A/N: I've been trying to do two chapters per upload, so as per that schedule, here is chapter five of my newest story. I am so excited about this story, I want to just post it all at once, but I have to have something to do, and you have to have something to look forward to. Thank you to MakesYouSeeTheLight0909, and TheThingAboutLove0042 for both beta-ring this story. I hope it's living up to your imaginations. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.
McLeod's Daughters
A Different Time, A Different Story
Chapter Five: Love To Infinity
December 31st, 2003
New Years Eve
Drovers Run
Afternoon
Vic had organised a New Years Eve party at Drovers Run. Jodi was super excited when she had heard this, having been down the last couple of days since she and Luke had broken up two days ago. She was looking to just let loose, and party for a while. Since their talking on Boxing Day, Tess and Nick hadn't seen each other. The girls had been busy working on Drovers and Nick had been working at Wilgul, trying to get things in order for the newest harvest, but Alex had informed Stevie, who had told the other girls that apparently things between Nick and Sally weren't so great right now, and Tess felt guilty, because she knew she would be the reason. He had obviously told his fiancée that he's the father of her baby. Regardless, they were both apparently coming for the party tonight. Vic had also invited Riley Ward from Killarney, as they had formed a friendship since the last time they had met. Claire had been outraged when she found out that Vic had organised this party without consulting her, which had led to an argument. They're currently giving each other the silent treatment, but Tess was trying to talk Claire into forgiving Vic, because of all the things he could do, planning a celebration with their friends and family wasn't one of the worst ones. Claire knew that her sister was right, but her stubborn McLeod nature prevented her from taking the first step to saying sorry. So, it's going to be a long afternoon, and an even longer night tonight when the party begins. Vic was finalising the list when Tess and Claire entered the kitchen, hearing the names Harry and Liz Ryan made Tess choke on the mouthful of water she had just taken, before asking Vic if he was serious. The man nodded, stating that he had invited Nick, and Harry had overheard, and basically invited himself, Liz, and Sandra to the party, stating that they're 'all family'. Tess groaned, turning to Claire, and telling her that she agrees with her, and she's giving Vic the silent treatment now. The older McLeod laughed, apologising to Vic for overreacting, but stating that if he's invited the Ryan's, then he better be prepared, because if Nick has told Sally that he's the father, things might get ugly, and she doesn't want Tess anymore hurt. Vic promises to be the fighter for her, trying to get Tess to laugh, but she just smirked and raised an eyebrow. If Vic thought that Claire McLeod was stubborn, he hasn't had to go up against Tess McLeod yet. Claire watched in amusement as her boyfriend tried to get Tess to crack… with no luck. This went on for about ten minutes, before Tess broke, and forgave Vic, before heading back outside to help the girls.
The time got later, the sun got lower, the party got closer. Since this morning, things had been running crazy. Vic had been going between Wilgul and Drovers, one organising the party, which Meg had kindly taken over after Vic had to return to Wilgul to help with something, the other was helping Alex and Nick with the crop Sower. Since this had been so hectic, Claire had almost suggested calling off the party, but the girls were so excited about it, and Jodi said that she needed 'something fun to take her mind off her ex'. Claire had sympathised with the young girl, even though at first, she hadn't. They had apparently borrowed a TV so they could watch the countdown, and Alex was organising fireworks, despite it being a total fire ban, and the fact that they're annoying and Claire is worried about how Charlotte will react to the noisy instruments of annoyance, and ridiculousness. Tess and Becky had gone into Gungellan to pick up some streamers for Vic, and stumbled across party poppers and sparklers, deciding to grab a few dozen packets for later tonight, as well as a couple of outdoor lights, and the keg, which Terry had helped with because he doesn't want Tess 'hurting herself or the little bub'. Becky had chuckled at the look on Tess' face, placing a hand on her small baby bump, before getting back in the ute and heading back towards Drovers, shouting to Terry that they'll see him tonight. Tess fell asleep on the drive back to Drovers, much to Becky's amusement. She loves Tess, and she can't wait to see Tess have the baby and be an amazing mother like Claire. Those two women are who she aspires to be like in her life, and she knows that she has good role models in both McLeod sisters. The new sign that Claire had commissioned was in place at the entrance. Reluctantly, Becky woke Tess, who groaned, but smiled when she saw why Becky had woken her. It was the new Drovers sign that Claire had had made for them. Her name, and Claire's names on the bottom as owners. For some reason, that just made Tess grin and clap her hands. The baby kicked, and she placed her hands on her stomach suddenly, laughing to herself, grabbing Becky's hand, placing it where one of hers had been, as the blonde woman gasped when she felt it.
