Distractions 
By Jaye Reid. 
Commenced 30.09.1999 
Completed 02.10.1999 
Feedback to [email protected] 
Authors notes: Well our beloved Ven has been studying madly of late, so I told 
her I would dedicate a 
fic to her. On deciding what to write, I though that I would do something 
better than dedicate one to 
her, I would write one about her!! Hey Ven this is for you, keep at those 
books!! 
~~~~~~~~~~
Disclaimer: Fortunately Ven belongs to Ven, she owns herself! Unfortunately 
the characters that you 
recognise from Blue Heelers belong to Southern Star and the Seven Network. We 
would like to own 
them, but at the moment haven't quite figured out how to go about that task. The 
story that I have told 
however, is MINE!!!! 
~~~~~~~~~~
For the second day in a row, Jack decided to walk to work from the Imperial. 
And for the second day 
in a row, the same young woman sat under a huge palm tree in the gardens as he 
walked through. He 
hadn't taken much notice of her the day before, but to see her again…….. 
On the third day, Jack was getting curious. No sleeping bag he thought to 
himself with a smile, she 
obviously wasn't camping out. He grinned as he thought of what he might say. 
Sorry Miss, camping in 
a Public park is not allowed. Hmmm, too corny. 
As he walked closer to where she was sitting, the young woman glanced up from 
her book. She smiled 
at him as he walked by. He shyly smiled back. 
"This is getting ridiculous," he said to himself as he walked in the front door 
of the Station. 
"What was that?" asked Ben. 
"Oh, nothing, just thinking out loud," he replied. 
"Don't strain yourself," Jo. chipped in with a grin. 
But by then, he had decided that he would stop and speak to the attractive young 
woman tomorrow. 
Day four and Jack had a million words running through his head. He couldn't 
believe he was getting so 
worked up over a perfect stranger. He tried to stay calm as he approached the 
park. But his heart 
sank, she wasn't there. Perhaps she never was, he thought? Maybe his mind was 
playing tricks on 
him? 
Day five came and went, again she wasn't there. Jack grumbled and grumped 
around the Station. 
Snapping at everyone. Even the Boss wanted to know what was wrong with him. 
But what could he 
possibly tell them? That he had wanted to meet this woman, but through his own 
stupid procrastinating 
he missed his chance? 
Day six and Jack tried to forget about her on his way to work. But she was 
there. This time he wasn't 
going to miss his chance. 
He approached her. She had text books lying on the rug that was spread under 
her on the ground. She 
sat there with pen in hand and a folder resting on her knees. 
"How's it going?" Jack asked. Realising he probably didn't sound very clever. 
She looked up from her work and smiled. "Fine thanks." 
"What are you doing?" he continued. 
"Assignments, lots of them." She replied. 
"Ah if you don't mind me saying, you look a bit old to be at High school?" he 
said. 
"No, no," she replied, "first year Uni., not High School. God forbid I go back 
in that direction." 
"Ha! Me too." He laughed, " it's just that there aren't any Uni.'s around 
here. So what are you 
doing?" 
"Ah, I think you have asked that one already. You ever thought of being a cop?" 
she asked. "You ask 
heaps of questions." 
"Well, actually……….." 
"Oh no," she said before Jack had the chance to finish his answer, "you *are* a 
cop aren't you? I'm so 
sorry, I didn't mean anything by it…" 
"That's okay," he replied interrupting her apology. "Which reminds me, I'd 
better get going or I will be 
late and the Boss will go ballistic." 
"And I had better concentrate on this," she said tapping her folder. 
Jack turned to go, but stopped and turned back. 
"Ah. If you don't mind, are you planning on being here at lunchtime? The 
Station is just over there," he 
pointed, "perhaps I could come and eat my lunch with you? Then Jack realised he 
probably sounded a 
bit too keen, so he added, "I like to get outdoors when I can, that's all." 
She smiled, "Only if you tell me your name?" 
"Oh, I'm sorry, it's Jack……… Jack Lawson." 
"Okay I will see you here, around twelve?" she asked. 
"Great," he replied smiling, "Umm I had better go." 
He headed off breaking into a slow jog. 
"Jack!" she called. 
He turned around, but kept moving. 
"It's Vanessa, but my friends call me Ven." 
Jack smiled and waved, and then turned to get to work. 
He arrived at the Station a little out of breath. He had to pick up the pace to 
make it on time. 
Something that was noted by P.J. who arrived at the same time. 
"Jack my boy, out of breath, and a smile on your face……. That's a dangerous 
combination!" he 
joked, "what have *you* been doing this morning?" 
Jack could feel his cheeks go red, he hated it when he was embarrassed, 
especially when there was 
nothing to be embarrassed about. He ignored P.J.'s comments and headed into the 
locker room to 
change. 
P.J. walked over to Maggie at her desk. 
"Morning Mags. What do you reckon? Jack's got something he's not telling us?" 
"Oh come on P.J., leave the poor guy alone," Maggie replied. 
"Just concerned for the welfare of my colleagues," P.J. protested innocently. 
"Rubbish P.J., sometimes you're almost as bigger gossip as Dash was," accused 
Maggie. 
At that moment Jo. walked in. 
"Morning all," she said. 
"Morning," replied Maggie. 
"Good morning Joanna," said P.J. formally. If Maggie didn't want to play along, 
he decided to query 
Jo. He assumed that she may be part of Jack's happy mood. "You don't happen to 
know what Jack 
has been up to this morning?" 
"Ah….. no," she said with a puzzled look. "I actually went to Melbourne 
yesterday after shift, and I've 
driven straight back up here this morning. Why??" 
"Oh," P.J. replied, defeated. "No reason." And he headed into his office. 
"What was that about?" Jo. asked Maggie. 
"Just P.J. being P.J., that's all," Maggie replied. 
"Where *is* Stretch anyway?" continued Jo. 
"Why?" asked Jack, appearing from the locker room. 
"Hi. Oh, I was just wondering if you were here yet. Ready to go out on 
patrol?" she replied. 
"Yep, let's go." 
Jack spent most of the morning out cruising the streets of Mt. Thomas. He had 
lost the thread of 
conversation with Jo. on more than one occasion, which was beginning to annoy 
Jo. 
"What planet are you on?" she asked him as he once again asked her to repeat 
what she had just said. 
"Sorry," he replied, "I just have a couple of things on my mind at the moment." 
By eleven-thirty they arrived back at the Station. 
"Hey Jack," said Maggie as Jack put the keys of the four wheel drive back on the 
hook. "You had a 
visitor while you were out." 
"A visitor?" he repeated, "Who?" 
"Well the message that I took says," started Maggie with a smile on her face, 
"……could you please 
tell *Jack* that *Ven* called in to see him. She is sorry but she can't make 
lunch today, perhaps 
tomorrow." 
"Okay, thanks Maggie," said Jack, he tried to play it cool as he sat down at his 
desk and look through 
some papers. 
"Ven?" asked Jo., "that's a strange name……" 
"It's actually Vanessa," replied Jack. 
"Ohhhhh," replied Jo. with a grin. 
"And…… she is very pretty," Maggie chipped in. 
Jack focused on the paperwork infront of him. He had no wish to make eye 
contact with Maggie or 
Jo. The two women could see this and grinned at each other before going back to 
their work. 
After work, Jack decided to take Matilda out for a ride. He usually had 
football training on Thursday 
nights, but with the season over, he had the night free again. 
He rode along a track that followed the river. There was a grassy spot that he 
liked to stop at to let 
Matilda take a break and let himself think about life. But as he rounded the 
bend, he saw that someone 
else had beaten him there. A bay coloured Arabian stood there, munching away at 
the long grass. As 
he approached the rider turned around. It was the woman from the park. 
"Vanessa????……… Ven?" said Jack as he stopped Matilda beside her. "What are 
you doing out 
here?" 
"Hello Jack! Kalifa needed some exercise and I needed to get away from the 
books for awhile," she 
replied. "This is a nice spot." 
"Yeah, we tend to ride up this way. This is Matilda," he said, patting his 
horse on her neck. 
"Did you get my message?" Ven asked. 
"Yes, I did. Thanks. No problem I hope?" queried Jack. 
No not really. I had forgotten that I needed to talk to one of my lecturers at 
Uni. And lunchtime is the 
only time I can catch up with him." 
"Fair enough," Jack replied. "If you don't mind me asking, why aren't you at 
Uni.? I mean obviously 
you don't live here or I would have seen you before and there aren't any Uni.'s 
up here." 
"No, I am staying with my Grandparents at the moment up here," she replied. 
"Umm, well, it's a long 
story, but the basic point is that I am way behind in my work, so I up here away 
from everyone and 
everything to focus and catch up." 
"Is it working?" he asked. 
"Yes, I think it is," Ven answered. "Except that the battery pack for my lap 
top isn't working, or I 
would have it in the park instead of my notebook. Mum is sending the spare up 
for me tomorrow." 
