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Revelations

Cat G

1

It had been very quiet in the Hoyland house for the past few days. Since Steph had gone, Summer had been quiet and withdrawn, wearing her leather jacket almost continuously. Boyd sighed, sure Steph was a friend but surely she didn’t mean THAT much to Summer? After all, she wasn’t even family, however hard Summer had tried. Boyd smiled to himself. That kid really lived in a fantasy world sometimes. Steph and Dad, yeah right….. In the loungeroom, Max sat watching the tv. It was his day off, and he had settled down in front of the screen, a beer in one hand and a smile on his face. THE team, the one and only Collingwood were playing, and were about to thrash the Hawks. His smile faltered as a thought struck him – his usual footy partner was currently travelling the country with her boyfriend, instead of in her rightful place beside him. He sighed. Why on earth hadn’t he said anything, why was he such a chicken, what the he** had he been thinking? He should have said something, then at least he would have known one way or another. He slumped back into the couch, cursing his lack of courage. Geez, he missed her, that laugh, the way she could tease him and still make him smile, those eyes, those blue blue eyes. Boyd finished making his milkshake, guiltily hiding the nearly empty bottle of chocolate syrup at the back of the cupboard. It sounded like the footy was just about to start. As he neared the loungeroom, he heard the unmistakeable sound of a motorbike outside. Boyd watched as his dad recognised the sound, lurching upright from his slumped position on the couch, smiling sadly as the bike moved off and away from Ramsay Street. ‘What had that been all about?’ Boyd asked himself, ‘I mean, it was only a motorbike’ and then it struck him. ‘She rides a motorbike, Steph. Steph rides a bike. And Dad’s been so moody these last few days, miserable and… and lonely. Since Steph left. Since she’s been gone.’ Thoughts began to cascade around inside Boyd’s mind. What if Summer had been right? What if Dad did like her? What about MUM? Didn’t Dad love her any more? And Steph was so young, much younger than Dad, and………Boyd’s train of thought was interrupted as Max caught sight of him hovering in the doorway.

2

“Hey Boyd. You coming to watch the game with me? It’s Magpies against the Hawks!”

Boyd said nothing, still confused by the thoughts that were scrambling his mind. Dad and Steph. Steph and Dad. Dad and Mum. Summer couldn’t be right could she? Naaaaaaaaaaa. It’s just my imagination. That’s it. I’m imagining things. Aren’t I?

“Boyd? You all right son? Boyd?”

“Dad, can I – ah, no, it’s nothing. Magpies hey? Excellent, we’ll thrash the Hawks” said Boyd.

Max sat up and faced his son.

“Boyd, what is it? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing Dad!. It’s just, well, just…Dad, did you love Mum?”

“Boyd!! Of course I loved her. I loved her very much. You know that! Where’s all this come from?”

“And if she hadn’t…………if she hadn’t died, would you still be with her? Would you still be married to her?” A faint light began flickering deep inside Max. Had Boyd got an inkling of how he felt about Steph?

“Boyd, son, I loved your mother and you two more than anything in the world. More than ANYTHING. You know that. But she, she’s gone. And much as I loved her, I need to move on with my life. I will always treasure her, always love her, but she’s gone and I can’t live my life in the past. Can you understand that?”

After a while Boyd nodded. He sat and it appeared that he was watching the match. Max knew better, and waited patiently.

“Dad?” Max smiled at him and Boyd forced himself to continue.

“Dad, about Steph,” he paused, and Max felt a fear tighten around his heart. How on earth was he going to explain about Steph when he, himself, couldn’t truly understand what was going on? “What, how, how do you feel about Steph?”

Max took the easy way out. After all, what difference did it make, she had chosen Alex – not that it had been much of a choice…………. A young, free, exciting guy or an old, child-ridden stick in the mud. He sighed, a sigh that was as revealing to Boyd as it was depressing to Max.

“Steph’s a mate, Boyd. A good mate. She likes the footy, sports, she’s brilliant with Summer, I don’t know, we just get along really well.”

“And it’s nothing more than that?” Max was silent. He hated lying to Boyd, but in the long run, it seemed the best thing to do. Nothing would ever come of his dreams about Steph, she didn’t love him the way he loved her, so why tell Boyd now?

“Dad?”

“Boyd, it doesn’t matter how I feel about her, she’s with Alex now. It doesn’t matter how much I love her because she chose him. She chose Alex and I have to live with that. That’s all there is to it.” It was out before Max truly knew what he was saying.

“You, you love her? Dad, you love Steph?”

Max stood and wandered over to the window.

“I……….yes. Yes I do. But you don’t need to worry Boyd. Nothing will come of it. I’ll just have to try to get over her. I, I’ll just have to “ his voice tailed off as he stared out of the window.

3

You know, a girl could get really sick of the relentless chirruping those cicada’s make, hour after hour, after hour after hour. Steph groaned silently and wriggled yet again, comfort and sleep continuing to remain elusive. Apart from those wretched insects it was a beautiful night, clear, crisp and full of glistening stars. And still she was miserable.

Alex turned and mumbled in his sleep. Tucked inside her sleeping bag, Steph watched him, her mind arguing with her heart. He’s a nice guy. Really, he is. He loves motorbikes, he’s fun, enthusiastic, he cares about me, my family likes him – but………….but he’s not………………him.

Steph rolled over onto her back, casting a weary arm over her eyes. Why even go there? Why think about him again? He obviously wasn’t interested, or at least not interested enough. For a moment there, every now and then her heart had soared with hope, only to have that hope crushed. Get over it girl, she chided herself. Max is history. You don’t mean enough to him – he** you don’t mean anything more than a mate to him. Move on. Be with Alex. Take this chance with both hands and hold on tight. Yeah, right. It really was THAT easy.

Sighing again, she chewed on her lower lip in a vain attempt to hold back the threatening tears. Much as she loved him, Max wasn’t interested and that was the way it was. Alex was here. Alex was interested and Alex was………………….wasn’t Max.

Lying beside her, Alex listened as Steph desperately sought to escape her thoughts. He’d been awake for a while, afraid to think about what had Steph so upset and restless. He knew that they were just mates, she’d made that clear. He also knew that some guy had broken her heart and that she definitely wasn’t over him

Alex closed his mind to the niggling thought that he had shelved after leaving the pub for the last time. That little remark Max had made. ‘Be good to her, she deserves that’. Of course she does, thought Alex, I know that. But why point it out? Why did Max feel the need to make sure Alex would treat her right? What did it have to do with him anyway? Sure they were mates, sure they spent a lot of time together, you could even term them as good mates, but what did that have to do with Max becoming so protective of Steph? And, come to think of it, why did he get the feeling that Max had always been protective of her, always kept an eye out for her? Why did Max seem to care so much about what happened to Steph?

4

Alex turned and looked over at Steph, an idea forming and cascading in his mind. Max. Max seemed remarkably…………….concerned with Steph. And Max had been very quiet since their trip was announced. Sure he had provided lots of helpful hints, helpful hints that Steph would enjoy, that would appeal to Steph, helpful Steph-orientated tips. Steph. It all revolved around her. With a tired sigh, Alex looked down at his watch. The luminous hands glowed back at him, reminding him that he should have been asleep hours ago. He smiled to himself. Sleep deprivation does strange things to a guy. Resisting the urge to laugh out loud, he smiled broadly. For a moment there, just for a moment, he had almost convinced himself that Max was in love with Steph. Max and Steph, he smirked to himself. No way, he murmured to himself, as sleep overtook him, no, no way.

The next day’s ride was fairly uneventful. The scenery was, as promised, spectacular, their arrival at Emerald being the cherry on the cake. Emerald is a small town nestling in the middle of a lush forest, with beauty surrounding them on all sides. Steph and Alex parked the bikes outside a small bed and breakfast, taking the last room available. The owner was able to point them in the direction of a computer with which Steph could write her promised e-mail to Summer. As they walked over to the café, the melodious notes of the chimes of Puffing Billy rang out through the valley.

“Summer and M – Boyd would love that,” Steph said wistfully.

“You miss that kid don’t you?” smiled Alex, his insides churning. He’d noticed the slip, but said nothing about it. M. Max. What did that mean? Why her reluctance to say his name?

“Well yeah, I suppose I do. I got pretty close to her for a while there. I mean, she needed a friend and, and Max was busy, so I stepped in.” Steph had to force herself to say his name. Thinking about him was bad enough, but to talk about him? To mention him like he was nothing more than a friend? That was going to be a killer. But it was something that had to be faced. Something that had to be done – that was the way it was. He was a friend, nothing more. Steph swallowed and continued. “ Max didn’t seem to mind and Summer was happy. Ah ha! Here it is, one computer ready and waiting”

Having paid their fee, they sat down and Alex logged on to his e-mail site. They had arranged it so that all emails would come to the one site, for some reason it had seemed easier that way. Alex skimmed through his messages, nothing of any importance there. He stood up and let Steph take his place.

Steph ran down the few messages and her heart shivered as she found the one she was looking for – max@optus.com.au. He’d written to her. He’d missed her. He finally wanted to – she shook herself. Don’t be daft, Max wouldn’t write to her, why on earth would HE write to her? It was probably Summer saying hello.

5

Alex looked up from his perusal of tomorrow’s itinery. Steph was sitting very still, with a sad look on her face. He peered over her shoulder and saw the e-mail address and last night’s warning whisper began screaming and shouting at him.

“What’s Max writing to you for then?” he asked, keeping his voice light and teasing. “Is he your mystery man then?” he finished, praying that he was wrong.

Steph flinched inwardly and was desperately glad that Alex couldn’t see her face. Swallowing her sadness, she looked over at him and faked a laugh.

“Don’t be daft! Max? No way, He’s a mate Alex, Max is a mate. It’s probably Summer. What on earth would Max write to me for? Why would he care about me?” the final question was as much to herself as it was to Alex. She pressed the button and the e-mail opened.

‘Steph, Summer has been bugging me to let her write to you since you left, but this was the first chance we had to get to Lou’s computer. Hope everything is as fantastic as you wanted, things are quiet here without your bike roaring past and your laughter making us smile. Got to go, Summer is hopping up and down as we speak. Write soon, be happy, M. STEPH!!! WHERE ARE YOU? Dad says you must be having fun and that you are ok and that nothing bad has happened to you or you would have said so. I miss you, when are you coming back to Erinsborough? Please come home soon, we all miss you very much. Dad has been very grumpy since you have gone, I think he is missing you too. Got to go, dad is glaring at me and Loo wants his computer back. Have a nice holiday and come back to me and Dad soon. Lots of love Summer Hoyland”

“OK,” said Alex. “Ok. Steph, talk to me. What is going on? What is going on with you and the Hoylands? What’s going on with you and Max?

6

Max stood staring out of the window, seeing nothing. He was thinking about Steph, thinking about the way he’d blown any chance he’d ever had with her. Boyd watched him, stunned at what he’d just been told. So Summer had been right. He did love Steph. He loves Mum and he loves Steph.

Boyd stopped and forced himself to face reality. Dad HAD loved Mum, but she, she was gone – say it Boyd!! – she was dead. Boyd stared at his father, finally seeing the way his shoulders were slumped in defeat, seeing the misery that was etched on his face. Seeing the truth. And slowly Boyd began to accept the truth. He knew that his Dad had been true to his Mum, and knew that Max would always love her, but Max had to be able to move on. He couldn’t live in the past, and, much as he hated the thought, Mum was the past. And maybe, just maybe, Steph was the future.

