Unconditional Love

[Danni02]

I'm sorry for this one....don't like it at all. Hopefully I get something better for you for the next one...

Chapter 91

Charlie was in the diner, paying Irene for her cake. “So, how’s young Ruby doing?” Irene asked tentatively as she handed Charlie her change.

“She’s not home from hospital yet,” Charlie answered. “Romeo will be picking her up soon though and I thought a little bit of her favourite cake....” Charlie trailed off. “Well it’s not really going to do much for her right now it’s it?” Charlie shook her head at herself. “Maybe I shouldn’t bother.”

“If you want my advice then a little cake never hurt anyone,” Irene gave a little smile. “And just don’t come on too heavy with Rubes about talking about this. Just carry on as normal and let her talk in her own time.”

“Yeah you’re probably right thanks,” Charlie gave her a weak smile as she picked up the cake box and turned around, bumping into someone. “Sorry.” Charlie looked up to see Tony standing before her.

“It’s alright,” Tony answered. “How’s Ruby today?”

“She’s not home yet,” Charlie answered. “I eh....I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how she’ll cope.”

“Yeah, of course.” Tony nodded.

“How’s eh....how’s the.....” Charlie cleared her throat as she rubbed her forehead.

“She’s doing good,” Tony smiled. “Fine set of lungs on her when she’s hungry though,” Tony gave a little laugh. “She got home this morning. Rach was a little worried, you know with her being just over 2 weeks early but she was born close to 38 weeks so technically, I’d say she was full term anyways.”

“Right, yeah.” Charlie smiled lightly. “Well I’ll let you get whatever it was you came for.”

“Stir-fry,” Tony answered. “With a new baby in the house we figured it would be easier to get take-out for tonight.”

“Yeah I get that,” Charlie nodded. “So eh, does she have a name yet?”

“Aimee.” Tony smiled.

“Aimee,” Charlie repeated as she gave a little smile. “I love that name.”

“Well I’m glad,” Tony smiled. “I have pictures on my mobile if you want to -”

“No, no,” Charlie shook her head. “I appreciate the offer but, no, I should go. Bye.” Charlie smiled weakly before she left the diner and it was then that she noticed her boyfriend.

“Hey,” Brax smiled as he walked up to Charlie, placing a soft kiss on her lips. “How are you doing?”

“I’m okay, how are you?” Charlie questioned.

“Yeah fine,” Brax answered. “I need to pop into work for a few hours but can come around after work if you want me too, or if you want to be alone with Rubes then I’ll stay away.”

“You can still come around.” Charlie smiled.

“Okay,” Brax smiled. “I’ll probably be finished around about 9.30-10?”

“Yeah that’s fine.” Charlie smiled at him.

“So, is Rubes home from hospital yet?” Brax questioned.

“Romeo will be collecting her soon.” Charlie answered.

“Lemon drizzle in there?” Brax questioned as he pointed to the box.

“Yeah,” Charlie nodded. “Glad Rubes favourite isn’t chocolate cake or Connor would have it eaten before she got home.”

“Yeah,” Brax gave a little laugh. “Well I let you get home but I’ll see you later.” Brax smiled as he leaned forward and placed another kiss on Charlie’s lips. Charlie exhaled lightly before she walked back in the direction of the house, feeling a little nervous for how things would go with Ruby coming home, but kept Irene’s advice on the top of her mind.

******

“Hey,” Romeo smiled as he walked into the room, to see Ruby already up and dressed, sitting on the chair waiting on him to come for her. “You ready?”

Ruby looked down to herself and nodded. “Looks that way.”

“Right yeah.” Romeo nodded as he went to pick up her back but stopped as he felt her hand on his arm. He let go of the bag before turning to face her.

“Can we just sit a minute?” Ruby asked and Romeo nodded lightly as he leaned himself against the edge of the bed. He looked at Ruby and didn’t know what to say. He could see she was putting on a brave face, but knew that inside, she must have been feeling something. “Did Charlie call Morag?”

