Behind The Curtain - When Cameras Are Off

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks you lot. This next update is one of my personal favourites... there is a graphicish scene around the end just so you are warned. And just click on the link to see what Kate's bikini looks like if you want to!

“Chris! Are you coming?”

Chris looks at his wife with a frown.

“Coming where?”

“To the beach! You promised Emma and Michele last night before you went to the get-drunk party.”

“It was a bucks night and yes I’m coming. Just keep your shirt on.”

Carol glares at him.

“Don’t take your hangover out on me. You’re the one who promised them.”

“Yes and I’ll take them now! Can we try and make this a nice day please?”

“Fine. I’m going to help them get ready.”

Chris nods and mumbles something about “being the only guy in the world forced to go to the beach with a hangover while all his friends are sleeping.”

“Morning…”

Kate opens her eyes slowly and looks at Callan with a smile.

“Hey… how was your night?”

“Okay and yours?”

“We had fun… And now I am off to the spa… what time did you get in?”

Callan stretches out and yawns.

“Around four I think… Hey, did I tell you Chris was there?”

Kate looks at Callan, blood draining from her face.

“He was?”

“Yeah… and he promised to be nice to you… maybe we should invite him and Carol over – when we get back from our honeymoon. I’d like the two of you to get along.”

“Yeah… we’ll see…”

Kate looks at her watch and smiles.

“I’ll have to get dressed and leave now… I’ll see you at the wedding tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait.”

“Neither can I…”

“Daddy, can Emma and I want ice cream.”

Chris reaches for some money in his pocket and hands it to his daughter.

“There you go.”

Carol shoots him a look and stands up.

“I’ll come with you. Chris, do you want something?”

“No thanks.”

He lies back, putting his sunglasses on.

“Hmmm… this is…. Amazing…”

Jodi sighs and closes her eyes.

Next to her, Sharni smiles.

“Yeah… I’m having the time of my life… How are things with you and Paul?”

“We’re good. Why?”

“Just curious…”

“Sharni?”

“Okay, so… are you in love with him?”

Jodi sits up quickly, knocking the masseuse down.

“Why?”

“Are you?”

Jodi sighs.

“Yeah… But he doesn’t feel the same, so…”

“He does, Jodi.”

“What?”

“Ask Kate… He told her himself. He’s scared that you feel it’s too soon. But he’s in love with you too.”

Chris frowns when he sees Kate approaching him, wearing a black string bikini. Her hair is tied loosely in her neck.

“Kate? What are you doing here?”

She smiles at him.

“I saw you lying here… alone… I thought I’d say hi.”

He swallows.

“Hi. You… you look good…”

She slides her hands down her body slowly and Chris feels his blood boiling at the sight of it.

“Thanks…”

She kneels beside him, looking at him seriously.

“Kiss me, Chris. I made a mistake. You’re the one I love.”

He places his arm around her waist and pulls her down on top of him, kissing her passionately. He moans when her tongue enters his mouth and slowly unties her bikini top…

Then he swings them around, pinning her body under his, leaving a trail of kisses down her neck… her collarbone….

“Chris!”

He moves his hand up her flat stomach, kissing her body softly.

“Kate…”

His voice is a hoarse whisper, impossibly to hear.

“Chris! Wake up!”

Suddenly something cold drips on his chest and his eyes fly open. Carol is standing next to him, an icy cool drink in her hand.

“I thought you might need this. You fell asleep.”

Chris rubs his eyes, his stomach in a tight knot over what he dreamt. He takes the cool drink automatically.

“Yeah… thanks, Carol…”

[ilovekateritchie]

okay, being the sucker that I am, I am going to leave you with the wedding! Click on links to see clothes. Since this is a wedding and all.

“She’s not coming… Why isn’t she here yet?”

Callan impatiently tugs on the jacket of his tux and looks at the door nervously.

Ian slaps him behind his head, frowning.

“She’ll be here! Relax!”

Callan takes a deep breath when the wedding march starts playing and Ian smiles.

“Told you. Now… just enjoy your special day, okay?”

Callan, Ian, Paul, Mark, Nic and Tim all look amazed as the women start walking in slowly…

Sharni, followed by Jodi, Indiana, Amy and Ada, all looking gorgeous in purple strapless dresses.

Callan’s eyes widen when he sees her…

Kate.

She’s walking towards him slowly, in a princess like dress, wearing a pearly tiara instead of a veil, her hair curled and taken to the side.

His heart beats a little faster with every step she takes, his eyes adoring her body.

Kate smiles upon seeing Callan in front of the altar, still unable to believe that it is really happening…

“Do you, Callan, take Kate as your wife? Do you promise to love, honor and cherish her so long as you both shall live?”

Callan looks at Kate with a smile, squeezing her hand.

“I do.”

“And do you Kate, take Callan as your husband? Do you promise to love, honor and cherish him so long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“For inasmuch as you, Callan, and you, Kate, have consented to be joined together in marriage, by the authority vested in me, but most of all by the power of your love for each other, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Callan… you may kiss your wife.”

