A Leave of Absence

by greenhorn001

Aria Israel returns to her Australian homeland in the city of Melborne where she takes a leave from her position onboard the Dreadnaught, a BC-303 class starship. However, when she returns home from being gone for ten years, things are not as they seem anymore. She struggles to reconnect with her family, but its not easy.

3. Chapter 3: Tranquility

Location: Macedon, Victoria, Australia
Time: Nighttime – around 7:30 PM late.

As the bright headlights flashed in the darkness when it turned into the forested driveway of the small town of Macedon, Aria continued to drive her car over the bumpy surface with the mixture of red dirt and pieces of wood. There was a wooden fence leading her toward the big house. Two dogs that was locked in a big cage started barking at the car wondering what it was.

Aria let out a smiled as she looked at Liam and cooed, "You got dogs! I haven't seen your old dog in a long time, do you remember him?"

Liam nodded and smiled as she stopped beside the cage. He responded as she turned off the headlights and ignition, "Ah yeah. Well these are my puppies, both are three years old. They are Australian Kelpie. My mom and I are currently training them. My grandfather has an older Australian Cattle Dog in his own ranch in Cowra, New South Wales. We are training them so I can take one of them over to his ranch to take over."

Aria continued to smile as she got out of the car and closed it, "That's very cool, man. Can I pet them?"

Liam shrugged shaking his head, "I don't know. My mom was very specific about that. Maybe tomorrow."

Aria became a little depressed as she puffed a disappointed air from her mouth, "Aww, okay. What are their names?"

She grabbed his hand and squeezed it as she swung it around while they walked toward the big house. He continued as she kissed him on the cheek affectingly, "Kiwi and Kiah are the name of our two young girl puppies. We call them KehKeh as a command and they both respond the same time. It seemed funny at the time and the name stuck. Nioka is my grandfather's cattle dog."

Aria giggled a bit and nodded as they walked up the wooden steps of the porch. The door swung open and the recognizable form of Liam's mother opened her arms exclaiming with a bit of a heavy accented Australian. She looked to be athletic with some muscles as she works out working outside, "ARIA! Haven't seen ya in a long time! Where've you've been? So glad Liam called ahead cause I don't think my hart could take it!"

Aria let go of his hand and hugged her smiling as she responded, "Bindi! So glad you remember me. It's been a while."

Belinda Dagenhart scoffed as she waved her hand motioned Liam toward her, "Why would I forget yah, darling'? You dated my son for crikes sakes. Course you're welcome in my house any day and night. Liam! Welcome home!"

Liam smiled and hugged her as he kissed her on the cheek responding, "Hey mom."

Belinda ushered them in and responded, "Well come in. Don't forget to take your shoes off! Don't want to get mud to track everywhere."

After the door was closed and locked, Aria continued to smile and nodded as she untied her military boots taking them off, "Yes, Bindi I agree."

Belinda nodded and responded as she placed her arm around Aria while speaking to her son, "Liam, why don't you go to the kitchen and turn off the stove for me? The pot roast should be ready as I kept it under the heat while I waited for our special guest."

Aria giggled as she smacked her lips a little, "Pot roast! I l always loved your pot roast, Bindi."

Liam obeyed as he left toward the kitchen. Belinda smiled as she led her toward the dining room, "I know yah did, darlin'! When my Liam came home with that look of hope in his face, I just knew one reason for that and made it for yah the next day. Imagine my joy when I saw yah. You were always my favorite always helping me out around the ranch when I needed it. Do you remember going to Cowra that time with Liam?"

Aria nodded, "Yes I remember. It was hot that day," she continued as they sat down in the dining table, "Is Nate up there right now?"

As Liam carried the pot roast to the table a placed in the center of the table, he started serving it as Belinda nodded, "Yes, my husband is over there working with my father. He has been very busy lately especially with the changing times. Thank you Liam."

Liam nodded as he finished serving the roast responding, "No problem, mom."

As he sat next to Aria, he kissed her on the cheek and began eating his pot roast. Aria was a bit too focused she didn't notice Liam. She looked a bit concerned touching Belinda's hand as she asked, "Is everything okay in the Bush, Bindi?'

As Belinda took her first bite, she drunk it down with her beer and responded with a scoff, "Ah, we're hanging in there, Aria. My father got his notice cause some bloke wants to shut down his farm. Says he can't afford it anymore. Such a load of crap!"

Aria exclaimed as she agreed with her, "I know. I hate those corporations. I hope it gets all resolved. I'd hate for you guys to lose that ranch man. Give them my blessings and my prayers. That was the nicest part of the bush I loved."

Belinda laughed a bit as she nodded touching her hand, "Well thank you darling. I will be sure to call them about your visit."

Liam touched Aria's arm and asked her, "Aria?"

Aria looked at him and wondered, "Hmm?"

Liam asked her in an innocent like tone, "Are you going to eat your pot roast?"

"Huh," Aria wondered as she looked down to see her food and she exclaimed, "Ah! Crikey! I knew I was forgetting something. Thanks Liam," she responded laughing as she started eating her food.

Belinda cracked up as she cackled at Aria's goofy remark. Liam could never understand the woman's need for conversation during dinner time especially when one of them forget to eat.

Liam nodded as he smiled trying to get what they were laughing about, "Heh, no problem."

Aria stifled another laugh looking at Liam. She stroked his hair and responded, "You're so sweet Liam."

Liam blushed a little as Aria continued eating her food and drinking her beer. Belinda spoke as she drank another one sip of her beer, "So tell me everything about what you've been doing in nine years. You've been AWOL from family you know! Go on, tell me!"

Aria took another sip from her beer and attempted to responded, "Umm, well –"

Belinda waved it off with another fit of laughter as she responded, "Just kidding, Aria. I wouldn't do that to you know. Anyways, how's your family? Your mother called ahead you know. She was concerned."

Aria shrugged as she refocused her attention on her meal and took another bite before drinking her beer again, "Yeah, just some family troubles. Same old thing with the same drama we have all our daily lives. Nothing I can't handle though."

Belinda made a puff of air escape from her throat as she responded, "Ain't that the truth. I mean, bloody hell I always fight with Nate. Course it's sometimes about taxes and bills or something of a such at the barnyard that needs changing or a tire replacing. We're still together forty years strong. Such a dedicated and loyal man, that."

Aria gasped lightly as she responded amazed touching her hand, "Wow, Bindi. That's amazing. I didn't realize that was how long you've been married. That's awesome!"

