Hello beautiful people! 😍💚💙💜 I'm sorry for the incredibly long wait 😤😥😭
Unfortunately I suffered a bit of writer's block and every time I would try and write, nothing would come out 😤😥😭 so I quit pushing myself to and well, what do you know, eventually I was able to again 😃😍💚💙💜
Hope you enjoy the update!
"Did you tell him?"
I glanced sideways at Noah, while my hands kept busy in their task of stirring the mixture together for my upcoming Blueberry Muffins.
"Tell who, what?"
I asked, a frown pulling my brow.
Folding her arms under her chest, my friend/housemate turned so her left side was all but pressed against the kitchen counter and she faced Me.
My stomach dropped a level when I read her glowering expression.
Biting into my bottom lip, I turned my gaze back to my muffin batter.
"No."
I all but whispered.
Blazye was released from Hospital yesterday.
In the less than twenty four hours since, there'd been not one appropriate time to inform him that his Mother and Sister apparently hate my guts and that I now no longer exactly cared for either one of them.
"You're kinda gonna have to tell him."
I could hear the frown in Noah's tone.
"What if He wants to like, invite them over, or something?"
My spine stiffened at the idea of trying to put on a performance of tolerating Loralai and Madison.
I dropped the wooden spoon against the rim of the bowl and reached to the side to grab the muffin tray.
"Well, in that case I would just have to think of a reason why I have to be elsewhere."
I muttered.
Every ounce of Me knew that not telling Blayze wasn't a good idea.
But a large chunk of Me couldn't see how I was supposed to tell Him of such information and have our lives remain hunky dory.
It's not possible.
The devilish little know-it-all voice in my head piped up.
"I certainly don't claim to know everything."
Noah reasoned.
"But you need to tell Blazye what they're really like."
She was probably right.
But Blayze was still rebuilding his relationship with his Mother.
He was yet to even start rebuilding one with Madison.
"Tell Blayze about what?"
My heart momentarily stopped inside my chest.
But, realising the voice belonged to Codie and not Blayze, I breathed deeply.
Noah turned her head and I lifted mine as Codie approached the tall portion of the kitchen bench.
"About his so called Mother and Sister."
Noah explained.
Great.
She told him about it.
Sighing, I turned my focus back to putting the Muffin batter evenly into the little patty pan's.
"I'd tell him, Bail's."
I snapped my gaze up, to look at Codie's face.
"Before He find's out from someone else."
Codie stated.
Inwardly I winced.
They were probably right.
I should tell him.
He'd be even more mad if he found out through somebody else.
But I didn't want to be the one who A) Made him hate his remaining Family, other than Heath and his Father or B) Seemed like I expected him to choose between Me and his Mother and Sister.
I couldn't be that person.
A disgruntled cry sounded from the direction of the lounge room.
"I'll go."
Noah told Me, pushing off from the bench.
I nodded and put my focus back to the muffin's.
If I didn't get the batter into the little paper cups, then I'd never get the tray into the oven and the treat's would never cook!
A quick succession of knock's at the front door made Me double check the two muffin tray's in the oven, then close the oven door.
Peeling the oven mitt's off my hands, I turned around to head to the front door, but found that Codie was already on his way there.
"Bails?"
I turned my attention to the hallway that led to the Kid's and Blayze and I's bedroom's, along with the laundry and downstairs bathroom, to find Blayze walking into the open living area.
"Yeah?"
I asked, tossing the green oven mitt's onto the kitchen bench.
"I just got a call from-"
Blazye started to tell Me, but was cut off by Keegan seemingly appearing out of nowhere.
I could literally count on one hand the number of time's I'd seen Blayze, Keegan or Codie hug each other.
Right in front of my eyes just now, Keegan added one more time to the list as He tightly embraced Blayze.
Where the hell did-?
More than confused, I pulled my gaze off Blayze and Keegan to look towards the open front door.
Hayley was now standing just inside the House and Codie was setting Summer's nappy bag onto the floor before pushing the front door closed so that neither Luka, or the Dog's could escape into the yard.
"I didn't know you guys were coming over!"
I stated, walking quickly towards Hayley and her beautiful Baby Daughter.
"Well, as you know, Keegan wasn't very happy that his work wouldn't let him come home when Blayze got hurt."
Hayley explained, adjusting Summer in her arms.
"Can I have a cuddle?"
I asked, literally bouncing on the ball's of my feet.
Hayley smiled before stepping closer to Me.
"Of course you can."
Biting back a squeal of excitement, I carefully scooped the precious Baby Girl out of Hayley's arm's.
