A/N: I've been trying to do two chapters per upload, so as per that schedule, here is chapter two 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 Two: Onwards, Ever Onwards.
November 1st, 2003
Frank Seller Hotel
Merring, New South Wales
Morning/Afternoon
Claire, Charlotte, and Tess are in New South Wales for the Australian Farmers Agricultural Innovation Awards, which last two weeks. Stevie had been left in charge of Drovers, with the other women pitching in to help. It was nice for the McLeod sisters to get away, but they were both desperately missing home, despite Claire's excitement to check out New South Wales, and what is has to offer. Tess had entered the second trimester, which is the beginning of her fourth month of pregnancy, and noticing the changes to her body as they were coming. Claire was teasing her about what was to come, the expanding waistline, the sore breasts, all the annoyances that she experienced when she was pregnant with Charlotte. Tess had refused to let it get her down, despite all the negative side effects that came with being pregnant, Tess has taken a new outlook to it, wanting to try and remain positive, despite the darkness surrounding the baby, and the reasons she is pregnant. Things with Nick hadn't improved before they had left, the two had barely spoken, only when they were working together on Wilgul, and even then, Alex had been there to buffer for the two most of the time. Tess flicked on the TV, watching whilst Claire fed four-month-old Charlotte on the couch beside her. Claire admires her big sister, and how she has taken to being a single mother. If she can be as half as decent as Claire when she has her baby, she'll consider herself a good mother. The hotel they're staying at is rather fancy, but the AFAIA had put them up, and Claire wasn't going to turn down a nice hotel, she was going to take advantage of it, because the last time they had tried to screw her over, so this time she's going to make sure they know she's serious. Bringing Charlotte was Tess' idea, because whilst Claire is speaking at the awards ceremony tomorrow, she can practice her mothering skills, by watching Charlotte for her sister. It is an aunt's prerogative to look out for their niece anyway, and she knows that when her baby is born, that Claire will do the same thing. The room phone rang loudly through the silence, disturbing the feeding Charlotte, as Tess quickly grabbed the offending object, and answered it, smiling when she heard Meg's voice, just checking to make sure they got there okay, and to ask Claire a question about Drovers. She had left Stevie in charge, and the woman had taken the job seriously, wanting to prove to the McLeod's that she could run the place successfully when they're not there, and especially to step up for when Tess has the baby and Claire forces her to take some time off. Yes, that's right. Claire didn't and Tess is going to.
Merring is a nice place, small regional town on the coast of New South Wales, about an hour out of Sydney. Because the awards aren't until tomorrow, Claire decided that they would spend some time exploring, and had picked their first location to be the beach. Tess was laughing the whole way there, as Claire showed up in jeans, and a check shirt, whilst Charlotte had been dressed appropriately for her age, and for the Australian sun. The beach was beautiful though, and Tess was taking pictures whilst they were there, knowing that the others would want to see them when they get back. The golden sand, warm under their feet, the beautiful blue ocean, waves crashing onto the sand, before being pulled back out to sea again. A fishing boat sat just off the horizon, and people were swimming, and running around, laughing, and having fun. Charlotte seemed enamoured by the scene, as Tess set up their beach towels, and Claire sat down, with Charlotte in front of her. The job now, was to make sure that she didn't eat any sand, which is a habit of young children when left to their own devices. She has never been to a beach. Claire spent most of her life in the country, on the land. This is completely different to anything she has experienced before. Tess was lying back on the small beach chair they had borrowed, flicking through the book she had brought with her, Claire managed to change into shorts, and a singlet shirt, embracing the beach lifestyle, although she mentioned to Tess how annoying the sand was going to be, as it would no doubt get everywhere, and all over everything. The blonde woman nodded, going back to her book when Claire told her that she's taking Charlotte down to the waters edge. Tess watched from their spot on the beach, as her sister and niece paddled in the ankle-deep water, taking pictures, of Claire smiling and Charlotte's feet in the water. Tess hadn't experienced any baby sensations, but according to her books, she should be starting to feel some flutters, and kicking right around this time, and her bump might become more noticeable now that she is in her second trimester. It's her first pregnancy though, so it might be different. Claire looked up to see her sister sitting on the beach, hand on her stomach, sort of gazing out at nothing. She's worried about her mental state with everything that is happening, hoping that these two weeks will be good for them, enough for Tess to just spend some time not worry about Nick and Sally and all those other stupid things. Claire grabbed Charlotte and headed back up the beach towards Tess, who smiled as they approached, looking up from her book.
