Section I, Next Section

Part 1

Posted on Saturday, 13 January 2001, at 4 : 22 p.m.

Darcy looked around in disdain at the noisy crowd in the smoke filled room, and wondered exactly why he'd allowed himself to be dragged there. The music, if it could really be referred to as such, seemed to contain nothing but the thudding of a base line as people strained their voices above the rest of the din.

It was just late enough for a number of the throng to be 'lubricated' to the extent that they were enjoying themselves far beyond the attractions and entertainments actually offered at the club. There was the shrieking of laughter at jokes and antics that could only be perceived of as funny by those who had a few less brain cells working for the moment. How anyone could consider this as a recreation was outside his comprehension.

He was determining to make his excuses and leave as soon as he finished his drink, when Bingley pointed out two young ladies sitting in the a corner, leaning close to each other in order to be able to talk.

"Do you think we should try our luck?" Bingley yelled. "Dibs on the blond."

Darcy hardly glanced at the girls.

"You go ahead", he shouted back. "I'm leaving".

"I know I'm a reasonable player", Bingley replied - still studying the girls intently, "but I can't in all good conscience, try to pick up the two at once, particularly if they're good friends. Come on; they look like really nice girls".

"Bingley", his friend said condescendingly, " let me explain to you about those girls. The blond is, without a doubt, a self-absorbed bimbette who thinks that she's advanced because she's graduated from reading 'Girlfriend' magazine to 'Cleo'. You'd have no chance with her unless you had more muscle than brain, or at least drove a convertible BMW. The brunette is her resident sycophant, who actually hates the blond, but hangs around for the dubious status it brings her, and to pick up her rejects... so you may just be in with a chance there."

"Eternally the cynic", Bingley grinned turning back to his friend. "Actually, now I've had a chance to look more closely, I really wouldn't mind the brunette at all. You can try for the blond if that's what's bothering you".

Darcy chose not to reply - the look he gave his friend expressed his sentiments far better than words could.

Bingley only laughed. He'd been a friend of Darcy's long enough to know how far he could push things, and Darcy was nowhere near snapping point.

"Come on man, where's your sense of adventure? We haven't tried this in years".

"And with very good reason Chaz - don't you remember our previous 'successes'? That was how we met... what was her name again... Mitzy. The one with the excruciatingly irritating giggle who felt the need to laugh at everything, regardless of if we were talking about the weather or the Middle East peace process. Then there was Barbie who consulted her astrologer after you'd been on two dates and told everyone that you were supposed to marry her... and I don't even want to think about Caroline who virtually stalked me for close to a year."

"Ah - those were the days!" Bingley exclaimed nostalgically, a broad smile on his face.

His smile however, faded as he turned back to the corner table and noticed it was now occupied by a group of young men.

"Did you see where the girls went?"

"No, I didn't", Darcy answered in amusement, " and we'll put their disappearance down to providence. You've probably been saved from a relationship with a woman who'd think the Gross National Product is a domestically produced fake tan that results in yellowing your skin."

"Well", Bingley sighed, "I'll let the guys know we're leaving."

"We're leaving?"

"Yes, we. I can't see any point in hanging around now that you've lost our girls. I'll say good-bye while you get my car. I'll wait for you out the front."

~

As the car was parked in a station about four blocks away, Bingley found himself outside with time to spare. He was still lamenting his ill fortune in missing the opportunity to talk to the girls - that blond was really something special - when he just chanced to catch the two girls out if the corner of his eye, entering a coffee shop about half way down the street.

When Darcy pulled up a few minutes later, Bingley was still smiling, and rather than getting into the vehicle, he leaned down and spoke across the seat.

"Darce, do you want to get a coffee before we go home. There were a few problems with the roster that I needed to run past you today, but I forgot about them until just now".

"Are you sure they can't be sorted out in the morning?"

"I suppose they could", said Bingley reluctantly, "but I think it'd be better to work them out before the guys get in tomorrow... I could really do with your input".

Bingley knew Darcy well enough to know that an appeal for help would be effective, and he grabbed the sports bag that he used to keep his work papers in, from the back seat.

Darcy shook his head as he got out of the car and followed Bingley down toward the coffee shop. There was no denying that Bingley had many talents and abilities, but organisation was not one of them, and he often relied on his friend's assistance to make up this deficiency.

It was a fact that many people found the close friendship between Darcy and Bingley as odd. True, one was outgoing and the other reserved; one cynical and the other always looking for the good, but in reality they were not as disparate in essence as these people imagined. They were both intelligent, held to similar principles and ideals, and in other areas their natures complemented each other in ways that made them both more complete.

Both were involved at the university. Darcy held a position as an Associate Lecturer in history while working toward his Ph.D. and Bingley had returned (at Darcy's persuasion) to complete his final year in Environmental Science after taking a few years off working and travelling.

Bingley considered the 'his' blond as they walked toward the café. He congratulated himself on not having remembered to sort out the rosters earlier - who'd have thought that a problem he'd been consciously avoiding all day could work out to be so advantageous.

Part 2

Posted on Sunday, 14 January 2001, at 8 : 58 p.m.

The atmosphere at the café was a pleasant change to that at the club. There was a quiet murmur of voices with a soft jazz playing in the background. It didn't take Bingley long to locate the brunette sitting in a booth toward the back, and he led Darcy over to an adjoining booth. As they walked over the blond was not visible, but Bingley correctly assumed she'd be seated across from her friend. To Bingley's relief Darcy, who had only given the girls a cursory glance at the club, showed no recognition of the brunette.

