serious shoppers, she noticed a few posters on the lampposts. She wouldn't have thought anything of them usually, but then she noticed a familiar face. Kirsty Sutherland. Aged 15. Missing since the end of July. This could be just what she needed to put her in her place. A visit from the parents. Jayne grabbed the poster, and found a quiet corner in a nearby café. She dialled the number, and waited. After two rings it picked up.
"Kirsty?" A female voice answered. Dani.
"Hi, I'm Jayne Moore. I think I know they whereabouts of Kirsty Sutherland."
Dani was ecstatic. Finally a promising lead. "Really? Well, where is she? Is she okay?"
"She's staying at my mothers caravan park in Holly Springs, on the east coast. She's been staying there about a month with her boyfriend."
Dani was mystified. What boyfriend? Then she remembered there was all the talk of a 'mystery boyfriend' all that time ago. She must have run away from him. This changed her perspective completely, she thought Kirsty had ran way because she had no friend. Turned out she didn't know her sister as well as she thought. "Holly Springs, can I get some details of the caravan park?" Jane dutifully obliged.
***
Kirsty had just got back from work, rushing so she could see Kane. There was only an hour untill he went to work. She'd got paid today, a month's wages, over $1000. With Kane's money, it could just be enough to put a proper roof over their heads. She was stopped in her tracks. Jayne. Smiling at her smugly.
"So you've been paid right? That's nice. You'd better savour this moment, cos it's never going to happen again. You're 15 years old, living with a 19 year old. It was never gonna work."
"I'm not 15."
"I think you are. I saw this." Jayne held up the poster. Kirsty stood rooted to the spot. A missing persons poster. She'd been rumbled.
"You didn't tell anyone did you?"
"Of course I had to. We can't have 15-year-old girls running away from their families. It's my duty to report you. As a citizen of Australia." Jayne was enjoying watching Kirsty squirm. Kirsty sensed that Jayne wasn't the patriotic type. "They'll be here in a couple of hours, and since Kane is out you'll have no way of leaving." Kirsty ran back to the caravan. Kane wasn't there. She hastily packed everything that belonged to them. They'd have to leave as soon as Kane got back. She looked at her watch. He couldn't be at work now. He always saw her before work. Maybe she could ring his mobile. She ran to the caravan parks phone booth and punched in his number. It rang a couple of times, 'Just pick up,' she thought. Finally he did.
"Kirsty?"
"Kane where are you, come quick, my family knows where I am. We've gotta leave now!"