Chapter 17

The early morning sun sifted through the canopy of leaves above me and poured in patterned rivers into the garden, bathing it in a golden glow of light. I was propped back against one of the trees that I always saw Kyle sitting under. It's where he usually went to play guitar and sing in the fresh air, out of earshot of the rest of the family.

I loved listening to him when he played music. I often admired him from the porch with Phoebe, or sometimes went to join him. I was getting really good at the guitar due to his coaching. It'd ignited an interest in the music lessons at school, though usually we just played on keyboards there and were taught by a rather dismal old lady who only took an interest in classical stuff.

At the moment, the garden was entirely empty except for me. Everyone else was inside the house. They'd left me in peace so that I could make a phone call to my mum before going to school. We'd been talking for longer than we usually did, and I was loving every second of hearing her talk. I missed her so much, and there was a dull ache in my chest at the thought of having to eventually put the phone down.

"Oh, Sweetie," She cooed warmly for the hundredth time. "I just can't believe it. My baby, all grown up."

Smiling, I rolled my eyes. "Mum, stop."

In truth, I didn't want her to.

"Sixteen already." She sighed softly, voice weak. "I remember the first time I ever held you in my arms. I knew I'd love you forever. My little girl."

I laughed and batted away the tears collecting in my eyes as I ran my fingers over my school dress.

"There's no need to get all soppy about it, Mum." I tried to sound light and upbeat. I didn't want her knowing that she'd almost managed to move me to tears in the space of a few seconds. Only mum could do that to me. "It's just my birthday. I've had fifteen others before this, you know."

My mum's fragile voice fell even quieter than it had been before and every syllable was heavy with sadness. "...I didn't properly celebrate them with you though, did I?"

"Sure you did." I protested, but thinking back, I realised I didn't remember doing anything on my previous birthdays. When I was really young, and mum was still at work, she used to bake me cakes. One year she had been cripplingly drunk and ended up falling asleep and setting the cooker on fire. Last year, I'd spent my afternoon on the beach with Flynn, after my boss had begrudgingly allowed me to leave the café early.

"I didn't do enough for you, Alex. You always deserved better than I could give you. I've been an awful mother. And you've been nothing short of the best daughter I could ever have asked for."

"That's not true." I argued defensively. "You've been a great mum!"

Between wheezing breaths, mum's voice was full of tenderness. "I'm so proud of the person you're becoming, Alex. Sixteen and already so hardworking, clever, beautiful and compassionate. You've got a big heart, my darling, and I hope you have a great birthday. I'm sorry I won't be there for you."

"Thanks mum, but you really don't need to be sorry about anything." I told her.

"Have you got much planned today? Besides school?" She asked.

I shrugged and frowned up at the emerald leaves. "Not really, but the rest of the family have been acting super weird lately. I think their planning something for me."

"Weird how?" Mum rasped, between coughs.

"Well," I started. "The other day I saw Ricky and Bianca picking up a load of boxes from the Diner, but when I went over to talk everyone was acting really shifty and they were trying to hide the boxes from me. Then Olivia stopped me from going into the storage cupboard at Angelo's, which is pretty suspicious. I found confetti on the floor yesterday, which Kyle quickly swept away with his foot, thinking I hadn't seen. On top of that, Darcy's been giving me this really strange excited kind of look all week, as if she's been dying to tell me something, but has only just been holding back."

"You think they might have planned a surprise for you?"

"I'd be willing to bet on it." I told her certainly. "But I'll let them go on thinking I don't suspect anything. I don't want to ruin it."

"You'll have to tell me all about it later." Mum answered softly. She sounded husky and tired. I figured I'd used up all her energy.

My eyes were drawn over to the garden gate as it was opened and Olivia came through. Her glossy long dark hair was pinned up in pretty braids and she was wearing light makeup, done up all nicely. Her purple painted nails and ironed school dress looked very pristine too. Lately she'd been going to a massive effort in the appearance department when it came to going out anywhere. Whether it was a walk, a day on the beach, a night in town, school or even just a shift at Angelo's. Olivia had been making sure she looked perfect all the time.

"I will, don't you worry." I smiled. "I'd better go now, Mum. School starts in a bit and Ollie's come over to pick me up. I'll call later, okay?"

"Okay, Sweetheart. Happy birthday." She wheezed. "And Alex? I love you. Always remember that."

"Thanks, mum." I smiled, a warm feeling blossoming in my chest. "Love you more."

As always, her reply was exactly the same as it had been all my life.

"Not possible, Honey."

The phone beeped off just as Olivia was walking towards me, and offered me a hand up from where I was nestled in the grass. She was smirking from ear to ear, bouncing on the balls of her feet and as soon as I was standing, she didn't hesitate to throw her arms around me in a tight hug, and shake me enthusiastically.

"Happy birthday, Lex!" She squealed.

"Thanks, Ollie," I chuckled, not used to people reacting like this to what was essentially just another day of the year.

The two of us walked into the house so that I could get my bag which I'd left on the sofa. When we neared the doorway, my family, who had all been speaking in hushed voices, quickly stopped talking and carried on as if nothing had been happening. It was all very shifty.