"Now, what's going on with the roster?" Darcy asked after they'd placed their orders.

For years now the two had spent each summer as part of a Coast Watch organisation that more than trebled in size over the tourist season. Bingley in particular, liked the change from study to outdoor work. Over the years they had been given more responsibility. They now oversaw their own team of young people (which had incidentally, dragged Darcy and Bingley out 'clubbing' that night) who performed tasks as diverse as life saving and first aid, to keeping the beaches free of junk.

"Kerry and Geoff are both unavailable from Friday through to Sunday night", Bingley said. "There are others who can take their shifts but that would mean over-time and we don't have enough left in this fortnight's budget to pay for it. I've been trying to rearrange things so we can complete all our tasks and only use single time, but I can't seem to do it with-out going outside peoples maximum daily hours."

Bingley pulled out a scrumpled set of papers and presented them across the table.

Darcy didn't even bother to comment on the state of the papers before beginning to pour over them for a solution. After a few minutes he suggested some changes that eased the need for over-time considerably.

"I thought I made it reasonably clear that the rosters needed to be done on a fortnightly basis in line with budgeting allowances. It doesn't work out if you just do it a few days at a time", Darcy said as he still tried to cover the last few duties. "Why did you give both Kerry and Geoff the same three days off anyway?"

"Oh, it's Kerry's brother's wedding somewhere interstate. Remember she told us she'd need the time before she accepted the job?"

"Fair enough", said Darcy, "and Geoff?"

"Oh, I'd forgotten about Kerry when I said yes to Geoff."

Darcy just rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the roster. In the quiet that came with his concentration a concerned feminine voice could be heard from the next booth.

"Lizzy, are you sure we should have left them there? They won't do anything too stupid will they?"

"Whether they do or not Janie, it's not our responsibility. They are adults and as such need to learn that they are accountable for their own actions... and frankly, I don't believe that our presence there would make one iota of difference to their behaviour anyway". The words may have sounded stern, but the voice was light and conveyed good humour.

"I suppose you're right, but I still feel a bit like we're deserting them. I mean, we did plan to take this trip with each other. It really does mark the end of an era."

"It'd be good if everything did work out as planned Janie, but it's not us leaving them. They effectively abandon us every-time some brainless, muscled hunk walks within their line of sight. Besides, Cathy is 22 now, and Lydia will be too next birthday. They're old enough to take responsibility for themselves. They've finished college now and it's time for the real world".

"Liz, I know your right, but still..."

"Janie, I absolutely refuse to spend the rest of this well earned holiday on a 'pub crawl'; particularly as baby-sitter to two silly girls who should know better."

Both men had been listening to this exchange, and at this point Darcy leaned across the table to speak in a low voice.

"They're probably lamenting the behaviour of those two girls you pointed out at the club. I told you it was a close call".

Bingley grinned at his friend.

"I'm sure you're right Darce", he replied, inwardly laughing at how far off the mark his friend actually was.

"You say they're accountable to themselves, Liz", the soft voice continued, "but I know you worry too. How many social engagements did you give up... and how many all nighters have you pulled, just to help those girls catch up when they fell behind or left their assignments to the last minute."

"No more than you", Liz replied with a laugh. "It's just that my efforts were far more obvious because I complained about them so much. I can never be as gracious as you". She paused for moment before going on. " You know, it would have been a very different few years if we hadn't had them as flat-mates".

"Yes, it would, but I wouldn't change anything", said the softer voice that the men now recognised as belonging to Janie. "I love them like they're sisters".

Liz's musical laugh rose again.

"Janie, you are just too good. I feel totally inadequate by comparison".

I don't think she sounds inadequate by any means, Darcy thought. I know who I'd go for if given a choice between a 'Janie' and a 'Liz'.

The waitress then arrived with their orders, putting a temporary end to their eaves dropping. Darcy again turned his attention to the roster problem while Bingley, hoping that Janie was the blond, tried to work out a way of introducing himself that didn't seem too contrived.
His thoughts were interrupted by Darcy.

"Well, Chaz, I reckon that this is the best I can do. If were going to stay inside the budget either you or I is going to have to do Friday night's duty without pay".

"No worries. I'll do that", Bingley answered cheerfully, " and I think my turn with the rosters has proved, without a doubt, that all roster preparation should revert to you".

"I'm fine with that", Darcy dryly replied. " It'll actually take me less time to do them myself than it does to fix up the confusion you create. Mind you, if you really thought about it you'd have no difficulty in preparing them properly. I sometimes suspect that you deliberately stuff these things up so that you get out of doing them again".

"That thought had never crossed my mind", Bingley grinned, "but I'll certainly keep that in mind for the future".

Darcy was about to answer back, but was distracted as one of the girls in the booth behind Bingley stood up. His interest peaked by the overheard conversation, he took the opportunity to look at her. She was certainly worth the look! Though not particularly tall, maybe 5' 6", her slender build and the way she held herself, gave an impression of greater height. Being a male, he couldn't help but notice that her simple summer dress showed her figure to great advantage. As she looked down at her friend, some dark waves of hair fell across her face, and he watched intrigued as her hand came up to tuck them behind an ear. Her action revealed a lovely complexion and very pretty face. Her full lips were in a half smile - turned up at one corner as if appreciating some kind of irony. Behind her lashes, dark eyes also reflected this smile, along with life and intelligence.

She looked vaguely familiar, but Darcy told himself that he would have remembered if he'd ever met her.