"Can I ask what you are studying?" he asked. 
Ven laughed. "You won't believe me if I tell you," she said. 
"Try me," replied Jack. 
"*This* you will find funny, ahhhhh I am doing Police Studies," she replied. 
"So," he replied with a big grin, "you want to be one of us." 
"Well, I am not exactly sure just yet. It's only my first year and there are 
plenty of branches that I can 
go off along. But who knows, we may work together in some form one day." 
"I think I would like that," replied Jack. "So, do you just ride for fun?" 
"God you ask a lot of questions," Ven laughed, "I bet you are good at your job." 
"Ah well, don't know about that. I am still only a Probationary Connie, I have 
a long way to go. You 
are very good at avoiding questions though." 
Ven smiled. "Okay, no we do competition. Had a two-day comp. yesterday and the 
day before. 
Dressage, jumps, you know the routine…." 
"Not really. I just ride because I love to ride now. Cross country, just me 
and Matilda, clear my head 
of all the stuff that gets clogged up in there." 
"Yeah……… I know what you mean." Ven replied. 
"How are the assignments going today?" Jack asked. 
"Getting there, slowly. But I seem to be making some headway. I might even 
give myself the night off 
tomorrow night." She said. "But sitting around with the 'olds' isn't always 
fun. I mean, don't get me 
wrong, I love my grandparents, it's just……." 
"Nah, I know exactly what you mean. Ah, I live at the Imperial Hotel, so 
perhaps since we missed 
lunch today and I don't think I can make it at lunchtime tomorrow. Do you want 
to catch up for a drink 
or dinner or something?" 
"I don't drink, but yeah, dinner sounds okay. I haven't been to the Imperial 
for years, used to with my 
parents when we would come up for school holidays." Ven replied. 
"Say around seven then?" asked Jack. 
"Yeah, sure. I don't think Gran. and Pa. would be too worried about me going 
out if I tell them you are 
a Police Officer. Should think I am reasonably safe….." 
"Very safe," grinned Jack. 
"Anyway, speaking of time," said Ven, "I had better get back, they will start to 
worry if I am gone for 
too long." 
Jack and Ven rode back into town together before they had to part company and 
head back to their 
respective horse paddocks. 
The next night at the Imperial, Jack was sitting with his work colleagues when 
he saw Ven. walk into the 
Pub. She was wearing blue jeans and a maroon, green and white stripped, long 
sleeved rugby shirt. 
"I'll catch you guys later," he said standing and walking over to Ven. The 
other Officers watched Jack 
and Ven with interest. 
"So, I assume that is Vanessa," said Jo. sounding a bit put out. 
"Yep, certainly is," replied Maggie. 
"How old do you reckon she is?" asked P.J. 
"Ha! Too young for you," replied Maggie with a laugh. "Come on Detective, my 
place. I'm cooking." 
"Fine by me, guess that means I have to wash the dishes doesn't it?" he sulked. 
"Well, the sooner the dishes are done after dinner, the sooner….." started 
Maggie. 
But P.J. didn't give her the opportunity to finish her sentence. "See you later 
Jo., Ben. We are going," 
said P.J. with a grin. 
Meanwhile in the dining room, Jack and Ven had ordered their meals and found 
themselves a table. 
"You will have to excuse the clothes, but I didn't bring anything with me really 
good enough to go out 
in." she apologised. 
"You look fine. So your Grandparents, they were okay about you going out?" 
asked Jack. 
"Oh yeah," replied Ven. "They know how hard I have been working to catch up. 
Mum on the other 
hand phoned to let me know that the back up pack for the lap top was also 
stuffed. So I have to 
persevere for the next couple of days with my notebook during the day. 
"What did your Mother say?" asked Jack. 
"You know, the usual. What do you know about this person? Are you sure his is 
really a Police 
Officer?" 
Jack laughed. "I guess parents are pretty universal with their ideas. Mine 
were worried about me 
joining the force. They didn't think I would make it through the Academy. Too 
quiet." 
"Quiet?? Ha!! You haven't stopped talking since we first chatted yesterday." 
She joked. 
Jack grinned back. "Well, I didn't ask yesterday, but which Uni. are you at?" 
"I'm at Monash, it's not a bad place actually." Ven replied. "I've got friends 
taking notes in lectures 
and tutorials this week. Have to do it for myself again next week……" 
Jack had forgotten about the fact that his new friend may not be around for 
long. He didn't want to 
think about her leaving already. He was just getting to know her. 
"Next week?" he asked. "When are you heading back?" 
"Monday morning," she replied. "Some of these assignments are due in and I have 
lectures in the 
afternoon." 
"Oh, early in the week," he replied, trying not to show his disappointment. 
"Yeah, I know. But I guess I have to get back into it at Uni. I will have all 
my assignments finished by 
then." Ven said as Chris put their meals down on the table in front of them. 
"Ta Chris," said Jack. 
"Yes, thank you," followed Ven. 
"Well," started Jack, "I am on late shift tomorrow, but perhaps if you aren't 
doing anything on Sunday 
night………… well, if you were interested………… but if you don't want to……." 
"What Jack!" exclaimed Ven. 
"Well, I was wondering if you have finished your assignments by then, perhaps if 
you want to catch a 
movie with me?" he finally said. 
"What in Mt. Thomas??" she replied, "I wasn't aware that there was anywhere to 
see a flick here?" 
"No there isn't. Over in St. David's. If you are interested, that's all." 
"Well, ahhhhh yeah," she said obviously pondering something. It sounds good. 
But as long as we go 
Dutch." 
"Dutch, why? I can't expect that I ask you to go to a movie and then expect you 
to pay your own 
way." Said Jack shaking his head. 
"Well," said Ven, "I know this is going to sound awful, but I don't like feeling 
that I owe a guy 
something. If I pay my own way then there is no confusion about that." 
"I'm not like that," defended Jack, "I would never…….. I have no intention…… ahh 
there have been a 
couple of girls that I have taken out. They, well let's just say they had 
different expectations on where 
the night would finish compared to *my* ideas. I guess some would say that I am 
pretty old-fashioned 
in my views and values." 
"You're serious, aren't you?" Ven asked surprised. "I mean most guys your 
age……." 
Jack nodded, "Yeah, I know. I guess I am just weird." 
"No, not at all," she smiled. "Guys like you are rare, and everyone knows that 
the rarer something is, 
the more valuable it becomes." 
Jack smiled at her, "So does this mean that I can take you to see a movie?" 
"Yes," she laughed, "you can take me to a movie Jack." 
They were interrupted by Jo. calling to Jack from the doorway of the dining 
room. "Goodnight, I'm 
going up. I will see you tomorrow." 
"Night," Jack called back. 
"That was?….…" asked Ven. 
"Ah, that's just Jo. We work together. She hasn't been at Mt. Thomas long so 
she is still here at the 
Pub." 
"So you haven't been here long either? You're living here?" asked Ven. 
"Nah, I have been here for awhile. I actually *like* it here. The people, the 
atmosphere." He replied. 
"If you don't mind *me* asking something for a change, have you ever taken Jo. 
to the movies?" she 
asked coyly. 
"Nah, never. Maybe crossed my mind once, but a long time ago," he replied. 
"But," she continued, "it crossed your mind to ask me?" 
"Yep," he answered with a big grin. 
"Okay," Vanessa smiled, "What time on Sunday?" 
"Well……. do you like pizza? Coz there is this really great pizza place just 
around the corner. We 
could grab something to eat first?" 
"Pizza is fine," she replied, "but would you mind if we catch an early movie? 
Do they have a session 
around seven o'clock? It's just that I have an early start on Monday morning 
and it is a long drive 
home." 
"Yeah that will be okay. I'm on early shift on Monday anyway. So," continued 
Jack, "lets say around 
five - thirty? If you give me your address I will pick you up." 
"I will write it down for you," she said. 
"Nah, no need, I have a good memory," he replied. 
"Okay, it is twenty - three Holloway Street," she said. 
Jack repeated the address back to her. "That's off Campbell street isn't it?" 
he asked. 
"Yes it is," she replied. Ven looked at her watch, "I hate to be a party 
pooper, but if I am going to have 
everything finished so I can go out Sunday night, I'd better be getting back to 
it. I have a busy day 
tomorrow and Sunday finishing it all." 
"Okay," replied Jack standing, "I've got things to do tomorrow too. I will 
spend most of Sunday 
sleeping after night shift." 
"What a pain, night shift," she replied as she stood and pushed her chair into 
the table. 
"I don't mind," replied Jack, "And at least the Pub is pretty quiet on a Sunday. 
I can sleep and not be 
disturbed." 
"Okay then, Sunday, Gran's place, at five - thirty." Repeated Ven. 
"Great," he smiled, "goodnight." 
"Goodnight," she replied, and with that she wandered out the door. 