"Olivia," Ricky smiled warmly, giving her a wave. "Hi."

She was sat at the table with a cup of tea, and my oldest brother was beside her, hand in hand. I saw that Brax's other palm was rested gently on her very round belly. There was a proud kind of smile playing on his lips. I knew he couldn't wait to meet his son, and the time was steadily nearing. It wouldn't be long now and the buzzing excitement could be felt growing every day in the Braxton household. Piles of mini-sized baby clothes had been bought, a cot had been made, painted and decorated by the soon-to-be dad, and everyone had been feeling for the baby's kicks, and trying to soothe him with words they hoped he could hear.

When he turned to see us, Brax got up from the table and placed his and Ricky's finished breakfast bowls in the sink.

"Making sure our Alex gets to school?" He asked Olivia, grinning.

"Someone's got to." My friend shrugged jokingly, as I grabbed my school bag from amongst the sofa cushions and slung it over my shoulder.

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Whoa, hey, don't start ganging up against me too. I'm already outnumbered. You're supposed to be on my side."

"Says who." She teased.

"Says me." I retorted.

Olivia snorted. "And why would I ever listen to you?"

"Because if you don't, I'll..." I struggled to come up with something. "Fire you from Angelo's."

"Nice try," Brax laughed. "But that decision lies with the boss. And that would be me."

"Ha ha." Olivia said smugly.

"Real mature." I pouted playfully. "Should have just let you drown when I had the chance."

Olivia stuck my tongue out at me in the most childish way she could, and the two of us started laughing as we left the kitchen. Just before we reached the door, Ricky called me back.

"Hey, Alex!" She hollered. "Can you do me a favour?"

"Yeah, sure." I shrugged.

"Can you help me out and come over to Angelo's tonight, after school?" She asked, rubbing her pregnant belly. "It's been booked for a christening celebration. I've got to get the place ready and I need a hand with all the decorating. Would you be up for it?"

I nodded, smiling. "Count me in."

"Kyle said he'll give you a lift to the restaurant from here, so just be back at the house as soon as school finishes and change into something comfortable, okay?" She advised me.

After agreeing, I left the house with Olivia, before the two of us ended up being late to school. I was smiling knowingly all the way there, because I was aware, despite Olivia's discouragement of the idea, that I was being shepherded to Angelo's for my own birthday party celebrations.

*

When we got to Summer Bay High, Olivia was keen to meet up with the river kids, which struck me as very unusual, considering she'd hated them just a few weeks ago. When she kept pestering me and glancing around down the hallways, looking for signs of them, I had to stop and frown at her suspiciously.

"Why the sudden interest in the River kids?" I asked, confused and intrigued.

"I'm not interested as such." Olivia claimed, hands on her hips. "It's just that they're your friends, so I figure I should make an effort."

"Right." I said disbelievingly.

"What? You don't believe me?" She challenged.

"Well... honestly? No. Not really." I admitted, laughing. "I mean, come on, Ollie. It's a little weird. A while ago you couldn't stand the idea of me hanging around with them."

"Well, it's your birthday, isn't it?" Olivia responded, rolling her eyes. "A time for celebration and acceptance."

"But you'd never have accepted them before." I said. "I mean, what happened to the girl who was all 'They're just a load of trouble just waiting to happen. Back off if you know what's good for you.' That girl was the one I made friends with. You remember her? The real Olivia."

"I never said that!" Olivia protested, as she and I strolled down the busy hallways. She wouldn't look me in the face.

"Yeah, you kind of did." I laughed. "And you said worse."

"Opinions change, don't they?" My friend interrupted quickly with tightly pursed lips. "And I may have... I may have judged incorrectly. The River kids..."

"Yeah...?" I pressed, grinning.

"The river kids aren't as bad as I originally thought they were." She admitted begrudgingly, and then caught sight of my smile and scowled. "What are you laughing for?"

"The fact that you've finally admitted you were wrong about them." I beamed.

A reluctant smile crept over her lips as she slapped my arm. "Oh, shut up."

*

It was the last lesson of the day, and by far one of my favourite. The catering class was held in a giant kitchen, filled with an abundance of cooking utensils, ovens, hobs and microwaves. In the back, there was a walk-in fridge and freezer. Both were stored full of foods and ingredients for the student's lessons on cooking, baking and preparing brilliant dishes and meals. The cooking class always smelt delicious, of spices or sweet things. It put me in an instant good mood.

Because I was the best cook in the class and Brody was pretty much the worst, we'd been paired off together, which was ideal. Catering was a chance for us to unwind in each other's company and have fun while I did my favourite thing in the world. I made the food. He sampled it. We made a good team that way.

"You know what these classes always remind me of?" Brody piped up, his eyes dancing as the two of us made gingerbread biscuits together.

I realised he'd shaped two as if they were holding hands. On it, in icing, he piped the words 'Happy birthday' followed by a kiss, and then he gave it to me, and watched as my face lit up. Brody was still so full of surprises. Who knew that underneath all that bad-tempered, egotistical River Boy, there was a huge heart?

"What does it remind you of?" I smiled, my cheeks warm as I beheld the sweet gingerbread boyfriend and girlfriend, and their conjoined hands.