Callan grins, stroking the side of Kate’s face.

“My wife… I love you.”

“And I love you.”

Jodi can’t help wiping a tear away when their lips meet and Paul looks at her with a small smile.

He winks at her when she looks up and she winks back.

At the same time, Sharni feels her eyes welling up with tears.

She leans forward, touching Jodi’s arm.

“You deserve happiness, Jodz. Tell him how you feel.”

Jodi looks at Sharni and nods.

“You know what… I think I will.”

“All right, everyone… settle down please and say hello… to the newlywed Callan and Kate Mulvey!”

Ian points to the door with great flair and the guests all stand up as Callan and Kate enter.

Chris looks at her miserably.

Lost. Forever.

Carol looks at him with a strange glint in her eyes.

“Doesn’t she look stunning, Chris?”

“Yeah… she does.”

Ian holds his hands up and the crowd falls silent.

“Right everyone… I’m Ian Meadows, the best man…Um… yeah.”

He takes a deep breath and looks at Callan and Kate.

“I met Callan and Kate while filming Home and Away last year… Callan playing the role of my brother and Kate playing the role of… my savior in some sense. A few weeks into filming… they both felt like a brother and sister to me. And they still do. Callan, Kate… I know how much you care about each other and love each other. Your love is so clear and obvious to anyone who looks at you… it’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. I wish you all the happiness in the world – Kate and Callan!”

“Kate and Callan!”

Callan looks at his wife and softly kisses her as the voices echo through the room.

“I love you, Kate Mulvey.”

“I love you Callan Mulvey.”

He kisses her under the applaud of friends and family and laughs when I’ll stand by You by the Pretenders start playing.

“Care to dance?”

He leads her onto the dancefloor and she rests her head on his shoulder.

“This is so perfect…”

“And it will always be. I never want to make you cry and I promise you, I’ll do my best not to.”

Jodi looks at Paul.

“I guess we have to…”

“Dance? Yeah…”

He leads her onto the dance floor and pulls her close. Jodi rests her head against his chest, closing her eyes.

“Jodz?”

“Hmm?”

“I love you.”

She opens her eyes and looks at him, as if she wants to make sure he’s not kidding.

Then her face enlightens and she smiles blissfully.

“I love you too.”

Paul smiles delightedly and lowers his head to kiss her.

Jodi puts her arms around his neck as their mouths meet in a passionate kiss, causing heads to turn.

Kate looks over Callan’s shoulder her eyes widening.

“Looks like happiness is in the air.”

He turns around, looking at them with a grin.

“Well good on them. I’m so happy, I want everyone to feel like this.”

“So do I… I love you so much it hurts.”

Callan sighs and pulls her body closer to his.

“I’ll never stop loving you Kate. Never.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks you lot. I can't remember the website, Tash. I'll try to find it again tonight and PM you! I can see Kate in that...

Anyway, here's the next update!

“I love you so much, Jodz.”

“I love you too, Paul.”

He kisses her softly, twirling a string of her hair around his finger.

“How is it possible that I haven’t realized this ages ago? How could I think you were just a friend?”

Jodi touches his face, smiling.

“Maybe it wasn’t time then.”

“And now it is?”

“And now it is.”

“Everybody! Can I have your attention please?”

Sharni walks to the middle of the floor and everyone else sits down.

“Okay, I’ll take a leaf out of Ian’s book now… I’m Sharni Vinson. Hi… I’ve known Kate for a little over three years now… And she’s become my mentor… and even my big sister… and she’s the most amazing person I know.

Kate, I want to thank you for asking me to be your maid of honor, it’s such a privilege…

Kate and Callan – congratulations… I’m so happy for you and I wish you pure bliss and an amazing future together! And now… it is my pleasure to introduce the next speaker… our groom, Callan Mulvey!”

Callan kisses Kate before standing up.

Chris closes his eyes, painfully aware of what an idiot he was. Callan looks at the people around him and smiles.

“Traditionally the groom starts by thanking the bride first… I’m not going to stick with that tradition.

I want to tell you something first…

A few years ago, I was in an accident. When I woke up… I couldn’t walk and I was badly injured. People said I was lucky to be alive.

But I didn’t feel so lucky – especially when my fiancée couldn’t handle what I looked like and dumped me. Then I met a doctor who… made me realize that God gave me a second chance.

And that I should take it. And I did.

But a part of me was still bitter about what had happened…

And then I got the part of Johnny on Home and Away and I met a bunch of amazing people… Including Kate.

And although it didn’t take me a long time to fall in love with her, it took me a while to admit it. But it’s the best thing I’ve ever done…

Kate… You look beautiful. And I love you so much.

I thank God everyday that He has sent you into my life. You’re the best blessing that He could have given me.

Then I also want to thank everyone who is here… You’re all great. Thanks for coming to celebrate with us. And I hope you’re still enjoying the party when my lovely wife and I are on our way to her dream holiday – in Africa!”