'This is incredible,' Becky said, and Tess nodded, laughing
'Okay, let's go have an amazing New Years Eve,' Tess said, grinning once more at the sign, as Becky put the truck back in gear, and entered Drovers Run
'You're happy Tess?' she asked, as they rounded the corner to the homestead
'Yeah, I'm trying to be. New year, new mindset I think,' Tess said, and Becky hi fived her before pulling the ute up in front of the homestead.
December 31st, 2003
New Years Eve
Drovers Run
Evening/Midnight
The party was well underway by nine that night. As far as the guests go, it was Claire, Vic, Meg, Jodi, Becky, Kate, Jake, Riley Ward, Terry, Moira, Sandra, Liz, Harry, Nick, Sally, Alex, Stevie, Tess, Craig, and Simon Walker from the Truck Stop. Things had been kicking off since everyone arrived, and the place looked incredible. Tess had mostly been trying to avoid the Ryan's but noticed that Claire was actively keeping them away from her as well. She and Nick hadn't talked since Boxing Day, she had let him have time to process the news. Alex was shouting to the guys that they're going to have a game of darts, then Claire asked if she could join in, followed by Stevie and the rest of the girls. In the end, it was girls versus guys, with the teams of Stevie, Jodi, and Claire, against Alex, Riley, and Vic. Tess was going back to her waitressing roots, by helping Meg bringing the food around, that was until Terry offered to take over to give her a break, and Kate told her they had made her a special chair. She laughed when Becky showed it to her, thanking them with a fake bow, before sitting down, taking the lemonade, and pretending to dismiss them. It was all in good fun. For most of the night, Tess just watched everyone playing ridiculous games, cheering when the Drovers women won, giving Alex the mick when he lost, despite claiming that he could beat anyone. Stevie had chuckled at that as well, but it had only led to the older Ryan brother wanting to beat the girls in more things. Claire had put Charlotte to bed, she's only five months old, she won't be able to be up will New Years. The stories that Terry were telling had been enthralling, but of course, at some point in the night, things will hit the fan. It all started to unravel at eleven o'clock, when Sally called everyone to attention so that she could make an announcement. Figuring it was about hers and Nick's wedding, Claire didn't stop her. Mistake number one. Sally announced that she had something important to share with everyone. Nick tried to stop her, but she told him no, as the younger Ryan brother looked up at Tess, she realised what was about to happen. Sally then announced to everyone at the party that Nick is the father of Tess' baby. Because most people here already knew, it wasn't as much of a shock, but Sandra, Liz, and Harry all piped in at that moment. Sally then proceeded to call Tess a bunch of horrible names, before exiting the party, with Nick apologising to Tess, and running after her. Following that, Liz chimed in, her speech included supposedly proving to the people around that Tess was the reason her family was destroyed, that she should never have come back here.
