My Saving Grace

[RoRo90]

Thank you for the reviews, I wanted to get this up for you guys yesterday but i went away for the weekend and I got back home pretty late, but still here it is there a certain parts of this chapter I really like and others I am not too sure of but I didn't want to get rid of any of it. Hope you guys enjoy it

"G-Grant" she called his name as if to make sure it was truly him

...

Ruby glared at her mother before turning back to Grant, she stumble back and Casey instantly took hold of her as he noticed her crumbling composure

"Grant" Ruby called out his name unbelievingly; she glared at him her facial expression changing from shock, to vulnerable and now settled on angry

The fear in Charlie's voice and the confusion in Ruby's was too much for Brax to take, he instant broke away from Jack and Miles as he leapt forward landing a punch on Grants face. Grant stumbled back but before he could compose his stamina Brax's fist was making its way towards him again this time knocking him to the Ground.

"Brax stop please BRAX" Ella pleaded with him but he took no notice of her plea as he went for Grant again

"BRAX" Ella called his name as she looked at Heath pleadingly but it seemed to make no difference

Jack and Miles flew forward noticing Brax had no intention of stopping, pulling him away from Grant they used all their strength to keep Brax away from him only to have Heath take over from where Brax had stopped. Trying to hold Brax back Miles as Jack watched on unable to do anything; they gasped as Grant attempted to get up but was greeted by Heaths fist sending him crashing back down

"Heath Stop please" Bianca called to him frantically but still remained unmoved as Charlie latched onto her hand tighter. Letting go of Ruby Casey ran up to where Heath was, he knew full well what Heath could do if he let his anger get the better of him

"He's not worth it Heath" as Case spoke he saw Jack and Miles lose grip of Brax as he flung himself forward, he instantly picked Grant up by the collar both their faces only inches apart, as he clenched his right fist he brought it in the air only to stop just as it was about to make contact with Grants face, her voice came in barely a whisper but he found his fist unable to go any further at her request

"Brax please don't" Charlie looked on with pleading eyes, she couldn't see past the blood trickling along Brax's knuckles. Seeing an opportunity Jack and Miles quickly intervened as they struggled to remove Grant from Brax's grip. Letting go of his hold on Grant Brax flung him towards the door

"Get out before I do something you'll regret" the venom in Brax voice was evident for all to hear

Grant composed himself as he glared at Brax before turning to face Charlie. He remembered the last time he had seen her, the fear he saw in her eyes every time he was near her. Looking at Brax and Heath he knew within himself the reason they had suddenly changed towards him; that night came flashing back to him but he failed to feel any remorse for what had transpired. He glared at Charlie coldly as he picked up his bag that sat against the door, turning back to face the crowed eyes that lay glaring at him all with different expressions he turned his attention back to Charlie then Brax

"Mate I don't under..."

"I'M NOT YOUR MATE" Brax flung towards him again but was now held back by Heath

"I think you had best go" said Jack, although he had no idea what had just happened he couldn't deny that the longer Grant stayed the more aggravated Brax was getting

"Nice to see you again Charlie" Brax lunged forward again but Miles and Jack stood as Barriers in front of Grant. Seeing the look on Brax and Heaths face at Grants words Jack quickly turned to face him and ushered him towards the door, he had no idea how Grant knew Charlie but he knew now was not the time to ask. Closing the door behind Grant Jack turned to see the expression on everyone's face was yet to change, he stood by the door out of fear that both Heath and Brax may go after Grant. His glare finally settled on Charlie, he had never seen such fear present on a person's face; her body was trembling aggressively, her freely flowing tears that were once silent had now risen slightly and was now the only thing that could be heard alongside Brax's heavy breathing.

Jack, Miles and Ella stood in shock at what had just transpired, they looked around the room with questioning eyes but received no response, Miles and Jack's head spun around in shock and disbelief as Ruby walked towards Charlie

"Mum" Ruby looked at her mother's jittery appearance "Mum are you ok?" releasing her grip on Bianca's hand Charlie pulled Ruby towards her gripping onto her tightly as she broke down in her daughters arms. Heath, Jack and Miles stood mouth agape at what Ruby had just called Charlie but looking around the room it seemed they were the only ones surprised by her words.

Heath's expression changed from shocked to acknowledgement; he needn't ask, he knew full well how Charlie being Ruby's mother was possible, but yet he looked at Bianca knowing she would realise what he was asking, his head swung back as she nodded her head grievously. Not thinking it was possible Heath found his anger and Hatred towards Grant increase heavily

Bianca fought back her own tears at Charlie's appearance as she knelt down besides her wrapping her arms around both Ruby and Charlie

"I'm so sorry Charlie... we didn't know he was coming back" Bianca glared at Heath and Brax willing them to help, Charlie was still clearly in shock as her body seized to stop shaking

"Mum he's gone-he's gone" Ruby pulled back from Charlie as she tried to calm her cries down but they seemed to only worsen until her chest began risen dramatically. Ruby and Bianca began panicking

"Mum you're scaring me" Charlie knew what was happening it wasn't the first time this was happening but she couldn't speak, she hadn't experienced a panic attack since her, Ruby and her parents moved to Summer Bay

"Ruby what's happening?" Bianca glanced at ruby with a panicked glare before latched onto Charlie's hand "Charlie he's gone, he cant hurt you" but her efforts were to no avail, Charlie's breathing was only worsening and she was clearly beginning to find it hard to breathe at all. Bianca glanced to her side as a new presence joined them; she turned to see Brax crutched down in front of Charlie

...

As Jack shut the door behind Grant Brax remained gawking at the door wanting nothing more than to go after him and finish what he had started. His anger towards Grant was soon overthrown as he slowly registered her almost silent cries. He turned to face her only to feel himself nearly break at the sight before him. He watched as Ruby walked towards her calling out to her, he felt his eyes glaze over as Charlie broke down in her daughter's arms. He stepped forward as Bianca looked back at both him and Heath but stood still as Charlie's breathing began rising dangerously as her whole body trembled the more. He heard the pleading of both Bianca and Ruby who looked on in worry; he knew something wasn't right picking up pace he found himself knelt down in front of her

Brax softly took Charlie's hands out of Bianca's and wrapped his own around them

"Hy Charlie Charlie" at his call Charlie looked up at him obviously still finding it hard to breathe

"I think she's having a panic attack... you're gonna have to try and calm her down, get her to take slow deep breathes" said Miles as he, Jack and Ella looked on

"Charlie" Brax tightened his grip on her hands "He's gone ok... he's never going to hurt you again" he glared at her but she had yet to settle

Edging closer to her Brax placed one hand on her face making sure both their vision was in line, he stroked her cheek with his thumb softly before speaking

"Charlie please-please just take deep breathes... I promise you I will Never Ever let him hurt you" he stopped talking as he noticed her doing as he had instructed and she began taking slower and deeper breaths

"Yh that's it" Brax's lips curled up a little as she began to calm down his hand still laid upon her face; he remained unmoved until she had seemed to fully regain a normal breathing pattern

"You scared me there" Brax's glare remained placed on Charlie

"Sorry" Charlie leaned into his touch thankful that he was there

"Don't apologise...You have nothing to be sorry about" Charlie looked over at Ruby who still sat before her as Brax finally removed his hand from her face. Ruby threw herself at Charlie clinging onto her

"Hy baby its ok... I'm ok" Charlie quickly wiped her tears away, looking over at the rest she had finally registered the glaring eyes that lay on them heavily, Brax picked up on her growing nervousness, he knew full well a lot of questions were about to be thrown at them, he also could see Charlie was in no fit state to be bombarded

"I can't do it again... could you...?" Before she could finish Brax nodded he knew what she wanted him to do

"Bianca could you please take them upstairs" Brax turned to Bianca who nodded quickly as she rose to her feet

Charlie glanced at him thankfully before picking both herself and Ruby up with the help of Bianca as the three of them made their way up the stairs

"I'll go and help Leah and Martha with the kids" Casey quickly turned on his heels making his way out the back door

Brax turned to find Jack and Miles glancing between both him and Heath obviously waiting for some kind of explanation as to what had just transpired, but Ella's gaze remained on him only.

She stood and watched as he crutched down before Charlie, she watched on painfully as his hand lay comfortably against her face, she tried to fight her jealously as Charlie's voice seemed to do what hers had failed to do. One whisper from Charlie and he seemed unable to disobey her, his hand froze in mid air refusing to go any further just because Charlie had asked it from him. It seemed they both had this affect on one another, she gawked on as Charlie relaxed into his touch and calmed down at his command, she felt what she had been trying to deny was now sat before her taunting her. It was as if her presence made no difference to him, she was sure he had forgotten about her as he and Charlie glared at each ignoring the presence of everyone around them

"I promise you I will never ever let him hurt you again" the protectiveness and care in his voice stung Ella hard, unable to watch anymore she turned her gaze towards the ground before her until she heard Brax ask Bianca to take both girls upstairs. She looked up at him unable to hide the pain in her eyes

Brax had long forgotten she was there and by the confused and evidently pained look on her face he knew she had seen what everyone else could see between him and Charlie. Heath slumped down into the couch his head buried in his hands, he avoided making eye contact with the others; he didn't want to have to be the one to explain what had happened

"Brax what the hell was that?" Jack stepped forward but neither Heath nor Brax said a word

"Brax how does Grant know Charlie... what did you mean by he wasn't going to hurt her again...Brax" this time it was Miles who spoke, he couldn't imagine what Grant could have possibly done to extract such fear out of Charlie and such immense anger from both Brax and Heath

Brax looked over at Ella, he had got that Charlie wanted him to explain to them but he wasn't sure if it was right for him to tell Ella. Sighing lightly he walked up to her

"Are you ok?" Ella asked as he approached her

"Yh... I'm sorry you had to see that"

"What was all that Brax?" Brax ran his hand through his hear as he sighed once more, the look in his eyes speaking volumes

"You can't say... because I'm here?" Ella's voice came as more of a statement than a question she sighed as she realised why he had walked over to her "I should go... I'll talk to you later" she picked up her bag walking away before he could respond to her. As she slammed the door shut the questions couldn't have come fast enough

"Sorry but did Ruby call Charlie mum" asked Miles

"Someone needs to make us understand what is going on... what did Grant do" Brax sighed in relief as Leah and Martha walked into the living room

"Is she ok?" Martha looked at Brax with worried eyes, Brax shook his head

"Martha what's going on...?" Martha looked at Jack before turning back to Brax unsure if she was to say anything, Brax simply nodded as he took a seat next to Heath

"So" Jack looked at Martha expectantly

"Grants the reason Charlie left the Bay" Jack and Miles looked on confused

"What do you mean? Charlie and Grant hadn't met before she left" asked Jack

Martha sighed deciding it was best to just come out and say it

"Before Charlie moved to the Bay she knew Grant, they were together for a while but then he- he raped her" she barley whispered the end of her sentence

"What?" asked Miles he was sure the whisper in her voice was the reason he had heard wrong

"I didn't get that... What did you say?" asked Jack

"Grant, he raped her" spoke Lea,h she saw Brax squirm at her words "As a result she got pregnant... with Ruby" Miles and Jack stood in shock at what Leah and Martha were saying

Miles and Jack glanced at Heath and Brax who sat silently only reinforcing the truth behind what they had just been told

...

Charlie, Ruby and Bianca had yet to come down the stairs, Leah and Martha had joined them but had now made their way back down. They had sat both Miles and Jack down and explained everything to them properly, Heath had gone to put Reece to bed and Casey sat silently with Leah's daughter lily fast asleep in his arms. Brax stayed seated in the same spot and had barley said a word

The whole room looked round as they heard footsteps coming down the stairs, Leah stood up as Martha shifted turning her full attention to Bianca

"How is she?" asked Brax

"Still a little shaken the both of them, I figured a few minutes alone would do them both some good" Bianca sighed as she sat down besides Heath who instantly wrapped his arms around her

"As she said anything yet?" asked Leah, Charlie had not spoken when she and Martha had gone upstairs to check on her

"Not much... Ruby got her talking a little just before I left" replied Bianca

"We best get going and get the kids to bed" Leah walked over taking Lily from Casey "Thanks Casey" she sent the young boy a warm smile "Come on VJ" Miles stood up he too had hardly said a word, he had always been reserved when it came to Grant but never had he imagined he could do a thing of such nature

"See you later mate" Miles gave Brax a pat on the back before following Leah towards the front door

"We should go too" Martha looked down at her daughter that lay peacefully in her arms, although her and Leah wanted to stay and make sure Charlie was alright they knew she would need some time to herself

"Yh" Jack stood up and walked over to Brax placing a hand on his shoulder and giving it a squeeze, it was all he could think to do, he knew Brax would understand, he nodded at Heath as he and Martha made their way out the front door

...

Brax, Heath, Bianca and Casey sat in silence for several minutes not a word spoken between the four of them. They were all still trying to get their heads around the dramatic turn the day had taken. Although it had only just gone 7 it seemed the day had been going forever.

All heads shot up as Brax stood up abruptly from his seat; he paced quickly towards the door. Neither of the three needn't ask where he was going or he was going to see; Heath quickly stood to his feet

"Brax don't... you're only gonna end up doing something stupid"

Brax stood momentarily but soon continued towards the door

"She needs you here" as Bianca spoke Brax shut his eyes gritting his teeth together as he came to a stop, he turned as he looked at the stairs that led to her, he wasn't sure if he wanted to go up and see her; he feared he wouldn't be able to handle seeing her shaken and broken expression and keep his composure at the same time. He looked at Bianca who nodded in encouragement

"You don't have to say anything... just be there, they're in the spare room" Bianca gave him an encouraging smile hoping he would climb the stairs and not walk out the door, she heard both Heath and Casey sigh in relief as Brax walked towards the stairs. They could all see his hesitancy as he climbed the stairs slowly, once he was out of view Heath sat back down besides Bianca

"Thank you" he placed a kiss on her head thankful that she had been able to stop Brax from doing something he was sure to regret

Bianca leaned into Heath sighing in exhaustion before turning to Casey

"Hy Case... you ok?"

"Yh" replied Casey but both her and Heath could see even he was still in shock

"How about you stay here tonight" asked Bianca

"No its ok... don't really want Brax going home by himself" Heath and Bianca smiled lightly at Casey one of his many traits that Heath envied was that regardless of the circumstances Casey always put others first

"You're a good kid you know that" said Heath, Casey smiled over at him in recognition of his words

...

Brax hovered outside the room for what seemed like forever, he tried to figure out what to say and how to act but he came up short. His hand lingered on the handle of the door before finally he turned on it slowly. As the door edged forward he looked ahead to see Ruby nestled into Charlie her eyes closed, but Charlie sat eyes wide open, the fear in them had yet to subside, her eyes were blood shot and he watched on as she stared ahead of her not even realising he had entered the room. He had thought he had been in pain when she had left him but the pain he felt then didn't come close to what he felt as he examined her face

"Charlie" his voice came in a whisper in order not to startle her

Both Charlie's and Ruby's head shot up, Ruby looked up at Charlie before releasing her grip on her. Moving away from the bed Ruby walked over to Brax, she hadn't expected it but as she got closer he stretched out his arms. She quickly stepped into them as she smiled lightly as he squeezed her gently. Realising her grip Ruby smiled up at him, she turned to look at Charlie who had yet to say a word before she walked out the room

Charlie looked up at Brax blankly, she could see the worry displayed on his face; she sat for a while longer before standing to her feet. Charlie walked towards him only stopping when she was merely inches away from him. She looked him dead in the eye as she let a tear fall; Brax quickly closed the remaining space between them as he wrapped his arms around her tightly. She grasped the back of his shirt tightly causing Brax's grip around her to also tighten. She buried her head into his chest as she finally let herself cry the tears she had been holding in. They both remained unmoved for several minutes Brax's grip never loosened, he held onto her wanting to take away her pain. He noticed her tears had died down but still she kept hold of him

"I didn't know he was coming back if I did..."

"It's not your fault" Charlie spoke but her head still remained against his chest and his arms still securely wrapped around her

"I promise I will never let him hurt you Charlie" finally stepping back slightly Charlie looked up at him

"I know you won't" she smiled lightly has he grazed her face softly with his hand taking her lingering tears away with it

"Thank you" said Charlie

"What for?"

"For being here"

"You don't have to thank me... and I'm not going anywhere" Brax looked down at her hoping she knew he meant his words

Finally parting Charlie walked the short distance to the bed as she sat on the edge, she watched as Brax followed sitting next to her, only then had she noticed his slightly blooded knuckles, she then remembered the numerous punches Brax had delivered to Grants face. Brax knew what she was looking at but he made no attempts to hide his hand, he wasn't ashamed of what he had done

"If not for you I would have..." before Brax could finish Charlie interrupted him

"I know" Charlie knew full well if she hadn't spoken when she did things would have turned out differently. She knew Brax had no intentions of stopping and the last thing she wanted was for him to get in trouble because of her

"He wasn't worth it" said Charlie as she repeated the same gesture she had the night before, she placed her hand over his as she gently stroked his buried hand

"No... But you are" it never mattered what had happened or how she felt it seemed Brax always knew the right thing to say. She looked up at him to find that she immediately locked eyes with him

"I'm scared" her voice shook as she thought back to the same thing that had occupied her mind since seeing Grant

Brax edged as close to her as possible

"You don't have to be, you have me and Heath... he can't hurt you"

"But he's here Brax... they said he was gone, I-I" she had began panicking again, Brax could see what was to happen if he didn't reassure her, he didn't want her having another panic attack or doing what she had done before and run, he wasn't going to let Grant take her from him again

"Hy Charlie Charlie... look at me" he put his hand under her chin as he turned her face back towards him "There is nothing he can do to you ok... you have me ok, I would rather die than let him touch a hair on your head" he squeezed her hand tightly sighing in relief as her frantic expression began to slowly disappear. Leaning towards him she leaned her head on his shoulder

Both their heads shot up at the knocking on the door; Bianca peered through the door smiling as she saw how much more calmer Charlie seemed in the presence of Brax

"Hy we were just wondering if you and Ruby wanted to stay here tonight" Bianca didn't want to come out and say it but both she and Heath didn't think her and Ruby should be by themselves

Looking up at Brax Charlie shock her head

"No that's fine B I just want to go home and lay in my own bed... but thank you"

"Are you sure?" asked Bianca

"Yh" Charlie gave her a smile as she closed the door

"You sure you don't want to stay here tonight, it might be better for you" Brax looked down at her

"I just really want to be in my own bed"

Brax nodded in response "Do you want to go home now?"

"Yh that would be good" Brax stood up and reached his hand out

"Come on I'll drop you guys off"

"You don't have to, I brought my car"

"I'm not letting you drive home by yourself, I'll get Heath to drop your car off tomorrow" grabbing hold of her hand he gently pulled her to her feet

"Thank you" she smiled at him warmly

"Anytime"

...

"Hy" Charlie looked on at all the faces that turned to face her and Brax as they walked down the stairs. She smiled as her daughter instantly got up and wrapped her arms around her. Pulling away Charlie placed her hand on Ruby's face

"How about we go home"

Ruby nodded as Charlie pulled her back into her chest

"Thank you guys so much" Charlie smiled over at them

"You sure you don't want to stay? Asked Heath

"I'm sure" Charlie smiled at him

"Heath could you bring Charlie's car over to hers tomorrow, I'm gonna drop them off tonight"

"Yh sure" Heath looked on at his brother, he knew they all cared about Charlie and Ruby but he didn't need telling to see that his brother felt more for Charlie than he had been letting on

"Call me if you need anything" Bianca gave Charlie a hug before looking down to Ruby "And you too ok"

"Thank you B and Heath... thank you" Heath nodded

...

"Good night case" she smiled over at the young boy

"Night Charlie" he looked over at Ruby "I'll call you tomorrow?"

Ruby nodded her head "Yh"

Brax walked the two girls to the front door

"You guys gonna be ok?" asked Brax as Charlie opened the front door

"Yh we'll be fine" answered Charlie

"Thank you Brax" Brax smiled down at Ruby

"Anytime kid"

Charlie turned to Brax as Ruby entered the house

"You sure you're gonna be ok?" asked Brax Charlie smiled lightly at the worry plastered all over his face

"I'm sure, thank you for this Brax"

"You both need to stop thanking me" As he was about to bid her goodnight he smiled over at her "Pass me your phone" Charlie obliged and passed it over to him

"I've put my number in so if you need anything..."

"I'll call" Charlie smiled finishing off his sentence.

"Ok... night" Brax took her hand giving it a tight squeeze before letting go

"Night" Charlie watched as he walked over to his car giving him a final wave as she entered the house

He watched as the door closed behind her, his gaze remained upon the front door before quickly scanning the area

"I don't think he is stupid enough to be hanging around" Casey knew who he was looking for

"I hope you're right" Brax started up the car making the short drive to his place

...

Charlie walked into the living room to find Ruby sat on the couch her gaze before her; she looked down at Ruby instantly registering the pain in her eyes. She knew what she had felt seeing Grant would have been different to what Ruby was feeling. She couldn't image the kind of pain Ruby must have been going through

"Rubes" Charlie sat besides her wrapping her arms around her

"That was him, Grant, my f..." Ruby paused unable to acknowledge him as whom he was to her and as if on que she broke down in her mother's arms

"Ruby I am so sorry" Seeing Grant had not only affected her, Ruby had watched as the man who was her biological father, the man who had taken her mother's innocence stood before her with no knowledge of who she was

"I hate him, I hate him so much" Ruby cried into her mother's chest

A tear fell from Charlie's eyes at the vulnerability in her daughter's voice, she prayed Grant had once again left the bay but this time for good, she refused to let him anywhere near Ruby she refused to let him cause her more pain than he already had

...

"Are you ok" asked Casey as he and Brax entered the house

"I'm fine Case" Brax smiled over at his brother hoping he had been convincing enough

"For what it's worth I think you did good today" Casey gave Brax a slight smile knowing he was far from fine. He could see him trying to hide it but the anger and pain that had been loudly displayed earlier was still vaguely present

Brax laughed lightly as he nodded his head

"You know you have got to be the only fourteen year old kid that talks the way you do"

"I had a pretty good teacher" Casey gave Brax one final smile before retiring to his room and leaving Brax to his thoughts

Looking down at his still slightly blooded knuckles brax walked into the kitchen rinsing off Grant's blood from his hands. He thought back to the look on Grants face just before he left, the way he looked at Charlie; Brax couldn't explain why but it made him nervous

Sitting back down on the couch he tried to think of anything else but nothing apart from her seemed to matter, he prayed that Grant had left the Bay, but he wasn't sure if it was for Charlie's sake or Grants. He knew Charlie would not be able to handle seeing Grant again but he was more worried about what he would do if he was to see grant and Charlie wasn't there to stop him

Gazing down at his phone he looked down at the new message that had just come through

*Thank you for today couldn't have got through it without you. Charlie*

He smiled down at the text, it no longer mattered what had happened in their past after tonight there was no denying it, he wasn't going anywhere he was where he needed to be

Charlie looked down at her Ruby who was fast asleep in her embrace she stroked her hair before placing a kiss on her temple. She picked up her phone as Brax's name flashed against it

*Stop thanking me, you'll never be without me. B*

Once again he managed to put a smile on her face even if just for a few seconds. Placing her phone down she leaned her head back against the couch; although she was tired she couldn't seem to close her eyes so she sat looking down at her daughter praying and hoping she wouldn't have to fight the battle she had ran away from all those years ago

[RoRo90]

Thank you guys once again for the amazing comments... hope its up to standard

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

"Charlie" Ruby stroked her hand over her face as she looked up from the couch

"Hy" Charlie walked out of the kitchen "How you feeling?"

"Ok I guess... did I sleep right through?" Ruby swung her legs down the front of the couch

"Yh I think yesterday took it out of you"

"Who was that at the door?" Ruby recalled the voices she had heard

"Just Heath and Bianca, they were dropping the car off" Charlie took a seat besides Ruby as she stroked her face softly "How are you really feeling?" asked Charlie

Ruby gazed at her mother then down at her fingers

"I don't know, how am I supposed to feel? She looked up at Charlie hoping she would lend a helping hand

"I don't know either sweetheart but I am here... you and me always"

Ruby leaned into her mum and rested her head against her shoulder

"I'm sorry for what he did to you"

"You have nothing to be sorry for... after all I have you don't I" Charlie placed a soft kiss on Ruby's head.

Charlie had many a times thought how different her life would be if she had never met Grant, if he had never done what he did, but every time she envisioned that painless life something felt wrong about it. She could see her parents, her friends but she couldn't find Ruby. It may have been a life filled with endless joy and happiness but it would have been a life without Ruby; and that was a life she wasn't prepared to live. The young girl beside her made all the pain and dark moments in her life worthwhile

"You feeling up to school today?... you can stay home if you want"

"No I wanna go School... don't really feel like sitting around all day"

"Ok, but you have to get ready now my shift starts in just over an hour" Charlie stood up from the couch making her way towards her room

"Charlie you don't have to give me a lift, I can walk"

"No" Charlie spun round quickly, she could see the startled look on Ruby's face at her outburst;

"I-I would rather take you ok" Charlie wasn't willing to let Ruby be by herself

Ruby needn't ask where Charlie's over protective behaviour had come from; she glared at her mother knowingly before nodding her head in agreement

"Ok I'll just go get ready" Charlie sighed in relief thankful that Ruby hadn't protested against her request

"Are you sure you should be going to work?" asked Ruby, she had seen the state her mother was in the night before and it was more than obvious that Grants appearance still had Charlie shaken

"You look tired" added Ruby as she noticed her mother's plum baggy eyes

"I'm fine Rubes...I need something to keep me occupied" Charlie placed a kiss on Ruby's temple before going into her room to get dressed, she didn't want to admit that she hadn't slept a wink the night before, every time she closed her eyes all she could see was his face, the way he had looked at her before he walked out the door made her sick, she had seen that look before and knew too well nothing good came of it

...

"Hy" Brax looked up as Ella walked into the empty restaurant

"Hy" Brax knew the awkwardness in his response hadn't gone unnoticed "You get home ok last night?" the question may have been stupid but he needed something to break the frosty air that had arisen

"Yh...didn't think you really cared much" Ella stared him dead in the eye as she stopped in front of him

"Don't say that, of course I care" Brax knew there was no lie in his words, he did care about her, he just wasn't sure if it was in the same way she did him

"Right, so you asked me to leave and I leave and since then you didn't think to call or even a simple text Brax" Ella tried to hide the tremble in her voice

"Ella I'm sorry" Brax sighed "I had to make sure Charlie was ok and then..." Brax stopped as Ella interrupted him

"Charlie right... how is she?" Ella looked at him intensively trying to get what she could from his body language

"She's ok I guess" Brax hoped she wouldn't ask what the previous night was about

"Brax I watched you and your brother beat up a guy that was supposed to be your friend"

"He's not my friend" Brax harsh tone took Ella by surprise

"Brax what's going on, what's he done that's so bad?" Ella looked at him with pleading eyes hoping he would open up to her

"Ella you just have to trust me on this"

"Why, why should I when you wont talk to me" Ella couldn't help the increase in the volume of her voice

Brax sighed "I am talking to you but you have to understand...." Brax stopped as she began speaking

"No you're not... what is it that you don't want me to know"

"It's not for me to say"

"And who's place is it... Charlie's" Ella tried to hide the jealousy in her tone as she spoke her name

"Ella please just drop it" Brax voice had now began to match hers

" Ella glared at him in disbelief "First you say she is just a colleague of Jack's, then I find out she's been friends with the girls for years" Ella shock her head

"I don't get it, what is it that you seem to be working to hard to keep a secret?" Although she had a good idea Ella wanted to hear him say it

"Ella you're just..." once again she stopped him from speaking

"I'm not stupid Brax"

"I didn't say you were" Brax rubbed his hand against the back if his head

"Then stop treating me like I am and just be honest, I think I deserve that much... who is she to you?"

Leaning his elbows on the bar Brax ran his hand over his face before looking back up at Ella, she was right if anything she had always been there for him the least she deserved was his honesty

"She left the Bay ten years ago but before that... we were together" Ella nodded in response

"For how long?" asked Ella

"Going on a year"

"Why not just tell me, why make such a big deal out of it?"

"I don't know, I didn't think it was important... it was a long time ago" Brax's head shot up at the next question that came out of her mouth

"Do you still have feelings for her?" Ella's gaze lay solely upon him

Brax stared at her unsure of what to say, how could he answer her when he wasn't sure what the right answer was, there was something strong between him and Charlie that he couldn't deny but yet he hadn't quite figured out how he felt

"It was a long time ago"

"Then why can't you answer the question?"

Brax sighed in defeat, the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her but he knew his words would not bring her any comfort but still he spoke honestly

"Because I don't know the answer" he dodged her eyes as he spoke

...