Kate jumps up and runs to Callan, jumping into his arms and showering him with kisses.

“I can’t believe you’re taking me to Africa!”

“So I don’t have to cancel and take you to an island?”

“Don’t you dare!”

She kisses the corner of his mouth and smiles.

“You are the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you so much.”

He takes her hand, unable to contain a grin.

“I love you too. And I promise you to tell you that everyday until I die.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.”

“I have no problem with that.”

Indiana, who is standing next to Rhys who is sitting as the same table as Chris, looks at Kate and Callan with a smile.

“Isn’t it just amazing? How much they love each other?”

Rhys nods and Chris rolls his eyes.

Indiana doesn’t stop gushing, however.

“Could they be more perfect for each other?”

Chris stands up, letting his chair drop to the ground. Indiana and Rhys both frown.

“What’s wrong with him?”

“I have no idea… but he certainly is cranky!”

“Tell me about it… oh no…”

Rhys frowns.

“What’s wrong?”

“He’s going to Kate and Callan, I hope he doesn’t say something to ruin their day.”

Chris hesitates before approaching Callan and Kate.

“Congratulations you guys. You look great.”

Callan lets go of Kate and smiles at Chris.

“Thanks a lot mate. I’m glad you could come.”

Chris nods and smiles.

“May I have a dance with the bride?”

Callan kisses Kate’s neck and nods at Chris.

“Sure, if she doesn’t mind.”

Kate puts on a fake smile and looks at Chris.

“Not at all.”

He takes her hand, leading her onto the dance floor. He pulls her close when the song starts playing, inhaling her scent.

“You look fantastic, Kate.”

“Thank you.”

He strokes over her back softly, closing his eyes.

“I know you probably won’t believe it… but I really wish you and Callan happiness.”

“Thanks Chris. It really means a lot to me, hearing you say that.”

He nods and looks at her seriously.

“And I’m sorry for kissing you. I was out of line.”

“I did kiss you back. And… we both acted like idiots. Just forget about it.”

He turns her outwards and she steps back into his arms.

“Yeah, you’re right…”

“And as soon as Callan and I are back from our honeymoon, we’re inviting you and Carol to dinner. We started off on the wrong foot… maybe we can sort this out. Be friends.”

“I’d like that.”

“So would I.”

[ilovekateritchie]

I just realised I really don't ever remember the rest of the chapters only the PJ bits.

That hurt. No more Paul OR Jodi just because of that! I'm gonna make them die a slow, painful death.

No, I'm just kidding... I think.

“Flight SAA4625 to Cape Town, South Africa, passengers please board through Gate 6.”

Callan takes Kate’s hand.

“That’s us. You ready to go to Africa?”

“I’m ready!”

Jodi gives a big yawn and sits down on the floor.

“I am so tired.”

Sharni nods and sits down next to her.

“So am I. I can’t believe we’ll still cleaning up. Kate and Callan are probably halfway to South Africa by now.”

Paul looks at Sharni, laughing.

“No way! Their flight just boarded, Callan sent me a text.”

Sharni shrugs in a non-caring manner and falls back on the ground, closing her eyes.

“I’m so unbelievably tired.”

Ian walks to the trio and pulls Sharni up by her arm.

“Hey! What are you doing?”

Sharni frowns at him and he smiles sweetly.

“I’m waking you up. Come on, we need to clean this place up. And then I’ll take you to bed.”

Jodi and Paul both snigger at the ambiguous comment and Ian glares at them.

“Just because the two of you are standing behind the door, don’t look there for me as well.”

He leaves angrily, followed by Sharni.

Paul looks at Jodi, confused.

“I was just joking… what was that all about?”

Jodi shrugs.

“I have no idea…”

“Hey, Sharni.”

Sharni looks up and frowns. (okay, I can’t help saying that a lot.)

“Hey, Bobby. What are you still doing here? It’s not like you need to help clean up…”

Bobby nods.

“Yeah, I know… but I couldn’t leave you guys alone. So I decided to help.”

“Thanks, that’s so sweet.”

“So what can I do?”

“You can help me outside if you don’t mind?”

“Not at all. Just let me talk to Chris for a minute…”

“Sure.”

Sharni goes outside and Bobby approaches Chris, who is also lending a hand with the cleaning.

“Hey, Chris…”

“Hey, Bobby, what’s up?”

“Not much, listen… you know that girl you told me about? The one you kissed?”

Chris looks at Bobby slowly, his heart racing.

“Yeah?”

“Are you sorry? Because you kissed her?”

Chris thinks for a while and then shakes his head.

“No. I’m not. I’ve apologized to her a thousand times, but deep down… I’m not sorry that I did it.”

Bobby nods.

“Okay, thanks. See you later.”

“Sure.”

Chris continues picking up trash, absentmindedly.

He looks up when Carol taps him on the shoulder.

“Chris. It’s time to go.”

He sighs, dropping the trash on the floor.

