A/N: I have been writing so many stories recently, this is one that I just finished. I love McLeod's Daughters, recently started re-watching the series. This is set in Season 3, but is AU from then on. I have changed some things, like the Claire/Alex relationship (don't get me wrong, I love both of those characters, but for the purpose of this story, there is no Claire/Alex), Nick is still with Sally (but he and Tess are endgame), and some of the characters are introduced early, or have different relationships. Come home to Drovers Run, and I hope you enjoy this story. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.
McLeod's Daughters
A Different Time, A Different Story
Chapter One: The Discovery
October 22nd, 2003
Drovers Run
Morning/Afternoon
3 Months Pregnant
Tess had been feeling ill for a few days now, and she woke up this morning, vomiting violently. Claire heard her retching and burst into the bathroom, to find her little sister, head in the toilet bowl. Tess groaned, barely able to lift her head to look at Claire, who knelt beside her, rubbing her back, asking her if she's alright. Tess shook her head, but that wasn't helpful, as she started vomiting again. Fearing the worst (that she was sick), Claire stood up, telling Tess she'll grab some things and come back. Downstairs, Meg was already making breakfast, but Claire just grabbed things, explaining that Tess is sick, and she's worried it's the virus that has been going around. Meg offered to call the doctor, Claire nodded, thanking her as she grabbed soda water, dry salted biscuits, and a damp cloth. Meg dialed the number, making a call to the Fisher doctor to come out and look at Tess. Back in the bathroom, the older McLeod knelt back beside the younger, softly wiping her head with the cloth, and handing her a glass of soda water, which for the most part, Tess was able to handle. The virus had been around the town, figuring that someone at the Gungellan Show must have had it, and Tess had caught it from there, although she doesn't know how, that was at least three months ago. But Tess wasn't known for being on the trend, usually she would get these things long after they had already disappeared. Claire managed to get Tess standing, and took her back to her bedroom, tucking her into the bed, a bucket beside her if she needed to vomit again, but for what it's worth, the blonde McLeod seems to be able to keep down the drink and biscuits, but time will tell. One Claire was satisfied that Tess wasn't going anywhere, she returned to the bathroom to clean up, shower herself, and then get downstairs to help the others on the farm. Meg told Claire that the doctor would be here at about ten o'clock, which is in four hours. Nodding, they exited the house together, meeting up with Jodi and Becky to organise the day. On top of those two, Claire was also thrilled because her long time best-friend Stevie Hall had returned to Gungellan, and was sticking around to help, so they had an extra set of hands. Every now and then, Claire would glance over at the house, obviously worried about her sister, which Meg noticed, motioning with her head towards the homestead, silently telling Claire to go and check on her, they'll be right. Without a second thought, the older McLeod made her way back towards the house, entering to find her sister in the kitchen, simply stating that she was 'hungry', and placed a plate with a sandwich on the table, before sitting down. Claire smirked but sat down beside her.