"Are you sure we shouldn't just go and check on them before we go back to the cabin?" came Janie's now familiar voice came as she too stood, revealing a tall, stunning blond.

This might have been happening behind his back, but Bingley was quite able to read what was going on from his friend's face. It was quite obvious that Darcy was starting to put two and two together. Darcy shot Bingley a grin and shook his head in amazement at his perseverance.

Bingley had the grace to look a little sheepish. Before mouthing 'should I give it a go?'

Darcy nodded and Bingley began to psych himself up to make the move.

Liz remained at the table as she riffled through her bag looking for her purse.

"You hate the club scene as much as I do. Do you really want to brave it again?" she asked Janie in exasperation.

"I must admit, no", Janie conceded with a slight smile. "I think I might scream if I'm subjected to one more cheesy pick-up line".

Darcy grinned at Bingley's grimace.

"Scream away Janie", Liz laughed. "One more pick-up line and I plan to resort to physical violence".

"So you're not going to try your luck after all?" Darcy teased as the women walked to the counter.

"I would if I knew anything other than 'cheesy' pick-up lines", Bingley answered with regret.

Darcy watched as Liz pulled open the door. While waiting for Janie to pass she gave the café a final sweep with her eyes. He was not quick enough to withdraw his gaze and was caught looking directly at her. She held his eye for a brief moment before disappearing into the night.

Part 3

Posted on Tuesday, 16 January 2001, at 7 : 33 a.m.

Late the following afternoon found the two attractive young women, taking in the view as they walked along a road following an escarpment. After a warm day they appreciated the freshness of the sea breeze which played with their hair, brought colour to their cheeks, and brightened their eyes.

Janie commented on the beauty that Lydia and Cathy were missing out by declining to join them.

"Ah, but Janie", Elizabeth replied with a roll of her eyes, "it would have cut the preparation time for their big dates down from 3 hours to only an hour and a half".

"It just seems as though they're missing out on so much, Liz".

"I know what you mean. Here we are in one of the most beautiful places in God's creation, and the only view they seem to appreciate is the inside of clubs, and cute butts... not that there's any thing wrong with a cute butt..." laughed Elizabeth.

"It's altogether amazing how few people are out here to take this in", Janie expressed as her eyes scanned the area.

There was a family packing up into a car, a couple sitting close together quite some distance away, and the occasional jogger.

Liz's focus however, was obviously somewhere else.

"What's wrong Liz?" Janie asked.

"Do you think that little girl is too close to the cliff line?" Janie knew Liz not only disliked heights herself, but also became nervous when anyone else went too close to a drop. "Is she here by herself?"

"We'd better find out", Janie answered as they both began to move toward the child, who in Elizabeth's mind seemed precariously too close as she looked down over the edge, her attention fixed by something below.

Elizabeth started to run as the girl leaned over even further, but she was too late. With alarmingly little movement the child was no longer before them. Elizabeth made it to the edge second ahead of Janie, but found herself unable to look, fearing what might be before her... then she heard the sob.

"I think she's okay Janie", she breathed , relief flowing through her body. It took all her courage to look over the edge, but it was worth it for the sight of the girl looking reasonably whole, on a ledge not 10-foot below her.

"It's okay sweetheart - we'll get you up", Liz called, looking around for a feasible way down to the ledge, the demands of the moment and adrenaline momentarily overwhelming her fear of heights.

"My leg hurts", the little girl sobbed. "I can't get up".

It was then both Liz and Janie noticed the unnatural angle of the girl's right leg.

"We're not going to be able to do this by ourselves", Janie stated as she started to move off. "I'll be back with help... there's a Coastwatch office not half a mile back".

"It's going to be alright sweetheart", Liz called down. "What's your name love?"

"M... m... Melody", the girl managed between sobs.

Liz was alarmed to see Melody was beginning to shake, and feared she was showing some signs of shock, on top of which the wind had picked up and there was a real chill in it.

Liz looked around again. A little off to her left the cliff face was less sheer, but the thought of trying to climb down sent prickings of terror up her spine and she experienced an irrational suspicion that she was actually being sucked toward the edge. The girl's sobbing however, cut through her fear and concern only for the child took over.

"Hold on Melody, I'll be there in a minute", Liz called, and she began to climb down. Getting down actually proved to be relatively simple and she closed her mind to the fact that it would be much more difficult getting back up.

She settled herself behind Melody, wrapping her arms around the scared and hurt little girl, talking to her softly as she tried to mentally calculate how soon Janie might be back with some help.

"Well, it looks like you've managed to break your leg Melody. I must say, you're being terribly brave".

"Will they have to cut if off?" Melody asked, the sobbing suddenly coming back with a vengeance. "I saw a man with only one leg yesterday."

"Oh course not sweetheart - they just have to straighten it up and put it in a cast for a few weeks. Then it should be as good as new. Have you ever had a friend who had to wear a cast on his arm or leg?"

"Yes, James had one when he fell off the climbing bars at school. Everyone wrote their names on it". She seemed a little comforted by the thought.

"How old are you Melody?" Liz asked.

"Nearly six".

"Does your Mum know where you are?"

"She's at work".

"Who's looking after you then?"

"Travis"

"Travis?"

"He's Mummy's boy friend".

"Does he know you're out by yourself."

"Yes, he said I had to go to the shop".

"Why didn't he come down with you?"

"He was watching the game".

Elizabeth felt an anger rising within her . As far as she knew the nearest shop was about a mile away".

