A/N: I've been trying to do two chapters per upload, so as per that schedule, here is chapter six 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 Six: Once In a Lifetime
January 15th, 2004
Fisher District Surrounds
Fisher District
Morning/Afternoon
On the fifteenth, Nick got back from working with Alex on the fences, to find Sally's parents sitting in the living room of the Wilgul house. He wasn't aware they were coming but was comforted by the fact that Sally didn't know they were coming either. The Clemments had been making themselves comfortable in the house, Nick glanced over at the door to the nursery, then back at Sally, who placed a plate of sandwiches on the table, and sat down beside her mother. She explained that her parents had come to see her, and they would be staying for a week, mostly to help her pin down some stuff for the wedding, all of this said with a smile, as Mrs. Clemments asked Nick what his preference for food would be at the wedding, and he looked between the three sitting in front of him, and stated that he much liked Chicken. Mr. Clemments, grabbing a sandwich, agreed with the boy, and told his daughter and wife to have chicken, the best meal for them to have. Alex entered the house at that point, removing his hat and awkwardly looking around before Nick explained that Sally's parents are here for the week. Alex nodded, apologising for interrupting but he's just grabbing some things for outside. Nick smiled, silently begging Alex to help get him out of this with his eyes, but his brother didn't get the message, excusing himself, as he entered the office, and closed the door. The Clemments had come all the way from Melbourne to see their daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law. Nick grabbed a beer out of the fridge, handing one to Mr. Clemments also, and popped the top off, taking a swig before trying to maintain any train of thought. His initial thought was that Sally had told them about Tess, but of course she wouldn't have done that. There is supposed to be a fundraising event at the Truck Stop tonight, for Gungellan Fresh, which Sally had mentioned, and her parents were interested in attending. Alex came out just as Nick said that it would be fun for them all to attend the Gungellan Fresh fundraiser together, before apologising and excusing himself to go back to working with Alex. Mr. Clemments decided to join the boys outside, with Alex awkwardly giving him a simple job, whilst Nick was trying to keep calm. Had Sally told him that her parents would be coming? Maybe she had and he'd not been paying attention. Either way, he knew that this week was going to be ridiculous. He just has to keep them out of the nursery and keep the information about Tess and the baby from reaching their ears. Alex was having a conversation with Mr. Clemments (John) about his business, and what Alex should be doing to make money, instead of wasting his time. Nick mouthed sorry, and Alex held up a beer and six fingers. Nick nodded.
Stevie, Claire, Tess, and Becky had spent the better part of the morning at the Truck Stop, setting up for tonight's Gungellan Fresh fundraiser. Claire would have rather been on the farm, but this was the only chance they had to set everything up, and with Tess unable to lift heavy things, she was needed to move the heavier items, despite her sister trying without any luck. Tess is now currently sitting in a chair that Terry had brought out for her, watching as the others work, feeling guilty that she can't help them. Becky had told her that it was alright, that she doesn't have to keep saying it, they're not mad. But they're getting annoyed at her constant apologising. Tess started putting together the pamphlets for tonight, that was something she could do that didn't involve heavy lifting, or too much effort. Her fingers would no doubt be sore at the end though. Jodi had been wanting to come and help, but they needed her to stay at Drovers. At two, Stevie, and Becky headed back to Drovers to get ready, whilst the McLeod sisters remained behind to put some last-minute touches on the venue. Tess watched Claire moving a table for the fifth time. She's still sitting down, and she's been drinking water, and eating food, but she feels dizzy, this she relays to Claire, who stops her fussing of the furniture and goes over to her sister. Tess just closes her eyes, telling Claire she's just dizzy. For a moment, it passes, and she is able to walk to the car with Claire, getting in, before her sister is driving them back to Drovers. Maybe she just needs a nap? Tess tried to nap on the way back to Drovers, but she just couldn't get herself to get to that place. When they arrived back, Claire helped her out of the car, and into the house, where she told Meg what was going on. Tess got all the way up the stairs before the urge to vomit hit her and she dashed into the bathroom quickly. Claire knelt beside her, holding her hair out of her face, and rubbing her back. Meg appeared with a towel, and a wet cloth, as well as soda water. Tess asked if she had done something wrong, if the baby is okay, and Claire told her to stay calm, she'll get the doctor on the phone. Tess nodded, taking deep breaths, as Meg helped her to her feet, and walked with her slowly back to her room, where Tess laid down on her bed, immediately burying her face in the pillow, groaning when Meg asked her a question. Claire appeared then, on the phone, explaining to the doctor what was going. She sat down on the end of Tess' bed, ignoring her sister trying to hit her with a pillow. The doctor relayed some questions to Tess, who answered them, and then Claire hung up the phone.
