He smiled at me, and I took that as a no. "Want a drink? I have purified water." At this he nodded. I felt a new wave of homesickness that I haven't felt in two months, Rangeman only nodded and I remembered it from when I worked there. I was so out of place when that happened, I'm a chatterbox, and I can't stand silence. "Okay, I'll be right back."

I heated up two donuts for me, and made a hot chocolate, grabbing a bottle of water out of the cupboard for Tank. By the time I returned downstairs Tank was looking at my book cabinet that had ten books and the rest were pictures of everything. From Trenton to here, but mainly here because I never got many pictures in Trenton.

He was looking at the one with Jackie, Dani and I, we were at the pier, eating lunch at one of the tables – laughing and enjoying time. I smiled when I remembered when the Newspaper photographer asked if she could use the photo in the newspaper, Dani had said yes, if we could all get a colour copy sent to our homes. It wasn't the only day we had gone out just to go out, and it wasn't even the most fun, it was just like any other day and it was still great.

"Here you go, Tank. One bottle of purified water for you, and two donuts and hot chocolate for me. That picture was taken a month ago. It was a normal day for us." I don't know why I told him, but I felt I should. I need him to understand I love it here, and I need to stay. "The picture was taken for a news article in the local newspaper, we each got sent a copy. Its Jackie and Dani, as well as me, if you cant tell." I sat back down on my couch, sighing.

"You look good. You don't need to tell me everything. But I think Ranger needs to know that you're okay," I smiled; it sounded like Ranger actually missed me.

"I don't know, Tank. If you tell him when you return he'll know that Im in Hervey Bay, and most likely tell Joe… I just don't want everyone to know where I am." If he told Ranger, then I would most likely have to return to Trenton to explain, and possibly argue with everyone… I don't like the sound of that.

"I wont tell him, Bomber. I gave my word," and his word is as good as his body… stone solid, "Eventually I will tell him how you are, just not where."

"How is everyone in Trenton? Val and the children? Mum and dad? Lula and Connie? Joe? Ranger?" All the people I left behind?

"Valerie and Albert are good, and the children are fine. Your mother asked Ranger where she went wrong, but still misses you. Your father was a little upset, but Ranger said he was proud of you. Lula and Connie are… managing okay, only missing a couple of FTA's now." He took a breath, giving me time. My mum asked where she went wrong? Oh, now I feel loved. "Joe is fine, if not rough around the edges, not getting enough sleep because he's doing double shifts in his office. Ranger is… well, he hasn't stopped looking for you, but in all the wrong places apparently. Your still using the same initials in your name," at this he shook his head, "He's been… okay, he's living constantly at the apartment in Haywood. They're getting better, both of them. I wouldn't go as far as to say they go to a boy's night together, because we all know that wont happen, but they talk more now."

"Well that's good… that's… good." What else was I supposed to say? That I was happy now that they were becoming more then just rivals now that I was gone? I wasn't. But it was good anyway, takes some weight off of my shoulders that I didn't realise was there… or that I was ignoring.

I heard a beeping noise, and Tank looked at his bulky watch, it was flashing and the beeping was coming from it. Time to go?

"Jet just landed. I have to go. See you around," hopefully not.

"Bye Tank, take care of yourself…" and everyone else.

He paused just at the door, "It's a wreck without you, Stephanie."

&&&

"Hey, Lee. Dom's on the phone for you, something about complications with the papers transferring." I hope she wasn't talking about the files I sent Dom because they took me ages to send.

"Thanks Dani, can I use the office phone?" Too bad if she said no, I was already at the door. Doms office didn't change much over the last few months, a new couch since the last one had coffee spilt on it… all over it. But that was it. And even though he wasn't here, it still smelt faintly like Dom.

"Hey Dom, it's Lee," no duh, "Did you get them?"

"I did, but they are faded. Any chance of fixing them up today?" The papers were of people I knew in Trenton, that were on the FTA list. I sent Dom a few things I knew about them, or their relations, basically anything that could be of use when finding them.

"I'll type them up and email them instead," or more correctly, get Dani to type them up and send them via email.

"Thanks. Oh, and I had someone come in by the name of Connie, from your cousins bail bonds… she was asking about you, vaguely, I vaguely answered her back. But is there anything you want me to do?" Connie was there? Asking vaguely about me? What does 'vaguely' mean in this context?

"Nothing, just don't… Yeah, you get me. And thanks, for being vague…" I didn't know what else to say, so I hung up. Im getting pretty bad at hanging up on people before saying good-bye. Ironic, really. I used to get frustrated when people would hang up on me without saying good bye, and would nag them about it (sometimes), now in a place where everyone says good bye, I don't. I think I annoy everyone else by doing it, but it just… doesn't seem worth the effort to say good-bye anymore, not when Im going to see him or her sometime.

"Hey Dani? Could you…"

&&&

I huffed. Today is not my day. I got tripped, covered in trash, almost peed on, and had two dogs chasing me… and then I ripped my favourite jeans. Not my day.

I wanted to go home, but I also needed the pay slips for the two FTA's signed, so I could have dinner tonight. I hate not having choices.

I had to walk from Urangan to the Office… not fun. Oh well… at least there is money involved.

I trudged my way, trying to ignore the stench of garbage and something wet in my curly hair. Ew.

