Behind The Curtain - When Cameras Are Off

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks so much, you lot!

Here is the next part:

PART 80

Amy takes her mask off as soon as her head is out of the water, throwing her arms around Nic’s neck. He throws his mask to the side before kissing her tenderly. Amy pulls away, blissful tears shining in her eyes.

“Wow… that was the most amazing thing someone’s ever done for me.”

“I should hope so. The ten seconds before you nodded was the longest ten seconds of my life!”

“You should have known that I’d say yes. I love you Nic.”

“I love you too.”

She kisses him again and pulls away after a while, grinning.

“I think weddings are in the air…”

“I think it’s something in the water…”

“I think we should pack up.”

Chris pouts, but Kate glares at him.

“Chris. You promised.”

“Okay, I’m packing up.”

He immediately starts packing the bags and winks at Kate who is watching him, with Hayden safely in her arms.

“You look like a real mum.”

“I am a real mum, sparky, now pack up.”

“Yes captain! I’m done.”

He stands up with the basket in one hand and the umbrella in the other, looking at her seriously.

“I want to kiss you right now. You have no idea how much.”

Kate looks down with an embarrassed frown and Chris drops the umbrella to lift her chin up with one hand before giving her a soft peck on the lips.

“Sorry. Patient. I’ll try to remember.”

“Thank you.”

She ruffles his hair a bit before starting to walk to the car, followed by Chris.

Neither of them notices the figure nearby, holding a camera and smiling maliciously.

“This is much better. The other hotel was a dump.”

Paul looks at Jodi apologetically.

“Sorry for the mess up with the first hotel… I should have double checked. I didn't know it was hit by a cyclone!”

Jodi laughs.

“You should have… but it’s okay. This makes up for it, here’s a Jacuzzi and everything!”

She turns around, kissing him tenderly.

“Thank you. Now let’s get in that Jacuzzi, it’s calling my name!”

Paul laughs as they make a dive for the Jacuzzi; finally feeling like their dream honeymoon is starting.

“Home sweet home.”

Nic opens the door, allowing Amy to walk in first.

She walks in and sits down on the couch, waiting for him to sit down next to her. When he finally does, she takes his hand, smiling ecstatically.

“Thank you for the best day of my life.”

He smiles back at her, his eyes soft.

“Aimz… my whole life, I’ve been… like a little kid. Playing with something until I get bored and then throwing it to the side. Laughing about everything. Just being infantile. You’re the first person in my life that I’m really… serious about. The thought of losing you scares me beyond comparison.”

Amy touches his cheek, smiling.

“Well you never will lose me.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

Nic sighs, pulling her as close as science would allow.

“You’re amazing, do you know that?”

Her only reply is a soft kiss.

“Please let it be a dream.”

Kate sighs when Hayden starts crying loudly and stands up, her duvet draped around her small frame.

When she gets to his room, Chris is already there, holding him against his bare chest.

“ Already changed his diaper.”

“Thanks Chris.”

He winks at her and shivers before putting Hayden back in his cot and climbing on the small bed in the corner of the room.

“I’ll sleep here tonight, just to be nearby.”

Kate nods.

“Mind if I stay with you?”

“No, you can stay.”

She cuddles up to him and he drapes the blankets around them, pulling her close before shutting his eyes.

“Night Kate.”

“Night Chris.”

He puts his arm around her, pulling her safely against his chest.

“Sweet dreams.”

Kate smiles and takes his hand, closing her eyes.

“You too.”

[ilovekateritchie]

How did this turn into another fight? Ladies - STOP! Lol.

Okay, so I'm going away for the rest of the weekend, I will be back late tomorrow - and going away here sadly means no Internet, so I'll have to try and have a life. But here is another part to keep you entertained.

PART 81

“Morning.”

Kate stretches out before opening her eyes and smiles at Chris.

“Morning. Sleep well?”

“Fantastically, thanks. You?”

“Like a baby.”

“Hmm. That’s good to hear.”

He pulls her closer and she cuddles up against him, closing her eyes.

Chris sighs contentedly.

“I could just stay like this for the whole day.”

Kate smiles when Hayden starts crying.

“You were saying?”

“Okay, or not.”

He stands up, picking up Hayden and winks at Kate.

“You stay right there. I’m just going to go out and get the paper and then I’m making you breakfast.”