At ten, the doctor from Fisher arrived. Tess was seated outside on the porch now, rugged up in a blanket that Claire had thrown a fit over her using. The doctor asked some questions, took some bloods, and promised that he would try and expedite the information as quickly as possible. After the doctor left, Jodi and Tess decided to go into town (with Jodi driving), much to Claire's annoyance, although she did admit that her sister looked a little brighter in the face and seemed to have stopped vomiting. The drive into town left Tess frazzled, but she managed to get what she needed without anyone else noticing what she was buying, and she brought about four, just so she could be absolutely sure, because she has a feeling that she knows what is wrong with her, and she doesn't think it's the virus. Jodi met back up with Tess outside the Truck Stop, where her boyfriend Luke was just saying goodbye to her. Jodi was quick smart to get back in the car when she saw Nick pull up. Ignoring him and flipping him off when his back was turned. He had done a number on Tess, so they're all collectively hating on him right now. The blonde McLeod just curled into herself in her seat on the drive back to Drovers, with Jodi just talking her ear off about anything and everything, and Tess knows that it's a distraction technique by the young woman, but she wishes for silence right now. Seeing Nick reminds her of that night and the subsequent moments that followed. When he told her that it meant nothing, that he's trying to make things work with Sally. That what she thought was finally the beginning of their relationship, was nothing to him, but a one-night mistake, that he wanted to forget about. Claire was furious, when she found her sister, wrapped in a sheet in her motel room, bawling her eyes out. Not only was it embarrassing, because Tess was in nothing but a sheet, it was also embarrassing because Nick had basically used her and dropped her. It really had hurt her, and every time she sees him, it hurts more, despite the fact that she's trying to just be friends with the man. They do work together on Wilgul, so it's a must for their business partnership. Tess took her things inside and locked herself in the bathroom. Claire saw the girls returning from town, and ran over to Jodi, who handed her the pieces they needed to fix the tractor, as also explaining that they had bumped into you know who in town, and it had shaken Tess a little. Claire thanked the young girl, heading inside the house, where she called out to Tess. The woman was still in the bathroom, sitting on the toilet seat, kind of bent over a little. When Claire threatened to break the door, Tess unlocked it.
'Hey, what's going on?' Claire asked, then her eyes fell to the four tests set on the vanity, and her sister close to tears
'Claire…' Tess managed to get out, before bursting into tears, the older sister wrapping her arms around the younger one, looking over at the tests, realising immediately what was going on. They sat there for the allotted time, just Claire's voice talking about animals, and feed and changing schedules
'Okay, time to check. We have to do it Tess. We can confirm it with the bloods from the doctor,' Claire whispered, and Tess nodded, reaching over to grab all the tests, looking at them, before looking at her sister, handing the sticks to her, and whispering…
'Claire, I'm pregnant,' as she burst into tears again.
After the initial shock had worn off, Tess and Claire were sitting on the porch, drinking tea, with the older sister trying to convince the younger that she could do this, that she had done it with Charlotte, that Tess could do it with this baby. They would all be here for her. Unsure, Tess asked what she should tell Nick, and Claire sighed, looking at her mug, before back at her sister, telling her that for now, they can keep it to themselves, until Tess starts showing. By then, she'll really have no choice but to explain. The nights at Drovers were pretty. Sometimes the sky would be filled with stars, like tonight. Claire and Tess sat snuggled, just watching the stars in the sky, the silence between them amicable, and needed as Tess processed everything that was happening. She had just found out that she's pregnant, they're hoping the doctor will confirm that tomorrow with the bloods, and then they can go from there. It will be hard, but Claire did it, and she's going to be there for her sister, the way that Tess was there for her. Charlotte with have a cousin, and she'll be an aunt. She knows how much fun Tess has as Charlotte's aunt, and she will finally get to experience that. She is now even more angry at Nick, knowing that he did this to her, and is back with that uptight doctor, who she can't stand, but puts on a face for every time she sees her. It seems that Alex doesn't like her much either, but that's another story. Before either of them could doze off, the sisters returned into the house, and made themselves ready for bed. Since Peter had discovered the true paternity of Charlotte, he and Claire had moved things around so that he could spend some time with the young girl, even though it had been a difficult choice for Claire to make. So, Charlotte is spending the weekend with Peter, and his wife and her sisters. Knowing how much it had hurt her when Ruth had taken Tess away from her, she wanted Charlotte to know her sisters. They were on good terms with Peter and his wife, they must be, for Charlotte's sake. It had hurt Claire at first, but she is strong, and she knows that she has all the power right now. She had made it so, at least for the first year. Tess had a restless sleep, and was woken at four by nausea, bolting back into the bathroom. Claire would no doubt hear her vomiting and wake up, and just like clockwork, that is exactly what happened. So, Tess spent the night lying on the bathroom floor, head in Claire's lap, whilst the older sister sat against the wall of the bathroom, softly stroking her sister's hair, and humming a song she used to sing when they were younger, and Tess was scared.