Belinda smiled responding, "Well thank you darling. Anyways, however your family troubles are, you're always welcome to spend a week in my farm. I could always use another helping hand. Not that I can't handle it myself being strong and all heh, heh."

Aria giggled as she nodded, "Of course! That would be awesome Bindi. I would be happy to help out around the farm."

Liam continued eating as he was unsure if or when to jump in. He was feeling a little bit left out or ignored. Belinda responded winking, "Good to know. We should arm wrestle sometimes, yah? Anyways, yah alright with waking up at 5 A.M.? That's when I make breakfast and I got some things to do before I head out to the Macedon Regional Park."

Aria nodded finishing off her plate and serving herself another piece of the pot roast. She responded, "That's no problem, Bindi. I'm used to getting up really early sometimes I get up at three. I still have energy to lose though so I never really tire out."

Belinda nodded taking another sip of her beer, "Really? That's amazing darling. Must be your military training."

Aria shrugged as she continued, "Must be. I just have those sort of energy coming from somewhere and I almost never run out of stamina. Course, I tired quickly too sometimes when I push myself too hard, but I still feel good."

Belinda sighed as she shook her head concerned, "Well, hun, don't push yourself. Hang back a little. I still worry. We're all still human after all."

Aria nodded finishing her beer, "Thank you, Bindi. I appreciate it. You know, I appreciate all those talks we have. It makes me feel normal. Like I'm home."

Belinda waved her off with another laugh, "Ah, it's no problem. I always love talking with someone. Chases away those lonely butterflies fluttering 'bout. Ah, I'm still talking yah ear off, eh? Didn't mean to do that. I took the liberty of sorting up a room for you. You remember which one? It's the one upstairs next to that attic. Still got some of your stuff there too. Now don't worry about the table as I got them. I feel bad I'm taking your attention from my son."

Aria nodded and refocused his attention to Liam wrinkling her nose, "Ah, it's no problem. Whatever you feel like talking, it keeps me at ease. Thanks Bindi. Night. So, Liam my lovely."

Liam smiled and responded, "Heh. You like talking to my mom a lot. That makes me happy."

Aria giggled and kissed him on the lips for a bit taking his hand, "I'm glad Liam. Thank you for being patient."

Liam nodded as Aria led him away from the table and toward the stairs. She led him up the stairs and across the hallway toward the back door to the roof. It was completely dark outside. The stars were out and before the back of the house was a large field with the forest around the edge of the barrier of fence.

Letting out a deep breath and a sigh, Aria squeezed Liam's hand as they sat down on the roof. She wrapped her arm around Liam's arm as she laid her head on his shoulder resting. Looking out, she responded, "Do you remember, Liam, how we used to sit outside every night and just look out in the stars? We'd try to count them but you'd always get confused and repeat yourself. It was funny for a while."

Liam nodded keeping his arm around her body and keeping her close, "Heh, yeah I do remember."

Aria spoke again with a sigh, "I love talking to Bindi, Liam. She is like my best friend, you know? I just feel so comfortable talking to her. It didn't matter because we'd always have such a close relationship that is second to my sister and I always end up talking too much with her. We hardly ever fight because we share so many things that are similar. We'd laugh together and we'd cry together. I remember this place so much because it sort of became like my second home. I still have some of my stuff here. I remember celebrating many of my early parties here too as well as Noah and Tally. Of course, Bindi always loved talking mom's ear off and we'd chat nonstop."

Liam nodded kissing her on her head responding, "That's cool."

They continued to stare out watching the stars and looking at the constellations just hanging out for a bit more, but they knew they had to sleep soon. It was a big day tomorrow.

Location: Bindi and Nate's farm, Macedon, Australia (Outside of Melbourne 64 km away)
Time: 5:30 A.M.

It was morning again as the sun came up. Liam was up, showered and dressed for his mother's famous breakfast meals she makes for him every morning at exactly the same time. He loved her breakfast steak, cheese and omelet rolled in a tortilla wrap with orange juice and buttered toast on the side. Some other days, she would make him some grits or oatmeal or he would make cereal for himself if his mother decided to sleep in late or get up a little earlier. He sniffed as he jumped down several steps down the stairs and his heart soared. It was that steak, cheese and omelet in a tortilla wrap again.

He walked into the kitchen and sat in the chair soon as Belinda placed his food on the table in front of him. She gave him a smile and kissed him, "Good morning, sweethart. Did yah have a good sleep?"

Liam gulped with happiness as he started eating his meal, "Yes mom. Did you have a good sleep too?"

She nodded as she continued eating her own tortilla wrap from her plate, "Yah I did, Liam, thank you."

Belinda continued to watch her son eat. As Liam drunk his orange juice, he cleared his throat and looked around a little puzzled. He made a question, "Mom, where's Aria?"

She responded touching his hand, "Hun, she got up several hours earlier. Said she needed a run toward the regional park for a bit. She made herself a quick brekkie before heading off. She will be back around seven thirty, darling."

Liam creased his brow as he furrowed with a confused look, "But, why didn't she wake me? I said I would take her there in the morning."

Belinda let out a sigh and rubbed his hand with affection as she explained in her strong Aussie accent, "Darling, listen to me. Yah were asleep and she didn't want to wake yah. She needed some time alone in her thoughts. It brings me joy to see yah two together, but understand this hun. She was gone for a long time and sometimes when people are gone for a long time, it changes them a lot in a certain way. Her love for yah never changed, but she is stressed out and needs focus to find her way again. Give her time and patience and she will continue to work things out."

Liam slowly understood as he spoke again, "But I want help her, mom. I want to be with her. If she knows that, then I don't understand why she didn't wake me."

Belinda smiled at her son and responded gently, "Yah are helping her, darling. Yah are making her happy as if she's never been. Only patience and time will slowly pass by until she feels better. Just stay by her side when she wants to be with yah and honor her wishes when she goes away alone. That's all. She is a strong and independent woman who can stand on her own. She has no need for guidance other than her own. She wants to be with you, but most of the time she wants to take the lead when she is hot headed and wanting to in a certain way. Her focus is sometimes so strong that she will get upset when someone tells her not to do something."

Liam nodded as he took another bite of his tortilla, "Okay. I think I understand mom. Thanks."

She let out another sigh as she moved her chair closer to her son and continued speaking as she touched his face, "Hun, she told me that several times when yah believed that she was being harsh to Noah and she got upset. That is what I am talking about. She is going through a difficult phase and she feels betrayed by her family. Yah know her father is sick, right? She is having a hard time trying to find closure. All she needs is for yah to be there for her. She needs yah kindness, yah patience and yah understanding. It is your innocence and purity of mind that puts her in ease. If yah are not there or if yah keep telling her what she shouldn't do, she will push yah away defensively and there aint a thing yah could do to apologize. Understand, sweethart?"