After Liz left following Sally, Harry apologised to Tess, before following after his ex-wife, Sandra just smirking and shaking her head at the younger McLeod, before following suit. Tess disappeared after that, she had claimed to be going to the bathroom, but Stevie found her bawling her eyes out on the bathroom floor, clutching onto the woman like a lifeline. When she tried to leave to get Claire, Tess held onto her tighter, asked her just to stay with her, for a moment. Stevie nodded, pushing the now matted hair, out of Tess' face. This had not been what she'd imagined it would be. She didn't think that Sally would say those things, and she didn't think Liz would either. Sandra probably has something planned as well, because of her look, but the rest of the party basically knew. Except for maybe that Killarney Station Hand. Stevie sat with Tess until she had calmed herself down enough, convincing her to come back to the party, at least bring in the New Year with people who love her. Agreeing, Tess washed her face, putting on some fresh makeup, before returning downstairs with Stevie. Claire met them at the door, but her Lead Station Hand just whispered something to her, before smiling at Tess, who thanked Stevie softly, as the woman headed back over to Alex. Claire hugged her sister, and Vic came over to try and apologise, Tess put her hand over his mouth, and threatened to castrate him if he apologised. Everyone laughed, but no one mentioned what had happened earlier. It was almost midnight, about ten minutes to go, and Alex had brought out the TV, so they could watch the countdown. This will all be last year's drama in about nine minutes… Tess thought to herself, looking at the countdown in the corner of the screen. She grabbed a sparkler, and a party popper and moved over to where Riley was lighting them. The man introduced himself, telling her that he works at Killarney. Tess is polite to him, and he is polite to her, she thanks him, he smiles before heading back over to where Jodi and Kate are standing. Tess took the party hat that Meg placed on her head, chuckling when she took a picture. As the countdown to midnight began, she stood beside Claire and Vic, shouting the numbers down from twenty, and when the clock ticked over to midnight of 2004, she cheered along with the others, accepting hugs from Claire, Vic, and Alex. Tess closed her eyes, making a wish on the new year, then smiled and looked back to Kate, hugging her excitedly. This year, she is going to be better. She is going to be a mother soon, she must be better. For her child.
'Happy New Year Tess,' Claire said, catching up with her sister who had wandered off to Oscar's stable
'Happy New Year Claire,' Tess replied, scratching Oscar's nose and chin as he made a horse noise in happiness
'So, drama in the Ryan household tonight then,' Claire said, leaning on the fence in front of her
'Yeah, their new year started off with a bang… literally,' Tess said, the McLeod sisters breaking out into fits of laughter at their own stupid joke.
January 1st, 2004
Fisher District Surrounds
Fisher District
Morning/Afternoon
This morning, Tess has her twenty-week checkup in Fisher. She's starting her sixth month of pregnancy, and they still don't know what she's having. It was a bustle in the house this morning. Meg made the breakfast, then went out to help the others, whilst Claire told Tess to eat, because it's going to be a long day. They have to go to Fisher for her appointment at eleven, then on their way back, pick up a truck for the sheep to take them to the sales at the end of the week. It's hectic, and Claire doesn't want her sister doing anything on an empty stomach. It's New Years Day as well, so the roads will probably be busy (in the town), and they can't be late. It's two hours to Fisher on a good day, so they have to leave by at least eight. Claire wanted to give themselves enough time to get there and get everything organised. Tess was nervous, but Claire told her that it's a simple ultrasound, they can find out the sex, and then they can begin decorating the nursery. Smirking at her big sister, she muttered something about the 'surprise baby shower', but Claire ignored her, turning to feed Charlotte some food. Tess had caught wind that the girls were planning a baby shower after Kate had left the internet browser open on a search of 'eleven games to play at a baby shower'. That's when she caught wind, so she likes to tease Claire, and she'll act surprised if they end up throwing her one later in her pregnancy. Claire was putting Charlotte in her car seat when she saw the red ute out the corner of her eye. The opening and closing of a car door and then footsteps. Claire finished strapping Charlotte in the car, closing the door, and turning to face Nick. He was standing near Claire, greeting her with a simple hello, before asking about Charlotte, noting that she's 'getting bigger', stupidly, as Claire rolled her eyes. Tess had mentioned that she had invited Nick to this appointment, but Claire figured that after what happened last night, he wouldn't show up. Apparently, the Ryan determination is rock solid. Nick explained that Tess had invited him to come along, and Claire nodded, crossing her arms, and asking about Sally, Liz, Harry, and Sandra. She took some smug satisfaction when Nick looked uncomfortable before he stated that he's dealing with it. But he's not stepping back from Tess or the baby, because of them. He wants to be there for Tess and for the baby. Claire was about to argue something, when Tess came out, drinking from a juice box, bag in her hand, jacket over her arm. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Nick, standing near Claire, he stood up straight, grinning and raising a hand in an awkward wave. Tess smiled and nodded at him, getting in the car. Nick got in the back beside Charlotte.