“You are spoiling me.”

She lies back against the pillows and grins.

“Not that I’m complaining…”

“This stinks.”

Paul nods, looking at the rain miserably.

“It’s been raining for two days straight. I’m sorry, Jodz.”

Jodi laughs, putting her arms around his waist.

“It’s not your fault, Paul. Like you can control the weather.”

“Yeah, but I still feel bad.”

Jodi grins, putting her arms around his neck and pressing her body against his.

“Well… we can stay inside, you know… it’s not the end of the world… I’m sure we can think of something to do…”

Paul smiles, putting his arms around her waist.

“You’ve just cheered me up.”

He picks her up swiftly and carries her to the bed where he lies her down carefully before tumbling down on top of her.

“You are amazing, do you know that?”

Jodi laughs, pulling him closer by his tie.

“Yes I do.”

Chris walks to the front door, carrying a cup of coffee in one hand. When he opens the door, the flashing of cameras immediately blinds him.

He quickly bends down, grabbing the paper before going inside. His heart sinks when he sees the front page.

“Oh no. This is not good.”

“What’s wrong?”

He looks up at Kate, who has just come out of the room, holding Hayden.

“Chris? You’re pale as a sheet, what’s going on?”

Chris looks at her silently, still clutching on the paper.

“I think you need to sit down.”

“MOVING ON ALREADY, KATE?

Fun in the Sun for Home and Away Star.

We all felt for Kate Ritchie after the death of her husband, Callan Mulvey. We even felt for her when she decided to keep the funeral quiet.

But it seems when the whole Australia felt for her, she felt for Chris Sadrinna who plays Brad Armstrong – her onscreen lover in Home and Away.

The couple were seen having a good time on the beach, with Kate’s month old baby, Hayden alongside them – a true, cozy family – even though hubby Mulvey passed away a little over five months ago… Shocking, isn’t it?

If she’s moving on so fast, we can’t help but doubt her true love to Callan. He would turn in his grave…”

Jessica looks up at Mark after reading the article out loud and shakes her head.

“That is pathetic! They had no right to do this! Poor Kate…”

Mark nods.

“Yeah… I can’t imagine how she’s going to react on this.”

Ada throws the newspaper to the side, her eyes spitting fire.

“Great! If Kate was ready to move on, she isn’t anymore. Poor Chris, I mean, he really loves her and this is just going to ruin everything.”

Chrys looks at his wife with a frown.

“Darn journalists. Maybe we should go over there…”

Ada nods.

“You’re right. Come on, let’s go.”

Kate looks at the newspaper silently and shakes her head when Chris tries to take it away.

“No, leave it.”

“Kate, stop looking at that. You need to ignore it.”

“How can they say this?”

She looks up at him, her lip trembling.

“I can’t ignore it, Chris. I think you should move out.”

“What?”

He sits down opposite her.

“Kate, wait. Don’t be stupid, we can work this out.”

“No. There is no we, Chris! I need to do this on my own. I need to be on my own. Please… could you just leave?”

He shakes his head and stands up.

“I can’t believe you’re letting them get between us, Kate. You said you loved me.”

“I know what I said! But they’re right, it is too soon and I’m being unfaithful to Callan’s memory.”

Chris smirks.

“A memory won’t keep you warm at night.”

He gives her one last look before slowly turning around and leaving.

[ilovekateritchie]

I'm back! Thanks for the feedback, here is the update:

PART 82

“She still doesn’t come out. Chrys and I went over last night, she ignored us. I don’t know what to do.”

Ada sighs, looking worried and Jess puts a hand on her arm.

“Well, Jodi and Paul come back today, and I know Paul will be able to get through to her. They’ve always been close.”

Ada shrugs.

“Yeah, but still. She’s been locked inside for two weeks now. It’s not healthy.”

Chris shakes his head.

“If I didn’t insist on going to the beach…”

Ada squeezes his hand.

“It’s not your fault, Chris.”

“Yeah, but still… I feel awful. And Kate’s never going to talk to me again, I just know she blames me.”

“She doesn’t blame you. She’s just feeling guilty because of the way she feels about you, and that article… It made her feel like she’s betraying Callan.”

Chris sighs looking at Ada seriously.

“It made me feel that way as well.”

Ada frowns truthfully.