Liam nodded as he drunk the last of his glass of orange juice, "Understood, mom. Thanks for explaining it to me."

"Thank yah, darling," Belinda responded as she smiled and kissed him on the forehead. She paused a bit noticing the metal band on his nose. She briefly touched it and Liam winced a little. Belinda was wide eyed and regretted touching it as she gently spoke, "Ah, I'm sorry darling. Didn't mean to hurt yah. I hadn't noticed it till now. Mind I ask what happened, hun?"

Liam sighed as he responded, "It was an accident. She didn't mean to break my nose mom so I forgave her when she took me to the doctor and he mended it. He said I have to wear the brace for a week until he sees me again to see if my nose is not broken anymore."

"She," Belinda wondered for a bit and picked a name, "Yah mean Aria? Why would she do that?"

Liam shrugged trying to think with his sluggish mind, "I don't remember, mom, but was an accident so I forgave her mom. Don't worry about it. It's alright. We're good. Okay?"

Belinda nodded letting out a sigh, "Alright, but I will mention that to her for more info. I am sure she has a plausible explanation for harming yah whether she means to or not. Liam, I am going to go to work now. Will yah be okay alone for a bit till Aria comes back? She will be back from her run around seven or so after seven thirty."

Liam nodded assuring her, "I will be okay for a bit mom, do not concern yourself with me. You and dad taught me everything I should do when I am alone. What do you need done today?"

Belinda smiled as she breathed a sigh and responded, "Okay, sweethart. Why don't yah take Kiwi and Kiah and set them loose among the corral. It's time for their training again. The barn needs a little bit of cleaning again and maybe a little bit straightening out. I meant to do that the other day, but I got sidetracked. Later around eight, could yah take the truck out for some errands into town and maybe into the city? The list should be in the same place as it should be on the refrigerator."

Liam nodded, "Yes, mom. It will be done."

Belinda smiled gently as she nodded responding, "Thank yah, sweethart."

As his mother left the kitchen to leave the house for her work in the Macedonia Regional Park, Liam proceeded to clear the plates and cups on the table to clean it up as well as prepare for his work in the farm.

Location: Macedon Regional Park, Victoria, Australia
Time: 5:30 AM, June 27th, 2009

It was early in the morning. Aria continued her run across the forested trail toward Macedon Regional Park. It was cool outside and the bird songs could be heard. The ground was damp because of the morning mildew. The ground was soft as she continued running hard across the trail with her comfortable beige lightweight military boots as it made imprints. She wore her camo baggy shorts that went from her waist to below her knees. A chain hung from the loop of her belt and inside her pocket. Her shorts matched her camo tank top that slightly exposed her midriff.

Around her neck, she wore her leather ivory necklace she got from Liam as well as another necklace which was metal and hung a bit from her neck. She wore her military I.D. tags as well. Around her right wrist was another one of her leather bound pendant jewelry as well as her watch. Her long blond hair was tied back as it continued bouncing in the wind. Around her brow was a cloth strap meant to soak up her sweat while keeping her nice and cool. Inside her ears were earbuds that connected to the MP3 player she had clipped onto her belt. A chest backpack was slung diagonally across her back.

Her physical form was buff in muscular tone as she was bred for harsh training. She needed to do that to keep her in fighting form but without getting bulky or muscular. She was a fighter, not a wrestler. She after all dabbled in Muay Thai fighting for most of her teenage years and never really stopped even during her training oversees in the Navy. During her stint at the Navy training vessel, she regularly tries to bring up fighting competitions among men and women for mixed fighting whenever she is off-duty.

This was flashbacked to 3:30 in the morning when she just came out of the shower and was dressed in her running gear minus the jewelry and other accessories. She was in the kitchen where she made her a quick but short breakfast using a tortilla wrap. She made herself some omelet and filled it with some meat, green peppers, red onions and cheese. Taking the plate, she placed it onto the table as Belinda came into the kitchen. She just woke up as she smiled, "Good morning, darling."

Aria smiled as she drank a bit of her milk and responded, "Morning, Bindi. Did I wake you?"

Belinda waved her off with a smile and a scoff, "Ah, no worries, hun. This is the time I wake up as well."

Aria wrinkled her nose in affection at her friend and picked up her tortilla wrap. She took a bite out of it and downed it with her milk. In Belinda's hand, she was carrying a medium sized grey jewelry box with some sort of an intricate design on it. Aria noticed it and inquired, "What is that?"

Belinda continued to smile as she offered the box, "I took the liberty of sorting through the attic for some stuff and I found your old jewelry box hiding in there somewhere. Thought you might want it."

Aria let out a gasp of nostalgia as she placed the glass back down and grabbed the box from her responding, "This is my old box? You still kept it after nine years?"

Belinda nodded and smiled as she watched Aria open it and sort through the contents inside, "Yes. You know, even if Nate and I keep everything straight and sorted in this farm, the Attic is far worse. We only clean it like four times a year. Maybe three if we're lucky," she finished with laughter.

Aria closed the box and smiled at her friend as she walked over to hug her, "Thank you for this, Bindi. I will treasure it and never lose it again."

Some ten minutes later of running, Aria continued running up the long winding path. She bypassed some rocks and stones along the way as she ducked under a branch. Soon after running along the trees, she entered an opening as the trail continued along the forested cliff. In front of her, she could see Mount Macedon far away. The terrain before her continued to be more rugged and rough but she continued on more determined than ever.

Her breaths continued slowly as her energy was sustained throughout her body. Sweat continued trickling down from her brow. Her state of mind was calm and peaceful with no thoughts of her family. Instead, all she could think about now was how beautiful Macedon Regional Park was. She heard a cry of a hawk overhead as it went on the hunt for small prey.

It was 3:45. After she had a wonderful chat with Belinda, Aria excused herself to head back into her room. Taking the jewelry box, rummaged through the box again. The contents inside were a mix of necklaces, pendants, ivory, rings, and piercings. She continued to gasp as she eagerly sorted through them to pick out what she wanted to wear. Taking out a small metal necklace, she placed it around her neck. Taking out another leather band with a pendant on it, she placed it around her wrist and fitted it closed so it stays snug but tight around it.