"She seems nice," commented Chris as she came over to clear the table. 
"Yes, she is," replied Jack with a big smile. "Goodnight Chris." 
"Night." 
The next morning after breakfast, Jo. found Jack outside washing the Ute. 
"Bloody hell," she laughed, "this *must* be serious." 
Jack looked up from what he was doing, his hands all covered in soap suds. 
"What?" he asked. 
"That girl, what's her name, Vanessa?" said Jo., "I don't think I have ever seen 
you wash the Ute. Sure 
it won't fall apart? I thought it must have been the dirt holding it together." 
"Very funny," he replied, flicking soap suds in her direction, "I was going to 
offer to wash yours too, but 
if you are going to be like that…….." 
"No, no. I think it is *wonderful* that you want to wash the Ute. I'll bring 
my car around shall I? You 
got a hot date?" she asked cheekily. 
"I wouldn't describe it like that," said Jack, "but yeah, we are going out 
tomorrow night." 
"Well good on you Stretch," she replied, "I was starting to wonder about you." 
"I'm just a quiet sort of guy, that's all," he replied. "Anyway, she goes back 
to Melbourne on 
Monday." He looked dejected and Jo. noticed. 
"Oh," replied Jo., "what's she doing up here then, holidays?" 
"Nah, catching up on her studies. After a bit of peace and quiet. She is 
staying with her grandparents." 
"Well," replied Jo., trying to cheer him up, "if her grandparents live here, 
then it isn't as if she won't be 
back. Perhaps now she will have more than one reason to come up to Mt. Thomas 
to visit." 
Jack brightened a little, "I guess you're right. Thanks Jo." 
"Anytime. Now, about my car……" she grinned. 
Jo ended up helping Jack wash the vehicles. Her car wasn't overly dirty, as she 
washed it regularly, so 
she helped Jack clean the interior of the Ute. 
"So," she asked, "where are you guys going?" 
"Movies in St. David's," he replied as he cleaned the windscreen from the 
inside. 
"And then parking where?" she laughed. 
"Ha, ha, very funny," he replied, "it's not like that. *I'm* not like that." 
"Sure." 
"No, honestly, I'm not. I am going to wait until……." 
Jo. looked at him shocked. "You're kidding me! Hell, guys like you are rare 
these days." 
"Hummm, that's what Ven said," replied Jack. 
"Oh, so the conversation *has* gone there?" she smiled. 
Jack chose to ignore her question and posed one of his own. "Have you ever met 
someone Jo. and just 
known…….?" 
"Known? Known what? Jack you have only just met her. How could you just know 
that she is the 
one?" 
"But have you?" he persisted. 
"No, I haven't yet." 
"Do you *believe* it can happen?" he asked. 
"Yes, I guess I do believe it," she replied. 


Sunday night came around quickly. Night shift in Mt. Thomas had been pretty 
uneventful now that the 
football season was over. Jack didn't get out of bed until three o'clock Sunday 
afternoon. 
As he drove down Campbell street and turned into Holloway street, he panicked 
for a second that he 
had forgotten the street number. Was it twenty - three or thirty - two? He 
thought twenty - three and 
on seeing a horse float parked out the front of twenty - three, he knew it must 
be the right one. 
He knocked on the front door, and a man answered it. 
"Hello, I'm here to pick up Vanessa," he said. 
"You would be Jack I assume?" he replied. 
"Yes, sorry, Jack Lawson." He replied holding out his hand. 
They shook hands and Vanessa's grandfather let Jack inside. 
"She is in the kitchen with her Grandma, I will get her for you," he replied. 
He wandered down the hallway, calling out to her. "Vanessa! Your young man is 
here." 
"Papa!! For goodness sake." 
Jack grinned. They sounded like his grandparents he thought. 
She appeared from a room down the hallway. 
Jack's mouth opened before his brain kicked into gear. 
"Wow!' he said, then realised he had actually said it and not just thought it. 
"Thank you," she replied with a definite smile. "I won't be late Papa." 
"That is fine. You are a good girl. Have a nice time." He replied. 
"I'll look after her," Jack said. 
"You just see that you do," he said. 
Vanessa gave her grandfather a pleading look. "Papa!" 
He smiled back at her. 
As they walked out to the Ute., Jack was still thinking about how great she 
looked. "I thought you 
didn't have any going out clothes," he said as he opened the door for her. 
"I didn't," she replied, "but when I told Gran. that I was going out, she took 
me shopping yesterday 
morning. So you like what I chose?" she asked. 
"Very much," he said as he closed the door. 
They drove along the country roads to St. Davids. 
"It has been such a lovely day," said Ven. 
"Has it? I have slept most of it," he replied. "I like the evenings better. 
Maybe next time you are up 
here we could go for a picnic?" 
"I was thinking of coming up at Christmas actually," she replied. 
Jack liked the sound of that. They continued to talk as they travelled along. 
The Pizza restaurant was busy when they arrived. It was a popular place, but 
they found a quiet corner 
to sit and continue their conversation. Jack wanted to talk to her as much as 
he could. It would be 
impossible to talk to her in the movie. He didn't care what they talked about, 
he just enjoyed to hear 
her voice, her laugh………. 
The evening was over all too quickly for both of them. Soon they found 
themselves sitting back in the 
Ute. outside Ven's grandparents house. 
"Well, I had a really good time," said Ven. "Thank you for taking me." 
"Maybe next time you are up here, you could let me know? We could do something? 
If you would like 
to?" asked Jack. 
"Of course I would like to," she replied. "I really like you Jack." 
"Ah, does that mean that you don't…….. that there isn't anyone……..?" 
"No Jack, I'm not seeing anyone back in Melbourne. Do you really think I would 
have gone out with 
you tonight if I was?" she asked with a scolding look. 
"No, not really," he replied with a smile, "but I just wanted to make sure. I 
thought I should do the 
polite thing and ask." 
"Why?" she said. 
"Because," he said taking a deep breath before continuing, "I wanted to kiss you 
goodnight, but I didn't 
want to if well……… there was someone else….. you know." 
Ven gave an embarrassed smile, "You can kiss me goodnight if you want Jack 
Lawson. I won't mind 
at all." 
And as Jack walked Vanessa to the front door, he knew he would be counting the 
days until he saw her 
again. 

The End! 
FEEDBACK IS VITAL!!!!! PLEASE HIT THE REPLY BUTTON. 


Distractions I I 
By Jaye Reid 
Feedback to [email protected] 
Commenced: 02/10/1999 
Completed: 12/10/1999 
This story is not related to my series surrounding the return to Mt. Thomas of 
Maggie Doyle. 
Disclaimer: Vanessa still owns Vanessa, and it is seriously starting to look 
like she owns Jack too!! 
Well, almost, perhaps she will let Southern Star and the Seven Network have him 
for a little 
longer……. I certainly have no chance of owning them, unless…….. <insert puzzled 
expression on 
Jaye's face> perhaps …….<insert grin> maybe I could get Vanessa to convince 
Jack to talk to the 
powers that be at Southern Star for me???? We all know they are not mine 
(yet!!) The story I have 
weaved is my own creation. 
(Author's notes at end.) 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven't read Distractions, it would be advisable to do so. It can be 
found at
Jaye's Blue Heeler Fanfic (in the short pieces section)
http://home.primus.com.au/avg/jaye/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The front screen door opened and closed noisily. 
Maggie was the only one who looked up from her work. She smiled. 
"Probationary Constable, you're on counter duty," she said seriously. 
"Since when," he muttered, not realising he was *that* audible. 
"Since I'm here to see you anyway," came the reply from the other side of the 
counter. 
He knew that voice. It was the one he went to bed dreaming about at night. 
"Vanessa? Ven!" he said 
with a huge grin. He was quickly over at the counter. "You were going to phone 
before…… it's still 
November? You said Christmas?……. I didn't think……" 
"Yes, and hello to you too!" she replied to all his half questions. 
Jack realised that he had been rambling. "Sorry……. Hello. It is fantastic to 
see you." 
He knew he probably sounded too keen, but he didn't care. His days of counting 
had come to an 
abrupt halt. She was there. 
"Hang on a tic," he said to Ven. 
"Maggie, Tom is out and so is Ben. You are….." 
"That's okay Jack," Maggie replied with a grin. 
"Ten minutes?" he asked. 
"That's fine," she replied. 
Jack and Vanessa wandered out the front door of the Station. Jack couldn't wipe 
the grin off his face, 
he was so happy to see her again. 
"So, what are you doing up here so early? Didn't you say on the phone the other 
night that you had 
exams this week?" he asked leaning on one of the verandah posts. 
"Yep, last one was yesterday," she replied. 
"So you decided to come straight up here?" he grinned, "this is great. We have 
so much time to catch 
up on the past month and a half," he said enthusiastically. 
