"What do you think?"

"I want to know when you set this up," Nina told him as they sat down together.

"The pixies of Erinsborough did it for me," he laughed.

Before she could talk, Jack fed her a chocolate-covered strawberry. Then he handed her another, taking one for himself. They were quiet for a while as they relaxed, happy to be together.

"When did you get here?" asked Nina. "And why did you say you couldn't come?"

"I wanted to surprise you. So I caught the flight after yours. I arrived at about ten thirty last night," replied Jack. "Are you surprised?"

"Of course I am!"

"You aren't mad, are you?"

"No. I'm glad you're here." She rested on his chest.

"So am I. I didn't realise how much I missed our friends."

"Me either. Especially after only six months."

"Did you tell Lou yet?"

"No. I'm not sure if I should."

"He's hurting you, Nina. Lou might be able to help."

"I know, I don't need to be reminded." She ran her hand through her hair and sighed. "This is enough of a reminder. When I left India, I thought I'd be able to grow it out again."

Jack gently wrapped his arms around her. "You can. Screw him. It's not his choice to make."

"I don't want to think about it today. I just want to enjoy being twenty-one."

He nodded. "Understood." He gave her a kiss. "We should get going or we'll be late to lunch. I have another surprise for you later."

"I don't need anymore surprises, Jack."

"Last one, I promise."

"It better be," she warned him.

Jack smiled. "It is." He lifted her up.

After a couple of quick kisses, Nina let Jack lead her to Ramsay Street. It was clear that Lou had told everyone that she was visiting. She could see Karl and Susan with Toadie. Lyn and Steph were playing with Oscar nearby. There were so many familiar faces and a few that she didn't recognise.

"Nina?"

Nina turned around with a smile. "Connor!" She threw her arms around him.

"Happy birthday."

"Thank you. I've missed you. How are you?" Nina looked up when a shadow fell over her. "Stuart?" she asked with a giant smile. "I've missed you guys so much!"

Connor grinned. "We've missed you too Bitsy Redfern. Was I right or not?"

"Maybe about being a star. But not about my name. The name Nina is a popular name," laughed Nina.

"I still prefer Bitsy. I think Michelle and Summer were both wrong."

"Regardless, I am not changing my mind. I am Nina Tucker, no matter what."

"Nina is perfect for a superstar," Stuart told her.

"Thank you. How are you guys?"

"We're good, though we have been pretty lonely without you."

"To tell you the truth, India and America are very lonely. I never realised how many friends I had here until I was halfway around the world."

"Jack's with you, isn't he?"

"Yeah, and I'm happy, but I still miss everyone. Erinsborough is the first real home I had."

"We'll always be here, you know. You can always come and visit us."

Nina smiled. "Thank you guys."

Stuart hugged her tightly and wished her a happy birthday before walking off. Then it was Connor's turn. He pulled her into a hug, whispering a happy birthday to her.

"Thank you," said Nina as she finally let go and went looking for Jack.

It wasn't long before everyone noticed Nina. Some of them seemed to not recognise her, which actually didn't surprise her anyway, but a few people grinned and came over to her. Susan was the first to reach her.

"Nina! I have missed you so much."

"I missed you too Susan. How are you? How's Karl?"

"We're both good. Karl and I have worked out our differences."

"I heard about that. I'm really sorry you two had such a bad run."

"It's alright. These things happen. But we're back together again and things are working themselves out. How are you doing?"

"I'm okay. It's been a bit of a rough year, but I have Jack and he's the most amazing person I've ever met."

"Lou mentioned that something seemed off when you two spoke yesterday and this morning. Is something wrong?"

Nina hesitated. She thought about telling Susan the truth, but decided against it after a moment. "No. I'm alright. I'm just really jet-lagged, and Lou doesn't seem to understand that."

"He understands, but he doesn't care. He just wants to make sure you have fun."

"I know he does. He made that pretty clear yesterday when he all but dragged me on stage."

"He told me you enjoyed yourself."

"I did, but I also wanted to sleep."

Susan laughed. "You know, Jack wants to do something with you later."

"I know. Another surprise apparently."

"It'll be good, I'm sure."

"Yeah, it will. Jack and I have gotten so close lately, it's like he knows me better than I know myself."

"Nothing wrong with that. That's how Karl and I are. Most times."

"Are you sure that you two are okay?"

"Yes Nina, don't worry about us."

"Sorry, but you are my friend, and I worry about my friends."

"I know. How's America? Is it nice over there?"

"America's pretty great. But it isn't home. I miss home a lot."

"Well, we miss you too. How long are you staying?"

"A week or two right now. Maybe longer. I'm not really sure yet."

"Well, when you decide, let me know. And you are welcome to stay with Karl and I if you want to. Jack can as well."