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When the heart Rules!

Jess Wilding

When the heart Rules! Prt 1

Michelle, Connor, Jack, Lorrie and Taj are all over at the Scully’s. They are all sitting in the lounge basically having a good time. A movie is on the TV, and they’re all kind-of watching it but their more interested in chatting really.

Nina: I’m gonna go and get a drink, anyone want one?

Everybody says they want one.

Jack: I’ll give you a hand Nina. I could do with a break from just sitting there, and you’ve only got two hands.

In the kitchen

Jack: Everybody’s having a great time aren’t they?

Nina: Yeah, I haven’t had this much fun for ages.

Jack: You enjoying the film?

Nina: Yeah it’s pretty good, but?

Jack: What?

Nina: Well, I haven’t got a clue what it’s about.

Jack: Me neither, I kinda lost interest a while ago.

Nina: Yeah it’s weird I can normally watch practically anything.

Jack: Me too. You know I never realised just how much we had in common. You’re really easy to talk to, anyone ever told you that?

Nina: Umm...not really.

Jack: Oh, maybe it’s just us then.

Nina: Maybe

They are mesmerised in each others eyes as they speak, they both take a step closer to each other. Jack leans into kiss her.

Connor: (shouting from in lounge) come on you two, hurry up. We’re dying of thirst out here.

Nina: We can’t have that now can we!

She picks up the drinks, and brushes past Jack. She tries to avoid him, but he catches her eye. She holds it for a second, then wracked with guilt looks away and goes into the lounge. Jack follows with a smile on his face.

Jack: Wow! (He says quietly to himself)

When the heart Rules! Prt 2

The following day at school.

Nina is worried about whether Jack will say anything too her about last nights events. She wonders if she wants him too, on the one side she feels really guilty that she even considered kissing anyone else apart from Taj, but on the other hand she’d never felt anything like what she had felt when she looked into his eyes last night.

Lorrie: Hi Nina! God, isn’t it just too nice a day to get cooped inside this place, I just wanna get outside.

Nina: (half-heartedly) couldn’t agree with you more.

Lorrie: Hey I just had a thought, we’ve got a free this afternoon, haven’t we? Why don’t we meet up and go to the coffee shop or something.

Nina: I dunno Lorrie. I’ve got loads of studying to get done.

Lorrie: You don’t need to study any more than you already do, Nina. You’re clever enough as it is. Oh come on just this once. It’ll give us a chance to get to know each other better, you know swap girly secrets, discuss boyfriends. Plzzz?

Nina: Well OK then.

Later that day

Jack: Nina can I have a word.

Nina: (nervous) Not right now Jack, I’ve gotta get to umm...I’ve gotta see Michelle.         Jack: Oh, me too. I’ve gotta ask her about dinner tonight. I’ll come with you.              Nina: Look jack, can you just leave me alone.                                                         Jack: Fine, look can I speak to you later. This afternoon perhaps?                                    Nina: I can’t. I’m going out with Lori.                                                                             Jack: Are you gonna tell her about what happened?                                                      Nina: Nothing did happen, Jack.                                                                                         Jack: Didn’t it. Cos all I know is I felt magical when I looked into your eyes, and yes it was wrong, I’ve got a girlfriend and all, but the way I felt last night. Well, all I can think about is you.                                                                                                                 Nina: Look I’ll talk to you later.                                                                                         Jack: looking forward to it!

When the heart Rules! Prt 3

At the Coffee Shop                                                                                                                     Lorrie: Hey Nina                                                                                                               Nina: Oh hey, have you ordered anything yet?                                                             Lorrie: nah, I thought I’d wait for you. What do you want?                                       Nina: Oh I’ll have a milkshake or something.                                                          Lorrie: OK back in a mo!                                                                                        Nina sits there trying to find something that she could talk with Lorrie about, anything apart from Jack. She found herself wishing it was Jack who she was waiting to talk to, he was really easy to talk to. She didn’t really know Lorrie that well, but then she hardly knew Jack either. She felt herself going red, just at the thought of him. This had been happening all day, ever since what he had said.                                           Lorrie: I’m back, sorry I took so long!                                                               Nina: Doesn’t matter. So then?                                                                               Lorrie: So? Umm...so how are you and Taj getting along. You were looking pretty cosy last night                                                                                                  Nina: Yeah its great, everything’s great. Y’know couldn’t be happier. I’m really lucky to have him.                                                                                                                   Lorrie: Whoa! Someone’s got it bad! Not that I’m any better. Me and jack we just seem to be getting closer and closer since we moved back from England. He’s a great guy y’know.                                                                                                                       Nina: (dreamily) yeah I know                                                                                          Lorrie: Hey you, looking so dreamy when we’re talking about my boyfriend.            Nina: Was I? I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to. I was just...just...                                   Lorrie: thinking about Taj? I do it all the time, like about Jack I mean, not with Taj. How low would that be? I can’t think of anything worse than going behind a friend’s back.                                                                                                                           Nina: Me neither. Nothing at all.                                                                              Lorrie: Well I’ve gotta go, maybe I’ll see you later. Bye                                          Nina: Bye (thinking to herself- right Nina Tucker, this is where it stops right now. No more Jack daydreams, silly little fantasies. Lorrie’s right, there is nothing worse than hurting a friend and it’d be hurting Taj too)

When the heart Rules! Prt 4

Nina is walking home after her meeting with Lorrie. She sees a figure up ahead standing outside her house. The figure looked tall and strong, and as she got closer she saw that it was definitely a male. She felt slightly worried, because it was beginning to get dark, but she kept on going. A sigh of relief escaped her when she got near enough to see it was Jack. Then a feeling of joy started to rise inside her, before she reminded herself that there was going to be no more thoughts like that about Jack. Jack waves as she comes up the path to her house.                              Nina: (briefly smiles) what are you doing here?                                                   Jack: You agreed earlier that we should talk                                                                    Nina: Did I?                                                                                                                      Jack: Well you didn’t disagree, so I took it as a yes. Look, can I come in its starting to get cold out here and I’ve been waiting for an hour and I’m not going home until I’ve talked to you.                                                                                                             Nina: Well OK then. But not for long (she unlocks the door of her house and they both go in) Do you want a drink or something?                                                            Jack: No I’m fine. Nina, what happened last night..                                                 Nina: What happened last night is not going to happen again. You’re with Lorrie, and I ‘m with Taj, it’s as simple as that.                                                                                   Jack: Nina you can’t deny that you didn’t feel something last night, you can’t say that you would have pulled away from that kiss, if Connor hadn’t interrupted.                       Nina: I would have pulled away.                                                                                Jack: Would you?                                                                                                        Nina: Well probably, and if I hadn’t it would just have been because we got caught in the moment. That’s all.                                                                                                 Jack takes a step closer to Nina, takes her by the hand and pulls her closer still then leans in and gently kisses her. Nina doesn’t argue, but instead places her arms around jack so that they are even closer?

When the heart Rules! Prt 5

Nina and Jack are kissing. Finally Jack pulls away.                                                             Jack: So I guess you’re going to say that we just got caught in the moment again. You know there are only so many moments to get caught in. Sooner or later you’re going to have to admit that maybe you just want to kiss me.                                         Nina: No I’m not because its not going to happen again.                                          Jack: Isn’t that what you said before. You know just before you kissed me.                  Nina: Yeah but…                                                                                                             Jack: but what Nina? Why won’t you just admit that you like me?                                         Nina: Jack, the fact that I just kissed you, kind of gives that one away. You don’t need me to tell you I like you.                                                                                                 Jack: It would just be nice to actually hear it.                                                    Nina: It doesn’t matter though, does it cos we can’t do this no matter how much we may want to!                                                                                                                                Jack: So we should just ignore our feelings, just to make sure everyone else is happy. Nina: What else can we do. When I was talking to Lorrie earlier, I started thinking of you, I mean I went all dreamy. Lorrie thought I was thinking about Taj, and that’s who I should have been thinking about, my boyfriend not my boyfriends mate. I felt so guilty, and that was before I even kissed you. How am I gonna look Lorrie and Taj in the eye now?                                                                                                                 Jack: Doesn’t the fact that you are thinking about me not Taj, tell you something? How about I finish with Lorrie and you finish with Taj, then we bide our time a bit and then we can start going out. We won’t need to hurt anyone unnecessarily.           Nina: You can’t just break up with Lorrie over me. I mean it was one kiss, and you and Lorrie have been together for ages. She loves you, if she didn’t she wouldn’t have followed you here. And Taj, well I’m just being stupid, I let my heart rule instead of my head earlier, but Taj is a really nice guy, and he would never hurt me. I’m not gonna break up with him.                                                                                               Jack: But Nina, I…                                                                                                         Nina: I don’t want to hear it, Jack. I’ve made up my mind I don’t want you changing it. Look can you go, plz?                                                                                                       Jack: If you really want me too.                                                                                   Nina: Yeah, just leave me alone for a bit.                                                                           He and Nina walk over to the door.                                                                             Jack: OK bye Nina.                                                                                                           He touches her arm affectionately, but Nina pulls it away.                                     Nina: bye Jack                                                                                                       Jack leaves and Nina shuts the door. She goes and sits down on the sofa and a tear trickles down her cheek. She’s almost sure that she made the right decision, but the feelings she gets when she’s around Jack causes doubt to rise in her mind. She begins to quietly sob into a cushion. Has she just made a massive mistake?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

When the heart Rules! Prt 6

A week has passed since Jack and Nina kissed and the group are all at the Scully’s again. Jack and Nina have been spending more and more time together over the past week, despite agreeing that they won’t be more than friends. Nina is sitting on the sofa with Jack sitting on the floor by her feet, she is playfully messing his hair up. Michelle and Connor are sitting on the other side of the room, listening to Jacks complain. Taj is sitting next to Nina and Lori is on a chair of her own.

Jack: Oh come on, Nina! Leave my hair alone. Plzzz?

Nina: (teasingly) what’s the matter? Does poor little Jack not like having his hair pulled?

Jack: Oh I bet you’d just love it, if it was the other way round.

Jack goes to grab her hair, but changes his mind and starts tickling her instead. Nina retaliates by hitting him with a cushion, soon enough they are both in a full on cushion fight. Everyone else sits and laughs at them.

Michelle: You know its strange how Jack and Lori seem to be part of the gang already and they’ve only been here a while.

Connor: Yeah Jack’s really settling in isn’t he. I mean just look at Jack and Nina, if you didn’t know any better you’d say that they’d known each other for years, not just a few weeks.

Michelle: Yeah, they do seem to be getting on rather well. You don’t think that maybe they could be getting a bit too close, they are both in relationships after all.

Connor: Do you know what your problem is? You watch way too much TV, you’re always convinced someone or other having an affair or something. You know this is real life, it doesn’t always have to be doom and gloom. They can be just friends.

Michelle: I wasn’t suggesting that they were having an affair or anything like that, I was just saying it’s obvious that there’s something there and that they should just be careful what happens.

Connor: Maybe you should be giving that little pearl of wisdom to Jack and Nina?

Michelle: Are you kidding! They’d get all moody and tetchy if went and told them that. I’d end up with neither of them talking to me.

Connor: Well in that case stop worrying and give me a kiss.

Michelle: Well if you insist (she kisses him gently on the cheek)

Connor: Come on you can do better than that (she kisses him quickly on the lips)

Michelle: Is that better, No! Well in that case (they start to kiss passionately)

Connor: Now that’s what I meant

When the heart Rules! Prt 7

Nina and Taj are sitting in the coffee shop sharing a milkshake. They are discussing a small singing gig that Nina has coming up.

Taj: Are you looking forward to it, then?

Nina: Well yes and no. I mean it’ll be great to do, I’ll get a bit more experience, but I’m really nervous about it. What if I mess it up or something?

Taj: I know for a fact that you will be absolutely, mind blowingly, fantastically, amazingly… umm completely and utterly brilliant.

Nina: So you think I’ll be alright.

