Dani had started leaving her room again, and everything was trying to get back to normal. She'd started to acknowledge her sister again, but wasn't ready to talk to her yet. She was in serious denial. Little did she know that her life was going to be turned upside-down very soon.
Kirsty had stupidly put her engagement ring on her finger. No one was in the house and she wanted to have some alone time with it, just so she could feel happy again. She made herself a quick after school sandwich with cheese and pickle, talking quick glances at the ring. It was beautiful. She held it up towards the window, admiring the reflections.
"What's that on your finger?" Jade had crept in without making a sound.
"Nothing." Kirsty quickly dropped her hand in front of her waist.
"It looked like a ring."
"Well it wasn't."
Jade came closer. "Show me your hand."
Kirsty held up her right hand.
"What are you, like five? The other one."
She reluctantly held it up, unsuccessfully trying to hide her ring. It was hard to miss. "Happy now?"
"No!" Jade was in disbelief. She knew what it meant, it was so obvious, but she didn't want to believe it. "I can't believe what you're doing Kirst. First you start dating him again and now he's proposed? There's no way Dad will agree to this."
"Dad doesn't have to know, and it won't be happening yet. We'll wait till I'm eighteen."
"Don't expect me to keep this a secret, " Jade began to walk away.
"Jade! You can't tell them, " Kirsty followed her towards the staircase. "At least let me break it to them."
Her sister took a deep breath. "Tonight. Tell them tonight otherwise I will. I'm not letting you drag this secret out like last time."
"Fine then." While Jade left the room, Kirsty took her ring off. She'd need so much courage for tonight, and she knew who could make her feel better. Kane.
***
Kane didn't know when Scott would be back, and he needed to see Kirsty before then. He had to give her some money. $10,000. At least if most of it wasn't with him then Scott couldn't bully him for it. He needed the money for the future, if they were to have a decent wedding. He left the gym in the hands of Jesse, and made his way towards the diner. Luckily Kirsty was just coming to meet him.
"Kane!" They hugged, and shared a short kiss. "Listen Kane, Jade found out about the ring and I have to tell my family tonight otherwise she will."
"Calm down. Just tell them. What's the worst they can do?"
Kirsty gave him a knowing look, thinking about her father and his fists. "You'd be surprised."
"Listen Kirst, I need you to do me a favour. I've got some money I need you to look after, not for long, I just need it out of my account and into yours."
"Money?" That word again. "How much?"
"Ten grand."
"Ten grand?" It was too strange discussing money with Kane, especially her taking it. "My account can only take five."
"Five's fine, " he said slightly disheartened. "It's for the wedding you see, so you can't really spend it. Can I give it to you now?"
"You have it now?"
"It's at mine. I'll drop it round later. Maybe I can talk to Rhys."
"That is such a bad idea Kane." Kirsty sighed. "I don't know what he's going to do, lock me in my room or something."
Kane laughed. "Well if he does that, I'll have to rescue you. I could climb up your hair."
"Yeah right." They kissed again, remembering why they were in love with each other. Kirsty knew she had to tell her parents; at least they could deal with the inevitable.
***
Sure enough, Nick Smith was in detention with Brooke that day, for skipping classes. He didn't really feel up to the whole school thing, and decided to go into a Yabbie Creek arcade and vent. Now he was paying for it, in many ways.
"And don't let me hear that you've been doing this again!" Irene Roberts was furious. "Make sure you get some work done, " she glanced at a nearby Brooke, sitting down. "You've got an hour."
The door shut, and Nick sat down. Next to Brooke would be a bit obvious, too far away and she'd think he was ignoring him. "So many places to sit."
"So little time, " said Brooke looking up from her history book. "I thought I'd see you here."
Nick sat down in the seat in front. "I didn't think you'd be the type to be in detention already. You've been here, what, two days?"
"Got caught having my last cigarette, didn't I? I think someone very anxious and blonde grassed me up."
"Jade then. I don't know what's up with her, I mean I know I treated her badly, but still. So what's it like being the sister of Kane Phillips? "
She smiled. "Oh, I dunno. I'm still trying to get used to it, my own older brother. I'd always wanted one; I just hadn't thought I'd get such a complicated one. People treat me differently because of him, but that's their problem."
"I think it's stupid. It's not exactly your fault what he did."
"Some people would tell you otherwise, is Colleen normally so rude towards newcomers? She wouldn't serve me the other day."
"Oh that's just Colleen. Whenever I have a fight with Irene, she gives me less soda."
"I suppose that's what its like living in a small town, " she sighed.
"Do you miss Perth?"
"Not really. I never feel like I belong anywhere, so here's just the same. I do like this place better though." Brooke smiled at Nick. Seems he was more than just a way to get a Jade.
Just then the door opened, and a teacher walked in, and sat down. Nick smiled a 'fun-while-it-lasted' smile and they got back to work.
***
Another dinner at the hectic Sutherlands, and Beth was rushed off her feet catering for Max, who'd suddenly become vegetarian, and Jade who wouldn't eat anything orange.
"It gives me spots, " she said.
Kirsty was dreading breaking the news of her engagement to her family, and wanted to put it off till desert, when everyone would be full and happy. Unfortunately, Jade tried to get onto the subject during the main course.
"Do you think you'll get married again Dad?"
Rhys wiped his mouth, while Beth looked uncomfortable. "Who knows Jade, who knows?"
"I think I will. What about you Dani?"
"Probably, " said Dani giving her sister a strange look. Kirsty attempted to kick Jade under the table.
"Ow!" said Max.
"Sorry." Kirsty suddenly became interested in separating her carrots from her spaghetti.
"And Kirst?" Jade was relishing the moment. "Will you ever get married?"
Everyone turned to look at Kirsty. She had to answer. "I suppose I will."
"To Kane?"
Rhys was ready to fume. "Jade, I don't think we should talk about this at the table."
"I think Kirsty has something to say Dad, don't you Kirst?"
Dani put her cutlery down, to stare at her sister. "Well?"
Kirsty took a deep breath. "Kane has proposed to me, and I've accepted. We're engaged."