"What were you looking for when slipped Melody?" Elizabeth extended her inquiries.

"My bag", Melody answered, suddenly looking more frightened and hurt. "It had the money in it. I was just swinging it around and... and..."

"Hey, it's alright, everything will be just fine", comforted Liz as she gently rocked the sobbing child, making sure that she didn't disturb the leg.

"But he'll be very cross", Melody managed to get out.

"Don't worry about the money, sweetheart. It's not important. What is important is you, and you're going to be okay". She talked on softly and reassuringly to the child, and was reassured herself as Melody talked to her about her mum who, though obviously - Liz thought - erring in the choice of a boyfriend, seemed to be a very loving, and much loved mother.

~

Janie may not have broken the four-minute mile on her way to the Coastwatch office, but being young, fit and very concerned for the child, she made very good time. She paused to steady her breathing before entering the building. A young guy and girl sat at a table playing cards while a tall, dark haired man in his mid to late 20's was doing some paperwork in a corner

"Can we help you at all?" the girl asked, immediately laying aside her cards.

"I hope so", Janie replied.

I know that voice, Darcy thought as he looked up from his work. It's Bingley's blond. He walked over, listening intently as Janie described the predicament.

"If you don't mind holding the fort", Darcy said to the younger couple, " I think Chaz and I might take this one ourselves. He's in the truck anyway".

If the two were surprised at Darcy wanting to take on such a task at the end of the shift, they didn't say anything.

Darcy walked away and placed a quick radio call to Bingley to return with the truck.

"He'll be here in a minute", Darcy told Janie as he led her to wait outside. "You're happy to come with us to direct, aren't you?"

"Certainly", Janie replied. "I don't feel like jogging back there by myself".

"I'm sorry, I've been unthinking".

Darcy disappeared inside for a moment and returned with a cold juice, which Janie gratefully accepted.

"By the way, I'm William Darcy".

"Jane Barton", Janie replied "Thanks for your help, William".

Just then a small truck equipped with what must have been rescue gear, pulled in. William handed Janie up into the cabin and introduced a cheerful, well-tanned man with a shock of sun bleached, blond curly hair.

Janie couldn't help but think that her position between two such good-looking men, was an enviable one. Lydia and Cathy might have killed for it.

They drove along the escarpment and Janie pointed out the place of the fall, fairly sure she was in the right spot - but was confused that she couldn't see Liz there.

"She might have climbed down to the girl, or have gone to look for help herself", Bingley suggested.

"No, she wouldn't have left the little girl alone, but I can't imagine her climbing down either. She's totally freaked by heights".

Darcy looked surprised at this. She hadn't seemed the timid type.

Janie quickly located the point where Melody slipped and looked over to find Liz on the ledge, cradling the girl.

"How are you going down there?" she called. "I brought the cavalry".

"We're doing okay", Liz answered - yelling to make herself heard above the wind.

Almost before she had finished answering a young man calmly swung himself onto the ledge.

"Hello", he smiled. "I'm William. Now let's take a look at this patient of ours".

Liz was impressed with the rescuer's efficiency and manner. He talked reassuringly to Melody while examining her leg. Liz thought he looked vaguely familiar and finally placed him as the man from the coffee shop last night. She remembered remarking to Janie as they left the café, that it was a shame guy's like him never tried the pick-up lines.

"If they did", Liz had told her, "I'd even consider putting my plan of physical violence on hold for a week or so. He'd make a tasty holiday treat".

As quickly as he'd arrived William disappeared up to the top again.

"She's definitely broken her leg Chaz. Well have to call an ambulance, but I don't think we'll have much difficulty getting her up".

In only a few minutes William was back on the ledge with some first aid equipment. Liz held Melody tightly and talked to her softly as William gently straightened and splinted the leg. Bingley then lowered a small stretcher, which William explained was attached to the winch in the truck. He easily lifted Melody onto it and strapped her in securely, before calling his readiness up to Bingley.

Liz watched William guide the stretcher, holding it carefully as he followed it up to the top.

With the removal of her focus of the last hour, Elizabeth became excruciatingly aware of her position. She tried not to think of the rocks and waves below her, and of how very small the ledge suddenly seemed to have become. She closed her eyes and praying for courage that didn't come... but William did.

"Well Liz, your turn now". He noticed she was looking a little pale. "Are you ready to go".

"Actually, no. I might have to stay here. I don't think I'm able to move".

William grinned as he looked down at her.

"Are you enjoying the view too much, or was Janie serious about you being scared of heights?"

Elizabeth gave him a reluctant half smile.

"You may find it amusing now - but you'll find it less funny if you have to spend half the night stuck on a ledge with me - trying to coax me to move".

"That doesn't sound an entirely unattractive prospect", William replied as he dropped down next to Elizabeth and took her hand. He was surprised to find it trembling a little.

"Is everything okay down there?" Bingley called over the edge.

"Yes, we're right. Just give us a few minutes and I'll call you when we're ready to come up".

"You're going to be fine Liz", he said gently. "We'll get a harness for you so you can't fall, and you'll be safe up the top in no time."

"That sounds so rational, William - isn't it? And part of my mind knows you're right. The only trouble is that it can't seem to convince the other part of my mind - you know, the bit that controls my movement".

"You'll convince it Liz. A strong girl like you should have no trouble in subduing a dissenting part of the brain"

"I wish I had your confidence. Anyway, what makes you so sure I'm strong?"