“Chris, Callan is dead. You shouldn’t feel that way. What you’re feeling isn’t wrong.”

“Yeah, but how can it be right?”

“Come on, Chris! You can’t seriously doubt that what you’re feeling is right, because you know that it is as right and real as possible.”

Chris shakes his head sadly.

“That’s the problem. I don’t know anymore.”

He sighs and closes his eyes.

“If she would just talk to me, you know. Maybe we could figure something out. But she wants to handle this on her own. How stupid is that?”

Jess raises a brow and leans back against the couch.

“I don’t blame her for wanting to be alone. It’s a lot to deal with – she went from being the press’ favorite golden girl to a name in the newest scandal.”

“Good point.”

Mark kisses Jessica’s hand and checks his watch.

“Well, the plane is landing in an hour. Maybe we should go to the airport to meet them there…”

“Good idea.”

Chris stands up.

“Is it okay if I come?”

“Of course. Anyone else?”

They all shake their heads and Nic pulls Amy up.

“Aimz and I are just going to take a walk on the beach. Catch you later.”

Nic sighs, looking at the ocean, while holding Amy closely.

“It sucks. I want to tell everyone about us, but then it’s going to look insensitive towards Kate.”

Amy nods against his chest.

“I know what you mean. And I know it must be hard for her, but a part of me wants to tell her to get over it so we can share our happiness with everyone. Is that awful?”

Nic shakes his head, holding her closer.

“Not at all. We can’t even start planning a wedding, because Kate’s depressed and it would be insensitive. Everything is about her.”

Amy looks at Nic in mild surprise.

“I’ve never heard you use that tone before.”

“I know. I care about Kate a lot, I really do. But this is supposed to be our time. And instead of being happy for ourselves, we’re miserable for Kate. It’s not fair.”

Amy lifts her head up and kisses him softly.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“And we just have to be patient. Like Jess said, Paul will be able to get through to her.”

Nic smiles.

“Yeah and maybe then we can share the news.”

“Exactly.”

He kisses her tenderly, smiling.

“You know just how to make me see the silver lining.”

He takes her hand and they walk along the beach quietly, their presence enough to keep them content.

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for the feedback guys! Well Jodz and Paul are back so here you go!

PART 83

“Hey guys!”

Paul and Jodi smile when they see Chris, Mark and Jess – hugging and kissing each other happily. Chris pulls Paul away from the other three and looks at him seriously.

“I need to ask you a favor, mate.”

“Sure, what’s up?”

Chris hands Paul the newspaper and Paul glances at the article before looking at Chris, shocked.

“Wow.”

“Yeah, I don’t know what to do. Kate’s locked herself in her house; she won’t talk to any of us. You’re the only one she’ll listen to, Paul.”

“Of course I’ll talk to her. We can go right now, Jodz will understand.”

“Thanks mate.”

Paul looks at Chris silently.

“You love her, don’t you?”

“More than anything. This is right, Paul. I know it is.”

“It is soon after Callan… but I understand where you’re coming from. I’ll see what I can do.”

“Even… even if she doesn’t want to talk to me. As long as she stops locking herself away.”

“Sure.”

The two men hug and walk back to their friends. Paul and Jodi share an intimate look before they walk off to the cars.

Kate looks up when there is a knock on her door. She hesitates for a minute, but sits back in the chair, looking at Hayden who is lying in his cot next to her.

“I’m so not going to answer that.”

“Kate? Open up, it’s Paul.”

Kate sighs and looks at the door.

“Okay, maybe I will.”

She opens the door and frowns slightly when she sees Chris standing behind Paul.

“Come in.”

Paul and Chris enter, followed by Jodi, Jess and Mark.

“Something to drink?”

They all shake their heads and Chris walks to the living room, where Hayden is still sleeping. He picks him up, a small smile on his face.

“Hey, little man. You’ve gotten so big!”

Hayden gurgles and Chris holds him close, glaring at Kate.

“Thanks for keeping him away from me.”

“Chris, that’s not what…”

“I don’t want to hear it. Paul, you talk to her. I’ll go and change his diaper.”

He walks out, followed by Mark, Jess and Jodi, while Paul sits down next to Kate, holding the newspaper. She rolls her eyes when she sees it.

“Don’t even start, Paul.”

“Kate, just listen to me, okay?”