"She's so tiny!"
I whispered, gently cuddling Keegan and Hayley's Baby to my body.
"No She's not."
Hayley dramatically rolled her eyes.
"Umm yeah She is!"
I told her.
"But She's absolutely gorgeous!"
I grinned.
"She's not tiny!"
Hayley threw up her hands.
"She gives Me a dead arm practically daily!"
Noah swooped in, seemingly out of nowhere and thrust a baby wearing a black and blue short sleeved and legless body suit at Hayley.
"Then take Brodie and see how long it takes for your arm to go dead!"
She smirked.
Hayley scrambled to embrace my Son, even though I knew full well that Noah wouldn't let go of him before Hayley had hold of him.
"Hey Brodie..."
Hayley crooned, smiling down at the Baby as She cuddled him.
"Still wanna argue that Summer's not gorgeously tiny?"
I teased.
"Brodie and Dale are older!"
Hayley protested.
I rolled my eyes.
"They're two week's older, Hails. And they were born premmy."
Hayley too rolled her eyes.
"Are you two seriously arguing about who's kid's fatter?"
We both turned to find Blayze and Keegan making their way over.
I frowned.
"Nobody said anything about fatter!"
"Yeah."
Hayley agreed.
"Who wants a fat Child?"
Smiling, I shook my head.
My afternoon turned suddenly hectic with Keegan, Hayley and Summer's sudden arrival, Babies needing nappy changes and feeding and my Muffin's needing to come out of the oven all seeming to happen at the same time.
I felt like a Chicken who'd had her head cut off as I buzzed about the house!
Blayze was preparing three bottles while Noah and Codie attempted to soothe a wailing Knox and Brodie.
I knew that any second now, Dale would start too, seeing as Brodie was upset.
"Umm what did you need to talk to Me about before?"
I asked, sliding the Muffin tray's onto the stovetop, the top's of each Muffin now a warm golden colour.
A delicious aroma, topped off with the amazing scent of heated blueberries filled our home.
"What?"
Blayze asked, screwing the tear's and lid's onto the bottles.
"As Keegan and Hayley got here you came out the hallway telling me something about a call."
I reminded him, turning to close the oven door.
We definitely didn't need one of the Dog's burning a nose, or Luka burning a hand.
"Oh yeah."
He nodded.
"Just let Me give these to Codie and Noah, then I'll explain."
He picked up the two of the three Bottles of milk and headed to the lounge room.
Blayze returned to the kitchen and opened his mouth to start talking to Me, but was interrupted by a new, but entirely familiar Baby's cry.
Dale was aware that Brodie and Knox were having a Bottle and quite clearly wanted one too.
"Want Me to get him?"
Keegan called from the lounge room.
"Please!"
I shouted back.
Blayze snagged the remaining Bottle off the bench and turned on his heel to head back to the lounge room.
From in the Kitchen I couldn't really hear Blayze and Keegan's exchange, but it became apparent they, or one of them, had decided Keegan would feed Dale his bottle.
Now with the house void of Baby cries, I turned my focus to setting the hot Muffin's onto the two wire cooling rack's I'd managed to find stashed up the back of the cupboard that contained Tupperware, Pot's, Pan's, Cake Tin's and Tray's and Casserole dishes.
I nearly jumped out of my skin, a squeak resembling a startled Mouse slipping from my mouth when Blayze's arm's unexpectedly wound their way around my body, from behind.
His laughter rumbled in his chest at my back as He set his chin on top of my head.
"Scared ya, did I?"
He asked.
No shit.
I rolled my eyes, reaching to set the second to last cooked Muffin onto the second cooling rack.
"I thought you'd be feeding Brodie or Dale."
I explained.
I felt him shrug.
"Codie and Keegan have it covered."
I went to protest that His friends shouldn't be looking after our Son's, but bit my tongue.
Since they've been living with us, Codie and Noah have helped a lot with Luka, Brodie and Dale.
We certainly couldn't complain.
Unless He conks out before his bed time, Luka even gives both Codie and Noah a hug and kiss before He goes to bed now too, as part of his night time routine.
"These smell awesome."
Blayze declared as I set the last Muffin onto the cooling rack.
My nose might be broken, but even I was able to catch the scent of the blueberries floating in the air.
"You are aware they're fruit ones, not chocolate chip?"
I teased, leaning back into his chest now my task of getting the Muffin's out of the tray was complete.
"I can smell Blueberries and Vanilla Essence, not Chocolate."
Blayze replied.
I couldn't help but smile.
"Did you sneak Cinnamon in there?"
