A/N: DISCLAIMER: Contains heavy themes. Please proceed with caution. The lives of two favourites are put in danger, as a collapse in a far paddock causes chaos and calm. Trapped together, and unsure if they're going to survive, two characters make a tough choice to survive. Will they be able to find them in time? Thank you for reading, and Enjoy. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.
McLeod's Daughters
A Different Time, A Different Story
Chapter Twelve: On the Brink of Life and Death
June 21st, 2004
Drovers Run
Fisher District
Morning/Afternoon
With the warnings for floods becoming more and more prominent, the girls at Drovers, and the surrounding properties of Wilgul and Killarney had been working hard to try and make flood gates in some of the paddocks, to prevent all their land flooding, and leaving the cattle high and dry. Today in particular, it was raining and windy. Nick, and Tess were in the far north paddocks of Drovers, clearing out some land up there, as it's on a hill, and the small creek that runs through the mish mash of land will definitely overflow and cause more damage if they're not careful. Vic and Claire had returned from their honeymoon two days ago to all of this, and Vic has officially moved into the house. It's been strange, having him there constantly, and Tess has more than once, accidentally walked in on him and Claire in the shower. It's scared her for life. After they finish here today, they're going over to flood proof Wilgul. They can only do so much, but if it means they don't have to completely relocate the animals, then that is something to consider. The other thing as well, is the land right near, and around the homestead. Claire had been adamant that sandbags won't be enough, despite ordering enough to build the Great Wall of China out of sandbags. She and the others were working on the house, Nick and Tess had come out here, after realising this was the only paddock they hadn't done, and because it's the furthest, and has the creek, the most dangerous. To be honest, it looked like this paddock hadn't been used in years, there were sticks everywhere, and it just looked like it had already flooded, and no one cleaned it up. They were working on a particular set of sticks, a large pile on the far side of the paddock when Tess felt the ground move slightly beneath her. She pointed this out to Nick, who looked down, before realising too late. The platform beneath them collapsed, and they fell into a hole, an Old Cattle Bunker, that had definitely not been used since the war. It was too far up to climb, they'd need winches and ropes, and there isn't anyone around. Nick was calling out for help, on the off chance that Alex had caught up with them. The hole had been blocked by some dirt and sticks that had been shifted when the roof fell through. Nick was explaining how they're going to try and get out of here, turning to look at Tess, who was holding her side, that was when he noticed that she was bleeding, a piece of sharp wire had cut her side. Nick caught her as her legs gave way, begging for her to stay with him, to stay awake, calling out for help, as he tried to find something to staunch the bleeding, as Tess tried to stay awake.
In the bunker, there was a bunch of old stuff that looked like it had been here since the war, which was lucky, because there was a kind of cot bed, with a mattress that was still okay to lay on, and some sheets. There was water in the fridge, Nick doesn't know if it's any good, but he's assuming that water doesn't go off, even if it's over forty years old. Nick manages to rip up some old sheets, making a bandage for Tess, cleaning the wound with some fifty-year-old alcohol, before wrapping it tightly, hoping to stem the bleeding. Nick finishes that, then looks at Tess, asking her if she's okay. She nods, asking if there is another way out of here, but Nick shakes his head. He had checked, the door has been sealed shut with industrial strength super glue, and they can't climb out, it's too high. Tess moved and a sharp pain shot through her, she yelled out, and Nick told her not to move too much, he's going to see if there is anything here, they can use. Tess nodded, closing her eyes, and trying to telepathically contact Claire, or one of the other girls. Tess choked back a sob, closing her eyes, and listening as Nick was banging and clanging around somewhere on the other end of the small bunker. Tess looked around from where she was laying on the small cot, trying to see anything they could use, whilst the pain in her side, was killing her with every slight movement of her body. Nick returned, carrying a crate, placing it down beside the bed, and opening it, washing the dust away, and pulling out some things, old games, some kind of ledger, and some food that was supposed to last for many years, it had expired about twenty years ago, and Nick was hesitant to open it, in case it releases something into the air. He wondered about starting a fire with some of the branches that fell in with them, but Tess reminded him that the smoke from the fire would probably kill them, and he sighed. They're going to have to wait, hope that someone realises they haven't come back, and send out the search party. They told Claire they were heading to the far North Paddock, so hopefully they'll be here quickly. Nick picked up some magazines, raising an eyebrow, before showing them to Tess, who chuckled. Lewd magazines, of course. This was obviously made by the McLeod's many years ago, and Jack had sealed it up at some point, obviously the sticks on the top of the platform had been his 'signal' of where it was. Tess took a deep breath, before turning to look at Nick, their eyes met.