“Fine. Talk.”

He glances at the paper again before looking up at her.

“Kate, when Jodi and I started going out after Chris, I actually got hate mail. People told me that I was insensitive and that it was too soon and that I was a pathetic loser. And they did the same to Jodi. We suffered, but we got through it because we love each other. And in the end that’s all that matters.”

Kate shakes her head.

“But it isn’t. I started thinking you know. How would Callan feel if he knew?”

Paul sighs, putting his arm around her shoulders.

“Okay, try this. What if Callan was alive, but you weren’t. Would you want him to be alone and miserable? Or would you want him to have a second chance at happiness?”

“I’d want him to be happy of course! I love him.”

“And he loved you, right?”

“Yes.”

“So don’t you think he’d want you to be happy?”

“It’s not that simple, Paul.”

“Okay, let’s try this – what was it that upset you about this stupid article? The fact that it was true? Or the fact that it was petty? Or just because of what it said about Callan who would turn in his grave?”

“All three I guess. Especially what they said about Callan. It made me feel so guilty.”

“You can’t put a time tag on mourning, Kate. As long as you realize that.”

“I do.”

“Well will you come out? Show everybody that they can’t get you down?”

Kate smiles gloomily.

“I guess I can try.”

Paul grins, kissing her on top of her head.

“That’s my girl! Come on, let’s go talk to the others.”

Kate looks up and smiles at Paul.

“Thank you. For being such a good friend.”

“Hey – I owe you.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for all the feedback! Here's a next update:

PART 84

“Hey.”

Chris looks at Kate silently when she comes into the room.

“Hey.”

They stare at each other for a while, not knowing what to say.

Chris breaks the ice when he smiles.

“Hayden’s gotten so big.”

Kate walks closer carefully, looking at Hayden with pure, unconditional love.

“Yeah, he’s growing so fast!”

“Yeah, he is.”

“Kate… can we talk?”

She looks at him uncomfortably, aware of all the staring eyes around them.

“Yeah, sure.”

Chris closes his eyes for a second, taking a deep breath, before he walks after her.

“So… what do you want to talk about?”

“Us. And don’t tell me that there is no us, because there is.”

“I know. But Chris… it really is too soon after Callan. Five months… it’s nothing.”

“I know. And we decided to be friends. We’re not in a relationship, so we can be seen together. And if stuff like that petty article happens, we laugh it off. Because there’s no truth in it. The press wants you to be the mourning widow, Kate. But you’re not that person. It’s not a crime to laugh.”

“I guess you’re right. I’ll phone John and tell him that I’ll be at work tomorrow.”

Chris leans over, pulling her in for a hug.

“Great! You can face this, Kate. You’re a strong woman.”

“I’m not so sure about that.”

“Well I am.”

“So… how was the honeymoon?”

Jess looks at Jodi and Paul curiously and they both shake their heads.

“Mauritius is beautiful. Too bad we went in cyclone season.”

“What?”

Jodi nods.

“Yep. It rained almost every day, and when it didn’t rain, it was so cold that you couldn’t even get out of bed, let alone go outside.”

Mark frowns.

“So what did you do? No, wait… I don’t want to know.”

Paul raises his eyebrows suggestively, pulling Jodi close against his chest.

“We played Scrabble all day long…”

“Right.”

Mark and Paul wink at each other and Jess shakes her head.

“You are… Oh great, I don’t even have words.”

Mark looks at Jessica in mock surprise.

“You mean you’re speechless? How cool is that, Paul?”

Jessica slaps Mark playfully, putting her arms around his waist.

“Funny! So do you think Kate and Chris are sorting stuff out?”

Paul shrugs.

“I don’t think they are going to jump into a relationship anytime soon. But they might sort their friendship out.”

“I hope they do. They’ve come such a long way… it would be awful if everything turned out to be for nothing.”

Jodi nods.

“It would…”

Chris looks at Kate seriously.

“So… friends?”

She holds out her hand cautiously.

“Friends. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Okay.”

They look at each other uncomfortably, desperately wanting to kiss… but they don’t. Instead, they turn away from temptation and walk out to their friends.

Chris holds Kate back before they go in to Hayden’s room where the others are.

“Kate… nothing’s going to change, right? I mean, we’ll still hang out and be able to be comfortable around each other, won’t we?”