"The fact that you've almost crushed my hand with your grip", William laughed.

"Oh!" Elizabeth cried, embarrassed, dropping his hand immediately. She had not been aware she was squeezing it so tightly.

"This is on the edge of bizarre", she clearly appreciated the irony of the position she was in. "I thought that I was helping when I climbed down here - but in reality I was only creating more trouble".

"The rescuer becoming the rescued", William stated in amusement as he slipped his arm comfortingly around her. "How on earth did you ever manage to get down here?"

"I just had to", she replied simply. "She was little, and hurt, and scared".

"Well... how about we look at it this way - Melody will need someone she trusts with her until we can locate her mum. Do you think we can concentrate on getting you up to look after her. She's still little, hurt, and scared".

"That's emotional black-mail. You're just trying to manipulate me."

"Yes, exactly", William agreed with a smile. " The question being - is it working?"

"It certainly is", Elizabeth admitted wryly. "If I stay down here now I'll be overwhelmed with guilt as well as terror".

"Well, come on now. We'll get this over and done with before you have a chance to think about it any more". He stood up and put a hand out to help Liz to her feet. " It's all right - I'll look after you".

Liz took his hand and allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. She'd been sitting in the one position for so long that her standing caused a wave of dizziness, and she steadied herself by taking hold of the front of his shirt. She felt his arms come around her and he held her firmly as he spoke soft words of reassurance.

"Your fine Liz - I've got you. Just take a few deep breathes and try to relax a little".

Elizabeth attempted to do as he told her, and was surprised by the strong sense of security she began to feel in Williams's arms. With the diminution of her fear she found herself becoming acutely aware of his physical presence and the warmth of his body against hers; so much so, that she hardly registered him calling up to Bingley. He continued to press her to himself with one arm, as he reached up with the other, to take hold of the harness which had been let down.

"Now I'm going to have to let go for a minute to put this on you. Are you alright with that?"

Elizabeth nodded and had to admit to herself that the sensations, created by his touch and proximity as he fastened the belt around her waist and tightened it to fit her slender build, were not at all unpleasant.

"Remember now, you're perfectly safe", William assured her as he guided her toward the place where it was safest to ascend. "Just keep thinking of how pleased Melody will be to see you up there".

Liz however, tried to push everything but William's instructions regarding the climb out of her mind, and she obediently, if somewhat nervously, made her way to the top where Bingley took her hand and pulled her to safety.

She moved about 15 foot in from the edge and sat herself down, the relief of being on flat solid ground, was almost tangible.

"Are you alright?" Janie asked, smiling across at her friend, but not leaving the side of the injured Melody.

Liz just nodded. William., who had followed close behind Liz, knelt down beside her and she passively submitted as he unhooked the belt harness.

"Congratulations...", William began as he stood up, but before he could continued he was interrupted by Liz.

"Don't you dare tell me it wasn't that bad".

William grinned at her, because it had been indeed, exactly what he'd been about to say.

"Boy, I'm going to have to work on picking up my game if I'm becoming that predictable".

Despite her ordeal Liz couldn't help but smile up at William.

"Well, I suppose I'd better make myself useful. Are you going to help me up?" she asked as she put a hand up to him.

William happily accepted her hand and pulled her to her feet, but he was reluctant to release it after Liz was standing.

"William", she said, capturing his eyes completely with her own. "You have no idea how much I've appreciated your help this evening". Then, taking William completely by surprise, she leaned forward and gave him a delightfully light kiss on his lips. "Thank you".

She then turned to give her attention to Janie and Melody.

William ignored Bingley's grin as he wandered over to help him pack up the equipment.

I thought I was getting on okay with Janie", Bingley said, "but I didn't get a kiss".

"Chaz, I must say that in all my years with Coastwatch, I can't recall enjoying a duty quite so much as this one."

Part 4

Posted on Wednesday, 17 January 2001, at 10 : 20 a.m.

Where on earth to you think that ambulance is?" William asked in exasperation.

"I rang again a few minutes ago, and they'd sent it to the wrong location", Bingley replied. "They've redirected it and it should be here any time now. We also got the mum's number from Melody, and Janie contacted her. I dare say she'll beat the ambulance."

As if on cue a taxi pulled up and a slight young woman impatiently paid her fare before running over to her daughter. Concern was clearly written on her face. Both Janie and Elizabeth were surprised at how young her face looked. They didn't think the mother could even be as old as themselves.

Melody's face lit up on seeing her mum, and despite the pain she must have been feeling, a look of pure satisfaction overspread the little girl's features as her mum wrapped her in her arms.

"Oh Mel, you poor little sweetheart. What on earth were you doing out alone? Where's Travis?"

Melody said nothing, but at the mention of Travis's name anxiety again entered her face. Elizabeth noticed it immediately, and knew she'd have to speak to the mother about what Melody had told her earlier... but this wasn't the time.

At last they could pick up the strains of the siren of the approaching ambulance. Janie and Elizabeth dropped back to leave the mother and child alone, and were joined by the two men who'd finished packing away the equipment.

"It looks like a happy reunion", Bingley smiled. "Oh by the way, I'm Charles Bingley, but my friends call me Chaz - I gather you're Elizabeth".

"Liz", Elizabeth smiled back as she took his proffered hand. "I'm very pleased to meet you".

On the ambulance pulling up, the two men went to assist, leaving Janie and Liz to themselves.

"He's very cute, isn't he?" Janie asked.

