Kirsty got on the first bus she could, back to Summer Bay. There was desperation in Max's voice, one there had never been before. Something serious had happened. Her anxiety grew as the bus drew closer to Summer Bay. As soon as she got off, she literally ran to the Surf Club, stopping in her tracks only to avoid a tall blonde woman looking at her. She'd just been to the gym, not that she needed it, and her expression twisted into a smile.
"Excuse me please, " said Kirsty. The woman did not move, only her expression changed into mock concern.
"Oh dear, how are you? And the baby? It must be awful for you Kirsty, living without family."
How could a complete stranger know her name and have the cheek to speak to her like this? She knew gossip travelled fast around the Bay, but most people would never confront her like this. Kirsty caught her breath enough to speak. "What?"
"And you're so young, " said the woman, half shocked, half pitying. "I can hardly believe it. Sixteen. I know I was in my 20's when I was pregnant, but at least I had a college education behind me. You have nothing."
Kirsty stood shocked. "Who are you?" she said slowly, with each word growing more disgusted. "And what gives you the right to speak to me like this?"
"Oh, I'm ever so sorry. I forgot we hadn't met before. I've heard so much about you; it felt like we already had. I, Kirsty Sutherland, am Angela. Angela Russell."
"The woman my dad hates?"
"Not quite. I'd better go now, isn't that Max running towards us?" Sure enough, Max was sprinting towards them, desperate to get Kirsty away from her. "I've got a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of each other." Angie smiled as she jogged away.
"I can't believe that she had the nerve to speak to you, " said Max. "After what's happened."
"What has happened? Everyone seems to know except for me."
"You'd better sit down." The pair sat down at a nearby table.
"So?"
"Well it turns out that Uncle Rhys had a thing going with Angie a while back. While Aunty Shel was miscarrying your brother."
"What? They told you this?"
"No, I overheard an argument. Turns out that you've got a brother. He's 16."
"A brother? By that witch Angie?" The news hadn't begun to sink in. How could her father, the temple of morality do this to her mother? To the family? How could he be so insensitive?
"I'd better go and see Mum."
"I'll come with you."
Surely her mum would want to see her, especially at a time like this? Running off with your sisters rapist would surely pale in comparison. Kirsty wasn't so sure. They made their way to the caravan park in total silence.
***
Shelley had been stirring the tea for ten minutes, her mind blank. She couldn't think anymore. She was on autopilot, telling her remaining family to be calm and not to be angry, getting things ready for school and work, pretending everything was fine. As long as she could keep up the façade of composure, she wouldn't have to think about her husband betrayed her, all those years ago. She wouldn't have to think about how he'd moved in with Angie to be closer to his son. She wouldn't have to think about how Rhys had the son she never had. Shelley continued stirring the tea.
Max and Kirsty ran up the path towards the caravan park, when suddenly Kirsty stopped dead at the front door. She had no idea what she was going to say. It had been almost two months since she was last here, and the atmosphere she'd left in had hardly been friendly.
"Why did you stop?" asked Max.
"I'm just a bit nervous, " replied Kirsty. "It's been so long, I just don't know if I'm welcome around here."
Kirsty opened the door, and peeked around the corner into the kitchen. Her mother was staring tea, looking out of the window.
"Mum, "…" Kirsty's voice faded away.
"Kirsty. It's good to see you. I suppose you've heard the news."
"Are you okay?"
"As okay as I can be, under the circumstances." Shelley still faced the window.
"So has Dad moved out?"
"Yes."
It was like talking to a brick wall, Kirsty wasn't getting anywhere. Nothing would provoke a reaction. "I met Angie today. She knew lots of things about me."
"Well that's Angie, all seeing, all knowing isn't it?" exclaimed Shelley. She'd finally cracked. "I don't know what gives you the right to come here, you never rang or phoned before."
"I didn't think you wanted me to."
"And what makes you think I want to see you now? In fact, you are the second to last person who I'd want to see right now. You just remind me of what this family is turning into."
"Thanks Mum. I'm sorry I was trying to be supportive."
"Young marriages. They never last. My mother always told me that when I was young. He never had a chance to be free; he was always married. How do you know that Kane won't do the same thing? Then where will you be?"
Kirsty ran out of the house, almost in tears.
"Kirsty!" shouted Max.
"Leave me alone!" shouted Kirsty. Her day had just gone from bad to worse.