"Our first date together." He grinned. "Remember when you came back to my house? After we'd been at the beach? We made a pizza together then."

"How could I forget?" I said jokingly. "You threw flour at me."

"You instigated it." Brody laughed. "And don't say you didn't."

"True, I guess." I winked. It's then that I noticed some marks on the River Boy's hands. They were small scratches, lapped over each other, again and again. I paused to inspect them. "What are they?"

Brody quickly hid them from me. He made a point of ignoring my question. "Olivia tells me you're always causing food fights in Angelo's kitchen too, when she's working and you keep her company on her shifts."

Choosing to let Brody have his secrets, I let the sore, red nicks on his hands slide.

"Well, isn't she being talkative." I sighed playfully instead.

Brody looked up at me with sea blue eyes. "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean, Olivia's been acting odd lately." I bit my lip, my gaze wondering over to where Jackson was pulverising some lumpy, mushy green mixture in a bowl over at his work station. I had no idea what he was trying to bake. Whatever it was, it didn't look very appetising. Or edible. "She's being extra accepting of you lot all of a sudden. I can't help wondering what's changed her mind."

Brody lazily followed my gaze to his best friend and shrugged simply. "Well, he did save her life. That does tend to change a person's perspective, you know."

"Hmm... I don't know. I feel like there's more to it than that." I mumbled thoughtfully, scrutinising Brody and trying my best to dig for a hint as to what he might know about the whole situation. When he pretended not to see me looking, I decided to cut straight to the point. "You wouldn't happen to know anything, would you?"

"Nah." Brody shrugged as he placed some hot gingerbreads on a cooling rack, but the gleam in his eyes was all-knowing.

"Not to mention she's been paying extra attention to her appearance lately. Hair nicely braided, nails painted, lovely makeup done up all pretty..." I paused and let my words sink in. "I just wonder if anyone else has noticed. Maybe a particular friend of yours perhaps?"

Brody heaved a sigh. He was smiling when his eyes met mine. "Look, all I'm saying is that Jackson has asked me to ask you to invite her along to more things."

"Really? He did?" I perked up. "Did he say why?"

"When I asked, he just said it was because he wanted to be friendly." Brody answered hesitantly.

"There's a 'but' coming, right?"

The river boy broke out into a charming smile. "But, I've known Jackson for a long time...

"And?"

"And," He continued, loving keeping me hanging on his every word. "It's almost definitely more than that. He wouldn't have said anything unless he really wanted her around more."

The two of us shared a meaningful look. We now knew that there must be something there, from both sides. Olivia liked Jackson and I was willing to bet on Brody's words that he probably had a crush on her too. That was an exciting thought. Completely insane, but also great. Olivia could do with some fun and some crazy in her life. And Jackson would benefit from someone more... Olivia-ish. She'd keep him on the straight and narrow. He'd bring her out of her shell.

Whatever was happening between them, Brody and I were in a mutual understanding that neither of us would have anything to do with it. Anything that happened would happen naturally. I didn't like meddling or playing cupid, and neither did he. If they liked each other, then Olivia and Jackson work it out. I wasn't about to push them together before they were ready.

"Anyway, it's not them we should be talking about." Brody smirked in a deliberate way.

I glared down at a gingerbread man as I carefully iced it. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, you'll see now." Brody promised as his electric blue eyes focused on two figures coming up behind me.

I turned to see Matt and Amy. They were coming up to us with big smiles plastered on their faces. Something was being hidden from me behind their backs. When they pulled it out for me to see, a warm feeling spread through my body like fire when I realised that the two of them had baked me a cake. It was blue, my favourite colour, and had my name and age on it. Someone had gotten a little carried away with the decorations, which completely plastered it, but I didn't care what it looked like. The whole thing was such a ridiculously cute gesture. I felt touched that they'd spent the whole double lesson working on this for me. It was safe to say I'd never before had friends like these.

"Aw, guys." I chuckled. My hand settled over my chest. "Thanks. That's so nice of you."

"I better get a huge piece of it, Braxton." Matt told me, ever the charmer.

Amy rolled her eyes and punched him in the gut. "Ignore him. He's an idiot. What he meant to say was 'Happy birthday, Lexie!'."

"I was getting around to that part." Matt broke in, glowering at her good-humouredly.

Amy shook her head. "Always thinking about your stomach."

"Someone has to." Matt pouted playfully.

The two of them were in their own little jokey bubble, barely noticing me or Brody, who were stood with them. My River boy gave me nod and raised his eyebrows expressively, clearly trying to tell me something. It's then that I comprehended what he'd been referring to earlier. This was what he'd meant when he'd said it wasn't Olivia and Jackson that we should be talking about. It was Matt and Amy.

Matt and Amy?!

Once the two had left the cake on the side for me and bustled off back to their work station to clean up, still joshing around with each other in a love/hate way, I spun on Brody. My mind was reeling.

"Since when?!" I burst out, shocked.

"Don't ask me." Brody smirked, palms up. "All I know is that he spent last night at her house."

"Seriously?" I was slack jawed.

"Yup." Brody answered, leaning against the counter.