Taj: (laughing at Nina’s lack of confidence) you’ll be fine! Do you think I’ll be able to come and watch?

Nina: Well I was thinking of inviting the whole group along, you know Jack, Michelle, Connor, Lori and you of course.

Taj: Can’t I just come. We haven’t done anything with just the two of us for ages, it’s always with everyone else.

Nina: Yeah but you won’t know anyone else apart from me and I’ll be performing. You’ll get really bored, it’ll be better if there a few of you there. And then I’ll get more support, I’m gonna be so nervous so I’ll need it.

Taj: I would never get bored listening to you. You’ve gotta admit it would be nice to do something with just the two of us.

Nina: We’re doing this on our own aren’t we? (At this point Jack walks in and heads for Nina and Taj)

Taj: (seeing Jack)not anymore we’re not

Nina: What? (She turns around and sees Jack) Oh, hi Jack!

Jack: Hi Nina, Taj. Do you mind if I join you two?

Nina: No go ahead! We were just discussing this gig I’ve got coming up.

Jack: Do you know I have still not heard you sing! I keep hearing all these wondrous things about your voice, though.

Taj: Mate, you should hear her, she’s amazing.

Nina: Look I’ve got this new song that I need to try out to an audience, why don’t you two come over to mine and sing it for you.

Taj: I would love to Babe! But I’ve gotta go, you know footy practice. Jack you should go though.

Jack: Yeah I will.

Nina: Better get going then. (She stands up and kisses Taj goodbye. Jack looks on slightly jealously)

At Nina’s House

Jack: come on then let’s hear this voice of an angel then.

Nina: Ok, but I haven’t performed this song to anyone before and I’m real nervous so don’t laugh if I mess it up. Promise?

Jack: I promise

Nina then sings the song. It is blatantly obvious that the song is about what happened with her and Jack, and its all about how she lost true love.

Jack: Wow! Now I know what everyone means when they say you are fantastic.

Nina; Thanks

Jack: Where do you get the inspiration for your songs from?

When the heart Rules! Prt 8

Jack: Where do you get the inspiration for your songs from?

Nina: What do you mean?

Jack: Well there was some pretty deep stuff in there, what makes you right songs like that.

Nina: Well some of my songs are based on real life and my own experiences, and others are based on things I’ve seen or TV and stuff, and a few are completely made up.

Jack: What about that one then? Was that made up or was it real?

Nina: Can’t you guess?

Jack: when did you write that song?

Nina: couple of days ago.

Jack: Ok well this might just be me wishing something to be true, but that song really sounds like its about us two.

Nina: Why would you be wishing that to be true?

Jack: Cos I’ve been trying to ignore my feelings for you for the last few days, because of what we agreed and because I thought you didn’t feel the same way. But if that songs about us then maybe you do feel the same way.

Nina: Look, that song is about what happened between us, but it means absolutely nothing.

Jack: You said you loved me in the song.

Nina: Well that’s just umm…it’s umm… its just artistic license, you know exaggerating things to make it more interesting. It would be rubbish if I wrote a song about a boy I kind of maybe like.

Jack: and that’s all it is.

Nina: Yes

Jack: You’re absolutely positive, there’s no subconscious message in there somewhere.

Nina: No

Jack: You sure, cos if there is…

Nina: If there is, what? Its not like we could do anything about it is it, we’ve been over this before.

Jack: I know, but I’ve got to be sure, one hundred percent.

Nina: Look Jack, just leave it

Jack: Look me in the eye and tell me you don’t love me and I will.

Nina: Fine, (she looks him in the eye) I don’t lo…I can’t do it.

Jack: I knew it!

Nina: It still doesn’t change anything though.

Jack: Doesn’t it. I mean it’s your decision. In a minute I’m going to kiss you and if you don’t want me too then you can stop me can’t you. I’m giving you loads of warning so you can’t just say you got caught in any bloody moments. (He begins to come closer to Nina) on the count of three. One, two (he leans in to kiss her)

Nina: (whispering) What about Taj, Lori?

Jack: Three (his lips touch hers and he puts his arms around her, pulling her in closer. They begin to kiss passionately)

When the heart Rules! Prt 9

Nina: What we gonna do, Jack?

Jack: Well I think we both agree that we should tell Lori and Taj as soon as possible.

Nina: Yeah, but it's gonna be so hard telling them. We can’t exactly go up to them and say ‘I’m really sorry but we’re gonna have to break up cos I’ve fallen in love with one of your mates’

Jack: Maybe we should break up with them, leave it for a bit then say that we’re dating once the air is clear, like I said before.

Nina: maybe, but what if they find out we lied

Jack: then we’ll just have to face up to that there and then, but hopefully that won’t happen. It’s gonna be OK (he kisses her reassuringly)

Nina: I suppose so

Jack: Good, now when should we tell them?

Nina: Soon as possible, just get it over and done with.

Jack: Well how about, by tomorrow evening we will have both told them, how does that sound?

Nina: OK well meet me here tomorrow, if you can get away without being seen.

Jack: See you tomorrow (he kisses her passionately goodbye)

Nina: Bye

Jack leaves the house. A minute later there is a knock on the door. Nina goes to answer it.

Jack: Hi, I was missing you already.

Nina: I was missing you two

Jack: Can I have one more kiss before I go, its such a long time till tomorrow.

Nina: Ok but just one ( they kiss, gently at first but then more intensely) OK now you really have to go, its getting late.

Jack: Bye then. Good luck with Taj.

Nina: Same back at ya, gorgeous.

Jack starts to walk out the door then changes his mind and grabs Nina by the waist, kissing her one last time before he leaves.

When the heart Rules! Prt 10

Nina is on the phone to Taj. She hears the little message thing saying that the phone you are calling is turned off, but please leave a message after the beep.

BEEP!

Nina: Hi Taj, can you call as soon as you get this, I’ve been trying to find you all day, but there’s nobody answering at your house. I guess you’ve gone out with your family or something. Anyway can u make sure u ring as soon as you get this message, it’s really urgent.

Meanwhile Jack is desperately trying to get a quiet moment with Lori but she is too busy helping Lyn with the costumes for the play.

Jack: Lori I really need to talk to you.

Lori: can it wait for a bit longer?

Jack: It’s pretty important.

Lori: Well in that case, give me another hour or so and let me finish this costume. Then we can sit down and talk properly, and I’ve got something major important to tell you.

Jack: Well Ok then.

About Two hours later. Lori and Jack are sitting on the sofa in the Scully lounge.

Lori: So what is it you need to tell me?

Jack: You go first.

Lori: No, I wanna know what you’re gonna say first, it was you who wanted to talk in the first place.

Jack: Ok then. Well I’m not really  sure how to say this, but umm… well the thing is that…

Lori: I’m pregnant.

Jack: (really shocked) what?

Lori: You heard me, I’m pregnant. I know its amazing isn’t it. I was gonna burst if I didn’t tell someone soon. Isn’t this fantastic. You’re gonna be a dad.

Jack: whoa! Its definitely a shock.

Lori: but is it a good shock or a bad one. Please say it’s a good one.

Jack: (not really sure) no, it’s a good one.

Lori: I am so glad to hear you say that, I have been worrying about it all day. I know we’re young and all, but I think we could make it work. What do you think?

Jack: Sure! (quietly, almost under his breath) Oh No, Nina!

Lori: Did you say something Jack?

Jack: No, absolutely nothing. I’ve got to go out for a bit. Won’t be long.

Lori: But Jack, we need to talk this through.

Jack: Later OK

Lori: Where you going Jack?

Jack: It doesn’t matter, I’ll be back real soon.

Lori: What about what you wanted to tell me?

Jack: Forget about it, its not relevant anymore.

Jack shuts the door of the scully house, and begins to sprint towards Heather Street.

When the heart Rules! Prt 11

Jack: (to himself) Oh please be there, please Nina!

Jack runs up to her front door, pounds on it. There is no answer. He tries to think where else she might be, when Nina walks up the drive.

Nina: Hey Jack what you doing here.

Jack: (out of breath) I have something really important to tell you.

Nina: What is it? Arte you OK, Jack?

Jack: Have you told Taj already?

Nina: No I couldn’t find him anywhere. I’m gonna tell him though, don’t worry I’m not gonna change my mind. What’s wrong Jack?

Jack: Its Lori…

Nina: Have you told her?

Jack: No, I didn’t get a chance.

Nina: What’s the matter then?

Jack: She’s pregnant Nina.

Nina: What? Is it yours?

Jack: Well I presume so.

Nina: This changes everything, I mean you have a baby on the way. That has to come first (she begins to cry)

Jack: But I want you.

Nina: I want you to, but you’ve gotta stick with Lori, she’s pregnant with your child.

Jack: It might not be mine, you never know.

Nina: Oh come on, who else’s could it be?

Jack: I know. What are we gonna do?

Nina: I don’t know Jack. ( they hug)

Jack: It’s gonna be OK Nina. We'll find a way to be together.

Nina: Will we?

Jack nods in reply, Nina comes towards him and they kiss gently with their arms around each other. We then see Taj, walk up the road and sees them kissing.

Taj: What the hell do you think you are doing?

Jack: Taj, what are you doing here?

Taj: I could ask you the same thing.

Nina: I know what this looks like, but…

Taj: Let me guess, you accidentally fell into each others arms and started kissing. Please tell me that’s true, Nina. Please.

Jack: Mate I am so sorry.

Taj: You are no mate of mine. Don’t call me mate.

Nina: I didn’t want you to find out this way.

Taj: (sarcastically) How considerate.

Nina: Can we talk? Inside.

Taj: What, not out here. You don’t want your dirty washing done in public. You’re worried people might see that you’re not this perfect person.

Nina: please Taj. We need to talk this through.

Taj: there is nothing to talk about. Its over Nina.

He walks off.

Nina: (calling after him) Taj

Jack: This wasn’t meant to happen. This wasn’t what we planned.

Nina: I know Jack. I know. (they embrace and just stand there for a few minutes)

Jack: What if he tells Lori, Nina?

Nina: You’ve got to stop him. Go NOW!

Jack: Ok I’m going. Look don’t worry, everything will be OK in the end. I promise you.

He runs after Taj, in the direction he last saw him walking in.

When the heart Rules! Prt 12

Jack has been trying to find Taj for over half an hour. He is in the park. Lori sees him and walks over to him.

Lori: I was wondering where you had got to.

Jack: Lori, what are you doing here?

Lori: I was worried. I told you I was pregnant and then you disappeared for over an hour. I didn’t know what had happened to you.

Jack: Have you seen Taj, by any chance?

Lori: Taj, No why should I have.

Jack: No everything is fine.

Lori: It will be once we have finally got our own place and the baby has arrived, then everything will be fine.

Jack: Yeah, about that…

Lori: What sex do you reckon it is?

Jack: I don’t know, do I?

Lori: Go on guess.

Jack: Ok, I bet it’s a boy.

Lori: Yeah I reckon it’s a girl.

Jack: Look Lori…

Lori: Its going to be so fantastic, isn’t it?

Jack: Yeah, look Lori, listen to…

Lori: Hey look its Taj over there.

Jack: Oh yeah.

Lori: Come on let’s go over and tell him the good news.

Jack: I don’t know Lori, can’t we just keep it to ourselves for a while. Isn’t telling everybody too soon, bad luck or something?

Lori: Oh that’s absolute rubbish! Come on!

Lori drags Jack over to where Taj is standing.

Lori: Taj we have something to tell you.

Taj: What’s that then?

During this time, Jack is frantically trying to signal to Taj not too tell Lori about him and Nina.

Lori: (excitedly) Well me and Jack are gonna have a baby. I’m pregnant!

Taj: Well I feel sorry for the poor kid, with a dad like that.

Lori: What do you mean Taj? Jack is gonna be a great dad.

Taj: Yeah, only if you keep him on a leash at all times.

Lori: What are you on about?

Jack: yeah shut up Taj.

