A/N: DISCLAIMER: Contains heavy themes. Please proceed with caution. It's 2024. Happy New Year. Seven days (a week) into January and things are already hectic. I'm moving in two weeks, so things might be slowing down until after I have settled, and gotten into a new routine. I hope the first week of 2024 has been good for you, and that you have amazing plans for the rest of the year. Thanks to Hot Coffee and Good Stories for your feedback on this story. I hope you're enjoying it. Have a fantastic day, thanks, and enjoy these two chapters. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083 D.
McLeod's Daughters
A Different Time, A Different Story
Chapter Eight: Baby Names, and Baby Games
March 11th, 2004
Drovers Run
Fisher District
Morning/Afternoon
Eight months pregnant, and Tess is still stuck for names for the baby. She and Nick haven't been able to decide on one they like. The girls are finishing off the nursery, Tess is sitting in the new rocking chair that Vic made as the baby gift, hands on her stomach. She's smiling to herself, slowly rocking, and thinking about the baby, and how she's going to be here in such a short amount of time and knowing that they don't have a name is kind of stress inducing, but she's trying to be calm about it. Claire didn't know what she was naming Charlotte until like a week after she was born, during which time they just called her Bom. Claire watches her sister as she looks around the room, taking it all in, and getting excited to meet her niece in less than a month. The baby shower that the girls had tried to plan in secret (but failed miserably at keeping secret), is this afternoon, and they're all very excited about it. They're not doing it completely traditional. The girls will get together in the afternoon, and then tonight, the boys will join them for dinner, so that Nick and Tess can sort through all the gifts, and last-minute things they'll need for the baby. Tess had surprised the Drovers women by inviting Sally and Liz. She simply said that she doesn't want 'anyone left out or hurt anymore', to which they had agreed. They're all trying to live with this situation, though Tess is the one most affected by it. She wants them all getting along for when the baby comes. She has to deal with Nick and Sally's relationship, and the idea that the woman will be a part of her child's life… and Liz… well she is the biological grandmother… that means a lot to Tess because she has neither of her parents here to be grandparents. She wants Liz and Harry to know their granddaughter. Even if Claire is wary of them. The knock on the door startles them, then Alex pokes his head around the door, making a stupid joke, before entering the room with a surprise for Tess: a crib, the one that she'd had when she was born, that Jack had made himself. Claire points to Alex and Vic where to put the crib, whilst Tess just watches the boys setting things up. When it's in place, Tess stands up, moving over to the crib, running her hands over it, as Claire places the small mattress inside, and stand beside Tess, telling her sister about how she used to come into Tess' nursery when she was a baby, and just talk to her. The sisters laughed, and then everyone else did as well.
Everyone else leaves, heading downstairs to get ready for the shower, but Claire stops when she sees Tess just standing I the room, looking around at the nursey, picking up a blanket that Claire had had with Bom, and hugging it close to her. Vic called up to Claire, and she returned downstairs, meeting Vic in the kitchen. Tess joined them moments later, glaring at Claire when she made a joke about her sister 'waddling around like a duck', taking a seat at the kitchen table, and demanding that Claire apologise to her. When her sister jokingly refused, Tess burst into tears, and Claire quickly knelt in front of her, apologising, telling her she was just joking, that she looks beautiful, and she doesn't waddle. Tess nodded and said that she does, then the two of them laughed again, as Claire handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes. As the morning fades into the afternoon, and it gets closer to the time the party starts, Claire finds her sister sitting outside on the porch. She's talking to the sky, asking if things are going to be okay, if she's going to be a good mother. Claire answers that question for her, taking a seat beside her sister, wrapping an arm around her, and snuggling Tess close to her, as she promises that their parents would be extremely proud of them both, and that Tess is going to be a great mother, because she's already a great auntie. Tess watched the girls trying to hide the decorations from her, when they realised, she could see what they were doing, and both she and Claire laughed. Tess played along though, asking them what they're up to, pretending like she can't see the box of decorations that Jodi has behind her back, and pretending to believe the reason that Stevie gave her, before Claire covered her eyes with her hands, and all she heard was giggling rushing past her. Tess laughed, even more so when Vic was tiptoeing past them, as if they couldn't see him. Tess asked him what he was doing, why he was being a weirdo, and Claire just rolled her eyes. He told them to have fun, Tess raised an eyebrow, Vic cringed, Claire looked mad, and then Tess just started laughing. With the tension broken, she waved Vic off, and thanked Claire for whatever it is they're doing that she's pretending to not know they're doing. The older sister just smiled, hugging the younger one, before asking Tess about baby names. She was loathed to talk about it anymore but did mention that Alex had told a name to Nick, that he said had kind of stuck with him, but she didn't know it. She hasn't seen Nick for a few weeks, he's been flat out, then he was in the city for a week, then other things piled on top of that. But she'll see him tonight, and she has the eight months ultrasound for him, because he's been collecting them.