'She told me to tell you that your symptoms sound like a generalised migraine, that it's not got any affect on the baby, but that you should rest, and drink lots of water,' Claire said
'What about Panadol?'
'You're pregnant Tess. You can't have anything like that. I'm sorry. Bury your face in the pillow, I'll shut the blinds and the door, and you can have complete darkness. Try to rest, so you'll be alright for tonight,' Claire said, as Tess nodded, hearing Claire moving around her room
'Mmmm… Nick,' was the last thing Claire heard before she pulled the door closed, shaking her head, and heading back downstairs to finish the work they had to get done by tonight.
January 15th, 2004
Gungellan Truck Stop
Fisher District
Evening
The Gungellan Fresh Bi-Annual Fundraiser kicked of a four pm. It wasn't an overly fancy event, but people put on their best clothes, and made their way to the Truck Stop, where Meg and Terry had pulled out all the stops. Tess had woken up about an hour ago, feeling better, but not great. She had promised Claire and the others that she would be fine for tonight. Vic had been around, and Claire told Tess that he had paid off their overdraft, plus some other outstanding bills, and that he's 'well to do' apparently. Old money. Tess had asked Claire if she loved Vic, and her sister had said yes. So, Tess told her not to worry about the money. Vic knows that she wants to do it herself, but he's trying to help. He had promised that he would consult them both before making any more purchases, so that should have been enough for the eldest McLeod sister. Whilst Claire agreed, she and Vic were still at odds over what he had done. Claire felt like he thought she couldn't handle it, but Tess had told her that he was their 'knight in shining plaid'. Vic had been around today, and he and Claire had apparently worked out their differences. He'll be there to help if Claire needs, but she wants to pay him back what he has paid for them. To prevent another argument, Vic agreed to do it Claire's way, which had put him back in good with his girlfriend. They had made up, and now he's back at Drovers. Tess had hugged Vic when he showed back up, telling him she missed having him around, and that her sister is stubborn. She wants Claire to be happy, and Vic does that for her. He does that for all of them. When Claire, Vic, and Charlotte are together, they're the happiest Claire has ever seen them, and Tess wants that. She has to live vicariously through them, because otherwise she won't survive. They're standing around near the snacks table when Nick and Sally arrived… followed by two more people. All the Drovers women gather near to each other, whispering, wondering who the people are. Tess is the one who tells them that it's Sally's parents. She says this, whilst sipping her lemonade through a straw, dressed in a beautiful short teal blue fluffy dress, and some tan coloured sandals. The Drovers girls soon realise that things could get very awkward tonight, especially if Sally hasn't told her parents about Nick and Tess… hell it will be awkward if she has told her parents. Nick looks terrified, so Claire thinks it's the first option. Sally heads over towards them, Tess is chatting with Terry about something, and laughing at a joke. Her dress shows the bump, not well, but it's noticeable if you're paying attention. Sally introduces her parents to the Drovers Women, Joan, and John Clemments. They shake the hands of each of Sally's parents, and Stevie asks them how long they're in town for. Joan responds that they're here for a week, to help Sally out with the wedding planning, and everyone nods.
