It had been a long day. Toadie had arrived at eight thirty that night to pick up Nell, apologising profusely. Nina had told him it was okay, and that she didn't mind, but he was still apologising when he left. Amber and Imogen had returned after dinner to finish their homework, and had only just left. She wanted to go to bed, but knew that she would miss talking with Jack if she did. So she sat down with some coffee, her iPad sitting next to her. She hoped he would call before nine thirty so she could get a decent sleep before she had to work the next day.

Nina was falling asleep when her iPad alerted her to a chat request, and she smiled, despite being exhausted.

"Hi," said Jack.

"Hey. How are you?"

"I'm good, I miss you."

"Miss you too. How's soccer?"

"It's boring without you around. How's working at Lassiter's going for you?"

"It's not. I called Paul to tell him that I was grateful and wouldn't mind doing occasional work, but I got the music teacher job at Erinsborough High."

"That's great babe. When do you start?"

"In the morning." She yawned. "Sorry."

"That's alright. We can talk another time. Go get some sleep."

"I love you Jack."

"Love you too Nina."

They said goodbye and Nina headed straight to bed. She had absolutely no idea what was going to be waiting for her when she got home the next day.

When Nina got up the next morning, she heard someone knocking on the door. She climbed out of bed, surprised to see Lauren there.

"Sorry to come by so early, but I wanted to ask a favour," said Lauren.

"Sure. Come in." Nina closed the door. "What's going on?"

"Dad and I are heading up to Darwin in the morning to see my son Mason. Amber and Bailey aren't coming, and I need someone to look out for them. Amber's staying with Imogen, but I still need somebody to watch over her. Would you be able to do that for me?"

Lauren's face told Nina she was desperate. Something must have happened. "Of course I can. I have plenty of room if they want to stay here."

"Thank you." The relief was evident.

"No problem. Did something happen?"

"Mason got himself in trouble again. It's nothing new, I just worry when he does something like this. Dad and I were thinking of bringing him to live here instead of with my mother up there. Maybe if Bailey is around, it'll help calm him down, maybe get him back on the right track. And the kids miss their brother too."

"Is there anything else I can do to help? I can talk to Susan and try and get the work for Amber and Bailey so they can go with you."

"No, but thank you for the offer. I am so glad I have a sister that I can talk to." Lauren finally smiled as she was pulled into a hug.

"I'm here if you need anything Lauren. No matter what it is, I'm here."

Lauren thanked her again and then left. She stopped at the door. "Do you need a lift to work? I noticed you haven't got a car."

"I don't need it. Erinsborough isn't that big. Maybe sometime soon I'll get one anyway. And no, I don't need a lift. I'm not leaving until eight and you are in a hurry. Thank you though."

"It's okay."

Nina finished cleaning up her breakfast dishes and then headed out. She was excited about starting her new job. Susan had promised her that she would fit in easily at the school.

"Hey Nina," said someone behind her.

She was completely lost in thoughts and hadn't noticed that Lou had been behind her.

"Oh, hey Lou," Nina smiled. "I'm sorry about your grandson."

Lou frowned. "Bailey?"

"Mason. Lauren stopped by this morning to ask me to look after Amber and Bailey so you two can go and see Mason."

"Oh, yeah. Don't be sorry, it isn't the first time he's done something like this."

"Yeah, but despite that being true, Lauren is very worried."

"He's her son, she can't seem to see past her fear for him."

"Sounds quite normal to me. Anyway, guess who I spoke to last night?"

"Jack."

"How did you know?"

"Whenever you talk about him, you get this goofy smile on your face."

Nina laughed. "Oops. Oh well. He's finishing off his tour and should be home in a few days."

"You miss him, don't you?"

"Very much. I can't wait to see him."

Lou smiled. He knew something she didn't, but had promised to not say anything to Nina. It was going to be a surprise for her when she finished work.

Nina took a deep breath as she walked into the staff room with Susan. She had no clue who anyone was, and she felt nervous. Everyone had their friends already.

"Alright everyone, listening please. We have found a permanent music teacher. Meet Nina Tucker," said Susan.

The teachers gasped. Nobody had been expecting her there, not a famous singer/songwriter and actress. Nina gave them all a smile and said hello. She felt like the new kid again. She was surprised, however, when a couple of the teachers came up and hugged her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Susan grinning, trying not to laugh. Finally, as more people came up to her, she felt herself relaxing a little and she smiled. She spent a few minutes chatting with her colleagues before Susan called her over to hand the work to her, and to give her the class lists. She was feeling calm until the bell rang and she had to go alone to her new home group.

"Nina, wait. You're next door to me, so we can go together."

Nina found a young woman next to her, smiling shyly. Clearly, she was also new to the school. It meant a lot that she wanted to help.

"Thank you. Sorry, what was your name?"

"Tanya Cole. I teach English. You know, I can't believe you're teaching here! Why would you want to?" she asked as they left the staff room together.