'Righto then, shall we head inside?' Claire said, standing up, grinning at her sister
'Why would we do that Claire? It's beautiful out here,' Tess said, smirking
'Oh, I think we should head in, you know. Looks like is gonna rain,' she said, and Tess couldn't stop the laugh from escaping
'Well, we wouldn't want to be out here when it does,' Tess said, Claire helped her stand, both grinning as they went back into the house.
March 11th, 2004
Drovers Run
Baby Shower
Afternoon/Evening
At two pm, the women began arriving at Drovers Run for Tess' baby shower. The mother to be, was dressed in a light flowing maxi-dress, and stands in front of her full-length mirror, staring at herself from the side. She's so pregnant, and fat she can't see her feet now. Whilst the women were gathered in the living room, fussing over the gifts table, the men were outside, putting together the barbeque, before they all head back to Killarney for a boy's day. Despite Tess telling Nick and the other guys they could stay, Nick had been adamant that Tess has this day with the girls, and he'll be back tonight with the guys, they can look through all the things they got for the baby together then. Tess had accepted that. Kate, Becky, Jodi, Meg, Claire, Stevie, Sally, and Liz are gathered around, chatting. Since Tess had come home from the hospital, Liz has been nothing but nice to her, and honestly, it's been easy for the woman. She doesn't hate Tess, she just wants her son to be happy, and she realises that now. Now that she has meddled and made it so that Nick and Tess aren't together to raise their baby. She wants to be here for her granddaughter, but she doesn't know how to tell Nick that he doesn't have to stay with Sally if he doesn't love her. Tess entered the room, posing ridiculously, to cheers from the girls. Claire pointed her to a chair that Jodi had decorated 'especially for the mother-to-be'. It included a footrest, that Stevie regally placed under her feet, bowing and then bursting into laughter with Tess. The ladies chatted, and laughed, and Tess told them that she's been feeling better since talking to the maternity counsellor. They asked about names, and Tess begged them not to bother with that today, because she doesn't know yet, and it's stressful enough with everything else going on. The baby is moving around, and Tess feels a little strange. It's not kicking, just the baby moving about. She still has about three weeks to go, so she's hoping the baby goes the distance, because she did read that first pregnancies, can come early. But they can also be late. Sally watches Tess and her interactions with the other women. Everytime Nick comes home from a baby appointment with a new ultrasound picture, he would put it on the fridge, and talk about 'how amazing it is' for three days. The last time they had sex, was before Tess went into hospital, and even then, it wasn't great. Liz has been excitedly telling her about being a grandmother as well, and Nick and Liz had a conversation the other day at Wilgul, about her being involved, and what Liz would need to do in order to remain that way. Sally feels like she's on the outside, despite both Nick and Tess trying to make her feel included, but at this point… at this point… she doesn't even love Nick anymore. But she also feels a sense of pride, that she can't call it off.
