An Irish Summer

[LAURZY!]

Wow, 2 brilliant chapters!!!!

Really loving this fic, totally did not expect it to go this way lol Both chapters were so well written

I hope everything becomes alot less stressful rather soon!

Nicole made me LOL alot!!

Brilliant, really cant wait to see how it progresses from now on

[Red Ranger 1]

Ohh boy.If Aden keeps this up, they're really not going to have a good holiday.You're writing the tension well, keep it up.

[tessalove]

LOL, I loved Aden being in the worng with Joey and Charlie.

Continue soon please! X

[Symphony]

thanks to lino, mizzybee, hilary, tessalove, laurzy and red ranger for commenting.

Chapter 4

Nicole sat attentively in her seat next to the queueing rank at their gate. Geoff was already stood in place at the front of the queue, but she'd been complaining of tired feet and had gone to sit down.

There was no sign of Aden and Belle, but they presumed they'd gone to do some last minute shopping. However, Aden suddenly appeared, alone, and plonked himself down next to Nicole without a word.

Hey happy-face, she greeted him sardonically. Don't look so overjoyed. Where's Belle? Gone to the powder parlour?

He didn't rise to the bait. She's gone alright, he answered flatly, and Geoff pricked his ears, hearing from the queue.

Gone? What do you mean gone? he left his place and came to stand in front of Aden, causing Nicole to squawk loudly.

Geoff, you lost our place! she wailed, flapping her hands at him uselessly, but he quietened her with a look.

It doesn't matter Nic. What do you mean gone, Jeffries?

Aden looked up at him with a blank, disinterested stare.

What I said, Church-boy, he replied dully. Gone, home, gone, not coming.

And you let her go? Geoff could hardly believe his ears.

Aden rose suddenly. What did you expect me to do? he demanded, encroaching on Geoff's personal space. Run after her and physically carry her to the gate?

YES! Geoff retorted, if that's what it took! Christ Aden, you acted like a first class ass back there, and you expect Belle to come running after you, taking it all in her stride. What the hell was wrong with you man!?

Aden blinked, startled. He'd never heard Geoff use so much bad language in one running before. Nor had Nicole, it seemed, who stood up and draped herself over Geoff.

Oh I do love a bad boy, she cooed to him sweetly, but he pushed her away gently.

[

Not now Nicole, he remained fixated on Aden.

Well? Are you going to go after her? he questioned Aden who shrugged and turned away.

What's the point, he shot back defeatedly. If she doesn't want to come, I can't make her!

Geoff blew out air through his mouth, staring at Aden with bulging eyes. You are unbelievable Jeffries. I mean, I knew you were selfish but this really takes the biscuit. Do you ever think about anyone else but yourself?

This last statement saw Aden whirl on his feet, eyes glowing and with a gutteral sound, he hurled himself at Geoff, grabbing him by the shoulder.

Drawing his right hand back, his fingers forming into a fist even as he did so, he prepared to last forwards with a vicious blow, ignoring the frightened squeal from Nicole.

Go ahead Aden, do it! Geoff taunted him fearlessly. Hit me, if it'll really make you feel better. Better you hit me than Belle!

At his words, Aden froze, slowly comprehending what Geoff had said, and straight away dropped his fist, staring at Geoff in horror.

What's she said to you! he demanded, the implications settling in. I'd never hit Belle! I love her!

You've got a funny way of showing it, Geoff responded coldly, resisting the urge to rub his shoulder where Aden had gripped him too tightly.

I do! Aden insisted, beginning to realise he was fighting a losing battle.

At that moment, a familiar blonde head passed by, having noticed the trouble from further down the corridor. John was relieved to see that Aden had dropped his fist, although there was still a static tension between the two boys.

Hey, I s'pose you're worryin' bout where Belle's got to, he dropped the comment in passing, and Aden looked at him with hostility. John carried on regardless. I passed her by buyin' a mag down in the shop there, he jerked his head towards the newsagents further down the walkway. She'll be up to ya in a moment no doubt. Women, he grinned conspiratorilly at Geoff and Aden. They're always shoppin!

Whistling a little tune to himself, he strode away again, disappearing as quickly as he had come.

Geoff held his stance, staring down Aden, but noticed when Aden's eyes jerked to something over his shoulder and only then did he turn around, delighted to see Belle heading in their direction. She was clutching a bottle of water, and a girlie magazine, just as John had said.