Kate thinks deeply for a moment before smiling.

“Yeah… nothing’s going to change.”

“Good.”

They walk in slowly, trying to ignore the little voice in their hearts telling them that the promise that nothing will change is a lie…

[ilovekateritchie]

Oh so now you want Chris and Kate together? LOL!

Thanks for the feedback, here is the update:

PART 85

“That was Jess… she says Paul got through to Kate.”

Amy looks at Nic seriously and he smiles.

“Finally! Now we can share the news.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea…”

“Amy!”

“It’s just… I don’t know, it looks like we’ve just been waiting for the opportunity to tell people…”

“Eh… we have just been waiting for the opportunity to tell people.”

She sighs, sitting down next to him, her hand on his knee.

“Doesn’t it look a little selfish though?”

“Who cares? This is supposed to be our time, Amy. We have to just… take it.”

“I guess you’re right…”

“You know it, baby.”

He pulls her closer for a kiss and looks at her with a frown.

“You are sure about us getting married, right?”

“Of course I am!”

“Good. Because there’s no way you’re backing out on me.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it…”

“Fantastic.”

Nic looks at Amy seriously, his heart openly in his eyes.

“I love you so much it hurts, Amy Matthews.”

“I love you too.”

“I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted…”

Kate looks at Chris seriously and he laughs, pulling her close.

“No problem. I understand how you felt.”

“Really?”

He nods slowly.

“I felt like that too. Like a traitor.”

“Yeah…”

“So maybe… maybe we should try to get over this whole… attraction.”

Kate nods.

“Maybe we should. The thing is… I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to move on.”

“I understand.”

“Good.”

They share a quick hug before walking off to different sides of the house, to be alone with their thoughts.

“Sorry for not bringing you home alone on our first day back…”

Paul looks at Jodi seriously and she laughs.

“Paul… you did what you had to do. If it wasn’t for Kate… who knows where we’d be right now.”

“Yeah… I feel sorry for her.”

Jodi sighs.

“So do I. The press is being really hard on her.”

“They were hard on you too.”

Jodi thinks for a minute and sighs.

“Yeah. But not like that. Callan would turn in his grave? That was pushing it.”

Paul pulls her closer, resting his chin on her head.

“But still… they were hard on you. And you got through it, didn’t you?”

“Yeah. Because I had you. You’re my strength, Paul. My rock.”

She holds onto his hands.

“When I’m with you I’m just… strong. I love how you make me feel.”

Paul grins.

“Oh, are we doing confessions here Mrs. O’Brien?”

She hits him playfully and laughs.

“I’m trying to be serious here!”

“Sorry. Serious. Got it. I love you, Jodz.”

“I love you too.”

She moves closer to him, pressing her head against his shoulder.

“I could not love you more than I do now.”

“I love you more and more everyday.”

“Oh, who is being soppy?”

She smiles up at him and he laughs, running his hand up her arm.

“You’re the one who makes me like that.”

“So now it’s my fault?”

He lowers his head, kissing her lovingly.

“Totally your fault…”

She sighs contentedly, holding his hand as tight as she can.

“Back to work tomorrow.”

Paul laughs.

“Well, see it like this – we’re almost getting married again, seeing as Jack and Martha are getting married in three weeks.”

“Good point. I can’t wait for the wedding.”

“Well there is no chance that it’s going to be more beautiful than ours…”

“You are so right about that.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Here is the next part... Thanks for all the feedback...

PART 86

Kate looks at the photo of Callan silently.

“Maybe it wasn’t a dream. At the wedding. Maybe I really should move on. I do love Chris…"

She looks at the door where Chris has gone out an hour or so ago, looking rather upset.

“I miss you Callan… But Chris… he makes me feel whole again… Like I can go on. Wake up with a smile.”

She picks up her phone with a sigh, dialling Holly’s number.

“Hello?”

“Hey Holly.”

“Kate! Hey, how are you?”

“I’m okay…”

“What’s up?”

Kate sighs, inspecting her fingernails one by one.

“I’m in love with Chris.”

“I know. He’s in love with you too. A blind man can see it.”

Kate laughs sadly.

“Do you think the time is right? To move on, I mean.”

Holly laughs over the phone.

“Kate, no matter how long you take to move on, people are going to gossip. And you are going to feel a little strange. But if you love Chris… go for it.”