"Well, ah…… not as much time as you think," she replied. "I'm only here for a 
couple of weeks. I 
would have told you sooner, but well……." 
"Is there a problem? I mean the exams went okay didn't they? You don't have to 
do extra classes 
over the summer surely?" he quizzed. 
"No, nothing like that. Actually, I am going overseas for Christmas, New Year. 
The trip has been 
planned since almost this time *last* year. I'm going to the U.S. and Canada. 
I have friends over 
there. The last thing I was thinking about when the trip was organised was 
finding someone who….. 
well…….. I didn't expect to want to do anything else these holidays." 
"Nah, look, there will be other holidays," he said trying not to sound 
disappointed, even though he was. 
"You'll send me a postcard at least won't you?" he replied. 
Ven. hit him on the arm, "Of course I will! You will get so many postcards the 
postie will get sick of 
delivering them!" 
"Okay, okay," Jack smiled. "Did you bring Kalifa up here with you?" 
"Yes, took him straight around to the paddock before coming here," she replied. 
"Well, since I have to get back to work, how about we go for a ride tonight, say 
six o'clock?" he 
asked. 
"Sounds good. How about I meet you at the end of Acacia Road then?" Ven. said. 
"Fine, I'll see you there, six o'clock." He replied. 
Ven. quickly reached up and kissed Jack on the cheek, before turning and almost 
skipping down the 
driveway. Jack just stood there, watching her go. Smiling so much his jaw 
ached. 
"Eh Um!" 
Jack's daydream was broken by the sound of the Boss standing in the doorway. 
"How about coming in and doing some work," said Tom sternly. 
"Yes, Boss. Sorry……… I was….." 
"Don't want to hear it Lawson…" 
"Yes, Boss." 
Jack walked inside the Station. 
Tom following close behind with a grin on his face. Ah, young love he thought 
to himself. 
The day dragged slowly for Jack. He thought the clock would never get to knock 
off time. As soon as 
the clock hit the hour, he was out of the Station like a shot out of a cannon. 
"Has Jack gone already?" said Jo. walking out of the locker room. "Thought we 
were *all* heading 
down to the Pub." 
"Ah, I think he has other things on his mind," said P.J. He looked at Maggie, 
"It's good to see him 
happy." 
"Yeah," Maggie replied, "I remember you told me about that." 
"About what?" asked Jo confused. 
"Ah, before you arrived," said Maggie. "Jack and his girlfriend…. long story" 
Jack and Vanessa were riding side by side along the river. 
"We wouldn't have been able to spend New Year's Eve together anyway," said Jack. 
"With the Year 
2000 celebrations, all leave is cancelled, statewide." 
"Hell, that isn't very fair," replied Ven. 
"Comes with the territory," he replied. "So, I was just thinking….." 
"Humm what?" Ven asked. 
"Well you can think about it. I don't need an answer straight away……" 
"Jack! Just tell me," She laughed. 
"Okay. Next Tuesday is the 30th of November. And I have the day off. I could 
probably wrangle the 
next day off too if I swap my weekend off from January. But since you won't be 
here in January it 
won't matter." He said. 
"So, you are suggesting that we have New Years Eve a month early?" she grinned. 
"You 
know……….. I *really* like that idea Jack. You're brilliant!" 
"Oh, I wouldn't go that far," he replied. 
"Okay, well do you have any idea what we can do?" she asked. 
"Well….." 
"Jack! Stop stalling… what did you have in mind?" 
"Well, do you like camping? I know a great spot way down the river. I was 
thinking we could go 
riding there. Build a fire, if it isn't a total fire ban and camp out the 
night……" 
"Just you and me?" 
"Yep, if you trust me," he replied. 
"For goodness sake Jack! Don't be stupid, of course I trust you. I would trust 
you with my life. 
Haven't you figured that out yet? And here is me thinking what a smart guy you 
are……" 
"Alright, alright, you trust me!" he said. "I guess you will have to run it by 
your Grandparents?" 
"Ah no……. I won't." she smiled. 
"Why? Your Grandfather seemed pretty keen on sussing me out when I took you to 
the movies in St. 
David's last time." Replied Jack. 
"No. *This* I will probably need to run by Mum and Dad, they are up here for 
two days. It is *so* 
painful, I'm an adult. I can drive a car, vote, umm well do whatever I want in 
the eyes of the law, 
but………" 
"You're the baby of the family though," said Jack, "they don't know what I am 
about……. I can 
understand where they are coming from." 
"You will probably be subjected to the third degree, you know that," said Ven. 
"Oh I will try my best," he replied. "How about now?" 
"Sorry? How about now what?" she replied confused. 
"Now. How about I come and meet your parents now. Might as well get it over 
and done with." He 
replied. 
"Oh…….. well, okay. If you want. They are back at Grandma and Papa's." 
"Come on then, I'll race you back to the road." And with that Jack turned 
Matilda around and headed 
back. 
Jack won the race, under much protest from Vanessa. "You had a head start, 
*and* Matilda knows 
her way around here better than Kalifa." She said. 
"Perhaps next time," said Jack with a grin. 
Jack followed Vanessa along the path and onto the verandah. 
"Ah, maybe this isn't one of my better ideas," said Jack stalling at the front 
door. He went to turn 
around but Ven held on to his arm as she called out. 
"MUM!!, DAD!!, Jack is here to say hello!" 
"Oh thanks," he replied. 
"It will be okay. For goodness sake, you have spoken to them on the phone," she 
whispered. 
"Oh yeah, deep meaningful conversation. 'Hello this is Jack, would Vanessa be 
home?'," he whispered 
back. 
She smiled at him. "So you are the fearless copper who will face the most 
hardened criminal, but you 
can't face my parents?" she said jokingly. 
"MUM, DAD!!! Where are you?" she called. 
"Out the back love," her Mother called back. 
"I never said I was fearless, right now the only thing about that statement I 
would agree with it the fear 
part." Replied Jack. 
"Don't be a wimp. They won't bite." She replied as she virtually had to drag 
him along the hallway to 
the back yard. 
Vanessa's parents and grandparents were sitting outside under the verandah. 
"Mum, Dad this is Jack. 
You've met Grandma and Papa," Ven said. 
"No actually only your grandfather," replied Jack. 
"Oh, okay. I am going to get a drink," she said with a grin leaving him 
standing there. "Want one?" 
"No thanks," he called back after her. 
"Take a seat Jack," said Ven's mother, "I will get dizzy looking all the way up 
there." 
Jack smiled at her. At least she seems to have a sense of humour he thought. 
"So," said Ven's father, "what have you two planned for the next couple of weeks 
while Vanessa is up 
here?" 
"Oh, not a lot as yet," replied Jack. 
"Actually," said Ven returning from inside, "we are going to go camping along 
the river next Tuesday 
night. Should be fun." 
"You are?" said Ven's father. 
"Yep," replied Ven hoping that this approach would work. How could they very 
well say no infront of 
Jack. "We will be perfectly fine, there is no need to worry. I am sure Jack 
will take good care of me." 
Ven could see her parents look at each other, and she was waiting for the big, 
'don't you even think 
you will be' speech. But her grandfather spoke first. 
"I think you will have a nice time," he said. He stood up and walked over to 
Jack. He patted his hand 
on Jack's shoulder. "He seems to be a fine young man, he will look after our 
Tuppence. He *is* a 
Police Officer after all." 
"Yes," replied her Grandma, "I agree. She couldn't *be* in better hands." 
Vanessa grinned at Jack. This was even better than she could have imagined. 
Now that her 
Grandparents had backed them up, her parents would have a hard time in saying 
no. 
"It is nice meeting all of you," said Jack standing, "but I have Matilda 
tethered up out the front, I have to 
get her back to her paddock." 
"And I have Kalifa out there too," said Ven, "I will be back in about an hour." 
"I'll put your dinner in the oven if you aren't back," said her Grandma. "Take 
your time Tuppy." 
"Thanks Grandma," said Ven walking around and giving her a hug. I shouldn't be 
any longer than an 
hour." 
"Nice to finally meet you Jack," said Ven's Mum, "We have heard so much about 
you. It is nice to 
finally put a face to the name." 
"Thanks, nice to meet you both too." Jack held out his hand to Vanessa's Dad. 
Jack followed Vanessa back through the house. "Tuppy???" he asked, "what is 
that???" 
"Oh please," she replied with a groan and rolling her eyes, "It's not that 
interesting. I will tell you all 
about it one day." 
"Okay, when we go camping next week then." He replied with a grin. "How did you 
get your 
Grandparents to do that?" 
"I didn't," she replied, "They did it themselves. I am still in shock." 
Jack arrived early at the Station the next morning. 
"Um Maggie, can I ask you a favour?" said Jack. They were the only ones in the 
main office. The 
others were yet to arrive for the day. 
"Depends what it is," she replied. 
"Well, you know how you have next Wednesday off? You wouldn't like to swap it 
for a whole 
weekend in January would you?" he queried. 