Taj: You don’t know do you. I just caught that piece of scum over there with his hands all over my girlfriend.

Lori: You’re lying!

Taj: Afraid not. It seems that he and Nina were planning to finish with us pretty soon. I suppose this baby coming along really messed things up!

Lori: Jack is this true?

Jack: Would you believe me if I said it wasn’t?

When the heart Rules! Prt 13

Lori: Jack is this true?

Jack: Would you believe me if I said it wasn’t?

Lori: Just answer the damn question, Jack. Is it true?

Jack: I never meant to hurt you Lori.

Lori: I’ll take that as a yes. I don’t believe this. I tell you that I am pregnant with our child and then you go and run into the arms of another woman, whoops did I say woman I mean girl.

Jack: All I did was to go to tell her that it was over.

Taj: Not what it looked like to me.

Lori: What’s that supposed to mean?

Taj: I mean that from where I was standing, it didn’t really look like the relationship was over, for as start they were kissing.

Lori: Look Jack, after what you have been up to, I think you owe me that much respect that you tell me the truth.

Jack: I am telling you the truth.

Lori: Yeah I bet Taj makes up stories about seeing other men kissing his girlfriend all the time, just for fun.

Jack: No I mean, I went over there to tell Nina, that we couldn’t do this anymore but somehow or other we ended up kissing. I really didn’t mean to do that.

Lori: I don’t know what to believe anymore Jack. You have changed so much since we arrived here in Erinsborough. You used to be such a fantastic guy to be around, don’t you remember when you used to want to spend all your time with me.

Jack: Of course I remember, but things change, I wish they didn’t, but no matter what has happened, I still love you Lori!

Lori: Don’t you mean you love Nina.

Jack: Look, I’ll be honest with you. I really don’t know how I feel about Nina. This has all happened in such a short space of time.

Lori: How long?

Jack: What?

Lori: You said this has all happened really quickly. How long, Jack?

Jack: Since last night, that is all I promise you.

Lori: Tell me the truth.

Jack: That is the truth. Nina and I had a moment last week.

Taj: A moment, what is that meant to be.

Jack: We almost kissed. I don’t know where it came from OK.

Lori: But you’re saying you didn’t actually kiss her until last night.

Jack: yes…well, no. I went to talk to Nina about what happened, and we did end up kissing. But we decided that what we had with our partners was too special to lose over a stupid kiss.

Lori: So what changed?

Jack: Nothing

Taj: Well something obviously changed.

Jack: I thought that I was in love with her, and we agreed to tell you two. But I realised this evening, just how much you mean to me Lori. That’s why I went to see her to tell her it was over.

Lori: Nothing to do with the fact I had just told you I was pregnant.

Jack: It played a part in the decision. I want to be a part of your life Lori, and the baby’s life. Is there any way we can put this behind us and try again.

Lori: Give me some time OK. I need to think about what is going on here.

Jack: Have all the time you want, Lori. Just remember that I love you.

Lori says goodbye to Taj and goes home.

Taj: You know, I really thought it might make me feel better to hit you or something, but I suddenly realised you’re not even worth that. (Taj walks off)

Jack is left all alone in the park. He starts to think about his feelings for Lori, and for Nina. He knows that he really cares for Lori, and he did use to love her. But Nina, she is so amazing that he can’t help thinking that it is her that he loves, no matter what he just told Lori.

When the heart Rules! Prt 14

Nina is moping around at home, she is meant to be at school but can’t face going in and facing everybody. There is a knock at the door, Nina tries to see who it is but she can’t. Thinking it might be Jack, she opens the door cautiously, it’s Lori! She pushes the door open before Nina can shut it and barges into the house.

Lori: (pleasantly) Hi Nina, you weren’t in school today and I was worried that you might be ill.

Nina: (surprised that Lori is being so nice, Jack rang her last night and told her that Lori knew) Oh, I’m fine.

Lori: Well that’s what I thought when I opened the door, you don’t look ill. So why aren’t you in school today?

Nina: Lori…

Lori: Oh I know, how could I forget that? Its because you were having an affair with my boyfriend, that’s it because you were being completely selfish and not thinking of anybody’s feelings except you own!

Nina: Lori, you do not know how sorry I am feeling.

Lori: No you’re not, you’re just feeling guilty.

Nina: No, truthfully I am so sorry that I hurt you and Taj.

Lori: Is that it? They aren’t the only people you have hurt you know. Michelle, Connor, Lyn and Joe, how do you think they will feel when they find out? They’ll be hurt won’t they. The baby too, aren’t you hurting the baby?

Nina: I understand that there is nothing I can do, to make up for this. I wish I could.

Lori: That would make it easier for you, wouldn’t it. If you could just make everybody like you again, just with a wave of your wand. Because no-one likes you anymore, they can all see you for what you are now. A selfish, manipulating little girl. Even Jack has abandoned you.

Nina: I know, and I brought it all on myself. ( tears in eyes)

Lori: That’s right you did, and Nina there is no point trying to get my sympathy. I really don’t get what it was that Jack saw in you. Sure you’re pretty, but when it comes down to it you are just a pathetic little girl, that’s all. I can’t believe that you really thought Jack would leave you for me. You could never make Jack happy, not in the long term. Jack need someone like me.

Nina: What you’re taking Jack back?

Lori: I’m not gonna let a silly little girl get in the way of our relationship. Jack made a mistake, he knows that, but he realized how much he loves me and needs me. But Nina, if I ever catch you around my boyfriend again you will pay.

Nina: It’s not me that’s being stupid, do you honestly think that Jack is going back to you for any other reason than the baby. He told me last night that he loved me and that he wanted to be with me but that he couldn’t because of the baby. He was all ready to leave you before he found out you were pregnant.

Lori: You’ve got a nerve. Do you not think enough people hate you already, without going round saying things like that! Jack is with me, just face it OK he is never gonna be yours. I’m gonna leave now, I can’t even bear to be around you any more. Just remember stay away from Jack!

Lori leaves the house, slamming the door behind her. Nina begins to cry, she is worried that Lori is right and everyone hates her and that she won’t be able to see Jack anymore even though he loves her.

When the heart Rules! Prt 15

Nina is still at home, again there is a knock at the door. Nina rushes to answer it, thinking it must be Jack.

Connor: Hi Nina, can I come in please?

Nina: Yeah Ok then.

Connor: Are you OK? You look as if you’ve been crying. Your eyes are all red and blotchy.

Nina: Yeah, well that’s because I have. Lori just paid me a visit.  I guess you’ve heard about what happened with Jack.

Connor: Yeah Lori told us. She is pretty mad at you.

Nina: What did you want to see me about?

Connor: Well I just wanted to check you were Ok. Shelle said you weren’t in school today.

Nina: I couldn’t face going in today.

Connor: Can’t say that I blame you.

Nina: Do you all think I’m a really, really bad person now.

Connor: No, we don’t Nina. Look what happened with you and Jack is none of my business. The only people it concerns apart from Jack and yourself are Taj and Lori. I can’t say I’m not shocked, though. It seemed a bit out of character for you.

Nina: I really didn’t mean to hurt anybody that was the last thing I wanted to do, we just got carried away with our own feelings.

Connor: Now listen here Nina, everyone knows that you never intentionally tried to hurt anyone and there is no use trying to deny that because I know it the truth.

Nina: But I did hurt other people.

Connor: Not deliberately though. Look you’re acting like it was all your fault. From what I heard from Lori, at least half of the blame lies at Jack’s door. And from what I know of Jack, I imagine that it was probably him that did most of the chasing. Am I right?

Nina nods meekly in agreement.

Nina: Is everyone having a go at Jack?

Connor: Lyn and Joe are really disappointed in him, so he is getting a bit of a tough time about it.

Nina: Well I can’t see Lori forgetting about it that quickly.

Connor: Can you blame her?

Nina: What about Shelle? Does she still want to be my friend after all this?

Connor: Of course she does. If anything she’s a bit disappointed that you didn’t tell her about any of this before! You know how she loves to gossip.

Nina: Yeah I know

Connor: It will all blow over pretty soon, just keep your head low for a bit, and avoid  

the Scully house.

Nina: Maybe I should just stop hanging around with you lot. Lori has already warned me to stay away from Jack!

Connor: Then what would Shelle do for a best friend. I know I’m practically perfect, but Shelle definitely need someone other than me to chat to.

Nina: It’s just all so awkward. Look can you give a message to Jack for me.

Connor: Well I don’t know if I should get involved in all this.

Nina: Please?

Connor: Ok then, what is it?

Nina: Can you just tell him, that I’m really sorry about what happened between me and him, and that it was all a big mistake, and that it’ll be for the best if we don’t see each other at all anymore, not even as friends.

Connor: Ok I’ll tell him but I’m not becoming a go-between for you two.

Nina: I wouldn’t want you to. Please just do it this one time and that’s it.

Connor: I said I would didn’t I?

Nina: Thank-you so much. I just needed to let Jack know where I stood in all this.

Connor: Look, I had better get going, Shelle will be wondering where I’ve got to.

Nina: Ok thanks for dropping in. Bye

Connor leaves the house. Nina feels a bit better now that she knows that everybody doesn’t hate her, but the knowledge that she and Jack can never even be friends again is breaking her heart. A single tear rolls down her cheek.

When the heart Rules! Prt 16

Connor arrived back at the Scully house. Shelle and Jack are talking in the lounge.

Shelle: (to Jack)I can’t believe you two didn’t tell me what was happening

Connor: They were trying to have a secret affair Shelle, it wouldn’t really be a secret if they told you.

Jack: We were not trying to have a secret affair. Ok.

Shelle: Exactly, so you could have told me about it.

Jack: It all happened really quickly, alright, there wasn’t any time to tell you not that we would of. Why does everybody keep on going on about it?

Shelle: Whoa someone’s tetchy!

Jack: I’m sorry about that, its just it is all everyone is talking about. And I just want to try and put Nina to the back of my mind.

Shelle: You really did like her, didn’t you?

Jack: Yes, No…I don’t know. Well actually I do, I loved Nina, I still do, but Lori has given me a second chance and I am not going to waste it. I am really going to make it work between me and Lori. It’s gonna be just how it used to be.

Shelle: Don’t you think that is being a bit optimistic?

Jack: What do you mean?

Shelle: After what happened between you and Nina, it is going to take a long time for Lori to trust you again. Even after that I doubt it will be ever be the same again.

Jack: I suppose you have a point.

Shelle: Can I ask you is the only reason that you’re still with Lori the baby? Cos if it, do you really think that is the best reason to have a relationship.

Jack: I do love Lori!

Shelle: Do you?

Jack sits there and thinks about whether or not he loves Lori anymore. He doesn’t reply.

Shelle: Jack? Hello, is there anybody in there?

Connor: Shelle can I have a word with you in private?

Shelle: Sure, what is it?

Connor and Shelle go into the kitchen, and he tells her about the message from Nina.

Connor: So do you think that I should tell Jack? I know I promised Nina that I would, but maybe I was wrong.

Shelle: No go ahead and tell him. It can’t do any harm. His heart is so confused at the moment, it might help.

Connor: I’m just worried that he is going to go and see Nina, and this is all gonna get started again.

Shelle: Well if that happens, it won’t be our fault.

Connor and Shelle then go and tell Jack the message from Nina. ‘I’m really sorry about what happened between me and him, and that it was all a big mistake, and that it’ll be for the best if we don’t see each other at all anymore, not even as friends.’

Connor: How do you feel mate?

Jack; I really don’t know.

Shelle: You don’t know anything at the moment, brov.

Jack: I can’t believe she doesn’t even want to be friends.

Connor: You’re not gonna go and see her are you? Because you shouldn’t, it will just make it worse.

Jack: No I won’t go and see her.

Connor: Promise?

Jack: Yeah I promise. I know better than to go and see Nina.

Shelle: Good, it will all be for the best!

Shelle and Connor leave. Jack then takes out his phone and sends the following message to Nina.