Kate sighs.

“But… I told him that I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready.”

Holly laughs again.

“Oh, Kate! Chris loves you. And if you tell him that you are ready, he’ll forget you ever said it.”

“I guess you’re right. No, I know you’re right! I’ll tell him tomorrow first thing…”

“Morning.”

Jodi opens her eyes with a grin and kisses Paul softly.

“Morning. Sleep well?”

“Like a baby. You?”

“Yeah…”

He pulls her close with a sigh and she closes her eyes.

“I don’t want to get up. I’m lazy.”

“Well get unlazy and go and make me brekkie, you good for nothing wife…”

Jodi laughs and sits up.

“Good for nothing?”

He pulls her close, kissing her passionately.

“Hmm… okay you are good for something!”

“Good?”

“Perfect?”

“That’s better. But I think you can make me brekkie.”

“No… you can make me brekkie.”

“Maybe we should make it together.”

“Good idea.”

She gets up and stretches out before pulling him out of the bed.

“Come on, to the kitchen!”

“Brekkie’s ready! Chris?”

Kate frowns when she walks to Chris’ room, curious as to why he’s not awake yet.

“Hello?”

She walks to his body, hidden under the covers and taps him on the shoulder softly.

“Hey. Wake up.”

“Hmm? What time is it?”

Kate looks at the strange blonde woman in Chris’ bed silently.

“Sorry… where’s Chris?”

“In the shower. Hi…”

She giggles.

“I’m Mandy.”

Kate lifts a brow.

“I see. Well tell Chris that there is breakfast on the table and I’ll see him at work.”

She walks out, slapping the door behind her, her whole body shaking like a leaf.

She walks to Hayden’s cot, picks him up and walks out, his diaper bag hanging over her shoulder.

She puts him in his car-chair carefully before getting in herself and banging her hands against the steering wheel.

“I’m such an idiot!”

She lifts her head, trying her best to hold back tears.

“I can’t believe how stupid I was.”

She looks at the house, biting her lip, before driving off angrily, tears starting to drip out of her eyes.

[ilovekateritchie]

You're evil Kyle!

I try my best! Lol!

Here is the next part:

PART 87

Nic looks up when Kate enters with Hayden, grinning broadly.

“Now that we’re all present – there is something that I want to tell you.”

Kate looks at him with a smile.

“Sounds big.”

“It is… it is. Yeah… Amy and I are getting married.”

Everyone looks at Nic in shock.

“Married? When?”

Paul stands up to hug Nic.

“Congrats, mate! That’s sudden!”

Nic smiles.

“I asked her about three weeks ago…”

Kate nods.

“That was when that whole situation with me and Chris happened… I’m sorry, Nic! It should have been about you and I ruined it…”

Amy hugs Kate happily.

“Kate! You didn’t ruin it! You didn’t write that article and you didn’t even know that Nic asked me. Besides, everything’s all right now.”

“Well congratulations! I’m so happy for you.”

She smiles happily, using all of her acting ability to prevent them from noticing that anything is wrong.

She checks her watch and smiles.

“Oh, I have to get to hair and make-up! I’ll see you later!”

She runs off with Hayden still in her arms and Amy frowns.

“She seems… different.”

“She’s probably just tired, Aimz.”

“Maybe…”

She frowns for a second before looking at Nic with sparkling eyes.

“So we told them. Happy now?”

“Delighted.”

“Good. Come on, we need to get to hair and make-up too…”

Kate jumps out of the chair when Chris enters the hair and make-up room.

“Thanks, Shelly. We’re done.”

“But Kate, you’re hair’s not finished…”

“I like it like this. See you.”

She storms past Chris, ignoring him, and walks to her dressing room.

Chris looks after her disappearing figure with a frown.

“What did I do?”

He shrugs and smiles when his phone starts ringing.

“Hey, Mandy. No, no… help yourself, Kate won’t mind. Okay… see you tonight… Okay! Bye!”

He puts the phone down and looks at Jodi, Amy, Nic, Paul and Ada, who are all staring at him from out of their make-up chairs.

“What?”

Ada lifts a brow.

“Mandy?”

“Oh… she’s this girl I met last night at the pub… really something!”

Jodi shakes her head angrily.

