Thank you so much for the lovely reviews. Many questions will be answered soon. In answer to Guest - the ages are: Brax 33, Ricky 29, Kyle and Phoebe 24, Casey 20 and Josh 16. I was so happy when I saw Brax working on the cot in tonight's episode, knowing that I was about to post this chapter. It fits in well. I thought the writers had forgotten about it. Anyway, enjoy the chapter! :)

Chapter Three:

Brax strolled up to the Angelo's bar and took a seat at one of the stools. The restaurant was busy and it took Kyle a moment to realise his brother was watching him. "Brax!" Kyle handed a customer her wine and walked over to Brax.

"Hey mate, " Brax stood up before continuing. "Listen, I just wanted to say…sor.."

"That's not necessary Brax," Kyle quickly interrupted. "We are partners now. The restaurant is my responsibility too and I'll always help out when I can."

Brax nodded. "Yes, but it hasn't been much of a partnership lately. I know you are carrying this place at the moment. It was your day off and I shouldn't have…"

"Really Brax, it's fine!" Kyle once again stopped his brother from apologising. He didn't like to think that Brax was piling this unnecessary guilt on top of the rest of the guilt he was desperately fighting against. Kyle couldn't do anything about that, but he could keep the family business running. That's about all he could do.

"Thanks mate!" Brax gave Kyle a pat on the arm to signal his appreciation. "Can you pour me a beer? I don't feel like going home right now."

Kyle frowned as he started pouring. "Everything OK?" he lightly inquired.

"Yep." Brax grabbed the beer and made his way out to the verandah area of his restaurant.

-x-

Josh walked in the front door and was greeted by Ricky and Phoebe. "Hi Josh," Ricky greeted.

"Hey," Josh replied before turning to make his way to his room.

"How was school?" Phoebe called out.

"Good!"

"Hey Josh, can you come back here for a minute? We need to talk to you."

"Maybe later. I've got a ton of homework."

"This is important," Ricky spoke more firmly this time. Josh's heart dropped as he slowly made his way to the living room. He knew what was coming. Ricky signaled for him to join her and Phoebe at the dining table. They all sat down. "Where were you today?" Ricky asked.

"At school."

"Please stop lying to us." Ricky remained calm as she spoke. She knew getting angry would not help the situation. "Miss Taylor came to see us today so we know you haven't been going to school. Where have you been going every day?"

Josh looked down at his hands. He knew his secret would be exposed eventually but he wasn't ready yet.

"Josh?" Phoebe had none of Ricky's patience and she was starting to become frustrated.

"Mr Stewart's boat," Josh mumbled, still unable to look at the girls directly.

"Why?"

Josh shrugged his shoulders in reply. It was not something he was ready to explain.

"Why didn't you just tell us you needed a break from school?" Ricky gently asked. "You know that everyone would understand."

"I don't need a break. I'm done with school!"

"I know it's a hard time at the moment Josh. But it's not the time for making big decisions that could affect your whole future."

"I've made up my mind." Josh responded resolutely.

"Why don't we go and speak to Miss Taylor and organise an exemption for a while so you have time to think about it before you make any rash decisions?" Ricky suggested.

"Drop it Ricky! I'm not going back and you can't make me." Josh could no longer hide his anger. "Why do you even care anyway?"

"Cos we're family Josh. We care about you and want the best for you," Ricky replied genuinely.

"I don't have a family." Josh murmured before walking out the front door.

-x-

Casey joined Brax at Angelo's. They sat out on the verandah as night fell. The dark brought an unease that Brax could not explain and he was happy not be be alone. Even happier that it was Casey keeping him company. "Are you still in the doghouse with Ricky?" Casey grinned.

"Do I need to remind you that it is you who landed me in there in the first place?"

"Hey, it wasn't my idea to spend the whole afternoon at the beach. I just wanted a little lunchtime surf with my big bro," Casey smiled.

Brax nodded. Casey was right. Brax had no one to blame but himself for the current coldness that had seeped into his relationship with Ricky. They should be closer than ever with their baby on the way but instead there was a distance that had never been there before. Brax wanted to share her happiness but he couldn't. He couldn't feel anything.

Casey cut through Brax's thoughts. "Hey Brax, I was only stirring. Ricky knows you love her."

"I hope so."

"She does," Casey reaffirmed. "But if you are worried, maybe you could do something for her? You've had my old cot lying around out the back since before Ricky was even pregnant. Maybe you could start fixing it up tomorrow? I'll help you."

Brax thought about it for a minute and then nodded. "Yeah. That's a good idea. Thanks Case." Brax took the last swig of his beer and patted Casey on the shoulder. Things always felt better when Casey was by his side.

-x-

Kyle arrived home and Phoebe walked straight over and gave him a kiss. "How was work?"

"Fine," he replied, putting his keys down and making his way over to the fridge.

"Did you see Brax?" Ricky asked.

"Yeah, he's there now."

"Didn't you close up?" Ricky followed Kyle into the kitchen.

"Yes but Brax wanted to stay."

"What is he doing?"

Kyle paused, not knowing what to tell Ricky. He didn't want to lie but he knew the truth would upset her.

"Kyle! What is he doing?" Ricky asked again.

"He's just having a drink Ric. I wouldn't have left him if I didn't think he was fine," Kyle assured.

"Is he drinking alone?" Ricky questioned. Kyle didn't reply and Ricky dropped her head into her hands before walking from the main house and into the studio she shared with Brax.

She picked up her phone and dialed the number. She had been resisting the urge to call but now she felt she had no other choice. She needed her best friend and Brax needed his brother.

"Hey," the familiar voice answered the call.

"Heath. Please come home. We need you!"