‘I HAV GOT 2 C U SOON AS POSS! I NO U DONT WANT 2 BUT I HAV 2! MEET ME @ PARK @ 8 PM! LOVE JACK XXXX’

When the heart Rules! Prt 17

Jack is sitting in the pavilion. Nina approaches him.

Nina: Hey Jack. You wanted me to come.

Jack: Yeah. We have to talk about what is happening here.

Nina: I don’t why you asked me here Jack? What’s to talk about?

Jack: There’s everything to talk about. Don’t you think? Don’t you think we need to talk about these feelings and how we are going to deal with them?

Nina: No I don’t, I think that I shouldn’t be here. I think that I’ve caused enough damage already, I’ve got to go. (She turns to leave)

Jack: Don’t go Nina! (He chases after her and grabs her hand) I want you to stay.

Nina: I have to go!

Jack: (looks into her eyes) Stay, for me?

Nina: I don’t know.

Jack: Please, this could be the last chance we get to spend time together.

Nina: I will as long as you understand that I’m not gonna stay for long. (She and Jack go and sit in the pavilion, where they sit in silence for a minute or so.)

Jack: We’ve got ourselves into a bit of a mess haven’t we?

Nina: Understatement!

Jack: I know. Do you think if none of this had happened, you know Lori not being pregnant and everybody finding out an all. Well do you think we would have really had a proper relationship, with all the trimmings and everything?

Nina: I don’t know. I was thinking about this earlier after Lori came to see me. What do you reckon?

Jack: (smiling) Do you know what I reckon we would have.

Nina: (also smiles) me too. (They sit in silence again, just enjoying each others company)

Jack: Lori never told me she went to see you.

Nina: Yeah well, she wouldn’t would she?

Jack: Suppose not. Was she Ok? She didn’t say anything horrible did she.

Nina: Well quite a bit actually. No more than I deserve though.

Jack: No you don’t deserve it. It was me who chased you, not the other way round. If it wasn’t for me, none of this would have happened.

Nina: It takes two to tango.

Jack: Yeah, but I was pretty persistent, wasn’t I? I do love you, you do know that?

Nina: Oh Jack, don’t say things like that. We can’t be together so what’s the point of saying things like that?

Jack: You do understand why we can’t be together though, why I’ve gone back to Lori don’t you?

Nina: Of course I do. I mean you’re going to be dad aren’t you. Who am I to expect you to leave a child without a father? I’ve spent time enough away from my parents, to know what that feels like! Anyway, Lori’s right, I’m just a pathetic little girl.

Jack: No you’re not. She’s just jealous of you. You are so amazing, no-one could truthfully call you a pathetic little girl.

Nina: Maybe.

Jack: Not maybe, Nina, yes! (He takes Nina’s hand in his)Do you love me Nina?

Nina: Don’t ask me that, you know what the answer is. It will just hurt us more if I say it out loud.

Jack: Maybe I do know what the answer is, but I have to hear it from you.

Nina: I do love you Jack. I think about you all the time, you’re the first thing on my mind when I wake up and the last thing when I go to sleep at night. And when I think about you, I get this tingly feeling down my spine and butterflies in my stomach. (Jack cups his hands around Nina’s face, and they kiss slowly and gently for quite a long time, finally they pull apart and sit with their arms wrapped around each other.)

Jack: Then that’s all that matters. The fact that we both know we love each other. As long as we know that we’ll be Ok, even if we can’t be together.

When the heart Rules! Prt 18

Recap: Nina and Jack have met up in the park, and have revealed how much they love each other.

Nina: I wish there was a way that we could you know, affirm our love for each other.

Jack: Well maybe there is. I mean we don’t have to, I don’t know if you are ready for this or what, but we could you know.

Nina: Could what, Jack?

Jack: Well we could you know spend the night together.

Nina: What sleep together?

Jack: Yeah. What do you think?

Nina: I don’t know Jack. It’s a big commitment, and we’ve only been together for a couple of days, we’re not even really together.

Jack: If you don’t want to then we don’t have to OK! It’s just that this could be our only chance.

Nina: I know what you mean Jack, but this would be my first time and I want it to be special.

Jack: I would make it special for you Nina. We could make it really romantic, with candles and stuff. But I understand that this is a big thing for you Nina and I’m not gonna pressurise you.

Nina: I’m just not sure if I want my first time to be with someone who is somebody else’s boyfriend and who is expecting a baby.

Jack: It’s fine.

Nina: No it isn’t I can see how much this would mean to you.

Jack: No truthfully, it’s fine. We can just sit here and talk for the night, you know under the stars.

Nina: No I think we should sleep together. You’re right the only thing that matters is that we love each other.

Jack: Are you sure?

Nina: Yeah, come on. Let’s go back to my house. (First of all, she pulls Jack close to her and kissed him intensely then they leave with their arms wrapped around each other)

When the heart Rules! Prt 19

Jack and Nina are laying in each others arms in Nina’s bed. It is very early morning about five thirty and small rays of light are filtering into the room.

Nina: You will have to get going soon won’t you? Before anyone else realises you didn’t sleep in the spare room tonight.

Jack: It’s a good thing that Lori banished me to the spare room isn’t it? Otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to spend last night with you. (Jack kisses her on the cheek) I don’t wanna leave.

Nina: Don’t then! Stay here with me forever! And we’ll live happily ever after in a big castle.

Jack: Don’t tempt me! But back in the real world I am gonna have to leave soon.

Nina: Just a few more minutes.

Jack: Well Ok you persuaded me, no-one wakes up this early at my house.

Nina: I’m glad what happened last night, happened. Aren’t you?

Jack: Absolutely. Last night was amazing, just spending all this time with you, with the smell of your hair, I love the smell of your hair.

Nina: (sitting up in bed)really?

Jack: Yeah. Has anyone ever told you just how beautiful you look in the early light? Because you do, you look like a Roman goddess.

Nina: Well strangely enough people don’t generally see me this early in the morning.

Jack: I guess not. Well I’m incredibly lucky then aren’t I?

Nina: you’re making me blush Jack.

Jack: No I’m not. You love all this praise and attention.

Nina: Ok you got me. ( They both laugh then sit there in silence as the reality dawns on them that these will be their final moments together)

Nina: This is really the end then?

Jack: Yeah.

Nina: You have always got to remember that I will always love you, no matter what you will always be my first true love.

Jack: As long as you always know that I will always love you, always.

Nina: I will. You have to go now.

Jack: I know. I’ll see you around.

Nina: Yeah.

They share one last passionate kiss and then Jack turns to leave.

Jack: Goodbye Nina Tucker.

Nina: Goodbye Jack Scully

When the heart Rules! Prt 20

Jack is creeping into the Scully house, it is about half past six in the morning. He closes the front door, and is just about to sneak back into his bedroom when Michelle comes out from the kitchen. She is wearing her pyjamas and looks very sleepy.

Shelle: What are you doing up this early? Normally we can never drag you out of bed till at least eight o’clock.

Jack: (panicking) Well, what are you doing up?

Shelle: I was just getting a glass of water. I’m going back to bed now.

Jack: That’s what I was doing to! I was really thirsty and it woke me up.

Shelle: Yeah because I always get dressed and put my shoes on just to get a glass of water.

Jack: Well, umm…

Shelle: Where have you been, Jack?

Jack: Nowhere, not that it’s any of your business at all.

Shelle: I just thought it was odd. Oh Jack, you haven’t been to see Nina have you?

Jack: (whispering) Keep your voice down, alright. Someone might hear.

Shelle: (also whispering) Jack, you have haven’t you?

Jack: What if I have?

Shelle: Well I can’t see Lori being too pleased.

Jack: That’s because she isn’t going to find out, is she?

Shelle: I’m not lying for you, Jack.

Jack: I’m not asking you to lie, just don’t say that you saw me this morning.

Shelle: This is your mess, Jack, don’t expect me to sort it out for you? If you’ve been to see Nina, well then you have to face the consequences, aren’t you?

Jack: I just had to say goodbye properly, don’t you understand that?

Shelle: I can understand that, but it doesn’t take all night. I’m guessing that is where you’ve been all night.

Jack: Maybe, look yesterday you were complaining that no-one had told you about us, but now you know something you’re being all moral.

Shelle: That’s right I am. Look you are the best brother I could hope for and Nina is a fantastic best friend, but Lori’s a friend too and she has a right to know.

Jack: What for? So she can go and shout at Nina again and upset her, so that she finishes with me and won’t give me another chance.

Shelle: Well maybe she shouldn’t. Lori has already given you a second chance, and as soon as her back is turned, you’re off with Nina again.

Jack: This is the last time.

Shelle: And how many times have you said that?

Jack: I promise you it won’t happen again.

Shelle: No Jack. I’m sorry but I won’t lie for you.

Jack: Please?

Just then Lori walks into the lounge and sees the two siblings arguing.

Lori: Hey you guys, what’s going on out here?

When the heart Rules! Prt 21

Lori: Hey you guys, what’s going on out here?

Jack looks sheepish as  he thinks of an answer.

Jack: I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to go for a jog.

Lori: What at (looks at watch) quarter to seven in the morning? Rather you than me.

Jack: Yeah, well Shelle was up getting a drink and I was just telling her how fresh jogging makes you feel in the morning. Isn’t that right, Shelle? (He looks pleadingly at Shelle)

Shelle: Yeah, but I was just saying how you wouldn’t get me getting up really early just to go jogging.

Lori: Me neither. Anyway Jack, why don’t you come back to bed?

Jack: You mean in the same room as you? I thought I was banished to the spare room?

Lori: You were. But I was kind of missing you last night.

Jack: Yeah, me too. I was thinking about you all last  night.

Lori: Well are you coming?

Jack: I’ll be there in a minute I just need to get a drink.

Lori: Ok. (She walks back into her and Jack’s room)

Jack: Shelle, thank you so much for backing me up.

Shelle: ( Has a look of astonishment on her face) How can you lie like that? You weren’t thinking about Lori all last night! You were with Nina! You weren’t missing Lori! Cos you were with Nina!

Jack: Look I’m just trying to get things back on track with Lori. I love Nina, if you must know. But I’ve chosen to stay with Lori. I chose the hard option over the easy one. So just get off my case. Alright?

Jack storms into his and Lori’s room.

When the heart Rules! Prt 22

Jack and Lori are sitting in the Scully lounge, watching TV. Jack picks up the remote and turns the TV off.

Lori: Hey, I was watching that?

Jack: We need to talk, Lori?

Lori: What about? If you say you are leaving me for Nina, then I will kill you.

Jack: No, I would never do that to you. But it is kinda about Nina.

Lori: Go on.

Jack: Well it’s the play. I completely understand that you don’t want me to see Nina, unless I really have to. But I can’t really avoid her at the play rehearsals. So do you want me to pull out of the play? Cos I will if you want me to! I’ll do anything to make you happy?

Lori: That is so sweet but you can’t pull out of the play. You’ve spent months working on it and the whole cast is depending on you. You can’t let everyone down.

Jack: I’m sure there would be some one who could replace me.

Lori: You are too good to pull out and anyway we have less than a week now until the actual performance, we couldn’t replace you in time.

Jack: What about Nina, though?

Lori: What about her? I think you’ve probably learnt your lesson, I don’t think you’d do anything that stupid again.

Jack: You know I wouldn’t, I love you. What happened with Nina was a mistake, it was a massive one but it was still a mistake.

Lori: I know. Look, there is no way you can avoid her all the time but just stay out of her way when you don’t have scenes with her.

Jack: And you’re Ok with that?

Lori: Well it’s not perfect. I can’t say I’m pleased about it. But what else can we do. If it wasn’t for the two of you though, this wouldn’t even be a problem.

Jack: I know, and I feel dreadful. You have been so understanding through all this. You’re amazing.

Lori: Let’s get this clear I’m understanding now. But if you ever do anything like this again, boy, you are gonna pay. Got that.

Jack: Loud and clear. I would never do that to you again.