Jack walked out of the diner with a coffee, he was exhausted by the previous nights events; not only had he been told that the person he had thought of as a friend for ten years had been the cause of Charlie's disappearance but he and Martha had argued about the situation when they arrived home. Questioning Charlie's honesty wasn't his intention but he didn't know what to believe and that only aggravated Martha the more. He was a cop, if that was the sort of person Grant was surely he would have picked up on it, he didn't know what to believe. He recalled the fear and anxiety on Charlie's face as she glared at Grant; she couldn't have been faking that. Reaching his car he sighed in frustration as he was yet to reach a conclusion about what or who to believe

"Hy mate" Jacks head spun round to see Grant making his way over to him, he walked with a grin on his face. Jack felt himself shudder lightly, how he could bring himself to smile like that after what had happened to him the night before. He studied Grants bruised and swollen face as he came closer

"You shouldn't be here" Jack edged closer towards the car unsure of how to address Grant

Stopping in front of him Grant shock his head

"You too? This is about Charlie isn't it"

Jacks eyes widened, as a rage of anger suddenly built up within him; how could Grant talk about such a thing so casually

"I can't believe she is telling her lies again... you know I thought I had escaped her" Jacks eyes turned to that of confusion

"What are you trying to say?"

"Jack whatever she has told you guys is a lie, you know me mate, I could never do what she accused me of" Grant looked Jack dead on as he pleaded his innocence

"So you didn't..." Jack stopped not allowing himself to speak the word

"I swear I didn't rape her" the words came with such ease to Grants lips "We were together for a little while ok...why would I need to rape her... I was only fourteen"

"Why would she lie?" asked Jack, this was the same question that had been playing on his mind all night

"Because not long after our first time I broke up with her, she did it out of spite and nearly ruined my whole life" the same deceitful poker face he had mastered lay plastered on his face as he spoke "I would never do something like that never, I can't believe Brax and Heath would actually believe her"

Jack looked on at the person he had known as his friend for the past ten years, Grants plea of innocence should have made the dilemma he found himself in easier but it only worsened things. Scanning his area to make sure they hadn't been seen together Jack turned to Grant

"Look Grant I have to get going, we can talk later" Jack opened the car door before turning at Grants voice

"You do believe me right?" Jack looked on for a second he could have sworn he saw a glimpse of a slight smirk creep up momentarily on Grants face, quickly shaking the thought Jack spoke honestly

"I don't know" getting into the car he turned on the ignition and drove away from Grant who stood watching

...

Watching Jacks car disappear into the distance Grants poker face immediately slipped as he let the face he always hid take over. The same sickly smile he had given Charlie crept upon his face, his lips curled up cruelly as he praised himself on his performance before Jack. Quickly discarding of the grin that lay on his face, he walked towards the caravan park but his thoughts of Charlie had yet to cease.

...

The car ride to the station felt like it had gone on forever as Jacks thoughts had yet to set him free; He visually studied Charlie's composure at the sight of Grant the night before, he recalled how Grant had greeted Charlie before he left and he was sure he had just seen a smirk on his face as he turned back to look at him earlier that morning.

Jacked walked into the station praying that Charlie had not shown up, he didn't know how to act or what to say; how could he stand before her and be sympathetic when he wasn't sure if he believed her allegations, but unfortunately for Jack it seemed such luck didn't reside in Summer Bay. Walking into his office he instantly saw Charlie sat at her desk with a pile of paper work

"Hy" Charlie smiled up at him wearily; knowing that he knew what had happened to her made her more self conscious than she had originally been around him. Her head immediately returned back to the paper work as he stalled in replying her

"Hy" moments later he placed himself down in front of his desk, knowing he should say something he spoke cautiously

"How you feeling today?" he may not be sure if he believed her but it didn't change that fact that she was his friend

"Fine... just want to get on with things"

"Right" Jack turned his attention to the paper work that sat on his desk, he glanced up quickly at Charlie before looking back down; he was going to have to find out the truth one way or another

...

Ruby and Casey walked into the restaurant and were immediately spotted by Brax

"Let me guess you want feeding?"

"You know me too well" Casey sent Brax a matching smirk before quickly walking into the kitchen and leaving Ruby with Brax; he had tried to talk to Ruby about the previous nights events but he kept getting the same answer "I really just want to forget about it" he sighed as he looked at Ruby hoping Brax could get her to talk

"Casey's never been the subtle type" although grateful, Brax laughed at his brother's obvious intentions

"I'm starting to see that" Ruby sent him a small smile as she sat down at the nearest table, Brax followed sitting before her

"You're his friend, he cares about you, we all do"

"I know but I'm fine... really"

"You're as bad as Charlie"

Ruby looked at him wearily "What do you mean?"

"You're both really bad liars" Ruby chuckled to herself causing Brax to smile

"I get away with it from time to time... well with Charlie anyway" Brax laughed at her words before his expression changed at the sadness that had crept up on her face

"You know it's alright to be upset, angry even, you have the right to feel anything you want"

Ruby didn't speak instead she kept her gaze on her hands refusing to look up at Brax, she could feel him glaring at her waiting for her to respond to him

"Ruby..." Brax called out to her

"It happened to her not me"

"This affects you as much as it affects Charlie" Ruby instantly shook her head at his words

"No it doesn't...and what if she decides she can't do it anymore?"

Brax looked on confused "Do what?" Brax could see she was holding back, there was no doubt she was her mother's daughter

"Be my mum" Ruby finally spoke the thoughts that had been with her since she saw her mother's reaction towards Grant. In all her life Charlie had always seemed so strong so unbreakable even at her weakest points but in that moment, seeing her crumble she felt everything change; what if she reminded Charlie to much of Grant, what if she lost her mother because of him. She had time after time tried to shake these thoughts and convince herself that Charlie would never leave her but as she felt she had rid herself of them they always came back moments later

Brax looked on in shock and amazement at how alike Charlie and Ruby really where, even when things were staring them right in the face they couldn't see it "Ruby I can honestly say that Charlie loves you more than life it's self"

Ruby finally looked up at him

"What if that changes... what if I remind her of him?"

Brax gave her a slight smile "I hate to be the one to break it to you kid but there's no chance of that, I think it's safe to say you're stuck with her for life. You're her daughter that's never gonna change" his smile turned into a grin as Ruby's lips curled into a smile as she laughed lightly

"Well after last night I think you might be stuck with her too"

"Being stuck isn't always a bad thing" Brax winked at her earning himself another laugh from her

"So I'm guessing you want feeding as well?"

"If you're offering" Ruby grinned at him, he smiled as it resembled Charlie's

"Pizza?" Questioned Brax

"Yea... meat lovers please" Brax chuckled she was definitely Charlie's daughter

...

Charlie and Jack sat in an awkward silence as they made their way towards the dinner. Charlie wasn't sure if it had been the revelation Jack had received the night before but she could tell there was something bothering him. She sighed knowing she would have to address the subject sooner or later

"Is this about yesterday?" she asked

"What?" Jack played dumb, for a cop he was bad at upholding a firm poker face

"Seriously... you have hardly said one word and the glances..."

"I'm just a little tired sleeping on the couch isn't the most comfortable thing" Jack instantly cursed under his breath, he knew he had put his foot in it

"What happened... you and Martha had a fight?" Charlie looked at him questionably but a little relieved that the problem may not be about her

"We just had a little disagreement that's all?" Jack shifted uncomfortably in the driver's seat hoping she wouldn't push the conversation any further; confessing his doubts to her wasn't something he wanted to do. As the diner came into view he let out a breath of relief

Charlie looked at him wearily, she may have only been back for a short period of time but working with Jack had eventually became easy she even enjoyed his company and if there was one thing he never shied away from it was talking about Martha, she was the one thing they had in common and they used it to their advantage. Watching as he shifted nervously in his seat Charlie knew there was something he wasn't telling her, as he parked outside the diner she saw him breath in relief, not allowing him fully exit the car she quickly spoke the only thing that had come to mind

"You don't believe he did it" it wasn't a question more of a statement; she had hoped she would have been wrong but catching Jacks gaze fall to the ground she knew she had guessed right.

"I-I it's not that..." Jack sighed in defeat unsure of how to coordinate his words

"We've been friends for ten years... thinking he could have done something like that is..."

"Unimaginable" Charlie finished off his sentence and Jack nodded

Charlie glared at him unsure of what to say, she knew what the right thing to do was and that was to defend herself but how was she to do that with no prove. Feeling her tears edge towards her eyes she quickly stepped out of the car, she wanted to understand where Jack was coming from but the pain she felt at the thought of Grant over weighed everything else.

"I'm gonna go get those coffee's" her voice was plain and quiet

"Charlie I..." Before Jack could explain himself, he stopped as Charlie's pained expression had now changed resembling that of the previous night as she back towards the car, he followed her eye line and became aware of what had caused her to retract

"Grant you shouldn't be here" Jack immediately stood in between Charlie and Grant a quick glance back at Charlie and he knew the longer Grant was there the worse her composure would get

"Why I haven't done anything wrong... have I Charlie?" Grant tried to edge forward but was stopped by Jack

"Grant just walk away" pleaded Jack, he took another glance back to notice Charlie was now leaning heavily against the cop car and her chest was rising dangerously

"I thought you was on my side" growled Grant

"I'm not on anyone's side just go"

Grant glared at Charlie and couldn't help the small smirk that crept upon his face

"Still can't believe Brax wasted his time on you" he pushed away Jack's hand that lay on his chest keeping him away from Charlie. As Grant walked away Jack's head jolted up, he instantly knew something wasn't right as he recalled a memory he had long forgotten.

*Flashback*

Brax is really cut up over this girl; I say he just gets under another" Joked Grant as he and Jack walked into Jacks house

"Don't think it's gonna be that easy, he really loved Charlie"

"This Charlie girl must have been something, I went out with a Charlie once but she was way to ridged for my liking" Grant laughed lightly as he took the bottle of pop from Jack

"Well this Charlie was different, well at least I thought she was" Jack sat down on the couch before digging for the remote under Martha's stack of magazines. He sighed in frustration as the pile of magazines feel onto the ground. Picking them up he stopped as he came across a picture that had been taken three weeks before hand. Grant looked down at the objected in his hand before taking it from him. He watched as Grant studied the picture, there was a look in his eyes that Jack couldn't explain but it had disappeared as quick as it came

"So I'm guessing that's Charlie?" asked Brax as he pointed at Charlie who was leaning against Brax chest

"Yh"

"I see why Brax is so hung up... she's hot"

Jack took the picture of him "Whatever"

*End of Flashback*

Jack felt his stomach suddenly churn in disgust, Grant had been lying; he had been lying all along. He knew who Charlie was when he saw her in that picture, he knew she was the same Charlie he had moments ago been addressing and yet he said nothing. The blurred image of the escaping smirk on Grants face now played in Jacks mind as clear as day, he had doubted Charlie and even Martha had seemed unable to fully convince him, but it now stood that he was the one in the wrong, he was the fool that let Grant nearly pull him in. He shuddered at Grants look when he approached him, he seemed so sincere that it almost made him sick, how could anyone lie like that?

"You knew who she was?" Grant turned back to look at Jack with a questioning look on his face

"The picture with Charlie, you asked who she was but you already knew" Grant stood confused for a few seconds before it finally hit him. 'Crap' he thought to himself how was he going to get himself out of this one before he could fully process his thoughts he stumbled back as Jacks fist crunched against his nose

Grunting in pain Grant looked up at an angry Jack

"It's not what you think, she was gone I didn't see the point in saying anything" Jack shook his head in anger before picking Grant up by the collar

"If I so much as see your face again I promise you it will be the last time you see day light" throwing him against the ground Jacks head spun around at the sound of unexpected voices

"Charlie" Heath now held her in his arms as he tried to calm her down as Martha and Bianca watched on in panic.

"Heath I think she's having another panic attack" Bianca tried to keep her voice low and steady as to not wake her sleeping daughter

Looking up at Jack Heaths eyes fell upon Grant who stared at her almost as if he was pleased with himself. Gently placing Charlie into the open car Heath turned to Martha

"You need to try and calm her"

Heath growled as he rapidly made his way over to Grant, but it seemed this time he was prepared as he immediately swung at Heath. Only aggravating Heath the more, he immediately ducked back as Heath pounced on him. Seeing the anger on Heaths face Jack quickly intervened

"Get off me" Heath tried to shrug Jack off but he had a firm hold on him

"Heath he's not worth it" Jack turned to Grant in disgust

"If I see you anywhere near anyone of them" Heath pointed back at the girls "or Ruby I swear you will regret it"

"Pack up and leave Summer Bay now I promise next time I won't stop him" Jack and Heath stared at Grant as he edged back still facing them

"You're going to regret this" he spat in the direction before quickly disappearing

Jack and Heath turned back to the girls as they stared down at Charlie

...

She felt her chest tighten as he approached her, his voice and presence was like poison to her and it had begun sucking the life out of her. She willed herself to defend herself stand up to him but her chest refused to loosen the grip it now had against her lungs. She stumbled back against the car as she tried to steady her breathing. Unable to speak she gawked on in shock as Jack suddenly took a swing at Grant, everything seemed to be happening in slow motion; she slowly felt her conscious state slipping away from her until she felt someone's arms around her

"Charlie" it was Heaths voice but he was gone as fast as he had came, she followed his suit as he placed her into the seat in the car

She could hear Bianca and Martha but their voices seemed drowned out by that of Heaths growls and grunts

"Charlie focus on your breathing" Martha clung onto her hands "Bianca I don't know what I'm doing" Martha turned to Bianca pleading for her to do something

"Charlie remember what Brax said" Bianca hoped the reminder of Brax would help "He said for you to take deep slow breaths" Martha and Bianca watched on as Charlie's eyes shut tight their own fears began to ease as her breathing began to deepen

At the mention of his name Charlie shut her eyes as she visualised his face, she concentrated on his green eyes as she used them to comfort herself. Charlie heard both Bianca and Martha sigh in relief as her breathing slowed and deepened. Opening her eyes she watched as Grant rushed away from Heath and Jack

"Charlie you ok" Martha peered down at her as Bianca looked at her relieved that the attack had passed, she soon found both Jack and Heath stood before her as well

"Yh I'm fine"

"I think its best you go home and rest" said Jack

"Come on we'll take you" Heath held out his hand to Charlie who took it gratefully

"Charlie I'm sorry, I should have..." Charlie interrupted Jack

"It's ok" she gave him the only smile she could manage as she followed Heath and Bianca towards their car

...

Brax sat in the driver's seat as he gripped the steering wheel tightly trying to control his anger; after dropping Charlie off at home and then Bianca, Heath had gone to the restaurant to tell him what had happened with Grant. Brax felt his blood boil to a new climax wanting nothing more than to go and find Grant; he quickly put his priorities in check as he looked back at Ruby and Casey

"I've got to go" Ruby quickly stood up from her seat

"Na I'm taking you... Case you stay here with Heath" Brax wasn't surprised Grant hadn't left and he still couldn't shake the look he had seen on his face the previous night when he had looked over at Charlie, if his instincts where right Brax knew Grant was far from done

Stopping outside her house Brax flew out of the car just as fast as Ruby; he stayed close behind her as she made her way towards the front door it wasn't till she opened it up that they could hear her cries

"NO PLEASE... stop please"

"Charlie" Ruby glanced at Brax with Panicked eyes but Brax had already made a dash through the house as he imagined the worse, following the trail of her voice he burst through her bed room door only to find her shuffling against the bed aggressively with her eyes closed. As Ruby now stood beside Brax he sighed in relief as he quickly made his way over to her

"Charlie Charlie" he stayed back not wanting to startle her

"Please don't... PLEASE" still not waking up he edged closer to her taking her in a firm but gentle grip

Charlie it's me Brax... Charlie" he shock her gently causing her to wake up in a fright, not realising who it was she jumped out of his grip

"No..."

"Charlie it's just me"

How was it? Left it a little in the air but Chax will be the first thing you guys see in the next chapter

[RoRo90]

Thank you for the reviews guys, think you will all like this one (don't skip to the end it will spoil it)

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

"Charlie it's just me"

...

Charlie held her hand up to her chest her heart pounding rapidly against it; she edged further away from him as she had yet to escape the terrifying images of Grant that had captured her in her sleep

"Charlie it's just me" Brax repeated his words seeing she was clearly still in a daze

"Ruby could you get her something to drink?" Ruby nodded quickly as she raced towards the kitchen

Brax's gaze fell on Charlie but he refused to edge any closer to her, instead deciding to waiting for her to fully calm down

"He was here... I saw him he-he..." Charlie could have sworn what she had felt herself experiencing was real, she could still feel his hot cringing breathe against her skin, she looked around the room frantically as if searching for something or someone

"Charlie it was just a bad dream" Brax edged a little closer this time but still made no contact with her, he turned his head as Ruby rushed back in with a glass of water. She slowly walked over to Charlie

"Charlie you ok?" Charlie gazed down at Ruby and finally realising what she had been seeing was created in her own mind, she took the glass from Ruby taking a little sip of it before passing it back to her

"Yh I'm fine" Charlie found her breathe still hadn't caught up with her, Ruby glanced at Brax with worried eyes, she didn't understand what was happening; looking at her mother's dazed state, for the first time Ruby wondered if coming back to the Bay had been the best thing for the both of them. Seeing Charlie so shaken and overpowered by her fear wasn't something Ruby had seen much of and she wasn't sure if she could handle anymore

At the knock on the door Charlie's body surged up in fright at the unexpected sound

"It's just the door Charlie" Ruby stood up thankfully as the knocking on the front door allowed her to leave the room before her own tears made their way down her face, quickly wiping them away she made her way to the front door

"Casey... what you doing here?" She was sure Brax had asked him to stay behind with Heath

"I figured you would need someone here too" he sent her a small smile but it quickly faded as her tears began to run freely down her cheeks

"We should never have come back" Sobbed Ruby. Casey immediately stepped forward taking her into his arms, she gladly accepted his gesture as she buried her head into his chest

"I hate him so much" Casey choose not to speak instead he stood with his arms around her and he let her vent. After a while Ruby pulled away

"Where are Charlie and Brax?" Casey scanned their surrounding

"He's in her room... she was screaming when we got here and..."

"What... is she ok?" Casey looked at her wide eyed

"She's ok... well physically she is...she was having a bad dream"

Casey needn't ask what the dream was about "Oh... is she ok now?" asked Casey

"Yh Brax is with her" Ruby and Casey turned their heads towards Charlie's room as Brax called her name

"Ruby... Rubes" she quickly walked into Charlie's room with Casey stood beside her

Realising he hadn't heard her voice in a while Brax had started worrying about Ruby and who may have been at the door. As she came into view he sighed in relief, seeing the look on his face Ruby spoke

"It was just Casey" Brax nodded, he didn't need to ask why Casey was there. In a way he was grateful, he could see Ruby was struggling with seeing Charlie like rthis and leaving her on her own wasn't something he wanted to do

Casey looked over at Charlie the sweat dripping from her forehead he didn't say a word he just gave her a light smile before looking at Ruby

"I'll stay with her if you want?" Brax looked at Ruby who nodded gratefully

"We'll just be in the living room" Ruby gave Brax a smile filled with gratitude before closing the door behind her

...

Brax watched as Ruby left the room before looking back at Charlie, seeing her state for the first time he fully understood why she had left all those years ago, Grant wasn't something she could handle; he was the one fear that she had yet to overcome. The scar he had left her with was visible for Brax to see

"Charlie" he called her name and instantly she looked up at him and there it was, that look, the same one he had seen the very first time he had seen her face all those years ago. He could never forget that look in her eyes, the pain and sorrow that resided in them. In the short time he had been back, Grant had managed to pull her back into the black steep hole she had worked so hard to get herself out of

"I'm sorry" She turned her gaze away from him her eyes scanning the room one last time "I thought he was...I-I..." Charlie sighed in frustration

"Don't apologise Charlie" Brax edged forward slowly not wanting to startle her, he watched as she clutched the sheets on her bed tightly and shook her head

"I just want it to go away... the pain I-I'm not strong enough" Her eyes glazed over but she fought against her tears. She looked up at Brax "I-I don't think I can do this" her voice broke as her tears finally won and cascaded down her face with great speed

Quickly moving closer to her without delay Brax pulled her into him, as she buried her body inside his and he could see she was weak. All the strength she had mustered over the ten years had been sucked out of her just by Grants mere presence, in that moment two things feared Brax. He had never thought of himself as a violent person but the thought of bringing an end to Grant brought him comfort, he feared how far he was willing to go to keep Grant away from Charlie and Ruby but first and foremost he feared the meaning behind Charlie's words. 'What if she decided it's too much and she leaves again' he shook the thought away, that wasn't something he wasn't willing to let happen no matter what he had to do he wasn't going to let Grant win

Brax felt her relax into his arms as her tears hit against his shirt, her hands found their way to the hem of his shirt as she clung onto them fiercely. Advancing towards the head of the bed Brax kept Charlie wrapped tightly in his arms as he settled his head against the wall behind him. She shuffled as she curled into him, burying herself deeper into him; she closed her eyes as she concentrated on his arms that now brought her warmth.

After several minutes of silence Charlie spoke

"I thought I was ready... I thought I was stronger than this" she spoke with such disappointment

"You are Charlie... you are stronger than anyone I have ever known" Charlie shook her head against his chest

"No no I'm not" Charlie pulled away from him slightly so she could look up at him "I just froze... he was right in front of me and it was like he paralyzed me"

"Charlie you're here, despite everything you're here, despite everything you had Ruby and you came back... that in its self shows the level of your strength, you just can't see it" Charlie buried her head back into his chest

"You know I thought about it before we came back... what I would do if he was to ever come back; I never reached a conclusion...I guess I just hoped it would never happen"

"And I'm sorry that it did" said Brax

Again a moment of comforting silence fell upon them, Charlie spoke

"Every time I see him I'm back there in that room, I see that night clear as day... I remember every small detail and the fear and desperation comes flooding back, the way he grinned down at me, how he just walked out as if nothing had happened... it's all I can see"

Brax quickly composed himself as he felt his eyes glaze over; he shut his eyes tightly as he sent away the tears that wanted to fall. He needed to be strong for her

"He's not going away... is he?" her voice was laced with undeniable fear

"He will... I will make sure he disappears for good" Brax couldn't hide the vengeful and spiteful tone that threaded through his voice, Not thinking it was possible Charlie felt his grip tighten against her and suddenly a new kind of fear over came her. She moved her head away from his chest and looked him dead on, the look in his eyes resembled the one that had laid there the previous night when he had lashed out at Grant only this time there was more venom in it. The only other person she had ever seen such a look from was her father when he had found out what Grant had done, but there was something about the tone of Brax's voice that worried Charlie

"What do you mean by that?" Charlie looked up at him with panicked eyes

He wanted to respond but what was he to say, he knew what she was thinking but he couldn't lie and say she was wrong. Hearing the fear in her voice he knew there were no boundaries he wasn't willing to cross and suddenly all the confusion he had felt since she had returned disappeared. His feelings became clear as Ella's question played back in his mind "Do you still have feeling for her?"

"Brax..." Charlie called out to him not even trying to hide the tremble in her voice; she edged up so she was facing him but her body never leaving his

"What do you mean make him disappear?" Brax slowly brought his hand up to her face

"I'm not going to let him hurt you... or Ruby, I can't" She latched onto his hand keeping it against her face

"Don't... please don't even think about it" her eyes became cloudy with growing tears at the thought of what could happen to Brax if he let his anger get the best of him

"Charlie I..." she quickly stopped him

"No Brax" Charlie jumped back from his embrace as her voice rose "if you dare do anything stupid I swear I will never forgive you" she stared at him as he did the same. Brax wasn't sure where her sudden outburst had come from, he looked at her confused and he watched as her face softened and a tear rolled down her right cheek

"I can't lose you to him" she whispered loud enough for him to hear what she had said, he felt his heart pound aggressively against his chest at her words.

Charlie was well aware of their current predicament, he was with her in that moment but he belonged to another he wasn't hers to keep, she knew her words derived from beyond the friendship he was giving to her and although she was now not hiding it she didn't care. The thought of him possibly going to jail if he was to fulfil his thoughts towards Grant would be the final breaking straw for Charlie. She stared at him hoping he had got what she had said, his response proved he had

"Not possible... you will never lose me" Brax's voice was soft and genuine. There was no need for him to keep denying what was right in front of him, ten years or not he still loved her as much as he did before she left and knowing she needed him only made him love her more. He stretched his hand out and laid it on top of hers

"Promise me... you have to promise you won't go and do something stupid" Charlie pulled herself a little closer to him using his hand

"Brax...promise" she stared at his silent form in anticipation

Brax sighed knowing she wouldn't rest till he did as she had asked "I promise" he pulled her back into him and without any delay she pushed herself into him and rested her body against his

"I didn't mean to drag you into this" she spoke quietly

"You didn't drag me into anything... there's nowhere else I'd rather be" Charlie's lips curled up slightly at his words. Returning to the Bay she had never imagined she would get the chance to be so close to him again, even if it was only to last that moment she was grateful for his presence. She felt her heavy eyes begin to close but fought to keep them open, she had no idea Brax was watching her

"You're gonna have to sleep at some point, stop fighting it... I'm right here" not thinking it was possible he tightened his grip around her, she smiled into his chest as she gave in and closed her eyes. Charlie lay her hands against his chest as she drifted off to sleep

...

He watched as her chest rose up and down as she fell deeper into sleep, watching her peaceful form he brushed her hair from over her face. Her face bared no worries or burdens, she lay in his arms content, looking down at her it seemed she had forgotten all her troubles. His hand lingered over her face as he gently stroked her cheek; even in sleep her beauty seemed to overwhelm him. Sighing he remembered how his conversation with Ella had ended earlier that day

*Flashback*

"Because I don't know the answer" he dodged her eyes as he spoke

"You don't know?"

Brax nodded his head in response

"In all the time we've been together you have never once looked at me the way you look at her" Ella held back the tears that threatened to fall

"Ella I..."

"No its ok, you can't help how you feel" she shook her head as she looked down at the ground

Brax walked round the bar and stood before her "I do care about you Ella, that hasn't changed"

"Yh... just not the way I want you to" she looked up at him and he looked at her with apologetic eyes, he knew this had to be done, Jack was right staying with her would only do more damage than it would good and hurting her was the last thing he wanted

"I'm sorry" Ella nodded at his apology

"I have to go" she gave him a barely noticeable smile as she turned away from him. He kept his gaze on her as he felt his guilt begin to eat at him, he watched as she turned back to face him

"I hope you can resolve whatever yesterday was about... but Brax ten years is a long time to be apart from someone... if you still love each other after all that time you shouldn't waste anymore time" smiling at him lightly she made her way down the stairs and out of sight

*End of Flashback*

Looking down at Charlie he was certain she was deep enough in sleep, he moved slowly from beside her and laid her on the bed. Pulling the covers over her he watched her for a moment, lingering over her he placed a soft kiss on her temple before finally leaving the room

Walking into the living room Ruby and Casey's heads jolted up from the TV screen

"How is she?" asked Ruby

"Sound asleep... hopefully she'll get a few hours" Brax sent her a smile

Ruby smiled at him thankfully "Thank you...sorry you had to leave the restaurant"

Brax chuckled lightly "You know you Buckton girls 'apologies way too much" Ruby smiled at him sheepishly

Brax looked over at Casey and smiled

"I have to go back to the restaurant quickly kinda left it up in the air before... but Case you stay I shouldn't be too long" Brax motioned towards the front door

"Brax I'm sure me and Charlie will be fine" Ruby looked at Casey then at Brax, as much as she wanted them to stay she didn't want to be a burden onto them

"I don't doubt that but I think Casey could do with company that isn't me... and plus if I'm here with you guys I don't have to be at work" Brax sent her a wink as she smiled at him. They both knew his response was an excuse but it was good enough

"And you behave yourself" Brax pointed at Casey playfully

"Always do" Casey flashed the Braxton grin as Brax walked out the front door

...

Jack had just returned from a call out for a fight that had taken place on the beach, he was thankful that his day had been so busy it helped keep his mind off the earlier events of that day. Entering the station he walked straight into his and Charlie's office. Slumping down in exhaustion he ran his hands over his face only then had he noticed the light bruise on his knuckles form where it had made contact with Grant's nose. He stared down at his knuckle as reality hit; the same Grant he had taken as a friend, the same person he had left around his little daughter that same person turned out to be someone he now despised. He lowered his head as he thought of how he had questioned Martha when they had gotten home the night before, how he had tried to defend Grant not knowing he was the fool that refused to see all the clues that were before him. He groaned in irritation at the knock on the door

"Come in" he looked up to see Watson standing at the foot of the door staring down at him with uncertain and apprehensive eyes

"What is it?" he asked frustrated by her silence he had yet to pick up on the look on her face

"Err- We've had a compliant come in... on the basis of assault" she looked at him unsure of how to deliver the news

"Right... and?" Jack wasn't sure why she was telling him this; surely she could deal with it herself

"The complaint was made by Mr Bledcoe"

Jack immediately sprung up from his seat; he couldn't believe what he was hearing

"The complaint is against you, and Mr Daryl and Heath Braxton"

Jack gawked at her in disbelief, never had his mind even crossed that Grant would do such a thing, now he realised what he had meant early when he said they wouldn't get away with it

"Jack he says he wants to press charges against all three of you" Watson spoke but had no idea what was going on, to her knowledge Grant was friends with all three men, but as he walked into the station a little under thirty minutes ago, the look in his eyes told her all he wanted was revenge.