"One day for a whole weekend? Are you sure? Don't you want to save it to spend 
with Vanessa?" 
she replied. 
"She won't be here. She is going overseas. But, she *will* be here for the 
next two weeks. I have 
Tuesday off so I would like to have Wednesday too." He asked, almost pleading. 
"Jack, it's fine. I'll swap," said Maggie. 
"You're a champion Maggie, really, thanks for this," he replied. 
"She is pretty special to you, isn't she?" Maggie asked. 
Jack just nodded. 
"Just one word of advice, for what it is worth," she continued. "Appreciate 
each other. Never take 
each other for granted." 
"Thanks Maggie, I think……… Can I ask you something?" he said. 
"Sure." 
"Have you ever just *known* that someone was right?" he asked. 
Maggie smiled. "Yes, but you still have to work on it." 
Jack found it increasingly difficult to concentrate at work. It had been quite 
awhile since he had felt like 
this. It felt good, but it was distracting. Again the clock dragged slowly. 
He volunteered to go out on 
patrol with Maggie, just to avoid looking at the clock. 
The end of another work day and Jack pulled up in the Ute. outside Vanessa's 
Grandparents house. 
He could hear screaming and yelling coming from the backyard. 
It was Vanessa's voice. 
He hurried down the driveway to the back gate to see what was going on. 
Now she was laughing too. 
He didn't know what to make of the scene in front of him. 
She was soaked to the skin. Cornered with the garden hose still pointed at her. 
The water now just 
running straight off, as there wasn't any part of her clothing dry for it to 
soak into. 
The culprit was male. 
She was squealing and yelling at him to stop. 
He was just laughing at her. 
"You right Ven?" Jack called over the gate. 
She looked across to the gate. 
"Oh my God……. Jack. Is it six o'clock already?" 
The guy with the hose had turned it away from her momentarily. Vanessa decided 
to make a run for it. 
"Hey! Where do you think you're going," he said turning the hose back on her. 
Vanessa screamed and swore. Jack hadn't heard her say *that* before. 
"Jack, please…." She pleaded, "get the hose off him. Help me!" 
Jack opened the gate and walked through. 
"Ah, not unless he wants to get wet too," came the reply from the other guy. 
"Help Jack!! Hell, arrest him or something," continued Vanessa pleading again. 
"Ah, *this* is loverboy is it," he laughed at Ven. 
"Paul!! You shut your mouth or I will shut it for you!!" she yelled. 
"How?" he asked. "I'm over here and you're over there…………. Hey!" 
The water stopped running from the hose. Paul looked over to see that Jack had 
turned the tap off. 
"Ha!" said Ven, "he's *much* smarter than you! Thanks Jack. Paul, one of these 
days I'm gonna kill 
you!" 
"Nah," said Jack. "Not worth it. I'd have to arrest you. Too much paperwork." 
Ven smiled. "I'm going to go and get changed. I must look shocking." 
"What's different from every other time," said Paul. 
Ven shot him a deadly look and hurried inside. 
Jack walked over to Paul, towering over him. 
"Sorry about the loverboy crack," said Paul. "I just like tormenting her." 
"Really?" he replied sternly. Jack couldn't remember Ven mentioning this Paul, 
and he wasn't quite 
sure about him or where he came from. 
At that point, Vanessa's Grandmother appeared on the back verandah from out of 
the house. 
"Hello Jack." 
"Hello," he replied. 
"Paul," she said, "you were meant to be watering the garden for me, NOT trying 
to drown your sister." 
Sister, thought Jack, feeling a bit more at ease. 
"Well the garden *did* get wet too," he replied. 
"I don't know," she said with a smile and a shake of her head, "good help is so 
hard to find these days." 
"Ah well," replied Paul, "at least it's free." 
"If you ever want a hand with anything give me a call," said Jack, "I used to 
help my Grandparents all 
the time back in Swifts Creek." 
"Jack, that would be lovely," she replied. "We were just saying how nice it is 
to see another young face 
around here. The children have all grown up now and don't visit very often 
anymore. Although I think 
we will see more of 'Tuppy' these days." 
Jack smiled. He liked these people. Although he was reserving his opinion on 
Paul. 
"Jack you come in," she continued, "and Paul, do you think you could manage to 
get some water on the 
rest of the garden?" 
"Yep." He replied throwing down the hose and walking over to the tap. 
Jack stood there watching. 
When Paul was half way back, Jack quickly picked up the hose and turned it onto 
Paul. 
"Bloody hell!!" Paul yelled. 
"That's for Vanessa!" laughed Jack before letting go of the hose and quickly 
heading for the house. 
Jack walked into the kitchen, Ven was there. Now in dry clothes she was 
brushing her still wet hair. 
"You never mentioned you had a brother," said Jack, "only an older sister." 
"Ha! That waste of space, doesn't deserve a mention. But ummm, I didn't 
realise I hadn't. Who did 
you think he was?" she asked. 
"I wasn't sure," he replied, "and I wasn't sure I wanted to know." 
"Jack!" 
"Well, it's really none of my……….. that is…….. whatever you do………." 
"Hell, Jack! Will you quit it!" she exclaimed. Ven shook her head and smiled. 
"I'm ready to go." 
"Okay, let's go." He replied. 
"Grandma! I'm going now," she called. 
"Fine!" she called back. "Have a nice time!" 
They walked together out to Jack's Ute. He figured he had better start keeping 
it clean. Something 
that everyone at the Station stirred him about. 
He opened the door for her. 
"Thank you," she smiled, "I'm not used to having doors opened for me." 
"This is how it should be," he replied, "I was taught to do things properly." 
They walked into the Imperial. All the Officers, except for Tom, were sitting 
around a table in the main 
Bar. 
"Do you want to sit with your friends?" she asked. 
"Well, we have to organise next week," he replied. "But yeah, okay for a few 
minutes or they will 
totally bag me." 
They headed over to the table. The others had seen them walk in. P.J. stood up 
and offered his seat to 
Vanessa, grabbing another chair from the table behind them for himself. Maggie 
laughed to herself. P.J. 
was hopeless. 
"You want a drink?" Jack asked Vanessa. 
"Just a coke thanks," she replied. 
"You buying are you Stretch," said Jo. "Juice thanks." 
Ben swallowed the last of his beer. "Yep, another would be great," he said. 
Jack rolled his eyes and grinned. "Okay, who else?" 
Maggie and P.J. shook their heads. 
"So," said Jack, "coke, beer and orange juice?" he queried Jo. 
"Yep," Jo. replied. 
"Okay," he said, heading for the Bar. 
"Vanessa," said P.J., "you're at Uni.?" 
"Yes, Monash. Just finished my first year," she replied. 
"So you'd be what………. Eighteen, nineteen then?" he continued. 
Ven grinned, "You're the Detective aren't you?" 
Maggie burst out laughing. "Yes, he is. But obviously wouldn't be any good 
undercover. Spot him a 
mile away." 
"Hey, just thinking about Chrissie and her licence. Can't have underage 
drinking in here," he defended 
himself. 
"P.J.!!" said Maggie, "she's not even drinking alcohol." Maggie turned to Ven, 
"His skills are a bit 
rusty!" 
Everyone laughed. 
"Well I didn't hear you complaining too much last night," he said to Maggie 
quietly. 
"Ah well Detective," she whispered back with a smile, "that would depend on what 
skills I was talking 
about." 
"So, what are you studying?" asked Jo. 
"Jack hasn't told you?" she answered. "I thought he would think it was a great 
joke." 

"Nah, Stretch is pretty quiet. Doesn't give much away," Jo. replied. 
"What, Jack quiet?" laughed Ven, "you've got to be kidding! I have trouble 
getting a word in half the 
time." 
"Well that is obviously a side of him that only *you* are privy to," said Ben, 
"after what happened with 
Molly he……." 
"Ben!!….." said P.J. in a warning tone. 
Ben suddenly realised that Vanessa may not know about the break up with Molly, 
who had been Jack's 
girlfriend. "Ah sorry….." 
"What are we talking about then?" said Jack returning with the drinks. 
"We," said Maggie, "were trying to get Vanessa to tell us what she is studying. 
She thought you may 
have already told us? She said we might think it was funny?" 
"I don't know why she thinks that," he replied, "I think it is great." 
"So?" said Ben looking at Ven. 
"Okay, well……. I am doing Police Studies, although I haven't decided what branch 
to take." She 
said. 
"Police Studies?" said P.J. 
"Yeah," said Maggie looking at P.J., "they didn't have it at Uni. back in your 
day." 
"Oh funny," P.J. replied. 
"Well," Ven continued, "I could go into forensics or criminal psychology, or 
………." 
"Or do the hard slog out there like us," chipped in Jack. 
"Yes, there is that too," she replied, "I just haven't decided." 