His eyes were full of life: deep, dazzling blue and glittering. There was a temperateness to him, as there usually always was. He was so calm and self-assured and laidback. It both managed to lull and thrill me at the same time. He had the ability to make me feel so awake and alive and electric, yet he pacified me, and kept me feeling like both feet were still firmly on the ground. Brody seemed to have that bizarre effect on people. He was danger. But he was safety.

As if reading my emotions, and knowing what it was that I wanted, the River Boy swiftly drew me to him in the swept of his strong arm. He watched me intently, his head cocked to the side.

"You know, it got me thinking." He purred, his soft lips very close to mine. I'd laced my arms around his neck. He had very broad shoulders and a sturdy chest which was rock solid. "How come you and I never have sleepovers?"

Giggling, I fell into Brody's sapphire gaze. "Aw, are you feeling lonely at night, Johnston?"

He smirked, dimples appearing on his cheeks. "Maybe. Are you going to do something about it, Braxton?"

I shrugged teasingly as I pressed myself to him. I lowered my voice to a seductive whisper and brought my lips to his ear. "Well, I might consider it." I told him, teasingly. "If ever I was invited for a sleepover."

I planted a small kiss on Brody's neck, just below his ear, and pulled back to see the fiery, passionate look in his eyes. That's exactly what I had been trying to invoke.

"Lexiekins," He told me, voice husky and deep. "You can come to my house and stay the night anytime you like."

I scrunched my nose up as I considered it. "Maybe if you're good."

"I'll be on my best behaviour." My river boy threw me a wink and then gathered up his things.

"You're going?" I queried, puzzled.

"Yeah, I've got to be somewhere early." He said cryptically, as he put on his leather jacket and started walking backwards towards the door. "But I'll see you at Angelo's tonight?"

"You will?" I probed, catching him out. "Why's that? Something happening at Angelo's?"

Brody paused and cursed himself, but the cocky grin didn't leave his face. "I'll just see you tonight, alright, sweetheart?"

"Alright." I smiled. "Bye, Brods!"

Over his shoulder, he called. "See ya, Lexiekins!"

"Say hi to Brenda for me, will you?" I hollered. In response, I heard the echo of Brody's laugh as he strutted down the hall.

Everyone had already left the catering classroom when I was stashing away the leftover dough that Brody and I had made. The place was empty, meaning I was the last student left. Something about it was creepy, or at least it would have been if not for the fact that I could still hear some kids out in the hallway, visiting their lockers and leaving the school.

My mind was entirely focused on the thought of getting back home and catching a lift with Kyle to Angelo's. I wondered briefly what I should wear to my own birthday party.

That's when I heard the walk-in refrigerator door lock from behind me.

The panic was instant. I didn't do well in small, contained spaces and the lights went off as soon as the entrance had been closed, leaving me in darkness too, save for a small frosted up window on the top half of the door. Full of horror, I spun on my heel and ran to it as fast as I could, tripping over containers and boxes as I did, and fumbled with the unmoving handle. I pulled desperately, frantic to get out. Claustrophobia worked its way through my body, ten thousand times worse than it had ever been before. To my dismay, the door didn't shift. I was locked in from the outside. It took no time at all for my heartbeat to rocket sky high. My hands started to shake uncontrollably.

"Hello?" I cried out anxiously. "Hello?! Is anybody there? Help!"

Laughter answered me. And then a face in the window. Through the dimness and frost, I saw that it was a moonface, round and freckled and topped with curly red hair in a tight bun, eyes as dark as bullet holes, and a dodgy-shaped nose.

"Anya," I breathed. My breath came out as a puff of mist in the cold of the fridge, and it steamed up the window of the door. I shivered as I used my sleeve to wipe it away.

"Who else?" She leered. She was stood about a meter away from the fridge door, half submerged in the shadows of the empty classroom, tossing something up in the air and catching it again. The second time she threw it, I looked closely enough to realise that Anya was holding a set of keys. The keys to the refrigerator. She gave me a menacing grin. "I told you I'd get you back. And I meant it."

"Let me out, Anya!" I cried desperately, slamming my fists against the metallic door. My bag and phone were out in the classroom on a table, where I couldn't get to them. If Anya was to leave me in the cooler, there would be no way of me calling for assistance. "This isn't funny."

"Oh, it really is from my side of things." She jeered, sniggering callously. "I think I might just leave you here for the night. Give you time to cool off."

"Anya, please!" I pleaded, hitting the door. "Don't do this!"

"Why shouldn't I?" She hissed. "After what you've done to me?"

"Because..." I struggled for a reason. That was one of the worst things about it. I couldn't think of one good reason why she should let me out after I'd permanently bent her nose. Finally, I said weakly, "Because I'm begging you. Don't leave me in here. Please."

"You, know, I like it when you beg." She confessed, and then shrugged indifferently, before turning away and stalking back up to the door. "Happy birthday, Braxton brat." She spat.

And then just like that, she was gone. The lights in the classroom went out. And I was abandoned in almost complete darkness, all alone in the cold.