'Are we going to get out of here Nick?' she asked, and Nick was on his feet immediately, moving over to sit beside her on the bed
'Yes. Alex and Claire will realise we never came back from the paddock, and they'll come find us. Don't worry, it will all be fine,' Nick said, nodding to Tess, who forced a smile on her face
'I don't know if I'll make it…'
'YES, YOU WILL! You're going to make it Tess,' Nick said, hugging her tightly, it was enough for now.
June 21st, 2004
Drovers Run
Fisher District
Evening
As it got darker, it got colder. The clock on the wall in the kitchen read that it was just after eight thirty. Claire had been waiting for Tess to get back for three hours. There was no need for it to take this long to clear the paddock, and she knows that her sister would call her if something else had come up, mostly to check on Amelia. Claire was pacing back and forth in the study, calling the SAT phone. It rang and rang… and rang… but there was no answer. Claire called Alex then, asking him if he'd seen or heard from Nick. When he said no, Claire started to panic, and Alex caught on that something was going on, because he knows that Nick and Tess were out working. Claire explained what she had done to Alex, trying to call the SAT phone, and that there aren't any messages from Tess, and he confirmed that he had none from Nick either. Claire was in full on panic mode right now. Vic found his wife pacing in the study. He sensed that Claire was panicked, and she explained what was going on, listening to the one-sided conversation and obviously Alex had said he'd come over, because Claire hung the phone up, and ran to get a map of the property. She knows where Nick and Tess were going, and she needs to know that they're okay. Vic explained that they can't do anything tonight, they're going to have to wait until tomorrow anyway, but Claire ignored him. About half an hour later, Alex arrived, rushing inside, carrying a bag of stuff, telling Claire that the car wasn't in the yard, but Nick's ute was still parked here, because they had taken the Drovers Ute out to the paddock. Claire pointed to where Nick and Tess were working and explained that it might take them a full day at least to get there. Alex grabbed her shoulders, telling her that she needs to calm down, she's no good to anyone in a panic, and then tried to tell her that they're okay, maybe the SAT phone died, maybe they're on their way back now, and couldn't answer, or maybe they lost track of time. Claire shook her head, telling both Vic and Alex that they wouldn't do that without calling to check on Amelia, she knows that. Alex shared a look with Vic, who nodded in silent agreement: Nick and Tess were in trouble. The rest of the homestead was woken with this news, as they all came up with a plan. It's going to take them almost a full day to get there, and they're going to need someone to stay behind in case they come back, or call. Meg offered to stay here with the girls, promising to keep them updated.