“Yeah… you’re right.”

He follows his wife out, trying his best not to think about Kate… who is now the wife of one of his friends…

“Sharni…”

Sharni looks up when Bobby softly whispers her name.

“Yeah?”

He moves closer, softly kissing her.

Sharni pushes him away after a few seconds, glaring at him angrily.

“How dare you? Jess is my best friend!”

She looks at him in disgust and rushes away through the bushes.

“Ow!”

Sharni looks at the other girl in shock.

“Jess…”

[ilovekateritchie]

Well it's not a Paul and Jodi chapter, but I did give them a whole paragraph... A rather... I-don't-know-what-the-word-is one, and there are some strong sexual refrences hiding somewhere in this part.

Jessica looks at Bobby in disgust.

“You sleazebag! Come on, Sharni. Let’s go somewhere where the air is clean.”

The girls rush away and Bobby hits the wall with his fist angrily.

Callan looks at his sleeping wife next to him with a smile.

“How gorgeous can you be?”

He softly kisses her ear and she moves.

“Hmm mm.”

“Hey, beautiful.”

Kate opens her eyes slightly and smiles at him.

“Hey. How long have you been looking at me?”

“Ages. You look so sweet in your sleep.”

Kate smiles and stretches out a bit.

“Hmmm… well you’re going to be able to look at me sleeping for years to come.”

“The rest of my life.”

“The rest of our lives.”

She sighs and Callan puts his arm around her shoulders.

“What’s wrong, Katie?”

“Doesn’t it scare you?”

“What?”

“Being so unbelievably happy. I’m almost waiting for something bad to happen.”

Callan softly kisses Kate’s neck, sucking on her soft skin for just a second.

“Stop waiting. Nothing bad is going to happen.”

She looks at him and smiles.

“Yeah… I guess you’re right. I should just stop worrying and start enjoying my perfect life.”

Callan kisses her again.

“That’s more like it… want to go freshen up? I’ll come with you…”

“You are reading my mind, Mr. Mulvey…”

“Mmm…”

Paul rolls to his side, pulling Jodi into an embrace.

“Think we’re going to remember it this time?”

Jodi laughs, snuggling up against him.

“Hmm, I don’t know… It’s a little fuzzy already.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Paul pulls her up against him and softly kisses her.

“Maybe you should be reminded then.”

“You know what, maybe I should…”

She lifts her head to kiss him passionately and he turns over, pulling her on top of him.

“I love you Jodz…”

“I know… I love you too!”

He slowly slides his hands down her back as she starts moving on top of him, looking in her eyes the whole time…

“Wow. Freshening up is fun, we should do it again.”

Callan winks at Kate and she blushes.

“Stop it…”

“You’re blushing!”

“No I’m not!”

“Yes you are!”

He kisses the corner of her mouth and laughs.

“You are the most adorable woman on the planet!”

“I know.”

She takes his hand and closes her eyes.

“Kate?”

“Hmm?”

“How many kids do you want?”

Kate opens her eyes and looks at him in shock.

“It’s a bit early to be thinking about that, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, I know… I’m just… I don’t know, I’m just curious.”

She shrugs.

“I don’t know. Maybe two. Or three. You?”

“The same… I’ve always wanted a son named Hayden.”

“Why Hayden?”

“It was my best friends name when I was a little boy. Hayden Michaels.”

“What happened to him?”

“He drowned when we were eleven. We were out on a boat with his parents… and there was an accident. I could hear him shouting for help for months after in my sleep. He was terrified and I just stood there… frozen. And then the shouting stopped.”

Unable to find words, Kate snuggles up against him, pressing her head on his shoulder.

Callan softly strokes over her dark hair, his eyes gazing out of the window.

“Jess? Hey, what’s wrong?”

Mark walks closer when he sees Jessica sitting on a large rock, sobbing uncontrollably.

“Talk to me.”

Jessica swallows and looks at the grass.

“I saw Bobby kissing Sharni.”

“What?”

Mark looks at her in shock.

“Oh, Jess!”

“Yeah. She pushed him away and went off at him… but… for the second that I saw them kissing… I hated her, Mark. I wanted to kill her!”

He nods, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders.

“That’s totally normal, Jess. After she pushed him away and went off at him… did you still hate her?”

“No, of course not! I wanted to applaud at her… but then I hated myself for hating her – even if it was just a second, and for not trusting her.”

Mark nods.

“I understand. But hey, don’t feel bad. You didn’t do or say anything wrong, and you can’t help what you feel. So everything’s fine.”

“Yeah… I guess you’re right. Thanks Mark.”

She kisses him on the cheek and sits down again.

“So how are things with you and Rachel?”

“We’re over.”

“What? I thought you were trying to sort things out!”

Mark nods sadly.

“We tried. But I didn’t have the time to give her attention and… well, she got tired of it.”

“I’m so sorry, Mark.”

He shakes his head.