It would take me another twenty minutes walking since my car was blown up. Oh, I think I forgot to mention that. Yeah well… the Santa Fe is gone to the wind… or fire. I really hate it when that happens.

I was puffing as well as huffing when I got to the office. I really wanted a shower, and I really wanted my bed and tv, and definitely my deodorant. It will have to wait.

Dani was typing away on her computer, but the real catch was the person standing in front of her. My breath came faster then it already was, and I felt light headed. Tank wouldn't have… no he gave me his word. But the fact still remains that Lester Santos was standing in front of Dani, papers in his hand. Omigod, I better not faint. That would just put the cherry on top of my cake called Today.

"So... We're almost done… But I need to know where you will be staying so I can print it up. Standard policy here."

"Don't worry, its standard policy everywhere. Davis Drive, number two. Anything else you need?" I remember his voice, from all the times he picked on me. Today is really not my day. I remember him laughing… and I really shouldn't be remembering this because it is only pissing me off more. Too late to go back now.

I glared at him, and I was almost surprised that he couldn't feel the daggers been thrown at his back. I was pissed off. What was he doing here? Why must he come to my town? Cant they see I want to be alone?!

"Woah, Lee, that you? Are you okay… Oh shit. Rhino mode." Dani ducked under the desk. It was probably not needed. Probably.

"What the hell are you going here, Santos?!" I wanted to scream at him, but I settled for yelling. Heck… I just wanted to scream, period. I can't wait until I can finally go to bed and get this day over with.

I was suddenly tired. Very tired, of everything in this day. Icing with the cherry on my cake. I fought to maintain my anger because I don't like the wind being taken out from my wings.

"Woah, Steph!" I wanted to rip his voice box out.

"My name isn't Steph. It is Selene Price, remember it." Please, let Jackie walk in.

When Jackie walked in, I wanted to dance. What is with these emotions? They're all over the place. But since that wish was answered I thought I should ask again, see if it was a fluke.

"I wish for a million dollars." Nothing happened, besides the stares I got from Jackie and Lester. Im pretty sure I heard a giggle from under the desk. It was worth a try though.

"Um, I come in peace?" Jackie asked. I must look pretty scary. Covered in garbage, stinking, red in the face, and cooling down from being pissed off. The good news was, he had donuts.

"Gimme." He handed the box over, and I peaked inside. Yum, jelly donuts. Just what I need. I was munching on my first one, when I remembered, "Thanks Jackie." He nodded his head at me, then pointed his head towards the desk.

Damnit, my day isn't over. "Well, Lester, what are you doing here?"

"Ste—Lee, Dom said you needed my help with some of the skips here, so Ranger said he would send me to help… And something about the pages still not getting through." I frowned; I didn't want anyone from Trenton ruining my happy time here. Dom, what are you thinking?

I didn't hear an answer from Dom, so I focused on the other part. Papers, what papers? I thought back… Oh, those papers. The ones with the information on them. He still hasn't gotten them. Hm, strange.

"Need help with the FTA's? I don't need help. I have been managing quite fine." I put my hands on my hips and one side felt squidgy, that must have been the cabbage I landed in. I felt my face heat up with embarrassment, I bet I looked like I needed the help. "Its just been a bad day."

I could tell he didn't believe me, but I didn't want to linger on it. I slipped my arm out of one of my shoulder purses handles, and opened it to fish out the two dockets for my money.

"Here's the slips, Dani." I smiled as she came out from under the desk, dusting down her pencil skirt and blouse. She is still skittish, but she really is getting better.

"Okay." She started getting out the check book, and all the papers. A lot more papers here then what we used at Trenton, but oh well, it's only a small price to pay for my life here.

I had to walk past Lester to hand her the dockets, so I did. He was solid, not moving. Im pretty sure he was stunned at Jackie. Happens all the time, at least around here.

"So… Lee, this is where you have been…" I knew he wanted to say 'hiding' but I didn't want him to get that far.

"Yeah. Here in sweet old Hervey Bay. Lovely place, dontcha think?" I was trying to steer him towards a different subject, but I doubt it would work. But it was worth the try anyway. I wonder if he will follow, or just continue with his old train of thought.

"Yeah, it is. But why here? There are a million of other places that would have been great."

"And easier to trace, you mean. That's why I chose here. Don't tell Ranger." I didn't want it to sound like a command, but it came out that way anyway.

"Wait, wasn't Tank just here about a week ago?" I nodded, he was catching on, finally, "Then he would have seen you… but he didn't say anything. He said it was just a business trip. Why would he say anything to…" A light bulb went on above his head. "You told him not to. He gave you his word, didn't he?"

I didn't know whether to answer him or not, because it looked like he was in a totally different place then the office right now.

"That why Tank was so secretive about the dealings here. That's why Dom wouldn't say anything about the people here, that's why he said here needed help." I wanted to rebuff that comment, but decided to leave it alone. He was on a roll. "That's why we cant find you, you changed your name completely. You could have gotten someone here to buy everything for you, like we thought. Damnit!" Oh shit.

"You can't tell anyone, Lester. Please, I love it here, and I don't want it ruined by anybody from Trenton, or anyone at all. I have friends here, I have my home here. Please, don't take that away from me." Great, now I sounded sad and whiny. I don't know which was worse, sad and whiny, or commanding and bitchy.

"Lee… I…"

&&&

Cliff-hanger because I want to get this out, but my hands hurt. Write later!