With a small smile, Boyd began to move over to his father, fully intent on offering his support. It would be hard, but if his Dad loved Steph half as much as it seemed he did then Boyd reckoned he could learn to live with it. After all, she was a pretty cool chick, and not bad looking either! And then the flaw in the plan hit him with full force. The Italian motorbike riding flaw. The travelling round Australia Italian motorbike riding flaw. And finally Boyd saw the reality of Max’s situation. Steph was with Alex, happily travelling the country, while Dad was left behind, alone and lost.

“Dad?” Max didn’t move.

“Dad?” Boyd repeated a little louder. “Dad, I’m sorry”

“Hmm? What? Oh Boyd. “ Max smiled sadly. “Don’t worry about it son. I’m all right. I’ll be fine. She made her choice and I can live with that. I can. I have to. Steph chose Alex. That’s all there is to it. She chose Alex.”

A small niggle was bothering Boyd, and he had to be careful how he voiced it. He knew his father, and he reckoned he probably knew the answer, but he had to ask.

“Dad? Dad, did you ever, well, did you, did….”

“Spit it out Boyd!”

“Did you ever tell Steph how you feel about her?”

“Ah, I, well, I, she, there were problems. “ Max hedged.

“Problems? What do you mean problems?”

“Just problems. Don’t worry Boyd. Hey listen, we’re missing the game here!”

“Dad, what problems?”

Max looked out of the window again, clearly uncomfortable about answering. He eventually gathered himself together and sat down on the couch. Boyd stared at him for a moment, before moving over and joining him.

“Boyd, listen……..” he began.

7

“Boyd, listen….” began Max. “I, I don’t really know how to explain all of this. I’ve not got it straight in my own head, let alone putting it into words, but hey, what difference is it ever going to make now?” he laughed bitterly. “Sorry, son. OK.”

Taking a deep breath, Max began to pour his heart out to his son. The son whom, until now, he had thought to have been the most against any relationship he may have had with anyone, apart from Claire. The son whom he had thought would be the hardest to convince. And the son who appeared to be accepting, be positive and be supportive.

“Boyd, there were a lot of reasons for me to keep my feelings hidden. Firstly, it’s still so soon after your Mum died. It seems, “ he paused, struggling for the right word, “wrong to love someone else, but I can’t help it, I can’t help the way I feel about Steph.” Max gave a small grin. “ Listen to me. Asking and answering my own questions! Anyway, I don’t know, there’s Joe and Lyn. I mean, Joe’s a mate, and how would he feel if I started to see his daughter? You know how protective he is. And Steph, she’s so young, so full of energy, she’s got her whole life ahead of her. She’s got so much to see and to do, so much to be. She doesn’t need me, she doesn’t need to be stuck with an old man like me, someone with a ready made family. And a family who don’t even want.” He stopped, he’d nearly said it, had nearly revealed to one truth he couldn’t tell Boyd. The truth that Boyd had been one of the biggest obstacles in his so-called relationship with Steph.

Boyd stared at his Dad. Why had he stopped? What had he been about to say? Dad hadn’t said anything to Steph because of Joe Scully – now that he could understand. Boyd had had his fair share of run-ins with Joe and could well understand his Dad’s reluctance. And as for Steph’s age, well that was one of his own concerns. Boyd was still puzzled about the last part of his dad’s comment. The part about families. The part about families who didn’t want…. Boyd stilled as he realised what his Dad was saying. Max knew. He knew that Boyd would never have accepted Steph, and he had put his son’s happiness before his own. Max had denied himself a chance with Steph because of him. I was the spanner in the works. Me. I made Dad this miserable.

8

After a miniscule, but telling hesitation, Steph gave a spirited reply.

“Alex! I told you before. There is nothing going on between Max and me. Max is, he’s a friend. That’s it. That’s all. That’s all it will ever be. OK??”

Alex watched her. A friend. Well if that was all Max was to her, then Alex might really have seen that large pink pig that went flying by. Max obviously meant much, much more to Steph than just friends, but she was still unable to admit it either to him or to herself. She stood up and walked out of the cafe, Alex trailing behind her. He watched her body language, her movements screaming out her anguish and Alex, despite his feelings of hurt, knew that he had to do something to help her. To help her reach resolution either way, with or without Max.

Standing outside in the warm evening sun, Steph raised her face towards the sky, feeling the setting sun warm her skin. She knew she couldn’t hide for much longer, her confused emotions were much too close to the surface, and she desperately needed to talk. Where was Libby when I need her? Hearing Alex behind her, she steeled herself and turned to face him.

“So. What are we doing for dinner?”

Alex linked arms with her before replying. “We, my dear, are going to grab some good Aussie tucker and then we are going to talk.”

They sat in the park getting covered in tomato sauce as they ate their meat pies and hot chips. Alex watched her eat, thinking how beautiful she was, and regretting the fact that another man had stolen her heart long before he ever met her. They ate in silence, Alex unsure of how to begin, and Steph willing him not to.

Licking his lips clean, Alex smiled lopsidedly at her.

“Steph? You need to talk about this. You need to talk to someone – if not him, then me or Libby or someone. But you need to talk about it. It’s hurting you, and that isn’t good, Steph. Can you understand that?” When she didn’t reply, he reached over and gently lifted her chin with one finger, causing her to look into his eyes. All she could see there was infinite concern and a deep friendship. The care in his eyes was her undoing.

“Alex……………. Alex I’m sorry. I, it’s hard. I don’t know what’s happening. It’s all so confusing. I” she stopped and gathered herself. She sat on the rug, her knees gathered up to her chest and her chin resting on her knees. “ I, I like him. He IS a friend, but, I, oh God, I like him. More than as a friend.” There. She’d said it. It was out there in the open. Shaking slightly, she stood and moved over to the swings, swaying softly as she sat, unable to look Alex in the eye.

After a while, he moved over to her, squatting down in front of her. Taking her hands in his, he forced her to look at him.

“Steph, I know it’s hard, but you won’t be happy until you do this. You need to let it out. You need to say it. Steph, please.”

He could feel her tremble as she steeled herself.

“Steph?”

9

“Steph?”

“Ok!! I love him!”

“Who? Who is it Steph? Who do you love?”

“Alex! You know who it is! It’s Max!! I love Max. There, are you happy?? I love Max, I love him so much and it’s killing me knowing that he doesn’t feel the same way. Are you happy now?” He pulled her into a hug as she sobbed.

When she had quietened, he sat back and looked her in the eye.

“So how do you feel?”

She smiled a watery smile at him. “Alex, you are too good at this. I actually feel better, if that’s at all possible. Even though I know there’s no chance for me and Max, I do feel better for saying it out loud. I guess I had to face how I feel before I can begin to try to get over him. “ Her smile grew stronger, faltering slightly as she realised how Alex must be feeling.

“Oh God, Alex! I’m so sorry! Here I am wittering on about Max, and you – “

“Steph, stop. It’s ok. I can see now that I never really stood a chance, not when your feelings for him are so strong. I won’t deny that it hurts, but you are the important one here. You’re the one we need to sort out. I’ll be fine. You, however, well, let’s just say that all may not be lost.”

Steph was silent for a moment. Alex really was a good man. Even though his ex-girlfriend had just revealed she had been in love with another man the entire time they had been together, even then he was wanting to make her feel – Wait a minute! What did he mean ‘all may not be lost’?

Alex watched the emotions flicker across her face, waiting for his remark to sink in. He grinned as she realised what he said, watching her blue eyes widen as it did. Her head swung up and anxiously hopeful blue eyes met caring resigned chocolate brown eyes.

“Alex – what, why did you, what do you mean?”

10

Alex sat back and looked at Steph. Part of him still loved her, but the most part of him just wanted to see her happy. He hoped what he was about to tell her, well he hoped that he had interpreted Max the right way. Taking a deep breath, he picked up Steph’s hopes from the gutter and put a spark back in her soul.

“It’s just that I don’t think it’s all one sided.”

“Wh – Alex??!! ?”

“I think – and I may be wrong here Steph – but I think Max might have some feelings for you too. He just seems so concerned for you all the time, and he always looks out for you – think about it. All the tips he gave us were things you’d enjoy. He got all quiet and subdued when you said you were leaving with me. He backed off from you when you started seeing me. He always comes alive when you are around .”

Alex stopped, surprising even himself with his observations. Where on earth did all of that come from? Had he taken in all of that without even noticing? Had he always know Max liked Steph, but failed to see it? He looked at Steph, seeing the hope and trepidation in her eyes. Alex groaned to himself. Me and my big mouth. What if I’m wrong? What if I’ve totally mis-read Max? But deep down, Alex knew he was right. And, looking at Steph, Alex knew he wanted to be the one to mend her broken heart, to bring her and Max together. Alex wanted to be the one to bring happiness to Steph Scully, even if her happiness lay with another man.

11 

Boyd continued to stare at his Dad, emotions crashing over him in a wave of embarrassment and shame. Hiding deep inside his soul was pride as well. Max’s actions had proved his love for his son, and in a strange way Boyd was proud of his dad for having the strength to give up on someone who obviously meant so much to him, to give her up to make his son happy.

Guilt also began to wash over Boyd. His face was a mirror for his emotions, and Max cringed as he saw the turmoil Boyd was going through.

“Boyd? Boyd, son, it’s all right. Don’t, it’s not your fault, I love you mate, you know that. You, you and Summer will always come first and that’s just how it is. Steph, “ and Max’s heart clenched with sadness, “Steph and I were simply not to be. That’s it. She wasn’t interested anyway. It’s not your fault Boyd” and he wrapped his son in a hug, a hug that spoke of all the love Max had for his children, and – to Boyd, a hug that spoke of what could have been, what Max could have had with Steph.

Boyd held his Dad tightly. He spoke into Max’s chest.

“Dad?”

Max rested his chin on the top of Boyd’s blond mop.

“MmHm?”

“Did – do you really love her?”

For a second, there was silence.

“As much as I loved your Mum. But”

Boyd disentangled himself from his Dad.

“No buts. Listen Dad, I need to talk to someone, I’ve got to go, see you later. “ and with that, Boyd was gone.

His head whirling, Max moved over to the window, once again staring out but seeing nothing. His mind was full of ‘what could have been’s’ – him and Steph holding hands, watching the footy together, curled up on the couch together, and most heartbreakingly, the chance to finally kiss her – to hold her in his arms and to tell her how much he loved her. Shaking his head at the futility of his imagination, Max Hoyland turned, resolving to put Steph Scully out of his head, once and for all – as she had so obviously done with him.

12

Before his courage could fail him, Boyd knocked on the door. For a second he thought there was no-one home and he almost turned and left. But then he remembered the way his Dad had sounded when he spoke about her, and the look on his face as he told Boyd that she didn’t love him, and his resolve strengthened. He knocked again, and was gratified when the right person opened the door.

“Boyd! What’s the matter? Are you all right? “

“I need to talk to you. It’s about Steph.”

“Steph? What about her?”