*

I was hyperventilating, curled up in a ball on the floor, trying to keep as much warmth in my body as I possibly could. There wasn't much of it left. I was freezing. My temperature had dropped alarmingly. I'd spent ages wasting my energy shouting for help and trying to kick down the unmoving door, with no such luck. In the end, I'd given up. I was too cold and too hysterical. I'd started to cry. A lot.

I could hear my phone ringing outside in the classroom for the millionth time, and knew that my family must be wondering where the hell I was. There was absolutely no way of letting them know I was trapped in the walk in fridge in the catering class at school. Mid-way through the buzzing, I heard the unmistakable sound of the classroom door being pushed open, as someone hesitantly entered. My head shot up in hope, eyes wide.

"Hello?" Called out a timid voice.

I recognised it immediately and scrambled to my feet to peer through the window into the shady classroom.

"Jett!" I howled.

The poor kid, who'd been ogling at my bag in wonder and confusion, almost jumped a meter in the air at my cry. His eyes settled on my frosted-over face in the cooler and he sprinted over to try and pull the thing open.

"Alex? What the heck are you doing in there?" He demanded, pulling as hard as he could at the locked metallic door.

"Long story. I'll tell you afterwards. Just get me out." I answered quickly.

Jett shook his head. "I can't! It's been sealed by someone."

"Then get help!" I told him. "My brother, Kyle, he's at home. Bring him here. Oh, and tell him to phone Bianca!"

Jett nodded quickly. He looked all shaken up. "Yeah, sure. I'll be right back, okay?"

"Okay, hurry!" I requested frantically.

It mustn't have been too long later that Jett returned with my brother in tow, but to me it felt like hours. My whole body was rigid by the time Kyle came crashing into the classroom and didn't pause to bust down the door, with the help of Bianca and the care-taker who had a spare key.

Having noticed that I'd worked myself into a state, my big brother protectively wrapped his arms around me as soon as I was out. He held me as tightly as he could against him, to calm me down and rid me of my hysterics. I leant my head on his shoulder, my eyes squeezed shut against the awful obscurity and iciness of such a small space, and clutched him to me, hoping I could use him as a shield to block it all out.

"Alex, it's okay!" He assured me. "It's okay! Hey, you're alright. I've got you. I'm right here."

"I didn't know if anyone was going to notice I was in there." I cried, pressing myself to Kyle, and loving every second of being enveloped in my brother's snug arms.

"I know. I know." Kyle cooed, rubbing my back comfortingly. "But you don't need to worry. You're alright now, okay? I've got you."

I nodded feebly, focusing on trying to calm my unstable breathing. I drew in a shaky breath and forced my teeth not to chatter against the cold of the cooler, which had seeped into my clothes and chilled me to the bone.

"Yeah." I sniffled, hugging Kyle tight and trying to wipe the smudged makeup off my face. "Sorry."

"Are you apologising for crying?" My brother looked slightly amused.

"I try not to in front of people." I answered seriously. "I just... I really hate small spaces. And the dark. I didn't know how long I would be trapped in there. It freaked me out."

"Yeah, no kidding." He murmured, then squeezed my hands in his. "Alex, who did this to you? The cooler was locked from the outside by someone. Even Jett couldn't shift it. Someone must've purposely done this."

"It doesn't matter." I lied, shivering.

"Yes, it does." Kyle insisted, gently dabbing a tear from my rosy cheek. The concern in his expression was so very intense. "Just tell me, Alex."

I shook my head stubbornly. "It didn't bother me that much. It's fine." I insisted sheepishly, pulling away from my brother and straightening my school uniform. I wrapped my arms around my body for heat and security. "Can we go now, please? I just want to go."

Kyle sighed heavily. "Yeah. We can go. But this isn't over."

*

Angelo's looked fantastic. It had been bedecked in festoons of twinkling fairy lights and waving party banners, big balloons and glittering confetti that caught the rays of light the same way that the surface of the sea caught the sun. The theme was ocean blue. A huge mountain of cupcakes from the Diner ladies had been organised into a pyramid, on a table which was stacked with gifts and presents galore, from friends and family members. There were bowls of foods, and punches. Live music played on the set up stage in the corner. The bands and artists were associates of Kyle and Phoebe.

The thing that got me the most was how full the restaurant was. It seemed to me as if the whole of Summer Bay had turned up to my birthday party, and that struck something in my heart. I felt so touched by the show of people. All these neighbours and friends that I'd gradually come to know over the weeks I'd been staying with my brothers had made an effort to come and celebrate my birthday - just another day of the year. In all my life, I had never had something like this happen for me. And I had my brothers to thank for it.

Despite the festivities, Kyle was on edge, and so was Bianca. The two wanted me to tell the others what had happened, but I'd begged them not to. I swore that I'd tell everyone what had really happened first thing in the morning, but that I wanted to keep it quiet for now, because I didn't want to ruin the night. They agreed in the end. When we got to the restaurant late, we just told everyone that we were caught up. It was no big deal. I managed to shake it off without a problem, but I could see that Bianca and Kyle were still tense. It really bothered them that someone had done that to me. I couldn't imagine how the others would react when they found out about it.

"There's the birthday girl!" Heath cheered, as he picked me up and spun me around. "How was school squirt?"

"I survived, didn't I?" I grinned.