"I'd be more inclined to say gorgeous" Liz answered, and then noticed the direction of Janie's gaze. "Oh, do you mean Chaz?"

"Yes, who else would I mean?"

"William for one", Liz answered with a smile. "Well, there's no accounting for taste".

Janie gave Liz a light-hearted push on the shoulder.

"How can you question my taste - you've been so busy ogling William that you haven't even bothered to look at Chaz properly".

"I suppose I'd have to admit he's cute... if you like that bleached blond surfie look, which obviously you do. I'd still prefer tall dark and handsome".

"Good thing too", Said Janie "because I saw him first. Come on, the mum's looking a little lost over there. She might need a bit of comfort."

Liz and Janie approached the mum.

"Are you coping alright?" Janie asked. "I'm Janie - the one who rang earlier".

"Oh, Janie, thank you so much for the call - I still don't quite understand how this happened".

"Liz probably knows more than I do. She stayed with Melody while I went for help".

"Liz, thank you so much - I'm Sarah by the way... Oh! Is she alright...?" Sarah's attention was pulled away by the ambulance officer approaching Melody to give her an injection.

"It's just some pethadine for the pain, ma'am. She's doing fine - do you want to ride with her to the hospital?"

"Oh, if I may".

She watched them lift Melody into the ambulance before turning back to Liz and Janie.

"Oh, I'm sorry Liz, I interrupted - you were going to tell me what happened".

"Look, you need to go with Melody now. How about we give you some time while everything with the leg gets sorted out, and we'll meet you up at the hospital later".

"I'd be very grateful for that". Sarah answered, and she accepted Bingley's assistance up into the back of the ambulance.

"You have a terrific little girl there", Elizabeth smiled at Sarah before the doors were shut. The ambulance pulled away leaving Darcy, Bingley, Elizabeth and Janie, standing alone on the cliff top as darkness moved in.

Janie looked at her watch.

"Cathy and Lydia, have probably taken the car", she said.

"Oh, I didn't know they were planning to do that", Liz said with a little concern. "I hope Cathy has the sense to stay sober enough to drive home".

"They promised me they'd take a taxi home if they drank at all".

"Which in effect, means we'll be without transport tomorrow, until someone goes into town to pick up the car, plus we're stuck with taxi's tonight".

"You don't have to be", Bingley's cheerful voice cut in. "If you give us a few minutes to get the truck back, we can use my car".

"Thank you very much for the offer, Chaz." Janie replied, bestowing a smile on him that threatened to make him melt, "but we can't put you out anymore".

"It wouldn't be putting us out at all", Chaz replied. "We'd want to follow up on how Melody's going anyway".

"Besides", William put in, "It's dark now, and it's probably not the best idea for two girls like you to be wandering the streets alone".

"Like us? Are you scared we might mug someone?" Elizabeth asked him with an arch look.

William grinned at her defensiveness.

"Not quite PC? Sorry Liz", but he didn't sound sorry at all. " Seriously, it'd be no trouble at all to take you up to the hospital, and I don't know about you but I'm hungry - maybe we can stop off for a Pizza or something on the way".

Liz, looking at Janie, could see that she'd really like to accept, and Liz had to admit that she wouldn't mind an excuse to spend more time with William either.

"Okay then", she answered simply.

"Great! Well, come on; let's get going", Bingley said. "Everyone into the truck".

"We're not all going to fit in there!" Janie exclaimed, remembering how cosily she'd been wedged between the men on the way up.

"Liz can always sit on my knee", William said cheekily.

"Somehow I don't think so" Liz answered, throwing him a look that would have cowed most men, but only made William grin all the broader.

"Liz and I will wait for you here", Janie said decisively. "We'll be safe enough", she added as Bingley started to protest.

It was obvious that Bingley still wasn't convinced.

"How about I wait here with the girls while you get the car?" William suggested.

"I'd feel happier if you did...", Bingley said "...and if you're not in the truck I've plenty of room for a passenger - Janie - would you like to come for the run?"

Janie didn't even look to see how her friend would appreciate being left alone in the dark with a man she'd met under an hour ago.

"I'd love to", she said and was gone without further ado.

"We'd be more comfortable if we waited over there" William said as he indicated a bench not far away.

Liz followed him over to it, feeling a little awkwardness at being left alone with William who, if she could read men at all, had been overtly flirting with her just a minute earlier. What was light-heated and enjoyable in a group setting, could prove very off-putting when one was alone.

Maybe I shouldn't have kissed him, she thought, but it was such a nice kiss, and he deserved it.

Here her instincts cut in, and told her that William was one of the nice guys. She couldn't imagine him trying to take advantage of them being left alone, as some other guys of her acquaintance certainly would have. At the end of it all she sat down next to him feeling relatively at ease.

Her instincts proved right. William was the perfect gentleman and any residual awkwardness soon faded as they learned a little more about each other.

"Am I right in assuming that you're just here on holidays?" William asked.

"Yes, the four of us have shared a flat while at Uni." Liz answered. "This is supposedly a final fling together before going our separate ways".

"So you've just finished have you? What did you study?"

"I'm not quite finished yet. I've just started my honours after doing Education and Psychology".

"A double degree?"

"Yes it was. The others have all finished though, Janie's just completed her honours in Education, and Lydia & Cathy actually finished Early Childhood studies. They chose Early Childhood as they thought they could maintain some kind of an intellectual advantage over very, very, young children. Personally I'm a little sceptical about their ability to do this".

"Oh, nasty!" William smiled, appreciating her all the more when her sharp tongue kicked in. "Are they really that bad?"