She looked at the mirror and smiled as she checked out her necklace and her wrist band. Rummaging through the box, she took out a bag with her tongue piercing on it. Looking closely at the mirror, she put her finger inside her mouth and took her tongue briefly inspecting a small puncture hole where her piercing used to be. Closing the box and placing it in the drawer of her desk, she ran to the bathroom to clean and disinfect the piercing. She cleaned her mouth, rinsed it out and proceeded to pierce her tongue. She checked it out by sticking her tongue out and let out a happy sigh. She felt young again.

As she stopped before a cliff, she blew a sigh as she bent over to take some more breaths. She took out her water bottle from inside her bag and took a gulp. Feeling around her mouth, she twiddled around her tongue piercing and let out a sigh. Taking an apple out of her bag, she took her five minute rest while eating a snack to satisfy her gnawing hunger. She appreciated Belinda giving back her jewelry box. She'd thought she had lost it years ago, but it turned out her friend had it all along. She kept it safe for her.

As Aria continued eating from her apple, she continued to enjoy the view from the cliff. It was gorgeous as the landscape was dotted with hilly forests, some graze land and a stream along with some farms and other buildings. She missed this place so much. After finishing the last bite of her apple, she ate the entire core chewed it and swallowed it. She downed it with another gulp of her water. She placed it back into her bag, zipped it closed and continued her run energetic run across the rugged trail. The water she was drinking was flavored with some energy based sodium that kept her going strong.

It was 4:15 as Aria jogged a bit from the steps of Belinda's home. Belinda walked from her truck that was parked next to Aria's black gray sedan. She handed Aria an MP3 player speaking, "Here hun. Got this from my truck. It's stuck on one track, but it's a good music for your run."

Aria gasped and giggled a bit as she accepted it, "Thank you, Bindi."

Aria turned around and walked toward the cage with Belinda's two young Aussie Kelpie staring back at her panting. They were smiling and she giggled as skipped a little toward them resting her arm across the cage. One of them jumped up against the cage and licked her hand as Aria reached down to pet her. She touched the collar and saw the name Kiah.

Belinda approached the cage as well and responded, "These are my puppies. Their names,"

Aria nodded as she continued to giggle and looked at Belinda, "I know. Liam told me last night. He also said you were particular about them being petted or touched during the night."

Belinda let out an exclamation as she waved it off shaking her head, "Oh darling that was for Liam. Quite a story that. It happened one day a year ago I believe or maybe it was a year and a half. Anyways, it was about five PM one summer time. Liam came over to the puppies and started playing with them. When I told him to come in for dinner, he left them in the cage but didn't lock the cage. He didn't think he needed to. The dogs escaped and ran toward the barn where they messed up the area. Tore the entire place up. Made a disturbance happen in that barn. Nate took out his hunting rifle and investigated it when he found the puppies dirty and stinky inside the barn. Suffice to say he was pretty upset so he dragged the dogs back to the cage and locked them in. He went inside and gave my Liam and good scolding. Told him, well actually enforced him that he must never touch the cage after four PM or during supper time. Liam always had a good sense to listen and he never did that again."

Aria gasped as she responded, "Whoa, that's quite a story. It's just like Liam to do that."

Belinda laughed as she opened the cage and let Aria in, "Oh, I know. The poor boy loves the dogs so much but was disappointed he wouldn't be able to play with them during the evening when they are in their cages. Hun, you can play with the dogs anytime especially in the cages. I trust you with anything. They love Liam so much they'd follow him around."

Aria smiled as she knelt down to let the dogs clamber all over her. She petted and stroked their fur as she continued to play around them for a bit. Kissing them both, she got up and responded, "Thank you, Bindi. I will start my morning run. You enjoy yourself in the park."

Belinda smiled as she locked the gate and gave her another hug, "Thank you, darling. You enjoy your run and I will see you again later."

Aria smiled and placed her MP3 player on as she turned to continue her run out of Belinda's driveway passed the gate and ran toward the regional park.

As she continued her run still climbing the trail, the sun was still climbing. Checking her watch, she noticed it was almost six AM. As the long hill soon became stable, Aria ran across a long path and took a left in the fork back down the trail. She needed to head back to Bindi's farm. Increasing her tempo, she continued bounding across the trail as her energy continued to be high making her fast. A Kookaburra cried out its morning cry. Aria looked back a bit and suddenly thought about Liam. It brought a huge smile on her face knowing that her sweetheart still loved and cared about her. He may have a diminished capacity, but he had a huge heart and a willingness to follow orders. He tends to follow someone's lead more than actually leading. He was kind hearted and sweet on Aria. She had a brief flashback seeing him sleeping in his bedroom.

It was 3:55. Aria carefully opened the door into Liam's room and looked in there. While she was in Bindi's home, she respected her wishes to keep Liam separate in his own room from Aria's. As long as they weren't married and dating, they would stay in separate rooms at all times. That was Bindi's rule of thumb. Liam continued to sleep in the bed half covered in his sheets. Aria slowly approached Liam and took his covers to recover him gently.

He was always a heavy sleeper and Aria knew that. Sitting down next to him, she stroked his cheek gently gazing him adoringly. She remembered how Liam did everything he could to keep Aria happy during her teenaged years. For seven years of them being together, Liam always made her laugh and happy. In return, Aria protected him from arseholes who took to making fun of how slow he was.

She bent down and kissed him on the cheek as she continued stroking his blond hair. Liam continued to sleep unmoving and unaware that she was there watching him.

Aria smiled and spoke gently not wanting to wake him, "Thank you Liam for everything that you have given me in the past and right now. Without you, I would be lost, angry and violent. You have taught me that there is much to learn in life other than fighting and drinking. You have continued to bless me with your innocence and purity. To cherish me as if I was yours. You are the smartest guy I ever met and the only one I dated. The only one unique boy who touched me in many ways you can never understand. I promise you, I will never let another harm come to you in any way. Sleep well, my sweetheart."

She bent over and kissed him again on the forehead.

Location: Bindi and Nate's farm
Time: 7:45 AM

As Aria made a turn down from Mount Macedon Rd into Bindi's driveway, she slowly turned her run into a jog toward the farmhouse. Soon, two three year old Kelpie puppies ran up toward Aria barking happily. She giggled as she slowed to a walk and knelt down allowing them climb all over her licking her to death. She wrestled with them a bit pushing them around and rubbing them.

A loud commanding tone of Liam broke through the cool, brisk air as he shouted, "KehKeh, come!"

Both Kiwi and Kiah barked in command as they both obediently returned to their master. Aria gigged as she spied Liam in the distance in his farm clothes and his brown Outback hat. He continued shouting commands at his dogs and they both obediently did about their work in the corral. Liam looked up and waved, "Hey, Aria. You're back!"