The first speech was given by Alex, as he welcomed everyone, and explained to those who might not know what Gungellan Fresh aims to do, and how it benefits everyone in the district. There were cheers, then Alex went on to talk about what they're raising money for, and asking everyone to give what they can, it will all help, before thanking everyone for coming, and ending his speech. Sally's parents excitedly ask Nick about how much fun all of this is, and how amazing it must be to live in such an amazing place. He explains that it's more hard work than fun, but he does enjoy it. Alex approaches his brother, patting him on the shoulder, and asking the Clemments if they would like anything. Considering they're staying at Wilgul with them, Alex is surprised that he hasn't really had a chance to talk to them. Then again, he's not exactly thrilled at the situation, and it's clear that neither Nick nor Sally have told them what is going on. They had to pretend that the nursery was being converted into a guest room, with Sally's mother awkwardly pointing out to Nick and Sally that they should be practicing for their own little one. Alex choked on his beer, excusing himself when Nick punched his arm, and rolled his eyes. He went over to where Stevie was chatting with Phil and Claire, wrapping an arm around her waist, and pressing a kiss to her temple. Claire was asking Phil to reconsider something, but he just walked off, Claire shouting after him. Alex asked if something was wrong, and Claire just rubbed her forehead, explaining how Phil is pulling his cattle from adjistment at Drovers, because of concerns over the mangal crop that has been growing. Stevie was pissed as well, they need the money (she doesn't know about Vic), and Phil is always an ass about these kinds of things. Sandra Kinsella-Ryan was the biggest threat of the night. Always looking for a way to destroy Claire and Drovers, when she heard that Sally's parents, Nick's future in-laws were here, she smirked to herself and went over to introduce herself, as Nick's stepmother. They were shocked, but she nodded explaining the situation between herself and Harry. It's clear that Harry didn't like her saying this and made it clear that he and Liz are still on good terms, but that she's not here tonight. The Ryan's, and the Clemments had made plans to meet up and have dinner all together at Killarney, to get to know each other. But Sandra had other ideas. Once Harry had left, she turned back to Sally's parents, whilst Nick saw her, but it was too late. He dashed over to where Sally's parents were, grabbing Sandra's arm, and pulling her to the other side of the room, whilst Sally just looked at him confused.
'Do not do what I know you're going to do Sandra. We don't need this tonight,' Nick said, crossing his arms, glaring down at the woman
'I wasn't going to do anything except get to know your future in-laws, Nick. Besides, they deserve to know the truth about their future son-in-law don't you think?' Sandra asked, going to move away, but Nick grabbed her arm again
'Sandra, please don't do this. You're not just doing it to me, you're doing it to Sally… and dad. Just… leave it… please…' Nick basically begged, but Sandra just pulled her arm out of his grip, and pushed her way back through the crowd, Nick ran his fingers through her hair
'What's going on Nick?' Sally asked, catching up with her fiancé as he explained about Sandra
Most of the night was spent trying to keep Sandra away from Sally's parents. It had been mostly successful. Right now, Joan is talking to Claire, and fawning over Charlotte and Vic and how they're a cute little family. She mentions how excited she is for Nick and Sally to have a little one of their own, and when Vic makes a sound, Claire blows him. He excuses himself, carrying Charlotte over to the dance floor, where Meg and Terry are mime dancing with her. Claire apologises for her boyfriend and asks the Clemments how they're enjoying staying at Wilgul. Joan laments how she always thought her daughter would settle in the city and lets Claire in on the secret that she and her husband are planning to buy a house near the city for Sally and Nick when they get married. Claire is surprised but tells them that Nick won't ever leave the country to live. He'll visit, but his home is here. Joan just waves her hand and says that 'minds can be changed Claire'. She smiles, nodding in