In the rear view mirror, Claire watched Nick reading a book about pregnancy. She smiled to herself, shaking her head, before checking on Bom, who was almost asleep. Tess didn't know if she should say anything to Nick, she didn't even think he'd still be coming today, considering what happened last night. It's going to be a long drive to Fisher. About thirty minutes into the drive, Nick looked up from his book, and began discussing the learned information with the two sisters, who shared a look before answering some questions that he had. What Claire wanted to know, is why he thinks he can pretend that nothing has changed between them now. That what Sally had said last night just magically went away. There was silence for a while, then Nick caught Tess' eye in the rear view, and apologised for the things that Sally said to her last night. She nodded, thanking him for coming with them, telling him that they're going to know the sex of the baby today. Nick nodded, taking a deep breath. He's nervous. Nick had lied to Sally this morning. She had asked him where he was going, he'd said to Killarney with Alex, but he's actually coming to Fisher with the girls. Claire looked at Nick in the rear view, told him that would 'absolutely backfire', but Nick shook his head, simply stating that he 'doesn't care'. The older McLeod sister warned Nick about hurting her sister, and he promised that he wouldn't. Not anymore. The drive continued in silence, and Nick spent most of it reading the baby book he'd brought with him, much to the amusement of the girls. By the time they got to Fisher, it was quarter to eleven. As soon as they got inside, Nick's palms began to sweat with nervousness. Tess went to check in, Claire picked some seats out of the way, so the pram wouldn't block anything, and pulled the visor down when she was sure that Bom was asleep. Tess sat back down beside her sister, watching Nick pacing back and forth, rubbing his hands on his pants nervously. Claire asked him to sit down, and he did. Sensing his nervousness, Tess asks him if he's okay, because his leg started to shake. Nick nods, trying to maintain his composure, Tess just whispers for him to take deep breaths. He closes his eyes and does that, but hearing Tess' name being called makes it all go out the window. He stands up quickly, knocking over the stack of magazines, causing the girls to give him weird looks, chuckling, as he bent to pick them up, silently berating himself, before following behind the girls, the doctor chuckling and patting his shoulder as well as he caught up with them. Tess was lying on the small examination bed, as the doctor wheeled in the sonogram machine. Nick stood awkwardly beside Claire, who rolled her eyes but was smirking at Tess.
'Okay Teresa, are you ready?' Dr. Michael asked, picking up a bottle of something, Nick wasn't sure, until Tess pulled her shirt up enough to reveal the bump
'Yes, lets do it,' Tess replied, looking at Claire, who was holding her hand and smiling, then at Nick who was watching the whole thing open mouthed
'Okay, this might be a bit cold at first. Nick, would you like to come closer?' Dr. Michaels asked the man, who moved to the other side of Claire, taking a seat in the empty chair she had brought in
'Will we be able to learn the sex of the baby today?' Claire asked, still holding Tess' hand, the doctor looked at them and nodded, smiling
The sound of the heartbeat fills the room. Tess and Claire look at Nick, who is gaping in amazement. Tess watches Nick's expressions as the image appears on the screen of the baby. Claire is also watching Nick, smiling at the younger Ryan brother, as the Dr. moves the wand around on Tess' baby bump. They turn back to look at the screen, just as the doctor says that she can tell them the sex if they would like to know. Nick nervously shifts in his seat, rubbing his palms on his pants. Tess takes Claire's hand again, and nods to the Dr, who smiles and presses some buttons on the machine, before turning back to the three adults in the room, announcing that Tess is having a baby girl. Claire let out an excited squeal, hugging her sister, then turns to look at Nick, who is just enamoured by the image on the screen, mumbling 'it's a girl' to himself. His hands are shaking. Tess grabs his hand, his head flicks up to look at her, and he smiles. Claire asks the Dr. for copies of the ultrasound, and she chuckles, nodding at the girls, organising the copies for Tess, whilst she cleans the gel off her stomach, and pulls her shirt back down, sitting up with Claire's help. Charlotte makes a peep from her pram, and Claire chuckles, but is thankful she doesn't wake up. Nick helps her off the bed, and thanks both Tess and Claire for letting him come along. When the Dr. hands him a copy of the ultrasound, Nick is amazed by it, staring at it the whole way out of the doctor's office, nearly crashing into several things on their way out of the room, with Tess apologising profusely before leaving the office, with her next appointment date, and the pictures. They head back out to the car, and Nick asks Claire if he can put Charlotte in her seat. She looks at Tess, raising an eyebrow at Nick, before stepping back to let him put her daughter in the car seat. Nick had read about doing this, so he hopes he can do it correctly, and he'll need to learn anyway. Claire is impressed when Nick does it without her having to say anything, then he folds the pram down, and puts it in the boot for the girls, raising his arms in the air, and the girls mock clap for him, as he laughs and bows, getting in the back again, grinning at the job he had done. Nick spends some of the drive back, talking to Charlotte, showing her the ultrasound picture, and reading his book. Tess fell asleep on the drive back to Drovers, which made the silence more awkward, as Claire didn't really have anything to say to Nick, and Tess is kind of the buffer between them right now, mostly to stop Claire from saying what she really thinks right now.