Blayze asked, sounding almost weary.
I gave his arm looped around my stomach a light smack.
"Nobody on this Farm has used Cinnamon in twelve years!"
Once again his laughter shook my own body.
"They're probably still a bit warm, but you can have one if you want."
The words had barely finished escaping my mouth before his right arm left its embrace of my body and He reached forward to grab a lightly golden topped Muffin.
Rolling my eyes, I sidestepped out of His bow loosened embrace and turned around so that I could face Him.
He was already focused on peeling some of the paper patty away from one side of the Muffin He'd chosen.
"So what phone call did you want to talk to Me about?"
I queried.
His blue-green eyes flashed to mine, almost looking quizzical before He took a bite out of the freshly cooked Muffin, then nodded.
"Blayze called Me."
He explained.
It felt like a long time since we'd seen the Teenager.
Thinking back, I realised it was almost two week's since He'd last been at the Farm.
"Oh! What did He want?"
I asked, leaning backwards against the bench.
"School Finishes this week, for the term."
Blayze explained.
I nodded.
Life might be a bit hectic, but I did remember Mum saying the School Holiday's were fast approaching.
"And... what's that got to do with him calling You?"
I prompted.
"He asked if He could stay for a bit during the Holiday's."
He explained.
His Nephew wants to come and stay?
"I told Him I only got out the Hospital yesterday so I'd have to think about it."
Blayze informed Me.
"But what I actually meant was I needed time to talk to You about it. I just didn't want him to think of You as the bad guy, if you don't think it's a good idea."
Our plate is currently damn full.
But could I seriously use that as an excuse to push Blayze's Nephew away?
The guy's Mother might be a piece of work, but the Teenager seemed like a decent Person.
"He doesn't know it yet, but my bargain would be that He has to work while He's here."
Blayze explained.
Work?
Now I felt weary.
"How... long does He want to stay?"
I queried.
Blayze averted his gaze.
Uh oh.
"Blayze?"
I prompted.
"I think... something like a week?"
He raised a questioning eyebrow and lifted a hand to rub at the back of his neck.
"But that's why I told you my condition would be He has to work. I won't let him just bum around here gettin' in your way all day long."
I released a breath I'd not realised I'd been holding onto.
Mini Blayze wants to stay here for half his Holidays?
"What does... His Mum think about it?"
I wondered out loud.
Blayze shrugged.
"I'm not sure. I do know She wanted Me and Him to get to know each other."
"Well..."
I laced my hands together.
"I'm okay with Him staying if you want him to."
I informed Blayze.
The ghost of a smile fell upon his lips.
I tipped my head back to look at the ceiling, towards the upstairs room's that I couldn't see from here.
"But I'd prefer He doesn't sleep on the lounge for a week."
I bargained.
"And I doubt He'll fit too well in Tameron's bed."
I turned my gaze back to Blayze's face.
He nodded.
"We can sort that out."
I nodded.
"Then if you're up for it you can tell him He can stay."
"Righto."
He reached into his jeans pocket with his left hand and pulled his phone out.
"I'll give him a-"
His gaze snapped down to the phone screen.
I realised the blue LED light was flashing.
Somebody was calling him?
He frowned at the phone.
"I don't know that number..."
"Well if you answer it you might found out who it is."
I pointed out.
He shot Me a completely sarcastic smile before turning his focus back down to his phone and sliding his thumb across the screen.
Then he lifted the phone and held it against his ear.
"Hello?"
"Hell no!"
I shouted.
Was He stupid?
Had he managed to forget that he was released from Hospital just yesterday?
The Doctor's were satisfied for Him to come Home, yet still worried enough that they'd declared He wasn't allowed to drive for 72 hour's from his release from Hospital.
The rest of our household was suddenly quiet.
I even realised that somebody had muted the TV.
"Bailey-"
Blayze sighed.
"What's goin' on?"
I ripped my gaze off Blayze's just barely irritated face to see that Keegan, Hayley, Codie and Noah all had their eyes on us.
Keegan and Codie were both sitting forward in their seat's, like they were ready to get up and give a helping hand.
"Blayze wants to see the arsehole who put him in Hospital!"
I informed our friends, my heart racing inside my chest.
Keegan was quickly on his feet.
"I'm in."
He declared.
"Keegan!"
Hayley squealed, her grey eyes going wide.
Codie handed Brodie over to Noah.
"Don't you even think about it buster!"
Noah warned, all the while adjusting her grip on my Baby so that She held him securely.
"Sorry Babe."
Codie kissed Noah, then pushed to his feet.
I whipped around to face Blayze again.