agreeance, before realising what the plan is. She wonders if Mrs. Clemments is in on the blackmail plan that Liz concocted. She also realised that the woman has no idea about Tess being pregnant, and Nick being the father. This is going to get ugly before it gets better… as the clock ticked over to seven pm, Tess got up on the stage to give her speech, once again thanking everyone for coming, and then taking questions from the audience. This was the time when people could get constructive questions answered. Like Phil Rakich, who had been bullying them all night. He asked if Drovers Run had a poison plant problem, and Tess basically told him to pull his head out of arse, or she'll do it for him. The girls cheered, and Phil sat down, salty that he'd been told off. Tess reminded people to ask questions about Gungellan Fresh. When no more questions came, Tess thanked the crowd once more, and was about to leave the stage when Sandra's voice could be heard from the back of the crowd. Her hand in the air, that stupid smirk on her face. Claire glanced over at Nick, who quickly moved over to Sandra, whilst Sally tried to convince her parents that it was time to leave. Tess rolled her eyes, then asked Sandra what her question was. Boldly, Sandra just asked Tess to share with the room who the father of her unborn baby really is. She caught Nick's eye, and Sally's eye, before crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow at Sandra. The irrelevance of the question was pointed out by Stevie, and Kate, but Sandra was insistent that it was completely relevant to several people here. Sally's parents wouldn't budge, her mother giggling and saying that she 'enjoys drama', her father grinning as well.
Tess told Sandra off, that she was just trying to create drama where it wasn't necessary, and the father of her unborn child, is not relevant to what they are trying to raise money for, and that is the Fire Brigade, so they can get more equipment to save the lives of the residents if they need it. Sandra tried to but in, Nick and Alex tried to get Sandra outside, but she was insistent. Harry broke through the voices then, shouting at Sandra to 'get outside' and telling her to stop making a scene. Tess apologised to everyone, then the music started again. Outside, Alex, Nick, and Harry were questioning what Sandra thought she was doing. Sally came out, explaining that she doesn't appreciate what the woman is trying to do, that she and Nick are the ones who should be telling her parents about the baby, not some strange woman they have only just met. Sandra told Sally that she thinks they deserve to know that Nick has fathered a child with another woman, and Sally threatens to slap her if she continues to talk, but there is a smirk on Sandra's face, and she nods her head to behind Sally, who turns around to find her parents standing behind her, gaping. The Ryan's are all silent (Sandra is smirking), but Sally asks her parents what they're doing out here. Joan asks if it's true what that woman said that Nick has fathered a child with another woman. Sally tries to convince her mother that that would be ludacris, that Sandra is just confused, but her parents don't buy it. Sandra tells them that they don't know their future son-in-law as well as they think they do, and they deserve to know what their daughter is marrying into, before committing to anything. Nick tells Sandra to leave, Harry takes his wife and goes, after Nick promises that he can handle it. John is furious, asking questions to his daughter, and then he turns to Nick, asks him how he can do this to Sally. That is when she stepped in and explained the situation, that it was a one-night stand, that they were broken up, that it meant nothing to him, and that he wants to do the right thing by the child when it's born. Unbeknownst to them at the time, but Tess and Claire had overheard Nick saying this, the latter of whom was hurt by the words. Nick promised the Clemments that he wasn't going back to the woman, that he doesn't care about her at all, but he wants to be involved in the child's life. Even Sally thought that was a bit harsh towards Tess but didn't say anything. Her parents still looked pissed, but she explained that she's just trying to live with the situation, and they're working through it. John nodded, then punched Nick in the face, he stumbled, Sally screamed, her father just turned and went back inside.