"Where is he?" asked Jack, he walked out of his office to see Grant walking out of the interview room. As he spotted Jack he smirked at him

"Told you I wouldn't let you get away with it... I always stick to my word" Jack felt his stomach turn, how could he have been so wrong, this wasn't the person he thought he knew. The person stood before him was made with nothing but poison and wickedness

Grant gave him a quick salute before leaving the station with the same sickly smile still plastered proudly upon his face. Jacks head turned at the sound of his name

"Constable Holden" he was met by his boss "If you would come into my office please" Jack knew whatever was about to happen was far from good, looking back at the exit Grant had retracted into he turned and followed his boss into the office bracing himself for what was about to come

...

Charlie shuffled lightly against the bed as her eyes fluttered open; she looked to her side realising Brax was no longer with her. Rubbing her hand over her eyes she looked over at the time on her bedside table '8:15' she had been asleep for the best part of five hours and not one bad dream had appeared to her. Quickly shuffling out of her bed she made her way out of her room, a wave of guilt hit her as she thought about Ruby being by herself as she spent most of the day sleeping. Making her way towards Ruby's room she stopped and turned in the direction of the voices coming from the living room

"I'm not watching another one... can't handle anymore things blowing up for no reason" Complained Ruby as Casey took the DVD out of the player

"Sorry but you're over ruled" mocked Brax

Charlie stood for a few moments as she watched the three of them, she stared at Brax in awe; a smile crept up on her face as Brax nudged Ruby playfully

"Ever heard of ladies first" Ruby, Casey and Brax swung their heads back as Charlie stood behind them

Ruby stood up and went to give Charlie a hug, Charlie smiled down at her daughter as she folded her arms around her. Pulling away Ruby looked up at her

"You scared me"

"I'm sorry... it was just a silly dream" Charlie placed a kiss on her daughters temple before looking back over at Brax and Casey

"I thought you would have left by now" she addressed Brax

"Turns out there are all these amazing movies Ruby has never seen before and being the nice person that I am I figured I would introduce her to some" he gave Ruby a grin before looking back up at Charlie

Charlie laughed as she looked down at Ruby "It seems the only thing your 'amazing movies' have done is traumatise her"

"Na she's a beginner that's all, I'll have her trained in no time" Brax laughed as Ruby shook her head in disagreement before walking over to where Casey sat

"I don't think so" Brax laughed at her words before turning back to Charlie "Err... dinner is in the oven"

"You cooked?" asked Charlie

"No... Got some takeaway" replied Brax

"Right... thank you. Would you like some coffee?" asked Charlie hoping he wasn't yet ready to leave

"Yh... I'll come help" Brax stood up and followed her into the kitchen

"Thank you for staying with her" said Charlie after a while

"No problem she's a great kid" he smiled at her as he watched her move around the kitchen "How was the sleep?"

"Good... really needed it" she smiled over at him as she took out the container that was in the oven and placed on the kitchen counter. Pouring him his coffee she passed the cup over to him watching him as he took a sip, she couldn't believe after everything he was still there

"You didn't have to stay you know"

"I wanted to plus I don't think I could get Casey to leave even if I tried...and I didn't want to leave you after this afternoon" answered Brax honestly.

They both watched each other unsure of what to say next but fortunately Casey's complaints from the living room brought laughter to both Charlie and Brax

"Ryan Reynolds... you have got to be kidding"

Brax shook his head through his laughter as he looked up at Charlie "She is just like you"

"She just has really good taste... it's got nothing to do with me" laughed Charlie. Brax smiled over at her, seeing her laugh despite what had gone on the past twenty four hours only proved to him how strong she really was

Charlie looked at him as she noticed him studying her "What?"

"Nothing... it's just you look good when you laugh, I've missed it"

Charlie felt herself blush lightly "Yh so have I" Charlie smiled over at him, before registering the time on the wall; he had been there for the best part of the day; thinking back to Ella she figured he would probably have to get going soon

"I guess you guys will have to get going... I'm sure Ella as missed you today" at the moment she knew all she could afford was his friendship, all she could afford was anyone's friendship, she was all over the place and a relationship wasn't something she could even contemplate getting into but nevertheless this didn't stop the jealousy that she felt every time she thought about Brax with Ella, she had only ever known him to be hers and seeing him with someone else hurt more than she had expected. She quickly turned her head down staring into her food and hoping Brax hadn't witness the jealousy in her eyes

"Actually..." Before Brax could fully reply he was interrupted by Ruby who had a hold of Charlie's phone as it rang

"It's Bianca" handing Charlie her phone Ruby walked back into the living room

"Hy" Charlie instantly greeted her friend as she answered the phone

"Charlie they've taken him to the police station" said Bianca, Charlie frowned unsure of who she was referring to

"Taken who?" asked Charlie

"Heath... they just took him now"

"What?"

The tone in Charlie's voice alarmed Brax as he looked at her questionably

"Bianca why would they be taking Heath to the station... on what Basis?" asked Charlie. Brax quickly edged closer to Charlie and Casey and Ruby were soon stood at the foot of the door

"Brax what's going on?" asked Casey

Before anyone could speak there was a knock at the front door, Ruby quickly rushed to answer it

"They wouldn't say... and I can't go with him because of the kids, Heath said Brax was with you could you please get him to go down there" before Charlie could reply Ruby had walked back into the kitchen, She looked at Brax confused

"Brax it's for you... it's the police" Brax and Charlie's head jolted up before all four of them quickly made their way to the front door

"Is this about my brother?" assumed Brax

Watson shook her head "No but I am afraid you will have to come down to the station with us Mr Braxton" A panicked look overcame both Casey and Ruby as Charlie and Brax looked on confused

"What for?" Charlie quickly interrupted

"We will address that once we reach the station" said Watson as she tried to remain professional

"So you're not gonna tell me why you're dragging me down to the cop shop" asked Brax in disbelief

"Like I said Mr Braxton you will know once we get there"

"Fine" Brax turned back to Charlie only to be met by her watered eyes

"Hy could Case stay here?"

Of course" Charlie's reply came instantly and the worry in her face was evident for him to see

"I'm sure it's nothing" he gave her a hand a quick squeeze before turning back to look at Casey who looked equally as worried

"I won't be long ok" he ruffled the teenage boy's hair lightly and gave Ruby a light smile before following the officers out to the car

Charlie edged out of the door as she called after Watson

"Georgina what's going on?" asked Charlie

"Charlie I can't..."

"Georgina please just tell me" Charlie looked at her with pleading eyes

Sighing lightly Watson looked back at the other officer who stood beside the cop car before turning back to Charlie, she had no idea how Charlie knew Brax but she could tell she was upset

"There's been a complaint against him and his brother... and Jack"

"What complaint... what did they do?"

"Grant Bledcoe as accused them of assault... Charlie I really have to go" Watson gave her a sympathetic smile before walking over to the car.

Charlie stood watching as they drove off with Brax; she couldn't believe what she had heard, he had brought her so much sorrow and now he was trying to hurt the people around her. She suddenly heard a muffled voice and looking down into her hand she remembered she had been talking to Bianca before Watson arrived

"Charlie... Charlie" she quickly brought the phone back up to her ear

"Bianca he-Grant he..."

"I know I heard"

"Bianca I'm gonna call you back I have to get down there"

"Charlie no you stay... I'll get Miles"

"No I'm going... he can't do this he can't get away with this"

Before Bianca could reply Charlie had dropped the phone and rushed back into the house to grad her car keys.

"Charlie what's going on...where are you going?" asked Ruby as her and Casey stood watching as she picked up her car keys and made her way back towards the door

"I have to go to the station ok... I need you guys to stay here and make sure all the doors and windows remain locked"

Ruby and Casey nodded as they watched her close the door behind her. Ruby looked up at Casey

"They'll be fine... I know they will"

...

Shutting the door behind her Charlie raced towards her car eager to get down to the station, turning on the ignition she sped down the road failing to notice the car that lurked not far from her house

*Runs and hide* So 'LIKE' may have been a strong word

[RoRo90]

Thank you for the comments I'm actually a little nervous about this chapter so please be honest in telling me what you think of it. (ignore the several comments after this chapter with just the smiley face... my laptop is messing up and I ended up posting this Chapter about five times all of which were incomplete)

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

Shutting the door behind her Charlie raced towards her car eager to get down to the station, turning on the ignition she speed down the road failing to notice the car that lurked not far from her house.

...

Grant sat and watched as Brax was ushered towards the cop car, he smiled to himself as Watson soon got into the car and drove off. He waited a little longer but gritted his teeth when Charlie came out of the house and her car followed the direction the cops had just taken Brax. He hit hid palm against the steering wheel harshly as his anger got the better of him. Taking a minute he looked back at the house and his signature sickly grin made its way back upon his face as he thought back to what Heath had said earlier that day

"If I see you anywhere near anyone of them or Ruby I swear you will regret it" Grant had completely dismissed the last part of Heaths sentence till that moment, he hadn't known who the girl was when he arrived the previous day but having followed Brax when he was dropping them off he didn't take him long to put two and two together as Charlie and Ruby went into the house. Thinking back to her face, he could see the ways in which she resembled him but never had he thought Charlie had kept the baby. Sitting for a while longer he pondered on what to do, his target had been Charlie but if she wasn't there he would simply take the next best thing... her daughter. He sat for almost twenty minutes trying to figure out what it was he was actually going to do

Carefully stepping out of the car he scanned his surroundings making sure no one was about before walking over to the house. Looking for a way to get in without knocking on the door he cursed under his breath as he realised all possible entrances had been locked. Desperate to follow up on his plans he walked to the front door hoping Ruby would open up before she realised who it was

*Knock Knock*

...

Racing into the station Charlie stopped as she looked on at Jack and Heath who were sat outside the interview room. At the sound of her rushed footsteps both Jack and Heath looked up to see Charlie gawking at them

"Are you guys ok?" she walked over to the two of them trying to catch her breath as they stood up

Jack and Heath looked at each other unsure if they should tell her the reason they had all been called for questioning, noticing the quick glances they passed to one another, Charlie spoke quietly

"Watson told me... I'm so sorry this is my entire fault"

Heath shook his head "No its not... this is all Grant and he's not going to get away with it"

"Where's Brax?" she asked

Jack nodded towards the interview room

Looking back at the interview room she saw as Watson walked out before closing the door behind her, she turned back to Jack and Heath

"What did they say to the both of you?" She looked at them expectantly

Jack sighed before replying "he wants to press charges" Charlie looked at him wide eyed

"He can't do that... you were only protecting me"

"But they don't know that" said Heath.

Nor him or Jack had mentioned anything about Charlie during their interviews and they were sure Brax wasn't going to give them much either

"This can't be happening... what about your job?" Charlie looked at Jack

"I've been put on desk work until all this is sorted" Charlie looked at him with remorseful eyes

"I didn't mean for any of you to get caught up in my mess..."

"Charlie you didn't cause any of this" Jack tried to reassure her

But it's your word against his right?... he hasn't got any prove" Charlie kept her voice as low as possible not wanting the other officers to overhear their conversation

"Not according to these" Heath outstretched his hands exposing the cuts and light bruising on his knuckle

Charlie ran her hand through her hair "I can't believe this is happening"

Sighing in frustration Charlie turned around and rapidly walked over to Watson but stopped as Brax walked out of the interview room, she changed her course of direction and walked straight over to him

"Charlie what are you doing here?" asked Brax

"I couldn't stay at home" she walked closer to him "I can't believe he is doing this"

"Charlie he's not going to win this" Brax looked down at her

"What did they say was going to happen now?" asked Charlie

"They just said not to make any plans to go away" Brax gently rubbed her arm "Its gonna be ok" Charlie nodded as Brax looked over at Heath

"I'm gonna go back with Charlie, Casey is still over there" Heath nodded

"I best call Bianca" as Heath pulled his phone out of his pocket he looked over at Brax as he questioned Jack

"Mate what's wrong" Brax studied the puzzled look on Jacks face as he looked up at all three of them

"Something's not right" said Jack

"What do you mean?" asked Charlie

"You were at Charlie's when Watson and Jones turned up?" Brax nodded in confirmation to Jack's Statement

"How did they know you were at Charlie's?" it seemed like Jack was talking to himself trying to figure something out

"I figured Heath told them" answered Brax as he looked at Jack confused

Heath looked at Brax with denying eyes "I didn't tell them where you were, they never asked"

"When Grant left I heard them asking Jones to go find Heath and Watson to go over to Charlie's... how did they know you were at Charlie's?"

All their heads turned simultaneously towards Watson

"Who told you where Brax was?" asked a panicked Charlie

Watson looked at all four eyes that laid on her unsure of why this was such an important detail

"Mr Bledcoe said he had seen Brax going into your house on his way to the station" she watched as all the faces before her turned crimson

Charlie stumbled back as she remembered running out of her house, she could see herself running towards the door and although she had paid it no attention her eye had caught a quick glimpse of the unfamiliar car parked not too far from her front house

"Ruby" Charlie turned on her heels as she darted out of the station with Brax and Heath right behind her

Jumping into the car with Heath and Charlie Brax dug his phone out of his pocket, looking down at the screen he cursed out loud

"S**t" he had missed three calls from Casey. Quickly dialling Casey's number Brax groaned in fear as it rang out until it had gone to voice mail, he kept trying hoping to soon get through to his brother

Pulling his phone out of his pocket Jack quickly dialled Miles number knowing he would be able to get to Charlie's quicker than the rest of them

"Mate get to Charlie's place now as quick as you can"

"Why... what's going on?"

"It's Grant...just get Leah to take you there... you have to be quick" Jack dropped the phone as he ran into his office and picked up his keys

"Jack what the hell's going on?"

"HE'S AT HER HOUSE" he shouted before speeding out the front door with Watson hot on his trail as the other officers watched on in confusion

Jumping in besides Jack Watson pulled on her seat belt as he pressed hard against the gas pedal, she had no idea what was going on but by the looks on their faces she knew it was going to be a rough end to the day

...

Standing he watched as the door swung open

"Hello Ruby" even Grant had noticed the slyness laced in his own voice

"Grant" the fear in her voice came at a tremble

Edging forward immediately he wasn't surprised when the door went to shut in his face, quickly pushing his foot through he was taken aback as she called another's name

"Ruby wait I just want to talk" Grant pushed his weight against the door as he tried to convince Ruby

"CASEY" she struggled to fight against Grants strength, instantly running out of the kitchen Casey's eyes widened as he saw Grant pushing the door against a shaken Ruby, picking up pace he now stood beside her and immediately kicked at Grants foot that was in the door, as soon as his foot retracted he pushed hard against the door slamming it against Grant's body. Ruby slumped to the floor as she kept her weight against the door, he tears were making their way down her face as Grant began banging against the door

Casey pulled Ruby into him but kept his weight against the door

"It's ok... he can't get in here" Casey dug into his pocket trying to stop his trembling hands as he frantically tried to find his phone. Immediately dialling Brax's number he hoped his brother would have been done at the station but he phone just kept ringing.

"Ruby" called Grant he was beginning to get impatient "I just want to talk to you kid... just hear me out"

"JUST GO AWAY...I DONT WANT TO TALK TO YOU" Shouted Ruby as she stayed close to Casey

Casey pulled Ruby closer into him

"You best leave, Brax and Charlie will be here any minute" lied Casey as he desperately tried to get rid of Grant

Grant suddenly banged aggressively against the door

"What is it with you Braxton's" there was no doubt that he was angry

Casey dialled Brax's number two more times but he still didn't pick up, knowing Heath was also at the station he decided to dial Bianca's number

"Bianca he's here" Casey leaned his weight against the door as Grant had now started hitting his whole body against it

Immediately acknowledging the noise that was coming from the other side of the phone Bianca stood up in her living room frantically

"Casey what's going on... who's there?"

"Grant... he's at Charlie's he's trying to get in Bianca" Casey jolted forward as another thud hit hard against the front door

"Casey Casey are you ok?

"I don't know how much longer I can keep him out for"

"Ok Casey you and Ruby stay where you are ok... I'm gonna get help"

Bianca quickly dialled the police station letting them know what was going on, before trying to get hold of Heath

"Bianca"

"Oh thank God... Heath Grants at the house" Heath looked at Brax

"Is he in the house?" at his question Brax head jolted in his direction and Charlie let out a little whimper

"Not yet... Heath you guys have to get back there fast. Casey can't hold him off for long"

"We're on our way" Heath put the phone down knowing he would have to tell Brax and Charlie what Bianca had just told him

"He's at the house... I think he's trying to force his way in" not thinking it was possible Charlie pressed harder against the gas pedal, Brax clenched his fist together as he felt himself lose control of his building anger

...

Ruby and Casey looked up at one another as Grants consistent attempt to get through the door came to a halt. Unsure if he had given up the sat firmly against the door.

After a few more moments of silence Ruby and Casey looked at one another

"I think he's gone" said Ruby

An unexpected loud thud from the kitchen caused Ruby to scream, as it continued Casey instantly jumped to his feet as he realised Grant was now trying to get in through the back door. Reaching the kitchen Casey backed away as Grant stood at the foot of the door which now hung loosely off the hinges. Running back into the living room Casey quickly picked Ruby up as he flung the front door open, but before either he or Ruby could escape Grant had grabbed him by the shirt pulling him back against the floor and slamming the door shut. Casey's grip on Ruby hadn't cease,d he clung onto her as he tried to back away from Grant

"Braxton's always trying to be the heroes" he snarled down at Casey before looking down at Ruby's trembling body. He slowly bent down to their level before attempting to touch Ruby but Casey flung his hand away as she too moved closer to Casey

"Don't touch me" she growled at him

"Why do you have to go make trying to make me angry, all I wanted to do was have a nice civilised conversation, you know a father daughter conversation" he smiled slyly at her

"I'm not your daughter" Ruby shook her head vigorously

"Ouch that hurts" he mocked her before his head suddenly jolted up at the knocking on the door

" Charlie, Ruby" Grant instantly recognised the voice as Miles

"Leah I don't think their home" said Miles

"Miles help" Casey quickly shouted out

"Leah..." Ruby called out her name

"Ruby..." Leah called out frantically as she heard her voice

"Shut up" Grant growled loudly as he pulled both Casey and Ruby to their feet "if you say one more word you will regret it"

"Ruby... Ruby" Leah and Miles banged against the door

It suddenly became clear to both Leah and Miles what Jack had meant "Grant if you lay a hand on either one of them..."

Grant let out a merciless laugh "You'll do what Copeland?" hearing the fading footsteps Grant quickly pulled Casey and Ruby along with him as he made his way into the kitchen. Shoving them into the corner before he picking up a stair and stuck it under the handle just before Miles reached the door

"Not as smart as you think" Grant gave him a quick wink

Miles banged against the window on the door

"Grant let them go" ignoring him Grant turned to Casey and Ruby "You" he pointed at Casey "help me move this " he pointed towards the table but Casey refused to budge

"It's either you help or your precious Ruby will pay for your mistake" Casey immediately edged forward releasing Ruby from his grip. Picking up one side of the table he and Grant pushed it against the door as a barrier

"See that wasn't too hard was it" the smile on his face soon disappeared at the added voices that came from outside the house

"RUBY" he heard Charlie shout out Ruby's name but as Ruby opened her mouth to respond he shot her a deadly look

"Speak and you will regret it" Grabbing hold of Casey who gripped firmly onto Ruby he pulled them both back into the living room. Pushing them both to the ground he stunned them as he pulled out a gun from inside his coat pocket

Casey and Ruby's eyes widened as the gun came into view

"Get up" he pointed at Ruby

"No" Casey latched onto her "No" he repeated

Grant sighed in frustration "Either she comes here or I shot her right now"

Ruby turned to Casey "it's ok" she pulled out of his grip and stood to her feet slowly making her way over to Grant

"That's a good girl, now open up the curtains and the top window" Looking up at him Ruby did as she was told and pulled the curtains apart. Standing outside the window was Charlie and Leah

"Ruby" Charlie instantly screamed her name as her daughter came into view, but she felt her legs leave her as Grant suddenly pulled her away from the window and closer to him. She felt the beating of her heart stop as she watched him raise the gun in his hand

"NO" Charlie flung forward as Heath, Brax and Miles came running from all sides of the house. They had been trying to find a way to get in but as Charlie screamed they all darted back to the front of the house

Brax felt the air leave his lungs at the sight before him, he watched as Grant slid the tip of the gun against Ruby's temple

"NO PLEASE DONT PLEASE" Charlie stood begging as she tried to squirm out of Leah hands, finally succeeding she plunged forward only to be stopped by Brax who held onto her firmly

"He has my baby... I have to stop him" she fought to escape his grip but he was too strong for her, she broke down in his arms "He's got my baby" Brax felt his own tear fall from his face, he looked at Ruby as her own tears cascaded down her face, the fear on her face was heartbreaking, he noticed Casey looking on panicked as he sat in view of Grant. He then settled his gaze on Grant looking him dead on

"Not so tough now are you Braxton" Grants grin widened as he spoke

"If you so much as hurt her... either of them... I promise you I will make you wish you were dead" His words seemed to have no effect on Grant who stood with a smug grin plastered on his face.

Jack and Watson flew out of the car racing to the scene before them, both of them stopped in their tracks as Grant came into view

"Oh no" Jack darted towards Brax and Charlie and Watson quickly pulled out her radio asking for backup

Spotting Jack Grants smirk widened the more, this isn't how he had imagined the day would end. Deciding to fast track his game he stepped closer to the open window

"Give me Charlie and I will let them both go" Subconsciously Brax's grip tightened fiercely around Charlie "I promise I won't hurt her, I just want to talk" his bitter grin had yet to leave his face

"No no way" Brax shook his head

"Grant you're backed into a corner... just let them go" Jack tried to get through to him but it seemed Grant was paying no attention

"Give me Charlie or I swear I will pull the trigger and then I'll move onto Casey"

"Grant..." Jack tried to calm him down but it seemed he had run out of patients

"I said give me Charlie" he pushed the gun closer to Ruby's face who whimpered as the gun pressed firmly against her temple

"OK" Brax looked down at Charlie as she spoke, he shook his head vexation

"I'll come... just don't hurt them"

"Charlie you can't go in there, there's no guarantee he's gonna let them go" pleaded Leah

"Jack I have no choice" Charlie tried to release herself from Brax but found his grip on her only tightened the more she resisted. Looking up at him she was met by his pleading eyes; she knew what he was asking of her but she had no choice

"Please Brax I have to" with one final struggle she escaped his grasp and quickly made her way towards the door

"Casey unlock it...Only Charlie" Grant warned as he saw Brax and Heath edging towards the door

Watson ran up to Jack "What the hell is she doing?" she peered into the living room to see Charlie was now making her way over to Grant.

"Lock it NOW" Grant watched as Casey reluctantly turned to locks on the door before ushering him back to the spot he had been sat in before

Seeing that she was now close enough Grant swung Ruby toward Casey as he grabbed hold of Charlie positioning her where Ruby had been

"Mum" Ruby and Casey looked on in horror

Charlie felt her body tremble at his touch, she whimpered as he brought the gun up to her face

"You said you would let them go" Charlie's voice shook with fear

"And I never break a promise... but if anyone tries to get in I swear it will be the end of you" he turned to the watching eyes, he had no use for neither Ruby or Casey, he now had the person he had come for

"No I'm not leaving you" cried Ruby

"Baby please just go... please"

"NO I'm not going anywhere"

"RUBY GO...Case get her out of here" Standing to his feet Casey latched onto Ruby but had yet to advance towards the door

"CASEY GO" shouted Charlie, Casey could see the desperation in her eyes. He quickly pulled a screaming Ruby along

"No" Ruby cried as Casey pulled her through the front door "We can't leave her there... please"

Grant kept his eyes firmly on those outside making sure no one tried to make their way into the house. Hearing the door shut he smirked as he lowered Charlie onto the couch backing the window before shutting the open window and shutting the curtains

"Charlie" Brax leapt forward frantically banging against the window

"How about you and I catch up" without taking his eyes off her he pulled a chair towards her and sat before her "So where should we start" Charlie could feel her chest raising dangerously but she kept replying Brax's words in her mind as she tried to steady herself "You are Charlie... you are stronger than anyone I have ever known" she had to be strong she couldn't let him win.

...

"Please do something" Ruby pleaded as she looked up at Jack and Watson, they all turned the heads as police sirens wailed into the air. Jack and Watson quickly made their way over to fill them in on what had happened

Watching Brax pacing over to her and Casey, Ruby struggled to her feet as she throw herself into his arms, he wrapped his arms tightly around her before placing his hands on Casey shoulder and pulling him closer. Heath wasn't far behind he now stood beside them as he placed his hand on Casey's free shoulder

"Why are you guys just standing there?" Heath turned as he barked at the cops as they surrounded the front of the house and tried to usher them further away fro the scene, but had yet to make an efficient effort to get Charlie out of the house

"Mr Braxton we have to be careful... he is armed her life is on the line"

Jack walked over to the guys

"I'm going to have to tell them about Charlie and Ruby... they need all the information in order to deal with this properly" Jack looked on awaiting their response

"Just get her out of there" dried Ruby

"I don't care what you have to do... get her out"spoke Brax, Jack nodded before moving over to his boss and explaining Charlie's past with Grant

Brax, Heath, Casey and Ruby turned to the window praying that Grant had not harmed Charlie as both Miles and Leah stood in each others embrace praying the same prayer

...

"Looks like your friends are here" Grant spoke referring to the police sirens he could hear

"What do you want?" Charlie tried to hide the fear in her voice

"You look just as amazing as you did all those years ago" he lifted his hand to stroke her face but she instantly edged back into the couch

"W-what do you want" she repeated again

Grant smirked over at her "Just for you to tell them you were lying... well that's what I wanted"

"Wanted?" asked Charlie the look in his eyes as he peered at her made her blood go cold, she felt her body stiffen as he stood up from his seat and sat next to her and his hot breathe hit against her neck

"I have a feeling I'm gonna have a hard time getting out of this one... if I'm gonna go down why not go down with a BANG" Charlie jumped as Grant bellowed the last if his words

...

Everyone had by now been moved further away from the house as the police surrounded the place "What is going on, why aren't they doing anything?" Brax Barked at Jack and Watson

"Brax we're trying to find a way to get into the house without alerting Grant... I promise we will get her out of there" Jack quickly walked over to the officers to see if they had found a way in yet

"Heath" Brax called to his brother

"Just stay here with them ok" he placed Ruby into Heaths arms

"Brax what are you doing?" Heath, Casey and Ruby looked up at him desperately

"I need to get her out of there"

"Brax he has a gun" exclaimed Heath

"Yh and he has Charlie... look just stay here"

"Brax please be careful" Ruby looked up at him

"Always am" trying not to alert the cops Brax quickly made his way around the house. Stopping at Charlie's window he tried to get it opened but to no avail, moving round he peered into Ruby's room. Bending down he tried to jolt the window open, he was about to give in when it jolted up slightly. He immediately put all his strength into it as he pushed it up. Sighing in relief he climbed into her room making sure he made no sudden noises.

...

Walking back over to Heath, Ruby and Casey, Jack scanned their surroundings he had a feeling he didn't want to know the answer to the question he was about to ask

"Where's Brax?... Heath" he looked up at his friend and immediately knew where he had gone by the look on his face

"We couldn't stop him" said Heath knowing too well that Jack knew where he had disappeared to

"Which way?" Neither of the three answered him

"Guys he is about to walk in on Grant who is armed and has Charlie hostage... Brax can't do this on his own"

"He went round that way" Ruby replied him instantly as she thought of what could happen to both Charlie and Brax. Jack quickly nodded before racing back up to the house. Ruby and Casey watched as Jack, Watson and another officer followed Brax's tracks.

...

Charlie edged away from him again but this time he roughly latched onto her hand enabling her from moving any further

"You're hurting my feelings Charlie... I'm just trying to be nice and give you what you've always wanted"

"All I want is for you to disappear"

"Ouch...you and that daughter of yours really know how to bruise a man's ego or should I say our daughter"

Charlie looked at him in disgust "She is not your daughter" she spat her words at him

He smiled over at her "How about we have a little fun" he slid his hand against her face

Charlie let out a cry "Please I'm begging you... please don't" She tried to move away from him but this only caused him to tighten his grip

"Don't you want to relive that night as much as I do?" Charlie was jolted back unexpectedly as Grant aggressively pushed her down against the couch as he floated above her

Unsure of where her strength came from Charlie brought her leg up forcefully kneeing him in the groan. As he doubled over in pain she pounced out of his grasp as she tried to make her way to the back door, but as he latched onto her leg she feel flat against the floor. She kicked and screamed but he had a firm grip on her

"Your gonna pay for that" he growled at her as he pulled her against the carpet

...