Alex managed to convince Claire to wait until the morning. It's too dangerous to be riding out now, and Vic told his wife that Nick and Tess will be safe wherever they are, they're together, they're going to be somewhere safe. Amelia cried that night. Claire tired to comfort her, hugging her close, grabbing anything that smelt like Tess, hoping it would convince the girl that her mother was here, that she could sleep, but it was like she could sense that her parents were in trouble. Claire hugged her niece, trying not to cry herself. She can't sit here and just wait for the morning to try and find them, she has to do something now. She put Amelia to bed, thankfully she fell asleep quickly after that, and Claire went back downstairs, grabbing all the things they will need for tomorrow morning. She was plotting a course for them to take, it's going to be a long trip, and some of the paddocks are more mush than anything, and some are better accessed by car, rather than horse. But they have to find Nick and Tess, they could be hurt, but she's hoping that Alex is right when he said that they're somewhere safe, and they're safe together. It was still dark when Vic heard banging coming from downstairs, and shot up in bed, realising that Claire wasn't beside him, he sighed, and went downstairs to find his wife digging through the pantry. She's dressed, like she's ready to leave now to find her sister, and he knows how much she wants to find Nick and Tess, he does as well, they're his family, but he knows that if Claire crashes tomorrow, it's not going to be pretty. Trying to convince her to come back to bed was the hardest part, and when they finally got into the bed together, Vic hugged Claire close to him, and let her cry out her panic, whilst he just held her. Held her close and told her that it's going to be okay they're going to find them, and they'll be back here before they know it. Claire tries to think of the last things she said to her sister, telling Vic that she had told Tess to 'not screw it up', and begged him for it to not be the last thing she said, knowing that Tess wouldn't, but she was worried, and deflected her worry with stern words. Vic kissed her, telling her that Tess knows she loves her, she knows. Claire made a wish to her mother and father.
'Mum, Dad, please… please let Nick and Tess be okay. Please, dad watch over them and make sure they're okay, I can't lose her… I can't… Amelia can't lose her parents… please dad,' Claire begged, Vic just held her tighter
'Tess would never give up without a fight Claire. She's strong. She's not going to leave that little girl without parents, and neither would Nick. Wherever they are, they're probably trying to get back to us safely,' Vic said
'It's like I can feel Tess, I know that something is wrong, but I also don't feel like she's dead. Just hurt,' Claire said, and Vic nodded
'At first light, we'll find them and bring them home,' Vic whispered, kissing Claire once more.
June 22nd, 2004
Cattle Bunker
Drovers Run
Morning/Afternoon
It was cold last night. Nick had managed to find some old blankets that were paper thin, but at least it was something. Tess was shivering on the bed, and he'd checked her wound, it didn't look like it has festered, and he doused it in alcohol just in case, before changing the makeshift bandage out. Tess wraps her arms around herself, teeth chattering. Nick was cold as well, but walking around seemed to keep his blood flowing and that was the key. They can't light a fire, for fear of asphyxiation. Tess called his name, chattering teeth. Nick went back over to her, she told him that she's cold, and he nodded, giving her the other blanket. There isn't much else they can do, it's cold, and there are no heat sources. Tess told him to sit next to her, that maybe their body temperatures mixed together, will make them at least a little bit warmer. Nick wrapped an arm around her, and she snuggled closer to the younger Ryan brother, telling him a story about her mother, when she was about eight, the heating to their apartment got cut off, because Ruth hadn't paid rent, and they huddled together in their lounge room, and made a forte, falling asleep surrounded by blankets and pillows, and snuggled next to each other, hoping that this would give them some warmth. It must have worked because they had fallen asleep. Nick woke up to Tess sleeping on his torso, his arm around her waist, holding her close. There was a little warmth in them now, but not enough to stop the bone chilling cold that was constantly in their bodies. Tess let out a sob, Nick looked down, asking her what was wrong, and she just said that she doesn't think she's okay, that she can feel that something is wrong, and she's so cold. Then she started coughing. Nick caressed her cheek, telling her they're going to be fine, but Tess shook her head, asking about Amelia. She's just a little girl. She's their little girl, they're never going to see her again, Nick sat up, pulling Tess with him, hands either side of her face, telling her that they're going to be okay, they have to be, for Amelia. Tess nodded, but she could feel it. They were looking at each other, silently having a conversation, before Tess leaned forwards and kissed Nick, he kissed her back, pushing her back on to the mattress, as their bodies warmed up from the contact, he quickly pulled down his pants, and Tess' before thrusting into her, she moaned his name, gripping the back of his head, pulling his hair in that way he likes, as their bodies moved together, kissing and moaning. They lost themselves in each other, if not for the last time. Because they don't know if they're getting out of here.
