Drovers Run…... Time to Flashback.
Seventeen-year-old Stevie Hall is animated as she bathes her little girl.
Rose is growing so fast and now chats away with occasional two-word sentences thrown in.
Being surrounded by adults the little girl has picked up language easily.
A knock and "Hello!" announces Alex's arrival.
Rosés face lights up and she smacks her hands into the warm bubble filled bath.
Stevie laughs as Alex plays boo with Rose.
"Who's that? Is it Diddy?"
Rose chuckles, points and shouts "Diddy!"
Stevie was dumbfounded when Rose named Alex,
"Diddy "and no one could work out why the name came about.
In a lot of ways, it made life easier for Stevie as many thought she was saying." Daddy."
Single Mothers were often frowned upon but as the locals' assumed Alex was Rose's Father nothing was said to Stevie.
Stevie couldn't care less what the gossips said and for that matter neither did Alex.
Liz and Harry Ryan appeared to dote on the small child and that only confirmed what locals thought and no one would dare ask.
…
Entering the bathroom Alex greets both girls then asks. "We've got some new puppies. I wondered if you'd like to bring Rose over to see them?"
"Sounds like fun." Stevie replies then looking back at Rose asks." Want to see some Puppies?"
"Pup pup ." Comes the reply.
"Mum wanted to know if you'd like to stay for lunch too. Maybe have a swim as well." Alex offers.
"Aren't you busy on the farm? I mean having us hanging around isn't very productive." Stevie suggests.
Alex smiles at her and replies. "Mum, Nick and I love it when you come over because the old man isn't as grumpy when Rose is around."
Stevie laughs and quips." Glad my child can help out the atmosphere on Kilarney."
Alex smiles again and looking at Rose states." How could anyone be in a bad mood with this little cutie around."
"Well, I'll just stay here, shall I?"
Alex elbows her and responds." It's all fun and games until she needs to be fed then I just don't have the right equipment, so you'd best tad along."
Stevie feels her face flush as she blushes.
Alex winks at her and she blushes more.
She flicks him and they both laugh.
….
Kilarney…Flashing back in time….
Summer heat sizzles everything at this time of the year so having the pool is well worth the hassle of cleaning it.
Harry checks the ph balance once more as they're expecting a little visitor and he doesn't want her hurt by the chemicals.
Liz had suggested they erect a partial shade over the shallow end of the pool and he's glad they did.
Not only was it appropriate for Rose but they'd all found it useful in the heat of the long, hot Summer.
…
Inside Liz has finished preparing lunch when Alex, Stevie and Rose appear in the kitchen.
Liz smiles, greets them then takes Rose from Stevie's arms.
"Oh hello beautiful girl. I think you've grown even more since I last saw you." Liz gushes as she kisses the child.
Rose wraps her arms around Liz's neck and snuggles in.
….
"Did you show her the puppies?" Liz asks.
"Yes Mum."
"She loved them, and we had to pry one out of her hands." Stevie chuckles.
Liz smiles then speaks to Rose about the puppies.
"Alex give Stevie the bag." Liz suggests.
Stevie looks surprised until Liz states." We were in Melbourne last week and there were sales everywhere."
Opening the bag Stevie is overcome with emotion. "Oh, my goodness Liz you really shouldn't have."
"Well why ever not. She needs new clothes as she's growing so fast, and I never got to buy clothing for little girls, and I had the best time." Liz answers.
Stevie takes out the items one at a time.
In all there are four of the cutest dresses she's ever seen, a pair of bathers with a cute matching sun hat, two short sets, two little cardigans, a pair of sandals and the most beautiful little teddy bear.
"Oh, Liz they are so beautiful. Thank you so much." Stevie whispers.
Rubbing her arm Liz replies." You are so very welcome Stevie. I know how hard you work, both with Rose and on the farm and as your parents aren't around to help out, I'm very happy too."
Tears slip down Stevie's face.
Liz hands Rose to Alex and offers her arms to Stevie.
…..
Outside by the pool.
With lunch eaten Stevie feeds Rose and the little girl nods off to sleep.
Under the shade of the trees Stevie lays her on the rug Liz brought out earlier.
"You ok now?" Alex asks.
Stevie nods her head and responds." You and your family are so kind to us Alex I don't know how I can ever repay you."
"You're a goose Stevie. We don't do stuff to be repaid."
….
Harry wanders over and sits in one of the chairs.
"I can watch Rose if you and Alex would like to have a swim, Stevie."
Stevie looks at Harry and replies." That would be really nice. Thank you."
Alex and Stevie move over to the pool.
Liz arrives back with a jug of cold juice and announces to Harry. "Nick and Claire have just pulled up so they're coming for a swim too."
Stevie has stripped to her bathers and is gingerly walking down the steps.
"She's stunning, isn't she?" Liz remarks watching as Alex jumps into the pool trying to splash Stevie.
Harry glances at the sleeping baby.
She doesn't move.
"She certainly is." Harry responds looking back to the two young people now wrestling in the pool.
"Do you think she likes him as much as he likes her?" Harry asks.
"I think they're just good friends Harry." Liz answers.
"No romance?" Harry queries.
"Maybe? No matchmaking Harry, there is plenty of time for that, they're both so young." Liz chastises.
"This baby needs a father." Harry grumbles.
"Don't be silly she has lots of lovely males in her life and when the time is right, her Mother will choose a suitable man as a father." Liz growls at him.
"Half the town think Alex is her father anyway." Harry remarks.
"Let them think what they want. Stevie is doing a great job of rearing her baby and if we can help her do that, that's all she needs for now." Liz offers.
The conversation ends as Nick and Claire arrive.
…..