“Yeah, she’s at the house.” Romeo answered.

“So I’ll have papers and stuff to sign I guess,” Ruby said. “May as well make all this legal as soon as eh.”

“If it’s what you want,” Romeo nodded. “Then yeah you guys need to do it properly.”

“You know what I want,” Ruby answered quietly. “I want the best for the baby.”

“I know.” Romeo exhaled. If he was being honest, he thought Ruby would change her mind once she’d given birth and seen her daughter, but of course, Ruby was yet to see the baby, apart from Charlie trying to tell her that the baby looked like her when she was young, she didn’t really have a clue about what the baby looked like.

“And it’s not like I don’t ever want to be a mother, I just don’t feel like now is the time,” Ruby exhaled. “And I know that she’ll have a great life in Boston with Rachel and Tony. Jack, Martha and their little one. She’ll have a little playmate and Lucas too.”

“Yeah she’s going to have a good life.” Romeo smiled lightly.

“Anyways,” Ruby exhaled as she stood up. “Let’s just get home. I fancy a nice bath then we could maybe go out for dinner or something, you know, no point moping around about the kid. She’s with her parents now and will be happy, so I need to be too.”

“You want to go out for dinner tonight?” Romeo questioned, shocked.

“That’s what I said,” Ruby answered as she started to walk out of the room, with Romeo picking up her bag and then walking out after her. “Why is it such a surprise?”

“I didn’t think you’d be up for being out that’s all.” Romeo answered.

“Well I don’t really have anything to be sad about,” Ruby exhaled. “But if you don’t want to come you don’t have too.”

“Well we’ll see how it goes when you get home yeah?” Romeo exhaled as he took Ruby’s hand and walked out of the hospital with her, knowing that things might be difficult for a while and that not having the baby around would probably hit Ruby soon enough.

[Danni02]

Thank you beebee, Sarah, CharlieAndBraxLover and Zoe for the comments.

Chapter 92

Ruby,” Connor smiled as she walked into the house. “Grandma Morag is here.” Connor gave a little jump of excitement as he pointed over to the kitchen where Charlie and Morag were.

“Aww cool,” Ruby forced a smile. “You’re going to get spoiled aren’t you?”

“Yeah,” Connor gave a giggle as he spoke. “We’ve got cake for you. I like chocolate best but its lemon drizzle because that’s your favourite.”

“Ah wow you got me cake?” Ruby walked through to the kitchen with Connor’s hand in hers. “What have I done to deserve this?” Ruby asked as she smiled up at Charlie and Morag.

“Cos you is going to be sad,” Connor answered. “Cos you don’t have the baby with you.”

“Connor,” Charlie sounded cross with her son. “What did mummy tell you?” Connor scowled up at his mother. As far as he was aware he hadn’t said anything wrong. Connor exhaled as he gave a shrug.

“It’s okay,” Ruby said. “You don’t need to walk on egg shells around me, I’m fine. I don’t see why you’d think I was upset. All I’ve done is give her the best life she can have.”

“We are aware of that but it would also be okay for you to feel upset at not having your child around,” Morag said. “I’ve been there and I know what giving up a child is like.”

“And did you ever regret it?” Ruby questioned. Morag glanced at Charlie before looking back to Ruby.

“No, I didn’t.” Morag answered honestly. There was no point in lying.

“Well there you go,” Ruby answered. “I feel fine and I know this was the right thing to do so can we just leave it, please?” Ruby raised her voice slightly.

“We’re just a little worried, Rubes,” Charlie answered as she stepped forward and rubbed her daughters arm. “We all love you very much and just want you to know that we are here if you need us.”

“And I know that,” Ruby answered. “But seriously I feel fine so can we just shut up about it now.”

“Sure, whatever you want.” Charlie exhaled as she looked up to Romeo who was standing behind Ruby.

“Ruby can you play Xbox with me?” Connor questioned. “It’s been so long since you have.”