“And you took her to your home? Oh, wait… KATE’S home?”

“Yeah, so?”

Paul glares at Chris angrily.

“So what happened to I love Kate, she’s the one for me?”

“Oh, we decided to get over that whole attraction and be just friends.”

Jodi stands up, joined by Ada and Amy. They all look at Chris, disgusted.

“You’re pathetic, do you know that?”

They storm out, leaving Chris with Nic, Paul and the quiet make-up artists.

Paul shakes his head unhappily.

“You don’t waist any time, do you? You and Kate were both a little overwhelmed yesterday, I don’t think you meant what you said.”

“Trust me, we did. Besides, I like Mandy. She’s gorgeous, fun and sophisticated. I can’t spend the rest of my life waiting for Kate! What could I do?”

Nic sighs.

“If you loved her, you would have waited.”

He shakes his head and walks out, followed by Paul. Chris sits down, glaring at the make-up artist angrily.

“Don’t even say it, I know you agree with them.”

“Oh wow…”

Mandy raises her eyebrows when she opens the door to Kate’s room and walks in.

“Cool… I’m like… in Kate Ritchie’s room!”

She looks over her shoulder before opening the closet and her eyes almost fall out when she notices the green Logies dress…

“I have to try that on!”

She slips out of her clothes, pulling the dress over her head. It gets stuck around the bottom and she keeps pulling until it slides over her body. She walks to the mirror slowly to admire herself and bends down when she notices the cutest heels lying on the floor. There is an awful ripping sound and she stands up again, her face pale.

“Oops…”

She reaches for her phone, biting her lip…

Chris rolls his eyes when his phone starts ringing.

“Sadrinna. Oh, hey Mandy. You… you… you ripped Kate’s… Logies dress? I’m on my way.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! Here's the next update!

PART 88

“What gave you the idea to put it on in the first place?”

Chris looks at Mandy angrily and she shrugs.

“I just… wanted to wear it.”

He shakes his head angrily.

“Do you have any idea what this dress means to her? So that’s what you do? You just go around putting on random people’s clothes?”

Mandy frowns.

“That’s not fair, Chris! It's all about her! Stop worrying about her, what are you, in love with her?”

He just shakes his head, inspecting the dress.

“We have to get this fixed, I don’t care what it costs. We have to fix it before she finds out. I can’t imagine how upset she’ll be…”

“Kate, Chris, you’re on! Where’s Chris?”

Kate walks into the green room and shrugs.

“What am I, his babysitter?”

She sits down on the couch and looks at her watch.

“Can someone call him?”

Nic grabs his phone.

“I’ll do just that…”

He dials Chris’ number, a strange look on his face.

“Chris. It’s Nic. Where are you? A problem? Not at all, I’ll just play Brad quickly. I want to kiss Kate badly… I think I'll make this a real one, you know...”

He puts the phone down with a smirk.

“He’s on his way.”

Kate nods slightly and falls back on the couch.

“It’s pathetic, he knows he’s supposed to be here. Why can’t he just be on time? It’s not like the world revolves around him. I bet he’s with Mandy.”

She looks out in front of her sourly.

“It’s ridiculous, he only met her last night and yet she wakes up in his bed this morning.”

Jodi and Paul share a look at Kate’s rant.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

Jodi nods.

“She’s jealous as hell. And I don’t blame her – she thought he loved her and then she goes into his room to find some bimbo there.”

“Yeah. I just want to knock some sense into him! With violence preferably.”

Jodi nods.

“I know. I feel like slapping him. She’s devastated, but she’s not about to show it.”

“Who, Kate?”

Jodi and Paul turn around to face Jess.

“Yeah.”

“I can’t believe what an idiot Chris is being. How can he do this to her? After everything she’s been through! He’s such a prick. Mark is so angry…”

Jodi sighs.

“So everyone knows? How is that possible?”

“We were all in make-up after you.”

The two girls look at each other silently and Paul puts his arms around Jodi’s waist.

“Try not to think about it, babe. They’ll sort this out. I hope.”

“I’m so sorry!”

Chris runs into the green room, looking at Kate and Scott apologetically. Kate glares at him and stands up.

“Let’s just start this, okay?”

“Okay, I’m ready.”

Scott shakes his head lightly.

“And action.”

Kate turns around to face Chris.