"Reckon there would be more money in the first two," said Ben. "Although having 
to figure out what 
makes some of societies psychopaths tic could get a bit hairy." 
"Yeah," said Jack. He didn't want to think about that alternative. "Anyway, we 
are going through to 
get something to eat." 
"Stay here and eat with us," said Jo. 
"Nah, sorry. We have things we want to discuss and organise." Jack replied. 
"Maybe next time," said Vanessa standing up. "It was nice to meet all of you." 
"You too," said Ben. 
"Yeah, we will catch up later perhaps," said Jo. with a fake smile. Maggie and 
Vanessa noticed it, the 
men were oblivious. Vanessa could see that Jo. was annoyed at her presence. 
She wondered if she 
had moved into what Jo. considered as her territory with Jack. 
"See you later," said P.J. "And behave yourself Jackie boy! …….. Ow!! What 
was that for?" P.J. 
said to Maggie after she elbowed him in the ribs. 
Maggie ignored him. "Bye" she said. 
"They seem like a nice bunch," said Vanessa as they sat down at a table in the 
Dining room. "Although 
Jo. seems a bit……." 
"No. Don't take any notice of Jo.," he interrupted. "I'm the only one younger 
than her, so I think she 
likes to boss me around like a kid brother." 
"Okay, Tuesday then. What time do you want to leave?" she asked. 
"Let's say three, four o'clock? Your olds obviously haven't changed their 
minds?" asked Jack. 
"Nope. But Mum and Dad go back home tomorrow, so I am expecting the big *talk* 
before they 
leave," she laughed. "Grandma and Papa won't let them change their minds. They 
really like you." 
"Well I like them. They remind me of my Grandparents, although there is only 
Pop now. Anyway, 
camping. I still have my proper backpack from Scouts, so I should be able to 
carry everything in it. 
We are only going overnight, so we don't need much. Do you have a sleeping 
bag?" 
"There is one at my Grandparents, but hang on……. you were a Boy Scout were you?" 
she asked with 
a grin. 
"Yeah, did my Queen Scout too. Is there something wrong with that?" he asked. 
"No. Not at all, don't take it like that. Just trying to picture it. You have 
a liking for uniforms then?" 
she asked cheekily. 
They ate their meal and discussed the finer details of what they would need to 
take. Soon it was time 
for Jack to take her back to her family. On the drive back to the Imperial he 
mused over the fact that 
time without her dragged so slowly, yet when he was with her, it was over all 
too soon. 
The time they spent together continued to fly by for both of them. They 
organised their camping 
expedition like two heroic explorers ready to tackle the world. Planned down to 
the finest detail, Jack 
wanted this trip to be perfect. He didn't know how long it might be before they 
had the chance to do 
something like it again. 
Everyone knew that Jack had two days off, and was undoubtedly going to spend it 
with Vanessa. Five 
minutes before end of shift, P.J. called Jack into his office. 
"Ah, P.J. Look I'm just about to knock off," said Jack walking into the C.I. 
office. 
"This won't take long, shut the door and take a seat," P.J. replied. 
Jack did as he was told. Puzzled over why he was there. P.J. could see his 
expression. 
"It's okay Jack. Just a chat, nothing serious, well it is serious……… um well, 
you and Vanessa I 
mean." 
Jack was still confused. P.J. tried to clarify what he was saying. 
"Look, this is coming from P.J. the friend, who saw what you went through with 
Molly earlier this year, 
not P.J., Detective, Mt. Thomas Police." 
Jack nodded; he was beginning to follow. 
"It's just that well, us blokes have to stick together and you seem pretty 
serious about her?" 
"I am," replied Jack. "I think she could be the one I was meant to spend my 
life with. Look, you may 
think I'm crazy, I haven't known her for very long. Hell I even wonder about it 
some days. But it feels 
right. You know when it just feels right?" he asked P.J. 
P. J. smiled and leaned back in his chair. "Yeah mate, I know exactly what you 
mean. But you can't 
just take it for granted that it will always be there. Or it can slip away." 
"Hey," said Jack, "did Maggie ask you to talk to me?" 
"Maggie? No, not at all. Why would you say that?" P.J. questioned. 
"Because she gave me the same talk last week. Not taking anything for granted 
and appreciating 
everyday with the person you are meant to be with. If you two haven't organised 
this chat, well then I 
guess you both must have the same philosophies on life and love," said Jack. 
"Yeah, well I guess we must then," replied P.J. with a smile. "Sounds like Mags 
has said it all for me." 
"Look, I hate to be rude P.J., but I ………." 
"No, it's fine. Get! Have a great time," said P.J. waving him out with a 
laugh. 
"Thanks mate. I really appreciate you guys being concerned about me, but I am 
not as wet behind the 
ears as *some* people around here think." Jack said, standing and walking over 
to open the door. 
"Ah, Jack?" said P.J., "is Mags still out there?" 
Jack opened the door and looked over toward Maggie's desk. 
"Yep." 
"Could you please ask her to come in here for me then?" P.J. replied. 
Jack grinned, "Sure." 
They had been riding along slowly for several hours, talking and laughing as 
they went. Vanessa 
couldn't believe how wonderful it could be out riding through the bush. Out 
there with Jack. She 
couldn't understand how anyone could treat him like a kid brother, was this Jo. 
blind? Either way she 
figured that he was out on this beautiful day with her and *not* Jo. 
"You're quiet," he said, "what are you grinning about?" 
"Just thinking how much I am enjoying this," she replied. "Do you come out here 
often?" 
Jack laughed. "That sounded like a pick up line, you're not trying to lead me 
astray are you." 
"Ha! You're one to talk," she laughed, "you're the one who knows where he is 
going. I am just 
following here, remember?" 
"Well you don't have to follow me anymore," he replied, "because all will be 
revealed around the next 
bend." 
"Yes? We are here?" she asked. 
"Yep!" 
Vanessa steered Kalifa along the track and rounded the bend before stopping. A 
clearing opened out in 
front of her. 
Jack rode up beside her. 
"There is a clear place to camp," he pointed, "and there is sandbank in the 
river that goes out almost 
half way, so it isn't too deep. We can go for a swim if you want." 
"Jack this is a beautiful place. I can't believe that we don't have to fight 
people to find a place to 
camp." 
"Well, I guess it's mid-week, and since there is no vehicle access, it doesn't 
get too many people out 
here. I haven't seen anyone else when I have come out here," he replied. 
"So who do you usually share this place with?" she asked. 
"No-one," Jack answered, "I've always come here alone, until now anyway." 
"I am really glad that you chose me to share this with," Vanessa replied. "So 
come on, you said 
swimming." 
They unloaded the camping gear from the backpack and spent what was left of the 
afternoon clowning 
around in the river and talking. 

Vanessa helped Jack collect wood for the campfire. They tried to collect as 
much as they could to 
avoid having to go wandering during the night to keep it going. Although it had 
been a hot day, it was 
likely to get cold overnight. 
They talked non-stop while eating and the only silence came as they watched the 
sun set. It threw 
splashes of orange and pink across the glistening water. As tiny water bugs 
touched the river surface 
they created circle patterns that bounced the colours like a mirror ball. 
If ever there was a heaven on earth, they believed they had found it. 

"So, where are you spending the *real* New Years Eve?" asked Jack, as he threw 
another piece of 
wood on the campfire. The sparks flew madly upwards into the dark, night sky. 
"Not too sure. I am staying with a friend. Rach. had mentioned something about 
Vancouver." She 
replied. "You?" 
"The roster is already done and I'm on night shift," he said. "We will probably 
be out keeping an eye 
on the local party's etc. And hopefully this whole millennium bug thing turns 
out to be nothing." 
"Yeah, but I have no intention on being in a plane at midnight, that's for 
sure." She replied. 
"No, I guess you can't be too careful," he replied. "I wouldn't want you on a 
plane when the clock 
tic's over either." 
"Because…?" she asked. 
"Well……. because, now that I have met you, I wouldn't…… that is to say….." 
"Jack! I am going to hit you *very* hard if you don't stop worrying about what 
you are saying to me. 
Haven't you worked out that you can't offend me, shock me or scare me away with 
anything you say? 
I'm not going anywhere Jack. Please lock that into your brain, or I will go 
crazy trying to figure out 
what you are trying to say all the time." 
"Sorry. It's just that I was seeing someone once. I thought it was serious. 
Well it had been for me." 
He said. "So I tend to be a bit apprehensive these days. I don't particularly 
want to get hurt like that 
again." 
"Can I ask what happened?" said Ven quietly. 
"Yeah, ah, we both had the same theories on life and about you know, waiting. 
But she got tired of 
waiting apparently and my best mate Craig, who was also my cousin; just happened 
to be in the right 
place at the right time it seemed. He and Molly…….. Well, once the trust is 
gone, there isn't much 
else left. I just couldn't trust her anymore." 
"Oh Jack, I'm so sorry." Said Ven. 