Aria smiled with happiness as she stood and ran toward Liam while half skipping two times. Liam stood his ground next to the wooden fence. Aria let out a giggle as she jumped up a bit into Liam's arms. Liam grunted as he held her up from the ground. She touched his face gazing into his stare.

Liam smiled back and spoke, "You're okay, Aria? I mean, I understand that you want me to be patient and stay with you. If you need time away, I will understand too and…"

Aria shook her head as Liam placed her back down with her responding with enforcement still stroking his cheek, "Liam, shut up and kiss me morning."

"And, uhh, oh okay," he spoke being interrupted in mid-sentence. He moved close to her and kissed her on the lips as he responded, "Morning."

Aria embraced him for a bit and then groaned in disgust as she gagged spitting to the side. She groaned wiping her mouth off, "Oh, Liam, you stink. Have you been working at the barnyard? Your kiss has a mixture of old metal with hay and some manure. It's disgusting."

Liam gulp and responded meekly, "Sorry. I worked most of the morning alone in the barn."

Aria let out a sigh and responded, "I'll help you in a second, Liam, but I have shower first. Can you just wash off in the bathroom? You stink."

Liam nodded obediently, "Okay, I will do that. Enjoy your shower."

Aria let out a giggle and bounded off from him excitability, "Okay, thanks! See you!"

It was fifteen minutes later. Liam was walking the dirt path toward the barn. A garage was parked beside it and wasn't more than a few meters from the house. Liam was carrying a coil of thick rope while his dogs panted and bounded around him. He was still wearing his Outback hat. From a distance, the familiar footsteps of his girlfriend bounded toward him. He turned to her and smiled as she smiled back giggling at him.

She hugged him, took a deep sniff from his clean odor and exhaled as she kissed him multiple times around his face, "You smell better Liam. Whatcha up to, sweethart?"

While he kept her close with his arm around her curved muscle toned body, he responded nodding toward the barn, "I am headed toward the garage. I wanna show you something really awesome!"

Aria smiled as she squealed a bit in excitement as she couldn't wait. She grabbed his hand and half dragged him toward the barn to hurry him up. Liam stumbled a bit as he responded, "Whoa, slow down, Aria. Let me keep up."

Liam dropped the coil of rope onto the dirt ground and twisted the lock on the garage. He twisted the metal latch a bit to loosen the screw and pulled it. Unlocking it, both Liam and Aria pushed the garage door open. The big silver colored 4x4 utility vehicle was parked before them as Aria gasped in surprise. It looked clean and a bit used according to the scratches the vehicle received. She looked at him and inquired, "Is this your ute?"

Liam nodded proudly as he banged his hand on the rim of his ute and responded, "Yup. 2003 Nissan Navara. It's a four cab 4x4 wheel drive with a diesel tank and manual. It runs on a 2.5 liter engine and has up to 3 thousand braking towing capacity. I brought it five years ago in good condition. Drives well under hazardous conditions and perfect for driving around the Bush. I brought it with my money on my birthday. Kept her clean and healthy with a few modifications to include alloy sports bar and some side steps. It has satellite, a gps, Bluetooth and a CD/DVD player."

Aria giggled as she bounded around the ute and jumped onto the passenger front side of the cab as she hung on asking him, "Can we drive it around?"

Liam nodded as he picked up the rope and walked toward Aria as he carried the rope into the garage, "Yup, in a bit. My mom wanted me to head into town to get some stuff. She has the list on the fridge, but I forgot to get it."

"Oh," Aria exclaimed as she jumped down and grabbed him on the arm, "Want me to get it?"

Liam nodded as Aria kissed him, "That would be great. I have to put some stuff on the back anyways."

As Liam continued his work, Aria took off in a run back toward the barn. She still had some energy left in her strong, agile body. Her blond hair continued fluttering in the wind as she bounded toward the back door of Bindi's home. Opening the screen door, she entered the house and ran to the refrigerator. Looking around the magnets and the papers, she found the list Bindi wrote. She took her time to read it before running back outside and locking the back door.

As the Navara pulled up from inside the garage, Liam continued to drive the ute a bit forward stopping as Aria bounded up into his driver side. She smiled as she pulled herself up while standing on the bar and kissed him before handing him the list, "Here you go, sweethart!"

The Kelpies on the back of his ute barked at her in a greeting and Aria giggled at them in return. Liam accepted the list and responded, "Thanks. Umm, do you mind closing and locking the garage doors please?"

Aria stroked his head as she responded cheerfully, "No problem. Won't take long."

As Aria ran toward the big garage doors to close it, lock it shut and run back, Liam bent over to the passenger side to open the door for her. Aria opened the door, climbed up and shut it locked as Liam moved the ute forward up his mom's driveway as he shifted his manual stick around. The ute rumbled and bounced a bit as it continued its trek over the dirt and gravel. Aria took the list and looked over it.

Liam spoke, "We have to into town to get some more feed as well as kibbles for the dogs. We also have to buy some food for the fridge. Mom wants some more of those full wine barrels she liked."

Aria nodded and responded as she buckled her seatbelt, "Alright, well I need to go into town anyways. I need to get some new stuff and maybe get my skin pierced again."

"Pierced? Why," Liam wondered.

Aria giggled as she responded combing her blond hair with her fingers, "Oh, well Bindi found me this old jewelry box I thought I'd lost. I couldn't wear piercings when I joined the Navy, so I had to leave them behind. Now that I found it, I want my naval pierced as well as my nose, my lip and my ears. Again."

Liam gulped as he responded, "Ah, umm…"

Aria looked at him oddly and cocked her head as she responded, "It is okay Liam. Talk to me. What do you think I should do?"

Liam responded carefully, "Well, I think you should slow down a bit. I think piercing yourself a little much."

Aria wrinkled her nose as she touched his hair stroking it. She responded, "You might be right. I think I should stick with my naval and ear piercing for now. Thanks sweethart. Anyways, I pierced my tongue already, but that will do."

Liam gulped and asked, "You pierced your tongue? Doesn't it hurt?"

Aria let out a giggle as she opened her mouth and stuck out her tongue to show him the piercing. She closed it and shook her head, "Not one bit! Hey, let's drive around the Macedon Ranges for a bit and explore. I gotta get some stuff around the area. It's a beautiful day outside."

Liam nodded agreeing as he refocused his attention back to driving. The big 4x4 utility vehicle continued its drive across the road as the Kelpies continued to lay on the back of the truck panting and enjoying themselves in the sun.

Location: Near Clarkefield, Victoria, Australia (25 km from Macedon and 45 km from Melbourne)
Time 11 A.M.