“Well, you’re her best friend aren’t you? I mean, you do that girly telling each other everything don’t you?”

Smiling at him, Libby nodded. “Come in Boyd. I think we’re going to need a milkshake for this one. “ Grinning back at her, Boyd relaxed slightly. Maybe this wouldn’t be so hard after all.

Slurping on his chocolate milkshake Boyd sneakily stared at Libby, wondering if teaching was the wrong trade for her. She should be a chief milkshake maker, he decided. Teachers were just so weird – who on earth would voluntarily become one? He was shaken out of his reverie when Libby spoke.

“Well? Boyd, how can I help you?”

“I, I just wondered, well I wanted to know, does, is,”

“Good grief Boyd, what is it?”

He took a deep breath, a very deep breath.

“Libby, I need to ask you something, but you can’t tell anyone, I mean it, you can’t say a word. Promise me, please! I know this seems strange, and it’s nothing weird, but please, promise me!”

“Boyd…..”

“Please!!”

Libby stared at him. Something was obviously worrying him, which worried her. For all of his faults, Boyd was a good kid and Libby hated to see him so upset. Almost against her better judgement, she promised. She could always untie her promise later, she hoped.

“OK! I promise.”

Boyd was silent, and then Libby could see him take his emotions in both hands and ask. She really wasn’t expecting him to say what he did.

“Libby, how does Steph feel about my Dad? Really feel? I need to know, because………… because he is at home now broken hearted cos he’s in love with her and he thinks she doesn’t love him except I’m maybe not so sure and Summer seemed to think she liked him and you’re her best friend and she’d tell you if she told anyone and dad really loves her and..”

“Boyd! Stop! Breathe! Did you just say what I think you said? Did you say that Max, that your Dad loves Steph? He loves her?!”

13

In complete contrast to his earlier ramblings, Boyd’s fears had now caught up with him, his voice eluding him. What was he doing? He had revealed his Dad’s secret to her best friend, now even if Libby promised not to tell, Steph would still find out, girls always did – they had that telepathic thing, girls always find everything out. And now Dad would hate him, and……

“Boyd, don’t look so upset. It’s all right. You love your Dad and you’re trying to do your best for him. It’s all right. Now tell me again. Your Dad, Max, Max is in love with Steph?”

Boyd was silent, his loyalty to his Dad overriding his desperation to know how Steph felt. Worry clutched at his soul, had he made a fool of his Dad? Had he read things all wrong, had Summer been wrong? Dad would hate him forever.

“Boyd, listen to me. This is important. Does Max love her? Is Max in love with Steph?”

Boyd hung his head and stood, making for the door.

“I’ve got to go. Libby, please, don’t say anything to anyone. You promised you wouldn’t, please? I’m sorry I wasted your time.”

“Boyd, wait! Steph does care for him, but she’s scared of it. She, ah, she doesn’t think he likes her like that, and she’s been hurt too many times to put her heart out there. Boyd,” Libby took a deep breath, “Let’s get this straight. Max, your Dad, Max is in love with Steph, and Steph, well she hasn’t said as much, but I think she feels the same way.”

Boyd was silent again. Libby looked at him, trying to read him.

“Boyd? Are you all right with this? Do you want to talk about this?”

Boyd answered slowly. “I……….I don’t know, I think I am. It’s just so new, and so soon after Mum, and Dad, he’s so, so, well, so happy when he thinks about her. It’s like he comes alive, like when he thinks about Steph, he looks like I feel when I go out with Heather – does that make sense?”

Libby smiled at him. “Yes. Yes it does. You know your Mum’s “ she paused, and Boyd nodded at her, “your Mum’s gone, but you still feel loyal to her and seeing your Dad feeling this way about anyone apart from your Mum feels wrong. But Boyd, you need to see your Dad in a different way. Yes’ he’s your Dad, and he will always love you and Summer, but he’s also a person in his own right, and he “she paused again, unsure of how to phrase this. Before she could finish, however, Boyd had offered his own explanation.

“Dad needs someone of his own, someone he can be with out of choice and not because we’re related. I think I understand, Libby, and if Dad is happy then I’m happy. It’s just that Steph is, “ Boyd blushed. He was definitely in deep here.

Libby smiled at him again. “Boyd, listen. Whatever we talk about here, it won’t go any further. You can ask me whatever you want, and I promise I’ll try and be as honest as I can with whatever I know. OK?”

14

Taking his courage in both hands, Boyd looked Libby in the eye.

“It’s just that Steph and Dad, well they’re not exactly the same, well, Dad’s older and Steph, she’s younger and”

“Boyd, stop. Don’t let that be a problem. Your Dad loves Steph, right? “ Boyd nodded. “ I think Steph loves him too. Let’s leave it at that. Age should have nothing to do with it. Anyway, they’re not that far apart really, and if they’re happy, then what does it matter? I don’t think age should be a priority, it’s what’s inside that matters, and Steph is one of the most fun, kindest, selfless, wonderful people I know. She’s honest, open, reliable and has always been there for me. Max is a lucky man”

“Ok,” she continued, “So I’m biased, I mean she is my best friend, but I think this is a good thing Boyd, I really do.”

Boyd leaned back in his chair. The confusing cacophony of thoughts that were rattling around inside his head had finally come out with one answer. Everything was going to be all right. Dad loved Steph, and Steph loved Dad. He smiled.

“Now all we need to do is to get them together!” and a knock on the door startled them both.

Libby opened the door to an apologetic Max.

“Hey Libby, sorry to disturb you, but have you seen my …” his voice tailed off as Boyd came into view. “Boyd! Ah, there you are! What have you been over here for? Lib, I’m sorry if he’s been bothering you,” Max stopped, his heart racing – why had Boyd needed to see Libby? Surely Boyd hadn’t been telling her about the way he felt about Steph?! Oh God, what if Boyd had been talking? What if…

“Max? Max it’s all right. Boyd, I need to talk to your Dad for a while. Go on, I’ll see you later. “ she smiled at Boyd as she replaced one Hoyland with another.

Sitting at the kitchen table, Max could hardly hear himself think over the pounding of his heart. What had Boyd done? What had he said to Libby? And Libby of all people, Steph’s best friend! Just when Max had finally decided to try to bury his feelings for Steph and to get on with life, Boyd had talked to Libby about goodness knows what and goodness knows why.

Libby put two mugs of coffee on the table and caught sight of Max’s face. The poor guy looked panic-stricken and dejected all in one go. He obviously knew what Boyd had been speaking to her about, and was wishing he had never said anything to anyone.

“Max?”

“Libby, I’m sorry. He should never have said anything. It’s my problem and I’ll have to deal with it. All that matters is that Steph is happy and as I said to Boyd, she loves Alex and she’s happy with him and that’s all there is to it. Please, Lib, don’t say anything to her, I..”

“Except that she doesn’t.”

15

“Except that she doesn’t.” Said Libby, stopping him mid-flow. Max, who had been busy twirling a napkin-holder between nervous fingers, stilled, staring at her. Had he heard right? Had Libby just said that..

“Is she all right? Libby what, is she ok? Because if he’s hurt her I’ll”

“Max! Stop! What I meant is that she’s not with Alex. Well, she is travelling with him but she’s not WITH with him. They’re not a couple. Max, listen, do you love her? Is Boyd right? Are you in love with Steph?”

Max was silent, trying to take it all in. Alex and Steph weren’t together. They weren’t a couple. When, what????

Taking a deep breath, and calming his shaking hands, Max spoke in a voice so quiet Libby had to strain to hear.

“Libby, why’d she go if she’s not with Alex? Why did she leave?” He looked up at Libby, who only raised an eyebrow. Too deep in to get out now, even if he had wanted to, Max continued. “I, yes, I love her, but being the idiot I am, I never had the guts to tell her. I thought I had lost the chance when she left with Alex. Not that I ever had a chance, I mean “ he laughed bitterly at himself, “ it’s all one-sided, a sad older man in love with a beautiful, vibrant younger woman. Steph would never feel anything other than friendship for me, she’s got more sense than to saddle herself with someone like me.”

Libby sat silently, watching Max.

“Finished? “ Max nodded, sadly.

“Right. Now you shut up and listen to me. I have never heard such a load of drivel in my entire life. Where is the Max that Steph cares about so much? Where is the energetic, positive strong man that she has become so attached to? Max, she likes you, she likes you a lot, but she’s afraid of getting hurt again, just like you are. Honestly, I could bang your heads together sometimes, I really could.”

Libby once again saw the emotions play across Max’s face. She could pinpoint the exact moment when the penny dropped, when he truly understood what she had said. Steph had feelings for him, the same way he had for her. She cared. She really did. Well at least Libby said she did. And it was then that Max knew. He knew he had to take a chance, had to grab hold of his life with both hands and dive on in.

“Well?” grinned Libby

“Libby, I could kiss you!”

“Bleugh! “ she grimaced, “save them for Steph!”

Max grinned, “Just give me the chance, Lib, just give me the chance.”

17

Alex really was a very good friend, thought Steph, as he held her close, hugging away her fears.

“You know you have to see him, Steph. You can’t go on as you are, it’s driving you nuts. And anyway, you know I’m right about the way he feels. At least I know I am. At least I think I am. Anyway, you have to do it. So,” he changed the subject slightly,” tell me more about why you didn’t talk to him.”

“I don’t really know when I started to be, to like him more than as a friend, I guess it just crept up on me. It’s just the way he smiles, he wears his happiness like a badge when he smiles, and his eyes, those blue, blue eyes, so full of expression, and the way his“

“Ah, Steph?”

“Sorry Alex, you don’t need that do you?” as he shook his head, she continued.

“Well I was going to say something, but every time I tried, something, or someone came up.”

“Joanne.”

“Yep. By the time I realised they weren’t a couple, I was with you and it was too late. Oh Alex, that sounds terrible, that’s not what I meant! I did, do, like being with you, but…”

“But I’m not Max”

“I’m sorry Alex”

“Don’t be, Steph. It’s better that we know now before we go any further. You may love the thought of travel, but you can’t go anywhere with all of this over your head. You have to get it sorted out, and if I can help you then I will.”

“You really are a very good person Alex. Did you know that?”

“’Course I do!” he smiled. “No, it’s just that I’d rather have you happy with Max, than miserable and eventually resenting being with me.” As she went to deny that she would ever do that, he held up a hand” Steph, your feelings for him are too strong for you not to give it a chance, and believe me, you would resent me if I didn’t let you at least try.”

After a final hug, they walked back trough the darkness to the B&B.

Alex sat on his bed, watching Steph pack her things up, watching her buzzing with excitement and nerves. He had made the right choice. He**, he had no real choice. He had to let her go, to give her up. Stephanie Scully didn’t belong with him, she never really had. Her heart belonged to Max, just as Alex knew Max’s belonged to her. It just hurt. And Steph would never know that, she could never know how badly Alex had wanted to keep quiet, to ignore it all, how much he loved this emotionally confused beauty who packed her heart away in front of him. He hope Max loved her as much as he thought he did, and of Max ever hurt her, well…………… “Done!” said Steph, in a voice that only shook slightly.

Alex pasted a smile back on his face.

“Ok then. We leave first thing tomorrow!”

18

By 4-am, Alex had given up all pretence of sleep. So, it appeared, had Steph, for she was sitting up in bed, covers wrapped around her knees, staring out into the crisp, starry night.