“Hey, Brad… what happened, is everything all right?”

Chris shakes his head and Kate walks up to him, a worried frown between her brows.

“What happened?”

He puts his arms around her, holding on to her desperately.

“I’ve been suspended…”

“What? Why?”

She pushes him away to look at him and he shakes his head.

“There… there were… claims…”

“What are you talking about? Sit down…”

She helps him to sit down and looks at him seriously.

“What claims?”

“The new student… Alison…”

“Yes?”

“She said that I came on to her.”

“What? But that’s crazy!”

“I don’t know what to do, Sal. Why is this happening to me?”

“Hey… it’ll turn out all right. It’s not true and we’ll prove it, okay?”

He nods slightly and she lifts her head to kiss him.

“It’ll turn out okay…”

“And cut!”

Kate jerks away at Scott’s words and stands up, storming away. Paul walks in and glares at Chris.

“What did you do now?”

Chris stands up with a sigh.

“I didn’t do anything. And mind your own business!”

[ilovekateritchie]

Okay, Sam I get it! LMAO! This one is for rising_flame.

Thanks for all the feedback.

PART 89

“I don’t really feel like planning an engagement party.”

Amy looks at Nic quietly and he pulls her close, resting his lips on the top of her head.

“Hey. Don’t do this. Kate and Chris will have to sort out their issues, but we’re not putting our lives on hold for them, okay?”

“Okay.”

“So let’s plan this… I was thinking we make it a costume party. Big engagement party, small wedding.”

Amy nods.

“Ooh, that’s a good idea… What theme?”

“Cartoons?”

She laughs, slapping him playfully.

“No! We need something classy. Something elegant and sophisticated.”

“Something like a masked ball?”

“Yes! Something exactly like a masked ball! You’re a genius, Nic!”

“Thank you!”

They kiss and she looks at him lovingly.

“I adore you.”

He pulls her close and sighs contentedly.

“Oh, babe. Who doesn’t?”

“I can’t believe you would bring someone like that into my house! What is wrong with you? And to top that, you actually leave her alone for a whole day where she goes through my closet and puts on my clothes!”

Kate looks at Chris angrily and he holds up his hands.

“Sorry?”

“Sorry? Sorry doesn’t even begin to cover it, Chris! You are pathetic! You’re a sleaze and a…”

Her words are cut off when he pulls her close, kissing her passionately.

She kisses him back, her arms circling around his neck. Chris looks down at her, smiling.

“You were saying?”

“You’re a sleaze. And a jerk. And I hate you.”

He kisses her again.

“I hate you too.”

Kate laughs, kissing him softly.

“No you don’t.”

“You’re right, I don’t. You don’t really hate me either.”

They kiss again and she smiles.

“Of course not.”

“Good.”

They look at each other seriously and Chris grins, swinging her through the air.

“I should have done this long ago…”

Kate laughs, stroking his face.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“He’s adorable.”

“Who?”

Jodi leans over to look at the photo in Paul’s hand.

“Oh, Hayden. Yeah, he is.”

Paul puts the photos down and Jodi looks at him seriously.

“You really wanted kids, didn’t you?”

“Yeah. I did.”

Paul sighs and Jodi bites her lip.

“I’m sorry. I wish…”

“Jodi, don’t.”

Paul pulls her close, stroking over her hair.

“I love you. And besides, there are ways…”

“What do you mean?”

“We… we could think about adoption.”

“No. No way.”

“Jodi, why not?”

She moves away from him, staring out in front of her angrily.

“I don’t want to raise a strangers child, Paul. I don’t like the idea.”

“Jodi, just think about it.”

She glares at him, tears forming in her eyes.

“You think I haven’t thought about it?”

She shakes her head, tears slowly dripping from her eyes.

“I knew this would happen. You said you were okay with this, but you’re not. We haven’t been married for three months, and you’re already doing it. I can’t handle this.”

She jumps up and storms out of the room. Paul closes his eyes for a second before running after her. He grabs her arm and pulls her close against his chest.

“Okay, Jodz… I’m sorry I pushed it. I just wanted you to think about it… but you still mean more to me than having kids would. I love you.”

She looks up at him vulnerably.

“I’m sorry…”

He pulls her close, stroking over her back lovingly.

“Don’t be. It’s not your fault. I love you. It’s not your fault.”