"Don't be," he replied. "I mean, you didn't know me then. There wasn't 
anything that you or I could 
have done to change the situation. And I guess it just proved that she wasn't 
the one." 
"Yeah, you just sort of *know* when someone is *the* one don't you," she stated, 
looking at him. 
Jack smiled. "I agree." 
"It's almost a surreal feeling," she continued. "Sort of like you know that life 
is going to be perfect, no 
matter what rubbish anyone tries to throw at you. You feel safe with them, 
never tire of hearing their 
voice or laugh. Just this feeling of *knowing* when they are close, without 
actually having to see them 
there." 
"You've obviously been to that place," he replied, "you describe it perfectly." 
"Jack, I am *at* that place now……… You know the feeling too, don't you?" she 
asked. 
They both looked at each other. 
Jack laughed. 
"What's so funny?" asked Vanessa. 
"I was just thinking," said Jack, "I have been trying to convince myself that 
maybe I was imagining it. I 
mean, less than two months ago I didn't know you existed. Before you came back 
up here we had 
hardly spent any time together. We've probably spent more time talking on the 
phone than we had face 
to face. But I can't imagine not knowing you. I think about how empty my life 
would be without you." 
Ven smiled back at him. "I am glad you have decided to be straight with me. I 
don't think I would 
have wanted to just assume that this was how you felt." 
"So you have felt the same?" he asked. 
"Hummm, yeah. I originally thought we hadn't known each other very long. I 
thought that maybe I 
imagined it too. But the feeling is there, I've decided that I can't ignore 
it." She said. 
"So does this mean that you will go out with me?" asked Jack with a smile. 
"Well, what do you think? You need to ask?" she replied with a laugh. 
"You know me, I like to do things properly," he answered. 
"Always the copper eh Jack, everything by the book." 
"Most certainly," he replied. 
"Well at least you won't have to ask permission if you want to kiss me again," 
she smiled. 
"Is that an invitation?" he grinned. 
"It might be," she said mischievously, "why don't you try and find out?" 

Night had fallen. Jack was lying on top of his sleeping bag looking up into the 
night sky. 
Vanessa had her head resting on his chest, she enjoyed being so close to him. 
"I once told someone that the night sky looked like a big dark blanket with tiny 
holes and a big bright 
light shining behind it, but she didn't understand where I was coming from," 
said Jack gazing up into the 
heavens. 
"I understand perfectly where you are coming from," said Ven with a smile. "I 
love lying under the stars, 
waiting for a glimpse of a shooting one...... Making wishes....." 
"What would you wish for if you saw one right now," he asked. 
"Hummmm, have you ever seen that film?….. what was it called?.......... with 
......I remember 
"Groundhog Day" when everything just kept repeating?" she said. 
"Well I wish everyday could be today, over and over again." 

"Hey Ven…….. Ven…….. you awake?" asked Jack. 
"Nnnnnn ..What time…… ah too early," she said burying herself deeper into the 
sleeping bag. 
Jack grinned as her rolled over to her and started to unzip the side of her 
sleeping bag. 
"Awwwww, go away! Not fair……. I'm sleep. Didn't you see the 'do not disturb' 
sign on the 
tree…..?" 
"Time to wake up," he said teasing her. 
"No it isn't, not lunchtime yet……. Please let me sleep!" 
"Come on 'Tuppy' time to wake up," he joked. 
"Errrrrrr……. Don't you start that. Grandma and Papa are the only ones who get 
away with still calling 
me that. Why is it time to wake up?" she complained. "We have the whole day, 
can't we just lie here 
for awhile?" 
Jack grinned. "You didn't tell me you weren't a morning person. I'll have to 
try and remember that." 
"Hummm, it would be safer for you to note it," she replied, her eyes still 
firmly shut. "I may get violent." 
"Well then, I wouldn't want to have to arrest you," he joked. "Assaulting an 
Officer of the Law is a 
serious offence." 
"You wouldn't arrest me," she replied, "can I please stay a little longer?" 
"Well, I guess we aren't in any hurry," he replied, moving over beside her. "We 
can lie here for 
awhile." 
She still hadn't opened her eyes. She knew if she did, that would be the end of 
her sleep. Even in this 
sleepy state, she knew Jack was there. She reached over and ran her hand across 
his cheek. "Thank 
you kind Sir, I need my rest." 
Jack lay there and watched her as she dozed. He couldn't imagine a more perfect 
sight. After awhile 
she rolled over towards him and opened her eyes. 
"What are you doing?" she asked sleepily. 
"I like watching you sleep. Just admiring the scenery," he grinned. 
"Don't know about that," she replied. "I must look terrible. Not too many 
people get to see me first 
thing in the morning." 
"Ah, well, I am one of the privileged ones then," he smiled back. He saw her 
face take on a serious 
look. "What's wrong?" he asked. 
"I'm just wondering how all this is going to work," she said. 
"Work, what? How do you mean?" He replied looking straight into her eyes, 
trying to figure out what 
she was thinking. 
"Well, I'm going to be all the way down in Melbourne. You will be up here, with 
every pretty girl in the 
district chasing after you I'm sure. And then of course there is Jo. what 
chance…….." 
"Hang on, what does Jo. have to do with anything?" he interrupted, getting 
worried that she maybe 
changing her mind in the cold light of day. 
"Come on Jack, she is as jealous as hell that you and I are spending so much 
time together. Can't you 
see it?" Vanessa replied. 
"Well she had better get used to the idea, because that is just how things are 
going to be," he replied. 
"And anyway, I could say the same thing about you being in Melbourne and me up 
here. What if you 
meet some guy? How do I fit into that picture?" 
"You are the only one *in* the picture Jack. And you will be the only one 
*ever* in that picture. I told 
you that last night." 
"Well you seem to be the one having doubts." he stated, looking serious and 
worried. 
"Not doubts Jack. I guess I am just worried that you will forget about me, and 
find someone else." 
"And I told you last night how *I* feel," he said softly as her brushed her hair 
from her face, "That isn't 
going to happen." 
"Okay," she replied with a smile. 
"Got it straight in that head of yours then?" he asked. 
"Yep, perfectly straight," she replied. 
He lent over and kissed her on the cheek. "How about I make us something to 
eat?" he asked. 
"Hummm, sounds good. As long as I can lay here for a bit longer and watch?" she 
grinned. 
Jack smiled and shook his head. "You're definitely *not* a morning person are 
you?" 
"Whatever gave you that idea?" she asked smiling back. 
"Well, no, it isn't alright," he laughed. Before Ven knew what was happening, 
Jack had jumped up and 
scooped her up into his arms, sleeping bag and all. 
"Jack, what the hell are you doing!" she exclaimed. 
"You're going swimming! I'm going to teach *you* lazybones," he laughed. 
"No! Jack! Please put me down!" she pleaded as he carried her toward the 
river. She was stuck in 
the sleeping bag, unable to struggle free." 
"Jack, come on, pllleeeeaaaassssseee!" she pleaded. 
Jack laughed. He was now standing in the shallow water at the edge of the 
river. "You want me to put 
you down do you?" 
"Yes! But not here," she laughed. She didn't know whether to yell or laugh or 
cry. She didn't know 
whether he was actually joking or being serious. 
"Are you sure," he asked pretending to drop her. 
She screamed. 
"What you don't want a morning bath?" he said cheekily. 
"No, thank you I think I can wait until I get back to town and have a shower 
there. Jack!!……" 
"Oh alright then," he replied, before pretending to drop her into the water 
again. 
She squealed again. "Jack!" 
He carried her back over to where they were camping and put her down on the 
ground. 
"How would you like to help me make breakfast then?" he asked. 
"Or what, I'll end up in the river?" she asked. 
"Hummm yeah, something like that," he laughed. 
"What do you want me to do then," she replied. 
They spent the rest of the morning sitting around the fire, talking and trying 
to catch up on an entire life's 
history. It felt as if they had known each other forever, yet still knew so 
little about each other. They 
talked and swam and talked and laughed until the time came to pack up and head 
back to the real 
world. One they wouldn't have minded leaving behind if it meant spending more 
time together. 
Jack rode back with Vanessa, to the paddock where she kept Kalifa on her visits, 
before heading off to 
return Matilda to her home. 
It was early Thursday morning when Jack and Jo. bumped into each other in the 
hallway at the Imperial. 
"Morning Stretch. You on your way to work too?" Jo. asked. 
"Yep," he replied. 
"Want a lift then? I'm just about to leave," she replied. 
"Nah, looks like a nice day out there. I think I might walk." 
"Hummm, well maybe I will walk too. That's if you don't mind the company." Jo. 
answered. 
"No, that's fine. Just don't complain if you can't keep up," he replied, "Ven 
says I walk too fast." 
"Ah, it's just those long legs of yours, you take bigger steps that's all," said 
Jo. 
