Disclaimer: I own nothing. Except the drama and tension I'm going to cause. Enjoy.

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Chapter Four

"I've just recently decided that the things we know aren't black and white."

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"Welcome to Summer Bay" Parker read from the passengers seat in the car. "Sun, surf and fun." She said wryly, giving me a look, clearly a little disturbed by the sign.

"Lots of fun." I replied from the drivers seat as we pulled up next to the sign. "You're going to love it here." I said, taking her hand and kissing it gently, massaging it a little with my own. "I promise."

She shot me a small smirk before sighing heavily. "But what if they hate me? Not your family… them…" She said sharply. "They have every reason to! I was a cow last summer, I can't even believe half of the things I did, and I'm the one who did them!" She cried, as I held back the smile that threatened. "Ric," She said seriously, having seen the half grin that had already formed. "They have ever reason to make this summer a living hell, and I wouldn't blame them if they did." She finished, mumbling, looking away from me out across the vast landscape outside.

She'd been like this ever since I had first invited her home for the month I had off. Her parents were jet setting around Europe for the holidays, and I couldn't bear to think of her being all alone for four weeks. But then she'd become so worried… terrified, of their reaction towards her. Of Cassie's reaction towards her. But she didn't really have to worry.

"Parker." I said, as she continued to look out the window, refusing to meet my eyes. "You know that won't happen. Cass and I have talked about this over and over. You've read the email with your own two eyes." I said, not meaning to sound patronising or condescending, but feeling that I needed to emphasise the situation at hand. "All Cass wants is a fresh start with you. She's really looking forward to getting to know you this summer. And I know deep down you want to get to know them just as much." I finished, as she finally turned and smiled at me.

"I do," She replied, "I always did, which is part of the reason why I'm here." She said, inching closer to me "This summer is supposed to be like a fresh start for all of us. That clean slate where everything is out in the open and we're free to do, as we want. Plus, I'm really hoping they'll show Sara and I the best places to shop when you and Luke are attached to your surf boards one day." She added, smiling happily at me.

"What, you don't want to surf the hot spots with me?" I asked, pouting at her as she grinned.

"Of course I do, but a girls gotta shop. You know that better than anyone." She replied.

"So I guess that's the other reason you agreed to come, to check out the shopping in Summer Bay?" I asked coyly as she threw back her head laughing.

"Maybe." She replied finally "But there's also this really cute guy…" She began, her body moving closer to my own.

"Oh yeah?" I replied grinning.

"Yeah, and see, the thing is, he's completely addictive to hang around…" She inched closer still.

"Is that right?" I replied, as she nodded her head and leant forward, her lips connecting gently against my own.

I grinned into the kiss, only to be interrupted by a knocking at the window. Sighing, I moved reluctantly away from a disappointed looking Parker to find Luke grinning at me through the window. Shaking my head, I watched as he waved at Parker, before stepping back and allowing me to open the door and step out.

"Long time no see mate." Luke joked, "And what an opportune moment to arrive." He said, smirking a little.

"Yeah," I replied, thrusting my hand out to him. "You always did have amazing timing." He took my hand and shook it a little before pulling me into a short hug. When he pulled away, he threw a real smile in my direction, saying "Its really great to see you man. Its been way, way too long. How have you dealt with life without me?" He finished, as I chuckled sarcastically.

"Ah, the Holden charm, something I haven't missed at all. But you're right, it's been way too long." I said, as there was a tiny cough from behind Luke, and a petite, red head joined him. "And you must be Sara." I continued, watching Luke's face glow with happiness.

She smiled shyly up at me as she took the hand I'd extended towards her. "I'm Ric." I said, "If you hadn't already guessed, and its very much my pleasure to finally meet you." I continued as she blushed. "You have no idea how much this guy talks about you." I said, nodding towards Luke as her blush deepened.

"I think he's got a but of a crush." I finished, as Sara smiled up at me. "Well that's good," She responded, "Because I've got a bit of a crush on him too." Luke beamed, and wrapped his arm around Sara, looking completely content and happy with his life.

Suddenly, I felt my body being pushed sideways as Parker barged me over to stand in front of Sara. "I'm Parker." She said as she held her hand out to Sara. "Its so nice to finally meet you." She continued, as Sara nodded in agreement.

"I know," She replied. "These two are such close friends I'm surprised we haven't met before now."

"Yeah," Parker said "And thanks for the introduction boys." She shot a glare in our direction.

"Oh right. Hi Parker." Luke said finally, "Its nice to see you too." But Parker only rolled her eyes at Sara who giggled, then took her hand and muttered something about comparing presents, especially for Mattie and Cassie.

"So…" Luke said as we leant on the hood of my car. "Home sweet home."

I smiled at him and closed my eyes, breathing in the smell of the ocean that lay so near, but yet to far away, and listening to the strained waves crashing against the shore. Home, I thought, there was no place in the world like it, no place like Summer Bay.

"How long do we have before you and Parker need to leave for Queensland?" Luke asked finally from beside me, breaking the tranquil state I was in.

"Four weeks." I replied "Give or take a couple of days. Manager isn't that worried, as long as I'm back for the beginning of school term… February is a busy month for surfing."

"So we've got to make the most of our time here." He replied, and I could just see his mind beginning to make a 'to do this summer' list.

"Yeah, but Luke, you know what I'd really love to do right now?" I asked, as I pushed myself off the hood of the car and walked back towards the drivers seat.

"I think you just about read my mind." He said, smiling, as Parker and Sara finally appeared.

"Okay, so we've got the present situation sorted. We didn't double up and we think we've got a nice mix in the end." She glared at me as she saw me laugh a little.

"Hey, first impressions are extremely important. Especially second first impressions." She said finally, hitting me a little.

"I didn't say a word." I replied, as she mimicked my facial expression and sighed. "So, where are we going?" She asked, as Luke said to us "You don't think the olds will hate us too much if we don't go and see them first?"

I shook my head, laughing a little. "Do you honestly think they don't expect us to head there first?" I replied, pulling out my keys and opening the door.

"Right." Luke said, as Sara walked over to him and stood by his side. "We'll see you there." He said, kissing Sara on the cheek and whispering something in her ear.

"Where's there?" Parker asked over the car as Luke honked the horn at us as he and Sara drove away.

"Only the most perfect place in the world." I replied, "Hop in. I'm about to take you to heaven."

"Mmm." She said, "Heaven sounds nice." She finished, grinning back at me.

Heaven did sound great.

If only we'd have known what lay ahead of us.

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AN: Thanks to Jade for proofing. I'm so sorry about the delay, I really hadn't intended it to take this long, but my juices are all gone… for now. I hope they return soon though! Enjoy, and just know, the next chapter is not as far off as you may think…