Hey, Geoff greeted her with a friendly smile, then caught her in a hug, pulling her in close to him as he deftly turned his back on Aden.

You ok? he whispered close to her ear, and felt her body shudder in response against him.

Belle? he questioned, when she didn't respond. Do you want to go somewhere and talk?

Pulling back from him slightly, Belle shook her head, still looking down.

Geoff put a finger under her chin and raised it, forcing her to look at him. To his surprise, there was no trace of tears there, but a determined tilt to her chin told him that this battle was far from over.

I'm fine, she replied quietly, a glint in her eyes, and he nodded, willing to accept it at that for now.

At that moment, a short, heavy women at the boarding gate began to call the priority guests for their queue to begin boarding.

C'mon Geoff, Nicole pouted, tugging at his arm. Now that you lost us our place in the queue, we're going to have to go all the way to the back!

Allowing himself to be pulled away, Geoff held out a hand for Belle to follow, and she nodded, but didn't take it.

Excuse me, miss? the elderly man who had been second in queue was waving frantically at Nicole. I've been holding your place for you and your friends, he explained as she looked at him. But they're starting to board now, so you might want to get in line?

A delighted grin crossing her face, Nicole flounced to the spot in front of him, throwing him her sultriest smile which brought a blush to his wrinkled cheeks.

You've got a beautiful girl, he compliment Geoff, who showed his dimples in response.

Saying nothing, Belle glanced at Aden who was slouched on the uncomfortable chairs. Then, gathering her courage, and her heart, she sat next to him.

Are we going to do this? she asked him in a low voice, and then, Aden? Please look at me.

He did so, hearing the quaver in her voice, and it was then that she saw the emotions swirling in his eyes.

What's wrong? she asked softly, too softly for him to hear, and he grimaced. But there was no meaness there now, just confusion, and emotional trauma.

Look, Belle hesitated, searching for the right words. I don't know what's happened today, or why you're being like this but ... we've been looking forward to Ireland for so long. Let's just get on the plane and we can start to sort it all out from there..?

With that, she stood up, holding out her hand to him as Geoff had done to her, and with a smile encouragingly on her face.

Aden looked at her for a moment, before rising rapidly to his feet and gathering her in a bone crushing hug.

I don't know what I've done to deserve you, he mumbled into her hair, and Belle hugged him to her, feeling the tension in his body under her nimble fingers.

It doesn't matter, she smiled pulling back from him, and then leading him towards the others. Let's just get on this plane, hey?

Smiling tenderly down at her, Aden brushed her hair behind her ear and nodded, squeezing her hand tight as they walked towards Geoff and Nicole.

Shuttling behind them, they handed in their tickets, and moved down the indoor corridor to the plane.

Nicole raced down the center, finding the emergency seats with extra room and promptly bagged the whole row.

You'll need to put all your bags up overhead, apart from a book or whatever, she intoned bossily. These have to be kept clear.

Belle rolled her eyes to herself, putting her rucksack up, having taken out her "New Moon" book first. Aden, not needing a book, had already slotted himself in by the window on the left, so she slipped into place beside him.

Geoff made to sit beside her, but Nicole pouted.

NO Geoff, over there, she threw her head at the other seats.

It was a relatively small plane, seating two sets of three, and then a set of two. Nicole had spread her jacket over the three seater in the middle, and then sat herself on the aisle of the seat farthest away from Belle.

Throwing her a helpless look, Geoff sat in the middle seat next to Nicole. This left an empty seat next to Geoff, and next to Belle. Aden, had he noticed, would have been suspicious, but he was staring sullenly out of the window.

Belle, noticing this, but her hand on his leg and squeezed it lightly, causing him to look at her.

Ok? she asked, but it wasn't really a question, and he nodded, taking in their surroundings for hte first time.

What's with the empty seats? he asked, a sinking feeling gathering in his stomach as he saw the jackets on them.

Now Aden, Belle cautioned, seeing the look in his eyes. Promise me you won't get mad...

Despite her words, she felt him stiffen against her, the tension beginning to filtrate his body again, and she poked him sharply.

I didn't know about this until Geoff told me earlier, but I figured you had enough on your plate! she warned him off. But there's nothing we can do about it now, so we might as well just relax and go with it.

Who? the question was on the tip of Aden's tongue when two long, slender brown legs appeared in the aisle next to them.

Hey guys, a somewhat reedy, and nervous voice spoke up,thanks for keeping us our seats.