Early morning start on Drovers, and Tess was up and about. They had told Meg, Becky, Jodi, and Stevie about the baby, and asked them to keep it to themselves for now, but the girls were excited. It was Becky asking about the father that changed the temperature, despite them being outside on a crisp twenty-five-degree day. Claire just changed the subject, telling them to begin their jobs, and raised an eyebrow at her sister when Tess went off to begin her own work. She sighed, as she picked up an empty bucket, and Claire took it from her, pointing to the house. Rolling her eyes, Claire placed her hands on Tess' shoulders, pushing her back towards the homestead, before laughing at the memory of Tess doing this to her when she was pregnant with Charlotte. Finally giving in, Claire let Tess come to work with them, informing her and the other women that she was on light duties, no exceptions. Tess rolled her eyes, but went over to help Becky with the paperwork, and counting, whilst the others herded the sheep into the pens. It was a nice day out, most of the time it is, but today was even better. Tess was feeling alright today, and she wants to try and get better. Things need to be done, and she doesn't want to seem like an invalid because she's pregnant. Claire didn't like that, and neither does she. Call her a McLeod. The women went to work, no rest for the weary or the pregnant. By the time lunch had come around, everyone was exhausted, and Claire made Tess rest. It's going to be a long nine months, especially with an overprotective sister like Claire, who made it known to them all that she isn't going to let Tess out of her sight whilst pregnant, for fear of her doing something stupid, and putting herself or the baby at risk. Besides, Tess was there for her the whole time she was pregnant, the least she can do is repay the favour. After lunch, Tess stated that she was feeling worn out, and both Meg and Claire made her go lie down. After some resistance, she agreed, but only if they promise not to coddle her when she wakes back up. Claire shooed her upstairs, and chuckled as she shook her head leaving with Meg. Tess did go upstairs and rest, and ended up falling asleep, waking up later that afternoon at about four, to Claire knocking on her bedroom door, asking her if she's alright. Tess nodded, apologising for missing a day's work, but Claire just shut her up, placing a hand over her sisters' mouth, and continuing to talk to her about what they can do tonight. The Gungellan Pub is holding a trivia night, raising money for the fire brigade to buy new trucks, and Tess had wanted to go, support Jodi and the others. Reluctantly, Claire agreed to attend with them, even donning a nice dress to wear, and dressing Charlotte in a cute little outfit as well.
'Okay ladies, shall we go raise some money for the firies,' Claire said, as they all clambered into two cars, and headed off
'This is exciting, I feel like I haven't left the house for three months,' Tess said, smiling and chuckling at something Becky said
'Yeah, it's going to be awesome, and we really need the equipment,' Jodi said, she's a part of the fire brigade.
'Then let's kick some trivia arse,' Claire said, everyone cheered as they got out onto the main road heading into Gungellan.
October 23rd, 2003
Drovers Run
Morning/Afternoon
3 Months Pregnant
Another early morning for the women of Drovers Run. This time, they were organising for sheering, and Tess had been delegated to get the shed ready for the sheep to be in, but she was nowhere to be found. Claire located her sister on the floor of the bathroom, looking worse for wear, chuckling when Tess groaned to Claire, begging the woman to 'kill her and put her out of her misery'. Figuring that they would be down one person today, Claire made the note to see if she could organise for someone else to come and help them, that was when Jodi jumped in and said that she knows a woman, her name is Kate, who can come and help out on the farm whilst Tess is pregnant, if they need another hand to jump in. It's not going to hurt them in the long run to have an extra set of hands, so Claire agreed, and Jodi ran off to call Kate, whilst Stevie, Becky, and Meg set up the shed. Tess had managed to get herself back to her bedroom, curling herself up on the bed, wrapping herself in blankets and wishing for the nausea to go away. If she had known she was going to be this sick pregnant with a Ryan baby, she would have… no, no she wouldn't have done anything… a part of her wants this baby, because it's her and it's Nick combined, and it might be the only chance she has to have a baby with Nick. Tess placed her hands on her still flat stomach, and whispered to her baby that she loves it, that she is going to be the best mother, and that the baby's father is an amazing man. She hasn't decided if, how, or when she is going to tell Nick, but people are eventually going to know that she's pregnant when her waist inevitably starts growing, and the baby bump becomes more prevalent on her small, framed body. Right now, she's just trying to survive the first trimester, and begin the second one, where hopefully, she won't have morning sickness and nausea all day, and can be useful on the farm. When Claire was pregnant, she didn't have nausea this bad, which is something the older sister loves rubbing in the younger sisters face. Tess had rolled her eyes, wondering if this was because of something else. Paranoia had set in at some point during her pregnancy, and now she's reading, and re-reading all her pregnancy books to try and find discrepancies. Claire had to get her out of the house, she had tried, but the first trimester was kicking Tess butt.
