1.87 In hiding

When Mathew and Hazel arrived at the house they found Estevan waiting on the steps. “How was the journey?” 

Matt hugged his uncle and replied, “So glad you are here and the drive was ok.” Hazel looked at Estevan as he opened the door to the house waiting for the lecture but was surprised when he said, “Congratulations on getting married.” Hazel smiled and said, “Thank you for doing this…”

Estevan sat down and was quickly followed by Matt and Hazel, “How are you feeling Hazel?”

“I’m just in shock that my Mum would do this to us.” Estevan looked at her and said, “Hopefully she will get the help she needs.” Matt still worried about his wife’s safety asked, “Will she go down for this?” Estevan was never one to sugar coat anything for Matt and answered, “She could still get away with this after all they are still relying on Hazel to press charges.” Hazel clasped her hands together and said, “What if I’ve changed my mind, maybe I don’t want too.” 

Matt went to say something but Estevan stopped him and talked to Hazel instead. “Hazel, do you love Mathew?” She looked at him and responded, “With all my heart but why would you ask?”

“My mother hated anyone I wanted to date and when I wanted to marry my first wife she hit the roof. We argued so much that in the end I cut her from my life. I will admit she never tried to kill Holly but if she had then I would have pressed charges.”

“But don’t you talk to her now?” Estevan paused for a moment and said, “When she first turned up after many years, I wasn’t happy to see her, believe me and it took her a long time to mend the bridges between us. Zoe wants Mathew dead because she wants him out of your life and I know you will always love your mother but I’m afraid to say that you will have to choose.” 

Hazel looked at the floor and with a sigh she replied, “You are right I do love my Mum but Matt is my husband so I will press charges and hopefully one day she can be in my life if she gets better. I’m really sorry for all this.”

“Hazel you have nothing to be sorry about; it is your mother that needs to be sorry. Now I’ve left money for you, there is food in the fridge. I’ve also sorted out about your university placements so don’t worry about that.” 

Matt was looking out the window when Estevan noticed and went over to him, “Your parents are angry but not at you but at Zoe. Your mum is upset because she said that you two had grown closer and now she feels heartbroken but she is glad you are safe.”

“I miss them all but we have no choice do we?” 

Estevan looked out the window with Matt and replied, “Not if you and Hazel want to stay alive but I will make sure that nothing happens to either of you.” Matt looked at him, “Thanks Uncle Estevan I really appreciate this,” then he hugged him.

“I’d love to stay and chat but I have to get back home as I’m sure Nathan is running Dawn ragged. If I were you too I’d take this opportunity to have a little honeymoon.”

After Matt closed the door behind Estevan he looked at Hazel and said, “He is right we should take advantage.” Hazel smiled as she went to make a drink, Matt came up behind her wrapping his arms around her, “I know you are upset but let’s concentrate on us and have fun.” 

Hazel rested her hand on his and replied, “Ok.” Suddenly she felt his hands roam her body and she couldn’t help but bite her lip. She tilted her head back as Matt planted kisses on her neck and he whispered in her ear, “How are you feeling now?” Hazel was trying to catch her breath and managed to say, “Relaxed…” 

She forgot about her drink as Matt turned her around to face him, “Any ideas about how to stay relaxed?” Hazel knew exactly what her husband was after but the more he teased her the more she wanted him. However she was trying to stay in control, “I have a few ideas, a bit of sunbathing, swimming…” Matt was trying to get Hazel to cave and the more she talked the softer the kisses became then he said in a whisper, “Skinny dipping sounds fun.”

Hazel closed her eyes trying to stay focused but Matt was getting to her and she didn’t know much more she could take, “I never said skinny dipping.”

“But you mentioned the pool,” as he kept up the intensity. 

Hazel wanted to answer but she couldn’t because her body had grown weak to his touches and she started to remove Matt’s clothes. They were making their way to the back door to head for the pool but they never made it that far as they collapsed in each other arms where they stood. 

After they had explored each other Hazel asked looking into his eyes, “Will it always be like this?” He smiled sweetly at her, “I hope so.” Hazel planted a kiss on his cheek when they heard a knock at the door and Hazel jumped, “Oh no, my mum is here. They let her go, see not even your uncle can protect us.” 

Matt held her and calmly said, “It’s not going to be her. Now go upstairs while I answer the door.”

Matt answered the door accepting the parcel when the postman said it was for Estevan. 

He put it to one side and called his uncle. “There is a parcel here for you.”

“The parcel is your university work; sorry I forgot to mention that. You and Hazel are still registered but when they post anything it will be address to me. They will ring me to let me know it has been posted then I will let you know. If you don’t hear from me do not open anything.”

“Understand but what if…” 

Estevan sighed and said, “Remember I can read minds and if they are lying to me then I will know.” After they ended their conversation, Matt called Hazel down and while he hugged her said, “I told you not to worry; Zoe is out of our lives for a long time.”