It was raining. Coming down heavy, as Claire, Becky, Jodi, Kate, Alex, Vic, and Stevie rode through the paddocks of Drovers Run, in the direction that Tess and Nick went in. Claire was leading the pack, telling them they're going to get there before nightfall, if they have to camp it will only slow them down. The girls shared a look but went along. Vic would convince Claire to rest, it's already getting towards night, and the rain isn't going to let up soon, it's hard enough to see on the horse as they were riding. Alex knows of a cattle shelter not too far away, that they can stop at, if they need to rest for a little while, but Claire told them they're going to keep going. Because of the rain, the river had risen a lot. It was more difficult to get the horses across, because of it, and they had slowed down significantly, despite Claire shouting at them to keep going. When they reached the cattle shelter, they stopped, and Vic hugged Claire, just calming her down, promising that they're going to find them, they will, but they have to stop, they have to rest. The horses need to rest. Claire just sobbed into Vic's shoulders, whilst the others gave them some privacy. In the shelter, Jodi asked what is going to happen if they don't find Nick and Tess, to which Stevie told them to not think like that. They'll find them. They have to, for Amelia's sake. Alex tried the SAT phone again, but it went straight to dial tone, meaning that it's probably flat. He kicked an old bucket that was in the corner of the room, sending it rattling across the floor, as Claire came inside, and apologised to everyone, who just told her that she's worried, they are as well. They want Nick and Tess back just as much as she does, then Stevie handed her a dry blanket, and lit the fire, warming her up. Vic managed to get in touch with Meg, asking her about the girls, and she said that Charlotte is alright, but Amelia has been up and down, she's fed her, but she knows that something is wrong. Vic sighed, rubbing his forehead, fighting the tears when Meg said that she hasn't heard anything, but that Harry is also coordinating a search from the Killarney side of the property, in case they can spot something, and he's going to send the chopper up if the weather clears up. Vic thanked her, wanting to save the battery in case Nick and Tess called, but Alex told him that Nick's SAT phone is dead. Panic started to rise in Vic's chest.
'When Tess was five, she fell over in the creek in Vincent's Paddock, and got all wet. She hadn't learnt to swim yet, so she was panicking, and flailing around, and I remember hearing her screaming and sprinting so fast to that creek. I saw Tess and the flowing water, and I just bolted in there, and grabbed her hand, pulling her to safety…' Claire said, looking at the fire
'She's stubborn Tess is. So is Nick…'
'What else is in the far north paddock? Anything special?' Alex asked, but Claire just shrugged
'I don't know, there was an old war bunker out there, because grandad was a paranoid freak, but it was sealed shut. There isn't any way out of it,' Claire said, not even considering that as a possibility.
June 22nd, 2004
Cattle Bunker
Drovers Run
Evening
The sun had set, Nick knows that much, and it's stopped raining. He knew the minute it started, because it was so heavy, that it shifted some of the scrap blocking the hole at the top of the shaft, and sent water rushing into the bunker, basically, they're in a swimming pool. Tess had gotten worse. Nick had checked her wound again, it wasn't good, and he was panicking when she wouldn't wake up. Finally, when she did, he hugged her, making her promise that she won't go to sleep, both of them coughing loudly at that point. Tess curled her arms around herself. They can't be dry. Their clothes are saturated from the water, and they're colder now than before, because nothing is dry. It's all wet. The only dry part of the Bunker was where Nick had found the old supplies and blankets earlier. Tess was coughing, thinking of Amelia, and Claire and wanting to be back home in the warmth of her bed. Nick suddenly exclaimed something loudly, making her jump slightly, looking over at him, as he came back with a small box, inside were firecrackers, and matches. Tess frowned at him, confused, until he explained that they can use them to alert the others to where they are, if they're near to them, they'll be able to hear or see them. Tess exclaimed that it won't work in the rain, and he'll have to be extremely accurate to shoot them through the small hole left by the rain rushing water into the Bunker. Nick nodded, moving the box over to the dry spot so that it wouldn't get wet, hearing Tess coughing again, and seeing how pale she was getting. He was feeling the ache in his bones as well, more so in his leg, the one that he'd had plates put in was killing him. He cried out in pain, Tess asking him what was wrong, when he just said that his leg is hurting him. She begged for him to sit down, standing in the water wasn't helping him, and Nick nodded, sitting back beside Tess on the bed they had only hours before, had sex on. If they're going to die, at least they'll have gotten to love each other one more time. Tess and Nick snuggled back together, trying to force their bodies to keep them warm, but the air was cold, the water was cold, and their bodies are just too cold to maintain an appropriate body temperature. They've been down here almost two days now at this point, he doesn't know how much longer Tess has got. He won't survive if she doesn't.