Kyle gave me a moody look. "Just."

Brax and Heath frowned at him, confused. Before either of them could question further, I chuckled nervously and hastily moved on the conversation.

"I can't believe you went to all this effort for my birthday. It's amazing." I commended, looking around at the transformation of Angelo's.

"You've not heard the best part yet." Phoebe chipped in, her eyes flashing mischievously.

Before I was given the chance to wonder what that might be, she skipped off towards the stage and mounted it, dragging Kyle on behind her. He took a seat with his guitar, whilst she picked up the tambourine and situated herself in front of a microphone. When they sang, the song was a new one I'd never heard before. The lyrics were wonderfully crafted together, made to fit a tune which started off slow, and then picked up a beat during the chorus. It was the best song I'd ever heard. It was about me, for me, from my brother and his girlfriend. It was one of the best gifts I'd ever had.

Sooner or later, during the party, I found myself standing with just Brody, Heath and Brax. I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later, but when it did, I was far from ready for it. I broke out in a sweat as the three regarded each other coolly. It took a while for any of them to speak.

"So, Lex," Heath said, crossing his arms. "Aren't you going to introduce me properly to your guy friend?"

"Heath, Brax, this is Brody. Brody, this is Heath, and Brax."

"Hey." Brody extended a hand to my eldest brother. He didn't accept it.

"So, you're from Mangrove River." Brax stated.

"Yeah."

"It wasn't actually a question, but okay." My brother said, tilting his head to the side. "I heard your dad was a drug dealer."

As soon as the words had left Brax's mouth, I was ready to kill him with my bare hands. Of all the things he could have said, he had decided to start with one of the worst. I knew without question that the rest of this meeting was not about to go well. Brody always got touchy about the subject of his dad. He wouldn't even talk to me about it.

"It was my Step dad, actually." Brody answered coldly. His voice had altered. If there was one way of stepping on his toes, it was through talking about his family.

"Right." Brax nodded, taking on board this information. He didn't seem at all bothered by the fact that Brody was clearly uncomfortable with where the conversation was headed. "Are you in the family business?"

"Do I look like a drug dealer to you?" Brody threw back, gesturing at himself.

Brax shrugged. "A yes or no answer will do. Don't get smart."

"Then, no." Brody countered, his forehead scrunched into a guarded scowl.

"What about your criminal record?" Brax interrogated.

"What about yours?" Brody retorted with a laugh. The two were silent for a few beats, before my River boy cleared his throat and said, "For your information, I don't actually have one yet. I've had a few cautions, a couple of fines, I've spent a night or two in a cell. I've never had much worse than that."

"Are you planning on keeping it that way?"

"If I can." Brody shrugged, taking Brax's questions in his stride. Or at least trying to.

My oldest brother observed him nonchalantly, obviously trying to suss him out. There was an iciness to him that made me uneasy.

"Just so you know," He warned, his words heavy, and his eyes dangerously amused. "If Alex gets dragged into any kind of trouble with you, or hurt by you... it'll be the last thing you ever do. You got it?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Brody replied smoothly, looking more than just unfazed. He looked slightly cocky.

"What's with the grin?" Heath challenged, arms crossed. "We're not trying to be funny."

"I'm not laughing." Brody shrugged in response. "I'm just not scared."

He had an equally confident smirk playing on his lips. The gleam in his eyes was as daring as the expressions on my brothers' faces. He was unflinching. Brody was no lamb among wolves. He was just like my brothers. He was a wolf too.

Heath glowered at him, his intense gaze searching for a weakness in the younger river boy. Brax laughed in amusement and shook his head, unable to believe Brody's cheek. I couldn't tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Sometimes my oldest brother's laugh had a weird sound to it. It was almost threatening.

Brax took a step closer to Brody, levelling his stare, so that they were eye to eye. He dropped his voice low, so only the four of us would be able to hear him.

"Well, you should be scared, Johnston." He cautioned, an edge to his voice. "And if you're not, then you're just plain stupid."

Brody retained his smile. He faced my brother with verve, and kept his eyes locked on him, unwavering, as he straightened out his leather jacket.

"I'm not stupid. Just confident." He countered. "And I'm not scared, because I'm positive that I'll never do anything to hurt Alex or to put her in danger. On the off chance that I do, then I agree with you. You should beat me up." He threw his arms wide open, leaving himself unprotected to my brothers if they wanted to harm him. "Go ahead – do your worst. I deserve anything I've got coming at me." Brody slowly shook his head. He was all of a sudden serious. "But I'm not going to do that, Brax. You've got my word."

The two of them scrutinised each other for what felt like forever. My chest began to hurt from the breath I hadn't realised I was holding. And then, finally, Brax's eyes alighted on me. And, hands on his hips, he actually smiled.

"Okay. You were right. He's not so bad." He decided, sighing as he said it.

Inwardly, I took a relieved gulp of air and almost fainted from worry. On the outside, I beamed smugly and pretended like I'd known he was going to approve all along.

"Yeah, well, he's bound to be. I've got good taste." I retorted matter-of-factly. "Now, I kind of like this one. Are you both done trying to scare him off?"