Claire gets the games underway, surprising the other, because it's normally Jodi doing all those things, and when Claire had her shower, she was adamant that they would not be playing all those stupid games. But she knew that Tess would like them, as she had done that day. The younger McLeod told Claire that it's her idea, so she has to go first. Kate had gone online, and apparently found the 'Ten Most Fun Baby Shower Games', which included speed nappy changing, and the nappy obstacle course. Tess shook her head, laughing along with the others when they teased Kate for the stupid games, but Claire just went ahead, placing a box of Baby Borns on the table, and a pack of nappies, telling them to 'get changing'. Everyone burst out laughing, including Sally and Liz. Tess plays the games as well, but Stevie told her to stay in her seat, they'll bring them to her. She was the first one to change the baby born, holding it in the air. Claire made a joke about that 'not being how you hold the baby Tess', to which her sister adjusted so that she was nursing the fake baby, pulling a face at Claire, as the others laughed. You also don't throw babies, but that's what they did when they were finished with the nappy changing challenge, throwing the fake babies back in the box. Claire notices that Tess is putting on a smile, and playing along, when she sees her shifting around in her chair, obviously uncomfortable. It's autumn now, the weather is a little chillier than it has been, but it's not freezing cold. Just cold enough to be chilly. Claire had decided to give Tess the works when it came to her shower, considering she'd just had a small gathering. Becky won the second game, excitedly celebrating to clapping and whooping, and hi fiving the others, including Tess, who just smiled, thanking Meg when she handed her a glass of juice. Tess was about to take a sip, but she could smell the mimosa before anything and held it out to Stevie, telling her that 'this has alcohol in it Meg'. Tess laughed at the look on Meg's face, before she rushed out to get Tess a 'non-alcoholic' drink. Claire tested it first, jokingly, before stating that it's alcohol free. Meg apologised, but Tess just smiled at her. Jodi announced them that it was time for presents. The first present, from Becky, was a little cowgirl outfit with a hat and matching boots, that everyone thought was adorable, she thanked Becky with a hug. The next gift, from Kate, were some swaddling blankets, and some sheet sets for the crib. Meg gave Tess some newborn baby clothes, and nappies. Jodi gave some colourful and fun clothes and accessories for when she's older. Claire's gifts were already upstairs, but she handed her another wrapped gift, grinning as Tess shot her a look.
'Claire…' Tess opened the package to see her baby blanket, the one that Jack, and her mother had gotten for her when she was a baby
'I know if dad was here, he'd want you to have it' Claire replied, hugging her sister.
'Thank you, Claire. This is beautiful,' Tess said, running her hand over the handstitched blanket
'Are you okay Tess?' Stevie asked, noticing the tears on Tess' face, smiling when she just looked up nodding, thanking everyone for everything, holding the blanket.
March 11th, 2004
Drovers Run
Baby Shower
Evening
Sally had been reluctant to give Tess anything, but she had promised Nick she would be nice to Tess, for the baby, so she had brought (when they were in the city last week) a little horse plushie that matched Oscar's colouring, and some baby books for when the baby grows up. Sally was worried when Tess started crying but laughed when the woman just frustratedly said 'damn emotions' and thanked her with a hug. Liz was worried now, because she had picked out a gift, from herself and Harry, but didn't know whether Tess would accept it, because it's a big gift, it was expensive, not that it matters, but she wants her granddaughter to be safe. So, she thought it was a good idea. Tess noticed the size of Liz' gift and tilted her head sideways as Stevie, Kate and Becky pushed the wrapped box over to her. She ripped the paper off, gasping when she saw that it was a brand-new stroller. Tess was gaping, but thanked Liz with a smile, making a joke about her being glad Liz had brought one, because Tess had forgotten all about strollers. Liz told her that it's versatile, so it won't dig into the grass if she needs to take it outside with her. Liz hugged Tess, who whispered thank you, the woman pulling back with a smile, before placing her hand on Tess' baby bump. Liz asked about names, telling Tess that her grandmothers name was Mildred, if she needs another suggestion, patting her hand before returning to her seat. Once the gifts were done, the conversation went to child rearing habits. Tess struggled to get up from her seat, telling Claire she needs to use the toilet. Claire, Stevie, and Meg helped her up. She left the room then without another word, but Claire was worried, and told the others to change the subject before she gets back. Claire found her sister bawling her eyes out in her bedroom, immediately moving to hug her, but Tess pushed her away. She was panicking again, telling Claire that she doesn't think she can do it, that she won't be a good mother, that Liz is going to constantly be berating her, that Sally has Nick, and she wants them to be happy, but tells Claire that it hurts. It hurts knowing that she has Nick, and being around him hurts her heart everytime. Claire tries to lighten the mood, by pointing to her sister baby bump, and saying that it's a 'little late', which earns her a chuckle. She reminds Tess of a conversation they'd had when she was pregnant and concerned about meeting the same fate as her mother. Tess calms herself down, and tells her that they're all here for her, and to not let Liz get to her. Tess says in a whisper that she wishes her mother was here, just so she could talk to her, and Claire hugged her.