It had stopped raining, but it was getting too dark to continue safely. They're nearing the far north paddock, but it's a huge piece of land. Claire had started calling out to Nick and Tess, on the off chance that they're closer than they think, but there hasn't been anything. Vic suggested stopping, setting up camp for the night, and reluctantly, Claire did. They're just outside the fence to the far north paddock, it could still take them another day to get to the other side if they're having to stop like this and put up with weather conditions. Tess wrapped her arms around herself, shivering from the cold, that had descended when the rain stopped. That was worse though, because being wet and outside where you can't dry off, makes everything worse. The SAT phone rang, a glimmer of hope in Claire's eyes as Alex answered, shaking his head, wishing that he could put a smile on Claire's face, but it was Harry, telling Alex that he's sending the chopper out tomorrow to their location, and Alex thanked him, asking how Meg and the girls are. The phone cut out then, and Alex sighed. Claire was helping Jodi with her tent set up, listening to the young woman just babble on about anything and everything. It was good, distracting her from her panic, and the fear that all they're going to find are two dead corpses. Stevie was hugging Alex, when he told her that he doesn't know what he'll do if Nick isn't alright… he doesn't know what he'll do if Tess isn't alright. Thinking about Amelia, almost three months old, and without her parents… no… no they're alive. They're going to be alive…. Alex said to himself, as he set up his tent, but the doubts kept creeping through. It wasn't going to be long until they discovered that they're so close, yet so far away to Nick and Tess… who themselves were struggling now. Tess was too pale, she was cold, and Nick trying to warm her up wasn't working, he was rubbing her arms, trying to keep her blood flowing, begging her to be okay, telling her to stay awake. Tess looked up at him, weakly raising her hand to his face, he took it, pressing a kiss to her cold fingers
'Nick… look after *cough* Amelia. Make sure she… k-k-knows about D-drovers Run, and m-me. I want her to k-k-know m-me,' Tess said though the chattering
'Shhhh its okay, Tess save your strength. When we get out of here, you'll be able to hold our daughter, and you're going to be there to see her grow up, we both will be, I just need you to hold on for me okay Tess. Tess? Tess wake up… Tess…'
'Nick… I love you,' Tess said, and Nick nodded, he nodded and kissed her
'I love you too. I love you too… always,' Nick said, hugging her, trying to keep her warm
June 23rd, 2004
Fisher District Surrounds
Fisher District
Morning/Afternoon
It came as a small glimmer of hope when Claire woke in the morning, the sun was shining. It was a small glimmer of hope in an otherwise dull situation. They were back on the trail by eight am, it's going to take them at least four hours to get to the other side of the paddock, and that's on horseback. Alex had called Harry, turned the tracker on, on the SAT phone, so that Harry could send the chopper to their location. A fly over would be best at this point. Once they hit the border for the far North Paddock, tensions seem to thicken around them. Claire was heading in the direction she knew that Tess had told her she was going to, figuring that would be the best place to start. Vic was looking around, calling out their names, hoping that there is something, a tent, a makeshift shelter, anything that could point them in the right direction… Nick could see the sun through the gaps in the sticks that had covered the top of the hole. He opened his eyes, just enough to see a small ray of light. Enough to know that it was daytime. He tried to wake Tess, wanting her to hold on, she was so pale, so cold, and her lips were turning blue, but she made a sound, and Nick was so relieved when she started coughing, because at least he knew she was alive. Tess asked if they were home yet, if Amelia is okay, then asked her mother if she was happy. Nick pressed a kiss to Tess' temple, laying her back down on the bed, standing up, pacing and forth. He doesn't know what else to do. He's barely able to walk himself, his leg is in so much pain. If my life ends down here, if it ends like this, then I need them to know… Claire had just crossed another creek when she saw something. Out the corner of her eye. It was white. She galloped up the small incline, hope blooming inside her when she saw the Drovers Run ute in the distance. She stopped, turning back to the others, shouting that she can see the Ute, everyone at that moment they caught up with Claire, shared a look as they all galloped in the direction of the ute in the distance. As they got closer, Claire started to get more hopeful that they would find them alive and okay. Maybe there was a mechanical error, maybe the gas line cracked. Anything could be possible as they all moved as fast as they could through the densely covered paddock.
