Chapter 5: Welcome home

Rose had been living at Drover's Run for three days now and got settled in in no time. She'd been helping at the farm whenever possible and since she had been able to get riding lessons in return for a little farm work at a stud in Adelaide she was even able to help moving the cattle. She had easily made friends with Tess and Nick and also with their farm hands Jodi and Kate and although getting up at 5am was hard Rose had liked it there from the first moment on and she was so glad that her mom had agreed to let her stay.

Stevie was not very pleased when she heard first that Rose was staying at Drovers but she soon saw that it was the only choice she had. She couldn't send her daughter back to a home where she was in danger of getting hurt. She actually didn't want to go back there, either, so when Tess and Nick showed up at the hospital to get her she took the opportunity to go back to the place she had wanted to go since she had left: back to Drover's Run.

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It was in the late afternoon when the three of them had gotten back from Adelaide. Nick was unloading the car. Stevie had insisted on grabbing some of her and Rose's stuff as long as James was at work.
While Nick was unloading their stuff, Tess showed Stevie around a little.

"There hasn't changed much in the past years." Stevie said.

"No, it hasn't." Tess agreed. "We can't afford, unfortunately."

"Well, I'm glad it hasn't." Stevie said. "I always loved what it looked like." Tess noticed the tears welling up in Stevie's eyes but before she could say or do anything her friend got a grip on herself again. "Where is Rose?" she asked, trying not to show any weakness.

"She is over at Kilarney helping my farm hands and Alex with the sheep. Their flock broke through the fence and now they need to be sorted out. You remember Alex?"

"Alex? Of course I do." Alex Ryan. I remember him very well. I wonder if he has changed at all.

"Good. Because he and his two roommates are coming over for dinner. We are celebrating Rose's first time to drive the cattle."

"Really?" Alex Ryan is coming over for dinner? Stevies expression changed from a somewhat happy one to pure terror. Tess noticed this change immediately.

She wouldn't be herself if she didn't. "What's wrong?" She grabbed her friend's shoulder softly, wanting to help her. "Stevie?" But before she could get an answer they were interrupted by Rose who was running towards them, laughing and screaming with joy. "Mom!"

Stevie let her crutches fall down to hug her daughter. "Rose!" She placed a kiss on her hair. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, mom."

"Really?" She held her daughter tight and didn't seem to want let go of her any time soon.

"Mom….mom! You're choking me."

Stevie let go of her daughter. "I'm sorry, darlin'. It's just…I'm so glad you're okay." She placed another kiss on Rose's hair and took her hand. "Let's go inside. Tess told me they were givin' a party for you."

"Yes, they are! Because I helped moving the cattle. Oh mom, moving the cattle was so great and today helping Jodi and Kate with the sheep….and Alex…you have to meet Alex…" Listening to Rose's babble the three women went back to the house not aware of Alex, who had watched the scene thoughtfully.

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After they went back in Tess had shown Stevie around the house while Nick and Rose prepared the second guest room for Stevie. Afterwards they all got ready for dinner.

At present they were all settled around the dining table waiting for the food to arrive. Since Tess was in Adelaide to pick up Stevie and Jodi and Kate had to do all the farm work and therefore had no time to prepare dinner Dave had agreed to do the cooking. Because he had all the supplies at home he decided to cook there and then would bring it over with the help of Rob and Alex, who were also condemned to help him. Naturally enough the three guys were late, but what else was to expect on such a special evening. The food just had to arrive late.

Jodi and Kate were telling the others now about how much talent Rose got for farmwork and Rose declared how much fun she had had so far helping them.
Stevie tried to show interest in the conversation but it was hard for her. She was too nervous because she didn't know what to expect from this evening. She didn't know most of the people and the ones she knew she hadn't talked to in years. Twelve years ago they had shared their last words. She had left them without saying goodbye…

Her thoughts drifted off to a time long ago and she wasn't listening to her daughter anymore but before anybody could notice a door slamming shut was heard.
Seconds later two handsome men entered the dining room carrying dishes which seemed to be full of food and whose contents were spreading a delicious smell all over the room. "Good evening ladies! Nick. Already waiting for the chef's special, ain't?" A smirk appeared on the blonde's face as he placed the dishes on the talbe.
"Hi, Dave!" Kate exclaimed with an bright smile on her face.

"Kate has a crush on Dave." Rose whispered with her know-it-all-voice as she leaned over to her mother to explain. "That's why she is acting so weird when he is around. Isn't she funny? But he doesn't notice at all." Stevie smiled and poked her daughter teasingly but couldn't reply anything, because Tess had started the introduction. "Stevie, this is Dave Brewer." She pointed at the blonde guy who was now shaking hands with the red head. "He is the vet of this area and I don't think you've ever met a guy that can cook as well as Dave does."
"Never?" Stevie looked at him examining.
"Sorry to delay dinner. Had to help a wombat that was hit by a car. Hope you're hungry, though. I made a Dave Brewer speciality especially for Tess' guests."

"Well, that's Dave." Kate said. "Always helping the helpless."

Stevie nodded quickly. Gosh, she was really hungry!

"Oh and that is Rob Shelton." Tess pointed at the younger, black haired man. "He is the new overseer at Kilarney since Alex has been running the business."

"Hi" and a handshake was all Stevie got from him, which she was grateful for because she didn't feel like answering any 'how-are you'-questions or return witty comments.
"He's not talking very much." Jodi adressed Stevie. "He is all mystery man and …Hey, Dave! Where is Alex by the way?"

Dave, who was preparing the main course, looked up. "Oh right." He turned in Tess' direction. "Alex kindly asked me to say thanks for your invitation but something's cropped up. He wouldn't go into details butah…" He turned to Stevie. "He sends his best regards to you."

Stevie didn't know what to say. She didn't know if she was relieved or not that Alex Ryan wasn't showing up. She knew it was because of her but she couldn't blame him for not wanting to see her. To much had happened in the past. However, she knew that she would have to face him eventually. She just hoped he'd understand her then. Maybe it was better for all of them that the both of them wouldn't exchange their first words in twelve years in a room full of people they both loved.

Somewhat relieved he hadn't shown up she turned to her daughter who had just expressed her disappointment. " I wanted you to meet him, mom. He is so cool."
"I'm sorry darlin'. You could introduce us tomorrow nevertheless." Yeah, tomorrow's soon enough.

"Let's propose a toast to Rose and her mother. " Stevie suddenly could hear Dave say and mother and daughter interrupted their conversation to face the handsome vet. "To welcome them properly at Drover's."

All the others raised their glasses as well and with that they welcomed Stevie Hall and her daughter Rose.

I know this chapter didn't turn out very well. I still hope you kinda like it.