“This is pathetic. Yesterday was supposed to be the perfect day you know. Kate and Callan got married, Jodi and Paul got together… And then Rachel and I broke up.”

“And Bobby and I. Although… he doesn’t know it yet.”

“But you are going to tell him?”

“Of course! And I’m going to make sure everybody hears me.”

Mark looks at her seriously.

“Isn’t that a little evil?”

“It’s called revenge, Mark.”

“Right. Remind me never to get on your bad side!

Indiana looks at Rhys seriously.

“I can’t believe he did that! It’s pathetic! Jess is so upset and Sharni wants to kill him.”

Rhys shrugs.

“Well he can’t help that he likes Sharni…”

“But kissing her while dating Jess? It’s pathetic!”

“Indi… why don’t we focus on us for a while. We haven’t been alone in ages. I just… I want us to bond, you know.”

Indiana puts her arms around his neck, smiling.

“Well why didn’t you say so?”

Rhys grins and lowers his head to kiss her.

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks guys! Here's the next part. Hope you enjoy!

PART 24

“We welcome you to Cape Town. Temperature outside is 22 degrees. It’s a sunny day with a light Southern Westerly wind. Coast report: The ocean is calm, with high tide starting at three. Please set your watches to two o’clock. We trust that you enjoyed the flight and that you will fly with SAA again. Welkom in Kaapstad. Temperatuur buite, is 22 grade met sonnige weer en ‘n ligte Suidwes wat waai…”

Callan stops listening when the airhostess switches to Afrikaans and looks at Kate with a smile.

“Welcome to Africa.”

“Thank you, Callan.”

They kiss softly before standing up and walking out of the plane, eager to explore a new country. Together.

“Carol, I’m home!”

Chris walks into a quiet house and frowns.

“Carol? Michele? Emma? Hello?”

His heart stops for a second when he sees a white envelope lying on the desk and with shaking hands he picks it up…

“Sharni! Sharni, wait up!”

Sharni turns around, her eyes blazing.

“What do you want, Bobby?”

“I want to chat…”

“Well guess what, I don’t.”

Bobby lifts his hands up into the air, looking confused.

“Hey, what’s wrong with you?”

“What’s wrong with me? You kissed me, Bobby! You kissed me, while dating my best friend! How could you do something like that to Jessica?”

Bobby grabs Sharni’s hand.

“I can’t help it! You’re the one I’m in love with Sharni.”

“Well guess what. I’m not in love with you. So just leave me alone!”

She pulls away and storms off, leaving Bobby devastated.

“Carol, you can’t do this… If you hang up on me, I swear I will…”

“Do what Chris? Dump me?”

He picks up the letter again.

“Just tell me what I can do. We can work it out.”

“No, Chris. We can’t. Besides, I’ve already got everything organized. The girls and I are flying to America the day after tomorrow. Just sign the papers and let’s get this over with.”

“You can’t take my kids away from me! I will fight you for custody.”

Carol sighs.

“Well Chris, that would just be a waste of money.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You can’t get custody. Because they aren’t your kids.”

Jodi looks up when her dressing room door opens and Paul walks in.

“Hey gorgeous.”

She smiles at him flirtatiously.

“Heya back. What are you doing in here?”

Paul puts his arm around her waist, pulling her close.

“I wanted to know whether you wanted to stay with me tonight.”

“I’ll have to think about that…”

Paul nods, looking put down.

“Okay, well you just give me a call then and…”

Jodi bursts out laughing.

“I’m kidding, you idiot!”

She kisses him and laughs.

“You ask the dumbest questions sometimes.”

“Well, when I’m with you, I can’t think. You cloud my mind.”

“Is that good or bad?”

“Definitely good!”

[ilovekateritchie]

This is for my two commanders here who are forcing me to update! Thanks for the feedback everyone!

“So what’s the plan?”

Kate drops her bag on the hotel room floor and looks at Callan.

“How long are we here for? Where else are we going? What are we going to do? Are we going to rent a car?”

Callan laughs, pulling her close and picking her up.

“What is with all the questions? Just live for the moment…”

Kate smiles.

“What are you planning for the next few moments then?”

He puts her down on the bed and slowly starts undressing her.

“Well… I was always better with show than tell…”

“Oh I know that’s true…”

Chris slowly opens his dressing room door and falls down on the couch.

It’s like everything is coming to nothing.

He hasn’t only lost his wife and children, but Kate is lost to him as well…

“And to think I felt guilty about kissing Kate.”

“You kissed Kate?”

Chris sits up with a bolt when Nic speaks, a few feet away from him.

“Nic! What the hell are you doing here?”

“When did you kiss Kate?”

Chris sighs.

“Before Callan even proposed, can you just let it go?”

“Sure. Sorry.”

“It’s okay. So what are you doing here?”

Nic shrugs.

“I sleep here a lot. When my house gets too big and empty. And I start missing Claire and my kid…”

“Yeah, well in that case I’ll be joining you a lot.”

“What are you talking about?”

Chris sighs.