Brax immediately speed towards the door as her heard her screaming, he froze as he heard Grants voice

"You're gonna pay for that" he wanted to rush in there and beat the life out of Grant but he knew if he went about this wrong it could cost him Charlie. He slowly edged out of the room till he came to the end of the hallway. Slowly peering round the wall and into the living room, his stomach dropped as Grant towered over Charlie

"NO" cried Charlie as Grant started unbuckling his belt, he had her pressed against the ground stopping her from running

Unable to control the enmity and rage that had built up in him Brax flung forward at Grant

"I'm gonna kill you" he pushed Grant against the ground, Charlie quickly shuffled from the floor as she backed away

"Charlie go" Brax shouted over at her as he and Grant fought it out, she looked on desperately at Brax and Grant until her eyes feel upon the gun that had by now flown out of Grants hand. Scrambling against the floor she made a dart for it but was too last as Grant pushed away from Brax and grabbed the gun. Brax stood making a dash for him but stopped as he noticed the object in his hand

Grant smirked at Brax as he wiped the flood from his face with his free hand, Brax refused to retract from the spot in which he stood

"Brax" Charlie called out as she looked on with panicked eyes

"Isn't this sweet" Brax shuddered at the sound of Grants laughter, he couldn't believe the person who stood before him was considered a friend of his, he edged forward but Grant shook his head as he pointed the gun at Charlie

"Come any closer I will kill her and make you watch" Brax stood still

"You can't get away with this" said Brax

"Then I guess we all go down together... who wants to go first" Brax retracted toward Charlie and stood in front of her

"How nice of you to volunteer" Shifting the direction of the gun slightly he pointed it at Brax

"Grant no" Charlie tried to move in front of Brax but he refused to let her past him

"Brax please no" cried Charlie

"Just let Charlie go... don't you think you've hurt her enough already she doesn't deserve any of this"

Grant shook his head "She deserved everything she got... if she hadn't been so stubborn I wouldn't have had to rape her"

Charlie's tears hit harshly against the ground beneath her, it was the first time she had ever heard him admit to what he had done to her

Brax's teeth clenched together at his words but before he could act a voice came from behind them

"Grant put the gun down" caught off guard Grant turned to see Jack, Watson and another officer stood at the foot of the living room

Watching as Grant lost focus for a moment Brax took the opportunity, he swung forward knocking the gun out of Grants hand as he tackled him to the ground. Without delay Brax secured the gun in his hand; standing up abruptly he pointed it towards Grant who had realised the tables had now turned on him

Jack Promptly pulled Charlie towards himself and Watson "Brax we've got it from here" Brax shook his head aggressively as he kept the gun aimed in Grant's direction

Grant looked on in fear realising what Brax wanted to do, he now bared no smirk nor grin. Nothing remained in his expression but fear

Thoughts I wanted to end this chapter showing just how weak and pathetic Grant really was... I hope that came across ok.

[RoRo90]

Hy guys once again thanks for the comments. Enjoy

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

Jack promptly pulled Charlie towards himself and Watson "Brax we got it from here" Brax shook his head as he kept the gun aimed in Grants direction

...

"He doesn't deserve to live" Brax clutched onto the gun with fierce bitterness and despise, he saw a look he had yet to see in Grants eyes, he saw fear as Grant looked up at the gun

"Brax" Jack called out to him "Don't do this..."

"Why... why shouldn't I... he deserves what he gets. Why should I let an animal like him live?"

"Because you promised I would never lose you" Charlie walked towards him, but Brax shock his head venomously

"I promised I would never let him hurt you again" his clutch on the gun tightened

"And you kept that promise" Charlie edged closer to him "But you can't break your other promise... I couldn't cope if you did" Placing her hand on his arm she lowered his hand as Watson raced towards Grant roughly putting him in handcuffs and Jack took the gun from Brax's hand before looking down at Charlie

"Thank you" he mouthed to her. He knew if it wasn't for Charlie both Brax and Grants ending would have ended differently that day. Looking up at Brax Charlie wiped the lone tear that had made its way down his face

"You scared me" she looked up at him before pushing herself into his embrace. They gripped onto each other with immensity as Watson and the other officer lead Grant out the front door

"Sorry" he replied still not letting go of her

Heath, Casey and Ruby came bursting through the doors

"Mum" Charlie pulled away from Brax as Ruby ran towards her engulfing her in her arms "I'm so glad you're ok" Charlie held onto her tightly at the thought of nearly having lost her that day

"I love you so much" Charlie cried into her daughter's hair

"Never been so relieved to see your ugly mug" said Heath as he hugged Brax, Brax looked up at Casey who immediately gave him a hug as soon as Heath had let go

"Really glad you're ok" Brax smiled down at his brother "Not going anywhere kid" he ruffled the young buys hair lightly

"Case" Casey turned at the sound of his name only to find Charlie making her way over to him and pulling him into a hug

"Thank you... for being there for Ruby" she smiled at him

Casey smiled into her arms "And you too" she gave Heaths hand a squeeze

"Its what we do...You're family" Charlie smiled at Heath's words

...

By now the whole station had been filled in about Grant and what he had done to Charlie and the events that had taken place that day. They all walked past the four of them looking down at them sympathetically as they all sat against the wall. Jake stood besides Watson watching the four of them, they looked so tired and worn out; he only hoped they after all this was over they could help pick themselves up. He smiled as he looked down at Brax's hand that wrapped tightly around Charlie's

They had been sitting at the station for what felt like forever; Brax, Charlie, Ruby and Casey were asked down to the station to give their statements. Charlie sat staring into the room that she knew Grant was now in, she wondered what he was saying, what lies he was telling and how he was going to try and get himself out of this one. Ruby had her head lay against Charlie's shoulders; looking down at her briefly Charlie's mind flashed back to Grant as he held the gun against her daughter's temple. Fear did nothing to describe how she had felt in that moment, watching as he handled Ruby carelessly she felt her world stand still as her imagination got the best of her. She sat wondering what she would have done if he had pulled the trigger, she felt her stomach cramp and her eyes glaze over before quickly shaking away the thought. It wasn't bare thinking about.

Ruby Glared at the door of the interview room, her biological father was only but a few steps away and that thought made her sick. She had many a times wondered what he was like, she had never confessed this to Charlie but she hoped she would one day meet him if only to ask him why? How could he have caused her mother such pain but it seemed when her wish came true it was too much for her to bear. She remembered the way he had looked at her with emptiness and bitterness back at the house, then as he nonchalantly ran the coldness of the gun against her temple. How could he be her father? How could such a person be a part of her? She quickly wiped the lone tear that escaped before the others noticed.

Brax sat beside Charlie but his thoughts where on stand still, all he could see was Grant stood before him as he pointed the gun at him. He recalled the want in his vein to pull the trigger and put an end to Grant. He felt no remorse for his actions, seeing the desperation in Grants eyes as the gun pointed in his direction only made his hatred for him grow. He wanted to destroy the lives of the people around him but when his life was on the line he no longer smiled that grim revolting grin, he looked at him with pleading eyes like the coward he was. Nevertheless Brax was grateful for Charlie's presence, in his mind the lines had been blurred and killing Grant seemed right, in that moment it seemed like justice. But then there was the promise he had made to her and after everything she had been through he refused to disappoint her

All their heads jolted up as the interview room door swung open, Charlie watched as Grant retracted from the room in handcuffs, as two officers held on to each of his arms firmly. For the first time she looked him dead in the eye, but it wasn't there; the panic attack the want to run she couldn't feel it. Instead she was overcome with anger and venom towards him. She stood to her feet as so did the rest, she watched as his emotionless face slowly changed as his lips curled up almost unnoticeable as he stared dead at her, she felt Brax slid his hand back into hers giving it a light squeeze, she returned the gesture before letting go and slowly moving towards Grant.

No one stopped her as they watched her edge closer towards him, she stopped dead in front of him waiting for her fear to consume her but it was no longer there, the fear it had gone. Not taking notice of where she was she brought her hand up swinging it back before slamming it against his cheek, although all had witnessed it the strength of the slap had caused a few to jump. Grant tried to move forward but the officers gripped tighter enabling him from doing so. Even as he tried to release himself from their grip Charlie had not flinched, she could see the anger rise dramatically upon his face; for once he wasn't in control

"Did you see that... you saw that right?" he growled "That's assault... I want her arrested" Grant looked around but was met with blank faces. The station fell silent as the officers passed one another a glare

"Mr Bledcoe we have no idea what you're talking about" said Watson

Grant soon realised what was going on

"This is unfair..." before Grant could finish Charlie had raised her hand and another slap landed on his opposite cheek

"Unfair..." she looked at him in disgust "What's unfair is having your innocence ripped away from you, unfair is living in fear all your life, running from something you can never escape... you deserve everything you get" stepping closer to him she spoke with pure venom and bitterness "Count yourself lucky that I still have my daughter because otherwise I would have shot you myself...I hope you rot in jail" stepping away from him, she looked at the two officers letting them know she was done

"How about we take you to a nice cosy cell... some of the boys in there have been looking for new meat" they smirked down at him as they dragged him out of the station

...

The car ride back to the house was quite, the evenings events had taken its toll on all four of them. Brax looked through the rear view mirror to see Ruby was now dozing off with her head rested against Casey's shoulder. Stopping outside the house he turned to Charlie

"Do you want me to come with you?" the corner of his lips curled up as she nodded her head

"Please" she smiled back at him before getting out of the car

"Be back in a sec Case" Brax got out of the car and followed behind Charlie. Bianca had insisted that both she and Ruby stayed at their place for a couple of days. Although Charlie had initially declined the offer both Heath and Brax had managed to persuade her but she insisted on getting a few things for both her and Ruby from the house. She slowed her walk as she neared the door, she still couldn't believe the events that had taken place that day

"Do you want to wait outside while I go in?" asked Brax as he noticed her hesitant footsteps

"Err... no I'm fine" taking a deep breath Charlie pushed the key into the door before pushing it open. She stood for a few seconds before gradually making her way into the house. Brax stood behind choosing not to speak; he could see she was trying to take it all in. Pushing her wasn't something he wanted to do

She stood staring at the spot he had held Ruby in before looking down at the floor where she had been trapped in Grant's grasp. She shook her head before slowly walking into the kitchen. Brax stood looking down at the floor where he had seen Grant lingering over Charlie, the churning in his stomach returned as he remembered the sound of her screams and plea. Feeling that familiar anger build up he quickly removed his gaze and followed Charlie's direction; looking at her as she stood aimlessly he followed her gaze until it fell upon the door that Grant had broken in from. All the objects that he had used to obstruct it had now been moved and the door hung loosely against the frame.

Charlie quickly wiped away her tear as she noticed Brax was now stood gazing in her direction. She glared at the door imagining how scared Ruby and Casey must have been

"It feels wired" she spoke but her gaze remained on the loosely hung door

Brax didn't speak but knew she would continue

"Not having that fear with me, knowing he is going to pay for what he did... it feels surreal" Brax stood listening

"It's really over...he was right" Charlie smiled to herself

Now looking confused Brax finally spoke

"Who was right?"

"Dad... he knew coming back here was the right thing to do, he made me promise to come back"

Brax smiled at her

"Ross was always very wise"

Charlie turned to look at him "Yh he was. I should probably go get our things"

Brax nodded at her "I'll be waiting" she smiled at him as she made her way into her room

...

Returning a short while later Charlie walked into the living room with two small bags

"Ready?" asked Brax as he looked up at her

"Yea" she replied

Walking over Brax motioned to take the bags out of her hands

"Brax they're not heavy I'm fine"

"I never said they were" taking the bags from her he motioned towards the door but stopped as she spoke

"Thank you" turning around he raised one of his eyebrows questionably

"For keeping your promise... thank you" he instantly smiled at her words

"Yh well I think I was more scared of what you would have done to me if I didn't listen" he laughed lightly as Charlie laughed

"Well thank you all the same"

"Come on let's get you guys over there" Holding his hand out Brax smiled as Charlie placed her hand in his and followed him out of the house

...

Brax and Casey had left minutes ago and Heath and Bianca had retired to their room leaving Charlie and Ruby to settle into the guest room. Charlie watched as Ruby shuffled about, the blank expression on her face never fading, she peered on as her daughter crawled into the bed and lay on her side. Charlie could see that what had happened that evening had affected her heavily. Stripping down she pulled the oversized shirt over her head before she too crawled under the covers.

"You can talk to me you know" Ruby was facing away from her but Charlie knew too well she wasn't asleep. She sat waiting for a response but received nothing.

"Ruby" as she called her daughter's name she heard her sniff back a tear; edging closer to her without warning Charlie pulled her in close from behind holding her tightly in her arms. Within second Ruby turned so she was facing Charlie and buried her head in to her chest. Neither of the two spoke as Charlie held her close, never had she seen such fear and desperation in Ruby's eyes as she had when she refused to go with Casey and leave her with Grant. Ruby's tears had now died down and silence filled the room, Charlie stroked the top of her daughters head and placed a kiss on it

"You was really brave today you know" she kicked off the conversation "I'm proud of you... but it's ok to be upset or sad or angry, you never have to hide how you feel from me... ever" Charlie hoped she would get a response this time

"I thought I was going to lose you" Ruby chocked back her tears

"You couldn't get rid of me even if you tried" Charlie held back her tears

"Don't ever leave me" the desperation in Ruby's voice hadn't gone unnoticed.

Charlie pulled back so she could look her daughter in the eye "Hy... why would I ever do such a thing?"

"Because of him, what he did to you... I don't want you to hate me because he's my..." Charlie realised what was bothering Ruby and what she was trying to say. She sat up and intervened before Ruby could finish talking

"Don't you ever... not even for a second think that way; Ruby you are my daughter ok MY daughter, you're everything good about me" Charlie smiled down at her daughter before wiping the lingering tear on her cheek away

"I'm not going anywhere... you're stuck with me" Ruby smiled at her mum as she remembered what brax had said to her earlier that day

"Being stuck isn't always a bad thing" Ruby smiled as she repeated Brax's words from earlier that day

"Good... because you're defiantly stuck" Ruby and Charlie laughed lightly before Ruby lay her head back against her mother's chest

...

Charlie woke up to the smell that was evidently coming from the kitchen, brushing her hands over her eyes; she glanced to her side and wasn't surprised to find Ruby was already up and out of bed, she always had been a morning person. Rolling out of the bed she picked up her sweats and put them on. She smiled as she made her way towards the stairs as Ruby spoke

"I'm starving" Exclaimed Ruby

Looking up Bianca gave Charlie a warm smile

"Morning... you sleep ok?" Charlie smiled over at her before making her way over to the dining table and sitting next to Ruby

"Yh... and thank you for letting us stay over B it means a lot"

"Stop thanking me ok... plus I could do with the company" Bianca smiled at her

"Hy sweetie" Charlie placed a kiss on Ruby's temple

"Where's Abi?" asked Charlie she knew Heath would probably be working and Reece would be at preschool

"Asleep... stays up all night then sleeps during the day" groaned Bianca

"You know you love it" replied Charlie

"I can't lie... I do" smiled Bianca

Looking down at the food that was laid out on the table Charlie's eyes widened "Err... Bianca are you expecting visitors" Looking over at Charlie Bianca chuckled at her friends expression before laughing as Ruby spoke

Well I'm not complaining" Ruby replied cheekily as she picked up her plate and began serving herself

Charlie shook her head and looked at Bianca "I don't know where she gets it from" Bianca laughed more

"Really, says the person who once at a whole pizza to herself... and then ordered dessert" Bianca recalled one of the many events that had happened when her and the girls had gone down to visit Charlie in the city

"Oh I remember that" laughed Ruby "Wasn't a pretty site" Bianca and Ruby Burst out laughing

"Oi... I didn't eat all the pizza and I hadn't eaten all day... I was hungry, and plus me and Mike had just broken up" Charlie looked at them sheepishly

"Charlie the only thing you left was half a slice of pizza and only because it had dropped on the floor" Ruby and Bianca were still laughing as Martha walked in followed by Leah who was pushing Lily in her buggy

"I hope all that laughing is not at our expense" said Martha

"No it's at Charlie's expense" replied Bianca

"Oh well that's ok then" smiled Leah as she and Martha took a seat at the table

"Wow ok... so its pick on Charlie day" Charlie pulled a mock upset face

"No... Its make Charlie feel better day" Martha smiled over at her before giving her hand a light squeeze

"How you feeling... both of you?" Leah looked form Ruby to Charlie

"Honestly... Not as bad as I thought I would" smiled Charlie "I'm just glad it's all over"

"Good... You deserve to be happy" said Martha

"And you how you feeling?"

Ruby smiled over at Charlie as she remembered the conversation they had the night before

"I'm good too" smiled Ruby "But really really hungry" All four girls laughed as she picked up her fork and tucked into her breakfast

"Yep she's defiantly your's Charlie" Charlie and the girls laughed as Bianca dished out some breakfast for them. Looking around at her three friends Charlie smiled as she spoke

"You're all one of a kind"

"Well we're glad you feel that way because you have us to yourself for the whole day" said Bianca as all three girls returned Charlie's smile. At the sound of Charlie's growling stomach Ruby and Bianca giggled loudly

"And you say you don't know where she gets it from" laughed Bianca as Charlie smiled at them sheepishly

...

Only having half a day at school that day April had returned home and she and Ruby had retired to her room

"You sure you're ok?" asked April as she looked at Ruby unconvinced, the events of the previous night had already made its way through half the school

"Yes April" Ruby sighed as she looked at her "I just want things to go back to normal... and that includes the look you're giving me" said Ruby

"Sorry" replied April "I'll drop it"

"So...Did you see Casey today?" Ruby changed the subject to something that interested her more

"Err yeah"

"How was he... is he ok?" asked Ruby

"Yeah I think so... he seemed really concerned about you"

Ruby crinkled her eyebrows "What do you mean?"

"First thing he did when he saw me this morning was ask how you are" replied April with a cheeky grin that was instantly picked up by Ruby

"Why you grinning like that?" Ruby had seen that grin on her friends face many times

"No reason" replied April the grin still visible on her face

...

It had now just gone 1:00 and the girls were still chatting away in the living room

"I still can't believe we did that" said Leah as all the girls sat in the living room laughing

"Neither can I... I have never ran so fast in my life" spoke Charlie in between her laughter as she and the girls reminiscing about the many memories they had made together in the city

"Do you think he realised it was us" Asked Bianca as she tried to control her laughter. She still couldn't believe her and the girls had egged one of Charlie's brief boyfriends place after they had broken up

"I don't know" replied Charlie just in time for her phone to vibrate against the table. Composing herself she picked up the phone to be met with a message form a number she didn't recognise

*Hy Charlie its Shawn... was just wondering if you would like to go for that coffee, maybe tomorrow?* Staring down at the text Charlie pondered for a minute before realising who it was

"Who is it" Asked Martha as she leaned closer to Charlie

"Err... Shawn, he wants to go for that coffee tomorrow" said Charlie a little unsure if she should accept

Martha and the girls glanced at each other before turning back to Charlie "Well do you want to go?" asked Martha

"I don't know... its only coffee right?" Charlie asked a little unsure

"Right" replied Leah with the same unsure tone as Charlie

"As long as he knows that. You've been through a lot Charlie you don't need the added stress" added Bianca, not only had Charlie been through a lot lately but Bianca and the rest had picked up on how close Brax and Charlie had become since all the drama started. Bianca along with everyone else were secretly rooting for Charlie and Brax to get together

Charlie pondered on it for a while "I'm sure he really is just trying to make friends... and I don't want to hide away. Plus if it seem like he wants more I'll just put him straight" smiled Charlie as she replied to his text. Just as she sent her reply the front door opened

"Mum" Reece ran over to Bianca

"Hy... how was your day?" asked Bianca as she placed a kiss on his cheek

"It was good" Reece beamed up at her as VJ and Sophia ran into view instantly jumping on their mothers laps. All three kids had started at the same pre school

"Hy" both Martha and Leah smiled down at their kids before looking up at Heath as he placed the kid's bags on the table

"Thank you for picking them up Heath" smiled Leah

"No problem" he replied before walking over to Bianca and giving her a quick kiss "Hy... did you have a good day?" he asked

"Yh Ali's been a little angel" said Bianca as Heath peered into the Moses basket that his daughter lay in and placed a kiss on her temple. Looking up he gave Charlie a smile

"How you feeling today?" he asked a little unsure of the response he was going to get

"I'm good thank you" Charlie smiled back at him

Charlie looked over to Leah and Martha as they stood up

"We're gonna get going...get these ones home" said Martha as she help Sophia in her arms

Leah picked lily up and placed her into her buggy before holding onto Vj with her free hand

"Thank you guys for today... really means a lot" smiled Charlie

"Anytime" Martha gave her a wink and Leah smiled at her as they made their way out the house

"Bye guys" waved Bianca and Charlie

...

*Next day*

Charlie and Ruby sat in the living room with April, Heath and Bianca. Reece had had his bath and was now in bed and Bianca had taken Abigail upstairs and brought the baby monitor into the living room

"I can't believe I'm watching this" groaned Heath. Bianca, April, Ruby and Charlie had managed to out vote him in the bid of what to watch. All three girls smirked at his words but their eyes lay on the TV screen. At the sound of the knocking on the door Heath sighed in relief knowing who it would be

Opening the door he let both Brax and Casey in

"Thank God" Brax and Casey looked at him confused as they entered the living room, catching the TV screen Heaths words suddenly made sense causing both Brax and Casey to chuckle and Ruby, Bianca and Charlie to turn around and face them

"Hy" Charlie smiled over at the boys her eyes settling on Brax

"Hi" replied Brax as he took a quick glance at Ruby and Bianca before looking back at Charlie

Case slumped down on the floor in front of Ruby and April as Heath resumed his seat besides Bianca; staring at the only space left Brax slowly lowered himself into the space next to Charlie as he passes her a smile.

"How're you feeling?" asked Brax as he looked over at her

"Good thanks" Charlie replied with a smile before turning her head back to the TV screen

All eyes focused on the screen but only April was paying attention to what was going on. Bianca, Ruby, Casey and Heath had found out the day before that Brax and Ella were no longer together but none of them had yet to say a word to Charlie. Heath had asked Brax what the reason was and although he had firmly stated that they just decided it wasn't right, Heath and the rest knew better but none of the four voiced it knowing Brax would probably just deny the truth.

Trying her best to concentrate on the film, Charlie was unable to take her mind of his arm that grazed against her own slightly. Trying her best to shrug it off she kept telling herself he wasn't hers to have, he already had another but as his skin kept in contact with her the thoughts seemed to do nothing in settling the goose bumps that had formed all over her arms

The four eyes that kept taking quick glances at him and Charlie had not gone unnoticed by Brax, and he knew too well the reason behind their looks. Sitting beside her he tried to ignore the hairs that stood static at the back of his neck as her skin lay lightly against his. Once again he pushed his thought aside as he tried to concentrate on the TV, taking a deep breath in he instantly regretted it as her all too familiar scent filled his nose. His head darted up at the sound of Heaths voice

"I'm hungry" looking at him, the girls burst out laughing

"Babe we just ate" laughed Bianca

"Just" Heath raised his eyebrows "That was over an hour ago" this set the girls off again as both Casey and Brax looked over at him shaking their heads

"Well I'm going to go get some pizza" Heath stood up from the couch "You guys want any?"

"Actually..." Ruby looked up sheepishly "I'm kind of hungry too" Every laughed as Charlie stared at Ruby in amazement

"Ok I'm sorry but you cannot blame her appetite on me" laughed Charlie

"Oh ok so you don't want any" Heath picked up his keys as he looked back at her

"No I didn't say that..." Charlie smiled sweetly as they all shook their heads at her

"Yh sure Charlie... she definitely doesn't get it from you" laughed Bianca

"You coming?" Heath looked over at Bianca

"Err no I'm gonna go check on Abigail... but Ruby and Casey can" she looked at them nodding her head slightly towards the door as she gave them a knowing look. Casey, Ruby and April finally picking up on what Bianca and Heath were doing quickly jumped to their feet

"Yh we'll come" Ruby spoke quickly as she tugged Casey towards the door

"All three of you?" asked Charlie unaware of their intentions

"yh" Ruby replied before rushing out the door with Casey and Heath following behind laughing at how 'subtle' she had been

Charlie looked up at Bianca questionably but didn't receive any helpful response

"I'm just going to go check on the kids" Bianca smiled at the both of them before making her way up the stairs

"Yh I'll come and help" said April as she rose and followed her sister

Charlie watched as Bianca climbed the stairs still confused as to everyone's sudden disappearance, looking over at Brax the smile on his face told her he knew what she didn't. Brax smiled over at her before speaking

"I think this is their way of leaving us to talk" said Brax

Charlie shook her head as she chuckled a bit

"Please tell me I'm a little bit better at the whole being subtle thing than Ruby" Brax laughed at her before responding

"I could say that... but I would be lying" Brax smirked over at her causing her to laugh "I was going to come see you yesterday but I figured you'd want to get some rest" said Brax

Charlie nodded and smiled

"Its fine plus I'm sure you have better things to be doing than checking up on me"

"No I don't" Brax's response came immediately; he looked down briefly recognised the speed in his response. Charlie smiled over at him

"Well you're here now and I'm ok" said Charlie she smiled at him but as she remembered Ella she couldn't help the fading of her smile

"How did Ella take it?" asked Charlie

"She called to see how I was yesterday after hearing about it, she was shocked I guess" answered Brax he knew his response would prone questions from Charlie

Charlie looked at him confused "After she heard... did you not tell her?"

"Wasn't my place" answered Brax

"Brax she's your girlfriend" Charlie looked at him shocked

"Actually no she's not" Brax looked her dead on

As his eyes met hers she crinkled her forehead confused

"She's not what?" asked Charlie trying not to read too much into what he had said

"She's not my girlfriend, we broke up" Brax watched Charlie as he tried to read her reaction

"Why?" she asked not breaking his eye contact

"It just didn't feel right" replied Brax

"Right... I'm sorry" responded Charlie

"Don't be"

Looking at him a little longer Charlie removed her gaze trying to focus on anything but him; when he was taken it was a little easier for her to suppress how she felt and blame their not being together on the fact that he already had someone else.

"Do you want something to drink?" Charlie shrugged the blanket that had been wrapped around her off as she got to her feet

"Yh be..." Brax stooped mid sentence. Stopping as she turned to Brax, Charlie watched as he stared at her with what seemed like a shocked expression

"What?" she looked at him with hesitant eyes

"The shirt... you kept it" he examined the oversized shirt that hug on Charlie's body, he remembered the day she had refused to take the shirt off, stating "So I can remember you when you're not with me" he remembered the wink she gave him as she said those word and the way she kissed his lips softly.

Instantly realising what he was referring to Charlie looked down at the dark blue top she had refused to throw away. She kept it safe and had worn it for the first year when they had left the bay. Now she wore it when she found herself missing him, subconsciously she had packed it with her things before coming to Bianca's. She kept her gaze down as she felt blood rushing to her cheeks

"I can't believe you still have that shirt" spoke Brax as he stood to his feet walking a little closer to her. The surprise in his voice was not hidden; he eyed her once more not believing how big his shirt still looked on her and how much he had missed seeing her like this

Finally looking up at him Charlie spoke

"Yh I err... I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it" she spoke honestly

There was an airy silence for a few seconds before Brax spoke

"Why couldn't you?" he had planned to give her some time to herself after the whole Grant drama but standing before her he couldn't help but push, he wanted to know if she felt the same as he did or if he had just imagined the connection between them when they were together

"Apart from the bracelet it's the only thing I have that really reminds me of you" Charlie took a deep breath not believing she had actually answered his question honestly, but before either of the two could say anything else the front door opened and in walked Ruby, Casey and Heath. Brax and Charlie edged apart slightly looking over at the three of them.

"Hy guys" Charlie smiled awkwardly at them

Leaning closer to Casey and Heath, Ruby whispered

"Told you we should have waited a little longer" taking one of the pizza boxes from Heath, she walked over to the kitchen just in time for Bianca to walk down the stairs followed by April. She passed Heath a death stare before making her way into the kitchen. Ruby instantly looked up at her

"So" Ruby knew too well Bianca would have stayed within ear shot

"So so close" Groaned Bianca, she had been doing her best not to squeal in excitement near the unfortunate ending of Charlie and Brax's conversation. As Heath entered the kitchen he stopped as Ruby and Bianca glared at him

"What"

"Trust you to turn up just when they were getting somewhere" Bianca rolled her eyes as she dug the plates out of the cupboard

"How was I supposed to know... how long does it take to say, I like you, you like me, let's get it on" Heath smirked at Bianca earning himself a slap on the chest

...