“Steph?”

“Alex, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you. I, I can’t sleep. I guess I’ve got too much going on in my head to sleep. I can’s stop thinking about tomorrow, about seeing him, I want to get going, I want to – “

“Why don’t we?”

“Why don’t we what?”

“Go. Now. “

“Now?”

“Why not? We’d be back by daybreak, and then you’ve got all of the time in the world. You can’t sleep now, and I can’t sleep because you think too loudly” he laughed. “So get up girl! Pack the bikes up and let’s go!”

“But what about the room?”

“Ever heard of envelopes? We can leave the rent in an envelope on the bed, wheel the bikes to the main road, I’ll leave a forwarding address if you want.” Alex knew he’d got her by the way her eyes lit up in the grey light of the early morning. Ah well, he was doing this for her, to let her be happy, he sighed inwardly.

They rode through the forest taking extra care to avoid the seemingly suicidal animals that kept jumping out at them. Steph grinned inside her helmet. ‘Chelle would never forgive her if she hit an animal. Mind you, Steph acceded; they were riding at an odd time, a time when the road belonged to the animals of the night and why was that precisely? She was going to see Max!! If at all possible, Steph’s grin widened. She was going to see Max, tell him that she loved him, then he could tell her that he loved her and they would all live happily ever after. Probably. Possibly. Maybe.

Glancing over at Steph, Alex noticed the defeated posture and gestured over to the side of the road. As she pulled over, Steph was a mass of confusion again, worries had taken hold of her and she was convinced she was on her way to have her heart stomped on yet again.

Flicking up his helmet, Alex looked at her.

“Steph, listen. I know how scared you are, telling someone you love them, baring your soul to them, it’s never easy, I should know” and it was then that Steph realised exactly how much Alex did care for her, and what it was he was doing.

“Alex…”

“Shut up Steph and listen to me. You have to do this. You have to know or you’ll regret it for, well, for ever. Much as I care about you, you don’t belong to me. You have to try it with Max so that you know one way or the other. You have to, and that’s all there is to it. Now start that bike up and ride.” And with that he was off, cursing his revelation, hating the fact that she knew, that she knew how he felt and what this was doing to him. She didn’t need that now. Not with everything else she was facing.

Behind him, Steph rode deep in thought. He was right, she did need to know, and however much she had hurt Alex, she knew he wasn’t right for her. Whether or not max was, well that was a whole other kettle of fish. Willing herself to concentrate, she rode on through the fading darkness.

19

Max had hardly slept after his conversation with Libby. He knew what he had to do, but doing it was something else. And anyway, telling Steph how he felt would have to wait a while, because she was travelling with Alex. Her friend Alex, not her boyfriend Alex – and despite his worries, Max smiled the smile of a truly happy man.

Max tried to sleep again, breathing deeply, relaxing from his toes to his nose and yet nothing worked. He still couldn’t sleep. Sitting up, he gave up any pretence of sleep. He reached over and grabbed a pair of shorts.

Entering the kitchen, he tied the laces on his runners and grabbed a bottle of water. Boyd was sound asleep and hated mornings anyway. Summer was asleep too. Summer. He was going to have to talk to her. He laughed to himself. She had known, she had picked up on whatever it was between him and Steph. A 10 year old child with the sense to see what the rest of them had deluded themselves about for far to long now.

He reached over to grab his keys and was about to write them a note, when he heard a sleepy voice behind him.

“Dad?”

“Summer! What are you doing up?”

“I could ask you the same thing Dad. It’s “ she squinted sleepily at the clock, her eyes widening slightly as she saw the time, “Its not even 6 o’clock yet! What’s wrong?”

“When did you get to be so wise Summer? There’s nothing wrong, sweetheart. In fact things are better than they have been for a while. I’ve just got something to sort out, that’s all.”

“Is it about Steph?”

For a second, Max was speechless.

“Steph?”

“Yes Steph. You miss her Dad, I know you do. And something’s been going on with you and Boyd, and Boyd was talking to Libby and so were you…”

“How do you DO that Summer? “

“Do what?”

“Know things, know what………never mind. Go back to bed and we’ll talk later.”

“Dad, no, please, tell me. What is it?”

“Summer...”

“Dad, I’m not a little kid! And I’m not sleepy anymore. Please tell me, please. Boyd knows, I want to know, Dad please”

Max held his hands up in defeat.

“Ok! Ok” he smiled at her, pulling her onto his lap. Despite what she said, she was still sleepy and she cuddled into him as he began to talk.

“Summer, you know that I loved your Mum, that I’ll always love her, you know that don’t you” He felt Summer nod. ”But…”

“But she’s gone” said a very small voice. Max held her tightly. Sometimes he forgot that she was just a little girl who had lost her mother. Summer always seemed to cope better with the loss than Boyd had, he never knew why and he had never asked.

“I miss her Dad, and I’ll always love her too. Just like you. “ Summer sat up and looked her Dad in the eyes. “Dad you love Steph, don’t you? That’s what this is all about. You told Boyd, didn’t you? Dad, do you love Steph?”

20

Max couldn’t help himself, and the laughter that bubbled up inside him escaped. Summer’s eyes widened in alarm at her dad’s strange behaviour and he held her tightly on his lap.

“Oh Summer. You really are amazing, did I ever tell you that?” he looked down at her, and saw her worried expression.

“Hey, don’t worry sweetie. I’m fine, better than I have been in a long time.” He took a deep breath. “Yes, I love Steph. There. I said it” the last few words were muffled as Summer had launched herself into a huge hug, smothering her Dad with love.

“Summer! What is it? Are you all right? Summer?”

She broke away from the hug, letting Max see that she wore the biggest smile her small face would allow. Reaching up to hug him again, she whispered into his ear.

“I knew it!”

“Summer, you monkey! Listen, really, are you all right with this?”

She looked at him, a serious look replacing her grin.

“Dad, I miss Mum, I do, but next to her, well Steph is the best thing ever. She’s so cool, and pretty, and she likes you a lot Dad, I know she does.”

“Yeah, well, that remains to be seen.”

“So what are you going to do about it? How are you going to get her back? I know! You could……..”

Standing up, Max disentangled her from his lap.

“What you could do, young lady, is to go back to bed. And what I could do is to go for a run and get my head sorted. Ok?”

“But Dad…”

“Ok?”

“Yes Dad” she mumbled, watching Max lock the door as he went out.

21

Boyd woke up with a shock, something was attacking him!

He groaned when he realised what it was. Glancing over to his bedside, he groaned even louder. 6-01 am. AM!!!

“Summer!! What the, what are you doing?? Do you know what time it is? Go back to bed!”

“I can’t Boyd! Dad loves Steph – he just told me! He loves her Boyd! Isn’t that great? Dad and Steph!”.

Boyd sat up. So now she knew as well. Well, she had always known, but now Dad had told her too. Summer watched him.

“Boyd? Boyd are you all right with this? Boyd?”

“Summer, I “

“Boyd, I miss Mum, but she’s not here any more. And Dad misses her too. But he can’t stay missing her, that would be too sad, and I don’t think Mum would like that. And Steph’s nice. I like her. Dad likes her. He’s happy. Don’t you see it? He, he, I don’t know how to say it. He comes awake when she’s around. Boyd, she makes him happy and that makes me happy.” Summer finally stopped.

“Boyd?”

“Summer, it’s six o’clock in the morning, don’t do this to me!”

“Boyd! I’m serious. What are you thinking?”

“Summer, I – you’re right, he does come alive around Steph, and he does love her very much, but it’s not easy for me you know. Seeing it and accepting it are two separate things. I’m happy for Dad, It’s just going to be a bit hard seeing Dad with someone else. But I guess I could get used to it. Anyway, think about it! Where is Steph?? She’s off with Alex, so what does that mean, mastermind?”

Summer paused, and shivered slightly. Boyd groaned, and rolled his eyes. Throwing the doona back, Boyd let Summer snuggle under the covers. She grinned at him. Boyd really was a good brother, even if he was an idiot sometimes.

“Boyd, think about it! Steph never really loved Alex, she just went out with him to make Dad jealous because he was supposed to be seeing that horrible Joanne woman. And now she’s travelling with Alex because she wanted to see Australia, not cos she loves Alex! All we have to do is to tell her that Dad loves her and she’ll come straight back and they’ll be together. See?”

“Summer! What on earth are you talking about? How do you do that? How do you know that? “

“Isn’t it obvious? Well actually, you are just a boy, so I guess I can forgive you. It’s a girl thing. Now, how are we going to get to a computer to send that e-mail?”

22

Max was running, sprinting, trying to clear his head. He knew where his future lay, he had to tell Steph how much he loved her – and live with the results. Which according to Libby, could be good, could be great. And which, according to his usual run of bad luck, could be awful, soul destroying. Either way, however, he had to do it. He had to find a way to tell her.

*******************

Riding alongside Alex, Steph’s mind was in turmoil. Max. She was going to see Max. And to tell him. To TELL him. There really was no other way. She had to do it, she was only hurting herself by hiding it, and she couldn’t cope with that any more.

******************************

Max had reached the oval and was jogging around the edge. He could feel his heart racing and felt exhilarated. Images swirled around in his mind. Steph’s face as he told her, her face lighting up with happiness and the hug that would follow. He imagined holding her, kissing her, loving her. Max picked up speed, a huge smile plastered across his soul.

********************************************

As they neared Ramsay Street, Steph had slowed down, almost to a stop. Turning his bike around, Alex rode back to her.

“Steph?”

Turning her engine off, Steph stood beside her bike.

“I’m really here, aren’t I? I’m going to tell him. I’m really going to tell him. Alex, Alex I can’t, what if he doesn’t love me? What if you’re wrong? What if…”

“Then you’ll know, Steph. Then you can get on with your life. But at least you’ll know. Surely that has to be better than what you’ve got now. Anyway, I’m not wrong. So, get back on that bike and lets go.”

Steph smiled at him. “Alex..”

“I know, I know, I’m a good person.”

“Well yeah, but that’s not what I was going to say. It’s pretty early and, well, the bikes aren’t the most welcoming of a wake-up call. What say we walk the bikes the rest of the way? The oval is just over there, which means that Ramsay Street is the next left.”

“Sounds good, but Steph?”

“Yeah?”

“Ah, I hate to say this, but unless my eyes deceive me, that maniac runner over there, I reckon it’s the man himself, that’s Max!”

****************************************************************************

By now, Max was on his third lap. He was so attuned to his running that he almost missed the two bikes and their riders, stopped at the edge of the oval. Odd time for bike riders to be out, but hey, they were an odd breed, he laughed to himself. Especially that Steph Scully, he told himself, his sense of humour and love of life almost completely returned . Funny that, the thought of talking to her, of letting his secret go, it was as if a weight had been lifted, as if his eyes had been opened again. And now, even the thought of being rejected, even that didn’t seem so bad, well, maybe it did, but well……………………..and then he stopped.

That bike looked……… familiar. Looked like – looked like hers. Like Steph’s.

23

Steph turned and stared at the ‘maniac runner’. Her breath caught in her throat as Max stared back at her. Without her noticing, Alex gently took the keys from her hand and gave her a gentle shove towards him.