About an hour into their two-hour drive, Nick breaks the silence, by thanking Claire for letting him come along with them, then referring to the picture in his hands, says that it's amazing. Claire rolls her eyes, but she's smiling, just watching her long-time friend being excited about this, despite his fiancée, and family being dicks about it. She told Nick that she doesn't want Tess to hurt any more than she already is, so he needs to keep Sally, and his mother in line, or she'll tell Tess to keep him out of things. Nick promised that things would be fine, that he's spoken to both of them, and that he doesn't want to hurt Tess any more than he already has either. Satisfied with his answer, Claire asked about what had happened when he and Sally left last night, and Nick sighed, rubbing his forehead. He told Claire that he hadn't even told her that he's the father, she found a pregnancy book in his office, and flat out asked him if he was. At that point, he just couldn't deny it. Claire nodded, looking at the man in the rearview. He went on to say that his mother had suggested some ridiculous things that he had immediately shut down, like Tess being a 'glorified surrogate' and that she should 'give birth and let Nick and Sally raise the baby as their own'. Claire slammed the brakes, skidding the car to the side of the road, Tess jolted awake, as did Charlotte, as the older McLeod turned around and shouted 'Liz said what´ at Nick, who nodded. He promised that he wasn't going to let that happen, that even Sally thought that idea was ridiculous and shut down Liz's tirade about it, as Tess asked what had happened, why Claire had stopped the car so abruptly. Nick went to tell Tess, but Claire shook her head, just telling her sister that she had almost hit a kangaroo and had to stop quickly. She checked on Charlotte, before sending one last glare at Nick, who nodded, understanding as Claire got back on the road. For the rest of the drive, the only noise was the radio. Tess had managed to fall back to sleep, as had Chalotte, and Nick was alternating between reading his book, and looking out the window. They got back to Drovers just after two o'clock, Tess woke up as Claire pulled up next to Nick's car. The girls had come out to greet them, Meg unbuckling Charlotte from her seat. Tess got out of the car, to the girls anxiously waiting to hear what the sex of the baby was. She told them that it's a girl, and they all squealed excitedly, hugging her, and her belly, the smile on Tess' face was contagious, as the celebration continued. Nick was smiling as well, pulling out the ultrasound picture to proudly show the girls, who with urging from Tess played along as well. After that, Tess remained outside with Nick, whilst the others went in.
'Thanks for letting me come along today. I have never known love to infinity until I saw the baby on the screen, and heard that heartbeat,' he said, stepping over to his car, Tess nodding as she followed him
'Yeah, I know. I fell in love with her the first time I heard it, and I haven't even met her yet. Thank you for coming with us. I know this is complicated for you, with Sally and your mum, but I would like for you be involved Nick, as much as you can be,' Tess said
'I want to be involved Tess. You call me, I'll be here. Whatever you need,' he said, and Tess nodded, smiling, and stepping back so he could get in the car, waiting until he was out of sight before she turned to go inside, Kate meeting her at the door
'So, I have a list of fantastic baby names that I think you'll love…' she said, following Tess into the house whilst the blonde sister just rolled her eyes, and smiled.