“Carol filed for divorce. She’s moving to America and she’s taking Michele and Emma with her.”

“Can she do that?”

“Yeah. Because they’re not even my kids.”

Nic looks at his friend in shock.

“I had no idea.”

“Neither did I.”

Nic puts his hand on Chris’ shoulder.

“I’m so sorry, mate. Really I am.”

Chris sighs.

“It’s okay. In a sense I can understand where Carol is coming from. We both know that we stopped loving each other ages ago.”

“Will you be okay?”

“Yeah… I’ll be fine. Thanks.”

“Well if you need to talk… I’ll just be in my dressing room. Watching old Home and Away episodes.”

Chris jumps up.

“I’m with you. Which episodes are we watching?”

“I’m watching 4052 tonight.”

Chris lifts a brow.

“Wow, mate… How many nights have you spent here?”

“Way too many. Now come on!”

“Jodi?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you asleep?”

“Yeah and you?”

Paul laughs hugging her tightly.

“Do you think… I want to know… Would you consider…”

“Just say it, Paul.”

“Okay I want to know whether you want to move in with me.”

Jodi sits up, looking at him in shock.

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah. I love you and… I’m serious about this relationship.”

Jodi thinks for a while and then slowly nods.

“Yeah… I will. If you’re sure that is what you want.”

“I’m sure.”

“Chris, pass the popcorn please.”

Chris sighs before passing Nic the popcorn.

“You eat a lot.”

“So what, I’m still in good shape, so who cares.”

“Right… Hey, who do you think was the better Hayley? Ella or Bec?”

Nic shrugs.

“I don’t know. Bec was the original, so…”

Nic frowns when Chris motions for him to shut up.

“I want you to tell me how I’m supposed to spend the rest of my life without you!”

On the screen Sally is going off at Flynn, crying hysterically.

“That is brilliant acting…”

“Yeah it is. Pass me a chocolate bar, please mate.”

“Mint or nut?”

“Mint.”

Chris throws a chocolate at Nic who immediately unwraps and starts eating it. He looks at Chris seriously.

“You’re drooling, mate.”

Chris blushes and throws a pillow at Nic.

“I didn’t choose to be crazy about her, Nic.”

“I know, mate. I know.”

The two guys both sigh deeply and sit back, looking at the TV screen without taking in what’s happening on it.

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for the comments... I'll think about Nic and Chris moving in together, but I do have rather big plans for Chris in the parts that I'm writing now. (Which is like part 42!)

And here is Part 26!

PART 26

Kate sighs when the car comes to a stop.

“Oh. Now the honeymoon is officially over.”

Callan laughs and kisses her hand.

“Far from it! Except for the whole going back to work and not sleeping in a tent thing, we’ve got a honeymoon for the rest of our lives.”

“Sounds promising…”

“Hmmm… we can go on with the honeymoon right now…”

Kate laughs and kisses his neck.

“Sorry, babe, but if I know my friends as well as I think I know them… we’re not going to be alone tonight.”

“Another party? NO!”

“How well do you know Nic Bishop?”

“Already too well.”

“Yeah. Look surprised when we go in.”

“I will.”

Kate takes her keys out of her handbag and unlocks the door.

“SURPRIZE!”

Kate’s eyes widen and she laughs.

“Oh my gosh! How did you get in here?”

Sharni walks forward and hugs her.

“Your mum gave us the spare key! Welcome back!”

“Thanks guys!”

Chris stands closer and shakes Callan’s hand.

“How was Africa, mate?”

“It was awesome! Kate got the flu badly though, but it was so beautiful! Africa I mean, not the flu.”

Sharni laughs and takes Kate’s hand.

“I want to know everything! Where you were, what you did…”

Sharni blushes when everyone in the vicinity starts laughing.

“Okay, so not everything.”

Kate laughs and touches her forehead for a few seconds.

“Sorry, head ache… Um, well we went to Cape Town for three days. It was amazing... We went up to Table Mountain where we drank coffee in this adorable little coffee shop. Afterwards we… walked around on the mountain. It’s so beautiful, you can see the whole of Cape Town from up there! It was really amazing.”

Indiana sighs enviously.

“You did take pictures, didn’t you?”

“Of course! Here, let me show you…”

She reaches for her digital camera to brag with the pictures they took.

Callan looks at Chris curiously.

“I can’t believe we’ve been away for a month! What’s happened while we were gone?”

Chris smiles.

“Jodi and Paul moved in together.”

“Seriously? That’s great!”

“Yeah, and Jess and Bobby broke up.”

“What? You’re kidding, what happened?”

“Apparently she saw him… kissing Sharni.”

Callan’s eyes widen and he shakes his head.

“Poor Jess. I’d be crushed if I saw one of my friends kissing Kate… What did she do?”

“Sharni or Jess?”

“Jess!”

“Dumped him. In front of the whole cast… I almost fell sorry for him. She shouted what a rat he was for kissing her best friend… It was really something.”

“And Sharni?”