Brax shrugged and raised his eyebrows, as if he was considering giving it another go another time. Heath put his palms up in surrender. Brody gave me an impish, quizzical glare.

"'This one'?" He repeated, mock-offended.

"Don't worry," I told him teasingly. "You're by far the favourite of all my potential male suitors."

Remembering the joke from when we'd spent our first date on the beach together, Brody snorted and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Oh, yeah?" He tested, lips pursed. "All those city boys you told me about, huh?"

"Mm-hmm." I giggled, before turning back to my brothers to explain. "Before you get all overprotective - it's just a joke. There were no city boys."

"Good. Glad to hear it." Brax said.

"Well, I'm sick of listening to you two being lovey dovey. It makes me sick." Heath announced. He clapped Brody hard on the shoulder before disappearing into the crowd. "Oh, and I'm glad we got to have this chat, Johnston."

"Always nice talking to you, Heath."

Before Brax left us alone, he regarded Brody sternly as the two shook hands. "Just remember what I said."

When it was finally just us, Brody was the first to speak and break the tension.

"He's a bag of laughs, isn't he?"

I grimaced as I put my arms around the River Boy's solid neck. "Yeah... sorry about that. They can be a bit... protective. And unfriendly."

"Does it ever bug you?"

"You get used to it." I shrugged. "It's a bit like owning two Rottweilers. Every now and then they snarl and snap their jaws, and bark at strangers. But just like any dog, they love a cuddle really."

Brody's face remained completely stony. "I don't think Brax will love me any more if I try to cuddle him."

I fought back a smile at the River boy's attempt to entertain me. "It's just a metaphor, Brody. Don't try to hug my brother. Ever. Or he will actually kill you."

He cocked his head to the side and pretended to stroke a fake beard in thought. "Maybe if next time I come to your house, I bring over some dog treats... maybe a slab of meat... or a chew toy..."

"Brody, shut up." I instructed, laughing as we ambled out onto the balcony together. I was tucked under his arm, which was slung over my shoulders. It was a cosy place that I had come to love. Somewhere I sheltered, and felt at peace with the world.

"I don't think you want me to do that." He said mysteriously. "Not when I've got something so important to share with you."

"Oh? And what's that?" I played along, wondering what Brody was talking about, and why he was giving me that roguish smirk. What was he up to now?

It was just me and him out on the balcony. The air was still and calm around us, balmy and filled with the sweetened scent of eucalyptus trees. The afternoon sun was strong, warm on my skin. I was wearing an off-shoulder, low-backed top with a pair of ripped shorts, so the wonderful glimmers of heat cascaded over my bare legs and arms. My flaxen, blonde hair tumbled over my shoulder in a wild waterfall. There was no breeze and the ocean which unfolded in front of us was an endless sheet of cobalt, straight from the shore all the way to the distant horizon.

Without thinking, I jumped up to perch myself on the balcony railings. Brody automatically placed his hands on my hips, locking them around my midriff, to make sure I didn't fall backwards. I could trust him to do things like that. There was no way he was ever going to let anything bad happen to me.

From a back pocket, Brody fished out a small vintage-styled, hand carved, wooden jewellery box. It was stunning, decorated all over in engravings of patterns and beautiful designs. It was circular shaped, just about big enough to fill his palm, which was still sore with nicks and scratches. He gently pressed it into my hand.

"What's this?" I asked softly, my fingertips brushing the carefully whittled edges.

"It's your present from me." My river boy told me, patiently awaiting my reaction. "What do you think?"

"Oh my god..." I muttered, finally realising what all those hitch-hatched cuts on Brody's hands were. I found my eyes landing accusingly on them. "Did you make this yourself?"

"Ah..." Brody sheepishly averted his gaze to the beach. He winced through a smile. "Don't tease, alright, Braxton?"

"I wasn't going to." I assured. "Brods, I think it's lovely. I can't believe you made this from scratch."

"So you like it?" He double-checked.

"I do." I replied quietly, honestly.

Brody cocked a brow at me. "Wow. You're easily pleased. I'm thinking now that maybe I should have stopped at the box."

"What?" I said, puzzled.

A pearly grin spread slowly over his fetching, strong-featured face. I was getting so used to spending time with Brody that I sometimes forgot to look and really see him. The guy was unbelievably gorgeous. An almost black, chaotic crop of hair, irises like two pools of crystalloid water, a masculine jawline and nicely-built body. He was the epitome of tall, dark and handsome.

Brody eagerly instructed me to open the box. When I did, I had to gasp in astonishment. Laid out on the jet black velvet on the inside of the box was a sparkling necklace of sterling silver. On it were two charms. One pendant was a brilliant blue opal stone, my favourite of all gems, sculpted into a mini surfboard. It was rimmed in fine silver, which wrote out a word.

"'Sweetheart.'" I read aloud. I glimpsed up at Brody with shimmering eyes. "Aw, Johnston... I didn't know you River boys had it in you to be so romantic."

"Oi, what did I say about teasing?" Brody reminded, pointing a chastising finger at me. "Don't."

"I knew you were a softie really." I prodded him in his rock-hard chest. "Just a big old marshmallow, aren't you, Brody Ace Johnston?"