“Of course I can bud,” Ruby ruffled her little brother’s hair. “Why don’t you go get it set up and I’ll bring us through some cake and a drink?”

“Yeah.” Connor screeched before he ran from the kitchen. As Ruby cut two slices of the cake, Charlie took the apple juice out of the fridge and poured a glass for Ruby and Connor and carried it through to the living room where Connor was excitedly setting the Xbox up. Ruby walked through after her and put the cake slices down on the coffee table as she took a seat and picked up the controller.

“You ready to get beaten then?” Ruby teased her little brother. There was no way she could beat him, he was like an Xbox playing soccer legend, but teasing him about getting beat was always fun.

“Nope,” Connor shook his head as he jumped up onto the couch next to her. “I never does get beaten.

I’m the best ay mummy?”

“Yeah you’re very good.” Charlie smiled down at her son, before walking back through to the kitchen to talk with Romeo and Morag about her concerns for Ruby shutting everything away about the baby that she was sure Ruby wanted to talk about, but was just finding it easier saying she didn’t.

******

Brax sat down on the couch next to Charlie as he handed her the Corona. “Oh, you brought beer, you planning on getting me drunk, Mr Braxton?” Charlie gave a cheeky smile as she leaned forward and put the beer down on the coffee table.

“Just thought you could maybe do with a drink,” Brax answered. “Sure you’ll have had a tough day with Rubes.”

“Not really actually,” Charlie shook her head. “She’s been fine. It’s like Aimee was never born to her right now. She played Xbox with Connor, painted with him, she’s even gone out for dinner with Romeo tonight. Not one word about Aimee.”

“She’s gone out for dinner?” Brax was surprised to hear this.

“Yeah,” Charlie nodded. “I guess we just need to let her deal with this at her own pace but is that normal? Going out for dinner the day after you give birth and give your child up for adoption?”

“I don’t know,” Brax shrugged his shoulders. “I guess as you say you just need to let her deal with this the way she wants.”

“I feel like I am more upset about this than she is,” Charlie exhaled. “Holding her yesterday, although it was only for a minute, but holding her, I.....the last baby I held was Lily and it was like I was right back there holding my Lily and then having to give her to Rachel was like losing Lily again.”

“You’re allowed to be upset about this too,” Brax lightly rubbed Charlie’s arm. “It was only what.....15 months ago you lost Lily and now you’ve got a grandchild but she got taken from your life too, that’s going to upset anyone.”

“I know but I need to be strong for Ruby. Aimee is her child, not mine and she’s the one who should feel something about this. I know what it’s like giving up your child too. I did give up my right to parent Ruby and it was so hard watching mum and dad raise her but at least she was in my life. Aimee is going to be moving to Boston soon and it kills me that Rubes won’t even get to see her.”

“I wish I had something better to say to you,” Brax exhaled, feeling pretty useless. “But I just....I don’t really know how I’d deal with this so I....” Brax rubbed his forehead. “Look, you just need to let Ruby come to you when she is ready and carry on how she wants it right now. Trying to get her to talk when she isn’t ready will only make things worse and you don’t want to push her away, do you?”

“No,” Charlie shook her head. “But then that means I can’t let her see me upset about this, so when can I let my feelings out?”

“That’s what I am here for,” Brax smiled lightly as he rubbed Charlie’s cheek. “You can talk to me anytime about anything you want. You know that.”

“Well not anytime,” Charlie exhaled. “I’m sure you won’t appreciate a phone call at 4am from your crying girlfriend waking you from a nice sleep.”

“Even at 4am and waking me from a sleep I’d be here for you,” Brax answered. “I mean it babe, anytime.”

“Thank you.” Charlie smiled lightly as she placed a soft kiss on Brax’s lips.

“Now how about we have some beer and a little snuggle.” Brax smiled as he leaned forward and picked the beers up from the coffee table and went to hand Charlie’s to her.

“I’m up for the snuggling but I don’t want the beer,” Charlie shook her head. “I don’t feel great.”

“Oh,” Brax put her beer back on the coffee table before giving her a concerned look. “What do you think is wrong?”