Back downstairs, Sally is telling the ladies in detail, about plans she has for her wedding to Nick. Claire returns, just as Sally says that she's having a 'child free wedding', causing Claire to scoff, and ask her what Nick will think of that idea, given that his daughter won't be able to be there. Sally looks to Liz, who is having a conversation with Jodi and Kate about food, before asking how Tess is doing. Claire tells the girls to continue with what they're doing, that Tess will be down in a minute, she's just using the bathroom. When the mother-to-be returned downstairs, she apologised to the girls, who brushed off her apology, Stevie excitedly handing her a picture for the next game, as Tess made her way back to her comfortable chair. Becky explains the next game, that everyone has a picture, and they have to match it with the baby picture of that person. They're doing the boys first, then the girls. Liz apologised to Claire, thinking it might have been her conversation that set Tess off, and extends an olive branch for a time. Claire accepts the apology, and returns to the game, correctly guessing Terry's picture, much to Meg's amusement. The party officially ended at five o'clock. That's when the guys arrived to join the girls for dinner. Vic arrived, carrying the alcohol, and making a point of holding the lemonade up for Tess, who just gave him a thumbs up, as Claire got her settled in her chair outside, laughing at her boyfriend, when he tried to do a trick with the cardboard box, and failed. When Nick arrived, Tess was in the dining room, sorting through the gifts she had been given, and was startled by Nick's voice in the doorway. She turned to face him, smiling, before showing off some of the things they got for the baby, including the stroller that Liz had brought for them, surprising Nick, when Tess just nodded. Nick held up a tiny baby outfit, and grinned like an idiot, then went looking through the other things, laughing at the cowgirl outfit. Tess laughed as well, making a joke about it 'matching Nick's', causing the man to laugh as well, bending down to talk to the baby bump, telling the baby that she needs to be nice to him, because mummy isn't. Tess scoffed, punching Nick's shoulder, he just said 'see' to the baby. The two re-joined everyone outside, Tess making herself comfortable again, with Nick helping her before going to over to help Alex. Harry arrived just before six, carrying three big bags of things, and calling for everyone's attention. Liz asked Nick to sit next to Tess as Harry stopped in front of them, placing the bags down. Tess looked at Nick, who was looking at his father, concerned about what was going to happen.
'Now, I know you've got plenty of clothes, toys and books, but these were some of Nick's baby things, that I thought would be special to you both, and the baby,' Liz said, and Harry smiled nodding along with his ex-wife, as Harry handed them the bag, and Nick pulled some old things out of it, including an old bear that Nick used to love, that Alex told an embarrassing story about, before everyone laughed
'This was Nick's first Akubra hat, from when he was a newborn. I figured the new baby would grow into it as well, protect her head when she's outside, and she can look like mummy and daddy. The wooden rocking horse great-grandpa Nolan made for the boys' Harry said, as Nick's mind filled with memories, and Tess also tried fighting her own emotions, as Harry placed the wooden object in front of them
'Thanks mum, dad,' Nick said, as Tess thanked them as well, patting Nick's hand and smiling
'Ah Tess, we do have one more thing. I know you have your baby blanket. This was Nick's baby blanket. I would be honoured for you and Nick to also have this one for the baby,' Liz said, as Tess thanked her, running her fingers over the stitching, spelling the name Nicholas Gary Ryan embroidered in blue.