Max stared at the vision in front of him. Steph. It was Steph. Here. Now. She was back – and with Alex. His heart fell. She was still with Alex. Libby had been wrong. But still, still he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She had removed her helmet, and met his eyes, unable to move.

“Max” she breathed.

“Good grief, Steph. Move!” said Alex, shoving her again.

“Hey! “ Max yelled, “hey! Stop pushing her Alex!”, and he ran over to them. “What’s “ he swallowed, his throat suddenly very dry,” what’s going on? Why, why are you back? Are you all right? Steph? Steph are you ok?” He looked at her, staring into those blue eyes, looking down to see that he was holding her, that his hands had moved of their own accord and were now tightly holding her arms, his thumbs making a gently reassuring motion.

The feelings that his simple movements caused made Steph relax. Everything would be ok. She looked at him, really looked at him. His eyes shone with concern, a concern way above friendship. And still he hadn’t moved. Still he held her.

“Steph?” his voice soft. “Stephanie? Are you all right?”

“Max, I, “ she looked round for Alex, for reassurance, but Alex was gone. His bike had gone and her keys sat on the saddle of her bike. She had been so pre-occupied with Max that she hadn’t even seen him leave. It was up to her now.

Steph stared at him, and then wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him for all she could. Even if it all went wrong, even if he didn’t care, well she’d still know the feel of his arms around her. And know she would, for Max held her, returning the gesture, holding her like there was no tomorrow.

Eventually, they broke apart.

“Steph, please, it’s killing me. What’s wrong? Are you all right? If he’s hurt you, if he’s done anything to hurt you, oh God, Steph, sweetheart, are you ok?”

24
 

And that was her undoing. Taking a deep breath, Stephanie Scully looked deep into Max’s eyes and said, “Max, I love you. I’m sorry, but I had to tell you, and don’t worry I won’t make a scene and I’ll be gone soon and “ and she didn’t get the chance to finish because he was kissing her. And when he finished, he kissed her again. And again.

“Oh, Steph, “ he leant his forehead against hers, smiling softly at her. “I love you too. I love you so much and it’s been killing me to see you with Alex, not to tell you. I kept trying to tell you, but”

“But things got in the way.” She finished, smiling back at him.

He watched her smile, and kissed her again.

“Mmmmm. Now I could get VERY used to this” he said with a smile. Wrapping her in his arms, he leant his chin on the top of her head. “So, now what?”

“Aha! The ten thousand dollar question!”

“Steph, I love you. I love you very, very much.”

“And I love you too Max, but”

His heart stilled, forcing the reply.

“But what?”

Moving away from him, she sat down on the Oval, waiting for him to sit down, feeling her heart cry out with happiness as he sat behind her and pulled her into his arms.

“But what about Summer and Boyd?”

Steph felt Max smile. His arms wrapped around her even tighter, and he kissed the top of her head.

“Steph, I, “ he turned her around in his arms, so that she faced him, sitting cross legged. Holding her hand, he started talking. “Steph, I’ve been miserable since you left. It felt like a part of me was missing, like I wasn’t whole or something. I missed you so much Steph, and it seems that the kids picked up on it.” He kissed her quickly as he noticed her eyes widen slightly.

“Boyd, he saw me react to something – what? Ok, I heard a bike and I thought it was you and well, I, I guess I must have given myself away. He saw me, put two and two together and asked me if I loved you. And I couldn’t help it, I was missing you so much. I, I told him that I did.”

“Boyd? You told Boyd? But he hates the idea!”

“He did. But we talked, and now, well now he doesn’t hate it so much. He still misses his Mum, but the thought of you and me, well let’s say he’s decided he can live with it. And you know how Summer feels. She’d love you and I to get – well she’s going to love this” he said, drawing her into a soul-scorching kiss.

“Max? Max I do love you and I want to be with you, but it’s not going to be easy. I mean it’s wonderful that you think that Boyd and Summer will accept me, but what about my family? You know what my Dad’s like! No-one is ever good enough for us Scully girls”

“Steph, Steph I love you. I’ve loved you for a very long time, and I can wait for a little bit longer. Now I know how you feel, now I know that – “

“That I love you”

“That you love me, well I reckon I can wait a bit more. Do” he paused.

“Do I what?”

“Do you really want to be with me?”

“Ma-ax!!”

“Then your family will understand. They’ll see. And we WILL be together. I love you Stephanie Scully. I love you with all of my soul, my heart and my very being. I love your strength, your spirit, your happiness, I love your beautiful blue eyes, your heart, your” and as he was talking, his fingers were walking.

25

“Ma-ax!!” Steph shivered as his fingers caressed her. “Max?” she asked, bringing him back to reality.

“Oh. Ah, then your family will understand. They’ll see how we feel about each other. I love you Stephanie Scully. “

“You don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear that, Max.”

“I love you”

“So you said.”

“I know, I just like saying it” he grinned at her, “I love you Steph!”

Steph whacked him on the arm. “Get up you great oaf!” she laughed. “We’ve got to go and face the world.”

“Them”

“Yes, them. We’ve got to do it, sooner or later.”

“Later?”

“Max! Sooner is better and then it’s over and done with”

“You sure it’s not later?”

“Aha”

“Positive?”

“Max!”

“What?! A guy can try can’t he?”

Steph stood up and pulled Max to his feet, where he immediately pulled her into his arms. Lowering his head, he drew her into a kiss that captured her heart. She returned the kiss with all of the love she had held hidden for so long.

“Steph? “ Max whispered, his voice cracking slightly, “Steph, I love you. I really, truly love you.”

“And I love you too Max. I’m only sorry it took me so long to get up the courage to say it”

Arms wrapped around each other, they walked over to her bike, wheeling it towards Ramsay Street. As they reached the bottom of the road, they were met by a slightly puffing Karl Kennedy.

“Max! What on earth are you – Steph! When did you” and then he took in the fact that there was less than a millimetre of space between the entwined couple. “Ah. I see. Took your time about it didn’t you?”

Steph hung her head. She had wanted to tell her parents first, not that Karl would go screaming to everyone, but still. Max kissed the top of her head, before turning to Karl.

“Mate, listen, would you, ah, it’s just that, well we need to talk to Joe and Lyn before”

“Before I go blabbing my mouth off to everyone.” Karl smiled, “Don’t worry. I won’t say a word. I’m just glad you two saw the light.”

Steph stared at him.

“Well, it’s not like it hasn’t been obvious that, well that you were good friends. That there was the potential for more.” At the incredulous stares he was receiving, Karl backtracked, “Well it might have just been me, but”

“Libby knew” said Max

“Ah yes, well she would. She has internal radar when it comes to these things.” Said Karl, stretching slightly. He didn’t want all of his good work to go to waste. He was very proud of himself, he was almost up to two blocks now!

“Lib?” Steph was amazed. He’d talked to Lib? And she’d TOLD him? She was going to have to have a serious talk to that girl.

“Yes, well, got to go” said Karl, backing away. “Got to keep running you know” he said, eyeing Max, a considerably fitter and more in shape Max. That was what he had to aim for, that was his goal, not long now, he thought as he jogged off, but not before promising not to say a word to anyone about them.

“Libby?” Steph asked again.

26

“Boyd went to see her after he talked to me. He knew you two were best friends, and he had to talk to someone who really knew you. He wanted to know if you felt anything for me. He was just being protective of me, Steph.”

“I, I guess so. But still, she shouldn’t”

“Steph, don’t be mad at her. We were both going nowhere, and she could see that. She got it out of me as well. I went looking for Boyd and found him there. She sent him away and sat me down and – well lets just say I wouldn’t want to be one of her students when they do something wrong. She got me to tell her how much I love you, and then – and only then – did she tell me that she thought you might, MIGHT, feel something for me. She told me to take a chance and to find out. Listen Steph, how about we continue this inside, I’m getting chilly here! And besides, I haven’t kissed you in at least five minutes, and it’s maybe not such a good idea to ravish you in Ramsay Street, ……yet” and he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, laughing with Steph as they walked up to the Hoyland house.

With the bike safely stashed in the garage, Max led a slightly hesitant Steph into his home. Summer was the first to see them, and with a triumphant scream, she launched herself onto Steph, pulling her into a hug so tight that Steph had to wave at Max for release.

“Summer!” he laughed, “Summer put her down! Air! Steph needs air sweetie. You need air to live and I need Steph alive Summer“

“Dad, I get it” said an ecstatic Summer as she slid off Steph. “But did I see right? Were you two holding hands? Are you together? Where did you come from Steph? Have you told her Dad? Have you told her that you love her Dad?”

A voice from behind surprised them.

“Yeah, Dad, have you told her?”

Steph and Max turned around to face Boyd. Steph wiped her hands on her leathers, this, this was going to be tough. Boyd was one of the people she had been most worried about – even if Max had said he was ok with it all, well Steph reckoned she’d believe it when she saw it.

“Boyd, I “ began Max

Boyd had been watching Max since they had come through the door. From the recent talks he had had with Max, he knew that Max would always love his Mum, but, well, she was gone. She was the past, however much he wished it could be different. And, watching Max, Boyd knew that his dad was happy, happier than he had been for a long time. He was glowing with happiness, and Steph was too.

With a smile, Boyd finally accepted Steph. “Have you told her that you are in love with her yet Dad?” he asked, knowing the answer already, but wanting them to know that he could accept Steph. That he would, and that he was happy about it.

27

Max scooped his son up into a hug, understanding what it had taken to say that, and truly thankful that Boyd had said it.

“Thank-you Boyd. Thank-you” was all he could manage. Boyd, however, was more vocal.

“Get off me Dad! I’ve got to get a shower and get to school! I’m meeting Heath – “ and he stopped. Heather was off limits at the moment: since his latest fiasco Boyd had been banned from seeing her, not that this had stopped him of course.

“It’s ok, Boyd, go, get ready and go see Heather. I’m too happy to be cross” grinned Max.

“Oh boy! Steph, can you stay forever? This could be good! “ laughed Boyd as he swung out of his Dad’s reach. As he passed Steph, Boyd stopped.

“Seriously, Steph? I, I’m glad you’re here, you make Dad happy and that’s all I ever wanted. “ and with that he was gone.

“See Dad? I knew he wouldn’t mind. And I definitely don’t” said a still grinning Summer. Grabbing Steph’s hand she dragged her towards her room, intent on catching up on all of the girly stuff she’d missed while Steph had been away. Catching Steph’s other hand as she was marched away, Max stopped the procession.

“Summer, sweetheart, stop! You can have Steph all you want later, but now it’s time for you to get ready for school, and besides, Steph is exhausted and needs some rest. “

“And you want her to yourself” said a canny Summer, reading her Dad well.

“And I want her to myself” grinned a blushing Max. “Now scoot!” he said, bustling Summer off towards her room.

After a welcome coffee, Max and Steph sat in the loungeroom, wrapped up in one another. Steph was dozing, while Max took comfort in sitting and watching her, content to know that she was here, with him and that she loved him. SHE loved HIM. As much as he loved her. And the kids were ok about it all. Everything would be ok. Max had never felt better in his life. Lying his head back against the top of the couch, he sighed with happiness.