January 5th, 2004
Fisher District Surrounds
Fisher District
Afternoon/Evening
Now officially in her sixth month of pregnancy, and Tess was getting antsy. She hasn't ridden Oscar in almost a month, and she misses her horse, but the doctor told her that it's not safe for her to ride, so she's stuck with driving most places, which is fine, but she has to be careful there as well. Claire got on a horse when she was seven months pregnant, it had been lightly walking around the riding ring though, so nothing strenuous, and she doesn't know long she'd be able to put up with it for. They're in the north paddock currently, cleaning out some vegetation in case there is a chance of bushfire coming their way. Tess is helping, she's clearing out some of the smaller things, and has been control burning around the perimeter of the lake, just in case something occurs. She's with Stevie, Claire, and Becky, all of whom are lifting the heavier things. The guys had been helping them clear things away as well, but on this particular day, when Nick and Alex showed up to help the girls, and he saw Tess carrying sticks, Nick flipped out. Alex put a hand on his shoulder, reminding him of how scary Tess is when she's not pregnant and hormonal, and to be careful telling her to not do something just because she's pregnant. When Nick had come back from the hospital with Claire, and Tess, and shoved the ultrasound at him, talking about hearing the heartbeat, and seeing the image on the screen, Alex couldn't help but smile. He was even more excited when Nick told him that he's going to have a niece. His little brother is going to be a father, and he's excited. He likes to take the mick out of him for stupid things, and the way Nick talks about the baby, how excited he is about it, is just something that can't stop Alex smiling. The happiness emanating from his brother is palpable and contagious. But he couldn't stop this. Nick got out of the car, and called out to Tess, who greeted him cheerfully, throwing the small pile of sticks into the trailer, before turning to look at the younger Ryan brother, as he tells her that she shouldn't be lifting heavy things. All eyes went to Nick, Alex couldn't stop the laugh escaping as he saw Tess' eyes darken, as she crossed her arms, asking him where he gets off telling her what she can and can't do. Nick digs an even deeper hole for himself, when he tells her that she's pregnant, he doesn't want her overexerting herself. Tess nods, but not in an 'I agree' with you way, it's more of a 'I'm nodding because I'm trying not to murder you right here and now' kind of way. Alex takes a step back when Tess walks over to him, picking up the fencing wire from the back of Alex's ute, and carrying it over to Stevie, before turning to tell Nick that she's not lifting anything heavy, it's all rather light weight. Nick gives in, but he doesn't give up, going to help with the fence, whilst Tess continues helping clear the sticks.
Just because Nick is the father, and he knows that he's the father, doesn't mean he can treat her like an invalid. Tess made this clear to both the Ryan brothers, who had mentioned to Tess about taking a break. She did need a break, and Claire had made her take one as well, so Tess gave in, and got in the truck, having a drink of water, and just sitting for a moment. She hates this hovering thing that Claire and now Nick are doing. It was fine before, she was able to continue working without any trouble, and she's had to sacrifice a lot. This she tells Alex and Nick, stating that she hasn't ridden Oscar in months, to which Nick says that's good, she can't fall off and she shouldn't be riding anyway, the doctors don't recommend it for pregnant women, she has given up being able bend over, and see her feet, and sleep comfortably, and she's constantly moody, and hungry, and tired. All of this said as she was glaring at the boys, who were rightfully realising that pregnant Tess is terrifying. Nick told her that they're all just worried about her, causing Tess to start crying, Nick to backtrack, Tess to smack him and tell him it's just hormones, and for Nick to blush in embarrassment, after which Stevie, Alex, Becky, and Claire laughed at him for overreacting. It's been complicated. The rest of the day goes smoothly, and when they're done for the day, they all head back towards Drovers. Vic is waiting for them there, with some news for Alex and Nick, about the delivery that came to Wilgul, looking suss, and causing all the eyes to turn to the boys, who just brushed it off as 'farming stuff', before thanking Vic, and the girls, and getting in the car, driving back to Wilgul. Claire jumps on Vic's back, giggling as he stumbles, but ultimately steadies, and carries her into the house, the girls just smiling at the two of them. Tess has been trying to eat better now that she's in her sixth month of pregnancy, and that means that the others have also been doing that. They sit down to eat, and Vic tells Claire that Nick and Alex are building a nursery at Wilgul for when the baby is born, if she ever needs to stay with her dad. Claire in turn, tells Vic what Nick told her Liz had said to him, and he threatens to kill the woman if she tries anything stupid. Claire tells him to keep it from Tess, she doesn't need her sister panicking, and Claire is happy that Nick is involved, she wants him to be. She's just worried about Liz and Sally, and them having their way.