Zoe yelled, “No excuses, I want him dead and my daughter home with me.”

1.10 Don't let it ruin your life

Kirsten finally had the place to herself. She was excited about Darren coming over she'd never met a man quite like him before. Her instinct was telling her that he could be the one her Mr right. One thing was sure she couldn't wait and find out. There was a knock at the door and Kirsten had butterflies in her stomach when she opened the door and saw Darren standing there.

"Hay there. You look...beautiful."

Kirsten was blushing but replied, "Thanks. Go through." Darren got closer to her and asked, "You know seen as we have the place to ourselves, why not umm...have dessert if you know what I mean."

Estevan was not impressed Matt was late, "What time do you call this?"

"Sorry we were shooting hoops. Uncle Estevan this is Jake and Andrew."

"Hi boys, take a seat. Mathew tell me what happened."

"I told you this asshole approached me, knew my name and then told me to give you a message something about deals and then gave me these black eyes. Uncle Estevan what is going on?"

Estevan made his answer simple without going into detail, "I've made choices that some would not agree with. I've had many reasons as to why I did what I did. Unfortunately you leaving home meant you became an easy target but I will sort it out."

Matt maybe young but he wasn't stupid either, "You mean drugs don't you. And this is the reason for my black eyes."

Estevan was taken aback that Matt was blunt with him, "I under estimated you. Yes you are right but I'm done with it. This just a loose end I need to tie up."

"And Dad?"

"He was never part of it. I kept that promise to your Aunt Heather."

"Let's see the place you are staying at."

They walked home talking about family mostly. Matt asked after everyone especially his cousin Art. They approached the beginning of the boardwalk which wasn't far from the house. As Matt pointed out the house to Estevan they heard a scream coming from the house. Jake ran towards the house because it was Kirsten's voice followed by the others.

Kirsten was screaming at Darren, "Get off me."

"I don't think so. Where's your boyfriend, Matt?"

"He's not my boyfriend. Now get off." Darren had pinned her to the bed and his grip was getting tighter. Kirsten started to cry with the pain as the grip tightened around her wrists.

"Scream all you like but we are going to have some fun. After all this is what you like isn't it?"

Kirsten was now in pain and terrified, "Please get off me." Darren was getting more angry at her and was about to undo his trousers when Jake grabbed him and threw him on the floor. He was about to beat the guy up when he heard Kirsten crying and running away in the other room.

He was now torn go after his sister or get this guy. Andrew was full of rage and told him to go and look after Kirsten. Darren got up and went for Andrew but he got in first. 

He punched Darren sending him flying but Andrew wasn't done he wanted this guy to pay for what he did. 

Estevan grabbed him and quietly said, "I know your secret Andrew now go and see if she's ok and I'll deal with him. This is the guy causing trouble." He put Andrew down and he walked away angry.

"Matt go with your friends. Darren and I have business to discuss." He dragged him outside and threw him to the wall. "How dare you go after Matt?"

"Fuck you." Darren spat as a grin came across his face.

Estevan grabbed him, "You shouldn't be laughing, Darren. You hurt an innocent young girl as well. You are one sick guy. I think its lunch time."

"Yeah well I'll skip lunch if you don't mind."

"I wasn't asking, Darren. Did I forget to mention you are the lunch?"

Kirsten just cuddled into her brother, "Sis its ok. You are safe now."

Andrew was by her side, "Is there anything I can get you?"

"I just want Jakey."

Holding her he replied, "I'm here sis."

Andrew was enraged and walked out of the room where he banged his fist on the wall. Matt followed him and quietly said, "Kirsten is fine."

Through gritted teeth he replied, "Look at the state of her. I don't think she will ever recover." Estevan walked back in and stated, "It's all sorted."

Andrew was angry, "Where is that bastard?"

Estevan firmly said, "Look I've dealt with the situation and he won't be hurting anyone anymore."

Estevan went to the room where Jake and Kirsten were sitting together. He crouched down by Kirsten and asked, "Are you ok?" Kirsten just looked at him and nodded.

"Listen to me. He won't hurt you again I promise. Just so you know your Mr Right is out there and he's closer than you think so don't give up and let that excuse of a guy ruin your life. I'll stay a day or two to make sure you guys are alright."

Kirsten finally spoke, "Thank you." Hazel ran to Kirsten side and told her that she got a phone call from Matt who told her what happened. "Come on Kirst you need to rest and I'll stay with you."

When they got upstairs Kirsten went and changed in her PJ's and laying on Hazel's bed said, "Matt's Uncle said something strange. He told me Mr Right is closer than you think. What does he mean?"

Hazel looked puzzled but said, "I honestly don't know Kirst but what I know is you need to rest."