They started shouting names as soon as they were within sight of the ute. Claire stopped, getting off the horse, and rushing over to the car. There was no sign of life, and the car started like it was nothing. So, it wasn't mechanical. She started screaming, the others catching up to her, also screaming names. Vic stayed close to Claire, hugging her when she couldn't find them… Nick could hear something. Above them, it was like someone was calling to them. He woke up, trying to wake Tess beside him, grabbing the firecrackers he'd found, and setting them up. If there is someone up there, he needs them to know. This could be the thing that kills them both. Nick set the cracker up, pointed it through the gap in the branches, and lit it, scrambling back to the bed, covering Tess in case it went wrong, and sending a silent prayer that it was okay… above the ground, Alex told everyone to stop talking. He spun around when he heard a sound, and then there was an explosion behind them, a pile of sticks that he and Claire sprinted over to, everyone removing them as fast as they could. Claire saw the Cattle Bunker, telling Alex that's what it was, whilst Vic grabbed grappling ropes, and hooked them up to the car. When the sticks were removed, Alex and Claire called out names down the opening…. Nick laughed and cried at the same time, shouting Alex's name back, Claire burst into tears, grabbing the rope, and scaling down the wall of the old Bunker, Alex close behind her. Nick saw the ropes hit the ground. He whispered to Tess that they're okay, that they're saved, but there wasn't a response, then he saw a shadow… it was Claire. The moment she saw Tess, Claire fell to her knees beside the bed, tying to wake her up, feeling that she has a pulse, but it's very faint. Nick hugged her, and she thanked him. He nodded, Alex hugged him when he got to him, and Jodi called out that the chopper was here. Alex called back up that they need to get Tess out first, Claire asked Nick what had happened, and he explained that they'd been cleaning the paddock, and the tin covering the bunker must have been so old and rotted, that they just fell through it. More voices appeared, and someone shouted that they were sending a backboard down, to strap Tess in, and they can bring her up. Alex and Claire did this, Claire whispering to her sister that she's safe now, feeling how cold she was had panicked her, and she climbed up after her sister. Alex was next, Nick with him on Claire's rope. When Tess was brought to the surface, the paramedics immediately rushed her into the chopper, Alex and Nick appeared then, Alex telling Claire to go with them in the chopper, they'll ride the horses back, and Vic can drive the ute. Nick went with Vic.
'Tess…Tess it's Claire can you hear me? You're safe, you're out of the bunker, and on the way to the hospital,' she whispered, pushing hair off the back of her head, the paramedics were working to warm Tess up, and inspecting the cut on her side
'Claire… 'melia, N-nick,' she mumbled, and Claire breathed a sigh of relief
'He's okay, he's going to with Vic to the hospital. Amelia is with Meg, she's okay, she's just missing her mummy okay, so you gotta be okay for her, promise me Tess,' Claire said, holding her hand
'…mmm' prom'se' she muttered… then the machines went mad.