Tess was feeling better by lunch time, and it didn't go unnoticed by the women, who had to stop and chuckle at the meal that Tess had put together for herself. It was pickles, and chocolate dipping sauce. A strange combination for anyone else, but for a pregnant Tess McLeod… it was the perfect dish. Claire's weird craving was bananas and soy sauce, so she's not the only weird one hanging around. The afternoon heat had set in, and it was beating down on them, making them sweat it out. Tess was raking hay, a job she could do that Claire wouldn't jump on her arse over. Jodi was telling them all about Kate Manfredi, her friend from boarding school, who was coming to drovers to help whilst Tess is pregnant, and when she goes on Maternity leave. Rolling her eyes and scoffing out a 'maternity leave… yeah right…' Tess couldn't help but be thankful that Claire had hired an extra set of hands. Claire battled alone through a lot of things, Tess will try and do that, but the difference is, that both the sisters push the other to not do things alone, to talk things through. Kate will be arriving tomorrow, having left the city this afternoon. Jodi was worried about her driving all night, but Kate claimed she would be fine, and that she knows her way there basically. Stevie was concerned that Kate would be flaky, and not able to help them out at all, considering what Jodi used to be like, but was put in her place by said Jodi, who begged Stevie to just 'give Kate a chance before she judges her', and Stevie reluctantly agreed. Pre-judging people tends to backfire on her anyway. There have been talks between the Ryan brothers and the McLeod sisters about forming a Farming Coalition, that Tess is referring to as 'Gungellan Fresh', and initiative to help farmers with anything to do with farming. Claire had backed the idea, and Nick and Alex had offered to fund the first few meetings, until they were in enough of a good spot to begin the spoils of war. This was something that was just between the four for now, they can discuss bringing Killarney, Wilgul and Drovers Run into it later. There was a meeting being planned for next month that Tess was eager to dive into, because this could be something she would be able to focus on whilst pregnant, that wouldn't involve her doing heaving lifting, or driving dangerous machines, or putting herself in unnecessary risk whilst pregnant. Tess was daydreaming about all the things to do with Gungellan Fresh, and missed Claire calling to her, causing her to be startled when Becky touched her arm lightly. She flinched, apologising for being off in her own little world, before Claire forced her to take a seat in the shade, and drink some water. It's really not a good idea for her to be out in the heat for long periods of time. In fact, in Australia, when it's scorching hot, it's probably a bad idea to be outside at all. But she is a woman of the land, and she's as stubborn, if not more stubborn, than Claire.
'Right, we still have the west paddocks to clear before Tuesday, and I don't want to hear any complaining about it. Jodi, you, and Becky get the troughs done, Meg and I will muster the cows, and Tess… you stay here, in the shade, and rest. I don't want you pushing yourself too much,' Claire said, smirking at the look on Claire's face
'I could work on some projects for the Gungellan Fresh meeting?' Tess asked, perking up slightly, and Claire could see that she was excited about it
'Okay, you can do that, if you promise to take it easy,' Claire said, and Tess nodded, grinning as the others stood up
'Do you trust Tess with the Gungellan Fresh books? She's still learning things Claire?' Meg asked, as they went back to get the horses.