Lori: Yeah well you better not. (She picks up the remote and turns the TV on, and they settle down to watch it again. Jack sits there thinking about how great it would be to spend some time with Nina, even if it is just a little bit.

When the heart Rules! Prt 23

It is the night of the play. Everyone is anxious for the play to do well. Their nerves are not helped by the fact that they all know the two main leads are not allowed to speak to each other by orders of Lori. Jack and Nina have seen each other quite a few times over the previous week at play rehearsals and school but have so far stuck to the rules more or less. There is just under fifteen minutes till the show starts.

Jack comes out wearing a costume that makes him look, quite simply, ridiculous. Nina tarts to laugh at the sight of him.

Jack: What?

Nina: That costume!

Jack: I rather like it.

Nina: What???

Jack: Kidding.

Nina: Good cos that would have been quite serious if you thought you looked good in that!

Jack: So not only do I look stupid in this costume, I also look ugly.

Nina: No you don’t look ugly. You just look umm…wrong. You could never look ugly.

Jack: (aware that Lori is staring at him) anyway do you want to go over the last scene one last time.

Nina: Yeah that would be great. I am so nervous about tonight.

Jack: Don’t worry. You will be perfect tonight, you look amazing, you are an amazing actress, and you have spent so much time on this play. What could go wrong?

Nina: You never know till it happens. We had better start rehearsing, Lori is staring daggers at us.

Jack: I know.

They rehearse their final scene, right up to the point where they have to kiss. At this point they draw closer to each other, but just before their lips touch Nina pulls away.

Nina: Let’s just save that for the actual performance. Lori is still staring and I want to live through tonight.

Random Extra: Positions everybody! Curtain up in two minutes.

Jack: Good luck Nina, you will be brilliant.

Nina: Same to you.

Lori: (coming over) good luck Jack, break a leg.

Jack: not the best thing to tell me just before I go on stage. I know what you meant. (Lori kisses Jack right in front of Nina)

Random Extra: I said positions. Now!

The play is faultless, especially Jack and Nina’s scenes. It is the last scene, Lori and Shelle are sitting in the audience watching. It is just coming up to the kiss.

Lori: Oh I can’t watch Shelle.

Shelle: Relax Lori, they are just acting.

Lori: How do I know for sure?

Shelle: Jack loves you. That’s how.

Nina and Jack kiss, it is very passionate.

Lori: That kiss should have ended by now.

Shelle: they’re just caught up in the excitement of being in the play.

Lori: more like the excitement of being with each other. Do you know, I keep wondering whether I made the right decision to stay with Jack, maybe Taj had the right idea just finishing it with Nina as soon as he found out?

Jack and Nina break apart finally. There is applause all around as the play ends.

Lori: I bet they wouldn’t be applauding if they knew what Nina had done.

Shelle: It was the two of them together.

Lori: I know I just hate her so much right now. I just want Jack to be as far away from that cow as possible. And soon he will be!

When the heart Rules! Prt 24

It is the day after the play performance. Lori and Jack are out in the Scully garden.

Lori: We have something really important to discuss, Jack!

Jack: What is it, is the baby Ok?

Lori: The baby’s fine. Look, the thing is well, last night at the play.

Jack: Nothing happened last night, I mean between me and Nina.

Lori: Yeah I know, but it could of have.

Jack: No it couldn’t because I wouldn’t have let anything happen. And for what it is worth neither would Nina, I don’t think she wants to hurt you anymore than she already has done.

Lori: But no matter what anybody says, I always have this doubting voice at the back of my head.

Jack: Well ignore it.

Lori: Yeah that is a lot easier said than done.

Jack: Well what else can you do?

Lori: I think we should move back to New Zealand.

Jack: What? We can’t, our lives are here.

Lori: I’ve been thinking about this for a while and last night I finally realised that it is the right choice.

Jack: But we would be leaving everything behind, friends, family.

Lori: No Jack, we would be leaving your family behind, and they could visit whenever they want.

Jack: But why?

Lori: Oh you know why! So you are as far away from her as possible.

Jack: Don’t you think that is a bit much.

Lori: Well maybe you should think before you act next time.

Jack: I just don’t wanna leave Erinsborough! All my family is here.

Lori: Yeah and all my family is in New Zealand. We were gonna go back to New Zealand ages ago, but we didn’t cos you wanted to spend time with your family. Well now it’s my turn. And I want my baby to grow up around my family.

Jack: What and my family aren’t important.

Lori: Of course they are, but it is my baby.

Jack: Wrong, Lori. It is our baby.

Lori: You know what I mean.

Jack: Not really. (By this point they are both shouting)

Lori: I don’t even want o talk to you when you are in a mood like this.

Jack: Good, cos I don’t wanna talk to you.

Lori: Fine.

Jack: Oh and by the way, we are not moving to New Zealand.

Lori: Oh yes we are.

Jack: We’re not.

Lori: You just can’t bear to be separated from her, can you? CAN YOU?

Jack: Of course I CAN!

Lori: well prove it then. I don’t care what you say me and the baby are moving to New Zealand, as soon as we can. And if you care about me and the baby, then you will be on that plane with us.

Jack: You wouldn’t dare go without me.

Lori: Wouldn’t I? I think the real question is would you dare not come?

When the heart Rules! Prt 25

Joe and Lyn are in the kitchen at the Scully house washing up after lunch. Jack walks in.

Jack: Mum, dad, we need to talk.

Lyn: Sure love, just give us one moment to finish up here then you’ve got our full attention.

Joe: Sure son.

Lyn and Joe finish the washing up, and then join Jack at the kitchen table.

Lyn: What’s up, love?

Jack: Well the thing is. Lori wants to move back to New Zealand, to spend some more time with her family.

Lyn: And she wants you to go as well.

Jack: Basically, yeah.

Lyn: It is gonna be such a shame once you two have gone, the house is gonna feel empty. Is there no way of changing Lori’s mind?

Jack: But that’s just it, I don’t wanna go to New Zealand. Not now that I’ve just got back in Australia. I wanted to stick around here for a bit longer, at least.

Joe: Maybe it’s for the best son.

Jack: What do you mean, by that?

Joe: What I mean, is if you had kept your hands to yourself then you wouldn’t be in this…

Lyn: All that your dad means love, is that maybe it would be good to put some distance between you and Nina, what with all the recent  stuff that has been going on.

Jack: Won’t anybody just drop it. What happened between me and Nina is in the past.

Joe: Only just, though, only just. Look I’d think you would be damn well lucky if people have stopped saying about this in six months time, let alone after two weeks.

Jack: Yeah, I’m just saying that maybe it doesn’t have to come up in every conversation we have.

Lyn: Oh Jack, it doesn’t.

Jack: Only because this has been the first proper conversation that you’ve had with me since you found out.

Lyn: That isn’t true.

Jack: Yes it is you could hardly look me in the eye for days.

Lyn: Well I was disappointed in you, love, Lori has been so good to you and how do you repay her?

Joe: By going off with flaming Nina Tucker.

Jack: Alright, alright I get the message. I know I did wrong, I keep on telling everybody this, but no-one will listen.

Joe: Well maybe if you started to behave like an adult again, rather than like some love-sick teenager, then maybe people might treat you with a bit of respect.

Jack: Dad! Just shut it!

Lyn: Boys, boys that is enough. Now it looks like Jack is going to go to New Zealand, and I don’t want the rest of his time here to be spoiled by you two arguing.

Jack: Ok mum, just can everyone at least try to not mention me and Nina?

Lyn: We’ll do our best. Won’t we Joe?

Joe: What? (Lyn kicks his foot under the table) Oh yeah, sure.

Lyn: When are you meant to be leaving?

Jack: The day after tomorrow.

Lyn: Three days. Can’t you put it off a bit longer?

Jack: Sorry mum, but Lori is adamant that we go now.

Lyn: Well then, we’ll just have to make a big fuss over you for the next couple of days.

Jack: Ohhh mum. That really isn’t necess…

Lyn: Nonsense love. I know we’ll have a leaving party for you and Lori, tomorrow evening. No arguing Jack. So start thinking who you want to invite, and then call them as soon as you can.

Joe: Just don’t invite Nina.

Jack: Do I look stupid.

Jack walks out of the room to tell Lori about the party.

Lyn: Oh Joe, we’re losing him again aren’t we?

Joe: You know Jack. You can’t keep him in one place for too long.

Lyn: It was just so nice to have him around.

Joe: He’s a big boy Lynnie! He’ll be Ok. And I’m sure he will be back soon.

When the heart Rules! Prt 26

It is the day of the party. Jack has just finished ringing around everybody to invite them to the party that evening.

Jack: Finally, I’ve finished.

Lori: I’m really looking forward to tonight aren’t you?

Jack: It’ll be great, and it will be a chance to spend some final time with our friends.

Lori: Do you reckon we invited enough people.

Jack: Have you seen the invitation list?

Lori: Oh come on Jack, it’s a party, the more the merrier or something like that.

Jack: Yeah something like that. Look I’m going to go and finish off my packing, get it out the way, cos I expect I might have a hangover tomorrow morning so I don’t really fancy doing it then.

Lori: Well I’ve finished my packing, so do you want me to give you a hand.

Jack: No I’ll be fine by myself, I think even I can manage packing. You should finish getting everything ready for the party.

Lori: Ok, honey, but give me a shout if you need a hand.

Jack: Will do.

He goes into his room, on his bed his suitcase is sitting already fully packed. Jack sits down at a table in his room, gets a pen and a piece of paper and sits down and writes the following letter.

Dear Nina,

I am not really sure if I can put my feelings for you down on paper, I don’t think there are words to describe how much I love you. But for your sake, because you cannot read my mind, I’ll try.

Tomorrow I am leaving for New Zealand with Lori to start a new life there, I guess someone has probably already told you this but I had to make sure you knew. I wish I didn’t have to go, but there is nothing that I can say that will change her mind. I know the main reason she wants to move is so that I am away from you, she still doesn’t trust the two of us. Can you blame her, though?

Even though over the past two weeks I have not been able to speak to you, the love I feel for you has not got any smaller, and it gets bigger every time I catch even the smallest glimpse of your face or I see something that reminds me of you, or even something that reminds me of something that reminds me of you. Am I beginning to write in babble? I think I probably am so I’ll stop that now, because otherwise you are going to fall asleep before you get to the important part of this letter. I’m babbling again aren’t I?

So anyway, you don’t know how much I will miss everything about you, and I mean everything from your smile, your laugh, the smell of you hair, every single thing about you. I will write to you as often as I can from New Zealand, but as you can see my letter writing skills aren’t that good. I hope that you will write to me as well, but I bet your letters will be much better than mine, well that’s not hard! (Stop babbling Jack)

Well finally, the main reason that I am writing to you is because I want to see you one more time before I go, just to say goodbye face-to-face. Me and Lori are having a big goodbye party tonight at my house, and I really think you should come just for a while, it would mean a lot to me. Don’t worry about Lori, there are going to be so many people there she will be really easy to avoid.

I will be waiting for you!

Your eternal love Jack XXXXXX                                                                                      Jack sealed the envelope then went back out to the lounge.                                                  Jack: Lori I'm just popping to the shops, I've just realised I'm out of umm...toothpaste. Lori: Ok see you later                                                                                                            Jack ran to Nina's house. He contemplated knocking on the door but decided against it and posted the letter through the door instead. Please come Nina, I have to see you he thought to himself. He didn't know what he would do if Nina didn't come. He couldn't leave without saying goodbye.                                                                    

When the heart Rules! Prt 27

Nina was at her house, sitting reading the letter for the tenth time. Nobody had told her that Jack was leaving, she couldn’t believe it. Soon he would be living in a completely different country to her. But how soon, he hadn’t said on the letter when he was leaving. What if the party really was her last chance to see him? Then what would she do. She only knew one thing for sure she was going nowhere near that party.