'So, tomorrow I think we should check the west paddock, just to be safe. There is meant to be a thunderstorm coming, so I don't want any chance of a bushfire that will threaten us, if we can help it,' Claire said, and the other women nodded
'I know that the south paddocks are stocked full of twigs and stuff from that wind storm the other day. It might take a whole day to clear it,' Becky said, grabbing the potatoes from Meg
'Well, if we need to, we'll get the boys to help us out, and we might have to ask some of the Killarney hands for help as well, because it doesn't just affect us, it affects them as well,' Claire said, and Jodi blushed
'I could… ask Riley if we need him,' she said, hiding her face from the girls, but Becky and Kate smirked at each other.
January 7th, 2004
Wilgul
Fisher District
Afternoon
Claire, Becky, and Stevie had gone over to Wilgul to help Nick and Alex with their nursery project. Whilst this was going on, Sally was in the kitchen, just washing the dishes, ignoring the entire thing, although she has been trying to come to terms with the knowledge that her fiancé is going to be a father… to the baby of another woman. A woman that he clearly still loves. She has been trying to just accept the situation, because she and Nick aren't married yet, and she has no plans to leave, and let him just get away with this, she wants to stay, but she doesn't know how long she can do this for, and her parents are coming to visit them soon, how is she going to explain this to them? On the surface, Liz was pretending that she was so mad at this whole situation, wishing that it was Sally having the baby, but after what she had said to Tess at New Years, and Nick's reaction to that, threatening to cut her out of the baby's life if doesn't learn to accept the situation, she has been thinking about everything that happened. She has become enamoured by the idea of being a grandmother. This she was telling Claire, who rolled her eyes, and pointed out to Liz that she doesn't deserve to be in the baby's life after what she told Nick she was going to do. Liz, unaware that Nick had shared that information, told Claire that she hadn't wanted things to turn out this way, that she had tried to protect Nick, that she didn't want the Ryan name tainted, and she did what she had to do to make sure that Nick and Sally got together, even if it meant blackmailing her own son with a lie that she could destroy Drovers. Claire was so shocked by what she had just heard come out of Liz' mouth, that she thought she had lost her mind. It wasn't until Alex called out to her that she broke out of her stupor. Liz was gone, and Claire stood gaping at the space she used to stand in. Liz blackmailed Nick into going back to Sally with bogus evidence that she could destroy Drovers… Claire had to tell someone about this, but there is no way that Nick would believe that his mother had done something like that. For everything that Liz has done to her own family, and to the McLeod's, this is the worst thing, and Nick has every right to love his mother, but she can't believe he fell for this. That he's letting her do this to him, and to Tess… and to the baby. She claims she wants to be in the baby's life, but Claire doesn't trust her after learning this information. The nursery was coming together. Sally had picked out some colours as well, Nick explaining that it's 'hard enough for Sally, he wants her to feel included in something', to which Claire just rolled her eyes, but agreed, as she and Sally settled down to paint the room in the chosen colours. Claire whispered to Stevie that they must make a better nursery at Drovers, to which the woman nodded in agreement.