“Dunno,” Charlie shrugged her shoulders. “Ever since dinner I just haven’t felt right. So maybe I’ve just eaten something that didn’t agree with me. Or possibly it could be because I am so worried about Rubes.”

“Yeah maybe,” Brax exhaled as he pulled Charlie closer to him as she rested her head against his shoulder and cuddled into him. “I hope you’re not getting sick.”

“Me too,” Charlie answered. “There’s enough going on right now without me being sick on top of it.”

“Yeah,” Brax lightly rubbed Charlie’s arm. “But as I said I’m always here to help you through this.” Brax said as he placed a soft kiss onto her forehead as he felt her snuggling into him even more.

[Danni02]

Thank you CharlieandBrax4Ever, beebee, CharlieAndBraxLover, Sarah, Freakie42, Zoe and Spotd1 for the comments.

Chapter 93

Charlie was in the kitchen, preparing some breakfast for Ruby, when she walked into the room. “Morning.” Ruby spoke quietly as she rubbed her eyes, still fully waking up.

“Morning.” Charlie smiled as she opened the fridge and took out the orange juice.

“Where is everyone?” Ruby questioned. “And by everyone I actually mean Connor as it’s awfully quiet.”

Charlie gave a little laugh. “Morag had to pop into Yabbie Creek for some things and he wanted to go with her,” Charlie answered as she poured the juice into two glasses. “Romeo left the house awfully early this morning, everything okay there?”

“Yeah,” Ruby screwed her face up. “He has stock checking to do at the restaurant.”

“He went to work?” Charlie questioned.

“He didn’t want to go but I made him,” Ruby answered. “No point sitting around with me when there’s no reason for him to take time off work,” Ruby exhaled as she picked up the orange juice and took a drink. “So something smells great,” Ruby said. “What’s cooking?”

“Bacon and scrambled egg,” Charlie answered as she moved the bacon around in the pan. “It’s almost ready so take a seat.”

“There’s enough for me?” Ruby questioned as she walked over to the table and sat down.

“It’s all for you.” Charlie said as she switched the hob off and plated it up, before putting the piece of toast that was sitting in the toaster onto a plate and walking over to the table, putting the plates down before walking back over to the worktop and picking up her juice before joining Ruby at the table.

“Oh yeah and what’s this in aid of?” Ruby questioned. “Think cooking me a nice breakfast will make me talk?” Ruby questioned as she put a mouthful off the egg into her mouth.

“There’s nothing to talk about is there?” Charlie exhaled, deciding to go with it the way Ruby wanted.

“I just thought I was being nice making my daughter breakfast but if you don’t want it.” Charlie reached out to take the plate from her.

“Uh,” Ruby pulled the plate further away from Charlie. “I want it.”

“Good.” Charlie smiled as she took a bite of her dry toast.

“You’re having dry toast?” Ruby questioned. “Seriously, you’re having dry toast for breakfast?”

“I feel sick, so yes, just a bit of dry toast,” Charlie answered. “Better than skipping breakfast completely right?”

“Yeah.” Ruby nodded her head before she winced as she rubbed her breast.

“You okay?” Charlie questioned as she leaned forward and rubbed her daughters arm.

“My breasts are really sore,” Ruby answered. “Like I want to cry with the pain sore.”

“It’s just your milk coming in.” Charlie answered.

“But I’m not going to be breastfeeding.” Ruby exhaled.

“You’re body doesn’t know that yet though, does it?” Charlie questioned. “It just happens after pregnancy. You produce milk to give to the baby. It’s just how your body works.”

“Well when will my body know that I’m not breastfeeding?” Ruby questioned.

“Give it a week at most,” Charlie answered. “It will realise you’re not feeding and then it will stop hurting.”

“Promise?” Ruby questioned as she glanced up at her mother, Charlie seeing Ruby already wanted to stop feeling like this.

“Well every woman is different but yes I think so.....about a week,” Charlie said before picking up her juice and taking a drink. “So do you have any plans for today?” Charlie questioned.

