The Sutherlands were never the same again. No one was sure about how to act; they were angry at Kirsty, yet they didn't want to hear her badmouthed all the time.  Jade rarely defended her sister at school, when others called her a 'slut' or 'whore.'  It was only Max who stuck up for her, cleaned her name from the walls of the school toilets, and tried to get through to everyone.  Dani couldn't believe the extent of her sister's betrayal, her sister who had so callously slept with her rapist.  She wondered if she'd got pregnant on purpose, to try and prove a point.  All she knew now was that she could never forgive her sister let alone like her again. 

Oblivious to the public's perception of them, Kirsty and Kane approached the diner.  It was lunchtime, normally quite busy, so they wouldn't be noticed.

"Do you want me to order for you, and we can sit outside?" asked Kirsty.

"No, I don't think that's necessary, " said Kane.  "I've as much right to order food there as anyone else. "  They entered the diner, boisterous chatter suddenly switching to hushed voices.  Colleen took one look at them, and walked away.

"Alf, you'll have to serve them, I'm serving that… harlot in my diner!"

"It's not your diner, " said Alf quietly.  "What'll it be?"

"I'll have the special, " said Kirsty.

"Me too, " said Kane. 

"We'll bring it over to you."  Kirsty and Kane sat in the corner booth, failing to be inconspicuous.   Irene shot them a look, as did Mr Fisher and June. 

"So much for a romantic lunch, " said Kane.  "I'll try a picnic next time."   

"It shouldn't be like this Kane.  It really shouldn't."

"But it is.  I did something no one could forget.  I know I can't."

"You have to move on Kane, like everyone else should.  You're not a bad person anymore, I know that."

Kane smiled.  "I might kiss you if I thought Colleen wouldn't faint."

"I dare you, " laughed Kirsty.  They leant in towards each other; the people of Summer Bay tried not to look as their lips met.

"You would have thought that they'd be a bit more discreet, " said an aghast Colleen.  "Honestly, they're proud of the fact they've been cavorting, despite her families wishes!"

"Here's your food, " said a stony Alf as he brought the two plates.  Kirsty and Kane broke away.  "I'd appreciate if you didn't do that in here, we don't want you putting off the customers."

Kirsty was about to respond angrily when a calm Kane said, "Fine, thanks for the meals."

"He's such an idiot, " whispered Kirsty as Alf went away.  "Just because it's us."

"We've gotta live with this for a while yet."

"This food sure beats your cooking, " said Kirsty.

"Oh thanks!"

"Are there any cheap places to eat in Yabbie Creek?"

"I wouldn't know, " said Kane.  "I never had anyone to go with."

"Well now you do.  We'd better enjoy ourselves before the baby comes.  It's gonna be hectic."

"We'll have to move."

"Well there's nothing left for me here, as long as I have you I'm happy."

The couple quickly finished their food, and left the hostile reception of the diner, only to be greeted by more enthusiasm.  Jade, Nick and Seb were all returning from school, and stopped in their tracks when they saw Kirsty and Kane together.   No one knew quite what to say.

"Hi, " said Kirsty.  "Long time no see."

"And we all know why that is, " said a visibly annoyed Jade.  "Come on, let's go inside."  Nick scowled at them, while following Jade in.  Seb waited a little longer.

"So is this the happy couple then?  Nice to see your rubbing everyone's face in it."

"We have every right to be here, " said Kirsty. 

"But can't you see what you're doing?  Everyone thinks you're a slut."

"If that's all you're going to say then we'll be off.   I don't particularly want to be insulted."

"You'll get a lot worse I'm sure."

 "It's nice to know who my real friends are.  Thanks for helping me to realise."  And with that, Kirsty and Kane walked off.