'How about we head back to the room, shower, and then go check out that market that you saw advertised when we first got here?' Claire said, placing Bom down on the towel, and sitting on her own chair
'You didn't want to go to the market Claire, thought it was ridiculous, just a bunch of junk that I didn't need,' Tess said, smirking
'Yes, well it is, but we can still go. There might be… something that isn't junk there. Either that, or we can find cheap gifts for everyone, because you know Jodi will be expecting it,' Claire said, chuckling along with Tess, who sighed before nodding and standing to help pack everything up.
'Thank you, Claire, I know you're trying to distract me. I just want you to know I appreciate it,' Tess said, almost whispered, as Claire just nodded, and returned to cleaning up.
November 2nd, 2003
Drovers Run
Fisher District
Afternoon/Evening
On the morning of the second, Stevie woke up to Alex bringing her breakfast. They had, last night, made their relationship official, with the red-haired woman stepping up and telling Alex how she truly feels about him. The girls gathered in the kitchen to get their assignments from Stevie, who had been delegating well, and ignored Alex when he came in, trying to distract her. Once the jobs had been divided between the women, they got to work, and Alex made his way back to Wilgul, where he would be seeing Nick and Sally, because apparently, they have a 'big announcement', and he knows… he just can sense, that Nick proposed to the woman. Don't get him wrong, he likes Sally well enough, but he just can't help thinking how hurt Tess is going to be when she gets back from New South Wales and hears the news. But he also can't tell her over the phone. They both deserve better than that. With a big sale coming up whilst Claire and Tess are away, Stevie is a little on edge, and barking orders left right and centre, before Jodi snaps at her, and tells her that she needs to calm down, the sale is going to go perfectly, and that Stevie is good at her job. She is the Lead Station Hand and Overseer for a reason. There had been a slight change, Becky was going to be the Overseer, because Claire and Tess thought she would be good at it, and to be honest, that was good for Stevie, it made it less stressful for her. She loves Becky as well, thinks she'll be amazing at the job. The women worked their buts off, right up until the sun began to set, that was when the phone rang, and Stevie ran to answer it, cheerfully greeting the eldest McLeod sister when she heard Claire's voice over the receiver. The Awards had been pushed back for a day or so, because one of the judges had called in sick, and they couldn't get anyone to replace, so they had to move it, and Claire was calling to tell them that their schedules have been thrown off, but they'll keep them updated. Stevie asked her about the city, and what the place they were in was like, and Claire talked all about it, watching Tess, who was standing on the balcony of their hotel room, leaning against the railing, fiddling with the necklace that her mother had left for her. Stevie told Claire that she and Alex are officially dating, they're in a relationship, Claire excitedly screaming alerted Tess, who quickly ran inside, to the news that Stevie and Alex were in a relationship. Tess shouted congratulations to Stevie, who was grinning on the other end of the phone, whilst talking about how it had happened. Claire let her babble, just going back to watching her sister, who had returned to her previous position.
Later that evening, at Drovers, Stevie and Alex had decided to have a barbeque to announce their relationship to everyone. Stevie had informed Alex that she had told Tess and Claire already, and the sisters told her that it was fine for them to do this, they can have another celebration when they get back from New South Wales. It came as no shock then, when everyone showed up, including Harry and Sandra, who had been alerted to this by Nick accidentally, as he was on the phone with Alex whilst their father was there. Apparently, Liz had also been there, but he doesn't know if his mother is coming or not. Despite all this happening, there was still so much to be done on Drovers, and the fact that Meg has been absent all day, helping Terry with something mundane wasn't good for the ladies. They're behind, and that's not a place they want to be. Alex and Nick were in charge of the barbeque, and had brought one of Wilgul's new Station Hands, Victor 'Vic' Waller, to meet everyone, as he just started with them today. He knew Claire from many years ago, and was disappointed that she wasn't here, but was polite enough to everyone, introducing himself. He doesn't much like the Ryans. By that he means, Harry, Sandra, and Liz. He has no problems with Nick and Alex, in fact they almost get along like brothers. Stevie, Jodi, and Becky weren't happy that Sally was here, but kept it mostly to themselves, besides telling Meg, who was devious, and suggested they do something to give her food poisoning, which made the women laugh, but then figure that if they did that, they would absolutely be sued, or go to jail, and they can't afford for anything like that to be happening. Sally was discussing Gungellan Fresh with Terry, Sandra, and Jodi, all of whom had been notified that they were starting the small business, but not that Sally had self-appointed as the accountant for the group. It was Alex that snapped at her, telling her to shut up about their business, and stop spreading things around about it that weren't true. Vic asked if he could join the business, that he can be of help because he knows a thing or two, and Nick invited him to the next meeting. It was just after seven pm when Liz Ryan showed up at Drovers, hurrying over to Nick, and handing him something, before patting his shoulder. Stevie knew what it was, and stood up, muttering 'oh no, oh no' repeatedly under her breath. Alex knew also, and it was like everything, and everyone stopped in that moment, as Nick got down on one knee in front of Sally, and presented her with a ring, asking her to marry him. She said yes.