"This is not happening!"
You didn't have to know him to understand not only the expression on his face, but also his body language.
It was clear He wasn't in the mood to listen to even Me right now.
Closing my eyes, I breathed in deeply.
Clearly I'd have to change tactics if I had any hopes of keeping him here.
He already had both Keegan and Codie saying they would go with him.
If he actually listened to the Doctor's and didn't drive, one of his best friend's would.
I slowly peeled my eyes open to find that Blayze was still standing a few feet in front of Me, his muscular arm's folded across the silver Wrangler logo on his black t-shirt covered chest.
"Blayze please?"
I tried.
"He's locked up."
Blayze reminded Me, his jaw clenched tight.
"And He doesn't have the element of surprise on Me this time. If anything it's the other way 'round."
"If he's still locked up then just leave it alone!"
I exclaimed, throwing my hands into the air.
"Mummy?"
We both ripped our stubborn eyes off each other, to see Luka slowly walking into the kitchen.
"Hey Baby."
I greeted our eldest Son, trying hard to give him a bright smile.
He ran towards Me and lifted his arms up in his signature gesture for wanting to be picked up.
He wasn't normally so cuddly when we had a house full of people.
Guess the sudden tension was getting to him.
I scooped Luka up and propped him on my left hip, then dropped a quick kiss on his forehead.
"I have to go."
Blayze stated.
I dragged my gaze off Luka's frowning expression to see that His Father wore a nearly matching one.
"Why?"
I whispered, my heart clenching.
"They have to release him by tonight."
Blayze explained.
"The only thing stopping Him from bolting is his bail conditions and I can't risk thinkin' He night just abide by the law."
"If He's got bail then He still has to face court at some point."
I pointed out.
"Can't you just wait and see what the legal system has in store for Him?"
I was well aware He wouldn't like my suggestion, but it was worth a shot.
"You should be happy I'm gonna do it this way!"
Blayze retorted, frowning.
"I won't be able to beat the shit out of him with Cop's everywhere."
True.
Maybe it was the time for him to approach Hunter.
But my gut was still knotted with nerves.
Blinking against the prickle of hot tear's at the back's of my eyes, I shook my head.
"I don't want you to do this."
Hunter's psychotic mind nearly got Me and our Twin's killed earlier in the year.
Not even a week ago it got Me a broken nose and nearly cost Blayze his life.
As far as I was concerned, we couldn't trust the bloke one single bit.
Clenching his jaw even tighter, Blayze shook his head.
"I'm sorry you feel that way, but I need answer's out of him before He a) Flee's the Country or b) Goes to jail."
I could understand that.
But it didn't mean I wasn't too worried to condone this plan.
"What if it's just another set up?"
I tried, hugging Luka more tightly.
Blayze shook his head.
"It's not."
Now it was my turn to glare.
"And how would you know?!"
I demanded.
"It was Troy Davis who rang Me. The now Senior Constable?"
He raised a questioning eyebrow.
I already knew who He'd said had called.
He'd mentioned that when He d hung up.
"Doesn't mean there's not something fishy going on!"
I said through my own clenched jaw.
"It will be fine."
Blayze reasoned, taking a large step forward to stand in front of Luka and I.
"There's nothin' to worry about."
He told Me, dropping his voice to an almost whisper.
"Promise."
He leaned down and kissed my forehead.
I closed my eyes, wishing, dreaming, pleading that none of this was happening.
Blayze
It felt good to walk into the Riverston Police Station without being hauled in for questioning, for once.
I hated going against Bailey's wishes, but in this case I couldn't really see another option.
There was a lot of unfinished business between Hunter and I.
Most importantly, I wanted to let Him know that He'd spend the rest of his life watching his back if He knew what was good for him.
It was bad enough He'd gone after Me, but even worse He'd affected some of the People that I love the most.
"Gidday."
Senior Constable Troy Davis climbed out of his desk chair as I walked in.
Behind Me, I heard either Keegan or Codie close the main door.
"Howdy."
I replied, stopping on the other side of the mahogany desk.
Troy's gaze shifted over my shoulder, then back to meet mine.
"I can't let you all in."
He denied.
I didn't need Keegan or Codie to help Me, they'd just both volunteered to come along.
"I just need to ask him some questions."
I replied, folding my arms across my chest.
"Or punch his lights out."
Codie muttered.
I worked to hold back my smile.
Punching Hunter would feel fucking fantastic.
But I doubted the Cop's would leave me completely alone with the sorry excuse for a Human.
They know I like to punch idiots who've done Me wrong.