But what if this really was her last chance? She had been thinking about Jack even more since the play, and now she was turning down the chance to see him. And if there were loads of people there then maybe she could dodge Lori. And if Lori was moving to New Zealand then it wouldn’t matter if she saw her anyway because it would be the last time ever. But, no, this was crazy she couldn’t just turn up at the party. But Jack had invited her. That was final then, Nina was going to the party.

About an hour later, Nina left her house and began to walk to Ramsay Street. She arrived outside the Scully house. Jack hadn’t been exaggerating, the place was buzzing with the sound of people everywhere, the front door was open as people spilled out onto the drive. Nina couldn’t see Jack anywhere. She began to panic, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. She continued to stand outside the house as she tried to decide what she should do.

Inside the house Connor was standing talking to Jack and Lori.

Connor: You two look really happy tonight. (Jack has his arms wrapped tightly around Lori’s waist)

Lori: It’s the excitement of moving.

Jack: That and all the alcohol in here.

Lori: That might have something to do with it.

Jack and Lori continued to talk amongst themselves, they appear to be very lovey-dovey. Connor glanced towards the door and is shocked, a beautiful young girl had just walked in. Suddenly he realised it was Nina. What was she doing here? But as Connor stood there wondering why Nina was here, Nina ran out the door after seeing how happy Lori and Jack looked.

Connor: Jack can I have a word, in private.

Lori: Sounds ominous!

Connor: It is, can’t tell you though, it’s secret boytalk.

Lori: Oh I see (Lori wanders off leaving Connor and Jack to talk)

Connor: Did you know Nina was here?

Jack: Nina, she’s arrived! Where is she?

Connor: What? Don’t say you invited her.

Jack: Just to say goodbye. Where is she, Connor?

Connor: I’m not sure if I should tell you?

Jack: Where is she? I need to see her.

Connor: She ran outside when she saw you and Lori.

Jack: Damn, look thanks Connor.

Jack ran outside, searching for Nina. He sees her leaning against a wall further up the street sobbing.

Jack: Nina!

Nina: Just leave me alone Jack! I don’t wanna speak to you.

When the heart Rules! Prt 28

Jack: Nina!                                                                                                                             Nina: Just leave me alone Jack! I don’t wanna speak to you.                                                Jack: What’s the matter Nina?                                                                                                 Nina: It’s nothing, just go back inside.                                                                                         Jack: Do you honestly think I would just leave you out here by yourself, especially when you’re upset. Come on, you can tell me.                                                                   Nina: It’s stupid really.                                                                                                          Jack: If it’s upsetting you then it’s not stupid, it’s important.                                               Nina: Well, it was just when I saw you and Lori together in the party, well it just dawned on me that’s how it is always gonna be, you and Lori, and you are gonna be really happy together and…and you’re just gonna forget about me completely (completely breaks down in tears)                                                                                          Jack: (puts his arms around her tightly) hey, don’t cry, Nina please don’t, I hate it when you are unhappy.                                                                                                        Nina: I can’t help crying Jack, cos I know that is what is gonna happen.                                           Jack: I could never forget you, Nina.                                                                                       Nina: Yes you could, you won’t mean too but its how it works, you know out of sight out of mind.                                                                                                                                 Jack: I don’t think you realise just how amazing you are, do you? Cos it would take a hell of a lot to make someone forget about you.                                                                 Nina: You’re saying that now, but—                                                                                    Jack: But nothing, Nina. Everything I see, I always seem to find some link to you, that reminds of you and I spend the day thinking of you.                                                               Nina: But this is in Erinsborough, what could ever remind you of me in New Zealand.             Jack: The early morning sun for one, whenever I see that I remember how you looked like a beautiful Roman Goddess and I remember how amazing you are and how much I love you, and there is so much other stuff too.                                                                       Nina: Do you really mean that?                                                                                             Jack: Of course I do. But how about you, are you gonna forget me?                                         Nina: No way, you are my first love Jack, and you mean everything to me, and I’m not gonna forget about you ever.                                                                                           Jack: That’s exactly how I feel about you.                                                                              They sit in silence for a while.                                                                                             Nina: (quietly) I am really gonna miss you.                                                                                              Jack:  Me too.                                                                                                                        Nina: Lori will be wondering where you are.                                                                           Jack: Let her wonder, then. (They sit in silence for a bit longer)                                                Nina: Jack, I don’t know how too say good-bye to you.                                                          Jack: I don’t want to say good-bye to you.                                                                               Nina: But we have been over this so many times, and we have to say good-bye.                         Jack: Just not yet.                                                                                                                          Nina: You’re leaving tomorrow. We have to say goodbye now, and not just until we next see each other at school or something, but for good. Then you have to go back into that party and I have to go back home and we have to get back on with our lives.      Jack: And we can’t look back.                                                                                               Nina: No, we can’t look back, it will just make all this harder.                                            Jack: I don’t think anything could make this any harder.                                                              Nina: Probably not. Look I think it’s just for the best if you just go now.                           Jack: I love you. (He kisses Nina tenderly on the lips she draws back and then kisses him one last time more passionately.)                                                                                      Nina: I love you too. (Jack turns and begins to walk away, then turns back)                        Jack: Hey, Nina.                                                                                                                      Nina: What?                                                                                                                               Jack: I forgot to tell you just how beautiful you look tonight.                                                             Nina: You look pretty good yourself.                                                                                        Jack: Yeah, well— (he turns back and walks into the party)                                                       Nina sat there on the wall for a while, so that was finally it. That was the big farewell, the end to all this. It just didn’t seem like much. The tears began to fall again.

When the heart Rules! Prt 29                                                                                              Taj: Nina, are you Ok?                                                                                                          Nina: Taj? Is that you? (She tries to dry her tears)                                                                    Taj: Here have this. (He hands her a handkerchief)                                                              Nina: Thanks.                                                                                                                             Taj: Was that just Jack I saw going in?                                                                            Nina: Yeah, I just came to say goodbye.                                                                                        Taj: Does Lori know that you are here?                                                                               Nina: No, you won’t tell her will you? Please don’t Taj, I know I have no right to expect you to lie for me, after what I did to you, but I did only come to say good-bye and Lori and Jack are really trying to sort things out and I don’t want to mess it up for them. At least they should get a chance to be happy.                                                              Taj: So you’re not happy about Jack going to New Zealand?                                          Nina: Can you blame me? I gave up a lot so that I could be with him and then tomorrow he’s leaving the country and I will probably never see him again. (A tear trickles down Nina’s cheek)                                                                                                     Taj: (seeing how upset Nina is) you really do love him, don’t you?                                                                                   Nina: (Looks up at him, unsure whether to tell the truth and decides it’s the right thing to do) Yeah I do.                                                                                                                       Taj: At least I know that all this business with you and me and Jack and Lori was worthwhile!                                                                                                                           Nina: Was it? I mean like I said he’s leaving tomorrow isn’t he?                                                                Taj: It depends what you define worthwhile as, I suppose.                                                      Nina: And what would you define it as?                                                                                 Taj: I don’t know. I think the real question is do you regret it?                                          Nina: Well no, God that sounds terrible doesn’t it. What I mean is that I regret hurting you and Lori, but I don’t regret following my feelings for Jack, even if we did only get to be together for one night. At least we still got a bit of time together.                      Taj: Well then I guess that it was worthwhile then.                                                               Nina: I suppose so, you have been so understanding throughout all this. I don’t know how you do it.                                                                                                                           Taj: I just couldn’t manage to stay angry at you for long, Nina, I don’t know why.    Nina: Look you should go on into the party, don’t worry about me, I’m just gonna head home.                                                                                                                                  Taj: To be honest I didn’t really want to go the party, I only agreed to go cos Lori begged me. I’ll walk you home.                                                                                                  Nina: No Taj, I’ll be fine. You should go and say goodbye.                                                        Taj: I’ll do that at the airport tomorrow.                                                                                 Nina: You’re going to the airport.                                                                                           Taj: Yeah, look Nina would you like to come as well.                                                         Nina: I couldn’t Taj, I mean Lori would go mad.                                                             Taj: You could just pretend that we got back together, then she couldn’t really argue.     Nina: I can’t ask you to do that for me Taj, not after everything that has happened.     Taj: You’re not asking, Nina, I offered. All you have to do is agree and I’m not gonna take no for an answer.                                                                                                            Nina: Ok but as long as you understand that this doesn’t mean that we are going to get back together or something like that. I just couldn’t.                                                               Taj: Look Nina all I want is to be friends again, Ok.                                                          Nina: Yeah, Ok. Thank-you so much Taj!                                                                      

When the heart Rules! Prt 30

All the Scully’s plus Lori, and Connor, are waiting for Taj to show up. He does with Nina, as they get near to the group Taj takes Nina’s hand.

Lori: What is she doing here?

Jack: (Not seeing Nina) Who? Oh, Nina. I don’t know Lori.

Lori: (To Taj) Why have you brought her with you?

Taj: Nina has got a name you know. Look the only reason that she came is because I went to see her last night and we decided to get back together.

Lori: Are you mad? With her!

Taj: Why shouldn’t me and Nina get back together?

Lori: After what she did to you? Can you ask a dater question? She cheated on you for God’s sake.

Taj: So did Jack, but you two are back together, there’s no difference.

Lori: Yes there is, there is a major difference between you and Nina getting back together and me and Jack getting back together.

Taj: Which is?

Lori: Well…umm…because me and Jack were in a much more long term relationship than you and Nina and it would be stupid to throw all that away.

Taj: That is complete and utter rubbish, there is absolutely no reason why me and Nina can’t get—

Nina: Hello, excuse me, I am still here you know. You are all just talking like I’m not here.

Lori: Well you shouldn’t be here.

Nina: If this is upsetting you this much, then I’ll just go and wait in the car or something.

Lori: Why don’t you do that!

Taj: No, just stay there Nina!

Nina: Look I honestly don’t mind.

Jack: This is stupid, me and Lori are leaving in an hour’s time and all we can do is squabble. I don’t know about you but I’m going inside, and I think you should all join me, and I mean all of you. Including Nina, Lori!

Lori: Fine.

Jack: Good come on everyone.

They all go inside and Lori and Jack do sort the luggage and tickets out and stuff. Soon the call for their flight is issued.

Lyn: So this is finally it, my boy leaving home.

Jack: Mum, it’s not like it’s the first time.

Lyn: I know but it is still upsetting.

Jack: I’ll call you later mum, bye.

Jack and Lori go around everybody saying goodbye. There is a lot of hugging and quite a bit of crying, as well. Jack reaches Nina.

Jack: I really didn’t expect to see you here.

Nina: Me neither. Taj persuaded me.

Jack: I didn’t expect you two getting together either.

Nina: Oh that, look Jack I can explain.

Jack: I understand Nina, I mean I’m with Lori, why can’t you be with Taj.

Nina: No the thing is, me and Taj we’re just pretending that we’re together so I could come and say goodbye to you. It was all Taj’s idea.

Jack: Didn’t expect that either!

Nina: The day is full of surprises.

The call for the flight comes up again.

Nina: There’s your call.

Jack: Yeah.

They stand staring at each other for a few seconds, not moving, and then Jack moves forwards and embraces Nina tightly.

Nina: Lori’s watching.

Jack: I don’t care.

They continue their embrace. Lori begins to look jealous at the sight of them.

Nina: I love you more than you will ever know.

Jack: I love you so much, too.

Lori coughs, they break apart. Lori and Jack head towards the boarding area. Jack’s eyes do not leave Nina once. Just before Jack has to turn and go into the boarding area, Nina’s and Jack’s eyes lock on each other and stare at each other for what seemed to them like a lifetime. Then Jack turned. Finally before Lori turned to follow Jack, she gave Nina a smile which could mean only one thing. ‘You lost, I won. He’s mine.’

When the heart Rules! Prt 31

Taj is just dropping Nina at her house. They are sitting in the car (I’m not sure if Taj is old enough to drive yet, but I’m just gonna assume that he is) and it is pouring down with rain, Nina is waiting to see if the rain will stop so she doesn’t get wet.