'Oh no,' Stevie said out loud, before faking her joy at the announcement
'We have to call Tess and tell her,' Jodi whispered to Becky, who nodded, but the two were stopped by Stevie
'Tess needs this time to just relax okay. She's got enough to think about with the baby, we'll tell her in person, when they get back,' Stevie said to the girls, looking back at Nick and Sally being all gross
'It's going to break her,' Meg said, and the girls nodded, in complete agreeance.
November 3rd, 2003
Australian Farmers Agricultural Innovation Awards
Finmark Hall, New South Wales
Afternoon/Evening
Claire had gotten the call from Stevie, telling her that Nick and Sally had gotten engaged last night, that she wanted to call, give them a heads up, before they got home and were surprised with it. As Stevie told her this information, Claire glanced over at her sister, who was holding Bom, and showing her around all the colourful paintings in the Hall they were currently in. Claire promised Stevie she would break the news to Tess, before hanging up quickly when the awards began. She has no intention of telling this to Tess right now. This is the first morning her sister has woken up without morning sickness, and with a smile on her face. If she tells Tess that Nick and Sally are engaged, it will ruin not only the day, but possibly the rest of their trip, and she wants this to be a nice trip for Tess, before they go back, and before she has to deal with the fact that she's having Nick's baby. Bom chuckled and smiled as Claire rejoined them, Tess asked about the phone call, Claire lied saying it was about cattle numbers, and sheering schedules. They changed the topic after that, to who they thought would win the award, and what innovative farming method they could employ at Drovers Run. Many young farmers were being honoured today, and Claire had been scouting to hire a new hand to fill the empty quarters and have an extra set of hands when the time comes for them to need a pair. Claire's speech was scheduled to happen at two pm, that's in an hour, but Tess was worried that she hadn't practiced, whilst Claire was confident that she would be fine, and that she has the note cards that Tess made her make, so that she could hit her points, without too much of a pause in between. There haven't been many public speaking occasions that Claire has been excited to be a part of, but this one… this one is one of the first. Tess sits with Charlotte, who ends up dozing off in her auntie's arms, just as Claire takes the stage to raucous applause. It's well known to the people here, who Claire McLeod is at this point in life. Tess listened to the speech, whilst it applied mostly to farming, there were also some life points in there… 'the fear of losing is never greater, but you have to be strong, and keep going, not just for the farm, but for the family… yours and theirs' Claire had said, and that resonated with Tess. Charlotte dozed through the entire speech, Claire had been allotted an hour, and she used the whole thing. When she was finished, she rejoined her sister and daughter, whilst the rest of the Awards when on. Tomorrow is the Innovation Fair, so that will be where they can come, and browse the inventions that these guys have come up with and choose if they want to try it out or not.