As they all sat eating and laughing Brax and Charlie had been unable to stop the glances they kept taking at each other when the other wasn't looking.

Ruby, Casey, Bianca and heath watched on as they pretended not to notice what was going on but all hoping both Brax and Charlie would sooner rather than later admit their feeling to one another.

[RoRo90]

Again thank you guys who take the time out to comment and those who read this fic. DO NOT SKIP TO THE END...it will be worth the wait. Enjoy

Ruby, Casey, Bianca and Heath watched on as they pretended not to notice what was going on but all hoping both Brax and Charlie would sooner rather than later admit their feeling to one another

...

"I can't believe you guys did all this" Charlie and Ruby stepped into their house after spending three days over at Bianca's. Charlie peered on in amazement at what the guys had done.

"You really didn't have to do all this" said Charlie as she looked up at them

They had not only changed and fixed the back door that Grant had broken in from; they had also changed the couch in the living room and the rug. Brax didn't want anything reminding Charlie or Ruby of what had happened that day

"Please... like we had a choice. This one practically threatened us into helping" Heath rolled his eyes as he nodded at Brax which quickly earned him a slap on the head

"Ow" he glared at his brother before walking further away from him

"Thank you" Ruby smiled over at them thankful that they had gone to so much effort for her and Charlie

"Yh guy's thank you, I promise I will pay you back..."

Brax interjected "No need... it's on the house" he smirked at her glad she was happy with what they had done

"No guys really I..." Charlie went to protest

"Buckton he's not gonna take your money so drop it" Heath smirked at her as he shook his head

Charlie looked back at Brax

"Ok well at least let me shout you guys lunch" before she had barely finished her words Casey and Heath spoke up

"Deal" Ruby and Charlie burst out laughing as Brax glared at them

"What... We're not gonna pass up free grub" Heath walked past him "You coming Buckton" he winked at her as he, Ruby and Casey made way for the door

"Yh give me a sec" she smiled at Brax as the rest made their way outside

"So you like it" asked Brax as he smiled down at her

"Yh I love it thank you" Charlie didn't have to ask why he had changed the couch and rug she was just thankful he was thoughtful enough to have done so

"So I believe I have to feed you guys now" Charlie smirked

"Cant back out now... Heath might just start crying" she laughed at his words

"Come on then" she walked towards the door Brax close behind as they made their way to the diner

...

One Month Later

Charlie sat in the dinner joking and laughing

"I still can't believe they let someone as clumsy as you near the patients" joked Charlie as she laughed at what he had just told her

"Neither can I" Laughed Shawn

Walking into the diner Heath and Brax walked up to the counter and ordered their coffees. Scanning the place Brax's gaze stopped upon Charlie and Shawn, he watched as they laughed between one another. He quickly turned his gaze thankful that Charlie had her back turned to him. Heath had caught on to the scene his brother had noticed, he and everyone else knew it was Brax Charlie wanted but for some reason Brax couldn't see it. Quickly taking the coffee Brax walked out of the diner before he could be seen by Charlie, Heath followed behind too tired to walk any quicker than he all ready was doing

...

"This is just ridiculous" groaned Martha

"I'm sure they'll get it together in their own time" Leah's tone was filled with uncertainty

"I know we said we wouldn't interfere but if we don't we'll be old and grey by the time either of them make a move" said Martha

Bianca shushed her friends as Charlie walked into the restaurant

"Hy guys" Charlie took a seat as she smiled at her three friends

"Hy" all three girls replied returning her smile

"So how was it?" asked Bianca

"Fine" Charlie looked at her friends knowing they were still at the same issue they had been on for the past month "I told you we're just friends... nothing more" Charlie sighed. She had been for coffee with Shawn a few times and she had started seeing him as a good friend, but the girls were adamant there was more to it. Although he seemed like a nice enough guy everyone was rooting for her and Brax and were getting tired of waiting for one of them to drop their guard

"I'm no expert Charlie but he doesn't look at you the way you look at friends" spoke Martha. Bianca and Leah nodded in agreement

"Look guys you're just reading too much into it... plus I don't have feeling for him" argued Charlie

"Yh we know that but it doesn't mean he doesn't have feelings for you" said Bianca

"Whether he does or doesn't it wouldn't make a difference" spoke Charlie as she looked over at the bar. She watched as Brax came out of the kitchen, he stopped as he looked over at her, passing her a quick smile he continued on his way

"Oh and whys that?" asked Leah with a raised eyebrow as they all noticed her watching Brax

Quickly turning her attention back to the girls she couldn't help but blush

"No reason I just don't look at him like that"

"Right of course, and there's no reason as to why?" Martha probed for a response

Charlie felt her cheeks heat up as all three girls smiled cheekily her way

"Are we going to order or just sit talking" Charlie desperately tried to take the unwanted attention away from herself. She knew what or who they were referring to but she refused to admit it. It had been a month since the night at Bianca's and she and Brax had yet to bring up the conversation as to how they felt about each other

"Both" replied Bianca as Brax walked over to the table

"Hy guys" he smiled down at all four of them before his eyes briefly settled on Charlie "What do you guys want?" he asked looking at all four girls trying to avoid making eye contact with Charlie

"Hawaiian all-round please" beamed Bianca

"Actually..." Charlie went to speak but was cut off by Brax

"You want meat lovers" Brax spoke without having registered it

All three girls smiled at each other as Charlie looked up at him

"Yh thanks" he nodded before making his way back to the bar, Charlie watched unsure of what was going on. Lately he had seemed distant when he was around her, he always seemed to be holding back

"Err Charlie" Charlie turned back to the girls all their eyes peering at her knowingly

"Yh" she asked a little dazed

"I'm just gonna say it... the both of you need to get your act together" Martha sighed as Bianca and Leah glared at her but she just shrugged of their glares

"What, someone as to say something, he likes her, she likes him, I don't get what's taking them so long" Bianca and Leah looked at one another before facing Charlie

"She's kinda got a point" said Bianca "Everyone's waiting on the both of you" she nodded her head to Brax who now stood behind the bar

Charlie gawked at her friends unsure of what to say, she knew how she felt but it seemed Brax felt differently

"He doesn't look at me in that way" Charlie tried to hide the hurt in her voice, she had thought something was there but his recent behaviour made her think otherwise

"For a cop, you're really bad at this reading people thing" said Martha "He's looked over at this table more times in the ten minutes you have been here than he as in the thirty minutes we've been here"

Bianca bit her lip knowing she shouldn't say anything but she couldn't hold it any longer, she knew Heath would kill her for mentioning it to Charlie but it was worth it

"Its Shawn" spoke Bianca

Charlie looked at her confused

"What's Shawn?"

"Brax... the reason he's backed off, he thinks you and Shawn are... well more than friends"

Charlie glanced back at Brax quickly before looking back at Bianca

"How do you know that?" asked Charlie

"He may have mentioned something about it to Heath... but as far as I'm concerned I never told you anything" replied Bianca

"Why would he think that...I keep telling everyone we're just friends" Charlie buried her head in her hand. Her head shot up as she heard his voice

"You ok" Brax was now stood at their table placing their food down in front of them. Bianca, Leah and Martha held their laughter as Charlie stammered over her words

"Err yh just err tired... yh just tired" she smiled at him sheepishly

"Ok" he looked at her wearily "Enjoy" smiling at them he made his way back to the bar

Waiting for him to be out of ear shot Charlie dropped her smile and stared deadly at the girls

"You could have told me he was coming" groaned Charlie

"Yh we could... but that was much more fun" laughed Martha as Leah and Bianca joined in

"I don't like Shawn ok, not in that way" Charlie sighed as she looked down at her food

"We know that, but you should probably let him know that too" Bianca subtly nodded in Brax direction

...

*Next day*

"Late to his own gig... he's a true Braxton" joked Bianca as they all sat in the garden waiting for Casey to arrive. Bianca smiled as Casey walked into the Garden followed by Ruby

"Hy Birthday boy" Heath gave his younger brother a pat on the back as he entered the garden "Can't believe your fifteen already"

Casey smiled over at him, before smiling sheepishly at all the raised eyebrows that faced him

"Blame Ruby" he pointed at her as she stood beside him. Casey and Ruby had spent the earlier part of that day with Xavier, Dex and April in the city but Ruby had insisted on going home first to change before heading over to Bianca and Heaths place for the barbeque they were holding for him

"I didn't take that long" protested Ruby as she nudged Casey slightly

"No not long... just over an hour" mocked Casey

"Yh well keep going and you won't be getting your present" Ruby pocked her tongue out at him before making her way over to the girls who were laughing at them

"You guys have a good morning? Asked Charlie as Ruby sat beside them

"Yh we did" smiled Ruby

...

Ruby and Casey had arrived fifteen minutes ago and Brax was yet to show. Every time the back door swung open Charlie would look up hoping it would be him but it was always one of Casey's friends. Near enough everyone had noticed the glances she kept taking at the back door and each of them knew who she was looking for

"You know you could just call him and ask where he is" Charlie's head shot up to find Jack sitting beside her a grin covering his face

"What?"

Jack laughed at her "Instead of looking up every five minutes to see if he's here... just call him and ask where he is" Charlie glared at Jack, he was talking like it was that simple

"I wasn't..." she began to deny her actions but he interrupted her

"Yes you was" Jack smirked at her as she shook her head at him, she and Jack had become really good friends in the last month but she disliked how she couldn't hide her feelings when it came to Brax

"Looks like you won't have to make that call" Jack nodded towards the back door as Brax stepped into the garden instantly walking over to Casey. Charlie watched him, a smile to no control of her own instantly broke out on her face

"Ok for my sake just tell him how you feel" Jack stood to his feet "Martha is driving me crazy with talk of you and him" Charlie laughed as he walked away

Charlie watched him as he stood beside Heath both of them laughing as they spoke to Ruby and Casey. She watched as he excused himself and made his way into the house. Taking a deep breath she followed him into the house finally taking everyone's advice. Walking into the kitchen she felt her heart pounding nervously against her chest as he came into view

"Hy" as she spoke he turned to face her

"Oh Hy" he smiled back at her. His glare lay on her a little longer than intended as he took in her slender legs that were on show in her denim shorts. She had her hair in their usual soft waves and had swept it to one side of her shoulder. Suddenly realising that he had been staring for too long he quickly turned around

"You want a drink" he asked

"Err yh... a soda's fine" she smiled as she walked a little closer to him leaning against the counter

Turning back to her he passed her the drink before he too leaned against the counter behind him. The awkward silence filled the air for a few seconds before he broke it

"So how's work?" he repeated the words in his head as he scolded himself 'really Brax how's work? That's all you could come up with'

"Yh fine... working with Jack makes it easier. He never fails to entertain me" Charlie chuckled

"Yh I bet" he smiled at her

And there it was, the silence had once again returned, Charlie glared at him trying to figure out how to say what she wanted to say without making a fool of herself

"We should probably get back out" said Brax as he looked away from her

"Actually could we talk?" asked Charlie hopefully

"Maybe later... don't want Case to think we've abandoned his do" Brax's response came too quick but he tried to hide it with his light tone

"Err yh ok" Charlie tried to hide the disappointment in her face as she turned away and walked back out into the garden.

Brax watched as she walked away, for the second time that day he mentally kicked himself, the disappointment in her voice and on her face hadn't gone unnoticed by him

"Charlie" he called her name but she had already left through the doors, he sighed as he picked up his drink and made his way back to the others. Immediately walking out into the garden Heath was stood beside him

"So" Heath raised his eyebrow hoping the same as everyone else, but Brax's refusal to respond spoke loud and clear

"You're an Idiot" Heath nudged him as he walked over to the table that everyone was now seated on.

"What happened?" asked Leah as Charlie walked over to her and the girls

"Nothing" replied Charlie as she took a seat at the table

All three girls passed each other a quick glance before smiling up at Heath and Brax

Following Heaths footsteps Brax took his seat at the table, he glared over at Charlie as she looked down at her food avoiding his eye. He had finally figured out how he felt but something was holding him back, he wanted her to know how he felt but each time he had built up the courage something would stop him from speaking. Seeing her with Shawn hadn't made things any easier; he had convinced himself she was moving on and he should do the same

...

"Hope you enjoyed your day Casey" Charlie smiled at him as she walked into the living room

"Yh I did thanks, and thank you for the present" Casey smiled over at her

"Its fine, I'm just glad you like it. We're gonna head off now guys" Charlie picked up her bag as Ruby stood to her feet

"So soon" moaned Martha

"Yea some of us have to be at work early tomorrow" she raised her eyebrow at Jack "Seeing as he's clearly not gonna be up to doing much I'm going to be doing all the leg work" Charlie and the girls laughed over at Jack who had clearly had more than his fair share of beers that evening

"Sure we can't tempt you to stay" asked Bianca as she pouted at Charlie

"Nope... plus this one as school in the morning" Charlie pointed at Ruby

"Fair enough... but you still up for tomorrow night?" asked Bianca

"Yea... I'll see you at half eight, all of you" she winked at the girls before making her way to the door leaving Ruby behind to say goodbye to Casey

"Is it me or do the two of them look like they're a bit more than friends" Charlie looked up to see Brax stood beside her smiling down at her. Charlie looked at Casey and Ruby and instantly realised what Brax was referring to, she recognised the way Ruby was looking at Casey

"Why am I only just seeing this?" asked Charlie her gaze still firmly placed on the scene before her "I knew there had to be a reason she had been smiling none stop lately" Charlie looked back up at Brax

"We're err actually heading off now" said Charlie

"Right" replied brax "Err what was it you wanted to talk about earlier" he looked down at her intensively

"Nothing important" Charlie looked away from him as Ruby walked over to them

"You ready?"

"Yep night Brax" Ruby gave him a smile as she walked out the door

"Night Rubes" he smiled back at her

"Night" Charlie gave him a quick glance

"Yh night" he watched her walk out the door, shutting it behind her

...

Leaving the girls in the living room the guys now sat in the garden with a beer each

"What is wrong with you... how do you go from wanting to give her time to totally screwing things up" Jack broke through the silence

Brax turned to him raising an eyebrow

"Yh you, your none existed charm is cramping my alone time with Martha" Heath and Miles burst out laughing also haven had a little too much themselves

"Na... I think your lack of game is what's cramping your alone time" Brax replied with a grin

"If I have to hear... 'Did Brax say anything about Charlie' one more time" groaned Heath

"We're just friends" answered Brax as he tried to act casual

"If you believe that then you're an idiot" spoke Miles "Don't you think ten years is time enough wasted and for some reason even after all this time she still wants you. What I don't understand is why you're sitting here with us and not doing anything about it" Even when drunk, Miles till spoke sense

"Yh what he said" added Jack as Heath nodded in agreement

Brax sat unable to say anything, they may have been drunk but they were all speaking the truth. All four men looked up as Leah and Martha stood by the back door

"Jack, Miles come on we're off" Jack and Miles groaned as they stood to their feet

"I'm gonna regret drinking so much in the morning" groaned Miles as he and Jack made their way into the house closely followed by Brax and Heath

"See you tomorrow" Martha and Leah bid Bianca goodbye as they walked out the door laughing at their two drunken husbands as they groaned all the way to the car

"Casey are you ok to stay behind a while... I have something I need to do really quickly" Brax was already at the foot of the door

"Err yh sure" answered Casey unsure of what was going on

"Finally" Heath slumped down on the couch as Brax shut the door

Bianca looked at him "what do you mean finally" she watched as he groaned obviously the drinks catching up to him

"If he as any common sense he will be on his way to Charlie's"

...

Charlie stood at the door unsure of what to say, he had just basically confessed to liking her but she was now trying to figure out a way to let him down gently

"You're a really nice guys but I have feeling for someone else" she looked at him apologetically

"Right that's ok... worth a try. Well goodnight Charlie" Shawn gave her a small smile before turning away

"Wait... are we still ok?" Charlie asked

"Yh... its your turn to pay for coffee next time" he smiled at her

"Deal" she smiled at him sighing in relief that he hadn't taken it to heart

Just then her attention was directed to the figure that stood not too far from Shawn. Shawn nodded at him as he walked past but Brax remained still unsure of what to do.

"Hy" Charlie stepped away from the foot of the door and a little closer to Brax

"What you doing here?" she asked

"Err nothing I shouldn't have come" Brax turned on his heel obviously haven gotten the wrong idea about Shawn

"No wait Brax" Charlie stepped forward a little and Brax stopped

"It must have been important if you came here this late" probed Charlie hoping he would turn back, which he did

"Na it was stupid, I'll leave you to it" He went to turn again but she spoke quickly

"He's just a friend nothing more. I told him that I have feeling for someone else" Charlie finally took the first step hoping he would give her something to work off, she prayed she wasn't making a total fool of herself

Brax looked up at her as she spoke, he wanted to ask who the other person was praying she would say him but he spoke something else

"Charlie you don't have to explain yourself to me" 'what was he doing' he thought to him self

"What am I to you?" Charlie glared at him unsure of why he seemed to still be holding back "If I'm just a friend then let me know" her voice had now lowered to a whisper. He wasn't giving her anything so she took the leap

"If you don't feel the same way about me as I do you then just please tell me because I don't understand what's going on here"

Brax stood shocked as she confessed her feelings, she stood before him and her vulnerability was clear for him to see. Finally he realised what had been holding him back, as he glared at her he broke the final pieces of the wall standing between them as he spoke

"I'm scared ok" Brax looked over at her

"Scared of what? Asked Charlie

I can't do it again Charlie... I can't let myself fall for you completely only to lose you" he shook his head as he gazed down to the ground underneath him

Charlie felt her eyes glaze over at his words and her chest tighten against her lungs, she had never thought her leaving would have affected him as much as it had. Slowly stepping further towards him she spoke

"Never... I could never walk away from you again Brax, the first time was painful enough. This is it... you're it" Charlie glared at him waiting for a response' she hoped the mistake she had made all those years ago wasn't about to cost her anymore than she had already lost

"Brax..." she called after a few unbearable seconds of silence

She watched as his gaze rose to meet hers she looked on unsure of what he was thinking. She felt her heart pound heavily against her chest as he began walking closer until he had just about closed any distance between them. He stopped in front of her gazing at her with neither a smile nor a frown. She felt her hands clam up as she nervously waited for him to do or say something.

...

As she spoke 'this is it... you're it' Brax felt his already pounding heart pick up pace. His glare remained upon the ground as he tried to figure out what to say. As she called his name again he finally looked up at her and almost immediately found his feet leading him towards her. Stopping before her he glared at her taking in her beauty, he could see the nervous look on her face ad he could no longer fight it.

A smile broke out on his face as he lifted his hand and brought it up to Charlie's face. Placing his hand against her cheek he lightly stroked the back of his thumb against it. His smile widened as she instantly closed her eyes and leaned her head further into his touch. As her eyes finally opened he stepped closer closing any distance that remained between the both of them

"Promise me you will never leave... no matter what happens" his eyes were fixed on hers

"I promise... I will never leave you" she smiled at him as he displayed his grin.

Staring down at her lips Brax smiled as he brought his head forward his lips lightly grazing hers, before he could make a move she latched onto him bringing their lips crashing together in a soft put passionate kiss. Wrapping his arms around her waist Brax grinned into the kiss, he had many a times dreamed of this moment when he would again get to feel her lips against his

Charlie felt the butterflies in her stomach pick up aggressively as they locked lips. She had long ago given up hope on ever sharing another moment like this with him, but yet here she was in his arms, she felt him smile against her lips causing her to do the same.

In that moment it didn't matter what had happened or what was going to happen, they had each other and everything else just didn't matter

So Chax are finally back together and I hope you all liked the way I went about it. I may not be able to update till end of this coming week I'm gonna be really busy but I will spend whatever spare time I can find writing up the next chapter.

[RoRo90]

Hy guys first off I apologise for my late update our internet decided to pack in mid last week so my only access to the internet till today as been my phone. Thank you guys so much for the comments. This chapter isn't my best work but here it is all the same. Enjoy

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

In that moment it didn't matter what had happened or what was going to happen, they had each other and everything else just didn't matter

...

Finally pulling away from the kiss Brax leaned his head against Charlie's with his hand now wound around her waist. He brought his hand back up to her face cupping her cheek

"I've missed you" looking at her he could not but help the smile that spread across his face

"I've missed you too... so much" Charlie looked at him before leaning in and placing another soft kiss on his lips

They both remained stood in each other's embrace not a word spoken between the two but yet the comforting silence spoke volumes. Not wanting to leave but knowing he would have to, Brax spoke

"I should probably let you get some sleep" he grinned at the instant disappointed look evident on her face

"Or you could stay a little longer" She grinned up at him

"I could" he lowered his head and gave her another kiss before continuing "But I know you have work in the morning and I kind of left Casey back at Heaths place" said Brax as he yet again placed another kiss on her lips

"I'll see you tomorrow?" asked Charlie

"Most definitely" grinned Brax

Releasing Brax from her grip Charlie grinned up at him as he still held her close to him

"Uumm Brax" Charlie tugged at his arms

"Uhuh" Brax smirked down at her

Charlie looked down at his arms before looking back up at him "I can't go back inside unless you let me go" Charlie simpered up at him as his grip on her only tightened

"Maybe I could stay for a few more minutes" Brax's grin widened as Charlie wrapped her arms around his neck and their lips met in yet another kiss

...

"Ruby do you need a lift?" asked Charlie as she walked out of her room. She had been unable to discard of the smile on her face since she woke up that morning

"Nope I'm good, Casey's walking me" Ruby walked out of the kitchen with a smile on her face "Someone seems happy...So did you have a good time last night?" Ruby looked at her mother knowingly

Charlie looked up at Ruby suspiciously before responding

"Err yeah it was ok I guess" She looked down as she did up her belt around her trousers before looking back up at Ruby "Why you asking?"

"No reason I just thought I heard you talking to someone" Ruby's knowing smile had yet to leave her face. She had been stood by the living room window watching the whole scene between Charlie and Shawn and then her and Brax, she was surprised she had gone unheard when she squealed as Charlie and Brax kissed

Charlie instantly picked up on what Ruby was referring to

"You heard someone here last night or you saw someone?" Charlie already knew the answer to her question as she raised her eyebrows

"Heard... saw, it's all the same difference" shrugged Ruby a smile still plastered on her face

Charlie chuckled at her daughter's words but was still trying to cover up the growing smile that had crept up on her face as she thought back to the previous night

"I will see you later Ruby" Placing a kiss on Ruby's temple Charlie made her way to the door

"I'm really happy for you" Charlie turned back at Ruby's words the smile on her face only getting bigger

"I'm happy for me too" Charlie beamed as she made her way to work

...

"I knew it" Casey smiled as Ruby told him what had happened with Brax and Charlie the previous night "You should have seen the goofy smile he wore when he picked me up from Heath's"

"I'm sure it was matching the one Charlie was wearing this morning" laughed Ruby "I'm just glad they finally got it together"

"I think everyone will feel the same" replied Casey as they walked into their classroom

Instantly noticing Miles sat with his head in his hand both Casey and Ruby burst out laughing

"Awww sir you ok... you look a little worse for wear" spoke Ruby

Miles glared up at the both of them trying but failing miserably to hold back their grins

"Another word from the both of you and you instantly get detention" Miles spoke groggily "Never again" he whispered as he lowered his head into his hands causing Ruby and Casey to laugh the more

"Yh sure sir" Ruby and Casey walked over to their seats their laughter only increasing as the bell rang and the students came storming in causing Miles to wince loudly

"This is gonna be fun" grinned Casey

...

Walking into the office Charlie smirked at Jack who had his head firmly laid on the desk in front of him, she giggled lightly as she walked over to her desk

"Shut up" warned Jack with his head still lay against the desk

Charlie held her hands up "I didn't say a word... I'm not the kind of person to say I told you so, even if I did tell you so" she grinned over at him as he glared up at her

"This isn't funny"

"I didn't say it was" replied Charlie

"NO the smirk on your face is doing that for you" groaned Jack. His groaning only increased as Watson came through the door

"Guys your needed down at the beach... we have complaints of disturbance"

"Shhh... not so loud"

Charlie laughed as she looked up at Watson

"He had a bit too much to drink last night" laughed Charlie

"Well then serves you right" grinned Watson "Come on chop chop crime won't fight itself" she laughed as she closed the door

"The both of you are just evil" moaned Jack

"No we're just no hungover" laughed Charlie as she pulled him to his feet "Come on I'll shout you coffee" the smile that had been on her face all morning was still clearly displayed

"Why are you so happy?" asked Jack with a raised eyebrow

"That would be telling wouldn't it" she smirked at him as she walked out the office

...

"Ok your smile is about to blind me" said Jack as he looked over at Charlie while they made their way to the Bay

"I'm happy... there's no crime in that"

"No, depending on why you're so happy" although he was drunk at the time Jack had remembered the lecture he and the boys had given Brax the previous night

"Did he finally pull his head out of his arse?" asked Jack hoping he was right

As her smile widened he knew he had hit the nail on the head "He did didn't he" Charlie nodded at him

"Oh thank God... I can't wait to get home tonight" smiled Jack "Finally some alone time with Martha without you two cramping my style" Charlie laughed at his words

"Well I'm glad to be of assistance"

Jack sighed as he thought back to when Charlie had first returned to the Bay. Catching the serious expression now lay on his face Charlie took a quick glance at him

"What is it?" she asked her gaze on the road ahead of them

"I don't think I ever apologised for how I treated you when you first got back" said Jack as he looked over at her

"You have nothing to apologise for... I would have acted the exact same way. You did nothing wrong" replied Charlie

"Still, I am sorry, you didn't need my grief on top of everything else" said Jack

"It's forgotten, seriously" responded Charlie

"He thinks the world of you. You know that" said Jack. Charlie looked at him briefly not having to ask who it was Jack was referring to and his words only deepening the state of happiness she was in

"And I think the world of him too" replied Charlie

"Good I'm happy for the both of you" smiled Jack

...

"Either you pack up or you spend some time with us at the station" spoke Charlie as she and Jack tried to get rid of the group of people drinking on the beach. She and Jack both stood tall as they all groaned but proceeded to pack away their gear

"And if we see you here again you won't get off so lightly" said Jack

Both watching to make sure they had actually left the beach Jack sighed in relief "I need coffee" he and Charlie turned making their way into the diner

"Usual?" asked Charlie as she walked up to the counter. Jack simply nodded making his way over to one of the vacant seat before turning around

"Actually no make it a strong black"

Leah laughed as she approached the counter and noticed Jack sitting with his head in his hands

"He got it bad too then" smiled Leah as she nodded at Jack

"Yep... and I am enjoying every minute of it" grinned Charlie

"Sergeant Buckton you are evil" laughed Leah

"So I've been told" replied Charlie with a smirk "Just the usually for me please Leah and a strong black for Jack" as Leah nodded Charlie's phone beeped, Looking down at the name on the screen she couldn't help the smile that crept up on her face as she saw Brax's name.

*Hy have I ever told you how good you look in your uniform* She instantly looked up from the text wondering if he could see her. As her gaze landed on the entrance of the diner she caught him standing glaring at her with that grin that always seemed to send her into a daze

"Hy" she smiled at him as he walked towards her

"Hy" as he spoke his arms crawled around her waist pulling her in close. She felt her body tingle as he drew his face closer to hers. As their lips locked Charlie brought her hands up resting them against his arms, she was grateful for his grip on her as she felt her legs go weak. Finally breaking away she brushed her lips past his one finally time before looking up to find him smirking down at her. His arms were still wrapped around her as both their heads jolted up at the sound of the loud coughing from beside them, turning they found Leah glaring at the both them with a dropped jaw. Charlie laughed at the expression on her friends face as Brax finally released her

"Since when?" asked Leah

"Err... since last night" answered Charlie

"How?" Leah asked still shocked

"I err I'm gonna go over to boozy over there" Brax nodded at Jack before walking over to the table leaving both girls to talk

"Err Charlie" said Leah "When were you going to say something" a smile had now broken out on Leah's' face

"Leah it only just happened last night when he came round to mine..."

"He came round to yours" interrupted Leah causing Charlie to laugh

"Yh he did and then..." Charlie stopped talking as Leah spoke over her

"No I want full details, who said what and the rest" gleamed Leah caused Charlie to laugh.

Knowing she would have to tell Bianca and Martha as well she decided to kill three birds with one stone

"Ok how about I meet up with you and the girls after work and I can tell you what happened then" asked Charlie

"Just try and get out of it" responded Leah "I am so happy for the both of you... you deserve this" said Leah as she gave Charlie's hand a quick squeeze "And here is your order" she said passing Charlie the two coffees

"Thanks... so see you around two at mine?" asked Charlie

"Yea see you then" Leah gave her a smile as she made her way back into the kitchen

Waling over to the table Charlie placed Jacks coffee down in front of him "here you go... strong black no sugar" she took a seat and her gaze instantly landed on Brax who had already been glaring at her

"How's your day been?" asked Brax as he edged closer to her

"So far so good" replied Charlie "And yours?"

