Forever and a Day

[ScreamingQueen2006]

Story Title: Forever and a Day

Type of story: Medium/Long Fic

Main Characters: Brax, Martha, Ruby, Annie, Matthew, Xavier, Melody, Nicole, Dexter and others.

BTTB rating: G/T

Genre: Drama/Romance

Does story include spoilers: None

Any warnings: (SC, V/D)

Summary: A pastiche of Summer Bay. Continuing on from Tomorrow and Forever.

Authors Note: Sequel to Tomorrow and Forever. The story continues one week after the events of the stalker and shooting of Charlie.

Chapter 1 - Part 1

Summer Bay House

Dexter covered his face with his hands and peeked out between the digits. “Peekboo.”

Little Amelia giggled at the sight, wrapped up in her basinet.

“Thanks for this Dex.” Martha said.

“It’s not a problem.” Dexter turned up his nose as he picked Amelia out from the blankets. “Think she needs changing.”

“Everything’s all set out for you upstairs, nappies, cream and nappy sacks.” Martha replied.

Dexter proceeded to carry Amelia out of the room by singing her a song he’d made up on the spot. “What surprise have you got in your nappy? What surprise have you got in your nappy? Is it a 1 or a number 2? Let’s take a look and see.” Dexter’s voice grew distant as he headed up the stairs.

“He’s a natural.” Roo said.

“Singing lyrics like that, yeah.” Matthew said in a sarcastic tone, dressed in a black shirt tucked into black jeans.

“Just because you can’t sing.” Martha teased her younger brother.

“I’ll have you know I’m a star in the shower.”

Immediately Alf’s voice could be heard from the back door, he didn’t sound too happy, and it didn’t take long before everyone knew who he was shouting at. “Now you flammin’ listen.” He began. “It’s always been a two way street, every time you’ve stuffed up I’ve given you chances, I’ve made excuses. Well not anymore. This time you’ve crossed the line. What you did to Melody is inexcusable. I want you gone before we get back from the funeral, now go pack your bags!”

“But Dad, come on.”

“Don’t you ‘but Dad come on’ me. You heard what I said.”

“But they’re making it up. You’ve got to see that.” Duncan moaned.

Alf fixed Duncan with a very intense look. “Pull the other one it’s got bells on. I got the full story out of Matthew and Melody earlier. Whatever game you were playing, it’s over. Now go pack before I throw you out.”

Summer Bay Anglican Church

The hearse slowly followed behind the police escorts on motorbikes leading the procession. The few dozen people outside the church watched as Ruby stayed behind the funeral car. She didn’t seem to notice them there. She seemed lost in a vision, her eyes transfixed.

Inside the church Charlie now rested at the head of the aisle. The Australian flag draped over her coffin, and a photograph of her in police uniform had been placed on top.

While the congregation waited for the service to begin, they passed the time with reading the program and making small talk.

Matthew caught Annie’s eye. “Can we talk?”

“Not now.” Annie looked over at Ruby.

“But we need to sort things out.”

Annie shot him a disapproving glance. “I said not now. Can’t you see Ruby’s really upset? I think she’s more important than you wanting to sort things.”

Matthew sat back in the pew folding his arms.

Xavier held a copy of the service program while keeping his attention on Ruby, who had been the focus of the entire morning.

Ruby stood at the altar facing the congregation of family and friends that had come to reflect and pay tribute to Charlie. Her tear stained face, and swollen eyes stricken with grief. She moved closer to the microphone and began her eulogy.

“I have a theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. Charlie was very much a compassionate person, her love for her work and family. She was our sparkling. She looked for the best and found it in Brax. If anyone was meant to be together it was them.”

Brax raised his head from his hands upon hearing his name. He felt an enormous dark cloud of guilt suffocating him. He knew full well he was somewhat responsible for Charlie’s death.

Patterson Residence

“Annie. Can we talk now?” Matthew’s request was harmless enough, however Annie faced him with a frown.

“I think it’s best if we don’t.” She replied, a triangle sandwich at hand.

Matthew looked gutted. “Why not?”

“I can’t do this Matt, ok?”

“Just hear me out a second. Say if I don’t talk to Nicole again, avoid her, and block her out of everything. Would you think about fixing things then?”

Annie thought for a minute. “Well in reality it seems like a nice dream, but I doubt we can get back to what we once were. I’m sorry, but that’s just the way it is.”

“We’re out of sandwiches.” Colleen handed Melody two silver platters. “Can you take these back to the diner? I’ve ordered more.”