'I'm alright. I suppose I deserved it,' he said, holding his bruised face
'That was a bit harsh to say about Tess. She's not evil Nick,' Sally said, as they went back inside
'I didn't mean it Sal, I just wanted to calm the waters with your parents. Of course, I care about Tess, I just had to tell them that I didn't,' Nick said, in a whisper, flipping Alex off when he came back with an icepack and a stupid joke
'It's not how I wanted them to find out, but at least they know now,' Sally said, and Nick nodded, she kissed his forehead, and they went back to the fundraiser
January 16th, 2004
Drovers Run
Fisher District
Morning/Midday
Tess had a doctor's appointment today, but Dr. Callaghan had said that she would come to Drovers, rather than Tess having to go all the way to Fisher, so she's coming here. Claire had been trying to keep Tess' mind off what happened last night, and for the most part, it seems to be working. Or it was, until Nick showed up just before ten. He'd been told about the appointment by Tess last week. Claire saw the car pull up first and ran out to catch Nick before he could get inside, pushing him back against the car, and telling him that she heard what he'd said to his in-laws about Tess. Nick sighed, frantically telling Claire that he hadn't meant it, he was just trying to calm the waters with his future in-laws and thought that painting Tess that way would make them less likely to go after her. Or less likely for them to think that he's cheating on Sally. Claire pointed to his black eye, and he sighed nodding, when Claire told him that it looks like it backfired anyway. Nick asked if Tess had heard him, and Claire nodded, stating that she was hurt by what he'd said, despite her trying to convince her sister that Nick hadn't meant it. There was a moment of silence, Dr. Callaghan's car pulled up, and Nick asked if Tess would kill him if he went inside for the appointment. Claire said that she probably would, and turned to walk away, Nick following behind the doctor, cautious. He didn't know that Tess had heard him, it explains why she was upset last night, when he went over to ask her how she was feeling and caught her crying. She'd lied, said she was fine. Put your foot in your mouth there Nick… he thought to himself. Dr. Callaghan was setting up when Nick appeared, and Tess glared at him from where she was sitting. The doctor asked Tess some routine questions, making notes on her pad, then taking the piece of paper Tess offered to her, and thanking her, before turning to Nick and asking if he had his medical information with him. He nodded, smiling as he grabbed it out of the folder he was carrying. Dr. Callaghan frowned at Nick's medical information, making some notes on her clipboard, before folding the piece of paper and clipping it on top. Tess was worried, looking up at Nick, who looked confused as well, asking the doctor if something was wrong with his medical information, did he miss anything? Dr. Callaghan informed Nick that she would like a complete medical history of his entire family if that's possible, and Nick frowned confused, but nodded, Tess looked down at her bump, putting her hands over it protectively, asking the doctor again if there was something wrong with the baby. She confirmed that the baby was completely healthy, she just needs to be thorough with Nick's medical history. Tess took a deep breath, thanking her.
After the doctor had left, Nick apologised to Tess for what she had heard him say last night and explained why he had said it. She asked how things were with Sally and her parents now, and he said that it was 'strained and weird'. She pointed to his black eye, and Nick chuckled, stating that Sally's father had punched him, and rightfully so he believes. Tess tells him that if it's putting a strain on his relationship, he can cut involvement with her and the baby, but he firmly states that he's not going to do that, that he wants to be involved, and that the Clemments will have to get used to it, Sally is getting used to the situation. Tess nods, apologising for suggesting it. She and Nick sit together in silence for a moment, then Tess grabs Nick's hand, placing it on her stomach as the baby kicks. Nick gasps, moving his hand, looking up at Tess when he feels the baby kicking again. He chuckles, leaning down to her stomach and talking to the bump, asking the baby if she's going to be 'tough like her mummy'. Tess smiles, laughing as the baby just responds by kicking again. Claire snaps a picture, having returned from a walk with Charlotte and Vic, smirking at her sister, as Nick smiles. After that, Nick awkwardly tells them that he has to get back to Wilgul, and Tess thanks him for coming over. He says he'll get his parents medical reports, and fax them to the doctor, before saying bye to everyone, and heading back out to his car. Claire laughs as Charlotte snuggles into Tess, one of her little hands resting on the bump. Vic takes a picture this time, before announcing to Charlotte that it's 'nap time'. Everyone smiles and laughs when the little head goes to the side, as if she's questioning what Vic is talking about, before he picks her up, blows a raspberry on her chest, and carries her up the stairs, leaving the sisters sitting alone outside once again. Fire protection is kicking up a notch, Claire informs Tess that there is a fire in the district over, that they're on alert in case is jumps to Fisher. Tess asks if she can do anything to help, as she and Claire head back into the house, talking about what jobs need to be done around the house that Tess can help with. It's been a pretty dry summer, but they've been lucky with fires up until now. Tess feels the chill go through her body, but nods at the things Claire tells her she can do to help them protect the property for fire. Once Claire had finished her list, Tess went about and started some of the less strenuous jobs, raking the leaves so that Meg and Terry could get rid of them, and picking up the small branches from the trees that could catch on fire. She held the ladder whilst Meg got on the roof to clean the gutters. Vic had been briefed on the evacuation plan for Drovers, but he'd gotten a call from Alex, that they needed him at Wilgul, but promised that he would be back tonight, kissing Claire, hugging Tess and Meg, before running out to his car.