That evening was a banquet ball for the Awards, and Claire, Tess, and Charlotte had all decided to get dressed up in their best clothes and attend, just for something to do. It had been Tess' idea, of course, but Claire had jumped on the idea once it was put out there to her, and besides, they could use some fun. The pram had been decorated as well, and Charlotte was wearing a beautiful pink dress that Meg had made for her. Actually, it had been Jodi's when she was younger, and Meg had passed it onto Claire. But it looks beautiful on her. Tess had disappeared as soon as they got to the hall, but reappeared suddenly, carrying two plates full of food, from the all you can eat buffet, placing one down in front of Claire, before grinning and picking up her fork, stabbing a piece of broccoli. Claire just gaped at her, before laughing, realising that her sister was probably hungry, and craving things… which was evidence more so, when she saw her sister dipping the cauliflower in chocolate sauce. Tess just said 'cravings', and proceeded to continue, as if that wasn't the weirdest thing in the world. Something hit Claire then… a memory that she had when she was younger. Nick and Alex had been daring one another to eat weird things with chocolate sauce, but Nick had mentioned enjoying the cauliflower when he'd dipped it in. The memory made Claire almost spill her drink, causing Tess to jump slightly, and Claire to begin apologising. The blonde sister silently asked what had happened to make Claire do that, and figuring that it would be alright, Claire told her about the memory, and how Nick had told her once, that he liked eating cauliflower dipped in chocolate sauce. Tess looked down at the plate of food she had gotten from the buffet, and then back up at Claire, as she had a piece of chocolate dipped cauliflower on her fork. Her sister patted her arm, as Tess looked back down at the plate, before taking a deep breath, then continuing to eat her meal, making a joke about Alex having no taste, and Nick having good taste. During dinner, Claire conversed with several people, all of them talking about their farming ideas, and Claire mentioning Gungellan Fresh to them, something that she runs back home. Tess just sat with Charlotte and ate her dinner, whilst her sister conversed with everyone, and flirted with some of the single men, much to Tess' amusement. Finally, when they had finished dinner, and Claire had finished mingling, they decided to head back to the hotel. The walk was done in silence, but it was a nice night, so they just took their time.
'How are you feeling Tess? I didn't mean to upset you earlier with the Nick comment,' Claire said, as Tess chuckled
'You didn't Claire. I just have to accept this situation, and I'm struggling to do that. I just… need some time to come to terms with everything that is going on right now,' Tess replied, in almost a whisper
'You know, we're all here for you Tess. Especially me. You're my sister and I love you,' Claire said, and Tess nodded
'I know that, Claire. I love you too. So, are you going out with any of the guys you were flirting with tonight?' Tess asked, smirking at her sister, who blushed, scoffed, and walked ahead a little, pushing Charlotte as Tess just laughed, and ran to catch up with her.
November 7th, 2003
Drovers Run
Fisher District
Afternoon/Evening
If it hadn't been for the Ryan boys, the girls would never have gotten the cattle loaded onto the truck, especially because one of their neighbours had been trying hard to make sure they wouldn't. Stevie had been furious that Royce had tried to sabotage their sales at the cattle farm, she had wanted to go over there, and give the man a piece of her mind, but Alex convinced her not too, instead he came to Drovers and explained what was going on, that he thought Claire was going to be here, that he didn't realise she was in New South Wales. Stevie asked what the difference would have been, if Claire were here, she would have castrated him. Royce chuckled, then made a deal with Stevie, that he could get a better price at the cattle farms for his stock, than they would get for theirs, and that if they end up selling theirs for a higher price, he will triple the price the person paid. Alex told Royce to put it in writing, and the deal was made. Stevie and Meg had remained behind whilst the others went ahead to the cattle yards, Becky and Jodi would no doubt be able to get a good price for the cattle, regardless of Royce's offer hanging over their heads. They can't afford to pay three times what he will sell his cattle for, so she hopes the girls get a good deal. Alex had remained behind, whilst Nick went back to Wilgul, where Sally was apparently starting the wedding preparations. Once he was gone, Stevie told Alex that she isn't going to that wedding, and she isn't going to be happy for them about it. She doesn't like that Nick did this whilst Tess was away, and she can't believe that he did it in the first place. Alex tries to defend his brother, by stating that perhaps he and Tess just weren't meant to be together, but Stevie suddenly turning around to him, holding a butchers knife in her hand, caused him to jump back slightly, and add that he knows Nick loves Tess, and vice versa, but that he thinks something else happened that made Nick go back to Sally, instead of staying with Tess. Stevie lowers the knife, shaking her head as she turns back to the sink, washing the knife and putting in the rack. Alex rubs her arms, telling her that they're all worried how this will affect Tess, and Stevie admits that she told Claire about the engagement, knowing that the older McLeod sister will be able to tell Tess the right way, at the right time. They hadn't made any other plans to hang out, but Stevie could tell that Alex was tired, and the girls wouldn't be back until tomorrow, so she and Meg were going to drench tonight, then move the sheep to Folly's paddock tomorrow morning, before the girls returned with the sale from the show. Claire had been preparing those cattle for months, so the offer better be good. Alex offered to stay, help with drenching, but Stevie told him to go home, she'll call if she gets desperate. She and Meg can handle the drench tonight.