"Codie and Keegan, you'll have to wait out here."
Troy informed the Boy's, looking past Me once again.
I heard a loud sigh that was most probably Codie.
Ever since we were sixteen I'd known he hated to miss out on any action.
"Expected as much."
Keegan grumbled.
Troy turned his attention back to Me and slid a plastic box across the desk so it sat nearly in front of Me.
"Empty your pockets."
He instructed.
I frowned.
"I'm not the one here for questioning."
"I still can't let ya go any further without you emptying your pockets."
Troy insisted.
Deciding to for once not push my luck, I pulled my phone, wallet and a small handful of loose change from my jeans pockets.
"Anything else?"
Troy asked, raising an eyebrow.
I narrowed my eyes.
"What exactly else am I supposed to have on Me?"
Behind Me I heard Codie laugh!
Troy rolled his eyes.
"It's procedure, Blayze. Don't bite my head off."
I clenched my jaw.
Troy sighed and pushed back from the desk.
"C'mon then."
I shot Keegan and Codie a glance, then rounded the desk to follow Troy down the hallway.
Keegan
Codie and I took seat's in the front foyer, once Blayze and Troy disappeared from our view.
It was so weird to think of somebody I'd spent my life growing up with as Law Enforcement.
But I guess we all grow up and get career's.
Or, most of us do.
There was more than one person I knew, from my grade, who were practicing getting by blushing off the Government.
I'd never be one of those people, because as I'd grown up, I'd come to realise just how useless our Government truly was.
Our Drought situation was just part of the proof.
The majority of the Country were screaming out for some help from the tool's in suits, yet they were still kicking back in their high rise office chairs, talking about the next Cruise they would go on.
Meanwhile, our Farming Industry was collapsing and people like Me had to sacrifice living with my Daughter and the Girl I love, so that I could keep a roof over their head, clothes on their back's, food in their stomaches, the same for my Grandparent's and now Teenaged Brother and Sister, but also the fact Giselle and Jackson still needed an education.
"Fifty buck's says that Blayze winds up decking this cock sucker and we have to wind up bailing him out?"
I snapped out of my thoughts at the sound of Codie's voice.
It didn't really surprise Me Codie wanted to relieve some boredom by placing a bet.
But was it wise to bet on how this afternoon would wind up for our other best friend?
I couldn't help but smile.
For over ten year's we've placed bet's on outcomes for each other.
Why stop now?
With a scowl, I realised Codie had beaten Me to the logical option we both would normally pick.
But was it really the logical option now?
Blayze has definitely grown up in the last few year's.
I know He loves Bailey more than just about anything else in this World.
And his three Son's.
He's well aware He has to stop making such reckless decisions, because there's only so long that luck can stick by your side.
I knew He'd never want to wind up behind bar's, not living his life with Bailey and the Boy's, or out on the open land.
But this wanker caused harm to Bailey.
The little voice inside my head chimed in.
Well, Codie already took the option of Blayze losing his shit and being arrested.
We wouldn't be betting if I chose the same outcome.
I offered my right hand to Codie.
"I vote He get's out of here with at most a Warning."
I suggested.
With a scoff, then a grin, Codie grabbed my hand and pumped firmly.
Bailey
I sat on the floor, surrounded by Knox, Brodie and Dale, with Summer laying in the crook of my arm.
My phone was in my right hand, raised to capture Hayley, Noah and Luka's antics.
My Toddler lay suspended a few feet off the ground, his left arm and leg held by Noah and his right arm and leg held by Hayley while they gently swung him backwards and forwards.
"Ah one!"
Noah declared.
Luka giggled, anticipating what was coming, because this was the third time now.
"Ah two!"
Hayley geared him up further.
"A THREE!"
My best friend's exclaimed, before gently swinging Luka, then lightly dumping him onto the couch cushions.
My Son bounced slightly upon landing, laughing his gorgeous little head off.
I stopped the recording and set my phone onto the ground as Luka rolled himself over and propped himself onto his hands and knees.
"More!"
He declared, his blue eyes sparkling.
Both Noah and Hayley groaned.
I couldn't help but giggle, turning my focus down to check on the Babies who surrounded Me.
Luka's brain might be like a sponge at the moment, leaving him to soak up everything that surrounded him.
But when He enjoyed something, He enjoyed it on repeat, long enough to frustrate the Adult's around him.
I now cringed at the thought of Finding Nemo and Car's.
And Row, Row, Row Your Boat.
"Ah one!"
I looked up from Brodie and Dale's peaceful faces, to see that Hayley and Noah had of course given in to Luka's big blue eyes and devilishly cheeky smile.