The Nissan Navara ute continued its way along the Settlement Rd headed toward New Gisbourne. On the back was pretty full with several large bags of stock feed and dog food kibbles each, several barrels of wine and a couple of cold containers with some perishable items inside. It mostly covered with a tarp except around a small corral with both Kelpies together resting on the back of the ute.

Inside the cab of the ute on the back was several bags of food stuffs among other items both Liam and Aria shopped for. Other than the items Aria herself brought for her, she was sporting a new clothing look. She brought a new Outback hat which was dark brown. Her curled blond hair was kept down and twisted slightly to rest over her right shoulder. On her left ear were several new piercings along the side and atop the bottom flat part of her ear. Her naval was also freshly pierced with a new metal jewelry attracted to it.

Before joining the military, she was always a wild girl. She briefly remembered a certain long time drunk mate of hers who convinced her to get her naval and tongue pierced. She went ahead and did it. When her parents found out about it, they were upset and grounded her. Because of that, Aria removed her Naval piercing to show them that she wouldn't do that again but in secret she still wore it anyways for her best mates. They encouraged her to dabble into her dark side and just let go. Soon as she got to the Navy, she got in trouble in her training for wearing piercings as it was against regulations. Not wanting to lose her dream of joining the Navy, she finally agreed to remove every piercing she had, locked it in her medium jewelry box and gave it to Bindi for safekeeping. Since then, she had forgotten all about it but was grateful that her friend kept it after all those years.

Aria also brought new clothes as she was wearing her regular tank top while exposing her midriff and showing her naval piercing. She was wearing a short sleeved plaid buttoned shirt but was loose and open. She also brought new black cargo shorts and new Outback dark brown work boots for working outside as she doesn't want to tarnish her regular military boots she uses for running. On her hand, she was holding a new MP3 player she brought with her own funds as she didn't want to keep using her best mate's old player. It belonged to Bindi and Aria didn't want to take it from her. It was such a nice, but old useful player. She was listening to a couple new tunes on it with the ear buds in her ear. On her other hand, she continued to hold her beer for her own nourishment.

As the ute made a turn for Riddell Rd still driving along the old road, Aria put down the player, took out her new Australia Kogan cellphone that she brought and dialed it. Liam turned to her and asked her, "What are you calling?"

Liam focused his attention to the road as Aria smiled at him, removed her ear bud and put her phone next to her ear waiting for a call. On her thumb was a large band ring around it. After taking a sip from her Australian beer, she placed it back into the cup holder and responded touching Liam's hair while smiling, "Your mom."

Her fingernails looked cleaner and more polished. Black Rose color from Kester Black nail polish was painted on all of her nails. Liam smiled and nodded, "Tell her I said hey."

"Sure, sweethart," Aria responded as she kissed him on the cheek. She quickly moved her thumb over to her mouth and started chewing on her freshly polished nail as she kept falling back into her habit. Soon as someone picked up from the other side, Aria spoke, "Hey, Bindi. I am on my way back to the farm with Liam. I'm just calling to say hey. I just brought a new phone so we can stay in touch anywhere."

"That sounds great, hun. How's Liam doing? Did you two have fun driving together around the ranges?"

Aria continued to chew on her thumb nail as she responded, "Liam's doing just fine. He said hey. We just finished buying everything on the list for you and are now headed back."

"You brought other things for yourself as well, didn't you hun?"

There was a bit of an amused or humorous tone in her voice and Aria smiled as she giggled, "Yes I did Bindi. Brought new clothes, polished my nails and pierced both my naval and my ear. Everything a girl needs."

"Wow, you sound like a regular Aussie girl, darling. Oh, before I forget. Could you do me a favor and bring one of the large bags of dog kibbles with you. It is for one of my mates. I got to go. Will I see you around lunchtime?"

Aria nodded and responded, "Sure, Bindi and yes around noon. I am looking forward to hanging with you and exploring the park."

"So am I, darling. Tell Liam I said hey and I will see you soon."

As the phone conversation ended, Aria placed her hand on her lap and stared at the screen on phone for a bit while fiddling with the thumb ring with her other finger. She turned around and looked at Liam as she continued to smile stroking his hair responding, "Your mom said hey, sweetie."

She laid back at her chair and continued to watch him. Liam continued driving the ute through the New Gisbourne town limits.

As the Nissan pulled into Bindi's driveway, Liam drove a bit forward before Aria turned and touched his arm, "Stop here, sweethart. I need to go take one of the large bags from the back and take it to my GTS. I will be with Bindi for most of noon."

Liam nodded as he stopped the ute a bit beside the red Commodore and turned to her, "Okay, Aria. I will see you later?"

Aria wrinkled her nose at him adoringly as they kissed for a bit with her responding, "Yes, Liam, a bit later okay. I need to see my mom and help her out a bit, so I will see you again at five or so before dinnertime. Love you."

Liam nodded again as he waited patiently while Aria opened the door to exit. She removed several bags from the back seat for Liam and placed it on the ground. Closing the doors, she continued walking around and stepped up onto the rim on the side of the ute. Rummaging through the tarp, she removed a large heavy bag of dog food, placed it onto her shoulder and jumped down as she banged on the side of the ute. The Kelpies were awake for a bit and barked at her happily as she waved at them.

As she shifted the weight of the bag over her shoulder, she walked toward her GTS and took out her keys to unlock the back of it. As it opened, she placed the bag inside before closing the door. Taking a couple bags she took from the ute that was on the ground, she headed back inside the house to put it away. A few moments later as she headed back outside to her GTS, she turned it on, looked behind her and sped out backwards quickly.

As she slowed when she hit the side of the road, she continued out of Bindi's driveway carefully and peeled out toward the Regional Park as she placed her sunglasses on. She touched her new hat a bit to readjust it as she turned on the radio. She was always a fast driver and didn't care if she got a few tickets for it. She had enough money from her funds to pay the fines.

About ten minutes of her driving carefully up the hill and around the loop of the road, Aria drive her GTS slowly around the parking lot and found Bindi with another mate. She waved and Aria smiled as she parked the car next to her Land cruiser. Getting out, she walked over to Bindi and gave her a hug as Bindi let out a gasp and responded, "You look different today, hun! Might I say more younger?"

Aria let out a giggle as she nodded, "Yes, Bindi. So, I got your bag in the back. Should I get it?"

Bindi nodded as Aria opened the trunk and pulled out the heavy bag, "Yes please. This is Tom. Tom, this is Aria. I am just giving him my share of the stock."