October 25th, 2003
Wilgul and Drovers
Afternoon/Evening
Claire had been adamant that the meetings be held at Drovers, so that she could look after Tess, but Alex had been adamant that he and Nick couldn't get away from Wilgul, and that she would need to come there. So, Claire left Tess with Meg, who promised to look after her, and drove the thirty minutes to Wilgul, where she was annoyed to see Sally's car parked in one of the shed slots. I hate that woman… be nice Claire. Don't say anything rash. Don't tell them the secret… be nice Claire… be nice she told herself, despite also wanting to throw the woman in the dam, and make sure she never comes back out. But she can do that another time. Claire knocked on the door, rolling her eyes at Alex's greeting, before entering the house, and sitting down on one of the couches in the living room. Alex called for Nick, who came in moments later, looking around and asking about Tess. Claire fought hard to stop herself from rolling her eyes, simply stating that she's 'under the weather', but that she made the plans for the first meeting, so they'll keep her informed. Nick looked worried for a moment, then Sally entered the room, carrying a tray, and some food and drink, placing it down on the small coffee table, as the three got to work on their proposal. Tess had some fantastic ideas, which Claire knew that she would. The older sister is always pleasantly surprised by her little sister sometimes, and she doesn't give Tess enough credit for her smarts, and her creative thinking. Distracted by her thoughts about Tess, Alex kicked her leg, Claire kicked him back, and Nick called for a break. Whilst they were eating, Alex brought up needing an accountant, someone to manage the books, and the mundane tasks, and Sally barged in stating that she could do it. She has experience in bookkeeping and accountancy. Claire couldn't object, Nick had already thought it was a 'great idea honey'. Claire wanted to throw up. She had no choice by to agree. Tess is going to flip out, because neither of them can stand Sally, and now she has put herself in their business literally Claire can't find the joy in it anymore. Alex was getting the contracts drawn up by his biological father Bryce in the city, the man is very knowledgeable about these things, so he would add a clause for Sally. Nick and Sally spent some time kissing after that, until Alex made a joke about adding a vomitorium, which Claire laughed at, and the couple broke apart. Sally asked about Tess in passing, Claire just told her what she had told the boys: that she is under the weather. Technically true, this morning Tess had woken with another bad case of morning sickness, and was still in bed when Claire left, so it's not technically a lie. Sally asked Claire if she wanted her to pop round to Drovers, check on Tess, but Claire just shook her head, telling her the doctor from Fisher has already been out, it's just the flu. Sally nodded, exiting the room, and Claire had to maintain her poker face for the rest of the meeting, especially because she could tell Alex didn't believe her story about Tess being sick.
The meeting ran into the early evening, so Claire didn't get back to Drovers until well after six pm. Tess had been up, helping with light duties (according to Meg), and replenishing her electrolytes after vomiting them all out. The doctor had come out, told Tess that it's just a bad case of morning sickness, that as she enters the second trimester, it should begin to fade away. Claire broke the bad news to the other women before she told Tess, that Sally had self-appointed herself at the Gungellan Fresh 'book-woman and accountant', that she had no choice but to accept. Then Nick got all kissy with her and she wanted to vomit herself. Stevie was furious, demanded that she be allowed to tell Alex what she really thinks of the woman, but Claire made her promise she wouldn't. They can't afford trouble between themselves and Sally right now, especially because of how complicated everything is going to be if, or when, Tess decides to tell Nick about the baby. She needs it to be okay for that reason, so that Tess isn't overly stressed out about it. Stevie reluctantly agreed to keep her opinions to herself, but made it known to Claire that she hates the situation and that she hates Sally and Nick and everything about this whole thing. Becky was on the same page as Claire, knowing they need to keep Sally on side for when the paternity of Tess' baby comes out, and just for when the pregnancy comes out anyway. It's going to be a shit storm of questions from the nosy people in the district about the father, why she's not married all that who ha about shit that isn't any of their business. Stevie and Alex are "dating", although they haven't made it official yet or anything, but they've been spending a lot of time together. But they're working towards it, and tonight is their first official date. Tess had made a commotion about Stevie dressing appropriately for the occasion, and to spare herself from Tess' pregnancy hormones, she's going with what the mum to be had told her to wear, she just hopes that Alex doesn't think she's an idiot, because she likes who she is, and what she wears. Claire had rolled her eyes at the discussion, focused more on her daughter, making cooing sounds at her, whilst Stevie twirled around for Tess, who approved of her outfit on site. The sound of a car door opening and closing made the butterflies arrive in Stevie's stomach, and Tess pushed her towards the door, where she opened it to find Alex waiting for her, looking handsome. Claire and Tess watched from the bottom of the stairs, Claire holding Charlotte, both making a dash when Alex looked over at them. They heard the two leaving and watched them drive off from the window.