Smiling, I shook my head.
My eldest Son definitely has my best friend's wrapped around his tiny little finger.
Summer squirmed in my arm.
I looked down to find that the precious little Girl now wore a scrunched up, red tinged face.
My heart momentarily squeezed, even though I've got three Babies of my own.
Either She's spoiling her nappy, or She's getting ready to cry.
Blayze
Troy stopped in the hallway about mid way between two closed door's that had a decent sized square window in the top section.
I stopped too, raising a questioning eyebrow at my once upon a time classmate.
"I'm pulling what strings I can here, Blayze. So don't make me regret it."
Troy warned.
I gritted my teeth against a smart arsed comeback and nodded.
I could appreciate that He didn't have to give Me the call to say they had to release Hunter tonight, but He did.
Troy nodded to the door we were yet to get to.
"I'll let you in there first, then I'll go get Lyons."
He explained.
I nodded.
"The most privacy I'm allowed to give you, is Me standing outside the door and watching through the window."
Troy warned, turning to properly face Me.
They were going to leave Me alone in a room with Hunter?
I tried hard to conceal my surprise.
I'd not been expecting that.
"Don't make me regret it."
Troy gritted.
I understood that He was doing what He could for Me.
And putting a lot of faith in Me to choose to do the right thing.
I wasn't about to promise that I wouldn't lay a hand on Hunter at all.
If the idiot provoked Me enough, I was confident I'd get at least one or three punches on Him before Troy would be able to open the door and rush in to stop Me.
"Are you ready to do this?"
Troy asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.
I nodded.
There was no time like the present.
Bailey
"Moo!"
Hayley, Noah and I all turned our head's towards the large front window to find Luka was standing in front of the glass, staring out into the yard intently.
Azlan and Zuke stood beside the small Boy, both Dog's staring out of the window with just as much intensity as there Human counterpart.
Moo?
I frowned.
"Moo!"
Luka very nearly shouted this time.
More than curious, I scooted off the lounge and skirted around the coffee table and one of the armchairs, to go to Luka.
Knox, Brodie, Dale and Summer were all asleep but Luka was doing anything and everything He could to fight His afternoon nap.
"What are you on about, Baby?"
I asked, bending down to get closer to the Toddler's eye level.
Luka grinned, pointing out of the window.
"Moo!"
I could barely believe how long it had taken Me to see what my Child was occupied by.
A herd of maybe fifteen Cattle were spread out across Blayze and I's front yard.
Azlan and Zuke both whined.
Shit!
Slowly, I straightened up.
Blayze was in town.
I could call Grandpa, Uncle Lukas or one of the hand's.
But that would take time.
The best bet would be for Me to grab the Dog's and my Horse and deal with this myself.
"Uh oh..."
I turned around to find that Noah and Hayley had joined Luka, Azlan, Zuke and I.
Uh oh about summed it up.
These were some of the few Cattle we had left on the entire property.
We couldn't afford for anything bad to happen to them.
"Any chance... you two could mind Luka?"
I asked my best friend's.
"Phoenix, the Dog's and I should be able to get those escapee's into a paddock before the Babies wake up."
Hayley nodded quickly.
"That's fine by Me."
I knew She would get it.
Her Family are in the exact same boat as mine.
Her Fiancé has even taken to working away so they can keep some form of money coming in.
Noah nodded.
I'd have to most fast, because it wouldn't take Luka long to cotton on to what I was doing.
I skirted around the Girl's and the lounge room furniture, making my way quickly to the hallway and Blayze and I's bedroom.
In an effort to save some time, I'd dashed to the tack shed, grabbed Phoenix's tack and trudged my way to the Working Horse Pasture.
Or should I say, the Working Horse Dustbowl?
The Paddock literally no longer held a single blade of grass.
Or clump of weed's that we would normally growl about.
My body hated Me for my idiot idea to carry my saddle for such a distance.
With a relieved sigh, I dumped my tack onto the gate.
A welcoming, excited neigh floated to Me.
I scanned the Paddock and found my beautiful Golden Child approaching at a Trot.
I couldn't help but smile.
My time with Phoenix is minimal lately, yet He apparently still chooses to be with Me when I show up.
"Hey boy!"
I called out to him.
With a toss of his head, He picked up a Canter.
I unlatched the chain on the gate and slipped into the paddock.
"Wanna come boss around some naughty, escapee Cow's with Me?"
I asked as I chained the gate shut, seeing as my Horse had nearly reached Me.
Phoenix snorted.