'Alright, lets get all of this done, then we can relax for a while. The girls are out bringing the cattle in, and I have Kate checking on the horses,' Claire said, grabbing a couple of bin bags filled with leaves, throwing them in the back of the ute
'What about the sheep in the north paddock?' Tess asked, they had been keeping them up there until the grass had grown back in their normal paddock, Claire spat out the word shit, and kicked the tire
'Don't worry, we can go up to the north paddock, bring the sheep back in, Stevie can help us. Tess, you stay here, and finish cleaning up around here, most of the heavy stuff is done. We'll be on the SAT phone if you need us. But you know what to do,' Meg said, and Tess nodded. Claire grabbed onto her sister, hugging her tight, whispering 'I love you, be safe' in her ear, and Tess promised she would get Charlotte out
'Right, lets go then Meg. We'll be back hopefully no longer than two hours, depends. Be safe Tess,' Claire said, and the blonde McLeod nods, watching the two women run off towards the horses, as Claire quickly goes back to the homestead.
January 16th, 2004
Drovers Run
Fisher District
Late Afternoon/Early Evening
Tess gathered some things from inside the house that would be important for them to save if the fire comes and took them down to the cellar. She also grabbed some supplies to keep them fed and put some water down there, as well as stuff for Bom. The radio was the only background noise that was going on, but Tess heard the wind pick up outside, as well as a rumble of thunder, which made her jump slightly. She ran to the window, looking outside, but it wasn't raining. The SAT phone rang, and she jumped to answer it, hearing Claire's voice, telling her that Kate is with them bringing the sheep in, Jodi and Becky are bringing the cattle in. Tess confirms that she has the knowledge and asks them to be safe also. Claire confirms, and the sister hang up. Tess takes deep breaths, placing a hand on her small baby bump, whispering to her unborn child that they're going to be okay. It's going to be alright. The radio crackled back to life, stating that the fire has changed direction, and warning residents of Fisher to maintain their 'watch and act' status. Tess went upstairs, into the nursery that they have been putting together for the baby and looked around the room. Was there anything in here that needed to be saved? Back downstairs, Tess went outside, grabbing the broom and just sweeping, trying to keep herself busy, the baby monitor on the table beside her, so she can hear Charlotte. She could smell smoke. That's not good. If she can smell smoke that means the fire is heading in their direction. Tess looked over at the windmill and saw that it had changed direction. She grabbed the baby monitor, and the SAT phone, and went upstairs to grab Bom, and some extra blankets for them in the cellar. Tess had to get the portable crib into the cellar, but it's too heavy for her to move on her own, and there isn't anyone around, she's here by herself. She went back downstairs, hearing a car door slam closed, she ran outside to find Vic, who came to a halt in front of her, telling her that the fire has jumped the districts, it's heading for Drovers. Tess nodded, asking him to help her get the portable crib for Charlotte. Vic ran upstairs, Tess grabbed the SAT phone and tried to call Claire, but it just dropped out. Panicking slightly, she grabbed the radio, put it down in the cellar. Vic had set up the portable crib, and was holding Charlotte, calming her down by bouncing slightly. Tess went back upstairs, despite Vic telling her that she should go, it's too dangerous for her to be up there with the smoke, but Tess ignored him, shouting that this is 'her home' she'll fight to the end to save it. Vic put Charlotte in the crib, grabbed the baby monitor and ran upstairs after Tess.