"Was pretty good but just got that bit better" he winked at her

"Just a bit?" she feigned a hurt expression but before Brax could make a smart remark Jack interjected in the conversation

"Ok I actually am about to be sick... can the both of you take this somewhere else" Charlie and Brax laughed over at him

"We should probably get going" she turned to Brax "I'll see you later?"

"Yea you will" leaning in he placed a slow kiss on her lips "Bye"

"Bye" standing to her feet Charlie turned to Jack "Come on we have work to do" she gave him a nudge causing him to stand to his feet

"You are such a light weight" laughed Brax

"Shut up" Jack glared at him before making his way out of the diner. Turning one last time Charlie blushed as Brax gave her a wink, she couldn't believe how good her life was at the moment

...

"Wow... err aren't you guys a little bit too eager?" Charlie laughed as she reached her front door only to find Bianca, Martha and Leah already waiting for her

"Are you kidding after this one told us what happened this morning we couldn't get here fast enough" beamed Bianca as she pushed Abi's pram back and forth

Charlie laughed as she shook her head at her friends "You guys are unbelievable"

"Are you gonna let us in?" Asked Martha as she stood to her feet

"Err yh... but where are the kids?" Charlie turned to them

"We kinda might have dumped them with Irene" smiled Leah "she offered"

Charlie shook her head once again as she opened up the front door "Just give me a few minutes to get changed"

...

"Right so..." Bianca looked at Charlie expectantly as she joined them in the living room "How did it happen?"

taking a seat beside the girls Charlie felt her lips curl up as she thought back to what had happened between her and brax the previous night

"I don't know what to say, he came over and then I told him how I felt..." before she could finish she was interrupted by Martha

"Err no we want a detailed step by step guide of what happened" Leah and Bianca nodded in agreement

"Guys there's not that much to tell" responded Charlie

"The blinding smile on your face says differently... now spill" Leah spoke

"Ok fine. Shawn arrived like thirty minutes after me and Rubes got home" said Charlie

"What" exclaimed Bianca "Shawn was here?"

"Yh... he told me he liked me... as more than a friend"

"I knew it" spoke Martha

"We all knew it" said Leah as she looked over at Martha

"That's not important" said Bianca as she turned back to Charlie "What did you say?"

"The truth, that I only liked him as a friend. But then as he was leaving Brax turned up and jumped to the wrong conclusion

"And you say there isn't much to tell" Martha glared at her wide eyed "Go on then"

Charlie laughed lightly at her friends before proceeding to fill them in on the rest of what transpired

"Ok is it weird that I'm jealous?" Said Bianca and both Martha and Leah shook their heads

"No its not" spoke Martha "I can't believe that's how your night went while I had to listen to Jack snoring like a truck" pouted Martha causing all three girls to laugh

"But truthfully Charlie we're really happy for the two of you... you have no idea how hard we've been rooting for the both of you" said Bianca

"I'm just glad that for once everything seems to be going right for me... but I can't help but feel a little bad" said Charlie

"About what?" asked Leah

"Well Ella... if I hadn't come back she and Brax might still be together" Charlie bit her lip as she looked at the girls

"Charlie you didn't do anything wrong, and I know Ella doesn't blame you for their break up either" Bianca gave Charlie's hand a squeeze as Charlie nodded

"Charlie I don't think you're the only Buckton that seems to have fallen for a Braxton" spoke Leah as she grinned at Charlie

"What do you mean" asked a confused Charlie

"Don't tell me you can't see it, Ruby and Casey. The boy looks like a smitten kitten anytime she's around" said Martha casing both Bianca and Leah to laugh

"Yh Brax pointed it out yesterday" Charlie looked down at her phone vibrating against the table. Before she could reach it Bianca had pounced forward

"Its from Brax" she beamed

"Bianca" exclaimed Charlie as she took the phone from Bianca

"Well what did he say" asked Leah eagerly

"You guys are acting like teenagers" laughed Charlie

"Just tell us what he said" Spoke Bianca

As she read the message her lips curled up in the familiar way they had been doing that day

"He wants to take me out, on a date" she looked at the eager expression on their faces before adding the last part "Tonight" she glared at them unsure knowing that the four of them had already made plans for that evening

"Go" exclaimed Bianca

"Are you guys sure I can postpone it if you want" said Charlie hoping she wouldn't have to

"No way... you're going on this date" said Martha "I think Brax would lynch us all if we kept you away" laughed Martha

...

"Charlie" Ruby walked into the house dumping her bag onto the couch "Charlie" she called again

"In my room Rubes" answered Charlie

"Hy" Ruby paused as she examined the state of Charlie's room "Err what happened in here?" she asked

"I've been looking for what to wear for tonight" answered Charlie as she dumped another dress down and made her way back towards her wardrobe

"For your girls' night?" asked Ruby unsure of why her mother seemed to be stressing

"No that's been postponed, I'm going out with Brax and he won't even let me know where he's taking me so I have no idea what to wear"

"Charlie I don't think he cares what you wear. As long as you show up" said Ruby as she watched Charlie yet again throw another dress onto the bed and make her way back to her wardrobe. Ruby sighed and chuckled lightly

"Uhhhhhh" Charlie groaned walking in Ruby's direction and throwing herself down onto her bed "Why am I so nervous" she ran her hands over her face

"Because it's Brax" Ruby's response came as a statement. Ruby sat on the edge of Charlie's bed, as her phone vibrated she let out a little laugh as she read the message from Casey

*Brax and Charlie have a date... he is seriously stressing out *

"I have a feeling you're not the only one feeling nervous about this date of yours" Ruby turned to Charlie "Stop stressing"

"What if he decides this was a mistake" haven only been trying to find something to wear for the best part of an hour Charlie had managed to think of all the ways the evening could go bust

"Are you kidding... Mum that's not going to happen. You know that as well as everyone else" Ruby stood to her feet and walked over to Charlie's wardrobe

Charlie smiled at Ruby's words; she always loved when she called her mum

"This one" Ruby turned the dress to Charlie "You look absolutely amazing in this dress" Ruby passed it to Charlie before walking out the door "And your welcome" she shouted down the hall causing Charlie to chuckle

...

Walking towards the front door Brax took a deep breath before lifting his hands and knocking on the door

"Hy" spoke Ruby as she opened the door

"Hy kid, is she ready?" asked Brax

"Err... yh she is" Ruby smiled as Charlie walked out of her room and made her way to the front door

"Hy" Charlie smiled up at him as he stood gawping at her. Ruby had picked out a blue body hugging strapless dress and Charlie had paired them with black pumps, her hair laid in their usual wavy nature and her makeup remained simple

"You err, you look beautiful" Charlie felt the blood rush to her cheeks as he spoke

"Thanks"

"We should get going" spoke Brax as he reached his hand out. Charlie instantly took hold of his hand before turning back to Ruby

"You sure you'll be ok by yourself?"

"Yes Charlie go" Ruby shooed them out the door "And have fun" she shouted as they both walked towards the car

...

As he stopped the car Charlie looked over at Brax before looking back out, unsure of where they were she turned back to him

"Err where are we?" she asked

"You'll see" getting out of the car, Brax walked over to Charlie's side and opened the door for her

"Come on" she latched onto his hand and got out of the car

They walked hand in hand for several minutes and Charlie was still unsure of where they were. Looking over at Charlie Brax chuckled at the expression on her face

"We're not far off... you might wanna take your shoes off" said Brax

"Why?" asked Charlie

"Just trust me" responded Brax

Charlie reluctantly took off her pumps as they continued their walk. Squinting her eye as a glowing image came into view Charlie took a quick glance at Brax. Walking closer Charlie gasped as the full picture came into view. She stopped in her tracks not taking her eyes off the scene before her

"I didn't overdo it did I?" asked Brax.

He had assigned both Heath and Casey in helping him set up a secluded part of the beach. A blanket was laid with a hamper and a champagne cooler by its side, and candles where in varies places around the blanket

Charlie shook her head before looking up at Brax

"It's perfect... I can't believe you went to all this effort"

"I wanted it to be special" smiled Brax

"And it is" replied Charlie.

Charlie continued staring on in awe as Brax led her over to the blanket. She looked over at him as he took two glasses out of the hamper and poured the both of them some champagne. She smiled as she took the glass from his hand. Her nervous had all disappeared all that remained was excitement of what the night was going to bring

...

*2 Hours Later*

Charlie now lay against Brax 's chest she looked out onto the ocean and couldn't believe where she was and who she was with

"Thank you for tonight Brax... it was amazing"

"I hope the company had something to do with that" asked Brax with a grin on his face

Charlie's grin matched his as she looked up at him "The company was by far the best part of the evening" leaning up she placed a kiss on his lips

Edging forward Brax deepened the kiss as he pulled her closer towards him. Reaching up she placed her hands on the back of his neck holding his lips against hers. Finally feeling the need for air Charlie pulled back

"That was..." before she could finish Brax interjected

"Wow... that was wow" grinned Brax "I could never get tired of doing that" he spoke as he locked eyes with her

"Good" responded Charlie as she placed a quick kiss on his lips. Pulling away she looked up at Brax as he chuckled

"What's so funny" she asked with a raised eyebrow

"Remember the first time I tried to teach you how to surf" laughed Brax

Charlie buried her head into his chest "Awww please don't remind me... I was terrible" she groaned

"Na it was cute" laughed Brax

"No it wasn't, you're just saying that because it meant you had to keep coming and rescuing me" laughed Charlie

"I can't say I didn't benefit from it" laughed Brax

Feeling Charlie shiver slightly against him he pulled out another blanket and wrapped it around her

"Figured you might need it" he looked down at her with a smirk

She held his gaze hoping this wasn't something she was dreaming, she felt that same tingle travel down her spine as he stared into her eyes. She felt exposed under his gaze but still she was unable to break away. She closed her eyes as he closed the little distance between the two of them. The kiss was slow but passionate she turned her body so she was fully facing him but refused to break the kiss. His hands quickly found their way to her hips pulling her in closer. Her hands roamed through his hair as she leaned into his body.

Now with his back lay against the blanket, Charlie lay on top of Brax as the kiss intensified. Unsure if he would be able to contain his excitement any longer Brax pulled away but still kept her close to him. Placing a strand of hair behind her ear Brax smiled up at her

"I'm glad you came back" his hand lingered on her face

"So am I" Charlie smiled down at him before shifting to his side and laying her head on his chest. Keeping on hand around her waist Brax entwined his other hand in hers as he placed a kiss on her temple joyful that she had returned to him

[RoRo90]

Thank for the comment guys

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

"So am I" Charlie smiled down at him before shifting to his side and laying her head on his chest. Keeping on hand around her waist Brax entwined his other hand in hers as he placed a kiss on her temple joyful that she had returned to him

...

He sat watching her as the wind blow her hair in the opposite direction; he couldn't help but take a mental picture of how beautiful she looked as she leaned her head against him. Looking up briefly at the ocean Brax instantly felt a grin growing on his face as he looked back down at her instantly lowering his head to her neck.

Sitting between his legs she leaned her head against his chest as his arms enclosed around her waist holding her in close. She smiled at the beauty of the ocean under the moons dim light. Her smile only widened as Brax placed a soft gentle kiss on her neck. In the three weeks they had now been together every moment with him had carefully been imbedded in her memory. She found herself willing her days away in anticipation of seeing him and being in his embrace. As Brax placed another kiss on her neck she felt him smile against her skin, turning her head slightly to look up at him, she raised an eyebrow slightly in question of what had caused the evidently mischievous grin that covered his face

"What?" asked Charlie knowing to well that the grin on his face was of anything but innocent

"Nothing" Brax shook his head as he unwrapped her from his grip and stood to his feet

"I should get you home... it's getting late" Brax's grin enlarged as she took his hand and stood to her feet but shook her head

"No I don't want to go yet" she instantly wrapped her hands around him pulling herself towards him

"I'm not ready for you to go either... I just wanted to get you to your feet" Brax smirked down at her as he backed further towards the crystal blue water. With his arms snaked around Charlie he pulled her along with him

Charlie found herself following his footsteps as she looked at him confused by his words; noticing the grin on his face had yet to decrease she questioned him still moving her steps along with his

"Why the grin?" asked Charlie unaware of how close they now were to the edge of the ocean

Suddenly stopping, Brax chuckled as he brought Charlie to a standstill; instead of responded verbally he gently nodded his head back to the water not too far from their feet

Charlie looked behind him briefly finally acknowledging their distance from the ocean, looking back at him she suddenly recognised the grin that had settled on his face. She shook her head

"No" she widened her eyes as she tried to back away from him but as if already anticipating her reaction he gently tightened his grip on her waist

Charlie couldn't help the smile that had settled on her face as she shook her head adamantly at what she knew he wanted to do

"Brax don't" before the words had barely left her lips Brax swiftly swung her over his shoulders causing Charlie to squeal while trying to settle her laughter as he edged closer towards the water

"Brax No" she wasn't sure if he could hear her through her uncontrollable laughter. Trying to squirm out of his arms seemed to do nothing as his grip remained firmly placed

"Braxxxxxxx put me down" she squealed as she realised he was now knee deep in the water that she was sure was freezing cold

Trying his best to hold onto his laughter as she squirmed in his hand, Brax came to a stop as the ocean covered his knees

"Ok" he grinned as he spoke obliging to her request. She squealed as he placed her down into the water as it came above her knee, holding her steady as she staggered he grinned down at the look on her face "You said to put you down"

She hit him against the chest before matching his grin; stepping back a little further she ran her hands through the water before bringing them up with force and splashing him. Her laughter filled the air as she saw the grin his on face disappear. Knowing too well what he was going to do she back away from him as his grin returned and he shook his head playfully

"I'm gonna get you for that" as he stepped forward she stepped away from him, her grin matching his

"You can only do that if you can actually catch me" Charlie spoke flirtatiously as she continued to back away from him

She giggled as he picked up pace towards her, turning her back to him she ran from him only to be stopped moments later as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. Turning around in his hand she pouted up at him

"Told you I would get you" he said as the ocean crashed against the both of them

Charlie was now stood waist deep in the ocean as Brax held tightly onto her

"Well now you got me" She spoke flirtatiously as she snaked her hands up his arms

The coldness of the ocean lapping against the both of them went amiss as they stood pressed against each other. Lowering his lips he stopped before they could touch hers. Knowing what he was doing Charlie smiled as she brought her lips forward brushing them past his softly. At the slight contact she felt the familiar goose bumps that always seem to visit her at his touch once again cloud her skin before she edged her lips away from his. Before she could fully retract his lips latched onto hers desperately wanting to feel more of her. Her arms crawled up to the back of his head holding his lips against hers

...

As her lips brushed by his he felt the fierce electricity rush through his being, as the feeling of her lips left his he instantly dipped his head further taking her lips in his. Feeling her hands press softly against his head he pulled her in closer engulfing his arms around her. The waves that crashed into the both of them seemed to do nothing in getting them to part ways. They clung onto each other neither ready to break away from the connection

...

"Ok its official, that uniform definitely does it for me" Brax grinned as Charlie strolled into the restaurant the grin on her face matching his

"I hope this isn't the only reason your with me" gesturing towards her police uniform Charlie smirked over at him as he walked around the bar standing in front of her

"Well..." Brax kept his grin in place

Charlie raised an eyebrow "I would think wisely before answering that question"

Brax chuckled at her "No it's not the only reason... I also think you're Kind of cute"

"Kind of cute?" questioned Charlie

Brax chuckled more as he shook his head "Na very very cute... and extremely sexy and smart" he gave her a wink as he pulled her into him

"Hi" lowering his head he gave her a quick kiss, her hands made their way to the back of his head keeping his lips against hers. Finally pulling away his smile had yet to cease

"Hi" she replied to him

"What you doing tonight?" asked Charlie her hands now resting against his arms

"Nothing that I know of...why you got a proposition for me?" asked Brax as he grinned down at her

Charlie nodded "Ruby is staying over at Bianca's tonight... her and April want to have a girls night so I'm going to have the house all to myself" Charlie raised her eyebrow suggestively "I was thinking we could spend some time alone just the two of us"

"Give me a time and I'm there" Brax's reply came immediately as his grin widened displaying his dimples

"I finish work at six and Ruby should be gone by seven so you could come by for half seven" suggested Charlie

"It's a date" replied Brax his childish smile playing on his face

Charlie raised herself off the ground slightly reaching her lips to his

"Seriously guys"

Brax and Charlie pulled apart turning to the direction of the voice. Seeing Jack stood at the foot of the entrances with a less than impressed look on his face both Charlie and Brax laughed

"You've been together three weeks and I'm already getting ulcers in my eyes from all the public displays of affection" Jack groaned as he walked closer to the two of them. You said two minutes...two minutes was like fifteen minutes ago Charlie" Jack glared over at her

"It was Brax... he kept distracting me" Charlie pointed at Brax

"Me distracting you... I remember things a little differently" Brax peered over at her, the cheeky smile on her face causing him to shake his head and laugh

"Urggg you're both as bad as each other" Jack rolled his eyes before looking at Brax

"Hy what you doing tonight... I was thinking we could have a guy's night" said Jack

Charlie tried to hide her smile knowing what Brax's reply would be; she turned to face Brax as he spoke

Brax glanced over at her before looking back at Jack

"Actually mate I already have plans... maybe another time"

"Plans doing what?" asked Jack somehow not having picked up on the gleeful expression on Charlie's face

"Ruby is staying at Heath and Bianca's tonight so..." before Brax could finish Jack scoffed

"So you're fobbing me off for your girlfriend"

"Yep" Brax answered as he smirked over at Jack

"Don't worry Jack you can have him tomorrow night if you want" Charlie smirked over at him

"Right" said Jack "I'm sure that's got nothing to do with the fact that you're working the late shift" Jack peered at her knowingly "The shift that I am also working"

"That never crossed my mind" teased Charlie. She turned back to Brax

"See you tonight" leaning up onto her toes she gave him a quick kiss

"Yh" Brax grinned at her before pulling her in for another kiss. At the sound of Jack groaning Charlie and Brax pulled apart. Turning away from Brax, Charlie walked towards the entrance

"Come on then we've got work to do" She winked at Jack

"Oh now we have work to do" Jack rolled his eyes as he followed

Shaking his head Brax laughed at the two of them as he watched them exit the restaurant

"Err Charlie I'll meet you at the car... i need to ask Brax something" Charlie nodded as Jack turned and walked back up the stairs

I thought you guys had work to do?" Brax looked up as Jack walked over to the bar

"Yh we do but err... have you spoken to her yet?" asked Jack

Brax needn't ask what Jack was referring to. He sighed

"Na... the slight mention of it and she instantly tenses up or changes the subject"

"I figured... she can't just ignore it Brax"

"Yea I know that Jack... but what do you want me to do, force her to talk" Brax voice rose a little before his face softened "Look I'm sorry... it's just, I can't force her to talk if she doesn't want to... I'm just going to wait till she ready" sighed Brax

Jack nodded

"Well I best get back" Jack turned and walked out of the restaurant determined to get Charlie to open up to someone

...

"Charlie" Jack called her name as he took a quick glance in her direction from the driver's seat

"Yep" Charlie turned to face him

"As err... Joyce said anything about the court case" Jack couldn't see her expression fully but he could tell she had stiffened slightly at the reminder of what was still looming over her

"Err no he hasn't" Charlie turned her gaze towards the road ahead of her hoping Jack would leave it there. She was happy and the last thing she wanted was to be reminded that she would possibly have to be in the same room as Grant again

Keeping his gaze on the road ahead Jack spoke again treading carefully

"Charlie you know you have to talk about it at some point" Jack had seen her reaction every time the topic was brought up and how she always managed to dismiss it. He had witnessed Brax mention it a few times but receive little to nothing from Charlie

"No I don't" replied Charlie her gazed still frozen on the road "I just want to forget about it"

"And you think not talking about it will help you do that" asked Jack

"It's worked so far" answered Charlie

Jack sighed

"Right well it might be helping you but I don't think it's helping anybody else" replied Jack "I think you might want to think about how Ruby feels and even Brax, they want to know that you're coping but refusing to talk about it isn't helping that"

Charlie remained silent for a while thinking about what Jack had just said

"It's been over fifteen years" she spoke

Jack took a quick glance in her direction

"What?" his face wrinkled in confused as to what she was talking about

"That's how long I have lived in fear of him. For over fifteen years he has had some sort of control over me but for the first time I feel like I'm in control of my own life. Talking about him and what is to come makes that control seem somewhat false and I don't want that" Charlie shook her head as she continued talking "I know Ruby wants to talk about it and Brax but I'm in such a good place I don't want my past taking from that"

Jack sighed as he nodded lightly in understanding of what Charlie was saying

"Charlie you stood up to him, you faced him head on regardless of what he had done, I think that in its self shows he no longer as control over you. But when you try and block all these things out all it does is worry Ruby, the girls, Brax and even me. Being strong doesn't mean you have to face everything on your own, if people want to be there for you then you should let them."

"I just want to get on with my life" spoke Charlie as she gazed out of the window

"I know" Jack smiled over at her "I think if you just told Ruby, the girls and Brax what you just told me then they might just worry less"

"You're pretty good at this whole giving advice thing"

"I know I'm just the perfect package" grinned Jack

Charlie laughed at his words "yh I wouldn't go that far... but thank you"

...

"Hy" Charlie opened up the front door to find Ruby sat on the couch "How was school?" she asked as she walked into the kitchen

"Yh it was fine" answered Ruby "Err Charlie, is it ok if I go into the city with Casey before I go over to Aprils?" asked Ruby as she turned her head towards the kitchen as Charlie appeared out of it

"Err where are you guys going?" asked Charlie

"Just to watch a film that Casey's been dying to see" answered Ruby

A smirk instantly rose upon Charlie's face

"Right so you're going to keep him company" spoke Charlie. Ruby nodded

"Why can't Xavier or Dex go with him?" Charlie's smirk remained placed as she took a seat besides Ruby

"Because they already have plans" answered Ruby. Finally picking up on the cheeky smirk that Charlie was displaying Ruby squinted her eyes unsure of why Charlie was looking at her in such way

"What?" asked Ruby as she peered at Charlie

"Nothing, and yes you may go... but I will have to come and pick you guys up I don't want you getting the bus back so late in the day" replied Charlie

"You won't have to Brax already said he would he just wanted me to check if it was ok with you" Charlie's smirk turned into a sweet smile as Ruby spoke Brax's name causing Ruby to giggle lightly

"I only said his name and you've gone all gooey eyes" laughed Ruby

"What no I haven't" Charlie lightly hit Ruby on the arm

"Yes you have" laughed Ruby "You have this look that you do every time someone says his name" Charlie felt her cheeks redden at Ruby's words

"No I don't and don't you go telling this to Brax"

Ruby laughed as she shook her head "Are you sure you don't mind me staying at Aprils tonight?" asked Ruby still unsure if Charlie felt ok about being left in the house alone

"No Ruby its fine go and have fun really" Charlie smiled over at her

"Sure you won't be bored on your own?" asked Ruby

A smile crept up on Charlie face but she quickly dismissed her thoughts as she glanced at Ruby

"No I'll be alright" unfortunately for Charlie Ruby had picked up on the smile on her face

"Charlie exactly what are you doing tonight?" asked Ruby

"Nothing maybe watch a film and Brax is coming over for a while" Charlie tried to act as casual as possible but Ruby's sudden laughter informed her she had failed

"No wonder you were so eager for me to get out the house" said Ruby between her laughter

"I don't know what you're talking about?" replied Charlie with a sheepish look

"Yh of course you don't mother, well I hope you enjoy your night"

Charlie smiled over at Ruby sheepishly before quickly changing the subject and turning the table on Ruby

"So you and Casey" Charlie probed

"What about me and Casey?"

"what's going on with you two... are you?" Charlie raised her eyebrows suggestively

"Are we what?" asked Ruby a little confused as to what Charlie was getting at

"Well are you guys just friend or do you like him as more than a friend?" Charlie already knew the answer to the question as Ruby's cheeks instantly flushed red

"What? No we're just friends" Ruby's voice squeaked as her cheeks continued to redden. She moved her gaze back to the TV before her in an attempt to hide her now plum cheeks

Charlie giggled at her daughter before pointing out the obvious "Right so that's why you're blushing... because you're just friends" Charlie grinned at her daughter

"I'm not blushing" defended Ruby still refusing to look up at Charlie

"If you say so... but you know you can talk to me about this kind of stuff" asked Charlie

"Yes Charlie I know but I and Casey are just friends"

"Ok" responded Charlie as Ruby finally looked back up at her "Well I hope you enjoy yourselves" Charlie placed a kiss on Ruby's temple before standing from the couch and making her way towards her room

"I'm gonna take a shower then I'll take you to Aprils so you can drop your stuff "

"Ok" replied Ruby as she turned her attention back to the TV

...

Walking out into the living room Charlie looked on at Ruby who seemed all set. She recalled her conversation with Jack earlier that day as she edged closer to Ruby and took as seat beside her on the couch

"I'm ready when you are" Ruby looked over at Charlie

"Yh err Rubes do you err... do you want to talk about Grant and the court case" Charlie could tell by the brief hopeful look on Ruby's face that the answer was in fact yes

"Err..." Ruby peered at Charlie unsure of what she should say

"Its ok if you do... I get that I haven't really been to welcoming on the topic"

"No its fine its not that I want to talk about it I just... I want to know that you're ok about it" spoke Ruby "I want to know how you feel about it?"

Charlie smiled at the thoughtfulness of her daughter

"I'm a little scared, but at the same time relived" Charlie spoke "But most of all I'm just hopeful that after the court case is set and it comes round we can just get on with our life's"

Ruby smiled at Charlie "I want that too"

Charlie nodded "I know... and I promise to talk more"

Ruby nodded and gave her a quick hug "We best get going need to drop these off before I meet Case"

A grin covered Charlie's face which was instantly picked up by Ruby

"We're just friends" exclaimed Ruby as she picked up her bags and walked to the door

"Uhuh" Charlie snickered as she followed Ruby out the door

...

Charlie sat on the couch as she peered up at the clock on the wall again. Brax had texted earlier that he would be a little later than planned so he would be picking Ruby and Casey up before he came round. She turned her attention back to the TV but her head quickly flicked up as she heard the knock on the front door. Flinging herself off the couch she walked rapidly towards the door. Swinging it open she couldn't help the smile that covered her face as he grinned down at her

"Hy" he instantly leaned forward and placed a kiss on her lips

"Ummmm Hy" Charlie grinned into the kiss before they both pulled away. Taking hold of his hand she pulled him into the house. Closing the door with his foot Brax followed her towards the couch; sitting beside her he left no room between the both of them. Resting her hand lightly against his chest Charlie sat with her legs inside of Brax's as his arms were wrapped around her waist

"So did Casey and Ruby have a good time" asked Charlie as she held her gaze on his

"Uhuh... I think so, Casey still denying that he likes her" said Brax. Charlie laughed lightly

"Yh so is Ruby... I was questioning her about it earlier" Charlie also remembered the other conversation she had with Ruby. Looking up at Brax's face that still bared a grin; She removed her arms from his chest and placed them on her legs before taking a deep breathe

"I try not to talk about it because for the first time everything is going so good for me"

Brax dropped the grin as he peered at her for a moment confused by her words, but thinking about it he realised what she must have been referring to.

"Are you talking about the court case?" asked Brax

Charlie nodded in response "I don't want it to take away from what I have now" Admitted Charlie

Brax smiled lightly at her as he removed his arm from around her waist and placed it below her now lowered chin. Pressing his thumb against it he lifted her head up turning it so they both had a clear view of one another "And it won't... I just want to know that you're ok; I don't want you to think you can't talk to me about this. I want to be here for you any way possible... I just need you to let me" spoke Brax

"I'm ok most of the time... I just I worry about what could happen sometimes" admitted Charlie

"What do you mean?" asked Brax

"What if he doesn't go to jail or what if when he comes out he comes back here"

Brax shuffled slightly turning his body slightly so he was facing her

"After what he did Charlie you and I both know there is no way he wont go down for this, and whenever it may be that he gets out he would be stupid to come back here and either way it doesn't matter you know why? Brax peered at her "Because I would never let him hurt you or Ruby"

Charlie smiled at him "You're amazing you know that" her hands returning back to his chest

A cheeky grin covered Brax's face as he spoke "Amazing, Charming, ridiculously handsome... I've heard it all" Charlie laughed at his words as she shook her head

"You seem very sure of yourself" Charlie mocked him, but Brax shook his head as he lifted his hand resting it against her cheek

"Na... the only thing I am sure of is how beautiful you are"

Removing her gaze from his as she felt her cheeks heat up Charlie felt a shiver run down her spike as he continued to softly stroke her cheeks. Unable to avoid his peering eyes any longer she lifted her head and stared up at him to find his eyes still placed firmly on as he closed the distance between them, she grinned expectantly, regardless of the amount of times she had now felt his lips against hers the excitement and nervousness that rose within her each time only seemed to increase

...