“I was going to go talk to Irene, see when she’s putting me back on the roster at the diner,” Ruby answered. “But apart from that, nothing, why?”

“You want to go back to work?” Charlie questioned. “Rubes, sweetie,” Charlie reached out as she rubbed her daughters am. “You know you don’t need to pretend with me.”

“I’m not pretending anything,” Ruby tried to sound like she was telling the truth but Charlie could see that she was hurting about this. “It’s just....” Ruby exhaled. “It’s easier this way, okay. It’s easier for me to just carry on like Aimee was never mines to begin with, that she is biologically Rachel’s child, than have to cry and be sad and let out my emotions over a baby that I am never going to see.” Ruby voice broke as a lone tear rolled down her cheek.

“Sweetheart,” Charlie exhaled as she stood up from her chair and knelt down in front of Ruby, rubbing both her arms. “Don’t bottle this away. It’s the worst possible thing you can do. Because I tried that when Lily died, I did and I soon realised it wasn’t going to help anyone, most of all me. And Angelo continued to do it for months and look what it did to us. So you need to let out whatever you feel. If you want to cry, cry, if you want to trash a room, trash a room, go punch a wall, anything sweetie, but it’s best to let the anger and pain and hurt out, trust me on this one.”

“But me and you are completely different,” Ruby sniffed. “You didn’t want Lily to die. You didn’t choose to get rid of her, but me? I did,” Ruby said as she pushed Charlie’s hands away from her arms. “I chose to give my baby up for adoption so now I can’t turn around and say I regret it or cry or be sad because it’s my own fault,” Ruby shouted as she stood up from the chair. “Now, I am going for a shower then I am going to talk to Irene.” Ruby said before running up the stairs and Charlie jumped slightly as she heard the bathroom door being slammed shut.

******

“Mummy, look what grandma bought me,” Connor smiled as he held up the box of lego as Charlie joined them at the diner in Yabbie Creek for some lunch. “More legos.”

“Aww wow, just what you needed.” Charlie rolled her eyes as ruffled her son’s hair.

“Sorry, maybe I should have consulted you first.” Morag said.

“No, don’t be silly,” Charlie shook her head. “It’s fine. He’s taken to keeping everything together that he’s build anyways so at this rate he’ll have no lego left anyways,” Charlie said and Morag gave a little smile. “I hope you said thank you?”

“Of course mummy,” Connor scrunched his face up like Charlie had said something stupid. “I always do.”

“I suppose you do, sorry.” Charlie exhaled.

“You should be,” Connor scowled. “So, is Darryl coming for lunch too?”

“No, he’s working.” Charlie answered.

“Oh will you have him to sleepover tonight?” Connor questioned.

“No,” Charlie shook her head. “The house is a bit full right now don’t you think?”

“Well uhm....” Connor scratched the side of his head. “I dunno.” Connor shrugged.

“Well Ruby and Romeo are in Ruby’s room and grandma has your bed and then you are staying in with mummy,” Charlie answered. “So where would Brax sleep?”

“You have a big bed,” Connor answered. “A ginormous one,” Connor moved his hands out as wide as he could. We could all fit.”

Charlie and Morag laughed lightly at the boy. “I could always go stay in a caravan,” Morag suggested. “Give Connor his room back and you and Brax could have your.....sleepover.” Morag cleared her throat.

“No no, you don’t have to do that,” Charlie shook her head, feeling slightly embarrassed. “We like having you staying with us, don’t we Connor?”

“Yeah,” Connor nodded. “It’s so much fun and you make good pancakes, better than mummy’s and even better than Darryl’s.”

“Oh so that’s why you love me,” Morag teased the boy. “For my pancakes.”

“No and cos your nice,” Connor said. “And funny and buy me nice things.”

“Oh right, well still I am glad,” Morag smiled. “I like coming to visit my favourite little man.”

“You always should just be here,” Connor sighed. “Not in the city.”