'I think they're perfect for each other,' Tess said, all dreamy like, sitting back against a pillow on Claire's bed
'Yeah, both the same sized ego, and riding talents to match. Come on Bom, time for bed, we have an early morning tomorrow… yes, we do,' Claire said, carrying her daughter to the nursery
'Do you think you'll ever put yourself back out there Claire? There has to be a man out there, who is perfect for you, and isn't married,' Tess said, they can kind of joke about it now, because things are good with Peter and Claire
'I don't know. Maybe if the right guy comes along. He'll have to be a good influence on Charlotte though, she's the most important thing,' Claire said, looking down at her sleeping baby, whilst Tess placed both hands on her stomach, wondering if she'll be as good a mum as Claire…
October 26th, 2003
Drovers Run
Morning/Midday
Stevie had gotten back late last night, and it was only because she had said something stupid, and the date had been cut short. She had sworn Alex to secrecy, but she also knows that he's loyal to Nick, but she's hoping that her tirade would be scary enough to prevent him from telling Nick about Tess. Yes, Stevie had spilled the beans about Tess being pregnant to Alex last night. Not only had that brought their conversation to a startling halt, but also their date, after they had an argument about why Tess hadn't told Nick. Stevie explained about Sally, and Nick and what had happened at the Gungellan Show between them. She isn't expecting Alex to show up, but he does. Claire is in the house when Alex walks in, demanding to know if it's true, and why no one has told him or Nick about it. Claire looks at him, confused, then Stevie bursts into the kitchen, followed by a pale looking Tess, who just groans at the three of them. Alex asks Claire if it's true that Tess is pregnant with Nick's baby, and the glass of water that Tess was holding crashed to the ground as she turned to look at Alex, the panic starting to rise inside her, as she begged him not to tell anyone. Her breathing was ragged, Stevie made her sit down, and calm down, and Alex promised he wouldn't say a word. Claire and Stevie sat down either side of Tess, Alex opposite them, and listened as Tess explained exactly what happened, and why she isn't telling Nick. Something this big is bound to come out sooner or later, but he's not going to be the one to spill the beans. He considers Claire and Tess family, and now he's going to be an uncle, he has the responsibility of making sure that whatever Tess decides, he agrees with, even if he doesn't fully agree. But he'll be there to support Tess if and when she decides to tell Nick that he's an idiot and the father. Tess was a little mad that Stevie had told him but burst into tears before she could say anything else apologised, blaming the hormones, before the laughter made her cry again. Then minutes later, she was laughing along with them. Now that Alex knows, Tess is even more stressed out, but Claire takes her mind off Alex knowing, with the information from their first Gungellan Fresh meeting. She leaves Tess with the notes to do some work and heads out with the girls to finish the jobs. The Australian Farmers Agricultural Innovation Awards are happening in New South Wales next month, and Claire and Tess have been invited to speak at the ceremony. It's a great opportunity for Drovers, and Stevie had stepped up to be in charge whilst the McLeod's are in New South Wales. It's exciting, and Claire hasn't been to New South Wales before, so she's even more excited about it. Plus, it's two weeks with just her, Tess, and Charlotte, it's going to be fun.