Aden's jaw dropped. Of all the people he had been expecting in the split seconds since he knew it wasn't going to be just four of them, it certainly wasn't these two. And not for the first time, he found himself utterly speechless that day.

Belle stepped in with a smile. No problem; Geoff told me earlier that you guys were joining us.

I hope you don't mind? a masculine voice spoke up behind, and Belle smiled at him.

Not at all, she assured them, indicating herself and Aden. We'll be glad of the company I'm sure.

They both smiled, and he tapped her shoulder reassuringly, whispering, see, I told you it would be fine, in her ear.

Slotting himself into the seat next to Geoff, who greeted him with a smile, he indicated for her to sit next to Belle.

As she did so, Belle noticed that she'd lost some weight, and commented on it, receiving a shaky smile in response.

I know. I'm not looking my best right now, I-

You look great from here, a voice broke in from Belle's right, and she turned a grateful smile to her boyfriend who had stepped in to save the conversation.

She squeezed his knee once, hard, thanking him silently for not being mad, and he smiled back at her, answering with his eyes, how could I be?

At that moment, the intercom buzzed into action, and a feminine voice graced their ears.

Excuse me ladies, and gentlemen, if I could just have your attention for a moment. We'd like to welcome you aboard Tygerfyre Airways today, on our route to Ireland. As you are aware, we will be stopping off in Hong Kong for a stopover of two hours. You are welcome to remain on the plane for this time.

As she spoke, the plane doors' closed, and Belle noticed with surprise that the plane was only half full. They began to taxi down the runway, as the instructions for safety on board continued.

Finishing up, the voice explained, my name is Sian O'Neill, and I'll be taking care of you today, along with Peggy Maher, Rian Aherne and John O'Keefe.

As she signed off, Belle felt a grin begin to appear on her face and just then, a familiar voice said smoothly, well bless my lil cotton socks, wouldja look who it is? and she looked up to see John wink at her, as he moved past their seats.

Oh brother! Aden complained quietly, rolling his eyes to heaven, and Belle giggled, slipping her arm through his, and clasping his hand in hers. Reaching up to give him a kiss on the cheek, she settled companionably with her head on his shoulder as they gained speed.

Next to her, Martha squeezed her own hands until her knuckles turned white. Hugo, across the aisle, reached out and caught them gently in his big hand, holding them with care as she turned fearful eyes on him.

It'll be fine, he intoned, and she knew he was referring to much more than the plane journey itself. Still, he was her rock now, and it had been his idea for them to get away from Summer Bay, so she conjured up a smile for him.

Beside him, Geoff and Nicole were cuddling awkwardly, their arm rest between them. A part of him longed to look over to see if Belle was okay, but he resisted manfully.

And Belle, unaware of his thoughts, or of Martha's fear, stared dreamily out the window as they roared into the sky, mounting through fluffy white clouds towards blue skies and overpowering sunshine.

This was going to be a great holiday, no matter what anyone said or did, she thought happily. The holiday of a lifetime.

to be continued...

[lino]

Thanks for updating. I can smell trouble coming.

[jdoddy]

Please don't let the plane crash!.. judging on Martha's fear of flying that just wouldn't be cool.

On a lighter, more comedic note - that 'First class ass' rhyme was a tickler... nice work

[sephy]

GREAT FIC! I spend time in Ireland every now and again, so reading this with that accent is just pure class. Your writing is so fantastic that I can acheive the accent just by reading it. Hope you update soon!

[Symphony]

@ lino; there is, 'to be shur, to be shur' but what more would you expect

@ jdoddy; dayum, i didn't even think of that

@ sephy; thatnks for comenting. LOL it's good to read that the accent is coming across okay

[tessalove]

I so wasnt expecting Martha and hugo LOL, I was expecting it to be annie and jai Or ruby and xavier LOL

Great chapter! Update soon. x

[Symphony]

I so wasnt expecting Martha and hugo LOL, I was expecting it to be annie and jai Or ruby and xavier LOL

Great chapter! Update soon. x

I really wanted to bring Annie & Jai into this story, but the only problems were (a) school, seeing as it's winter in Australia during the time it's set in, and (b) they'd be underage in Ireland, so they wouldn't be able to go out at night with the others - and it would cause issues. But I'll miss Annie during this, lawl.

Thanks for the comments everyone. Should maybe get next chapter up this evening