Boyd watched them from the doorway. The tiny knot of tension disappeared as he saw his Dad so happy. He really was happy with Steph. So Steph wasn’t Mum, but Mum was, well Mum was a part of his life that could be put in a box and treasured. Steph was now, and she was a pretty cool chick really.

Max looked over at him, catching Boyd’s smile. Gently extracting himself from Steph, Max stood and went over to gather Boyd in another hug.

“Boyd, I know what all of this means to you, and I, well I just want to say thank-you. You know I loved your Mum, but she’s gone and Steph, Steph’s here and I love her. Very much. So I just wanted to”

“Dad, stop. We’ve said this and I’m just happy for you. Now I’ve got to go – and don’t worry, we won’t say anything to anyone. I just want to see what happens when you tell Mr Scully! Good luck! “ said Boyd as he dragged a still grinning Summer out of the door.

Seconds later, he was back. “Dad? About Mr Scully? Don’t worry, when he sees how good you two look together, he won’t have a leg to stand on.” And with that he was gone for good this time.

28

Standing in her kitchen, Lyn Scully wrapped her pink robe tighter around herself, unconsciously running a reassuring hand over her bump. Pregnancy, while a blessing, could also be a curse. She had been unable to sleep much beyond six for the last week or so, getting up and enjoying being able to listen to the silence. The house was rather crowded at the moment, and having Lori around, well it wasn’t making life any easier.

She loved having her around, of course she did, it was just that, well things were a little strained at the moment. It seemed that none of her children were truly happy, except maybe Flick, but she was too far away for any mother’s liking.

Michelle was still distraught over Connor, plotting with Aunty Val to get him back. Which was not a GOOD THING. Really. There had to be time for study, and ‘Chelle had been way too pre-occupied with Connor lately. Way too pre-occupied. And them being together would not work. That was all there was to it. Lyn squished the small seed of doubt that had plagued her, pushing it to the back of her mind. Joe was right. They needed time apart, time to grow and time for ‘Chelle to pass her VCE.

And Jack. Well something was very wrong there. Jack was almost doing too much for Lori. Treating her as if nothing was wrong, which only heightened the fact that something was - different. That something had changed. There was something else too, something that Lyn couldn’t quite put her finger on, but delving was not a good thing, Jack was rather inclined to draw in on himself when he was troubled, and getting him to talk was like getting blood from a stone.

Lyn sighed. That left Steph. Stephy. And she wasn’t even here, she was off with Alex, travelling around Australia. Finally doing it. She’d dreamed of it for so long, and she was finally getting her chance. Lyn was truly happy for her, even if she was missing Steph terribly. Out of all of her children, Lyn was closest to Steph ( not that she’d ever tell any of them that) . She’d watched Steph growing up into a beautiful young woman, and had cried with her each time she was hurt. Steph wasn’t as strong as she made out, which made each time she had had her heart broken, made it even worse. Lyn smiled sadly, wondering what Steph was up to, where she was and if she was really happy. She had seemed like she was happy with Alex, he was a good boy and Joe liked him. But there was something, something that worried Lyn. Nothing she could put her finger on with any certainty, but something.

29

Lyn sighed. I know my children too well. Steph may be happy with Alex, but it….it was the wrong type of happy. It was friend happy, not in love happy. And Lyn stopped. Steph wasn’t in love with Alex, but she was…….pining over someone. She was in love with someone.

Lyn wandered over to the loungeroom window, hearing a door shut outside. Smiling she watched Karl begin his jog. He’s trying, she grinned to herself, before glancing over at the rest of the street. As her eyes passed the Hoyland house, she remembered the date Steph had gone on with Max. She had been so excited before that date, thought Lyn. I know my girl and I know when she’s looking forward to something. But it had come to nothing – which was just as well, in Joe’s eyes.

Max. Lyn smiled. He was a good man. He had had a hard life, but had made the best of it and he adored his kids, which was always a good thing in Lyn’s book. Joe liked him, even if he did indulge in a bit of good humoured teasing. For a second, Lyn considered what might have happened if Max had been interested in Steph. They would have made a good looking couple, and they both had the same sense of humour. And, and they both liked the same stuff, sports, pubs, having a laugh. Lyn stopped. Maybe………….. nah, not ….but then again……but she was with Alex. And Max was with that Joanne, wasn’t he? Actually no, said a small part of Lyn. And you know what you don’t want to think, don’t you. That little something, that little niggle about Steph, it had been around since that Date. And Max had been very quiet since Steph had left, Lyn had even caught him staring over at the Scully house a few times, waving and smiling over at her when he saw her watching him.

And it all fell into place. Steph was in love with Max, and it appeared that Max had feelings for Steph too. But neither of them had done anything about it. Which was just as well, because Joe would go ballistic. Lyn tried to quell the little voice, which was desperately trying to make itself heard. Would it be so awful? It asked, Would it be so bad? Steph obviously cared for Max a lot, but was afraid to do anything about it, settling for Alex. Now he was a good boy, but Steph, well she didn’t need boys. She needs someone who knows what they want, someone who can love her for the person she is, who has already……………someone like Max.

Lyn groaned, wondering why she hadn’t seen it all before. And what on earth was Joe going to say. If she told him, which of course she didn’t have to and it was up to Steph, and speaking of Steph, there she was walking up the road smiling in Max’s embrace. And…….and Lyn froze. There was Steph. There, in Ramsay Street, with Max, looking the happiest Lyn had seen her daughter for a long time. And there they were talking to Karl, and there they were going into the Hoyland house.

Lyn sat down with a bump. Oh my.  

30

By now, Steph was curled up in Max’s bed, fast asleep, the emotions and events of the past few days having finally caught up with her. He stood in the doorway, smiling at her, even in her sleep she could make him happy. Eventually, he moved over to the bed and sat beside her. Stroking her hair back from her face, he leant down and kissed her gently, but with a blazing love.

“Stephanie Scully, I know I’ve said this before, but I love you. I love you with a love so strong and true that it scares me. I need you, you are part of me, of my soul. I don’t know when I started to fall in love with you, but I do know that I will never stop loving you. Never. “ he whispered. He sat, watching her sleep, a smile playing across his face. After a while, he stood up and left her to sleep, walking silently to the door. He stopped, as he heard a soft, sleepy voice behind him.

“Max? Max, I love you too” but by the time he had returned to the bed, she was asleep again. Once again, he kissed her, and once again he left her to sleep.

*****************************************************

Lyn found herself walking across the road, towards the Hoylands and towards Steph. She had dressed in a silent daze, making sure Joe slept peacefully, sure that no-one needed his input just yet. Steph was with Max. WITH Max. And happy, by the look of it. But Lyn had to be sure.

****************************************************

A soft knock on the door stopped Max in his tracks. The kids were at school, he had the day off, so who could it be? Not Joanne, please not her. Hadn’t she got the message by now? Especially now?

Max opened the door wearily, his heart dropping as he saw Lyn, looked into her face and knew that she knew. Lyn knew her daughter was here.

“Lyn, hi, ah, come, come in.” stammered Max, standing back to let her enter.

“Where is she? Where is Stephanie?” asked Lyn. She had been going to be more gentle, but her mothering instincts had taken over almost straight away.

“She – she’s asleep. She drove through the night and she’s shattered. She’s asleep in – in, ah, in my bed, er, in my room” Max managed.

“And?” said Lyn, quietly

“And I stayed here. Lyn, I, I stayed here. “

There was a silence. Lyn started to walk down the corridor towards the bedroom.

“Lyn? “ she stopped, her back to Max.

“I love her” he said softly.

“I know” he heard, as she entered his room.

31

Lyn stared down at her daughter, sleeping peacefully in one of Max’s t-shirts. She slept soundly, comfortably, and looked very much at home there. Max stood in the doorway, watching Lyn as she smoothed a lock of hair away from Steph’s eyes. Apprehension gnawed at him, but he knew that they were right, that he belonged with Steph, and she with him. Lyn turned and met his gaze, seeing in his eyes all of the love he felt for Steph.

“You do love her, don’t you?” she whispered.

“More than I have loved anyone for a very long time.” He replied simply.

Lyn placed a gentle kiss on Steph’s cheek and walked out of the room past Max, and into the loungeroom. Lowering herself onto the couch, she waited for Max to sit down.

“Talk to me Max. What happened?”

Max felt like a prisoner in front of the firing range. And it must have shown in his eyes, because Lyn smiled at him.

“Don’t look so worried, Max. I can see that you are in love with her and from what I saw outside, I think she’s pretty fond of you too.” She smiled as Max’s head shot up.

“You, you saw us? “

“How do you think I knew she was here? I’m not psychic Max – pregnant, but not psychic”

“Oh, sorry Lyn! Can I get you anything? Do you need anything? “ and he half rose out of the chair.

“No, no, don’t worry Max, I’m fine. So, tell me, what happened, how did you two……..find….each other?”

Max smiled at her.

“I, well, I, I.”

“Max! “ Lyn grinned at him

Max took his heart in both hands and swallowed deeply. Taking solace in the fact that whatever happened, Steph knew that he loved her, that he would always love her, and that he would do whatever he could to be with her, consoling himself with those thoughts, Max dove in and talked to his girlfriend’s mother about how he felt about her daughter.

“Lyn, I’ve, “ he swallowed again, and took a sip of the juice he held. “Lyn I’ve liked Steph for a long time now. A long time, but I didn’t tell her how I felt because, well for a variety of reasons.”

“Me being one of them.”

“Well, ah, there, there was that. Well not you specifically, more you and Joe. And Boyd, and the age difference, I don’t know, a whole stack of things.”

“But you’ve overcome those things now?”

“Not so much overcome, just realised how much I need her, how much I love her and how much I missed her when she wasn’t with me. I’ve talked to my kids and they’re happy for us, the age thing is irrelevant, age is just a number anyway and in some ways Steph is a whole lot ……..older……than I am. She challenges me, she makes me laugh, she makes me happy and she makes me come alive. Lyn, I love her very much. The only….obstacle…..we have is you two. Joe and you.”

“Max, you really love her, really? With - this is going to sound daft now, but you love her with all of your heart?”

“Yes, I do.”

“And she loves you?”

32

Steph woke up, feeling deliciously refreshed after – she looked at the clock beside the bed, after just an hour’s sleep. For a moment, she was dis-orientated, but then it all came flooding back. Max. Max loved her. And Steph smiled the smile of the truly happy.

Stretching out she luxuriated in the warmth of Max’s bed – and promptly sat up. Max’s bed!! Much as she loved him, she wasn’t quite ready for that – yet. How had she got there? When had she got there? It felt like the last few days had all rolled into one, but that this one, this one day marked the start of her future. Yeah, right, call the Hollywood script writers.

Shaking her head, Steph stood up, and grabbed a pair of joggers from a chair beside the bed. Tying the knot tightly, she made her way down the corridor. Arriving in the door of the loungeroom, she was just in time to hear her mother ask Max if he loved her. Her soul glowed with happiness at his reply, and she stepped forward to respond to the next question.

“And she loves you?”

Moving forward and looking between Max and her Mother, Steph smiled. It looked like Lyn might be able to accept the way she and Max felt about each other. Looked like one of her parents might be happy for them.

“Yes, Mum, I do love him. I always have, I just kept it hidden from everyone, including me.”