Since Alex had been told of the news of Tess' pregnancy, he had been thinking about it nonstop. He and Nick are working on the fences in the back paddock, and he has no idea how the topic came up, but they're currently talking about marriage and children. Alex asks his brother if he's planning on marrying Sally, and having kids with her, and Nick shrugs, he doesn't know what to do, or how he's going to figure everything out. Alex asks about kids, but Nick just gives a generic response like 'if the timing is right'. As much as the older Ryan brother wants to just blurt out the secret he has been entrusted with, he doesn't. The conversation turns to other things, and Alex chances bringing up Tess, and how Nick would feel about her moving on, getting married, and having kids with someone else. He could see Nick's shoulders tense, his hands clench into fists, even with his back to him, he could see Nick's posture change. The younger Ryan took a moment to compose himself, shrugged, then replied that he 'doesn't care, they're not together and it's her life. She deserves to be happy'. Alex knows of what happened after the Gungellan Show, how Nick and Tess slept together, then he practically bailed to get back with Sally, but he just can't see how his brother can be this cruel. The sound of horses in the distance alerted the two men to the approaching Drovers Women, led by Claire, asking if they had managed to fix the fence, because they need to bring the cattle out, and it can't wait any longer. Tess was with them, sitting astride Oscar, Alex moved over to Claire, whispered, asking if that was okay for Tess to be doing, earning a glare from the blonde woman, before she just replied that it was fine, she's being careful. Nick turned around to ask Claire a question, seeing Tess there made him change his tune a little, with the awkwardness between both of them, palpable between all of them. Alex knows that all the girls know of Tess' pregnancy, but he's the only one out of the guys who knows right now. Stevie was having a silent conversation with Claire, using on their eyes, whilst Tess was chatting amicably with Nick about the fence, and how long he thinks it's going to take. When he snapped at her, Claire stepped in. Nick apologised, turning back to look at the ute, before grabbing a bottle of water. He doesn't know how much longer he can keep up the facade that he's worked hard to build since that night at the Gungellan Show.
'We're working on the fence, it's been fully broken, so I don't know how long it's going to take, probably a couple of hours. I'll have Alex call you when it's done if you like,' Nick said, looking to Claire, who wasn't happy but nodded
'We also need to set up a time for another Gungellan Fresh meeting,' she replied, looking at Alex who suggested tomorrow afternoon
'Yeah, tomorrow sounds good I like that. We can do it at Wilgul again if you like?' Nick asked, looking at Tess who shrugged at Claire
'No, I think we'll do this one at Drovers. We have a lot to do tomorrow, including the cattle, so it's better if you come to us, say one o'clock? We'll supply lunch,' Stevie replied, and Nick and Alex agreed, watching the girls ride off on their horses, as they got back to work.