"William... You have no idea..." she replied with a roll of her eyes. "So what about you? You obviously work for Coastwatch, but is that fulltime?" Something told Liz there was more to William than just scrambling around cliffs rescuing people".

"I'm an associate lecturer at the Uni. while I'm working on my doctorate.

This immediately had Liz's interest.

"What's it on?"

"Basically on human tendencies in the interpretation of historical literature".

"Do you mean methods of interpretation, or are you looking at slants in interpretation due to people viewing it through different eyes, because of their own social and educational context?"

"The second", William answered, impressed that she had understood his meaning so easily.

"That could be really fascinating", Liz said with sincerity, and went on to ask him about some of the specifics of his thesis. Consequently, they were deep in conversation until Jane and Bingley arrived.

Liz couldn't help exclaiming at Bingley's car as it pulled up.

"What kind of a vehicle is that supposed to be? Isn't that taking the 'surfie' look a bit too far?"

"It's a mini-moke", Darcy laughed, "and believe it or not it's surprisingly reliable".

Elizabeth looked sceptical, but had little choice other than to climb into the back where she was soon joined by Darcy.

Despite Bingley having the canvas cover on the moke, enough air was rushing in to make normal conversation almost impossible without yelling. As a result of this the four were mostly left to silent contemplation on their way to the pizza place.

Bingley was still trying to get over his amazing good fortune, in finding himself next to the girl who's face and figure had kept him preoccupied since laying eyes on her the preceding evening. What's more - she seemed to like him - and he hadn't had to resort to any pick-up lines, cheesy or otherwise.

He didn't know it, but the smile of genuine warmth he'd given on her being handed up into the truck had straight away softened her toward him. It was so different to the often leerish, and disconcerting looks she tended to receive on first acquaintance with men.

William had been nice to her, but a little distant. Chaz on the other hand, seemed easy going and natural, and she felt surprisingly comfortable with him. Rather than put up her normal protective barriers she'd relaxed and allowed herself to enjoy his company.

'Relaxed' would certainly be the wrong word for how Darcy and Elizabeth were feeling at that moment. In the close proximity created by the small amount of room on the moke's back seat, each was acutely aware of the other's nearness. Darcy could feel the pressure of her thigh against his, particularly whenever Bingley's cornering brought them closer together, and he regretted that he no longer had an excuse to take her hand or put an arm around her. Upon their arrival at the restaurant, he couldn't tell if he was more disappointed, or relieved at his release from the pressure of his overwhelming awareness of her physical presence.

The meal passed quite easily with the four of them enjoying each others company, whilst discussing subjects of no real import - that is, until Janie asked a question that brought everything back into focus.

"Liz, why is it that you need to talk to Sarah tonight? What was worrying you back there?"

"Apart from being stuck on a ledge, high above rocks and crashing surf, you mean?"

"Yes", Janie laughed. "Apart from that".

"Some things that Melody told me about her mothers boyfriend make me feel a little uneasy", Liz admitted, and went on to share with them her concerns.

"I don't want to prejudge anyone, but I really think I should run this past Sarah", she finished.

"I think you should too Liz" Janie agreed. "It might just be Melody misunderstanding what's happening, but it might also be something far more serious".

"You should get Darcy's intuition on the guy", Bingley put in, flashing a wicked grin at his friend. "It's uncanny how accurate his first impressions of people can be".

Darcy shot Bingley an alarmed look which pleaded for him not to go any further, but to no avail.

"Why only last night", Bingley teasingly continued "he gave me a character profile on... Oh, does anyone want this last piece of pizza?"

" ...a profile on...?" Elizabeth questioned, sensing an undercurrent to this turn of the conversation that she didn't quite understand.

"They really make a great pizza here, don't they? The crust is just right... Oh, I'm sorry Liz. I seem to have lost track of what I was about to say." He grinned at Darcy before expertly turning the conversation to a current political issue.

"Do you think that Marsden comes over as a bit of a sycophant? Have you seen him with the Prime minister?" Bingley asked with such an innocent look on his face. "He seems terribly ill-informed too. I mean, you could be excused for thinking that the most serious journals he'd ever read were 'Cleo' and 'Girlfriend' magazines".

"Well" broke in Darcy casually, "I hate to break-up such a stimulating topic of conversation, but isn't it about time we headed up to the hospital."

A mild disagreement then ensued over who would be responsible for the bill, the girls eventually winning by insisting that wanted to pay by dint of gratitude for the men's help that evening.

As the women moved to the counter to fix up the bill, Bingley abandoned all pretence of innocence and laughed delightedly at the look on his friend's face.

"It's not often an opportunity like that comes my way Darce" he pleaded by way of mitigation.

Darcy couldn't help but laugh too.

"Okay, but I'd be more careful in the future if I were you..." Darcy grinned. "You wouldn't want it to come out that you spent last night following Janie around like a lost puppy, would you?"

"Truce?" Bingley called, with a mock expression of fear on his face.

They stood up to leave as soon as the girls returned to the table, and when Darcy was unable to resist the temptation of taking Liz's arm, in order to guide her out to the car, Liz had no inclination to argue.

Part 6

Posted on Monday, 22 January 2001, at 9 : 08 a.m.

By the time they arrived at the hospital Melody's leg had been set and she was awaiting transfer to the children's' ward . The others lingered in the foyer while Liz slipped in to talk to the mum.