The emotions boiled over, Tess thanked the Ryan's, who both came over and hugged, her and Nick, as they comforted each other, and Claire came over to comfort her sister as well. The girls took the new gifts inside, and then, to lighten the mood, Alex yelled out something ridiculous to Nick, who rolled his eyes, but stood up, making sure Tess was alright, before going over to his brother, and flicking his ear, quickly ducking out of the way of Alex's hand in retaliation. Sally, who was furious that Liz had given Tess Nick's baby blanket, was having an argument with the woman, about how she had said she would be 'saving it for them'. Nick, who had seen Sally and his mother go off together, went after them, wanting to keep them calm, because he doesn't want Tess stressed out. Sally turned on Nick when he appeared, loudly shouting at him that he's been negligent of her. This argument was overheard by Stevie, and Claire, who were not at all eavesdropping. It was obvious that Sally wasn't happy that Liz is trying to be involved in Tess and the baby's lives. The girls were making up games, with the intention of beating the boys, but Kate's suggestion of getting the boys to participate in some of the games they did at the shower was a hit with all the girls. The guys, at this point, Alex, Nick, Harry, Vic, Jake, Terry, and Riley would stand up against the girls, Stevie, Liz, Claire, Becky, Meg, Jodi, and Kate, in the baby shower games, whilst Tess sat out, to look after Charlotte who had woken up from her nap. She also videotaped Alex trying to change a baby's nappy, which was amusing to everyone. But Nick impressed them all by being able to do it, proud of himself, as his father patted him on the back. After Nick won the first game, Sally kissed him, but it was very forced, everyone could tell. Claire glared at the two of them, Nick pushed Sally away from him, calling for the next game. As it got darker outside, those in couples started snuggling together, and one noticeable [possible] new couple, was Jodi and Riley. Liz, and Harry left shortly after dinner, and Tess sick of Nick and Sally's PDA, stated that she was going up to bed. Claire called to her, asking if she needed help, but Tess just shook her head, waddling her way back inside, and looking up at the steps as if they were Mount Everest. Nick saw her standing at the bottom of the stairs, and offered to carry her up, but she declined, deciding to move to the guest room instead. It was only once she was in the bed, that she broke down crying. Her counsellor had told her that it's okay to let all those emotions out, that it's better to not have them kept inside her. She's been trying to be strong, trying to make this work with Nick, and with Sally and Liz, but it just hurts.
When Tess woke in the morning, she glanced over at the clock on the bedside table, before noticing that the door was ajar. She was sure she had shut it. She sat up, giving herself a moment of composure, before exiting the room, and going to find the others, padding slowly through the house. She really did look and feel like a waddling duck. Claire, Stevie, and Vic had moved all the baby shower gifts upstairs into the nursery. Tess struggles to get up the stairs, it makes her winded, so she's taken to being downstairs a lot. But she slowly made her way up the mountain, padding into the nursery, where she picked up Nick's baby blanket, once again running her fingers over the stitching, before bursting into tears, clutching the blanket to her body, as she awkwardly sunk to the ground. Claire heard the loud cry, bolting up the stairs to find her eight months pregnant little sister crying on the floor of the nursery, holding Nick's baby blanket like a lifeline. Through the tears, Tess explained what she was feeling, about the baby now, and about Nick and the whole situation. Claire tried to get Tess to her feet, but couldn't, calling out to Meg, who had just come upstairs to get Charlotte. They helped Tess stand, then Claire helped her down the stairs, into the kitchen, angrily telling Tess she shouldn't be going up the stairs. Tess sat down at the kitchen table, Meg came down then with Charlotte, and took over making breakfast, whilst Claire fed Bom, silently assessing the situation. Claire shook her head, and Meg nodded, understanding. Tess told Claire that she's going to call Dr. James, see if she can come out to talk to her today, that she's just emotionally spent from yesterday, all the emotions that came with that day. Claire nodded, glad that Tess was still talking to the counsellor that Dr. Gallagher had set her up with, because she needs that. She doesn't know how Tess is going to be after the baby is born. They're just taking it one step at a time. Vic joined them then, kissing Claire in greeting, hugging Tess, rubbing the bump, pressing a kiss to Charlotte's head, and stealing a piece of toast, before dodging Meg's knife wielding hand, and rushing out of the house to laughter. After breakfast, Tess called Dr. James, and had a phone session with her, that lasted two hours. After that ended, she slowly waddled out to find the girls. Upon seeing Tess approaching, Claire got off the horse she was breaking in, and met Tess at the fence. They chatted about Donna (the horse)'s progress, Tess told Claire about her session.