Steph moved over to her Mum and gave her a hug, before going over to sit with Max. Sitting sideways on the couch, she tucked her knees up to her chin, tucking her toes under Max’s thighs. Seeing his eyes raise in a silent question, she grinned and said,

“You’re warm and my toes are cold!” He reached over and interlaced her fingers with his.

“You are a terrible person, Stephanie Scully,” he said as he pulled her into his lap, holding her tightly in his arms. “Toe torture ranks up there with cold feet in bed and stealing all of the covers. I hope you’re not guilty of that was well?” he asked with a glint in his eye, a glint that quickly dimmed as he remembered that her mother was also in the room with them.

“Ah, Lyn, I’m, er, I’m”

“Max, it’s ok, in fact it’s more than ok, it’s great, it’s wonderful to see my little girl so happy. I’m just so happy for you both.” And with that she levered herself out of her chair and crossed the room to the entwined couple. Reaching down to drop a kiss on the top of their heads, she answered the unspoken question in Steph’s eyes.

“Yes, Stephanie, I approve, and I hope you’ll be very happy together. And” she said, holding up her hand to forestall any more talk” yes, I’ll talk to your Dad if you want me to.”

Glancing at Max, Steph came to a decision. She was Daddy’s girl, she and her Dad had a very good relationship, and it wouldn’t be fair for her to start backing out from talking to him about what was important to her now. And her relationship with Max was important, very important. It was going to be hard, but they had to do it, they had to talk to Joe, and they had to do it soon.

“No, thanks Mum, but we’ll do it. We’ll talk to him.”

33

Lyn let herself out, which was just as well, for the couple entwined on the couch were a little too stunned to move. Steph smiled at Max, kissing him quickly.

“Well one down and one to go.”

She felt Max’s sigh of relief and hugged him.

“Well, we always knew Mum would be easier than Dad”

“Facing a Rottweiler with a sore paw would be easier than your Dad, Steph,” he laughed, the laughter dying slightly as he saw her expression drop, “ But you’re worth it Stephanie. I’d face anything for you sweetheart. Come here.” And he kissed her like there was no tomorrow.

Lyn made her way back across the way, collecting the mail as she went. She let herself in the front door, just as Joe came out into the lounge.

“Lynnie! Where were you?”

She held up the mail in reply, noting that there was one for Connor, tucking it in the pocket of her top. Joe groaned as he found more bills. There was one with a New Zealand postmark, which she placed on the coffee table for Lori when she came out. Lyn hoped it was from her Mum, Lori needed to talk to her parents and she needed to do it soon. Lyn almost laughed out loud as she realised that Steph was in a similar position, Steph also had to tell a parent something that would be difficult to hear.

“Lynnie? You all right love? Oh look! Here’s one from Steph! Sounds like she’s having a good time. That Alex is a nice kid. “ and with that he walked into the kitchen.

Left in the loungeroom, Lyn rolled her eyes to high heaven. This was not going to be easy. Sighing, she thought about Steph and the way she had looked with Max. And thought about the way Max had looked at Steph. They were right for each other, she didn’t know why she hadn’t seen it before. But convincing Joe of that, well not easy, but it would be done.

Over the road, Max stepped out of the shower and dressed to impress. He chose a black short-sleeved shirt and the best jeans he had. His shoes were clean, his nails scrubbed and his hair washed. Dragging some clothes out of her rucksack, Steph had showered and dressed as well. As he came into the kitchen, Steph smiled the smile of a truly content woman. Not only did she have the love of a good man, she had the love of a seriously HOT good man! Max certainly scrubbed up well, she thought as she moved over to kiss him. He was still slightly damp, and smelled of oranges and citrus shampoo. Dragging herself away from him, she examined every inch of him.

“What?!” he asked finally becoming a little unnerved by her scrutiny.

“You really are a very good looking man, Max Hoyland!”

“Oh, that, well yes, that I do know”

She swatted him on the chest, kissing him again, a kiss he returned with equal fervour. Breaking away, he reluctantly gestured towards the door.

“Let’s go then, let’s get this over and done with.”

“Ah, Max?”

“I, I was thinking maybe I should do this by myself. At least the first time we talk to Dad. Max, I just think it might be easier.”

Max looked down at her, she fitted so perfectly in his arms. She felt his hesitation, his worry.

“Max, you are the man I love. D’you hear that? I love you. I need to talk to my Dad about this, but he won’t change my mind Max. “ reaching up to kiss him again, she whispered in his ear, “I love you. I’ll be back soon.” And with that she took what promised to be the longest walk of her life, the walk to see her dad and to tell him that she was in love with Max Hoyland and that he loved her in return.

34

Joe Scully smiled as he thought of Steph roaring around Australia on that bike of hers. He was glad that at least one of his children was happy – well maybe two of them, but New York was so far away and anything could be happening to Flick, she was so wild that girl, beautiful and all of those lads in New York would know beauty when they saw it and – STOP IT Joe! Flick can look after herself. That girl had done a lot of growing up over the last few months, had grown into a confident and world wise young woman. She could handle herself. Or at least he hoped she could. Just like Steph.

Steph. Joe smiled again. She was finally doing what she had dreamed about for so long. Steph had always wanted to travel, to see Australia. If he had understood their itinery correctly, they should be on Coober Pedy by now, and Joe’s eyes lit up at the thought of them finding an opal, and opal big enough to set up the whole family in the way they should be accustomed. To keep them financially secure for life. Revelling in his day dream, Joe missed the sound of the doorbell.

Lyn walked past Joe, who was sitting staring off into space, a funny little smile on his face.

“I’ll get it then, shall I?” she asked, knowing full well that Joe hadn’t heard her.

“Steph!” she said quietly, as she saw who it was. “Are you, have you?”

“Mum, hi.” Said Steph, hugging her mother. “Yeah, I, er, I need to talk to Dad. Where is everyone?”

“Don’t worry, they’re all at school and Lori is on her way to the Doctor’s for a check up. It’s just you, me and your Dad.”

Steph smiled in relief. She had really not been looking forward to having an audience for this talk. Peering over her Mum’s shoulder, she saw her Dad in the middle of a daydream. Moving past her Mum, Steph sat down next to her Dad and waited.

And waited.

Joe smiled as he imagined his neighbour’s expressions as he drove home in his new BMW. Karl would be staring, wishing his somewhat battered V-Dub had been stored in his garage before Joe got home. Lou would be drooling as he saw what Joe and his family had achieved and Max, well, nice as he was, Max would be wishing he had found an opal as big as the Scully’s had. Smiling an even broader smile, Joe thought about his neighbours. Despite what he may say, (and daydream) they were an ok bunch really. They certainly stuck together and kept an eye out for each other. Karl, well, despite being a bit pompous, Karl was ok. He had been very helpful lately, especially with Lori. And Susan, well, she was a looker – almost as good as his Lynnie. Almost. And, working at the school, she had an inside track on what young ‘Chelle was up to.

Beside him, Steph waited. She was really in no real hurry to talk to Joe, well not about this anyway. Looking over at her Dad, she smiled. She knew her Dad so well, and knew that she was in for a wait. Silently, she made her way into the kitchen, where she met a resigned Lyn.

“Dad asleep then?”

“Aha.”

“Thought he might. He, well, he didn’t sleep too well last night, I couldn’t get comfortable, which kept him up.”

“Is everything ok Mum?” asked Steph

“What? Oh, yes, it’s fine love, it’s just the bump, making her presence felt.”

“Her?”

“Her.”

Steph hugged her Mum, “Girl Power!!” she laughed.

Back in the lounge, Joe smiled, as his dream became even better.

35

Inside his dream, Joe continued to examine his neighbours. Lou, Lou and Harold. Pair of windbags, both of them. Not in a bad way, of course, but hey, some of the things they got up to, or came out with, well, you had to laugh. Hearts as big as elephants though. Just the sort of neighbours you need.

And Max. Well, despite what he said to everyone else, Joe quite liked Max. Ok, so he was a yuppie, but a good bloke under all of that. Good with his kids, and good for a laugh. Ok, so his kids were a bit weird now and then, and there had been that whole peering over the fence incident, but that only showed that the kid had good taste.

In the kitchen, Steph was on her second cup of coffee, not hearing a word that Lyn said. Lyn smiled at her.

“Sorry Mum, I am listening, it’s just that”

“It’s just that you’re nervous and want to get it over and done with.”

“Well, yeah, I am nervous. I know I’ve got to do it, I mean I know that I love Max, and that he loves me, but getting Dad to see that this is a GOOD THING, well that’s not going to be so easy. It’s funny really, I want to tell Dad, but I want to put it off for as long as I can” and Steph laughed.

From deep inside her pocket, she heard the sound of her mobile phone chirp. Taking it out, she read the text message that had just arrived. Never forget that I love you, do you need some help? M

Hands whirring over the keys, she sent back, No, I’m fine, Dad’s asleep and I’m catching up with Mum. I’ll tell him as soon as he wakes up. I love you too J

The sound of a mobile phone squeaking interrupted Joe’s dream. With a start, he woke up, almost falling off the couch as he did so. Patting himself all over, he finally found his phone and saw that it wasn’t his phone that had beeped.

Striding into the kitchen, he called out

“Lynnie? Lynnie, where’s your mobile? I think you’ve got a – Steph! When did you get back? Why are you back? Are you all right girl? “

From deep inside her dad’s hug, Steph managed a muted reply.

“What’s that Steph?”

“Joe! Put her down! You’re smothering her!”

“Steph! “ Joe said, releasing his daughter, noting an odd expression in her eyes. “Steph, what’s wrong?” he said, in a gentler tone. Sitting down, Joe began to worry. Looking between his wife and his daughter, Joe knew that something was going on. Steph looked…………worried, apprehensive and in a weird way, calmer and happier than he had seen her in a long time. And whatever it was, it appeared that Lyn knew what was going on. Lyn was calm, so it couldn’t be too bad of a thing, whatever it was. Taking a deep breath, Joe looked at his daughter.

36

Glancing at her Mum, Steph turned towards her Dad.

“Firstly, Dad I’m fine. In fact I’m better than fine. I’m happy, truly, wonderfully happy.”

“Good” said Joe, “Ah, that’s good, but what, why…”

Swallowing, Steph continued.

“Dad, while I was away, I did a lot of thinking. And a lot of talking. Alex and I, well, let’s just say Alex helped me to put a lot of things into perspective and he made me realise that there was something I had to do, something I had to face up to before I could get on with the rest of my life.”

Joe looked at Lyn, his eyes wide with worry. Steph looked between the two of them.

“Dad! Stop it! I told you I’m fine! It’s just that, just that, well, Dad, I’m in love.”

“Yeah, well I know that. Alex is a good bloke – “

And with a miniscule pause, she told him.

“Not with Alex, Dad. I’m in love with Max. And he loves me too.”

“Yeah, with Alex, like I said,” continued Joe, not understanding properly. He could have sworn she had said Max, but she was probably tired. She meant Alex.

“Joe. Listen love, she didn’t say Alex. She said Max. She and Max are in love. Joe? Did you hear me? Joe?”

Joe was staring at Steph as the words finally registered. Max? Max Hoyland Max?

“With Max? Over the road Max? You’re in love with”

“Max. Yes. Dad listen, I,”

“Max?”