Nina: It doesn’t look like the rain is going to calm down for a while. I might just make a run for it.

Taj: I don’t mind waiting for a bit longer, see if the rain stops, otherwise you are gonna get mega-soaked.

Nina: I’ll be fine Taj, it’s only a short run from the car to my house and the rain doesn’t bother me that much.

Taj: Well if you’re sure.

Nina: Look thank-you so much Taj.

Taj: (looking puzzled) What for?

Nina: What for? What do you think? For letting me come to the airport with you, of course.

Taj: Oh yeah, It was nothing, my pleasure, I don’t think Lori was too pleased though.

Nina: It doesn’t matter what Lori thinks now though, does it? Her and Jack are probably just getting of the plane right now. (Nina looks as if she is about to cry.)

Taj: (reassuringly) Hey, it’ll be OK in the end. It’ll get easier with time. (He takes Nina’s hand in his)

Nina: (pulling her hand away) Taj, we discussed this. We can’t get back together, at least not for now.

Taj: I’m sorry. Are you sure you will be OK on your own in your house.

Nina: I’ve lived alone for long enough not to fell loneliness, and to be perfectly honest I just want some time on my own to think things through.

Taj: Sure, well call me if you need anything.

Nina: I will. Thanks again.

Nina climbs out of the car and dashes to her door where she fiddles round with her keys for a while (you know how it is, the only time you seem to have trouble with keys is when it’s pouring down with rain and you are desperate to get in as quick as you can). Finally she manages to get the door open, she gives Taj a  quick wave and he drives off. She is soaked and she decides to go and have a long soak in the bath, where you could just forget about all her troubles.

Later that evening, Nina has finally got out the bath and is trying to make some dinner for herself, when she just breaks down and begins to sob, longing for Jack. She slides down against the kitchen units and just sits there wracked by sobs for half an hour.

Finally, she managed to compose herself and got up. She didn’t fell like eating anymore. She went to the phone and dialled a number.

Nina: Hi Mum, I really need to talk to you.

When the heart Rules! Prt 32

Nina’s Mum: Nina is something wrong.

Nina: Well yes and no.

Mum: What is it love, you can tell me!

Nina: I don’t know where to start.

Mum: Well have a go, I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s wrong.

Nina: Well, you know how I told you about Michelle’s brother coming to stay in Erinsborough.

Mum: Michelle, that’s the girl that’s your best friend isn’t it.

Nina: Yeah, well when I first met her brother, Jack, well me and him we kinda of hit it off. Well we started dating.

Mum: I can guess where this is going.

Nina: Can you? Are you sure?

Mum: Look Nina, I won’t be angry with you, just tell me yes or no, are you pregnant?

Nina: (really surprised) What? Is that what you thought? Oh God, no I’m not pregnant mum.

Mum: Are you telling me the truth, Nina? Because if I find out that you are lying to me, I won’t be very pleased with you.

Nina: I’m telling the truth, I’m not pregnant. But his that is Jacks girlfriend is.

Mum: This boy has a girlfriend.

Nina: Yeah, and I was still dating Taj.

Mum: Does that mean you’re not with Taj any longer? He seemed like a very nice boy from what you told me.

Nina: Yeah. But I couldn’t be with him any longer. I love Jack.

Mum: Love. Now that is a strong word to use. Are you sure? Does he feel the same way?

Nina: Yes Mum. I’m really sure. And Jack says that he loves me too.

Mum: But let me guess he won’t leave his girlfriend for you.

Nina: He can’t. I’ve told you. She’s pregnant.

Mum: Look Nina, the only thing I can tell you is just stay away from him. It will be for the best, it’s the only way you are gonna get over this boy. Which you are going to have to do! It might be hard at first.

Nina: I don’t want to get over him though I want to be with him.

Mum: Well it sounds like he doesn’t want to be with you.

Nina: He can’t be with me cos he left for New Zealand this morning, he’s gone to live there.

Mum: He’s gone to live in New Zealand! How old is Jack?

Nina: He’s twenty.

Mum: Nina, he’s too old for you anyway.

Nina: No he isn’t. I’m seventeen, a few years doesn’t mean anything.

Mum: I’m sorry Nina. But I think it’s a good thing that he has moved away. If he seems quite happy to date two people at a time and if he is irresponsible enough to get one of those people pregnant, it sounds like he would be bad for you.

Nina: How dare you say that mum. You have no idea what Jack is like, cos you are never here to meet anyone I know. You don’t even remember the name of my best friend. Ok Jack and I didn’t meet in the best circumstances, but he is the kindest and most loving boy  I have ever met. And I had to say goodbye to him today, probably for ever, and it was the hardest thing I ever had to do and I rang you up for a bit of support but all I got was you thinking you know everything about me. Well you don’t. You know absolutely nothing about me, mum. What kind of mother does that make you? I’ll tell you shall I, a bad one!

Mum: I won’t listen to you talking to me like this Nina.

Nina: It won’t change much then. Do you ever listen to what I’m saying. I mean, properly. You here the words, but you don’t listen to what I’m trying to say. You never care about how I’m feeling. As long as I’m not doing anything that could bring shame onto you and dad, then you really don’t care do you.

Mum: Of course I care.

Nina: You have a strange way of showing it.

Mum: All I was saying was that this boy doesn’t seem right for you.

Nina: You know mum. It really doesn’t matter anymore, because he’s gone. I bet you’re glad to hear that. Well I hope you are, at least one of us will be happy that way, because I am so miserable right now.

Mum: Maybe you should come and stay with your father and I for a bit. Come on tour, you will enjoy it.

Nina: What stuck with you for ages. I don’t think so.

Mum: I really don’t think you should be on your own Nina. You sound angry.

Nina: Do you know why I sound angry. Because I am angry, and tired and upset and confused! But if you’re so worried about you me why don’t you put the tour on hold and come and see me.

Mum: You know I would love to, but I am far to busy to come and see you at the moment.

Nina: I thought you might say that. I really don’t know why I called you. Like I was gonna get sympathy from you.

Mum: I was sympathetic, Nina. (very woodenly) I really do feel for the pain you are going through. But I have to go now, Nina. I have a gig in an hour and I need to warm up.

Nina: Sure. Bye Mum

Nina hang up the phone before her mother could reply. She couldn’t believe how horrible her mother had been. Jack wasn’t a bad person, but her mum just wouldn’t listen.

Nina was exhausted by the emotional strain of the past few days, and decided to go up to bed. She cried herself to sleep.

When the heart Rules! Prt 33

It is the next morning and Nina is on her way over to the Scully house (Michelle called her earlier to invite her over) Nina is feeling quite a bit happier today but the loss of Jack is still at the back of her mind, bringing her thoughts down into sadness. Nina arrived at the house and knocked on the door.

Shelle: Nina, come in, hey, (she hugs Nina) how are you?

Nina: I’m Ok.

Shelle: You missing Jack?

Nina: (Irritably) Ask a stupid question.

Shelle: Yeah that was a bit of a stupid question wasn’t it? Sorry!

Nina: It’s Ok, I’m just feeling a bit tetchy you know, I didn’t mean to snap.

Shelle: It’s fine, really. I can imagine what you’re going through. Look, I know I didn’t think you and Jack were a good idea. I made my feelings quite clear about that. But that was mainly out of concern for Lori and Taj. If you two had met in different circumstances, I would have been thrilled for you two to be together.

Nina: Thanks for that, Shelle.

Shelle: Hey, I know how I’d feel if I lost Connor, I guess that’s how you are feeling, just a whole lot wore cos Jack’s with Lori.

Nina: It’s not the most satisfying thought, is it? (she sounds gloomy)

Shelle: Cheer up you, I’m still here for you and you’re just gonna have to move on, aren’t you.

Nina: I know I should, but it is so hard. I had such a go at my mum last night when she said I should just forget Jack.

Shelle: Well just concentrate on you and Taj now. I mean it’s great that you two have got back together,

Nina: We haven’t

Shelle: But you said. Yesterday at the airport!

Nina: It was something Taj made up so that I could come and say bye to Jack.

Shelle: Wow! that is really sweet of him. After all you two have been through, he’s still trying to be friends and make sure you’re happy. Are you sure you might not get back together with Taj?

Nina: I couldn’t, Shelle. All I can think about at the moment is Jack, it wouldn’t be fair on Taj. We are just gonna stay friends.

Shelle: And you’re positive about –

The phone starts ringing. Michelle gets off the sofa to go and answer.

Shelle: Hello, who is this?

Jack: Hi it’s me, Jack.

Shelle: Hi, how are you? What’s New Zealand like?

Jack: I’m fine, so is Lori. And New Zealand is pretty much the same as when I last was here.

Shelle: Is Lori there?

Jack: No, she’s out with her parents. But I thought I’d stay here and ring you guys and let you know I’m fine. So who’s at home. I wanna speak to everyone.

Shelle: Sadly it’s just me. Everyone else is out, but Nina’s here with me.

Jack: (He is quiet for a few seconds, finally he says quietly) Nina.

Shelle: Yeah, just arrived.

Jack: (still quietly) Can I speak to her?

Shelle: What you don’t wanna speak to me, your favourite sis.

Jack: Well of course I do, but…

Shelle: I know, I know. I’m just kidding. I’m putting her on right now.

Jack: Thanks.

Shelle passes the phone to Jack, then goes into the kitchen so that they can talk in private.

Nina: Hey.

Jack: Hey.

Nina: It’s a good thing you didn’t call five minutes earlier. I wouldn’t have been able to speak to you.

Jack: Yeah well, I kinda hoped you might be there. I would have rang your house but I could just imagine Lori checking the phone lists to see which numbers had been called.

Nina: Detector Lori at work. (They both laugh at the thought of Lori dressed up as Sherlock Holmes)

Jack: Yeah, something like that. The sad thing is I’m only half kidding about Lori doing that, she would if she suspected anything. I mean Lori’s family are great. You’d love them, they are really kind and down to earth, and they are absolutely hilarious to watch and in any other circumstance I would love to be staying with them! But I can’t be happy about being here, cos you aren’t here with me. I miss you.

Nina: I miss you too, but what is it that they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder.

Jack: I don’t need distance to make my heart any fonder when it comes to you.

Nina: Well, my mum certainty thinks distance is a good thing.

Jack: Why would she think that?

Nina: She decided that she didn’t like you.

Jack: But she hasn’t even met me.

Nina: I know, but what dos that matter? As far as she’s concerned, you’re too old for me, irresponsible, and what was it, oh yeah a cheat who shouldn’t be given the time of day.

Jack: Whoa, that’s pretty strong stuff to say about someone you don’t know.

Nina: It is, and it’s all lies. I couldn’t handle her saying all that stuff about you last night, not after the day I’d had. I just broke down in tears.

Jack: Well you tell your mum, from me, that she should stop upsetting you otherwise I might have to do something about it.

Nina: Yeah, like what?

Jack: Well I dunno, maybe I’d be forced to prove her wrong about me.

Nina: Oh, really?

Jack: Yeah.

Nina: I have to warn you it’s not easy to change my mum’s mind.

Jack: Well then I’d better hope she stops upsetting you then.

Nina: Do you know what I’ve never been this pleased to talk to someone over a phone line.

Jack: It must be my natural charms!

Nina: Yeah, that’s obviously what it is, but I bet this is one joyful phone-call that is costing a fair bit of money!

Jack: Well just a bit, but it’s worth it if we get to talk.

Nina: Even so, I should probably go now.

Jack: Maybe, I mean Lori’s parents are being really nice and they said they’d pay for my calls to Australia, but I shouldn’t take advantage.

Nina: I love you.

Jack: I love you more.

Nina: Want a bet. Now, shouldn’t we be doing that thing where you go ‘no you hang up first’ then I go ‘no you hang up first’ and then you go ‘no you hang up first’ according to the rules of all long-distance relationships.

Jack: If it makes you happy. I’d do anything for you.