Lightly stroking her cheeks with his thumbs the remaining hairs that had managed to stay down at her touch now stood static. As she gazed back up at him, Brax couldn't help but be memorised by her beauty. Her voice, her smile, her eyes and everything else about her seemed to take the very breathe from his lungs. No longer being able to bear the little distance that remained between the two of them he edged forward wanting to relive the feeling of her lips pressed against his. At the view of the grin that had now settled on her face Brax couldn't help the smirk that had arisen on his as their lips now stood barely inches apart. Feeling the need to wait no longer he cupped her cheeks fully with his hands bringing her in closer allowing their lips to brush lightly past one another, the slight feeling now had his heart pounding vigorously against his chest a feeling only she could convey from him

Unable to both stand it any longer both Charlie and Brax brought their lips crashing against each others. Shifting from her position without breaking the kiss Charlie brought her legs to either side of his now straddling him. Pulling her as close as possible Brax's hands pressed her into him wanting more of her. Increasing the gap between her lips Charlie moved her hands from his chest to the back of his head as his tongue instantly collided with hers. She moaned slightly at Brax's touch as his hands moved from around her waist and began roaming inside her shirt.

Charlie let out a small squeal as Brax lifted her slightly and laid her down on the couch their kiss never breaking. Charlie soon found her hands moving from the back of his head to his shirt. Pushing her hands through it she pressed her hands against the bare skin on his back. Trying to muster up the ability to speak Charlie reluctantly pulled away from the kiss breathlessly. She giggled lightly at the disappointed expression that immediately covered Brax's face

"I prefer my room" Charlie grinned up at him as he looked at her gleefully

"You sure?" asked Brax although the look on his face showed clearly that he wanted nothing more

"Brax" Charlie raised her eyebrow "I'm sure" Charlie instantly reattached her lips to Brax's, she felt him grinning against her lips as he wrapped his arms tightly around her and carried her off the couch. Charlie's legs encircled his waist as he walked towards her room.

...

Closing the door with his foot Brax placed Charlie onto the ground, finally pulling away from the kiss he instantly locked eyes with her.

Charlie felt her legs weaken as his green eyes pierced into her, she reached up to his shirt pulling him along with her till they both stood not too far from her bed. As she stood before him Brax could swear she could feel his heart pounding rapidly against his chest; he watched her as she leaned into him placing several kisses along his jaw line before sliding her hands into his shirt resting them against his chest

Charlie smiled as Brax's arms wound around her his lips feverishly catching hers. Pushing her hands further up his shirt she parted form the kiss momentarily pushing the shirt over Brax's head before attaching her lips back onto his. Brax hands instantly clamped onto the bottom of Charlie's top pulling it over her head. Charlie instantly pushed her hands up his back wanting to feel his exposed skin against hers. Feeling the need for air Charlie pulled away from the kiss breathlessly only to have Brax bring his lips towards her neck. He pulled back and watched in awe as she lowered her shorts stepping out of them as they hit the ground, his gaze only growing wider as she brought her hand to her back and unclasped her bra, he felt his breath catch in his throat as her bra dropped to the floor

Brax examined her, dazed by her beauty; he smirked as he saw the change in colour on her cheeks under his gaze. Slowly bringing his hands up, he tucked a strand hair behind her ears before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. He smiled as she leaned her body into his kiss. He swiftly wrapped his arms around her lower waist lifting her legs off the floor and walked towards the bed

Charlie giggle lightly as he lifted her off the ground, she nested her hands in his hair as he moved the both of them towards her bed. Gently lowering her onto the bed he hovered above her still over taken by her beauty. Brax brushed his hands along her newly exposed skin his eyes still exploring her. Unable to withstand his glare Charlie leaned forward planting her lips against his neck as her hands made their way down towards his pants. Receiving the message Brax leaned up slightly allowing Charlie to lower them with ease, he settle himself back above her running his hand through her hair

To the both of them that moment felt different to all the other times they had shared together but yet there was still some familiarity in it. The same excitement was still there but now it was filled with nervousness and immense want and need.

Brax settled himself between her, she had no idea how much he needed her. She had been gone for so long but nothing had changed, if anything his desire for her had only grown. The hold she had on him had only increased in the ten years they had been apart, her eyes exposed him in ways he never thought possible

...

She would have thought that the years spent apart would have changed the racing of her heart as he hovered above her, the pounding of her chest as he glared at her with desire but it only seemed to have deepened. His glare upon her now naked body only increased her desire for him.

They smiled as they closed the little gap between them, both relishing in the mere thought of what they were about to encounter

[RoRo90]

Thanks for the comments guys. Right I'm not sure how you guys will feel about this next chapter or a couple more that are still to come in due time but I hope you don't hate them. Enjoy

Stirring slightly Brax opened up his eyes not needing to familiarise himself with where he was. The images of his and Charlie's encounter the previous night played in his mind causing a smirk to grow on his face. Looking down as her head lay against his bare chest, her hands lay draped across his waist as his hands rested on her bare back. His smile only widened as she grazed her leg against his lightly. Even in sleep he swore she had to be the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Placing a soft kiss on her head, he turned and took a quick glimpse at the time which read 6.15. Turning back to Charlie he tightened his grip on her, running his hands ever so softly up and down her back he drifted back into sleep

...

As her eyes fluttered open Charlie grinned as the events of the previous night came flooding back. She out stretched her hand wanting to feel Brax. Opening her eyes fully as she patted the empty space beside her she immediately registered the cold breeze on her body. Slowly sitting upright she stared at the empty space for a few seconds before calling his name

"Brax" she paused waiting for some sort of clue that he was still in the house "Brax" she called him once more waiting for him to let her know he was still there. Receiving no response Charlie picked up her phone but had no calls or messages. Sighing she stepped out of the bed wondering why he would have left without waking her up. Her thoughts stopped mid way as her gaze was caught by the clothes that now lay draped across the top of the small sofa in the corner of her room. The confused expression on her face was captured by her smile as she noticed Brax's shirt laying on top of her shorts. Quickly picking up the top she pulled it over her as she walked out of the room

Walking in the direction of the living room, Charlie was still wary about the quietness in the house. 'Maybe he did leave and he just left his shirt' thought Charlie as she entered the living room. Her doubts were put to rest at the smell and sound that came from the kitchen. Walking towards the kitchen quietly, she stood at the foot of the entrance as her smile engulfed her face. Brax stood wearing his jeans with his back turned to her. She watched on trying to stifle her laughter as he evidently tried to make his way quietly around the kitchen. Her smile remained placed as she saw what he had prepared, watching him rummaging through the kitchen drawers she decided to give him a helping hand

"Err the plates are in the top cupboard second to right" she giggled lightly as Brax jumped slightly before turning to face her

"I didn't scare you did I?" smirked Charlie

Brax shook his head lightly; as he peered at her .She watched him study her as his lips curled up significantly. His gaze starting from her legs and stopping dead on her face. She blushed as he looked up at her and caught her gaze. She quickly removed her gaze from his

Brax laughed as her cheeks darkened in colour. Walking towards her he wrapped his hands around her waist placing his thumb under her chin and bringing her head up to his

"I didn't make you blush did I?" his smirked matching her earlier one

Charlie shook her head causing Brax to chuckle

"Your cheeks say otherwise" responded Brax but before she could reply he pulled her in close placing an unexpected yet passionate kiss on her lips

"Mmmmm good morning to you too" smiled Charlie as the kiss came to an end

"You sleep ok?" asked Brax his arms still around her waist and hers resting on his arms

Charlie nodded "Best sleep I've had in a while" Charlie smiled at him before speaking again "You know I thought you had left when I woke up and you wasn't there"

"What and miss seeing you like this" Brax winked as he stepped back slightly as he studied her again, bringing the blood rushing back to Charlie's cheeks "You look WAY better in that shirt than I do" grinned Brax

"I don't know about that, you look pretty good in this shirt... but I prefer you without it on" Charlie's grin matching Brax's as she brought her arms up from his arms and rested them on his chest. Brax dipped his head as Charlie edged forward both pushing into the kiss.

Placing his hands firmly on each side of her waist Brax picked her up and placed her on the kitchen bench. Charlie's legs instantly parted allowing him to settle himself between them before wrapping them around his waist. She moaned as he brought his lips down to her neck. tilting her head to one side she groaned as she willed herself to speak

"Brax the food" she spoke breathlessly as he grazed his teeth lightly against her skin

"Later" Brax mumbled into her neck before bringing his head back up as placing his lips back against hers

Charlie nodded unable to part from him "Ok" she mumbled into the kiss pushing her hand through his hair as she tried to get more of him. Caught in the moment neither of the two had registered the front door opening

"Charlie" Ruby's voice filled the house

"Crap" Brax jumped back as Charlie hopped off the bench just in time for Ruby to walk into the kitchen

"Char... oh" Ruby stared at the two of them before noticing their attire and the flushed look on Charlie's face.

"Hy" Charlie replied breathlessly as Brax shuffled trying to hide the bulge in his jeans

"Hy Rubes"

Ruby's eyes widened as she realised what she had walked in on

"Oh" she turned quickly as she tried her best to control her laughter at the expression on both Charlie and Brax's face

"I'm so sorry just came to get my swimmers... I'll be gone in five, just pretend I'm not here" Ruby quickly retracted into her room before either Charlie or Brax could say a word

Still glaring at the space Ruby had just occupied Brax spoke

"Well that was awkward" Brax turned to look at Charlie whose cheeks had risen significantly in temperature. She instantly turned and buried her head into his chest

"Brax that was worse than awkward" Charlie groaned into his chest before speaking again as she leaned back and took in both their appearances

"I'm wearing your shirt... just your shirt" Charlie looked up at him wide eyed her cheeks plum red "She just saw me in nothing but you shirt"

Brax couldn't help but laugh at the clearly embarrassed expression on Charlie's face

"This isn't funny" Charlie bellowed as she hit him lightly on his chest "I should go... put some layers on" Charlie looked down at the shirt she was wearing before looking back up at Brax's grinning face

"I'm not even going to ask what the grin is for" she shook her head playfully as she turned to make her way into her room only to have Ruby walk back out of her room with her bag

"Where you going?" asked Charlie

"Err to the beach with Case" Ruby instantly regretted saying his name as the same grin Charlie had placed on her face the day before had returned

Ruby kept her voice low not wanting Brax to over hear

"Drop it we're just friends... he said he was going to the beach and I figured if I go with him he could give me a few pointers on surfing"

Charlie stifled her laughter as she heard Brax chuckle lightly in the kitchen obviously listening in on what they were saying, and thinking the same thing she was

"Right and you decided this now, this morning?" asked Charlie

Ruby nodded her head in response wondering what was so odd about it

"Ruby how many 'just friends' do you speak to and make plans with before...?" Charlie paused as she looked up at the time before continuing "Before half nine in the morning" Charlie raised her eyebrow as Ruby stood for a few seconds with no response. Deciding to completely ignore the question Ruby progressed towards the front door

"I've got to go but you might want to put a few extra layers on in case someone else decided to drop by" Ruby grinned at the increase in colour on Charlie's face happy to get the attention off herself

"Bye Charlie... BYE Brax" Ruby shouted towards the kitchen as she made her way for the door

"Bye Rubes" replied Brax as he heard the front door open and close.

Brax stepped out of the kitchen finally letting out his laughter at the embarrassed look in Charlie's face. Walking over he wrapped his arms around her

"Shut up" she buried her head into his chest "You know she's never going to let me live this down" Charlie spoke as she looked up at him

"Probably not"

"Is it me or does the whole teaching her to surf thing sound familiar" Charlie spoke with a smirk as she remembered all the times Brax had claimed to be teaching her how to surf but the both of them knowing it was just another excuse to spend as much time together as possible

"Yea... I was a pretty good teacher as well" Charlie scoffed as he looked down at her

"I remember you did very little teaching" spoke Charlie as she wrapped her arms around him

"Yh that's because you couldn't keep your hands off me, you took advantage of my generosity" Brax grinned as he passed her a quick wink causing Charlie to laugh

"I don't recall you ever complaining" said Charlie

"Customer is always right so I just had to deal with it" replied Brax his grin still firmly placed

"Aren't you just the perfect host" grinned Charlie

Brax nodded his head before dipping his head slightly as he smirked down at her

"Now where were we" he lowered his head to Charlie's neck only to pull back laughing at the sound of her stomach

"Food first?" he asked knowingly

Charlie nodded her head sheepishly "Yes food first please"

...

"Hy" Charlie walked into her and Jacks office

"Hy" Jack looked at her unsure if to tell her or not, it was obvious she was in a good mood and he knew hearing this would only remind her of what has happened. Unfortunately for him Charlie had picked up on the hesitancy in his reply

"What's wrong?" she asked. As Jack looked up at her she knew whatever he was about to tell her was possibly about to dent her good mood

"Joyce wants to see you in his office" replied Jack

"Why?" Charlie looked at him confused

"Its err... its Grant" Jack paused as he studied her reaction to his name. She nodded slowly as she took a seat, he could tell she was trying hard to be strong "They've moved the date for his court hearing forward" Charlie nodded again and Jack continued

"Me, Brax and Watson will have to testify to what we saw and heard that day" Jack took a deep breath before he continued

"He wants to run through some issues with you" said Jack

"What issues?" asked Charlie

"Charlie you should talk to him" responded Jack. He watched as Charlie nodded cautiously before making her way back out of the office

...

Knocking on his office door she waited for him to respond before walking in

"Hello sir... Jack said you wanted to see me"

"Yes please take a seat" Charlie obliged and sat in the seat before him

"Grants court case has been moved to three weeks from now a few people will be testifying against him, but we would also like to call your daughter and Casey Braxton to the stand" Jack had already informed Joyce that it was more than likely that Charlie would object to the request and by the change in her facial expression he knew Jack was right

"No" she spoke instantly "Sir with all due respect I don't want my daughter nor Casey Braxton taking to the stand" Charlie shook her head

Joyce sighed "Look Charlie..."

"I'm sorry sir... they went thorough enough that day, Ruby as been through enough. I won't have her stand there and have to relieve it and have to see him again" Charlie stood to her feet

Joyce copied her action as he too came to a stand

"Charlie you will need to testify a..." once again Charlie stopped him

"And I will, if I have to testify I will but I won't let Ruby anywhere near that court room" excusing herself she walked out of his office and back into hers. She walked back out just as quickly and made her way out of the station

Jack glared out the door to be met by their boss, Inspector Joyce. He shook his head

"She refused to let her daughter or Casey Braxton testify against Grant"

Jack stood unsurprised, up until he heard what Inspector Joyce had to say next

"Looks like you've got some convincing to do, and as for Casey Braxton all we need is Daryl Braxton's permission I'm sure you can get that for me. There is no way I am letting this man walk away with a light sentence" Joyce walked away from Jack

"Great" muttered Jack under his breath. Walking back into the office he grabbed his keys hoping Charlie hadn't gone too far

...

"Missing me already" Brax walked around the bar as Charlie walked into the restaurant

"Something like that" her voice flat and vulnerable

Brax's grin instantly faded as he took in the expression that lay on her face "Hy what's wrong?" he pulled her in closely to him

"Grant" Brax found his whole body instantly stiffen at the sound of his name

"What about him?" asked Brax as he pulled away slightly so he could look at her

"They moved his court hearing forward" Brax looked confused by her words

"Isn't that a good thing... the sooner the hearing comes the sooner he is put behind bars where he belongs" asked Brax

"They want You, Ruby and Casey to testify" replied Charlie

"Oh" responded Brax. He knew this was more about the kids testify than him "Charlie I don't think that's such a bad thing, I'm sure they would both be willing to"

"I can't ask them to do that Brax I don't want them to, you should have seen Ruby that night... she looked so broken. I can't put her through anymore of this"

Brax sighed and pulled Charlie back into him

"If you don't want her to testify that's fine, but I honestly think if this will help put him away for as long as possible then it's worth it"

"I actually thought it was all over" spoke Charlie

"It is... this is just the final lap. Your nearly there" Brax placed a kiss on her forehead "Charlie you know I am going to testify and if Casey decides he wants to testify too I'm not going to stop him" Brax waited for her response but she simply nodded

"But I don't want you forcing him into anything, if he says no then just accept it" Brax nodded at her words before speaking

"Why don't you try giving Ruby the same opportunity" he didn't want to push the issue but he knew that Ruby and Casey's testimony against Grant would be very important to the overall verdict

"I'll think about it" Brax smiled at her words

"That's all I ask" he responded

Looking up Brax smiled at Jack as he walked into the restaurant

"Thought I might find you here" said Jack as he looked at Charlie who had now turned to face him

"Sorry for walking out like that" said Charlie

"Na its fine.., but Charlie I think..."

"Jack I know... look if Casey wants testify then fine I will consider telling Ruby but if she says no then that's it" said Charlie

Jack nodded "That's good enough for me" he smiled thankfully to Brax but as he remembered the other part of what he was supposed to tell her he had a feeling the upcoming conversation was not going to end well

"Err guys there's more" Jack rubbed his hand against the back of his head. He looked to Charlie then back to Brax as he spoke

"Grant pleaded guilty to all the charges against him but he has got himself a lawyer to represent him" Charlie stood surprised

"A lawyer... I thought the hearing was mainly to decide on the length of his sentence" spoke Brax "Who would want to represent him?" asked Brax a little shocked by what Jack had just told them

"We're pretty sure she's going to try and get him a lighter sentence" said Jack who was trying to buy himself some time before breaking the actual news

"On what basis... he admitted it you heard him, he held Ruby and Casey and Charlie against their will and he was armed. How could he possibly get a lighter sentence?"

"Well she is going on the basis of mental breakdown" responded Jack

"He is mentally ill... he belongs behind bars" Brax voice rose slightly

"That's why we need everyone on board Charlie" said Jack

Charlie shook her head

"Who is it, the lawyer that's defending him? You keep saying 'she' so I'm guessing you know who it is" Charlie tried to keep calm. She gave Brax's hand a squeeze as he slipped his hand into her's

"Its err... its Ella" responded Jack

Brax's eyes widened at Jacks words and Charlie stood dumbfounded, she only knew one Ella and she was sure it couldn't be her

"Ella who?" she caught the look Jack was giving Brax "Jack Ella who?"

"Ella Charlie... Ella is a lawyer" spoke Brax, the shock in his voice never ceasing

"Ella is a lawyer?" confirmed Charlie "Ella is defending Grant" Charlie spoke the words out loud looking from Brax to Jack

"H-how? Why?" stammered Charlie as she waited on Jack for an explanation

"Apparently he is claiming mental breakdown for the cause of his actions against Ruby and Casey and it seems Ella believes him"

Why would she defend him when she knows what he did?" questioned Charlie

Brax sighed as he stepped back from Charlie and picked up his keys "I think I know why" Charlie watched on as Brax walked out of the restaurant, she could tell by Jacks face that he had a fair idea what Brax was talking about. However she knew questioning him about it would bring no results

"He can't get away with this Jack" Charlie fought back the tears that had now clouded her eyes

"He won't" Jack prayed that there was truth in his words

...

"Ella... ELLA" Brax knocked fiercely against the door

"Where's the fire?" Ella opened up her front door. She had been expecting a visit from either him, Heath or Jack knowing that most of them would have by now heard the news

"You can't defend him" Brax got straight to the point as he entered the house "Do you know how much he has hurt Charlie and the danger he put Ruby and Casey in" Brax desperately tried to keep a minimal volume to his voice

Ella sighed as she turned to face him

"Brax you know I'm not doing this to spite Charlie but if he really needs help then..." Brax interjected

"Ella the only thing he needs is to be locked away for life, he's a monster"

"Look, I'm not condoning any of what he did and he will probably still get set down but he really needs help"

"NO HE DOESN'T" Brax couldn't help but shout as he flung his arms in the air "He is using you Ella... Grant isn't Josh"

Ella glared at him fiercely "Don't bring him into this... it's not about him"

"Yes it is and you know it" Brax tried to calm himself as he stepped closer to her "You can't change what happened with Josh by helping Grant. Grant deserves to rot in jail, he doesn't deserve anyone's help" he looked at her with pleading eyes but was stunned by her reaction. "Helping Grant isn't going to change what happened with Josh"

"Get out" she continued glaring at him with angry eyes

"Ella you..." before he could finish she interrupted him

"I said get out...NOW" Ella walked back towards the front door and swung it open

Brax sighed before walked over to the door looking at her he spoke before leaving

"Just ask yourself one thing Ella, did the man you saw standing at Heaths door a couple of months ago look or seem unwell to you" Brax peered down at her before making his way out the door.

...

Brax had been trying Charlie's phone all evening but she hadn't been picking nor had she replied to any of his calls. Looking up he sighed gratefully as both Heath and Jack walked into the restaurant. Before Jack had even reached the bar Brax had already opened his mouth

"Is she ok?"

"Not sure... she's obviously still confused about what happened earlier"

"Did she ask you anything?" asked Brax

Jack shook his head "Na she didn't say a word all the way back to the station. " answered Jack "How did it go with Ella?" asked Jack knowing that is where he would have headed that morning

"Not well... she's adamant on defending him"

"Where is Charlie now?" asked Brax as he looked down at his watch

"She would have finished up at the station about ten minutes ago so I'm guessing she's on her way home" Brax nodded in response to Jack reply before placing two beers on the counter for him and Heath

"You're going to have to tell her, try and make her understand why Ella is doing this" spoke Heath as he took a swing of his beer

"I know" replied Brax as he walked away from the two of them

...

"Hy Charlie" Ruby looked up from the couch as Charlie walked into the house

"Hy how was school" Charlie couldn't help the distant and flatness in her voice

"Err yh it was ok... what's wrong" Ruby adjusted herself on the couch so her body was facing Charlie's

"Nothing just tired... shouldn't you be in bad by now?"

Ignoring her question Ruby spoke instantly noticing something wasn't right

"No more secrets Charlie" Ruby looked up at her expectantly

Charlie took a deep breath as she sat beside Ruby

"Fine. They err... they've moved the court case up" spoke Charlie. Ruby nodded in anticipation of what was to come "They want you and Casey to testify to want happened that day" Charlie looked at Ruby trying to read her body language "I don't want you to tes..." Ruby interrupted Charlie

"I want to" she spoke immediately "I want to testify"

"Ruby you don't..."

"If me testifying helps put him away for a long time then I'm doing it... and I know Casey would want to as well" Ruby slipped her hands into Charlie's "He's not going to win this one"

Charlie smiled up at her daughter "You're something else, you know that"

...

Opening her front door she smiled as Brax stood behind it

"Hi" she opened the door wider allowing him to walk into the house

"You ok?" asked Brax as Charlie walked over to the couch and sat down

She nodded in response before patting the space beside her. He rapidly moved to her side

Did you talk to Ruby?"

"Yh she wants to go on the stand" replied Charlie

"That's good... she's a strong girl he won't get to her"

"I hope so" Charlie turned her whole body to face him. He pulled her closer wrapping his arms around her

"I wish I could make all this go away for you" he placed a kiss on her forehead

"Brax..." called Charlie

"Yh"

"Why is she defending him?" Charlie got straight to the point of the issue that had been bugging her since she left the restaurant "Is it because we're together, is she..." Charlie pulled away from their embrace so she could look at him

"No its not" Brax answered as he interjected. he sighed before telling her Ella's story "Ella had a brother called Josh he died about a year ago" Charlie nodded wondering what this had to do with Ella defending Grant

"Josh had a err... he had a mental break down a year prior to that and did something's that landed him in jail. Nothing to major but still enough to get him a twelve month jail sentence" Charlie continued staring at him waiting for this to somehow link to Grant

"Ella refused to help him fight his case after the things he had done... I guess she felt either way he deserved to pay the punishment for what he had done. But unfortunately Josh's mental state only worsened in prison and he eventually took his own life"

Charlie suddenly realised what relevance Josh made to Ella wanting to defend Grant

"She's trying to make up for not helping Josh by helping Grant" stated Charlie

Brax nodded "Yh I think so... Grant knows all about Josh so I'm guessing he is using it to his advantage as best he can"

"You have to explain to her Brax, she..."

"I already tried, but she wouldn't listen... I don't think we're gonna be able to sway her on this"

"He's lying Brax" Charlie tried to hide the tears that had formed in her eyes at the thought of Grant getting what he wants

"I know he is" Brax pulled her back into his arm "But with me, Casey, Ruby and Jack testifying against him there's no way he is going to get off with a lighter sentence than what he deserves"

Charlie sighed into his chest "I hope so Brax I really hope so"

...

*Next day*

"So what will happen if they accept his claim of mental breakdown as the cause of him holding Ruby, Casey and Charlie hostage?" asked Brax as he sat with Jack in the restaurant

He had wanted to ask Charlie all these things the night before but he could see she was struggling with what could happen and asking her these questions would probably only make things worse. Remembering what happened the last time she had panicked and made a rash decision Brax refrained from questioning her

"He could still be sentenced but that would only be on the charges of rape, he would be most probably receive some sort of counselling while completing his sentence "

"So he may not get anything for what happened at the house with Ruby and Casey" asked Brax trying to fully understand what Jack was saying

Jack nodded his head in response "But we cant think that way Brax"

Jack saw the anger brewing on Brax's face

"Brax it's a long shot" Jack tried to shine some light on the situation

"But it's not impossible" the anger in Brax's voice was clearly evident

Jack sighed as he answered "No it's not impossible"

"I can't believe she's doing this... if he gets away with this Jack..." Brax buried his head in his hand as he groaned angrily

"Martha went round to her place yesterday" spoke Jack

Brax's head shut up at his words "To Ella's?" he asked

"Yea but she still won't budge... he's really got her convinced" Brax swung his head back in frustration, the idea of what could happen if Grant got a lighter sentence scared him. He only just got her back, losing her again wasn't an option. He had called her a couple of times but her phone had been going straight to voicemail all day

Jack knew Brax too well, seeing him and Charlie together he knew how much Brax felt for her but now the fear of what she could do if the pressure got too much for her was lingering in the air. But Jack had also seen how Charlie was around Brax, the smile that lay on her face just at the mention of Brax's name. Regardless of what had happened in the past he was sure there was no way Charlie would leave Brax behind again

"She isn't going anywhere mate" Jack looked over at Brax who nodded half heartily obviously not convinced by his words

...

"Hy" Bianca stood before Charlie who sat staring out into the ocean

"Hy" Charlie smiled back "Were are the kids?" she asked

"I left them with Heath" replied Bianca as she sat besides Charlie "Ruby said you seemed a little off this morning and apparently you haven't been home since this afternoon so I came looking for you" Bianca looked down at Charlie with worrying eyes

"I'm fine" Charlie looked over at Bianca's unsure expression "I am, really... I just needed some time to myself" she looked back at the ocean "Coming here always seems to help"

Bianca smiled "You know Heath brought me and the kids here a few weeks ago and I'm pretty sure he as been out here by himself several times"

Charlie turned her head towards Bianca "What?"

"Brax told him that this is where you scattered Ross and Elise's ashes so he brought me and the kids down. Said he wanted them to meet the kids" smiled Bianca "you should have seen the smile on his face as he told Reece stories about Elise and Ross"

"Really?" the corner of Charlie's lips lifted slightly

"Yeah... how do you think I knew where to find you?" Bianca paused for a moment "She's not doing this to hurt you, you know?" Bianca spoke knowing Charlie would realise who she was referring to

Charlie nodded "I know... but it doesn't make it ok. I understand that she feels bad because of her brother I really do Bianca but..." Charlie sighed as a tear feel from her eye "He deserves to rot in prison... why should he get any sympathy when he showed me none, when he showed no sympathy to Casey or Ruby. How is that fair? Charlie once again wiped her tear stained face

Bianca sighed as she moved closer to Charlie using her right hand to pull her in for a hug

"It's not fair Charlie... nothing about this is fair" Bianca looked out into the ocean hoping all this would be over soon and her friend could start living her life properly

"You're not alone in this Charlie, we're all here and Ruby and Brax he's here, you just have to let us help"

Charlie smiled lightly at the sound of his name "I know"

Bianca sighed before deciding telling Charlie couldn't hurt "I think Brax might be a little scared about how this is affecting you or how it's going to affect you" Charlie pulled away from Bianca and looked up at her

"Affecting me how?" Asked Charlie

"He doesn't know for sure but Heath thinks Brax might be a little scared that all this might get too much for you and you'll leave again" answered Bianca

Charlie closed her eyes sighing lightly before opening them up again. She looked over at Bianca

"Thank you for this, for being here"

Bianca gave her hand a squeeze "Anytime"

Both Charlie and Bianca rose to their feet

"I have to go but I'll call you later" spoke Charlie

Bianca nodded "Ok" she gave her a smile as she walked away. She needn't ask where Charlie was going or who she was going to see

...

