Do all countries have lotto? Well, we do here (I'm an Aussie for those wondering). If you don't know what it is, it's kinda like bingo. Too hard to explain in detail. What about scratchies? Look it up if you don't know. I'm not here to give a speech on Aussie culture. Thanks for all the reviews.

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing
That night, there was lots of laughter and tears came from the Girardi household. Joan, Luke and Kevin were all ecstatic to be home. Life couldn't be sweeter. Even Judy and Ken, who had never seen the family together, knew that they were acting as if they finally had something worth living for in the world.

Helen and Will had also felt as though they had been brought together by their children. Since they had all left home all those years ago, the couple had felt torn. Finally the family was happy, and together.

Three weeks past, and things only got better. Joan found a job at a motel in the next town which was only a short drive away. Luke was still officially unemployed, but was in line for a job at the hospital. Kevin had completely recovered from pneumonia, and was a lot happier due to medication, and counseling.

Helen had recovered well from the stroke, although she used her right arm a little stiffly.

Judy and Ken were still hanging around, saying that they needed to help with the house. Nobody really minded. Something about Ken's silence and Judy's fake moods comforted the Girardi's.

Helen and Luke were out shopping to buy things for a barbeque that night. It was the first time they were alone together since the first afternoon in Arcadia. Luke had to admit to himself, that things were more awkward than he would have thought. They didn't seem to have anything to talk about. Thankfully they had already done the shopping, and just had to drive home.

Helen had a brave stab at conversation on the way out of the shopping centre.

"So um…why did you leave your job in New York?" said Helen, but she noticed her son had begun to blush, so she quickly added "I mean, didn't you like your job?"

Luke suddenly felt dizzy. He couldn't discuss this with his mother. Not now anyway, not when he was so close to escaping his past sins. He knew his mother would not be impressed. Instead of answering the question he was asked, he shrugged very half-heartedly.

As if on cue, his mother went over to a newsagent, and asked for a lotto ticket. Luke glanced at the ticket, and the scratchies. He was so tempted to but a ticket. He thought back to California, when he was still at university. He couldn't go back to his old ways. He couldn't start gambling again. He didn't want more people chasing him for money.

Helen looked at her son with concern. "What's wrong love?" she asked concernedly.

Luke looked at his mother. He himself had never been one for lying, especially to parents, and he wasn't about to change that.

"Mum, I had a gambling problem…in California," he replied uncomfortably. There, it was out. Surely his mother would understand.

Helen's mouth gaped open and closed, but no words came out, so Luke continued.

"I was at university in California, and I went to the races one day with some friends, just for fun. Anyway I won some money, and I kept going back. It was fine at first. I made over ten thousand dollars in the first six months.

"But one day, I placed a bet on a horse in a race. I was on a roll, so I guess I thought I couldn't lose. But I did – big time…

Helen broke in at this stage. "Oh Luke, how much did you lose?"

Luke looked at his mother, but looked away before he answered. " Seventeen thousand.."

Helen looked at her son in shock. "Seven…seventee…sev…" she didn't seem to be able to say the words.

The two walked away from the news agency. "Luke, you have to do something!" cried Helen. To Luke this was unnecessary. He knew he had to do something. "What can I do?" he asked. Helen gave a subtle shrug. She hated it when she couldn't help her children. It made her feel so useless.

"Well, I'm sure they'll understand. Can't you just explain to them?"

"Mum, I don't think they'll understand."

"What if I had a talk to them…?"

"Mum, no! These guys have links to the mafia. The MAFIA, okay. I don't think they're just going to give up because my mummy asked them not to. I don't think I need any death threats on my mother. No, I have to just find a way to pay them back. I don't know how, but I'll do it.

"Geeze, I was just trying to help. Are they threatening you?" said Helen, first scathingly, but then concernedly.

But Luke had heard enough. He blocked out his mothers voice and concentrated on putting the groceries in the trolley.

The two endured the icy silence on the way home. Luke was highly embarrassed, and Helen just wanted to figure out a way to help him. She knew she didn't have that kind of money just floating around.

Woah, that was fun. Love it, hate it? Tell me, and review!