They do the whole ‘no you hang up’ thing for about ten seconds.

Jack: I know I said I’d do anything, but this seems pretty pointless.

Nina: It is, isn’t it? Oh well, I always wanted to try that.

Jack: You’re strange, Nina Tucker.

Nina: I’ll take that as a compliment, so thank-you my darling Jack.

Jack: Look can you just pass the phone back to Michelle, for a minute, I need to tell her something.

Nina: Ok. Bye. Love ya.

Nina calls Michelle and gives her the phone, she then goes and sits down on the sofa’s a happy grin spread right across her face. It felt good to hear his voice.

Shelle: Nina…Hey Nina, is there anyone in there.

Nina: What? Oh yeah, sorry did you want something?

Shelle: Grab your stuff, we’re going shopping.

Nina: What? I don’t feel like shopping today. I’d rather just stay indoors.

Shelle:  That’s a shame cos you haven’t really got a choice.

Nina: what you’re gonna drag me shopping against my free will.

Shelle: If I Have to, but I’d rather not. So if you don’t mind.

Nina: Why do you suddenly want to go shopping anyway?

Shelle: I don’t particularly, I’m just following the orders of Jack!

Nina: Jack wants you to go shopping?

Shelle: No Jack wants you to go shopping, and me to come with you. He’s left some money for you to spend. He wanted to get you a good-bye present but he didn’t have time before he left.

Nina: Ah, that is so sweet.

Shelle: Come on then.

They leave the Scully’s and head into town for a day of fun and shopping.

When the heart Rules! Prt 34

They are now walking home, they have had a brilliant day, and had loads of fun.

Shelle: I don’t know about you but that was the most fun I’ve had in ages.

Nina: Yeah, do you remember earlier when that boy was walking up to us and he just stacked it, he went so red. He looked like a tomato.

Shelle: Yeah and then he just ran away.

Nina: Yeah I wonder what he wanted. He looked like he was coming to talk to us.

Shelle: Oh come on, it was pretty obvious he was coming over to ask you out. He was staring at you every time we saw him.

Nina: Get away.

Shelle: No, I mean it. He must have been so embarrassed.

Nina: Well maybe it’s a good thing he didn’t come over then. I wouldn’t know what to say.

Shelle: How about yes? He was kinda cute.

Nina: I’ve told you Michelle. I couldn’t! Not now. It’s too soon after Jack.

Shelle: I’m sorry Nina. We managed to avoid the J word all day, and then I went and put my foot in it and reminded you of him.

Nina: It’s OK Shelle. You didn’t remind me, I just never forgot. I just wish you wouldn’t keep trying to get me to go out with someone else.

Shelle: OK I won’t. That’s a promise. And you have my permission to slap me if you break it.

Nina: Thanks Shelle.

Shelle: Do you want to come back to mine for some dinner?

Nina: If your mum doesn’t mind. I don’t want to put anyone out.

Shelle: It’ll be fine. Mum always makes enough to feed a small army. Come on.

They arrive at the Scully’s and Nina stays for dinner. She and Michelle then go and sit on the sofa’s and talk about stuff, then watch a bit of TV. Throughout all this, Lyn has spoken very little to Nina (who she is normally very talkative to), and when she had to talk to Nina it was in cold, impersonal tones.

It is getting late, and Nina decides it’s time to go, but before she has a quiet word with Michelle.

Nina: Look Michelle, I don’t know if it’s just me or what? But do you reckon your mum’s a bit off with me. She just seemed to be ignoring me.

Shelle: Don’t worry about her, she’s just missing Jack.

Nina: Well why she’s taking it out on me.

Shelle: Mum’s just being stupid, and I think she kinda blames you for him leaving.

Nina: But it wasn’t—

Shelle: She knows it isn’t your fault, it’s not anyone’s fault. She’s just looking for someone to blame, and she found you.

Nina: Maybe I should just stay away from here, for a bit.

Shelle: No she’ll be fine. I’ll have a word with her.

Nina: OK thanks. Well see ya.

Nina left the Scully’s and began the short walk home back to Heather Street. As she walked she found her mind wondering back to the day’s before she met Jack, and her life had been so simple, well not simple cos that was when she was being black-mailed by Tahnee, but at least her heart wasn’t being torn apart like it was now. She asked herself the question if it would have just been better if she hadn’t met Jack at all? But what was it they say? It’s better to have lost and loved, than never to have loved at all.

When the heart Rules! Prt 35                                                                                                        Jack is sitting on his own at Lori’s parents house, by his side is his bags fully packed with all his stuff, as usual he is thinking about Nina (he is clutching a tiny picture of her in his hand). He has been in New Zealand for about a month now, but he still can’t forget the radiance of her beauty, the softness of her voice, the loveliness of her personality. And as every day went past he had found being away from Nina more and more unbearable.                                                                                                    But what could he do. Everyday as he felt a larger urge to be with Nina the more and more he began to resent Lori for keeping him away from Nina. He couldn’t have gone on like this, it was driving him insane. He had had to make a decision, but it hadn't been easy. The way he had seen it earlier, was that he had two choices, either he could stay with Lori and the baby and learn to lock his love for Nina deep inside him (and run the risk of beginning to hate Lori for something that wasn't her fault) or he could return to Australia and Ramsay Street to be with Nina, leaving Lori alone with their baby (sure, she would have her parents help, but he would still be leaving her to be a single mum)                                                                                                                                   It had been a hard choice to make but Jack knew in his heart that it was the right one. For him at least. He would always love Nina, he knew that, what was the point in denying it? If he didn’t do this he would regret it for the rest of his life. Lori would be upset, there was no doubt about that but at least here she would have the support of her friends and family, and maybe she could meet someone who would love her as much as she deserved.                                                                                                                It was time to go. If he didn't leave soon, Lori would get back and he couldn't face the thought of telling her face to face that he was leaving. He had written her a letter, explaining why he had to go, and wordlessly he placed it on the bed that he and LKori had shared. He looked round the room one last time. In the last month it had really seemed to feel like home to him. He would miss the place and all the people in it, his eyes alighted on a picture of Lori, he would especially miss her. Even though he didn't, love her any more Lori still meant a great deal to him and he would never forget the times that he had spent with her. But it all had to come to an end somehow, and this was it for him and Lori. He walked out of the room picking his bags up on the way and left the house, closing the door behind him. He began to walk in the direction of the airport, with any luck he would be there by nightfall.                                               ‘Nina here I come’ he thought with a smile on his face.

When the heart Rules! Prt 36

Nina was at home on her own, it had been a long day at school and she was exhausted. She flopped down on the sofa, not bothering to change out of her school clothes first. Nina turned on the TV to see if there was anything decent but it was all rubbish kids programmes at this time of day, so instead she put on some music and although she tried hard to fight the sleepiness that was taking control of her body, she lost the battle and began to doze.

She was woken from her slumber later on that evening by the phone ringing. It was dark in the house as she sleepily stumbled over to the phone, almost tripping over her school bag. She finally reached the phone and picked up the receiver.

‘Hello’ she said groggily, ‘Nina Tucker speaking’

‘Where is he?’ said an angry voice on the other end.

‘Who is this? Where is who? I think you’ve got the wrong number’

‘Don’t play innocent with me, Nina. I know Jack’s there. He left here two days ago, he said he was going to Erinsborough and he’s not at the Scully’s so where else is he going to be?’

‘Is that you Lori’ asked Nina, completely confused. What did Lori mean by he left two days ago?

‘Just give him the phone, Nina. I’ve got a few things to say to him.’

‘Lori, he’s not here. Ok. I haven’t heard from Jack in the last week.’

‘What? Well, where is he then?’

‘I don’t know. Do you think he’s alright? I mean if he left two days ago he should have arrived by now?’

‘I don’t care if he’s alright or not.’

‘I know you don’t mean that, not really.’

‘Yes I do. I stopped caring what happened to Jack the minute he walked out on me.’

‘Well why did you ring to speak to him?’

‘Only so I could give him a piece of my mind. I couldn’t give a damn where Jack is even if he’s lying in a gutter somewhere!’ Lori lied. Nina could hear the worry in Lori’s voice too.

‘It’ll be Ok! He won’t be lying in a gutter! Oh please, no. He’ll be fine. His flight has just been delayed or something.’ Nina was beginning to panic.

‘He’s not at the airport. I checked as soon as I found the letter.’

‘Well he’s got to be somewhere. I’m gonna go and speak to Joe and Lyn.’

‘Ok well umm. What should I do?’ The worry in Lori’s voice was really becoming clear now.

‘Just wait until tomorrow. He will probably of turned up or called by then.’

Nina put the phone down. Where was he? ‘But it was OK! He’d be fine.’ That’s what she kept telling herself over and over again. The sleepiness she had felt earlier had been completely replaced by a panic that was making her stomach churn. She was going to be sick. She rushed to the bathroom, reaching it just in time.

She didn’t know what to do. She had to go and speak to Joe and Lyn, they would know. She gabbed her keys and half ran, half stumbled to the Scullys. She reached the door, and hammered on it violently.

The door opened. Lyn’s kindly face peered round the door.

‘Nina love, what is it?’

She tried to tell Lyn what was going on but she just couldn’t get the words out. She just stood there and burst into a flood of tears.

When the heart Rules! Prt 37
It had been almost three months since they had found out that Jack was missing and his whereabouts were still a mystery. The police had been called and they had discovered that Jack had boarded the plane to Australia. That meant that somehow on his way between the airport and Erinsborough he had disappeared. But how? Why? It didn’t bear thinking about. The thoughts that flashed across your mind when you did were just too horrible.

Michelle was sitting at home thinking about the days events. The police had arrived during the morning and had said, though not in so many words, that the chances of finding Jack alive were getting slimmer by the day. But this was no surprise, only last week mum and dad had to go and see if they could identify a body as Jack. Thankfully it wasn’t him, it was some other poor boy about the same age, but the thing was that it could so easily have been him. And the way things were going everyone had to face up to the fact that that one day it could be him lying stone cold on the table.

But nobody seemed prepared to face up to it. The only person who would even consider the possibility was her, Michelle. But she couldn’t blame them? The prospect of her brother, her only brother, lying dead somewhere was horrific. Michelle knew that if that news ever came that the family would fall apart. It was only just sticking together at the moment, and only because they were all depending on Michelle. It seemed wrong to her, that the youngest child was the one who everyone was looking to for support, but she was glad that they were. It was mainly the knowledge that her family needed her more than ever that was keeping Michelle from breaking.

She was distracted from her thoughts by the sound of her mum hovering. She was cleaning the house again. Lyn was always doing something nowadays, always busy, anything to keep her mind of Jack. Michelle didn’t know what was worse her mothers impulsive cleaning or her fathers increasing paranoia anytime anyone left the house. Then there was Steph. She had returned from her trip round Australia to be with the family, but she had strangely distanced herself, spending as little time as she could possibly could at home, preferring to stay at the Hoyland’s or the Kennedy’s. Flick was calling at least once a day, desperate for any news and it was all that Michelle could do to persuade her to stay in America. It seemed pointless her leaving, well for the time-being anyway, if things changed then she’d have to come home. And Lori, poor Lori! It couldn’t be good for her, all this stress, especially when you were eight months pregnant.

But it was Nina that really worried Michelle. At first Nina had spent most of her time, when not at school, at the Scully’s. But recently she had retreated back home and rarely visited. She would often not bother coming into school and when she did come in she looked tired and washed out. But above all, she looked sad. She was no longer the Nina who would smile and laugh, all she was now was sad, she talked infrequently now and when she did talk it was at a monotone. The only time Nina ever had any passion in his voice or in her face was when she spoke of Jack. At those times her face literally brightened up and all the love she felt for Jack became visible. But then her face would become downcast once more as she realised that she might never see him again. Michelle knew that Nina thought about the possibility of Jack being dead a lot, probably too much. But at least if that news ever came Nina would be prepared, not that it would make it any easier though. For the time-being all they could do was hope, hope and pray.

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