Claire, Stevie, and Kate were mustering the sheep when they felt the change in wind direction. The SAT phone rang, but Claire couldn't pick up the call, then Alex was at the fence, asking them what the hell they're doing. Claire asked if the wind had changed direction, and Alex flicked on the radio, telling the girls that it's heading north… straight towards Drovers. Stevie told Alex to call Nick, let him know, and the three women galloped off back towards the homestead. Back towards Tess and Charlotte. The fire was moving fast, the wind was strong, so it wouldn't take long for the fire to reach Fisher if it kept on this rate. As they got closer to the homestead, they could smell the smoke, and the ash was present. Becky had moved most of the horses, but she arrived back just at the same time as them, shouting to them to hurry. Claire got off the horse, running into the house, calling out for Tess, for Charlotte. Vic heard someone shouting, and ran upstairs from the cellar, calling out for Claire, who found her sister outside, trying to put out a spot fire. Vic appeared, shouting to the girls to get inside, but Tess refused, even after Claire appeared, and the rest of the women arrived then, with Stevie shouting that Alex had called Nick, the firies are swamped, they'll be here as soon as they can. Claire started shouting orders then, assigning everyone different duties, hugging Vic when he appeared, telling her that he has Charlotte, that he's going to grab the important things and leave. Claire nodded, then the radio crackled to life and told them that the road out was blocked. Vic and Claire shared a look, then she kissed him, promising that she would be safe. Tess was trying to water down things with the hose, hoping that the fire wouldn't spread. Vic wanted her to get inside, it's too dangerous for her to be out here whilst pregnant. She shook her head, but Vic grabbed her shoulders, telling her that he'll protect Claire, she needs to protect Charlotte and her baby. Finally, Tess nods, hugging him and making him swear he'll protect Claire, he nods, pushing her towards the house. Tess runs inside, and down into the cellar, where she picks up Charlotte and just holds her. Jodi was panicking. She had heard that the fire had changed direction and was heading towards Drovers, and wanted to be there to save her mother, and the others. Claire and Stevie heard the sirens and breathed a sigh of relief. The damage might not be too bad if they can get all these spot fires put out in time.
'Claire, I think the shed might have caught on fire,' Stevie said, looking over at the building
'Damn it, where is that truck?' she asked, heading towards the shed with the hose, only for it to explode, and send Claire flying
'CLAIRE! Claire, are you alright?' Stevie asked, helping her sit up as the woman nodded, quickly standing to put water on the shed whilst the other girls continued with the spot fires
'That damn deck oil…' Claire said to herself as she watered the shed with the hose.