June 23rd, 2004
Fisher District Surrounds
Fisher General Hospital
Afternoon/Evening
As soon as they landed at the hospital, Tess was rushed into emergency, Claire was left in the waiting room. She took the opportunity to call Meg, Harry answered the phone, and Claire explained that they had found them, Tess is in the hospital, and Nick is on his way back with Vic and the others as they speak. They spoke for a while, Claire promised to keep them updated on Tess, and went to take a seat in the waiting room. Three days of agony over her missing sister and Nick, had drawn all her emotions to the brink. Claire doesn't know how long she was sitting there, but when she heard a commotion, and saw Nick limping his way into the hospital, she shot out of her seat. He asked about Tess, she just shook her head, she hasn't heard anything yet, and he nodded, taking a seat opposite Claire, whilst Vic sat beside her, telling her that he had to drive through Wilgul to get Nick out quicker, because his leg was very painful. The doctor called for Nick, Vic helped him back to the examination room. When he got back, more people had started to arrive. Liz and Sally showed up, followed shortly after that by Harry. It would take a while for the others to get back, so Claire wouldn't be surprised if they don't make it back today. Everything kind of went slow motion after that. Nick had x-rays done on his leg, making sure that there weren't any infections, that nothing had lodged itself inside, or if it was just from the intense cold. The room was warm, and he realised how he had taken the warmth for granted all these years. Something so simple, that they don't think about, he's thinking about it now. A doctor came out to ask for the family of Nick Ryan, Harry, Liz, and Sally stood up, Claire nodded for them to go, check on him, and Harry patted her shoulder. She thanked him. Sally was the first one in the room, Nick asked her about Tess, she just said that there hasn't been any news yet. Nick nodded, telling Sally that they need to talk, and she nodded, but then his parents entered, and he put the conversation off, telling her later. Liz hugged her son, asking him what had happened, and when Nick mentioned the Bunker, Harry kicked the side of the chair, he and Jack had boarded that up years ago, wanting to make it safe just in case, but they should have done more. Nick told him that Claire is already planning to fill it in with concrete, so not to worry. Harry nodded, telling Nick he'll pay for it.
He was alone in the hospital room for a while after that. He'd been trying to find the urge to eat but couldn't stomach the food. He wanted to know about Tess, he hasn't seen Claire, Harry and Liz had left, telling him they'll be back tomorrow, but no one has told him about Tess. Eventually, he must have fallen asleep because the nightmares plagued him. He was lying in the bunker, and woke up, but Tess didn't. His nightmare turned to Amelia, growing up without the two of them, and then it flashed to him, having to live the rest of his life with Sally, and not having Tess there at all, because he got out, but she didn't. This jolted him awake, Sally flinched slightly, asking him what was wrong, he told her it was just a nightmare, and she kissed him. Nick pulled back, and told Sally to sit down, they need to talk. She nodded, she has a feeling she knows where this is going. Nick told her that he was sorry. Sorry for what he has done to her, for hurting her, for putting her in the position that he had, and that should have cut it off earlier, before all of this happened, before she was too far in. Sally asked why he was saying all of this, but Nick just kept going. He told her that from the moment he had seen her, he had known how he felt, that his mother doing what she did had terrified him, that something bad would happen to her, to the people that he cares about. The doctor came in at that moment, asking how Nick was feeling, he coughed, but said good, and the doctor nodded, telling him that his leg is fine, but he'll need to do some physical therapy to make sure the plates are still cohesive, and Nick nodded, he asked about Tess. The doctor didn't know who that was but told him that he would find out for Nick. Then he said that Nick has a mild case of pneumonia, and he's giving him some antibiotics for that, as well as for anything else that might have been present in that bunker. Nick nodded, and the doctor left. For a moment, there was silence in the room, nothing but the TV in the background, the machines beeping, as Sally sat looking at anything but him, she doesn't know what to do, doesn't know what to say. Had he been talking about her? Because that would be a pleasant surprise, however she has a deep-seated feeling that it's not. Nick sighed, flicking off the TV, forcing Sally to look at him, and he could see the tears in her eyes. He rubbed his own.