'It's been good, cathartic in a way. She doesn't judge me, just listens to me complain…' Tess said,
'Well, someone has to. Better her than me,' Claire said, smirking laughing then when Tess smacked her shoulder
'I think it's really been helping me Claire,' Tess said, following her over to where Oscar was, hugging the horse, and apologising for not being able to ride him for a while
'I'm glad Tess, and I've noticed the change. Only a few weeks to go okay, then we'll deal with whatever comes,' Claire said, and Tess nodded, talking softly to Oscar.
March 13th, 2004
Drovers Run
Fisher District
Morning/Afternoon
Knowing what could happen when she gives birth, Tess had been preparing for a worst-case scenario, like Dr. Gallagher and Dr. James had been telling her to do. She's putting together a time capsule for her family, friends, and for her daughter. She doesn't have much in there, and doesn't get very far, because Claire catches her, and demands that she stop. Nick is coming over today. Claire had organised for a lamaze teacher to come to Drovers, for Tess, and had told Nick about it. He'd asked if he should be there, and Claire told him that it would probably be beneficial for him to be. So, he's coming over at eleven for this class that Claire had at first refused to do, but Tess had gone with her, and it had been beneficial for them both. Vic had been acting strange since this morning as well, so when he walked into the kitchen, looking around like he was up to something, and spotted Tess, he jumped a mile in the air, dropping what he was holding, before scrambling to pick it up. The young McLeod just raised an eyebrow at him, and he grinned, promising her that it's all good he's just planning something special for Claire and Charlotte. Tess raised an eyebrow, but was smirking at him, and he ran off when Claire came into the kitchen. Tess shook her head, both of them muttered 'men' under their breaths, before Claire went back out to work, and Tess continued writing the thank you cards to everyone who had given them gifts. At ten thirty, Nick arrived… with Alex in tow. The older Ryan brother loudly stated that he's here to 'watch Nick at a lamaze class', because he went with Claire to one, and he thought it was the most embarrassing thing. Nick punched his brother's shoulder, told Tess that he's excited, ignoring Alex' badgering on about it. He pulled something out of his pocket, and another piece of paper fell out, landing on the table near Tess. She grabbed it, opening the paper to find a list of names. Asking Alex what it was for, he told Nick and Tess that he had heard some names, that he thought they might like. There was one at the top that really hit Tess when she read it, thanking Alex, who went to find Stevie. Nick sat down beside her, asking her which one she liked, because he really liked one on that list too, and when they both said the name, the grinned, laughing. They had just picked their daughter's name. The lamaze instructor, Greta, was a woman, probably in her early forties, who was… svelte. She had been teaching lamaze for thirty years. Tess was wearing a long flowing top, and maternity leggings, that she'd found in town, and Nick had trackies on, and a t-shirt. Things were fine, Nick was happy with what they were doing, until one thing, where Tess had to sit between his legs, he had to put his hands on her stomach, and they had to 'rock together'. He'd never been so hard in his life. If Tess could tell, she didn't say anything, and he kind of appreciated that, it was awkward enough without having to explain his reaction.