Tom opened the back of his car and Aria placed it there as she turned offering her greeting shaking his hand, "Here you go Tom. Nice to meet you."

Tom responded cheerfully, "Thank you. It's nice to meet you too. Thanks Bindi. See you later."

Bindi turned to Aria and responded, "So, you ready for your little tour? I am on my lunch break, so I am good for the next couple hours."

Aria wrinkled her nose as she locked her car and wrapped her arm around her mate, "Awesome, thanks mate."

Bindi wrapped her arm around Aria and they walked across the lot toward the stairs to begin Aria's first official tour around the park.

Location: Macedon Regional Park
Time: Thirty minutes after 1 P.M.

After Aria finished the last of her sandwich and downed it with her bottled water, she looked up at the Memorial Cross in the park. She continued to wear her hat to protect her eyes from the sun. Bindi was next to her giving her information about it. She listened as she looked around the path. There were pretty flowers among the grass and near the trees. Bindo continued her tour as they passed a couple of stone figures and under a vine covered bridge. She introduced her to a couple of her friends.

They stopped before an overlook looking at the mountains. Belinda exhaled and let out a sigh as she spoke, "Aria, I have to ask you something."

Aria looked at her a little concerned and wrapped her arm around her arm asking, "What is it?"

Belinda responded, "It is about my son. I noticed his nose was broken and I was wondering if you know anything about it."

"Oh," Aria gulped as she started biting her thumb nail again thinking for a bit. She responded, "It was an accident I swear. He came up behind me and jerked me suddenly that my military training kicked in. I hit him without thinking and bandaged his nose. I apologized to him. Bindi, you know me. I would never intentionally harm Liam."

Belinda let out a releaved sigh as she waved it off with her hand, "Oh darling, I know. I was just asking. Didn't mean to upset you. I trust you with Liam. I won't mention it again. So, how was your tour?"

Aria exhaled and nodded as she drank her bottled water before responding, "It was fun, thanks. I enjoyed all the pretty sights. How long has it been since you worked here?"

Belinda spoke as she tried to remember back, "Oh for thirty years, darling. When I moved here to Macedon with my mate, I quickly found a job here. It's been a pretty wild ride."

Aria checked her watch for a minute and responded, "I have to head home to my mom and help her a bit. Thanks again for the tour."

Belinda turned to hug her and responded, "No problem, hun. You tell your mom I said hi. You will be back later?"

Aria smiled and nodded responding, "Yeah. In a bit later. See you."

Belinda watched her leave and turned back to continue down the path opposite of Aria's.

About an hour of driving from the Regional Park to Aria's mom's home speeding in her red GTS, she slowed to a stop before a turn and into Cassie's driveway. Aria had called an hour ago letting her mom know that she was coming and Cassie suddenly walked out of the front door to meet her. Aria came out and closed it as she smiled turning to her mom. Cassie embraced her and kissed her cheek as Aria pushed her slightly, "Whoa, mom, slow down. I'm here okay?"

Cassie nodded as she smiled, "Yes you are. My, you look different. A little bit younger."

Aria laughed a little as she nodded, "Yeah. I figured if I'm staying here a bit. I might as well make myself home. I'm after all home."

Cassie smiled and nodded corralling her toward the house, "Well hun, I'm glad you home. Why don't you come inside?"

Aria stopped herself before the steps and shook her head, "I'd rather not mom. I'd rather just go around the back and work on the project."

She was still feeling tense especially around her family. Cassie sort of sensed that, but responded, "But hun, I want to just talk to you for a bit. Why can't I get to know my daughter for a bit?"

Aria let out a sigh and responded bluntly, "I think my experience and current attitude says it all."

Cassie let out an exasperated sigh, "Aria, do not talk like that to me! I'm sure there are other things to talk about."

Aria gave her a look and asked, "Like what?"

"Ah, uhh," Cassie tried to think and let out a short growl giving up as she shook her head, "I don't know. Darling, I took the liberty of folding your clothes and hung your uniform in your old room. It's ready if you need it. Talk to Noah, please."

Aria shook her head as she closed her eyes and responded, "No, mom, I'm not going to talk to him. Like I said, he broke a promise. Do not argue with me. Thank you for sorting my clothes and I will go inside to pick them up but that is all I am going to do inside the house because I am going right back out and continue working in the backyard."

Cassie responded giving up as she opened the front door for her, "That sounds fine, darling. I will give you refreshment. I am making lemonade."

Aria kissed her on the cheek and responded, "Thanks mom."

She ran upstairs and opened the door into her old room. A bag of her clothes and her pressed uniform inside a plastic covering was on her bed. She picked them up and was about to leave when she saw Noah looking at her. He looked sad and feeling like he wanted to talk to her. Aria let out a light snarl as she continued scowling at her with anger. Letting out a growl, she ignored him and walked back the steps to her car. Opening the GTS, she placed the bags and uniform in the car and closed the door to lock it.

Taking a run, she moved around the house and headed to the back to take care of putting a canal for the vegetable garden. Cassie came out a bit later to serve her lemonade and Aria took her break drinking it. The sun remained on the sky for a bit as Aria continued her sweat filled work of digging holes and filling the sides with stones and rocks. She continued packing them in to make sure the water doesn't wear the stones out and flows well toward the small creek in the trees.

Location: Bindy and Nate's farm (64 km away from Melbourne)
Time: 11 AM, June 28th

It was Sunday. It was an off day for Belinda as she stayed home to work around the farm. Aria decided to make Sunday the day she stays at the farm all day. She ran this morning like she did the other day and every other day, but there's no going into town anyways unless they had to get something. However, Belinda looked to be well stock always. She was a very consistent and particular about stocking her stores so that her family never runs out. Aria watched from a distance as both Belinda and Liam was working together tending to the horses and riding them around.

Aria was standing on the bottom horizontal post of the corral wearing her same clothing style. She kept her hat on. Her long, curled blond hair down below her shoulders looked to be a little bit longer than before as she was trying to regrow the length without cutting them. She wore her band and watch on her right arm along with a necklace and that same leather bound ivory necklace. On both of her ears were two pieces of jewelry, but on her left ear was a couple more piercings along the upper tip of her ear. On her nose was another piercing attached and her naval piercing was a little different as it was hanging a bit with some intricate design on it and a gem studded in the middle of it.

She wore only one ring which was on her thumb but of a different shade of color. It was a bit gold with some golden shaped leaves engraved on it. The reason for only wearing a thumb ring is because she is a fighter. She wouldn't wear any ring for her other fingers simply because it gets in the way. If she wears her ring on her thumb, then it's easier and makes her feel better. Taking her favorite Australian beer, she continued to drink it and watched both her sweetheart and her best mate tend to the horses.