Nick wanted to surprise Tess with the crib he was making, and Claire had mentioned to him that she was planning on giving her sister the crib she'd had when she was a baby, that Jack had made for her at Drovers, so Nick agreed to have his crib here at Wilgul, and Claire thought that was a nice compromise. There had been much discussion and causal teasing of Nick, when they found the baby books he'd left in his study, much to the chagrin of Sally, who tries to ignore they exist. It's bad enough that Nick pinned the sonogram picture on the fridge, and whilst she can respect that her fiancé is excited, he's also not very good at considering her feelings about things. This is meant to be their house. Hers, and Nicks. Now they've had to add a nursery for a kid that isn't even hers, and she doesn't know if she even wants to acknowledge that it's going to exist. She can't even acknowledge the gender of the child, her mind just refers to the baby as it. Sally was full force into the wedding planning, and had earlier told Nick of her plans to exclude children from the wedding, but he had asked about having the baby there, but he has phrased it as 'what about my daughter? I want her there,'… and Sally had almost broken down on the spot. She has to have a reminder of Nick's love at their reminder of love? She couldn't say no, but she did. She reminded Nick that it's their wedding, that it's about them. He told her that he's not getting married without the baby there, and Sally had thrown a tantrum. Now she's in here, planning the wedding, one that she doesn't know if they're even going to have, considering the circumstances currently. But she does have one thing over Tess… she has Nick. She's marrying Nick. She might have the baby, and his attention for the moment, but she'll have that soon enough. Sally flipped through her wedding scrapbook. She and Liz had already talked about them getting married at Killarney, so the venue is done, and the catering is done. They just have to pick a date. She's already got a date in mind, but she knows that Nick will never accept it. Standing beside Claire, helping her paint a nursery wasn't what she thought she'd be doing with her day, but Claire was being nice to her, so that's a positive outcome. Liz had been acting strangely, and when she returned later, she was overly excited about things that were happening, but Claire wasn't convinced the woman was being sincere. Nick could see through his mother as well, rolling his eyes at what she said. When they took a break for lunch, Claire went up to Nick, outside in the shed, checking on the crib.
'I know…' she said, standing in front of him, arms crossed, almost glaring at him
'You know what?' Nick asked, grinning, chuckling, but quickly changing his tune at the look on Claire's face
'Your own mother, blackmailing you. How can you put up with that Nick? You know the evidence she has is probably bogus right? Did you ever really love my sister?' Claire asked
'Yes. I love Tess. I love her so much that I had to hurt her Claire. I had to, because then mum won't ruin Drovers. She won't hurt Tess, or you, or the baby. This is the only way Claire,' Nick said, moving around Claire and darting back into the house, leaving a stunned McLeod in the shed
January 7th, 2004
Drovers Run
Fisher District
Evening
Claire told Stevie about the blackmail. She didn't want to, but she had to tell someone, and she can't tell Tess. The red-haired woman was furious, standing up, pacing back and forth in the kitchen, calling Nick spinless, and a coward, and asking Claire if there is anything that Liz could have on them that could destroy them. Claire told Stevie that she doesn't know, she'll go through all the books, everything later, try to find what Liz might be talking about, but she told Stevie to keep this to herself, and don't tell anyone, including Alex and Tess. Stevie promises to keep it to herself, but also promises that she'll castrate Nick if she has to, and Liz and Sally if they come after them, Tess, or the baby. Claire couldn't wrack her brain for what Liz could be using as her evidence for destroying Drovers. Vic had to stay at Wilgul tonight, but he had called Claire earlier, asked her if she was okay, because she left soon after he got back, and she told him that she was fine, just tired, needed to get home. Tess was upstairs asleep, which Claire was thankful for, as she had decided to go through all the paperwork, try to find this ridiculous evidence. All their current contracts, all the money that they owed… the overdraft. The overdraft has been… Claire read and re-read the document about seven times before the words registered in her brain: The overdraft has been paid in full, Drovers Run is now not in debt, and is making money. Claire was gaping at the piece of paper. She noticed the amount that had been paid and frowned. Sure, she and Tess had done a great job at getting the overdraft lower, but they hadn't made enough to pay it off, let alone all the loans to the bank as well. Vic had been talking to her about the financial situation of Drovers Run and had asked her if she wanted him to help her, because he just wants her to be protected. Claire shook her head… he didn't… he wouldn't… she picked up the phone, dialed Wilgul, apologised when a sleepy Nick answered the phone, asking if she could speak with Vic. Nick groaned, but put him on, and Claire asked him about the money situation. He told Claire that he doesn't want anything for it, no money back, nothing. He loves her, and Charlotte and Tess, he did it because he wants things to be good, and then admitted to Claire that he's loaded, and he wants to put as much money as he can into Drovers and the girls. Claire didn't know what to say… so she just hung up, resting her head in her hands, knowing that she's gone crazy, because she starts laughing manically to herself, before the smile crossed her face. She has to marry that man when he asks now. But that didn't fill her with dread.
A/N: Happy New Year. D.