They finished just on midday, and as Greta was packing her things up, she mentioned to them, that Nick's Shakra energy was off centre today, and suggested meditation for the man. He'd thanked her and walked her out to the car. When he got back, Tess was glaring at him, and he quickly realised, running over to help her to her feet, and over to the seat, apologising for leaving her on the ground, as he packed up all their things. Sally had invited everyone over for a barbeque tonight, to celebrate Gungellan Fresh becoming a legal company, and making its first profit. Claire was hesitant to take Tess all the way to Wilgul, but Nick had mentioned wanting to show her the nursery he and Alex had built over there, and reluctantly, the McLeod sister had agreed to drive over there. Tess thanked Nick for coming today, then promptly promised he would never have to do that again, to which he thanked her, sighing as he muttered that Alex was right and he now owes his brother beer. Tess chuckled, patting his shoulder, and making fun of the fact. They just sat together after that, talking about the name they had chosen, about how amazing they think being parents is going to be, and talked about schedules. Then Nick mentioned that Alex will never let them forget that he was the one who suggested that name. Tess rolled her eyes, threatened to dismember the man if he mentioned it, and then laughed. They went back to talking about how much time the baby will spend at Wilgul, and how much she'll be here. Of course, she'll mostly be here, and Nick will probably mostly be here as well. There was laughter, as Nick told Tess stories about himself and Alex from childhood, and Tess did the same, accidentally revealing that her mother had tried to kill herself when she was seven. She swore Nick to secrecy on that, and he promised to not tell anyone, but was mad that her mother had tried to do something like that, and that she had done that to a seven-year-old. Tess nodded, and Nick told her a story about the first time he had seen Tess. She looked at him, confused. He smiled, said that Harry had brought him and Alex here to see Jack about something, and they had run off with Claire, but Tess was sick, and had to stay inside, but Jack let her come out on the front porch, and that's when Nick first saw her. Tess was gaping, muttering the word 'stargate' under her breath, Nick looked at her, she covered her mouth with her hand, chuckling to herself, before taking a deep breath.
'You were wearing a t-shirt, it was dark blue, and it had Stargate written on it. I remember looking up from what I was doing and seeing you standing there, you had curly blonde hair, and the coolest pants I've ever seen in my life,' Tess said, now Nick was gaping
'Wow, I can't believe you remember that much about it,' he said, looking up at her again
'Yeah, I may have been five, but I remember thinking how I wanted to talk to you, and how I wanted to know who you were. Did you remember what I was wearing?' Tess said, the last part in a whisper, Nick was looking at her
'Ah no. I don't remember what you were wearing. I should get going Tess, I'll see you tonight,' Nick said, standing quickly, she waved goodbye as he quickly left, running back to his car, getting in, and banging his head against the steering wheel.
March 13th, 2004
Wilgul
Fisher District
Evening
Claire, Vic, Tess, and Charlotte got out of the car at Wilgul, seeing all the cars of their other friends parked around. There was laughter coming from inside, and a nice aroma in the air. Claire was carrying Charlotte, holding Vic's hand, whilst he carried the other things. Meg had made some food as well, and caught up with them at the door, whispering something to them, before the door opened, and Alex greeted them cheerfully, handing each of them a beer, before he reached Tess, who held her hand out for one, punching him in the arm when he refused to give her one. She chuckled and greeted the others. Sally came over to give her a hug, which was awkward because of how big she is now. She thanked the woman for inviting her, and Sally led her over to a chair, telling her to get comfortable. Tess thanked her, sitting down and taking a deep breath. Nick had invited her here to see the nursery that he and Alex had spent some time building, but she doesn't know if she's going to make it to that point, because she's tired, and she knows that Claire doesn't want to be here late, both for her and for Charlotte. Most of the evening was spent in the lead up to the food, so it was after seven when Alex finally brought the sausages and burgers inside, telling everyone to 'calm their heads down'. Tess was going between hating the smell, and being hungry at what was on the table. Claire sat down beside her, asking if she's hungry, but Tess just shook her head, hand on her stomach. Claire asked if she's okay, Tess nodded, stating that she just can stand the smell right now. Apologising, Claire said they'll eat then head home, and the blonde sister agreed. When Claire announced they would be leaving soon, Nick and Alex stood up, helping Tess to her feet, and leading her down the hall to a door right at the end on the right. Alex covered her eyes with his hands, and Nick opened the door, leading Tess inside, she was chuckling when Alex uncovered her eyes. She was gaping. The room was beautiful, so modern and childlike. In the room was a crib, that Nick explained he and Alex had made together, so that she has something special from her father whilst she's here with him, and something special from her grandfather and mother when she's there. Tess covered her mouth, managing to get a thank you out before the sobs, smacking Alex when he teased her. Claire poked her head in, announcing her surprise to the boys, before stating that she wants to get Charlotte home, and that Tess should be home as well. Alex offered to drop Tess home later if she wants to stay for a while, but Claire was worried. Tess thanked the boys, but decided to go home with Claire and Vic.