"They're going to keep her in overnight for observation", Sarah told Liz. "It wasn't a complicated break, but she was experiencing a little shock when she was brought in".

"Well, this has been a bit of an adventure", Liz smiled at Melody. "How are you feeling now?"

"Really sleepy", was Melody's only reply, as her eyelids drifted downward.

"I think the pain killers have knocked her out a tad", Sarah smiled. "She can normally talk the leg off a chair".

"You would have been so proud of her today, Sarah. She was so brave".

The little smile on Melody's face she was still listening, and Liz and Sarah exchanged amused looks.

"And how are you coping with all this Sarah? It must have given you a real fright."

"I think the biggest shock was when I arrived and saw how disastrous the fall could have been. She came close to something much worse than a broken leg". She gave an unconscious shiver as she spoke.

Elizabeth was about to speak when they were interrupted by a young nurse.

"We're ready for her transfer to the Children's ward", he informed her. "We can put up a fold-up bed next to her if you want to stay too".

"Am I allowed?" Sarah asked in surprise.

"Certainly. The kids usually settle better if they have a parent with them. We actually prefer it".

Sarah looked relieved that she wouldn't have to leave Melody, and gratefully accepted.

"Oh no!" She suddenly cried, alarm evident in her voice. "I haven't let my boyfriend know what's going on. Is there a phone here?"

"There's a pay phone in the foyer both here and in the Children's ward", the nurse returned. "You realise we're transferring her right now?"

Sarah looked anxious and torn over what she should do.

"Don't worry, we can go with Melody to the kids' ward while you make the call", Liz offered.

Sarah nodded her agreement and on giving Melody a kiss, rushed off.

Melody stirred only slightly as she was transferred to her new bed. The four young people stood waiting with her, none of them wanting to take the only visitors' seat in the room, while the others would be forced to stand.

An orderly soon arrived with and set up the foldout bed, allowing Liz, Jane, and Bingley to use it as a 'sofa' while Darcy took the chair.

They talked softly among themselves, wondering a little at the time it was taking Sarah to return.

She walked in after about 15 minutes looking pale and upset.

"I think I'd better not stay after all", she told them in an embarrassed fashion. "Melody will probably rest better if she's left alone".

The foursome, taken completely by surprise at her announcement, didn't quite know how to re-act.

"Thank you for everything... I should leave now". She turned and was quickly gone from the room.

Liz was on her feet and following before the others had really began to process what was happening. She caught Sarah by the arm and led her to a small waiting area just outside Melody's room.

An awkward silence hung momentarily over the hospital room, with the remaining three adults exchanging incredulous glances.

Darcy, from his higher position in the chair, could see that Liz had seated a now crying Sarah, on the waiting area's lounge. Elizabeth's arms were about her and Sarah's head was buried in her shoulder. Liz looked up and caught Darcy's eye - some how communicating to him that she could deal with the situation herself.

Liz and Sarah's position outside, left the two men and Janie effectively trapped in Melody's room. It seemed artificial at first, but they managed to begin a conversation among themselves - mainly pushed along by Bingley. This gave some respite to the tension created by Sarah's exit.

Darcy's attention was increasingly drawn away from the conversation in order to watch the interaction between Liz and Sarah, essentially leaving Chaz and Janie to themselves.

He watched as Elizabeth comforted the distressed mother, and wondered as to what was being said. Sarah seemed to have regained some of her composure and the two were talking intimately in the fashion that only women seem to be able to, on such little acquaintance. Darcy knew there was no small talk going on out there. Liz's face expressed empathy and concern as Sarah's story obviously unfolded.

He smiled slightly as he thought that only 24 hours earlier he had not even deigned to give her a second glance, but now he found it difficult to keep his eyes from her. Last night he'd decided, without a second look, that she was self centred and superficial. Today he'd learned how very wrong he had been. It was almost bizarre to think they had first spoken to each other only 3 1/2 hours ago.

It had been a long time since he had been so attracted to anyone; he might have to go back to those heady adolescent days to find an equivalent to such a speedy infatuation. He smiled at the word - for 'infatuation' was what it obviously was. He wasn't smitten to the point where his discernment was addled. As attracted as he was to Elizabeth he knew that deeper feelings took much longer than 3 1/2 hours to create - unlike Charles Bingley, who would declare himself in love at the drop of a hat.

He looked back at the couple on the foldout bed. They were now sitting very close together and talking to each other in lowered tones. Bingley had the 'look' that Darcy had seen many times before. Bingley and Darcy seemed to approach relationships from opposite ends. Bingley would fall hard and fast, then slowly discover that the girl was not what he thought her to be. Darcy, on the other hand, was cautious in forming attachments. He kept everything at arms distance until he felt comfortable with the person and assured of some compatibility. So far neither of these men's methods had proven particularly successful.

Darcy was now faced with a dilemma . To start with, he was not looking for a relationship at this time. His work and study were demanding of both time and undivided attention, and he didn't want his priorities confused. Secondly Liz was just visiting for a short holiday. He didn't have time to take things slowly.

He looked at Liz again. She was beautiful, obviously intelligent, and full of personality. It wouldn't hurt to have a little fling, would it? What would be wrong with enjoying each other's company for a few days? A little summer diversion would be rather nice. He was sure she'd understand the ground rules.

Darcy was completely unaware of how long his thoughts had consumed him until, on turning back to his friend and Janie, he found them both asleep, Bingley's arm around Janie, her head on his shoulder.

Part 7

Posted on Friday, 26 January 2001, at 5 : 29 p.m.