“Well, she went off at Bobby for kissing her. She’s sticking by Jess.”

Callan looks over at where Jessica is sitting with Kate, admiring her photos.

“She looks okay.”

“Well, they say you can’t die of a broken heart. I’m just going to use your bathroom, I’ll be back in a few.”

Callan nods and Chris leaves for the bathroom.

“Oh, and this was taken at a Game Reserve in Oudtshoorn… I can’t even say that – but isn’t this the cutest little thing?”

She passes the camera around and all the girls gush over the picture of Kate with a little cheetah.

Jodi is the first one who notices that something is wrong.

“Kate? You’re extremely pale… are you okay?”

“Yeah… It’s this damn flu, I just have to go to the bathroom. I’ll be back.”

Kate opens the bathroom door to find Chris in front of the sink, splashing his face with cool water.

“Hey, Chris… what’s wrong?”

He shakes his head and sits down on the edge of the bathtub.

“Carol and I got divorced.”

“What? Chris, I’m so sorry!”

“She took Michele and Emma with her. To America.”

“Can she do that?”

Kate sits down next to him, frowning.

“Yeah she can. Because they’re not my kids.”

“What?”

“She’s been cheating on me for years. With some American. He was married as well, but his wife is dead now… so she just packed up and left.”

“I’m so…”

Kate’s words are interrupted by a rush of nausea and she bends over the toilet. Chris kneels next to her, holding her hair out of her face considerately.

“You okay?”

She sits back up after a while and closes her eyes.

“I’m fine.”

“Is it still the flu?”

Kate nods.

“Yeah. Hopefully it blows over soon, it’s awful.”

He looks at her silently and she touches his knee.

“Hey. It’ll be okay. I know it’s hard, but you’ll pull through this.”

“Yeah… thanks, Kate.”

They hug just as the bathroom door opens again.

“Sorry…”

Chris quickly lets go of Kate and smiles at Nic, who is standing in the door.

“Oh, hey, Nic. I’m just depressing the bride with my fantastic divorce tale…”

Kate stands up.

“I’d better get back down, Callan is fawning over me with this flu. I’ll see you guys later.”

Nic nods when she leaves and then rushes forward, grabbing Chris’ arm.

“Mate! What the hell are you doing?”

Chris frowns.

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about you! Holding onto Kate…”

“Nic, it was a hug, okay? One hug, because she was feeling sorry for me. Nothing more.”

“To her maybe! But you’re in love with Kate, Chris! Use your head!”

“What? Chris is in love with Kate?”

Nic and Chris both look at Paul who is standing in the bathroom door, clearly shocked.

Chris lets his head hang and sighs.

“Great Nic! Why don’t you make a poster and put it up in the middle of Sydney?”

Paul walks into the bathroom and sits down on Chris’ other side.

“Is that why you made out in your dressing room the other day?”

“The other day?” (Nic)

“You know?” (Chris)

“Yeah, Kate told me after it happened.”

The three guys all look out in front of them.

Paul talks first.

“What are you going to do about it?”

Chris shakes his head.

“Nothing. This is just an infatuation, okay? It will blow over. It just has to.”

“Right, but what if it doesn’t?”

“It has to! She’s with Callan and I respect that. I won’t even consider hurting him. Ever.”

“So you think you can be just friends with Kate?”

“Yeah. I think so.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Weeeeeeeeelllllllllllllll.... okay! Thanks for comments!

“I can’t believe everything is so perfect. It’s like a fairytale.”

Kate looks up at Callan, her eyes shining.

“Yeah… something like Beauty and the Beast.”

Kate sits up very quickly and slaps Callan on his arm.

“Don’t you dare call my husband a beast!”

“Oh, come here and let me apologize!”

She falls down on top of him, kissing him passionately. Callan puts his hands in under her pajama top and Kate pulls away.

“What’s wrong?”

Shaking her head, Kate runs to the bathroom.

Callan follows her, only to find her bent over the toilet.

He stands next to her, stroking her back softly.

“Katie, I think you should see a doctor again… The Kruger Park is a malaria area… I’m worried.”

Kate gets up, tears filling up in her eyes.

“So am I…”

Callan pulls her closer, holding her against his chest with tears in his eyes.

“Well get through this, Kate. You’re going to be fine.”

“I’m scared, Callan.”

“Look at me. Kate, look at me.”

She looks at him and he kisses her on her forehead.

“I will not let anything happen to you. I promise.”

“Their love can survive anything. It’s so amazing to see.”

Paul nods sleepily.

“Jodz… their love is an inspiration to me, but can we please go to sleep now?”

“Am I boring you, Paul O’Brien?”

His eyes fly open and he smiles.

“Oh you could never bore me!”

She snuggles up against him.

“I love you. Good night.”

“Good night, Jodi. Sweet dreams.”

She kisses him softly in his neck before closing her eyes.

“No dream could be sweeter than this reality.”

Dear Chris.