Aria wore the Snapdragon Kester Black nail polish on her nails this time as she brought a whole set the other day when she went shopping. She decided she would wear different colored nail polish everyday depending on her mood. The color of the Snapdragon offered a bit of a dark burgundy on her small, well-polished nails. Her nails were always cut so that it never grows beyond the tip of her fingers. She was bred as a fighter, so as a fighter she would make sure her nails never grow past that. She clips her nails every day as it was her ritual.

Sunday to Aria would be an off day and as she tried to explain to her mother but she doesn't want to leave the house. Her mother understood. She had been thinking for the past few days since she's been home. She had been thinking about her father's sickness and his coma, her older brother's anger at her being home and his slow reluctance in accepting that she was home, her sister's family and her betrayal by kicking her when she was down, Noah's loyalty and his broken promise, and her mother's slow acceptance that Aria was home. She realized that she had gone nine years without visiting but she never realized how her family would react to her coming home. It was like she was the outcast in the house rather than being a part of the family.

So far, the only home she actually feels like she belonged with Bindi's farm. She loved being in her farm and loved talking to her. That was why she felt like several days when her family pulled the last straw of her patience, she was going to blow up if she stayed another day in her mother's house. It wasn't about her father being sick, Teal and Tally's anger at her, Noah's broken promise and her mother's attempt in trying to talk to her daughter. It wasn't about her sweetheart Liam or her best friend Bindi. Aria just wanted to come back to her roots again and feel free. Unrestricted from her bonds. She wanted to run away from the military life and Stargate just for a little while. She was Aussie, born and bred and she will always be known as a tough, strong independent woman who never grew up.

As Aria took another sip of her beer, Belinda waved at her, "Come on over here hun!"

Aria placed her beer on the post, moved back as she grabbed hold of the corral and jumped over with power. Taking her beer, she jogged across the corral as Belinda asked her, "How long have you been standing there, darling. Why didn't you come over?"

She shrugged as she patted the horse, "Been in my thoughts."

Belinda patted the saddle and responded, "Get on, hun. What have you been thinking?"

As Aria grabbed the saddle, she got on as the horse nickered a bit. She shrugged, "About the past few days since I've been here and tomorrow. I have a big day tomorrow as I have to see some agents. Its nerve wracking, but I can handle it."

Belinda smiled as she responded, "I know you can darling. There is no need to be nervous. I heard from your mom about what happened and I was concerned as well, but I forget. Nine years is quite a long time. Things have changed and stuff won't go your way even if you don't want it too. Your mom loves you, you know that. Your family loves you."

Aria shrugged and responded, "It doesn't feel like it, Bindi. Which is why I love being here. This is my second home and it always was. It was my place of retreat."

Belinda continued to smile as she nodded, "Oh hun, I appreciate that and you are always welcome to stay for as long as you like, but sometimes you have to go back home to your family. I appreciate your hard work around the farm and making Liam happy. You can stay, but it is not forever."

Aria nodded and smiled, "Thank you, Bindi. I do need time."

She looked up and smiled as Liam brought his horse over to her. Liam bent over for a kiss and she grabbed his chest bringing him in for a long kiss. Letting out a giggle, she moved back and stroked his face as she responded, "Hello, sweethart. You ready for riding out?"

On the back of Liam's horse was a small pack containing their lunch. They were preparing for the last hour for a small getaway to explore Macedon's countryside on the back of a horse. Aria still retained her knowledge of horse riding. Liam nodded, "Yes I am."

Aria wrinkled her nose at him and kissed his cheek before turning to Belinda, "Bindi, are you sure you will be alright around the farm?"

Bindi let out a scoff dismissing her, "Oh I will be fine, darling. You just be with your sweethart and I will be find. I got my Kelpies to help around. Have fun."

As both Liam and Aria rode out leaving Belinda behind as she waved at them, Aria had always let Liam take the lead. She took another sip of her beer. He knew exactly where to go on the trail set behind by his father a long time ago. As they entered the forest, they continued riding along. The some birds were seen flying among the trees and singing. Aria spied a Koala climbing a Eucalyptus tree and eating from the leaves.

As the trail continued up, they rode the horses toward an open glade. Aria went a bit ahead and started riding beside Liam. She took his hand and held it as she stroked it gently squeezing it. Liam smiled and nodded ahead, "You see the tree ahead atop the hill? We can stop there and eat."

Aria smiled and nodded as she responded, "Okay sweethart."

The open glade was filled with graze land and flowers. It was cool and windy outside as it blew around Aria's long hair. As the horses stopped before the tree, they both got off. Liam tied the horses to the tree as Aria took the pack and opened their lunch as she placed it on the small, cut grass. She took out one cold beer for her, one cold soda pop for Liam, one large sandwich and a small container containing some berries with granola trail mix. She handed Liam the sandwich as Liam grabbed his soda.

Aria took her had off and placed it in the pack as she shook her head loosening her curled hair. She continued to watch Liam with affection. Liam was about to bite into his sandwich when he stopped and looked at her. He asked a question, "Where is your sandwich?"

Aria shook her head as she cooed a bit crawling toward him, got into his embrace as she laid back onto his chest and responded, "I made only one. We'd have to share unless you want to eat the whole thing? Which is fine with me too. I just want to be with you, Liam that is all. Just hold me."

Aria snuggled into his warm embrace a bit more closing her eyes for a minute to feel his heartbeat and slow breathing of his chest. Liam thought for a bit as he looked at his sandwich and looking down to her. He spoke only the word umm and thought for a bit longer before he decided to break the sandwich in half carefully. Putting down the half, he touched her on the body and moved her closer as she snuggled in more. She took a bite out of Liam's sandwich as Liam kissed her on the head.

After swallowing her food, she looked up and kissed Liam again responding, "Thank you sweethart. I don't want to go back to the farm for a while."

Liam took a bite out of his sandwich and swallowed it as he asked, "Why not?"

Aria shrugged as she took his soda pop and twisted the cap off. She offered it for Liam as he took it and drank a sip. She responded, "Oh it is not permanent. I just want to sit here for as long as I want to. I want you to hold me, and to hug me. Just stop talking and enjoy, okay?"

He nodded and kissed her again as he moved her closer. They laid back against the tree and Aria took another bite from his sandwich before she got sleepy and took her nap. Liam noticed her sleeping a little bit and didn't want to wake her. He continued to look at the country side eating his sandwich and soda pop.