“Can’t you get someone else to do it?” Melody asked.

“If this is about Duncan, I wouldn’t worry. He’s been thrown out and he hasn’t anywhere else to go. He’s probably long gone by now. Take Matthew with you for an extra pair of hands.”

Melody sprang from the chair in a huff and handed a platter to Matthew. “And I thought slavery had been abolished.”

As they headed out the door they passed a drunken Brax. He staggered into the kitchen, and slammed a bottle of Jack Daniels on the table, which interrupted everyone. “Do you lot really wanna know why Charlie died?”

Everyone looked at him confused.

“It’s because of me.” Brax glanced at Martha. “And someone else and they’re here too.”

[Inactive User]

Great start More soon please xx

[Guest]

Great start please update again soon

[ScreamingQueen2006]

Thanks Sarah and Kristen.

Chapter 1 – Part 2

Pier Diner

Matthew and Melody waited at the counter, while hired help prepared the last batch of sandwiches.

“Bit conservative if I must say.” Nicole spoke, making observation.

Matthew turned to her. “I’m not dressed to stand out at a party, someone just died.”

Nicole rolled her eyes at the emphasis of the last word. “That sucks. So what you up to later?”

“Nothing much.”

Nicole moved in close, and whispered in his ear. “How about you come over to my place? You’ll be able to chill and get your tension out then.”

Matthew backed away. “No thanks.”

“That’s a shame. I was really looking forward to you coming over.” Nicole pouted.

“Get lost Nicole.” Melody chirped up. “He’s not interested.”

Nicole laughed. “Well it’s not as if Annie has a say in what he does.”

“No thanks to you.” Melody eyed Nicole.

“I’ll think you’ll find in was in fact Duncan who caused that, not me.”

“Someone say my name?” Duncan asked, as he slid past Melody, a bag over his shoulder. He took one look at her and sniggered. “If it isn’t the secret slut.”

Melody grabbed a platter and took off for the nearest exit.

Patterson Residence

“I think you’ve had too much grog mate.” Alf said.

Brax shook his head. “It’s true. Sarah Lewis is murderer, but I’m the cause. Both me and Martha. I cheated on Charlie with her.”

Ruby stared at him in disbelief, then cocked her arm back and punched him square in the mouth. Everyone was astounded by the sudden violence she had exhibited.

Ruby turned to Martha, who looked like she didn’t know where to put herself. “Is it true? Did you cheat with him on Charlie?”

Martha remained fixed to the spot, unable to speak. The horror in her eyes spoke volumes.

Ruby rained down on Martha. “Sleeping with whoever comes his way, making money in every attempt he can. How could you let yourself be another tally in his deck of cards? You didn’t think though did you? Instead you ruined my life!” She then fled out of the door.

Matthew and Melody came back with the platters and noticed all was not fine as when they’d left.

“What’s going on?” Matthew asked.

“Just some drama, nothing for you kids to worry about.” Alf replied.

“Thing is, there is something to worry about. Duncan’s still in town.”

Rock Pool

The image of the coffin being lowered into the cold, hard earth replayed in Ruby’s mind. She sat dangling her feet off the side of the pool, her toes touching the water.

“Thought I might find you here.” Bobby said as she sat down beside her.

“It’s the only place I can be alone.”

“That was quite a punch you threw back there.”

“I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” Ruby replied bitterly.

“I don’t know if this helps but, I think I can relate. I mean I have an idea of how you feel, at least a little.”

“No you don’t!” Ruby scoffed.

“I’m not saying it’s the same. See I lost a good friend of mine a long time ago, he was everything to me, and then he was gone.”

“Yeah, but I bet he didn’t have kids who needed him. I’m the one who’s left behind, I have absolutely no one.”

“It doesn’t really matter who’s dead. When people love each other and then suddenly one of them isn’t there anymore, it’s the distance that hurts, and it’s always the same.”

Ruby had listened to all of Bobby’s words and seemed to momentarily snap out of her grief, an idea formed in her mind. “I think I know what I need to do.”

[--HAA]

I wasn't expecting any of that. I cannot believe Brax cheated on Charlie with Martha! Good on Ruby for punching Brax in the face! He deserved it!

Ohhh, wonder what Ruby is going to do next after that conversation with Bobby?

Great chapter♥♥

[Guest]

Great update please update again soon

[Inactive User]

Great chapter. Glad Ruby punched Brax-he deserved it! More soon please xx

[Red Ranger 1]

Good start to this fiction.Liked Bobby comforting Ruby, hoping Duncan gets some serious payback heading his way.Looking forward to more!