I know that this isn’t the best way to do this. But it’s the easiest. We both know that things between us aren’t what they used to be. Not for ages. I don’t know why we kept fooling ourselves all these years. Maybe it’s because we were scared of letting go. Moving out of our comfort zone.

You’ll find divorce papers in the envelope. Please just sign it. We both know that we don’t love each other anymore.

I don’t think we ever did.

At some stage in my life, I thought losing you would hurt. But it doesn’t. Maybe it’s because I never had you.

Or maybe it’s because I lost you the day you met Kate.

I know you tried to convince yourself and everyone else around you that you hated her. But you didn’t fool me.

Because I’m the one who slept next to you and heard you whispering her name in your dreams. And surprisingly it didn’t hurt me. It actually hurt me more that I wasn’t bothered by you being in love with someone else. That’s what made me realize this was over.

Good luck.

Carol.

Chris slowly drops the letter onto the ground and hoarse sobs start ripping out of his chest.

Nic stops at the door when he hears sobs coming out of Chris’ dressing room.

He lifts his hand to knock, but decides not to at the last minute.

With a deep sigh, he turns around.

“You need your privacy now, mate.”

He leaves slowly, feeling like he’s already invaded and wishing that he could do something to make it all better.

[ilovekateritchie]

Lol, here is the next part!!

Thanks for all the comments!

Kate bites her thumb nail, looking at the doctor nervously.

“We’ve just come back from South Africa, we’ve been to the Kruger Park… I’m a little worried that it might be malaria.”

The doctor nods.

“I understand that, Mrs. Mulvey… You did take medication, didn’t you?”

“Yeah… does that rule the possibility out?”

“Unfortunately not. It minimizes the risk, but there is no guarantee. Would you mind if I asked you a few personal questions?”

“No, not at all.”

The doctor nods and looks at her over his black-rimmed glasses.

“Are you or have you been sexually active in the last two months?”

Kate blushes.

“Well, I’ve gotten married a little over a month ago, so yes.”

“Are you on any medication to prevent pregnancy?”

“Yes, I’m using the Pill… You don’t think… Is there a chance that I might be… pregnant?”

“I’m just keeping the options open. You said you caught the flu?"

“Yeah, we thought that this was just that going on for long.”

The doctor stands up.

“Mrs. Mulvey, would you follow me please?”

“Malaria? Do you think that’s possible?”

Jodi looks at Callan in shock and he nods. Paul puts his arm around Jodi and gives her a reassuring kiss. She puts her arms around his waist and looks at Callan.

"So she's at the doctor alone now?"

“Yeah… I wanted to go with her, but… she said that she wanted to go alone.”

Chris stands up, his hands shaking.

“And if it is malaria? What happens then?”

“It depends on how serious it is… She might have to go to hospital for a few days.”

Chris shakes his head.

“Why didn’t you test for it earlier? People die of malaria, Callan!”

“I know that, okay! We’re just trying to stay positive! It’s not like it can’t be treated!”

“Sure, it can be treated! But it’s not always effective!”

Nic elbows Chris in the ribs and slightly shakes his head. Chris closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

“Look, I’m sorry, mate. I’m just worried about her.”

“It’s okay.”

Chris rubs his neck nervously.

“Oh, you know what, I have an appointment, so I’m just going to leave… I’ll see you later.”

He walks out and gets into his car. He hesitates for a moment and then drives to the hospital.

“So… what are the chances that it is malaria?”

The doctor quickly pricks Kate’s finger before answering her question.

“Well, seeing as you were in a high risk area, the chances are quite good. I’m worried about the flu symptoms as well. I’m quickly going to run some blood tests, we’ll have the results soon.”

“What are you testing for?”

“Malaria, pregnancy and meningitis… have you vomited blood at all in the last few weeks?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“I… I think so. Yes. Why?”

“Well, vomiting blood might be a bleeding ulcer or even cancer. That’s why it’s very important to be sure.”

“I’m sure… um…meningitis?”

“It’s when the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord get infected and yes it is quite serious.”

“How serious? Worst case scenario.”

“Worst case scenario? Same as with malaria. Death.”

“So… are you trying to tell me that I could die?”

“Mrs. Mulvey… you could cross the street and get hit by a bus. Life and death is not in my hands. But if you do have meningitis or malaria, I will do my very best to make sure that you do not die. Okay?”

She nods nervously and the doctor smiles.

“Just try and relax. I’m going to ask my receptionist to bring you some tea while we wait for the test results.”

"What if it is serious, Paul?"

Paul holds Jodi closer.

"Hey. Don't worry about it now. She'll be fine."

"I hope you're right."

"Yeah, so do I. Hey, relax, love. If it is malaria, we'll deal with it. And she'll be fine."

Jodi sighs, burying her face against his chest.

"I don't understand how you can be so strong."

"You make me strong, Jodz. I'm nothing without you."

She smiles and kisses him.

"I love it when you make me feel good about myself. Seriously though... do you really think she'll be all right?"

"Yeah. I do."