"So, you had a good couple of days off?" she questioned as they headed out of 
the Imperial. 
"Yeah, great, really good," he smiled. 
"So you two went…….?" 
"Camping," said Jack, "we went camping along the river. It was fantastic. All 
the stars at night……." 
"Ah yes, your moth-holed blanket theory," Jo. laughed. 
"Well, unlike you," grinned Jack, "she understood my theory and whatsmore 
totally *agreed* with me!" 
Jo. didn't have an answer to that. The comment had hit its mark. 
"So, how are you two going then?" she continued. Never one for being subtle. 
Jack stopped and faced her. "What is this Jo., twenty questions?" he asked. 
"Hey Stretch, we're friends aren't we?" she said going on the defensive. "Just 
inquiring how things are. 
I would hate to see you get hurt, that's all." 
"Ha! you *are* just like a big sister aren't you?" he grinned. "Well thanks, 
but I couldn't *be* 
happier. I'm not a novice when it comes to love," he continued as they walked 
along the street, "I may 
be younger than you, but I *do* know what I am doing." 
Jo. noticed that Jack had used the "L" word and decided that this wasn't a 
competition that she was 
going to win. Someone else had taken first prize and she realised that she had 
left her run far too late. 
Jack didn't see Ven on Thursday evening. After two days together, they decided 
to give each other 
some space to do other things. 
Vanessa wanted to spend some time with her Grandparents and Jack decided to head 
over to St. 
David's. They both knew they would have to get used to not seeing each other 
everyday again. But it 
didn't make it any easier. 
Friday night Jack called around to pick Vanessa up to go to the movies in St. 
David's. Despite the fact 
that they had spoken twice on the phone since returning from camping on 
Wednesday afternoon; he felt 
as if it had been an eternity since they had been together. He realised just 
how hard being away from 
her was going to be. 
Can you come around and have lunch with me tomorrow, since you are heading off 
on Sunday?" asked 
Jack as they returned to Vanessa's grandparents house after the movie. 
"I can do that," she replied, "I'd love to." 
"I will pick you up around eleven - thirty then," he replied before leaning over 
to kiss her. After five or 
so minutes they noticed the porch light go on. 
Jack laughed, "Do you think we've been given a hint?" 
"Hummm, I think so," she grinned before stealing another kiss. "I will see you 
in the morning. 
Goodnight, sweet dreams." 
"Yes, sweet dreams. Always seem to be these days," he smiled. 
Vanessa was half way out of the vehicle, "Hey Vanessa!" 
"What?" she asked, leaning back in. 
Jack reached over and kissed her again, "Goodnight!" 
She smiled, "Night!" 
Saturday Morning, and Jack collected Vanessa from her Grandparents house just 
has he had arranged. 
"Did your Grandparents have anything to say to you when you went in last night?" 
Jack asked as they 
drove along. 
"Yes, they did actually," she replied with a smirk. 
"Okay then, what did they say?" he asked inquisitively. 
"Grandma said that if I wanted to sit and kiss you for half the night, I would 
have been better off coming 
inside and doing it, rather than out in the car!" she laughed. 
"You're kidding me right?" Jack asked with a curious grin. 
"Nope, true. I walked inside and Papa wanted to know where you were. I told 
him that you had gone 
home. He thought we would have preferred to sit and 'talk' as he put it, 
inside. Then Grandma said 
what I just told you. I get the feeling that they were a pretty hot couple back 
in their younger days." 
"Yeah, but I bet your Mum didn't get away with anything!" said Jack. 
"Anyway, you look pretty happy," said Vanessa as they drove along. 
"What? Isn't a guy allowed to be happy?" he asked. He took her hand and gently 
kissed it. "I don't 
think it will be possible for me to be unhappy ever again!" 
When they arrived at the Imperial, Ven headed for the Dining room. 
"Nope, not that way," said Jack with a grin, "this way." He pointed to the 
stairs. 
Vanessa was confused, but followed him upstairs. 
"This way," he said, "my room." 
"Your room?" she queried. 
"What don't you trust me?" he asked with a grin. 
"You already know the answer to that," she replied, following him. 
"Good then, well close your eyes too," he replied. 
"Jack what are you up to?" she quizzed. 
"Nah, no peeking, just close them!" Jack said. 
"Okay, okay, they're closed," she protested. 
Jack swung the door of his room open and led Vanessa a few steps inside the 
doorway. 
"Okay," said Jack, "you can open them now." 
Vanessa opened her eyes and broke into a huge smile and at almost the same time 
she felt tears trickle 
down her cheeks. 
"Hey, this isn't meant to make you cry he said wiping the tears as they fell. 
This is meant to be 
something good." 
"It is, I just can't believe that someone would go to all this trouble for me." 
She sobbed. 
Vanessa looked at the table that sat in the middle of the room, surrounded by 
streamers and Christmas 
decorations. He even had a decorated Christmas tree in the corner. 
"I know we did this the wrong way around," said Jack still wiping away the 
tears, "having New Years 
before Christmas. But I just figured that since you wouldn't be here for 
Christmas too, I would bring it 
forward a bit." 
Vanessa threw her arms around Jack and hugged him tightly before kissing him. 
"Jack you are the sweetest, most wonderful man I have ever met. I am just so 
flabbergasted that you 
have gone to so much trouble, just for someone like me." 
Jack had his arms still around her waist, and was holding her close. "Never," 
he said looking into her 
eyes, "let me hear you say 'just for someone like me'. You are a very special 
woman Vanessa. You 
are *my* special woman, and I want you to always remember that." 
"I will remember it, I promise," she replied happily. 
"Now," he said, "I think there might just be something under the tree for you." 
"Oh Jack, I haven't gotten you…." 
"Shoosh," he interrupted, "I don't want to hear it. You are in my life, and 
that is enough for me. Now 
go and have a look," he grinned. 
Vanessa did as she was told, and went and sat on the floor beside the Christmas 
tree. Jack followed 
and sat on the floor beside her. 
"This," he said picking up a medium sized box and handing it to her. He leant 
over and kissed her 
gently, "Merry Christmas." 
"Thank you," she beamed. 
Vanessa opened the box and started removing layers and layers of multi-coloured 
tissue paper. "It 
looks like a rainbow hit the room," she said looking at all the paper around 
her. 
"Humm, I thought it reminded me of the sunset we watched when we were out 
camping. All the 
different colours." 
"Is there anything that you don't put a lot of thought into?" she grinned. 
"No, not much." He replied. "Come on, keep unwrapping." 
She found another smaller box wrapped within the rainbow. She opened it 
tentatively and stared at the 
contents. 
"Oh my God…… Jack it's beautiful. I think I am going to cry again. I love it. 
Thank you." 
Vanessa removed the gold charm bracelet from its box. It had a tiny engraved 
heart locket at the clasp 
and three charms hanging from the other side. 
"I wanted to get some charms on it, to start it off. I thought I could add to 
it for you on special 
occasions. I hope you like them. They were the most important ones. Well the 
ones I feel 
important……. for us." 
"Yes they are…….. faith, hope and charity……… it's perfect Jack. You're perfect. 
I love you. 
Thank you so much." 
Jack just stopped and looked at her, "Did you just say……..?" 
"Um…… yeah……… I think I did, didn't I," she replied with a smile. 
Jack reached over, and rested his hand on the back of her neck, looking straight 
into her eyes. He 
could feel the tears start to well up in his own. "I love you too," he said 
before pulling her towards him 
and kissing her. 
He never realised it was possible to feel so happy. 
And neither had she. 

The End 
(For now anyway!) 

Authors Notes: 
FIRSTLY HIT THE REPLY BUTTON AND GIVE ME FEEDBACK!! PLEASE!! 
Secondly……. Well you made it to the end of another Jack and Vanessa saga. 
Although all my short 
stories have been written in a way that could possibly lend themselves to a 
sequel, I have had no 
intention of doing that. A short story to me has meant just that…….. however, 
after some wonderful 
feedback and "….. are you going to write more to it….." comments after posting 
"Distractions" here is 
the result. The scary thing is that I don't think this will be the end of the 
Vanessa and Jack tale……. I 
feel another series coming on…….. 
I want to sincerely thank Vanessa for allowing me to write this tale around her 
life….. keep hitting those 
books Tuppy!! 
I have never felt that I write romance well……. So a big thank you to my proof 
readers Suz, Kel., 
Simone, (and Vanessa of course) who keep telling me that I *am* capable of 
writing romance, and 
giving me heaps of encouragement. Guess what…… you guys rock!! 
The "holes in a blanket" theory was written by John Banas in "Starry Starry 
Night". I hope he doesn't 
mind me borrowing it, but it helps to explain what Jack believes to be 
important. 
Thank you everyone! 
Want to read my stories?? Have you missed any??? 
Jaye's Blue Heelers fanfic can be found at: 
http://home.primus.com.au/avg/jaye/ 
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