October 27th, 2003
Drovers Run
Gungellan Fresh Meeting #2
Midday/Evening
Nick, Alex, and Sally rocked up to Drovers just before one. Tess was surprised to see Sally was here, and Claire quickly jumped in, stating she forgot to tell Tess that Sally has self-appointed herself as their accountant. Tess' face fell, but she recovered well, plastering the fake smile on her face as the two Ryan's and Sally entered the house. If Tess was feeling fine before, she's certainly not now, especially when she sees the PDA between Nick and Sally and has to prevent herself from gagging. Claire just punches Nick's arm, and tells them to sit down, they must get through this meeting before the next Farmers Council meeting tomorrow, so they can take some of their ideas there. Nick and Tess were acting strange around each other. It didn't take a rocket scientist to see that, and Sally had also picked up on the strange nature between the two. She didn't take any notice at first, figuring that they just had a fight over the fence thing yesterday, and Tess is still annoyed at him for it, but then it became something else, when the conversation turned from Gungellan Fresh business to personal lives, and relationships. Claire had mentioned that she wasn't seeing anyone right now, whilst Alex talked about his relationship with Stevie. Tess excused herself to the bathroom, needing to use the toilet, and during this time, Claire said something that made Sally question as to whether something had happened between Nick and Tess whilst she was gone. The question plummeted the group into silence, with Nick rubbing his forehead, and Claire trying to backtrack, say that she wasn't talking about Nick, or Tess, but it was too late. Nick had basically confirmed it by acting squeamish about the whole thing. Alex wondered if this would be the point when Tess would tell him she's pregnant, but the fight happened all whilst Tess was in the bathroom. Nick told Sally that it was one night, that it meant nothing, it was a mistake, and that she was gone. They had broken up. Tess had heard the whole thing, couldn't stop the tears in her eyes. Alex and Claire saw her, but she disappeared back inside before Nick or Sally could see her, calming herself down, taking some deep breaths, and wiping her eyes, then returning to the meeting as if she hadn't just heard the tail end of the conversation. Tess' return sparked something in Sally, and she angrily confronted Tess about sleeping with Nick at the Gungellan Show, to which she admitted to, but told her that he said they were broken up. She admitted that they had been broken up at the time, and Tess told her that it was a mistake, a drunken one-night stand that meant nothing to either of them. Nick was hurt, but so was Tess. The blonde McLeod excused herself after that, and the boys and Sally left not long after. Claire found her sister crying in her room, not saying a word, just pulling her into a hug.
The afternoon faded into the evening, and Tess had found herself just wandering around the house, looking at pictures she's been staring at since she got back here two years ago. It was kind of chilly out, the first chilly night since Spring began, so she made herself comfortable on a chair outside. That is where Claire located her. Apparently, according to Claire, 'pregnancy is a good look on her', which is what she had said when she came out that night to find Tess curled up in a blanket on the outdoor sofa seat. Tess, only being three months pregnant, and barely showing just scoffed, but Claire reiterated the point, then apologised for the meeting. She had been the one to start the stupid conversation. Tess shook her head, apologising for being an emotional wreck right now, then both sisters laughed. Tess made Claire promise that when the baby is born, they won't have to let Sally anywhere near it, but Claire sighed, and reminded her of Nick. That when she tells him, because she's going to tell him, Sally will be a part of his life. She knows that, but she doesn't like it. Sally had been all over Nick this afternoon, and it was probably because she suspected that something had happened between them, but the only other person outside of Drovers who knows about the pregnancy, is Alex, and he won't break her trust. Stevie and Claire would both castrate him, and he cares too much about his manhood to let that happen. But Tess was worried. She was worried that if she tells Nick, that Sally would be there, and that her baby would like Sally more than she likes Tess. Claire told her to stop being ridiculous, but the thought wouldn't leave her mind, and she couldn't get the image of Nick and Sally kissing out of it either. Claire offered to help Tess vandalise something that means a lot to Nick, but it just led to the two of them laughing and making a plan that was never going to come to fruition because they both know… they both know that when Tess decides to tell Nick, things are going to be even more complicated than the are now… including with Sally, because the baby is going to connect Tess and Nick in a very intimate way. Claire and Tess looked up at their stars, and at Charlotte's star, and wondered what their futures would hold, and if they're ever going to be happy, and Claire promise that she would never let her sister go again.
'Make a wish,' Claire whispered, turning to look at Tess
'I wish that we hadn't been separated for twenty years. I missed a lot of things in your life, and you missed a lot in mine. It was unfair,' Tess said, and Claire nodded
'But we're not missing anything again, I'll make sure of that,' Claire replied, and Tess smiled
'Okay Claire McLod,' she joked, both girls laughing again, but the laughter was just a front for the pain that Tess was still feeling.
A/N: I would like to dedicate this story to TheThingAboutLove0042, who is like a sister to me, and has helped me through some really hard times. This is for you, because I know how obsessed with McLeod's Daughters you [we both] are. I hope you enjoy it, and thank you so much for being the most amazing person in my life. Happy Holidays, and thanks for reading. D.