[ScreamingQueen2006]

Sorry for the lack of updates. Life really turned busy and took me away from writing, but I’m trying my best to work on my projects for you guys.

Thanks so much for the comments - HAA, Romeo&Indi Forever, JarlieFanEver and Red Ranger.

I will get to the resolve for the Sarah/Brett situation, but it's a bit of a slow build up.

Chapter 2 – Part 1

Summer Bay House

Martha’s body tensed as she stuck the key in the front door of Summer Bay House. “I never meant to start a war.”

“Well it looks like you have.” Roo replied. “I can’t believe all this was going on and we never knew.”

“You’d have only judged, pretty much like you are now.” Martha sighed.

“Don’t worry Sis. I’m sure Granddad won’t mind dusting off his Vietnam armour for you.” Matthew joked, walking in behind her.

“Matthew!” Roo scolded.

In amid the banter the three Stewarts eyed Dexter on the couch, reading a Gaming Weekly magazine.

Dexter looked up at them. “Hey guys. What’s all the ruckus?”

“Just a small dilemma.” Matthew smiled.

“I wouldn’t call it small.” Roo chimed in. She walked across the room toward Dexter. “We appreciate you looking after Amelia.”

Dexter shifted from the couch. “No problem. She’s been really well behaved and cute as a button too.”

Roo handed him some notes. “Thanks again Dex.”

Dexter noticed the stern look between Roo and Martha. “Ok, I know when it’s time for me to leave. Well off to Ruby’s I go. Ruby text me earlier, she’s got something to tell me at her place. Well see you guys.” Dexter grabbed his magazine and headed out the door.

The look of painful guilt was now even more evident on Martha’s face than before, and every millisecond felt like an eternity to her. “She’s going to tell the entire town.”

Matthew couldn’t help find the situation somewhat amusing in spite of his own problems.

Roo noticed. “You can wipe that smirk off your face and go upstairs. And you.” She turned to Martha. “You and I are going to have a long talk about why my granddaughter was fathered by a Braxton.”

Patterson Residence

Ruby held the cordless phone to her ear as she placed clothes in a rucksack. “If you could just call me back Morag that’d be great. Thanks heaps. Talk to you later, ok bye.”

“Rubes.” Annie began joining Dexter on the couch. “Are you sure about this? Running away is only going to make it worse. Didn’t running away to L.A teach you that?”

“Running away is exactly what I want to do, and that trip only reminds me what I’m capable of.” Ruby placed the phone in the cradle and zipped up her bag. “Although I’m not going that far this time, I’m going to find my bio dad.”

“Maybe this isn’t the best time to go through with your plan.” Dexter warned.

“Lies and secrets destroyed the only family I had. It’s time I knew the truth to some of it at least.”

“Are you sure?” Annie asked. “Once you’ve opened that door that’s it, there’s no going back.”

“Annie’s right. You really should consider this a bit more.”

Ruby sighed. “Listen guys, I’m sure ok? I have to find my bio dad. I need to.”

“Bio dad? Sounds like a super hero.” Dexter joked.

“Yeah, Dex, I’m definitely sure he’s not. But I’ve gotta find out why Charlie never spoke about him and why she acted so vague when I asked her about it. All I have is a name, but it’s a start.”

“Well call us at the first sign of trouble.” Annie said. “Promise?”

“Don’t worry everything will be fine. But I promise if it makes you feel better.” Ruby replied though her reassurance sounded less than convincing.

Summer Bay House

The cold, hard feel of the laminated floor sent shivers up Matthew’s back as he walked over to the sink. He grabbed a glass from the draining board and turned the tap. Just as the sound of the water began to gush and run down the drain, he nearly got a fright. He saw Melody, in the shadows of the pantry chomping on crisps, biscuits, crackers and chocolate.

“Melody?”

Melody turned her head in Matthew’s direction and stood frozen to the spot, a look of terror in her eyes.

“I thought there was enough food at the wake. What are you doing eating so late and in the pantry?” Matthew’s question hung in the air.

Melody closed the pantry door, her cover story ready. “I didn’t eat much earlier.”

“But you had just as much as me.” Matthew looked at her concerned. “Are you ok?”

“Yes. I’m fine.” She said dismissively. “Now I’m going to bed. Isn’t that where you should be?”

[Guest]

Great update Sandie looking forward to more update again soon