I shouldn't have pushed him. Brody meant business. He didn't think twice about tickling me in revenge to try and shut me up. The River Boy was overpoweringly strong, and I'd lost the fight before he'd even begun wrestling with me. He squeezed my sides until I was gasping for breath between giggles. He only stopped when I pleaded for him to, and threatened to punch him in the neck if he didn't. By then, he had me backed up against the banister. We were close together, our lips a hairsbreadth away from each other. The fragrance of my vanilla perfume fused with the minty, oceanic aroma of Brody. We were panting from our tickling match, and smiling goofily.

Brody reached out for the divine string of jewellery and fastened the clasp around my neck. He positioned the opal surfboard pendant in the middle of the chain, where it hung against my chest. It fit there perfectly. That's when I caught the shine of the second pendant, and realised it was Key.

"Erm, Brods? What's with the key?" I asked.

"Ah. The key." Brody was cocky again. "That was added a couple of hours ago. I got it made today."

"I'm guessing it has a story?" I predicted.

Brody leaned in close to me and whispered, "Whenever you want a sleepover at my house, you're more than welcome. Just let yourself in."

I stared at him. "This is a key to your house?"

Brody nodded.

I narrowed my eyes. "Are you sure I'm allowed to have this? Does your mum even know I have it?"

"She's fine with it." Brody shrugged. "She loves you."

I'd met Brody's mum, Debbie Anderson, a few times. She was an exquisite woman, who was very kind hearted. She had this cosy, comforting effect. A feeling of home. She always came to welcome me at the door whenever I was coming over. It was nice feeling so wanted and straightaway accepted by someone. In fact, I'd met Brody's whole family. He had two younger brothers, Lee and Dale. They could be sweet, but they could be little monsters too. The pair were real characters. Brody's newest stepdad was Gordo Anderson. He was Mangrove River born and bred, and an old friend of Brax's. Debbie was currently pregnant with his baby.

"What can I say? There's a lot to love." I joked.

"I can't deny it." Brody admitted, smiling. "So, are we still on for tomorrow?"

The two of us had made plans for the day. After an early morning surf together, Brody was going to take me to the bush and teach me to ride his motorbike, which sounded like it might be fun. Afterwards we were going for a walk up to the lighthouse, followed by a picnic at Deecan's point. It was an entire day to ourselves, which would be a new experience. No more hiding or secrecy. Just me and him. Doing normal things together. And I couldn't wait.

"Yup. I wouldn't miss it for the world." I said, before closing the distance between myself and the River boy.

When we kissed, it caused an explosion in my chest. My blood pumped faster, full of passion. My lips burnt with the taste of his lips, and I couldn't help wondering how lucky I was to have a guy like him.

After a while, at Brody's suggestion, the two of us sauntered back inside to re-join the party. Having made my rounds and talked to friends and neighbours, I eventually ended up back in the company of the other Braxtons. Darcy spent a while hugging me. My brother's allowed me a few beers with them. I was also permitted a glass or two of wine with Bianca and Phoebe (Ricky just had orange juice). More people came to join us. The River kids, the Barrett's, the Palmers, the Maguires, the Stewarts... the list was never ending. Everyone in town appeared to have shown up. We all chatted loudly, and joked, and laughed. I felt sky high with happiness.

And that's when it all suddenly changed.

"Lex?"

I spun at the sound of my name, so familiar on those lips, but also so out of place here inside my brother's restaurant in Summer Bay. That voice, bright as a ray of sunshine on a summer morning, didn't belong here. I hadn't realized how much I'd missed it.

Sure enough, when I turned around, there he was, effortlessly dazzling as usual. He smiled brightly, his long messy light-coloured fringe falling over his face in that typically handsome boy-band way that it always did. His stunning hazel eyes, surrounded by long light lashes, twinkled, taking in the sight of me as if he'd never stop if he had the choice.

"Happy Birthday, bestie." Flynn said cheerfully, holding out a present and card. "Didn't think I'd miss it, did you?"

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Hey everyone!

Going to be totally honest, I wasn't sure about uploading this chapter. It's not quite what I wanted it to be, but I hope you like it anyway. I know it'll have mistakes in it (sorry about that) and I might edit it a bit more. Next chapter will be up as soon as possible. Let me know what you guys thought of that twist at the end. Throwing Flynn into the mix is going to cause a LOT of trouble. Not just for the two newbie lovebirds, but for everyone else too. Trouble will be brewing in the Braxton household. Lots of it.

I realise that the story has kind of strayed from the brothers and the Braxtons and begun to focus more on the River kids and the whole Alex/Brody situation. Not really sure what you guys like to read about, so just throw me some suggestions if you want some more on the brothers or on a particular thing or subject. I've already got the basis of the entire story line plotted out right until the end, but when I come to writing it, I can easily put in more about certain characters and stuff, so just let me know what you're all thinking in the comments.

As always, thank you for reading, loyal readers and fans! Your uplifting comments, votes and kind messages are genuinely what keep me going on this story, so a HUGE thanks for that!

Please continue your wonderful support, and I'll try my best to update soon. 

Peace out, 

TheSnowWolf x