I grabbed my halter off the seat of my saddle and turned around to greet my darling Horse.
"Hey Boy."
I crooned.
Phoenix came to a dust raising halt in front of Me and licked his lips.
"I know I'm naughty and haven't spent much time with you lately."
I assured him, lifting my halter free left hand to rub his forehead.
"But I could really use your help right now."
I explained.
Phoenix blew out a deep breath and stepped closer to rub his face against my chest.
"I take that as you'll forgive Me and are willing to help?"
I asked, giving him a rub behind his golden ear's.
He rubbed his face against my chest once again.
I couldn't help but smile.
A good Horse is truly a Girl's best friend.
"Alright."
I stepped up to the left side of Phoenix's neck.
"Let's get to it before those cheeky Cattle land themselves in any trouble."
As always, Phoenix pushed his nose into the nose hole of his halter.
Blayze
I glared at Hunter, feeling more than hostile.
This was more how our reunion should've gone.
Except, maybe not with him wearing handcuff's.
And in a Cop Shop.
He no longer wore the taunting smirk that I could vaguely remember from last Saturday night.
Probably because He no longer holds the upper hand and know's I could easily beat the shit out of Him if I wanted to.
For it to be remotely fair, I'd have to ask Troy to take the hand cuff's off though.
"I've been here since Sunday."
Hunter finally broke the silence between us.
"Why'd you choose Today to show up?"
Why did I choose-?
I bit my tongue in an effort to hold back my reply.
He didn't need to know He'd damn near killed Me.
No way in hell would I give Him that kind of satisfaction.
I walked forward and stopped in front of the table that separated us.
I slammed my palms down onto the tabletop and glared at the douchebag sitting across from Me as I leaned into my hands.
"I think you've got some god damn explaining to do!"
I growled, making sure to let Him know just how much I wasn't messing around.
Hunter flinched, but fairly quickly regained his composure.
"I don't owe you anything!"
He sneered, choosing the defensive route.
He can be as defensive as He wants.
"Yeah you do!"
I shouted, more than fed up.
"You nearly got my Fiancé and my Twin's killed!"
I yelled.
Hunter once again flinched, but managed to regain his composure quickly.
His mask broke into a slight frown.
"You brought Keon into your bullshit!"
I barrelled on.
Hunter's hazel gaze transformed into His own glare.
"My Fiancé has a broken fucking nose!"
I clenched my fists on top of the table.
Hunter kept his glare stubbornly in place and worked his jaw.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM?!"
I exploded, fed up with his silence.
Hunter began to laugh and I wanted nothing more than to jump across the table and punch his lights out.
He threw his head back and continued to laugh.
Loudly.
I clenched my fists so tight that my short nails bit into my palms.
Don't punch him yet, Blayze.
I ordered myself.
You need answer's before you fix his jaw for him.
Bailey
The wind threatened to blow my hat off as I rode Phoenix towards my house at a Canter.
We dodged Gum Tree's and fence lines while I squinted against the bright afternoon Sun.
God damn Cattle making my life harder than it needed to be!
But, it did feel amazing to be back in the saddle.
Blayze and I's House came into my view and Phoenix tended beneath Me, seeing the Cattle in his way.
I reached forward to give His shoulder a pat.
"Atta boy."
I praised Him.
I drew him back to a Trot, knowing if we moved too quickly it could turn disastrous being we had a House and Car's in our way rather than an open Pasture.
I waved towards the House.
Responding to the signal we'd discussed, one of the Girl's opened the front door to let Azlan and Zuke out.
Both Dog's scrambled out onto the porch, eager to do some Cattle herding.
"Az! Zuke! Get behind!"
I ordered the Dog's.
The pair of Canine's took off anti clockwise to cut the Cattle off and push them forward.
I let my reins go slack and urged Phoenix on.
He lurched to work the Cattle from the opposite side to the Dog's and I felt my grin stretch.
Note to self: I need to spend more time being Cowgirl Bailey.
Blayze
Hunter's ridiculous laughter finally stopped, after what felt like forever.
I had no clue when I'd learned the restraint that had kept Me standing on my own side of the table, rather than storming around to his side to make him shut up.
By the time Hunter's 'evil clown' sounds finally stopped, there wasn't a single trace of humour on his face, making it clear the laughter had all been one extremely annoying performance.
Hunter tipped his head to the side, watching Me with his hazel eyes.
"Do you think you've suffered yet?"
Of course I've suffered!
But was He referring to Today, with his fucked up attitude, or from the shit He's put Me through since the start of this year?
"It's not your job to make Me suffer!"
I yelled.