'Sally I can't lie anymore. I have to be honest. Tess and I slept together,' he said, maintaining eye contact
'Yeah, before when we were…'
'No, whilst we were in the bunker. We slept together because we thought we were going to die. I never wanted to hurt you Sally, and I know that I have. But I have to be honest now. I'm in love with Tess, I have been since the first day I met her, and if it hadn't been for my mother meddling in my life, I would be with her now. I'm so sorry Sally, you deserve so much better, and I really want you to find that someday,' he said, whispering the last part, as Sally nodded, looking down at her hand, removing the ring that she had so long felt didn't belong there
'Nick, I want you to be happy as well. I hope you and Tess find that together, I truly do, because I could see it, Nick. You've always been in love with her. Thank you for being honest with me. I'll… I'm going to head back to the city. I wish you all the best Nick Ryan,' Sally said, and Nick thanked her, watching her leave, she placed the ring on the bedside table, before grabbing her bag and exiting the room, Nick sighed in relief.
June 24th, 2004
Fisher General Hospital
Fisher, South Australia
Afternoon
Nick had finally heard about Tess from Claire. It had been an entire day, and apparently that had been because Tess was brought in critical. The wound she had on her side was infected, leading to a bacterial infection, which manifested into Bacchius Pneumonia, which was attacking her lungs. Claire said that they've had to put her in a medically induced coma whilst the antibiotics do their thing, and Nick asked if she was going to be alright. Claire shrugged, but then confidently said that Tess promised her she wouldn't go anywhere, that she would stay for her, and for Amelia. Nick told Claire that he broke up with Sally, she's going back to the city, and Claire nodded. She had bumped into the woman yesterday when she was leaving and mentioned the sex thing. Nick blushed but nodded. He thought they were going to die, they needed to keep warm, and it just one thing led to another. Claire hugged him, asking if he wants to stay at Drovers with Amelia whilst Tess is recovering, because she'll probably be out for at least two weeks. Nick nodded, then Alex entered the room carrying said Amelia, grinning, and thanking everything that existed that his brother was okay. Amelia immediately curled into her father, and he held onto her tightly, whispering that he loves her so much, that she's never growing up, or going anywhere. Claire and Alex shared a look, before watching the moment between father and daughter. Claire told Alex about Sally, and he grinned even wider than before. With the permission of the doctor, Nick was allowed to go and see Tess. He carried his daughter in his arms, as he followed Claire to her room. He entered the hospital room, Amelia in his arms, unable to stop the tears forming when he saw Tess hooked up to all the machines. Amelia made a sound, and Nick told her that her mother is a fighter, that she's going to be alright, and soon they can all be together. They'll be together forever, that is a promise Nick intends to keep to his daughter. Claire and Alex watched Nick and Amelia talking to Tess for a while. Nick is due to be released tomorrow, so he's going to take care of Amelia until her mother gets better. Nick places Amelia on Tess' chest, hoping that might wake her up, and whilst it calms down Amelia, there is a slight spike in Tess' heart rate, but she doesn't wake. She will though. He just knows that she will. Nick sat with Tess until visiting hours were over, and then reluctantly let Claire take Amelia home, but Alex promised that it's just one night, then he can see her again. Claire kissed his temple, making him promise to never do something like that to them again, and congratulating him on he and Tess finally getting together. He thanked her, and Claire left, waving goodbye from Amelia.
A/N: Next chapter: Big changes are coming for the residents of Fisher District and Surrounds. Nick and Tess now must deal with the shift in their relationship, after Sally leaves and returns to the city. The ramifications of choices made come back to bite some of the residents, and someone gets a big surprise. D.