January 16th, 2004
Drovers Run
Fisher District
Evening
By the time the fire truck arrived, the fire had spread a little more, but they were all on it, the minute they pulled up, Jodi ran to her mother, hugging her tightly, before grabbing another hose to put out some more fire that had flared up. Nick ran to Claire, asking her if Tess was okay, she nodded, pointing to the cellar, as Vic appeared, hugging Claire, making sure she was okay. He told her that Tess and Charlotte were in the cellar, they're both alright. As the fire was put out, they were able to begin assessing the damage. It was the deck oil that had exploded, and almost killed Claire. She was fine, apart from some smoke inhalation. The girls gathered around the burnt out shed, Claire thanked the firies that he come to help them out, Nick ran inside, seeing Vic and Tess coming up from the cellar, the latter holding Charlotte, thanking Nick as he passed by. Tess was covered in soot and ash from the fire, and Nick saw this, pulling her into a hug, asking her if she's okay, if the baby is okay. Tess nodded, wrapping her arms around Nick's middle, holding onto him, whilst he did the same thing to her. Tess pulled back, hearing someone coming inside, wiping a tear from her eyes, as she went into the kitchen to sit down, Nick kneeled in front of her, putting his hand on her stomach, Tess burst into tears when she felt the baby kick. Nick caressed her cheek with his hand, his other on the baby bump, underneath Tess'. They stayed there, just looking at each other, the tension in the room palpable, when Tess thought they were all going to die, and lose the house, she couldn't believe they were all right. Nick was getting closer to her, but quickly pulled back when he heard Claire shouting for Tess. She saw Nick in the intimate position with her sister, hand on the bump, before she asked if everything is alright. Tess nodded, and Nick stood up, running his fingers through his hair, as Claire told Tess that they lost the shed, but everything else is alright. Tess hugged her tightly too, looking at Nick, who just nodded. He had to leave before they both did something they would regret. As he turned to leave, both the McLeod sisters stopped him, Claire thanking Nick, who nodded telling them to be safe, and exited the house, back out to the truck, where Alex was putting out the last of the fire and putting the truck back together. Vic told Claire that he doesn't want her worrying about the shed, that he can pay for the repairs. Claire just kissed him, told him to shut up, but she was smiling. Tess snapped a picture of them, as revenge for all the ones Claire had taken of her.
After the extreme day they'd had, the rain finally came. Tess was laughing as the other girls danced around in it, and Vic joined in, whilst she sat with Charlotte, asking her if she thinks her mummy is crazy. The insanity of the day, and the idea that she could have lost herself, or the baby made Tess a little more wary of the things that she does. Including right now, not dancing around in the rain, despite the amount of fun it would be to do that. Alex had called, let Stevie know that Wilgul is fine, that he has to be with Nick, but didn't elaborate on what was happening. Sally's parents are still here, so it's probably better to just keep to themselves for a while. But the knowledge that her family is okay, makes Tess breath a little easier. The mugginess if the day is hitting them now though, despite it raining, it's still one of those typical Australian muggy summers. When the rain dancing had finished, everyone went their separate ways to shower, and get ready for bed, they're going to have another long day tomorrow, and probably more fire danger, although Jodi did inform them that the fire was under control now. Tess went upstairs poking her head into the new nursery, that would be for her daughter, when she's born, and ran her hand over the crib that she'd had when she was a baby, that Jack had made. Claire had given it to her for Christmas, and it's beautiful. The room is coming together nicely, it's almost her seventh month of being pregnant, but to be honest, she's just ready to have the baby already. Things are moving quickly now, and she's both nervous and excited about everything. Especially with what happened downstairs with Nick… she just doesn't know what her mind will be like after this. Maybe she should go on a baby cation or something. That's a thing, right? A holiday before the baby comes? But to be honest, she wouldn't want to leave Drovers, because this is where she truly belongs. Tess had just changed into her pyjamas, and was settling herself in bed, when there was a knock on the door, then Claire's head appeared in the gap. Tess chuckled, calling for her sister to come in. Claire sat down on the edge of the bed, and asked Tess how she was feeling, and if anything happened with Nick before she interrupted them.
'No, nothing happened. We were just worried about the baby. I inhaled some smoke, but nothing else happened,' Tess said in a whisper
'But you wanted it too, right?' Claire asked, smirking at her sister
'That's beside the point Claire. Nothing did, and nothing will,' Tess replied, snuggling down in her bed, Claire tucked her sister in, laughing as Tess struggled against her
'Goodnight Tess, I'll see you in the morning,' she replied, laughing as Tess threw a pillow in her direction, poking her tongue out when it missed her, then darting out the door.
A/N: Can I be obsessed with my own story? I have been reading this over and over since i wrote it, and i'm kind of obsessed with it in a way. Suppose that means it's somewhat good. Thanks, and Happy New Year. D.