Lyn stood and went over behind him, rubbing his shoulders and arms.

“Joe, look at her. She’s happy, she’s glowing she’s so happy. I haven’t seen her like this for a long time. A very long time. Joe, she loves Max, really truly loves him, and from what I’ve seen, he loves her. You should see the way he looks at her, and the way he talks about her. Joe, please, be happy for them. I haven’t seen anyone as happy as they are since, well for a long time.”

Joe looked at his wife.

“You’ve seen him – them? When “ Turning back to Steph, “When did this start? How…” and he stopped as he saw how worried Steph was. Taking a deep breath, he reached over and took Steph’s hand in his own. “Steph, sweetheart, talk to me. What do you mean that you love Max?”

“Dad, I, I love him. I’ve liked him for a long time now, but I never said anything. It was too hard, too scary. I just buried how I felt and got on with things. But he was always there, always in the background. I tried, Dad, I really tried; I mean he went out with Joanne, and I started seeing Alex. He**, I even went away with Alex. But” she studied the table intently, before looking up, and looking her Dad in the eye. “But it didn’t work. I missed him terribly Dad, everywhere I went something would remind me of him, of how much I loved him and how much I was missing him. And eventually Alex began to pick up on it. I think he tried to ignore it, but he finally got me to talk, and somehow he got it out of me.”

Steph smiled. Joe watched her, Lyn was right, Steph was glowing, she was happy. And it appeared it was all because of Max.

37

Steph was still talking and Joe was still listening, which in itself was a good sign, thought Lyn.

“Alex sat me down and made me talk. Made me tell him how miserable I was, and why. He, well before we left, I’d told him that there was someone, that I couldn’t be with him until I’d got over this other guy. Alex knew there was someone else, he just didn’t know who it was. I mean, we left on this trip as friends, Dad, I wasn’t cheating on Alex, well technically maybe I was but,”

“Steph! Breathe! Steph honey, are you happy? Does he – does Max make you happy?”

Steph raised a shaking hand to brush away the hair that had fallen across her eyes.

“Yes. Yeah Dad, he makes me happy .Very happy. Dad, I love him”

Looking deeply into his daughter’s eyes, Joe came to a decision.

“OK.” And with that, he got up. “Anyone want a cuppa?”

Lyn and Steph were stunned. That had been almost…….easy.

“Dad?” “Joe?” they said at the same time.

Turning, he looked at them.

“What?”

“Dad are you, what….”

“Steph, sweetheart, your Mum’s right. You look happy, you sound wonderful and well I guess you could do worse, I mean Max is a good bloke and well, if you’re happy, I’m happy”

“Really? “

“Yes really. I do have a few worries, but I know you. You do what you want, and well, as I said, if you’re happy, I’m happy.”

Returning to the table he set the tea in front of them. Wilting under their combined stare, he relented.

“Ok. It’s just that, well there’s the age thing”

“Dad, age is………..well it doesn’t bother me. So he’s older. So what? It’s only a number. In many ways it feels like we are the same age. We like the same things, we have fun, he makes me laugh Dad. Most of the time I forget that he’s older than me, and when I do, well it really doesn’t matter to me. And that was before I, before we told each other how we felt.”

“Oh. Right. Well, what, what about his kids? How do they feel about all of this?” “Max has talked to them, and I have as well. Dad, they’re fine with it.”

“He, he’s a mate!”

“Which makes it even better. Dad, you know him. You know he’s a good man. Dad, please,”

“You really love him Steph?”

“More than I ever thought I could love anyone.”

For a few seconds more, Joe watched her.

38

Deep in conversation, neither Joe nor Steph had heard the knock at the door. When Lyn answered, she found Max, an anxious Max, concern written all over his face.

“Lyn? How, is – is she all right?”

“She’s fine, love. I think everything’s going to be all right. Come on through.” She said, leading him into the kitchen. As they entered, they caught the last question that Joe had put to Steph.

“And he loves you?”

The voice behind them startled them both. Turning, Joe came face to face with Max, seeing the man who his daughter loved.

“Joe, I, “ he paused, then continued in a strong voice, “Joe, I love Stephanie. I love her very much and I have loved her for a long time. Joe, she means the world to me, and I would never let anyone or anything hurt her. Whatever happens, I’ll always love her”

Steph had moved over to Max as he spoke. Now she stood beside him, hands intertwined, their whole body language speaking of a love, a love so strong that Joe felt he had no choice, and he smiled.

“Steph, love, are you sure?”

“Sure.”

“Max?”

“Me too.“

“Ok.”

“Really?!”

“Really” said Joe and he reached over to shake Max’s hand. “But believe me mate, if you ever, EVER hurt her, then “

“I know. Joe, I understand. But it’ll never happen. “ Turning to look at Steph, he spoke in a voice so full of love that Joe knew she was in good hands. “I love her Joe. That’s all there is to it. I love her.”

“Then go! I’ve got to get ready for work anyway, and I’m sure you have a lot of stuff to do. Go! Get out of here. Lynnie? Where are my coveralls?”

Max and Steph just stood there, wrapped around one another, mouths agape. Lyn turned to them, giving them a little shove.

“Go! Get out while you can! Hold on to the little time you have left, ‘cos I promise you, when the other’s find out about this, you’ll have no time to yourselves.!!” And she scurried them to the door, kissing them both as she shut the door behind them. Standing outside the door in a stunned silence, Steph looked at Max.

“Well then! That’s that then!”

Max was looking at Steph, a faintly apprehensive look on his face.

“Er, sweetheart, what exactly did your Mum mean by that?”

39

Before she could answer, a delighted yelp startled them and they both spun round. Standing behind them was Libby, a squirming Ben held tightly in her arms.

“I knew it! I knew it!! Stephanie Scully, you can deny it all you like, but I knew you loved him and I was right! Admit it girl!”

Max found himself holding a still squirming Ben as Libby launched herself at Steph.

“Ben, my boy? Never get involved with women. They are all stark staring mad. Here, witness a prime example. Your mother and her friend are shrieking at each other in the middle of the street. Watch and learn, my boy. Watch and learn!”

Libby laughed, releasing Steph and taking Ben back.

“So I was right then? You two are together, just as you should be. See Max, I TOLD you she liked you” she said.

“And I need to talk to you about that, Libby my dear!” said Steph, in a mock stern tone. “You were sworn to an oath of secrecy on that one? How can I ever trust you again?” said Steph, as they crossed the road to Max’s.

“But think about it! If I hadn’t said anything then would either of you have got off your backsides and done anything about it? Would you? I mean, how long have you two liked each other? Steph, you started drooling the second he arrived….”

“Libby!!!” exclaimed a scarlet Steph, glancing at Max, who’s face was plastered in a huge grin.

Once inside the house, Libby got a drink for Ben and sat him on her knee as he chewed on one of Summer’s cuddly toys. Max and Steph sat on the other couch, curling into each other as if by instinct.

Libby smiled at them. It really was so obvious, always had been. They were made for each other, it was all just so right.

With an arm wrapped around Steph, Max looked at Libby.

“Libby? I, er, I just want to, I..”

“Max, it’s ok”

“No, I need to say it. Thanks Lib. Thank-you for that proverbial kick. If you hadn’t told me how stupid I was being, well let’s just say that this might have taken a lot longer.” He stopped and looked at Steph, before kissing her gently.

“Ben! Don’t look!” said Libby in mock dismay.

Breaking the kiss, Steph laughed.

“Seriously, Lib, that goes for me as well. I guess I needed a wake-up call as well.”

“But I didn’t do anything for you!”

“Yes you did. You kept nudging me, you kept making me think, and you never really let me stop noticing him. I know it was Alex that got me to, well do act on it all, but you, you were the instigator.”

Max looked at her.

“Alex? Alex got you to “

“Yep. I was moping around and he got sick of it and wormed it all out of me. I guess we have him to thank as well.” Said Steph.

“So where is he?”

“That I do not know. He was with me this morning at the Oval, but then he was gone. I have no idea where he went. Maybe I’ll ring him,” she said, feeling around for her mobile. Max reached down, capturing her fingers, ceasing their search. He had a lot to thank Alex for, but he wasn’t quite ready to have her talking to Alex, mindlessly selfish as that may be, he didn’t want Steph talking to her ex-boyfriend just yet. He wanted her all to himself. With an understanding look, Steph stopped, her fingers caressing the inside of Max’s wrist, making him shiver.

Neither noticed Libby scoop up Ben and, smiling at the scene before her, leave them to it.

40

Michelle Scully walked slowly up the street, mentally groaning as she considered the immense amount of homework she had to do. Hearing a squeal behind her, she turned to see Summer running towards her, with Boyd jogging behind her.

“Summer, wait up!” called Boyd. “She’ll still be there, you know, you don’t have to break the land-speed record to get home!”

“But I want to see Steph!” Summer yelled back over her shoulder, just before she collided with Michelle.

“Hey! Careful Summer!” she said, and then she realised what Summer had said. “Steph? What do you mean Steph? My sister, Steph? Where is she?”

“Steph’s at our house with Dad.”

“With your Dad? Why?”

“Because they are in love! Dad loves Steph and Steph loves Dad” said Summer, doing a little happy dance around Michelle.

“Oh my God!” said Michelle. “This, I’ve got to see.”

And she followed Summer and Boyd home. Before she got there, she looked over at Boyd.

“You all right with this?”

“Actually, yes, yes I am. Dad’s happy, which is really all that matters.”

Summer hurled herself through the door, closely followed by Michelle.

“Steph? Dad, Steph? Where are you? Steph are you still here?”

“Good grief Summer! Calm down, we’re in here” said Max, sticking his head out of the kitchen. “And yes, she’s still here, and will be for a while if that’s – oh, hello Michelle”

“’Chelle!” said Steph, seconds before finding herself wrapped in a hug from her little sister.

“So, Stephanie, how are you then?” said ‘Chelle, ducking as a sisterly swipe came her way. “Happy as a sandlark, I see. Max, you look like the cat who’s swallowed the cream. Ok, ok, I’m happy for you both. “ she smiled. “Just wait until I tell Dad”

“Ha! Beat you to it!” said Steph triumphantly.

“And he’s ok with it?” said Michelle incredulously

“Certainly is, he’s even given us his blessing” said Max, cheekily sticking his tongue out at Michelle.

“Good grief!” she said, watching as Max reached over and pulled Steph to him.

“Ah, children?” Michelle said to Boyd and Summer, “Let’s get you out of here. Things could get very sloppy in here”

“Children?!” they heard Boyd squeak in indignation. “Children??!!”

Max turned Steph to him, looking deep into her eyes. “Steph, are you happy? Really happy” he asked, punctuating his last words with kisses. Steph nodded, never breaking eye contact with him. There was a squeak behind them as Michelle pulled an extremely happy Summer from her vantage point, but by then they were too pre-occupied to care as Max kissed her with all of the love in his heart, kisses which Steph was returning, wrapping her arms around him and holding on tight. Finally coming up for breath, Max kissed her gently on the forehead.

“Then you’ve made me the happiest man in the world. I know I keep saying it, but I love you Steph.”

Steph grinned at him, “Don’t worry, Max, I’ll never get tired of hearing it. I love you too” and she pulled him down into a kiss that touched their very souls.

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