Charlie knocked on the door once again

"Hy Charlie" Casey opened the door

"Hy Case" Charlie smiled at him as he opened the door wider letting her into the house

"He's just in the shower" Casey spoke knowing it was Brax she would have come to see

Charlie nodded as she took a seat on the couch

"Err I'm actually on my way out" spoke Casey as he swung his jacket on

"You don't have to leave because of me" smiled Charlie

"No I told Ruby I would come round" Casey smiled back at her

"Oh ok" Charlie smiled a little wider at him, she and everyone else could see how much Ruby and Casey liked each other even if they were denying it

"Well have fun"

Casey stood still for a moment before speaking

"Err I told Brax I would testify at the court case" Casey gave her a small smile which she returned

"You know you don't have to" said Charlie

"I know but I want to"

Charlie nodded her head "Thank you"

Casey also nodded in response as he made his way to the front door

"Bye Charlie" Casey smiled back at her before closing the door behind him

She looked down at the bracelet around her wrist as she silently read the words that were engraved on the pendent stroking her thumb over the words. Making herself comfortable Charlie curled up and turned on the TV waiting for Brax to emerge from the bathroom. Several minutes pasted before she heard the bathroom door open and Brax making his way into his room, not long after she heard his room door open up and his footsteps edge closer to the living room

"Case I thought you were going over t..." Brax stopped talking as he entered the living room to be met by Charlie smiling up at him

"He already left" spoke Charlie

Brax smiled as he made his way over to her "What are you doing here?" he asked as he sat beside her

"I can go if you want" Charlie tried to put on a serious face as she motioned off the couch only to have Brax pull her back down

"Not what I meant" Brax grinned at her before leaning in and kissing her "I'm glad you're here" he muttered between the kiss

"Good" Charlie placed another quick kiss on his lips before looking up at him

"Sorry I've been a bit distant today" she moved in closer to him

Instantly wrapping his hand around her waist he shook his head

"Don't be... there's a lot going on right now... I get it"

Charlie shook her head "It's no excuse"

"Charlie its fine really... you're here now that's all that matters"

"And I'm not going anywhere Brax... I don't think I could ever leave again even if I tried" Charlie held her gaze in his as she spoke "I don't want you to hold back on how you feel because you think I might leave" Brax sighed lowering his head before bringing his eyes back up to met hers

"What if it gets too much for you?" he asked

"Then I'll just have to lean on you" Charlie replied instantly "I have you and Ruby and everyone else to help me be strong. There's no way I'm giving you up"

Brax grinned displaying his dimples "I'll be more than happy to have you lean on me"

Charlie smiled up at him before leaning forward, smiling wider as Brax instantly closed the rest of the distance and pressed his lips against hers

[RoRo90]

Thanks for the comment love that people are still enjoying this story. this is a happy chapter. hope you guys enjoy it

Brax grinned displaying his dimples "I'll be more than happy to have you lean on me"

Charlie smiled up at him before leaning forward, smiling wider as Brax instantly closed the rest of the distance and pressed his lips against hers

...

Charlie slowed her walk letting the sand consume her feet as she walked along the beach. She smiled as the ocean lapped gently against the sand. Taking her gaze from the ocean she set them ahead of her only to stop as the familiar figure came into view. Charlie watched as Ella slowed her walk till she had come to a standstill before her

"Hi" said Ella as she shifted clearly uncomfortably by their run in

"Hi" Charlie replied unsure of how to act. Ella wasn't the enemy but it didn't change the fact she was defending the one person she despised more than anything

"Charlie I hope you know I'm not doing this to hurt you... I would never do that" Ella peered over at Charlie trying to read her body language. Charlie simply gave a light nod her gaze not moving from Ella

"I'm not excusing what he's done but he needs help, he..." Ella's voice was silenced by Charlie

"Don't..." Charlie shook her head her voice firm and strong "Don't stand there and defend what he did"

Ella sighed "Charlie that's not what I'm doing"

"Yes it is... it doesn't matter what way you look at it that is what you're doing"

"Charlie I am not defending him so he can get away with this... I am doing it so he won't do it again"

"Being in jail will stop that" Charlie trying her best not to raise her voice

"Charlie..." Ella wasn't allowed to carry on

"No. Do you know what it feels like to have someone force them on you and do nothing but laugh while you're in pain? Do you know what it feels like to be thirteen and pregnant out of no choice of your own while everyone around you mocks you and calls you a liar? To watch someone threaten the life of your only child? Do you know how any of that feels like?"

Ella looked at Charlie unsure of how to respond but she didn't have to, Charlie spoke again

"No you don't... So you can't stand here and expect me to be ok with this because I'm not"

"I have to do this Charlie" Ella spoke her voice almost breaking. She could see what pain Grant had caused Charlie but the guilt she carried for not helping her brother was eating away at her

Charlie shook her head lightly

"No you don't, you don't have to do anything you don't want to. You are choosing to do this, there's a difference" Charlie wondered if she should mention Ella's brother but decided against it. She peered at Ella who now stood unsure all out of ways to justify why she was doing what she was doing.

Knowing there was no more that she could say Charlie edged to the side and carried on past Ella. Even after Ella attempt to make her see helping Grant was the right thing to do Charlie still held neither malice nor hatred for her. More than ever Charlie felt sorry for Ella, she could see how much guilt she felt about not helping her brother, she just hoped that guilt wasn't going to cause her from getting the justice she deserved

...

*Two Days Later*

"Hy" Bianca smiled over at Charlie as she walked through the back door with Abigail

Standing from the kitchen counter Charlie instantly took Abi from Bianca as she cooed down at her "Hy beautiful" Abi gurgled with a smile

"Well just ignore me completely" Bianca pouted as Charlie smiled up at her "Hi to you too" she immediately turned back down to Abi "Your just too beautiful aren't you" Charlie held her as she walked into the living room and took a seat on the couch

"Wow anyone would think you loved her more than you did me" Bianca sat beside Charlie

"And they would be thinking right" Smirked Charlie "Wouldn't they sweetie" Charlie's gaze remained on Abi

"Hy" Bianca pouted causing Charlie to laugh

"What can I say us Charlottes have to stick together"

"Fine I won't tell you the reason I came over then" teased Bianca as Charlie looked up at her with a raised eyebrow

"You mean you didn't come just to see how I am" pouted Charlie as she settled Abi on her lap

Bianca laughed lightly "There's that but I also wanted to ask you something"

"Ok" replied Charlie "What's up?"

"Well I and Heath have set a date for the wedding... it's going to be the 6th of August so just a little over a month away" beamed Bianca

"Awww B that's great" responded Charlie

"Well we figured after the court case everyone would need something to look forward to"

"That's a great idea Bianca" smiled Charlie

"That's only part of the reason I'm here"

"Oh ok what's the other part?" asked Charlie

"Well I wanted to ask if you would like to be my Maid of Honour" Bianca's smile widened as Charlie's jaw dropped

"Me?" asked Charlie pointing to herself

"Yes you" laughed Bianca

"I... Are you sure, I mean what about Martha or Leah" asked Charlie

"They already know and they agree that you would be the best person for the role... so what do you say?"

"YES...definitely. Thank you Bianca" Charlie smiled over at her friend

"Oh don't thank me yet, as maid of honour you're going to have a lot on your hands"

"Well I don't mind" responded Charlie. Bianca smiled at her enthusiasm

"So... how are you holding up?" asked Bianca. The court case was just over a week away and although she hadn't raised her concerns to either Brax or Heath Bianca and the girls were worried about Charlie

Charlie gave a brief smile "I'm doing better than I thought I would be" Admitted Charlie "I just need to have faith that he will get what he deserves" continued Charlie

"And he will...I really believe that" Bianca placed her hand on Charlie's shoulder giving it a light squeeze

"Yh... plus Brax has been really great. He's been keeping me sane" laughed Charlie

Bianca smiled at the glow on Charlie's face as she spoke of Brax. Charlie picked up on the smile

"What?" she asked

"Nothing... you just seem truly happy with him" responded Bianca

"I am" beamed Charlie

"So does Ruby suspect anything yet" asked Bianca as she remembered the surprise they were planning for her fifteenth birthday

"Nope but it's going to be so hard pretending I forgot her birthday" said Charlie

"But it'll be worth it" responded Bianca

"I know... I can't wait to see her face" smiled Charlie

...

"Charlie" Ruby skipped out of her room and into the living room "Charlie" she called again

"In here Rubes" Charlie spoke from the kitchen turning around as Ruby entered with a smile plastered on her face "Morning Rubes" Charlie placed a kiss on her temple before sitting down on the kitchen stool. She tried to avoid making eye contact as she tried to stifle her laughter

"Morning" Ruby stood still waiting for Charlie to shower her with a birthday greeting. Watching as Charlie remained quiet as she sipped on her coffee Ruby frowned her face as she walked over to where Charlie now sat "So what we doing today?" asked Ruby unsure if Charlie had forgotten or she was just making her sweat

"Err well I was going to go see Brax and then I was going to catch up with the girls... maybe you could go see your friends" spoke Charlie as she desperately tried to keep a straight face

Before Ruby could reply there was a knock on the front door, Charlie sighed thankfully as Ruby went to open it

...

"Hy Brax, Hy Case" Ruby smiled at them hoping they hadn't also forgotten what today was

"Hy Rubes" Brax smiled at her before making his way into the house with Casey in tow

"Hy Rubes" Casey smiled at her trying to hide his amusement at the disappointed look on her face

Walking into the kitchen Brax placed a kiss on Charlie's temple as he wrapped his arms around her from behind

"Morning" he beamed down at her

"Morning" replied Charlie as she turned in his hand placing a kiss on his lips

"Thank God you're here I think I was about to cave" said Charlie causing Brax to laugh

"Well Casey and April are going to take her to the city then we can get everything sorted" Brax stopped talking as Ruby and Casey walked into the kitchen.

Ruby looked at each of them before speaking "Err Brax what's today's date?" asked Ruby trying desperately to prompt them into remembering her birthday

"Err not too sure, the 8th I think why?" Brax kept his poker face well fixed knowing full well what Ruby was trying to do

She shook her head disappointedly as she walked over to the fridge "No reason was just wondering"

Brax glanced over at Casey before nodding his head at Ruby

"Hy err Rubes me and the guys are going into the City today if you wanna come" asked Casey

Ruby looked at him and shrugged "Yh sure... I'll just go get dressed" walking past all three of them she made her way into her room

"I feel so bad" said Charlie when she was sure Ruby was out of ear shot

"I'm sure the surprise will more than make up for it" replied Brax "Plus Casey here as got her something really nice" Brax gave Casey a teasing grin. Casey glared at him unimpressed

"Awww that's nice... what is it?" asked Charlie

"Oh I don't know... he refuses to tell me"

Charlie grinned over at Casey as she noticed him blushing "Well Case I'm sure whatever you've got her she will love it"

Casey smiled at Charlie as he tried to hide his reddened cheeks "I'm gonna go wait for her in the living room" he quickly turned and made his way out of the kitchen

"You are so evil" whispered Charlie as she wrapped her hands around his waist. Edging onto her toes she placed a more passionate kiss on his lips. She giggled lightly as Brax's hands made their way to her bum giving it a squeeze

"Keep it PG Braxton there are kids in the house" she winked as she placed another quick kiss on his lips

...

"Right I think we're all set" spoke Brax as he looked around the restaurant. Both he and Charlie looked up as Heath walked into the restaurant with Reece in tow.

"Hy uncle Brax" Reece ran right towards Brax

"Hy buddy" Brax picked him up and ruffled his hair

"Hy Aunt Charlie" Reece smiled at her

"Hi Reece" Charlie gave him a peck on the cheek

"Hy where's mine?" pouted Heath

Charlie laughed as she placed a kiss on his cheeks "Hi Heath" Reece shook his head

"No she's my aunt Charlie" Brax, Heath and Charlie laughed at him

"Actually buddy I think you'll find she's my Charlie" Brax spoke as he gave her a wink

Reece shock his heads again "No Aunt Charlie says I'm her number one boy"

"Oh did she" said Brax as he raised an eyebrow

Charlie shook her head at him "Don't worry babe you're a close second" she gave him a quick kiss

"Casey and the guys are on their way back so you should probably get going" spoke Heath as Brax placed Reece back on the ground

"Thanks... I'll see you guys later" Charlie picked up her bag before bending down to Reece

"Bye" she placed another kiss on his cheeks before turning knowing full well Brax would stop her

"Err Charlie"

She turned keeping a straight face at the expectant look on Brax face "Yh?"

"I think you're forgetting something" smirked Brax fully aware of what she was doing

"Err No I don't think so" grinned Charlie

Heath rolled his eyes at the both of them as he walked over to the bar

Brax walked over to Charlie only to stop as Heath spoke

"Keep the tongue wrestling to a minimum... don't need Reece seeing you two carrying on like hungry animals" Charlie couldn't help but laugh at Heaths remark as Brax shook his head and took a few more steps till he was standing in front of her

"So what was it that I forgot" grinned Charlie

"This" Brax dipped his head placing a slow but quick kiss on her lips. She smiled as he pulled away

"I didn't forget" she gave him another quick kiss before making her way out of the restaurant

"Bye Heath" she waved as she walked down the stairs

Brax turned around with a grin still safely placed on his face

"You are so whipped" mocked Heath

"Shut up" replied Brax as he joined Heath

...

Ruby dropped her bags as she walked into the house. She still couldn't believe no one had remembered it was her birthday, she sighed as she turned in the direction of the kitchen only to turn at the sound of Charlie's voice

"Rubes is that you" called Charlie from her room

"Yep" Ruby's voice flat and uninterested

Charlie walked out of her room "I was thinking me and you could get dolled up and go out for a nice meal"

Ruby's face instantly lit up at the hope that maybe Charlie hadn't forgotten after all

"Yh what's the occasion" asked Ruby

"No occasion I figured a nice meal would be better than my cooking" responded Charlie "You should go get ready so we can leave for six" Charlie retracted into her room as the urge to laugh became too much for her to bare

'Unbelievable' muttered Ruby as she picked up her bags and made her way into her room

...

Charlie looked down at her phone as it beeped

*Everyone's here... we're waiting on the birthday girl. Brax x"

Taking a final look at herself Charlie walked out of her room "Rubes you ready?" She turned to see Ruby walking out of her room

"Ruby you look beautiful" smiled Charlie

Ruby simply shrugged "I figured I would make the most of it"

"Most of what?" asked Charlie although she knew what her daughter was referring to

"Nothing we should get going" Ruby smiled at her as she made her way to the front door with Charlie in tow.

Charlie quickly sent Brax a text

*We on our way... will be there in ten*

...

Charlie stopped the car "Come on then" She stepped out of the car

"Brax's restaurant... that's where we're eating" Asked Ruby

"Err yh why?" asked Charlie as they walked towards the surf club

"We got dressed up to come and eat at Brax's restaurant" asked Ruby in disbelief

"Yh" Charlie stopped "We can go somewhere else if you want. I just figured we already know what to expect here" Charlie stood praying Ruby wouldn't suggest they go elsewhere

Ruby sighed "No its fine we're here now" Ruby carried on walking, Charlie purposely falling behind as she pulled out her phone

*We're here*

Smiling to herself she picked up pace in order to catch up to Ruby

"Why is it so quiet" asked Ruby as they made their way up the stairs

"I'm not sure" shrugged Charlie

Ruby looked at Charlie wearily as she continued on her way up the stairs. Reaching the last step she jumped slightly at the sudden sound of the roaring noise

"Happy birthday" All her friends and those she considered family stood with grins before her

She turned to Charlie who was now smirking at her

"I can't believe you thought I could ever forget your birthday. Happy Birthday" She swung herself into Charlie's arms

"Thank you" she beamed as she looked up at Charlie

"Its nothing, plus you should be thanking Casey he's the one that came up with the idea"

Ruby smiled at Charlie before walking over to the many faces in the restaurant

...

After greeting everyone Ruby made her way over to her friends "I can't believe you guys knew about this all day and you didn't say anything" smiled Ruby as she walked over to her friends

"Trust me Casey would have lynched us if we dared" laughed Xavier

Ruby turned her gaze to Casey

"Charlie says this was your doing"

Casey shook his head lightly "Na I just came up with the idea. Heath, Charlie and Brax set it up"

"Still thank you" Ruby smiled over at him

"Err we might just go and... mingle" said April as she dragged Dex along, Xavier and Sasha following closely behind

"I err I got you something" Casey stretched his hand over to her placing a gift bag in her hand

Ruby looked down at the present before looking back up at him a smile capturing her face

"You didn't have to"

"I know but I wanted to" he smiled down at her hoping she would like what he had gotten her

Ruby look back down at the gift bag and took out the container only to be met by a silky blue box she looked back up at him wondering what was inside

"Open it" spoke Casey as he tried to hide his nervousness

Ruby pulled open the blue box and not thinking it was possible the smile on her face widened as she looked down at the pendent. Taking it out of the box she couldn't believe how beautiful it was

"Its err it's your birthstone" said Casey

Ruby nodded "I know" she peered up at him her smile never ceasing "I love it Casey, Thank you"

"You sure I mean I can change it if..."

"Casey I'm sure"

Casey smiled at her happy that he had made the right choice

...

Brax stood leaning against the bar with his arms wrapped around Charlie as she stood with her back to him. They smiled as they watched the scene between Casey and Ruby

"So that's what he's been saving like mad for" smiled Brax as he and Charlie peered over at the pendent Ruby held up in her hand

"Hope you're taking notes Braxton... that right there is how to woo a girl" grinned Charlie

"I've already got the girl" smirked Brax as he placed a kiss on her neck

"You Buckton girls are so greedy" Heath grinned as he and Bianca stood before Charlie and Brax

"Why's that?" asked Charlie knowing whatever his response was it would be nothing short of humorous

Heath nodded his head in the direction of Ruby and Casey "Trying to keep all the Braxton's to yourselves... but then again I can't blame you we are definitely an irresistible set"

Brax shook his head at his words, as Bianca scoffed and Charlie laughed

"Heath I don't ever remember any of us Buckton girls coming after you... so you can't be that irresistible" Bianca and Brax instantly laughed at Charlie's words

"Ouch" mocked Heath as he placed his hand over his chest playfully

"She's got a point" added Brax

"How long do you think it'll be before they drop the whole 'we're just friends' act" asked Heath as they all turned to look as Ruby and Casey stood in each other's company

"I give it a couple more days even if that" added Heath

"I think they'll make each other sweat for at least another week" said Brax

"Yh I agree with Brax, if Casey is anything like you" Bianca point to Heath before proceeding "or Brax. And if Ruby is anything like Charlie they will definitely keep denying it for a little while longer"

"Hy" all three of them turned to face Bianca in objection to her statement

"What you guys know it's true; you must have the most stubborn genes I have ever come across"

"Well I agree with Heath" added Charlie

"Why don't we make this interesting" Heath smirked

"How?" asked Charlie with a weary look

"30 bucks. If they're together within the next three days, the both of you owe me and Charlie thirty bucks each and if not then we owe you thirty bucks"

Charlie and Bianca snickered "Wait you want to bet on my daughter and your brother" confirmed Charlie

"Charlie I don't think that's wise... I would feel really bad taking money from you" Brax grinned down at her as she turned to face him

"So you think we'll lose?" asked Charlie, Brax simply shrugged his shoulders in response

Charlie turned back to Heath "Fine Heath I'm in... thirty bucks. I wonder what I'll spend it on"

Bianca shook her head at how competitive her friend was "I'm definitely in" added Bianca

...

It was now nearing half eleven and almost everyone had left the restaurant. Ruby sat in one of the booths with Casey and April.

"April we're going" called Bianca

"Ok" April slid out of the booth "See you guys later"

"Bye April" Both Casey and Ruby waved her off as she walked over to Bianca picking a sleeping Reece up

"Hope you enjoyed yourself" spoke Heath as he walked over to Ruby

"Yh I did thank you"

"No problem, see you guys later" walking over to Bianca he placed his hand on the small of her back as they bid everyone goodbye and made their way out of the restaurant

"You should get going too" Brax walked from behind the bar and stood in front of Charlie who was sat on a Stoll

"You sure?" asked Charlie "I don't mind waiting for you to finish up"

"Na you guys go I'll see you tomorrow" Charlie nodded in response as she stood from the Stoll

"Night" pushing herself into him she brought her lips to his and without delay her hands crawled to the back of his neck.

"Uhum" Brax smiled into the kiss at the sound coming from the other side of the restaurant before both he and Charlie pulled away. As Ruby and Casey peered at them unimpressed Brax quickly gave her another kiss

"Night"

Walking away from Brax and over to Ruby and Casey Charlie smiled at the both of them

"Come on then birthday girl... time to get some sleep"

Ruby stood to her feet and looked over at Casey "Thanks for the present"

"It's nothing" Casey easily returned her smile

Charlie stood with a smile as she watched the two of them

"Ready?" asked Charlie as she looked at Ruby

"Yh"

"Bye Casey" said Charlie

"Bye Charlie" responded Casey

"See you later Brax" called Ruby as she made her way to the entrance

"Bye Rubes" smiled Brax "And you" Brax gave Charlie a wink as she grinned over at him before walking down the stairs after Ruby

...

"Ruby" Casey called after her as he saw her making her way up the beach. He instantly smiled as she turned around to him

"Hy Case" Ruby couldn't help the grin on her face as he came nearer

"Hy I went over to your place but no one was in" spoke Casey

"Yh I think Charlie went to see Brax" said Ruby as she pointed in the direction of the restaurant

"Right" Casey shuffled slightly on the spot "Errr you up to anything now?" he asked

"No not really... why"

"Just wanted to hang out" replied Casey trying to sound as casual as possible

"Yh sure, I was going to go get a juice then maybe go back down to the beach... you could come" replied Ruby hopefully

"Ok" Casey smiled as he and Ruby made their way towards the surf club

...

*2 hours later*

"No way" Ruby spoke in between her laughter

"Seriously I have never been so embarrassed ever" laughed Casey as he sat besides Ruby on the sand

"Yh I can imagine" Ruby wiped away a tear that had dropped as she laughed

As both their laughter ceased they smiled at one another as silence fell upon them. Ruby felt herself blush under his gaze and moved her peering eyes towards the ocean. She turned her head back to Casey at the sound of his voice

"April and Dex are err going into the city to watch a film later today... I was wondering if you wanted to come... with me" Ruby looked up at him unsure if he was saying what she thought he was

"Come with you as in together" asked Ruby unsure if she had phrased her question correctly

Casey nodded "Yh... I err" Casey paused trying to find a way to say what he wanted to say

"You what?" encouraged Ruby

"I like you... but not as a friend" Casey shook his head "No I mean I do like you as a friend..." Casey sighed not believing how difficult it was for him to just say what he wanted

"Right" Ruby looked at him confused and disappointed

Deciding to try again Casey spoke "No I mean we are friends but I like you as more than a friend" Finally getting his words out right Casey peered at her intensively trying to depict her reaction

"You do?" asked Ruby as she kept her gaze in line with his

"Yh" nodded Casey still unable to read how she was feeling "I get it if you don't feel the same w..."

Casey stopped as Ruby spoke "I like you too... as more than a friend" Casey watched as the surprised look on Ruby's face disappeared and was replaced by her beaming smile

"Yh?" asked Casey as a smile engulfed his face

Ruby nodded lightly "Yh" she blushed as his gaze examined her happily

...

Charlie stood up and walked towards the door

"Hy" she smiled at both Brax and Ruby

"Thanks Brax" Ruby smiled up at him before turning to the car and giving Casey a final wave goodbye and walking into the house

"Thanks for bringing her home"

"Not a problem" Brax moved further towards Charlie giving her a quick kiss "See you tomorrow" he smiled as she leaned forward and placed another kiss on his lips

"See you tomorrow" Charlie watched as he walked towards the car before closing the door behind her

"So how was the film?" she asked Ruby as she took a seat on the couch

"Good" replied Ruby as she walked out of the kitchen with a bottle of water in hand

Charlie peered at Ruby instantly picking up on the grin that had abducted her face

"Well going by the grin on your face I would say it was more than good" Charlie knew she was onto something as blood noticeable rushed to Ruby's cheeks "So it was just you, Casey, April and Dex" enquired Charlie

"Yep" replied Ruby trying her best to act casual

"Ok, well I was just about to watch the proposal if you care to join me"

Ruby smiled thankful that Charlie had dropped the subject "Yh just let me get changed" Ruby bounced towards her room

Charlie picked up her phone sending Brax a message

...

"Ready" asked Charlie as Ruby finally took a seat beside her

Ruby nodded as she picked up the bowl of popcorn Charlie had made

Charlie smiled at the gleeful expression that remained placed on her daughters face, she knew there was something she wasn't telling her but knew she would find out sooner or later

...

Brax had been taking quick glances at Casey all the way back to their place and the childish smile on his face had remained firmly placed. As they stepped out of the car and made their way into the house Brax watched him closely

"The movie must have been really good" said Brax

Casey turned to face him "what?" he asked clearly haven been in a world of his own

"You... you haven't stopped smiling since I picked you and Ruby up. I was saying the movie must have been really good"

"Err yh it was ok" replied Casey

"Just ok" Brax raised an eyebrow "So what's got you smiling like a school girl" teased Brax

"Nothing" Casey replied quickly as he unsuccessfully tried to rid himself of the grin on his face "I err I'm gonna go to my room" Casey retracted down the hall towards his room before Brax could throw anymore questions at him

Brax dug his phone out of his pocket smiling as he saw Charlie's name flashing against it

*I have a feeling you owe me thirty bucks ;)*

Brax Chuckled lightly before walking into his room

...

"I can't believe how badly Dex screamed during that movie" laughed Casey as Ruby joined in both of them making their way along the beach

"His faced was priceless" added Ruby trying to calm her laughter

Composing himself Casey peered over at her "I had a good time yesterday" spoke Casey

Ruby smiled up at him as they both came to a standstill "Yh me too" She shuffled her feet against the sand as he peered down at her

"Are we err together, together?" Ruby mentally kicked herself at her inability to say exactly what she meant

Casey's smile only widened as he noticed her shuffle nervously

"As in boyfriend and girlfriend" asked Casey

Ruby nodded her head slowly gawking at him intensively as she waited for his response or for any sign to ease her now uneasy state. Thankfully his words put an end to her uneasy state

"I hope so" Casey grinned down at her as a grin covered her face

Stepping forward slowly he studied her reaction as he lowered his face closer to hers, she stood still her grin still firmly visible. He smiled as he dipped his head lower bringing his lips to hers. The kiss was quick and soft as they both retracted looking at one another with matching grins. Ruby peered down as Casey slipped his hands into hers. She felt her jaw sting as her smile spread further along her face

...

"Are you just going to sit there and watch me work? asked Brax as Charlie sat on a stool in front of the bar

She nodded with a grin "I like watching you work... plus I wanted to spend some time with you"

"Well I'm due a break now" he walked behind the bar pulling her up from the stool and leading her out into the balcony.

Both facing the beach Charlie leaned her head against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her

"You feeling ok?" asked Brax. Knowing that the court case was now only a couple of days away he knew it would be playing on her mind

"Yh I'm good" spoke Charlie as she placed her arms over his

"You sure?" asked Brax as his grip tighten slightly

Charlie smiled lightly knowing what he was asking "Yh I'm sure, we've been through all possible outcomes so I'm prepared"

"I'll be right there with you" spoke Brax as he placed a soft kiss on her head

Charlie briefly closed her eyes smiling as his lips lingered on her head. Opening her eyes she tapped lightly on Brax's arm that was still wound around her

"Brax look" she nodded her head in the direction of Ruby and Casey on the beach not too far from them

They watched the nervous body language between the two before Casey leaned in and gave Ruby a Kiss. Charlie smiled as she watched the two of them continue on their walk hand in hand

"That's why he kept grinning like a fool yesterday" spoke Brax as his gaze remained on them

Charlie smirked as she turned around in his arms now facing him "I'll be wanting that thirty bucks now Braxton" Charlie raised her eyebrow flirtatiously "Or you could repay me another way"

Brax smirked down at her quickly picking up on what she meant. Dipping his head he took her lips in his as her hand wondered to the back of his neck. Gripping her waist tighter he held her close to him as he perched his tongue into the slip between her lips. Her hand dug deeper into his hair keeping his lips firmly placed against hers. Finally feeling the need for air they both pulled away. Charlie smiled up at him

"That may work with me but I don't think it's gonna swing well with Heath" her grin turned to laughter as Brax creased his face unimpressed by the thought