"But you deserve it!"
He yelled back, finally shifting forward in His chair.
"What the fuck makes You the judge of that?!"
I demanded.
Hunter finally stood.
"You're clearly forgetting that we've known each other since we were Kid's!"
He fumed.
"What?"
I asked, bewildered.
Why the hell would He bring that up now?
"Which mean's I know you deserve to suffer!"
Hunter seethed.
I shook my head.
"Whatever grudges You have against Me, doesn't warrant the shit you've pulled here, Hunter!"
"That's what you think!"
He retorted.
I clenched my jaw tight, trying hard to remember to not punch him yet.
Hunter cocked his head to the side, watching Me.
I frowned.
"The fact that you and My Cousin always treated Me like shit, leaving Me out isn't enough?"
He asked.
I rolled my eyes.
As a Kid and Teenager Hunter had always hated Keon and I's Friendship.
Little did He know, as a Teenager my life had been so fucked up that I wasn't even sure I could say that Keon had actually been my Friend.
From what I remembered, it was more the fact that Keon Hendrix was just about the only person I could find that was willing to flood and set fire to School property, drink stolen liquor and smoke weed with Me.
"You should've gotten over that and found your own Friends!"
I retorted.
Harsh maybe, but I wasn't interested in rehashing things from twenty year's ago.
Hunter glared at Me, clearly not liking my answer.
I smirked.
"What about the fact that you toyed with and destroyed my Sister s heart?!"
Hunter yelled.
"I've never done anything with Braelynn."
I denied, knowing full well He was referring to Emma, but enjoying my chance to piss him off.
"You've never cared about anybody but yourself!"
I was well aware Hunter wanted to come off as angry, but some other emotion clouded his words.
"Wrong."
I denied, clenching my fists yet again.
I'd spent my life caring way too much.
But I could see how for some of my time, People would think I didn't care.
"I'm not wrong!"
Hunter yelled.
He was.
"Emma wasted so much of her life on you!"
Hunter spat, glaring at Me.
But even I could read the wavering lines in his glare.
His fired up fuse was running out.
I sighed.
Maybe it was high time I apologised for the way I'd treated Emma.
Not that Hunter exactly deserved to be the first person to hear Me say it.
"I know I treated your Sister badly."
I informed him.
"I do regret it."
I swallowed hard.
"She was in love with you."
Hunter's tone was almost gravelly.
I cringed.
He thought I didn't know Emma thought She was in love with Me?
The problem had been that I didn't reciprocate the feeling.
But I'd strung her along, because I was young, stupid and in a dark place in my life at the time.
If I could go back in time, I like to think I could change it.
"It killed Me to watch her smile grow and her eyes light up every time your name was even mentioned."
Breathing in deeply, I forced myself to meet Hunter's eye.
Pain glowed in their hazel depths before He ripped his gaze away.
"I know that I was unfair."
I informed Him.
"Every time She spoke about you, particularly about how hot and sweet you were, I just wanted to strangle her!"
Hunter seethed, a red tinge glowing on his cheeks.
"I guess... if I'd had a little Sister... I probably would've felt the same way..."
I dropped my gaze to the table that separated us.
Hunter scoffed.
I looked quickly back up to see the Guy across from Me trying to compose his expression.
I frowned.
"I had so many sleepless nights!"
Hunter tipped his head black to look at the ceiling.
I guess all that's left is to apologise.
I suppose I never really realised just how much my treatment of His Sister had affected Him.
I clenched my jaw.
But He's got plenty to apologise for too!
I might have broken Emma's heart a few too many times, but He nearly killed Bailey, Brodie and Dale.
Bailey has a broken nose thanks to him!
"You never gave a flying fuck about how I felt."
What the?
I rolled my eyes.
"We're back to this?"
"We've never left this!"
He spun to properly face Me, a blaze in his eyes.
"I did everything I could to get you to notice Me!"
"You need to build a fucking bridge and get over that!"
I pushed back from the table.
How can one person be so caught up on one Friendship that wasn't reciprocated?
"The whole time you were with my Sister, I wished it was Me!"
Hunter yelled.
I froze, my eyes widening.
Hunter cringed.
Has he not meant to let that one drop?
Probably not, considering He'd just informed Me...
"Y-you w-wanted your o-own Sister?"
My stomach churned at the mere idea of invest.
Hunter's eyes doubled to at least double their normal size.
"Wh-what?!"
He spluttered.
I pointed towards him.
"You just-!"
"I was in love with You you fucking idiot!"
I doubled over, sucker punched by the words that rang in my ear's.
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