Just before six pm, Jodi's friend Kate Manfredi arrives, and tells the girls that she is the new station hand that Claire and Tess hired earlier. Jodi takes her up to her quarters, and she, Kate, and Becky spend the time getting to know each other, with Jodi and Kate catching up on things from when they were in school together. Becky enjoys hearing the stories about Jodi in highschool, which she uses to make fun of the young woman she calls her best friend. Kate shows her true self, how perfect she is, when Becky tries to do something, but Kate can't help being the control freak and take over, despite Jodi explaining that Becky needs to do it for herself, to be able to learn. The night ends abruptly with an argument between Kate and Jodi, the three young women heading straight to bed. Stevie, living in between Jodi and Kate stays the night in the guest room of the main house, after Meg asks her to keep an eye on the house whilst she is in her little cottage. In New South Wales, Claire and Tess are spending time going over Tess' speech for the day tomorrow, and the older sister is impressed by the younger, and her dedication to the program and the speech she's giving. Charlotte is growing so much as well, she's beginning to move around more, and Claire thinks she might be trying to walk soon. The night sky in New South Wales seems different than the one in South Australia. Tess finds the country air more calming than she does the city, and can't ever imagine going back there, despite being in Melbourne for most of her life. Since she found Claire and Drovers Run, she has been hesitant to leave the country now, wanting instead to just be there all the time. She never thought that would happen, when she showed up on Drovers Run to claim her inheritance, and she found her sister instead. It had been a rocky road to get to here, but they're on the way, and she wouldn't change anything that has happened between her and Claire, because it's brought them closer together. Tess sits, looking out the window beside her hotel room bed, wondering what the girls are up to at home. Back at Wilgul, Nick stares up at the stairs from the outside seat, wondering what Tess is up to, and how he's going to tell her that he's engaged, because he knows that she's hurting, he's hurting too, but he did what he had to do to protect her, Claire, and Drovers Run. The stars might be different all around the world, but Nick could be looking at the same night sky that Tess is looking at right now, thinking the same things. He senses Alex sitting beside him.
'What are you thinking little brother?' Alex asked, handing him a beer
'How big the universe is, and how small we are compared to that,' Nick replied, chuckling at the look on Alex's face
'Thought you'd be in bed with Sally, considering the early day you two have tomorrow,' Alex said, rubbing in the wedding planning day his brother was being forced into
'Thought you'd be with Stevie' Nick replied, a dryness suddenly in his throat at the thought of tomorrow.
November 14th, 2003
Drovers Run
Fisher District
Morning/Afternoon
Claire, Tess, and Charlotte got back to Drovers Run just after nine am, having taken the first early flight they could get out of New South Wales. Two weeks it far too long to be away from their home. They were cheerfully greeted by the girls of Drovers Run, coming to meet them, including Kate, who both Tess and Claire shook the hand of, as they headed inside. Tess was kind of showing, just a little. You could tell there was a bump there, if you looked hard enough, and she was wearing a skintight top right now, so it was completely obvious that she's pregnant. The women head into the homestead, where Stevie explains to Claire and Tess that Drovers is back in the green, the overdraft has been paid off, and they're now making money. Claire was shocked, asking how the hell they managed that, and Becky told them about the deal that Royce had made with them, that he would pay them three times what their cattle sold for if they sold for more than his mob did. Claire looked at Stevie, and she handed Claire a cheque for three hundred thousand dollars. If she wasn't sitting down, Tess was sure her sister would have fainted. It was unbelievable, but the girls celebrated happily, singing through the house, as Tess and Claire took their bags upstairs, and Claire came back down with presents for each of their friends. Whilst they're handing out gifts, Stevie is telling all the girls about her relationship with Alex, and how amazing it is, and then the conversation switches to Tess and how she looks like she's glowing in her pregnancy now that she's started showing slightly. The blonde woman blushes, but thanks the girls, standing up and turning to the side, before posing to show off the small bump. Becky and Jodi squeal in excitement and hug Tess, softly patting the bump, whilst Kate just says congratulations, then talks about how wonderful it is that this place is so amazing and run by women. Claire shakes her head at Stevie when she brings up Nick, quickly making a joke, before pulling the woman out of the room, and telling her that she didn't tell Tess about Nick and Sally getting engaged, because her sister has been in a good way for the last week, and she doesn't want to ruin that by hurting her anymore. She made the choice. Stevie pointed out that at some point, Tess will find out, and Claire sighs, rubbing her forehead, she knows that's true. When they get back into the dining room, it's Jodi who brings the room to a crashing halt, when she tells Tess that Nick and Sally are engaged. Claire looks at her sister, who wraps arms around herself, one hand going to her mouth to try and cover the sob, but it comes out anyway, and Tess excuses herself from the room. Jodi quickly apologises, Claire pats her shoulder and goes after Tess.
