Oh yes, finally one again. Just watched the last episodes of MD air, and it triggers me madly ;) So enjoy!

Chapter 34.

Knocking on Stevie's bedroom door Regan was silent for another moment before softly saying her best friend's name. But there wasn't any reply. Taking in a deep breath, she shove the door open. Seeing the little figure under the sheets, curled up she could guess about the state of mind she had been in while falling asleep. Through the years Regan had woken Stevie up quite a few times, and her sleeping position told quite a lot. When there was something wrong, mostly involving Alex, Stevie always lay on her right side, curled up. Just like now.

Softly she walked further in the room, holding a plate with a fresh cup of tea. Laying it down on the little night table, shoving the few framed picture back a little Regan gave her friend another close look. Sighing she gently sat down on the bed. 'Stevie? It's time to wake up, Xander is waiting for you'.

Regan's voice had reached the red head, and slowly she started to move. God, her eyes felt heavy, and hardly wanted to open as she rolled on her bed. Slowly she started to stare into Regan's big brown emphatic eyes. 'God …', she muttered, sweeping her hand to her hand, her legs shifting.

'Morning sunshine, brought you some tea, a little bird told me you could use some', Regan spoke.

'Yeah, I can', Stevie sighed out deeply, and stretched some more, now looking up to see the cuppa on her night table. A weak thankful smile showed on her lips as she sat up a little against the head of the bed. Regan gave her friend the time to arouse to the fullest, reaching out for the tea to wet her dry mouth.

'Should I ask about last night?', the McLeod started, instantly seeing Stevie sigh. Memories easily came back to her.

'I could say no, but …', Stevie muttered, placing the cup back on the night table. '… I guess I need therapy anyway … really Regan, I'm going crazy.'

'You're not going crazy', Regan protested with a silly look, patting Stevie on her leg, as she turned more towards her.

'Yes I do, I see Alex everywhere, and I think I can make that stop by drinking, by throwing myself at Russ, but he's not going away. He's there, even more vivid than …', she blew out, feeling the emotions boiling up inside of her quickly. 'I don't know what to do any more. Like I'm not allowed to move on. Just a week ago I went nuts cause I couldn't feel him around me any longer, and now; he's like everywhere. What does that mean?'

She looked at Regan, asking, like she had an answer, but she couldn't do much more than show a supportive look. 'Time will tell I guess, I guess imagination can …'

'It's not my imagination, really Regan; he's there. I saw him last night. It's not like a dream or anything. And it can't just be because of the buzz'. Her protest was clear, how silly it even felt to her too, Stevie couldn't neglect those deep blue eyes she had seen that night. They were for real. She knew them too well, they were Alex'.

Regan tried to understand. 'Maybe you should call Moira …'

***

Grace saw Jaz walking up the Drovers homestead. A bright smile supported the blond girls sparkling eyes, nearly whistling she let out a good morning to her sister. 'Just in time. You can start drenching', Grace mumbled.

'Oh how lovely, no good morning for you?', Jaz still grinned, which annoyed Grace. How come there were happy people left in a world like this?

'No, just getting out to do the fences, don't try to cheer me up'. She walked on further to the stables, but Jaz fumbled he rlips over each other and followed her sister with a smile.

'You know, it's not a crime to smile.'

Grace ignored her mostly, as she walked into the stable, but could feel her follow her directly. 'If you feel like sharing your great night with me, than I'll pass'. She lifted the saddle, and Jaz took in her position opposite of her. Annoying grin still present, Grace noted.

'It was not like that. But I just turn out to have the best and sweetest boyfriend there is', she spoke with a cheerful voice, eyes lit up even more, feeling the need to twirl goofy around the post.

'Joy', Grace let out, holding the saddle and walking to her horse.