Alex and Nick were the ones that cleaned up after everyone had left, standing together in the kitchen, washing, and drying the dishes. That's when Nick told Alex about what had happened at the Lamaze class today, his brother almost dropping the dish he was drying. Nick nodded, he felt so bad about it, but also didn't. There wasn't anything he could say, he just asked if Tess noticed. Nick said that if she did, she didn't say anything, and neither did he. Nodding again, the older Ryan brother washed the last plate, handing it to Nick, who dried it, and put it away, whilst Alex let the water out of the sink, and tossed the sponge down on the edge of the sink, grabbing another beer before he turned to face Nick. There have been only a few times in his life where he's had to play the serious big brother card, and he usually doesn't like to tell Nick what to do, mostly because he knows that Nick is smarter than he is and would do it the right way without telling him. But Alex feels like this is one thing that Nick needs his help with, and he can't just let the topic drop anymore. He asks Nick if he loves Tess. Tells him for forget about Sally, forget about mum, and forget about everything else. Just answer the question: does he love Tess? Nick sighed, before nodding, stating that of course he loves her, he's always loved her. Alex nodded then, telling his brother that he needs to make the choice now, because he can't keep playing Tess like this, and it's not fair to him either, to treat himself like this, to deny himself the love of his life. Nick shook his head, reminded Alex about the blackmail, flinching when Alex slammed his hand on the counter. Forget about that Nick… it's all a ruse to get you and Sally to stay together. Mum has nothing on Drovers, Claire, or Tess. It's just another way she can control us… Alex had said, Nick was gaping at him, Alex went into the study and came back with a large yellow envelope. Liz had left her 'blackmail' here, and Alex had read it, he showed it to Nick, showed him that it was nothing, that she was bluffing, tying to control him. Alex told Nick that he knows he loves Tess, and that Tess loves him, and that it's time to stop denying it, and pretending that his reason holds merit anymore. He's going to be a father. How is he going to explain this situation to his daughter when she's older? 'Oh, I love your mother, but I can't be with her, and you because grandma is blackmailing me'… he handed the envelope to Nick, told him to read it, and talk to Liz, because he's done with playing the martyr for him, and he's tired of watching him and Tess dance around one another, because he wants them to be together. He's wanted that since they were little.
'I told her about that day,' Nick said, fiddling with the envelope
'What did she say? Was she creeped out?' Alex asked softly, but Nick smiled, blushing slightly
'She remembered what I was wearing that day, how I looked with my hair, and my stargate t-shirt that I never took off,' Nick said, sighing
'What did you say? Because I know you remember everything about Tess that day,' Alex said, and Nick looked up at him, Alex saw the pain in his eyes
'I pretended that I didn't remember anything, then I left,' Nick said, and Alex shook his head, throwing his hands in the air, as he walked off to his bedroom, slamming the door closed.
A/N: Next chapter: Tess gives birth, but will Nick make it there on time? What does the birth of a new McLeod-Ryan mean for the other people in their lives? Claire and Vic discuss having another baby, and Becky makes a choice. Thanks, and stay tuned. D.