Later in the afternoon, Claire, Meg, and Tess head into town, to the Truck Stop to get some supplies for the dinner that Meg is going to cook for them tonight. Tess has decided to try and put the pain to the side, and just be happy, and has been practicing her happy smile, for when she sees Nick and Sally. Claire had laughed at her, told her no one would blame her if she wanted to burn Wilgul down, in fact she would happily help, and that had perked Tess up a little, but she begged her sister not to do that, because she needs her here to help her out. When they got to the Truck Stop, Terry was there working, and called out to them as they arrived, with Meg going over to talk to him, Claire putting petrol into the ute, while Tess went inside to get some food for their dinner tonight. She hadn't been in there long when she heard Alex's voice calling out to her, and she smiled, turning around to hug Alex, making a joke about him 'not changing at all' whilst they were away. She was laughing at something the older Ryan brother said, when the younger one entered, arm wrapped around Sally's shoulders. Alex saw Tess' smile falter slightly, impressed that she kept her poker face. Nick spotted Tess first, removing his arm from around Sally, before the woman spotted her. Tess turned back to the counter to pay for the food she had put on the counter. Sally, pretending like the interaction hadn't just happened, walked over to Tess, hugged her, and welcomed her home, then told her that she and Nick are engaged. Alex watched Tess' expression, he could see the pain fill her eyes, but that fake smile never left her face, as she acted excited, squealing, and hugging the doctor, and then Nick, congratulating the both of them on their exciting news. Alex could tell she wanted to get out of there, and made an excuse to distract Nick and Sally, whilst Tess sent him a silent thank you. He just nodded, Tess grabbed her things, shouting a 'see ya' to the Ryan's and Sally, before exiting the Truck Stop. When she got outside, she told Claire what had happened inside, laughing at her sister's reaction, before they were interrupted by Sandra, making a snarky comment to Claire, who shot something back at her. Tess told Claire to not bother, and that was when Sandra noticed the small bump on Tess, her mouth dropping open in shock, as the McLeod's got into the car, and drove away, waiting for Meg at the edge of the corner, before speeding off in the direction of Drovers. On the way back home, Tess cried, and Meg and Claire both suggested ways they could mess with the newly engaged couple, trying to make Tess laugh, with much success. Back at the homestead, the women were organising the sheep for drenching, and Tess had told Claire that she doesn't want to spend time thinking about it anymore, she just wants to be. They all decided that was what they would do.
'Righto, let's get this drench organised. Becky, Kate, and Jodi, gather the horses and bring the sheep down to the yards, Tess and Meg can organise the drenching liquid, and I'll fix up the pens, if we work together, we might be able to get this all done before it gets dark,' Claire said, clapping her hands together once, sending them off
'Should Tess be handling chemicals when she's pregnant Claire? It might be better for her to help Kate and Jodi bring the sheep down, I'll help Meg with the drench liquid,' Becky said, and Claire nodded, asking Tess if she'd be okay to ride
'Women have been pregnant and riding horses since the beginning of time… right Claire?' Tess replied, repeating the words Claire had said to her when she was pregnant with Charlotte
'Yeah yeah, get on the damn horse and be careful,' Claire said, Tess grinned and headed off towards the stable where Oscar was located.
November 15th, 2003
Drovers Run
Fisher District
Afternoon/Evening
Claire was in the study when there was a knock on the door, and Harry Ryan entered the room, greeting Claire like they're old friends. Truly, she doesn't know what Harry Ryan is, but she's hesitant to use the word friends. She sarcastically asked what Harry wanted, as he took a seat opposite, and without missing a beat, blatantly asked Claire if Tess was pregnant. The older McLeod sister's head shot up, and she angrily demanded to know who told him that. When Harry mentioned that Sandra had seen Tess yesterday, and noticed that she was showing, Claire got even more mad, standing up so she was towering over Harry, and angrily told him that he should butt out, and keep Sandra away from her sister. Harry pressed, sensing that Claire's anger was covering a secret, he just wanted to know if he should be on the lookout, because Tess is supposed to be helping at Killarney with the flocking, and he doesn't want anything to happen if she is pregnant. Claire angrily sits back down at her desk, head in her hands. She hates giving Harry Ryan anything including the satisfaction of being right, and the fact that it was Sandra… Claire confirmed that Tess is pregnant. Harry nodded, thanking Claire for being honest with her, and promises to not push Tess as hard at the flocking. Claire nods, biting her lip, shooing the man out of the study, barely raising her hand to wave at him as he left. Harry walked back to his car, spotting Tess on horseback helping with the sheep. He raised his hand to wave to the blonde McLeod sister, who raised her hand back, raising an eyebrow as Harry got in his car, looking at Jodi who just shrugged, and turned to explain everything Ryan to Kate so that she would understand. Later in the afternoon, Claire told Tess that Sandra had seen her bump at the Truck Stop, and had told Harry that she's pregnant, and that's why he was here, to confirm so that he wouldn't 'go too hard on her at the flocking'. Tess sighed, she had noticed Sandra acting strange around her as they got in the car, but she didn't think it was noticeable because she was wearing her baggy shirt over the top. Claire tells her sister that she has nothing to be ashamed of, and that she didn't tell Harry anything else, he can come to whatever conclusion he wants to, it won't matter, because they know the truth, and that's all that matters. Tess nodded, thanking Claire, then flicking straight back into work mode, turning to explain the sheep situation to her sister, who chuckled.
Kate's first official day was one of her best, and she proceeded to explain this to the women as they sat around after the work was done, drinking some beers (Tess had lemonade), and laughing about this and that. Stevie was supposed to be picked up by Alex soon, she's spending the night with him at Killarney. Tess warned Stevie about Liz Ryan and gave her some pointers on what to watch out for, considering that Alex is her 'prized son', and she loves to meddle in the Ryan brothers' relationships. This said bitterly, as Becky shot Jodi a look, then laughed. They proceeded to share their horror stories about dealing with Liz Ryan, which brought them closer together, and helped them to bond slightly as well. Claire was joking with Stevie about Alex Ryan, and it got graphic and dirty, as the night got later, and the drinks got emptier. Becky announced that she and Jake are still dating, that she's excited for him to come back, after his studying in Melbourne. Jodi laments on how she and Luke might have nothing in common anymore, and that she's worried he's getting bored of her, and will break up with her, whilst Meg tells Jodi that she and Terry have decided to continue seeing each other. Claire scoffs when Stevie asks her about a love life, but Tess smirks, telling the girls about all the men that she was flirting with in New South Wales, earning her sister throwing a Malteser at her head, before laughing and blushing. Tess chuckled, taking the Malteser and eating it, before poking her tongue out at Claire. The older McLeod just said that she doesn't know if she can do it again, if she can put her heart out there, and risk it getting hurt. Tess reminded her that not every guy is Peter, and that she needs to do it at some point, because she deserves to be happy. Claire rolls her eyes, sarcastically thanking her sister for point out the obvious points. The later it got, the more alcohol was drunk by the girls, all of whom ended up stumbling to bed, just after two am (except for Tess, who had to help her sister up the stairs, trying to placate Claire, who just wanted to muck around because she's drunk). Tess managed to get her into bed, before she returned to her own room, changing into her pyjamas, seeing her changing body in the mirror, stopping to just put her hands on her stomach, and closing her eyes to make a wish. A wish to Jack, and her mother that things will work out alright, that her baby will be alright, and that Harry Ryan won't interfere in her life, the same way that his wife does. When Tess went to bed that night, she dreamt of a life that was her, Claire, the girls, and her baby working on the land, with a little girl, blonde hair, running around with her cousin Charlotte, having fun like she and Claire used to when they were little. They'll be so close in age as well, that they'll almost be like sisters. Onwards, ever onwards would be what her mother would tell her.
A/N: I am hoping to have this story fall into uploading schedule with my other stories, but I have so many things going on, that I just don't know if i'll be able to, but I have made a resolution for myself to keep on track for it, so we'll see how it goes. I know that Makie will keep my schedule in line if I can't manage it. Thanks to Makie, you're the best boss gal. D.