“Well my work is in the city.” Morag explained.

“Your old,” Connor answered. “You don’t need to work.”

“Connor.” Charlie gasped at her sons comment.

Well she is.” Connor made a face at his mother.

“Well I guess I am,” Morag exhaled. “How about when I retire I move back to the bay?”

“Yeah,” Connor widened his eyes in excitement. “And you can live with us. But we’d need a bigger house okay mummy.”

“Mummy likes the house we have,” Charlie answered. “Don’t you like it?”

“Well yes but it won’t be big enough for all us people.” Connor threw his hands out to the side as he shook his head as he thought his mother’s comment was silly.

“Oh and who exactly is all us people?” Charlie questioned.

“Well me, you, Ruby and Romeo and Darryl could live with us and then grandma Morag and we could get a dog or maybe even two and -”

“Hey woah woah,” Charlie said. “Getting a bit ahead of yourself buddy,” Charlie said. “Romeo and Darryl have their own houses.”

“I know,” Connor answered. “But it would be fun to all live together.”

“Hmm I think we are fine as we are right now,” Charlie answered. “And where did this dog idea come from?” Connor had asked for a dog before but not for a long time and although Charlie thought the responsibilities would be good for him one day and he could have a little buddy to play with, she still thought he was too young for a dog right now.

“The twins Jordan and Sean from school got a puppy,” Connor answered. “So I want one too.”

“You always want what Jordan and Sean get don’t you?” Charlie questioned.

“Well they are my friends so I want the same as them.” Connor exhaled.

Charlie went to reply but stopped when the waitress came over to take their order. “Sorry, we haven’t actually looked at the menu yet,” Charlie apologised. “Give us a few more minutes.” The waitress nodded before walking away, leaving them to decide what they wanted to eat.

[Danni02]

Thank you everyone.

Chapter 94

Charlie sat in the bathroom, on the edge of the bath tub, waiting with her head buried in her hands. She expected a negative result, she had an IUD and they always used condoms. There must only be the littlest chance possible that she could get pregnant. She was pretty sure she would just be panicking, that her period was late because of the IUD; after all she did get told her period could stop all together while she was using it. But she’d also been feeling sick on and off for a couple of days, so thought it was best to make sure. She exhaled as she thought about Brax. She knew he would be ecstatic at the news, she knew how much deep down he wanted to have children, no matter how many times he’d said he give a child up if it meant being with Charlie, just sometimes, with the way he looked at Connor, the way he looked at other babies when they were out together, when he thought Charlie wasn’t looking, was enough to let Charlie know this. “Mummy,” Charlie was brought out of her thoughts by her son’s shouts and the sound of him banging on the door. “Hurry mum I need to pee real bad.”

“Well go to the toilet down the stairs.” Charlie answered as she looked to her watch. There was still about a minute to wait.

“No I can’t,” Charlie could hear the desperation in her son’s voice. “It’s going to come now mummy, open the door, quick.”

Charlie exhaled as she stood up and picked up the tests that she’d taken and hid them in the cabinet under the sink. She walked over to the door and unlocked it and the door burst open and Connor ran into the room. “Gee you took so long,” Connor sighed. “What you doing?”

“Just getting ready,” Charlie answered. “Remember to wash your hands and brush your teeth. Grandma is going to take you to school today.”

“Why not you?” Connor questioned.

“Because I have plans with your sister.” Charlie answered.

“Ruby isn’t sad like you said,” Connor said as he flushed the toilet before running over to the sink to wash his hands. “Why not?”

“She’s just trying to deal with this differently than mummy thought she would,” Charlie answered. “But you’re still being very nice around her so thanks for being good.”

“Oh mummy,” Connor exhaled as he put some toothpaste onto his toothbrush. “When will you learn that I am always good?”

Charlie laughed lightly. “Don’t know about that one.” Charlie shook her head as she watched her son brushing his teeth. She couldn’t believe he was already 5 and a half. He was growing up too quickly. She put her hand onto her stomach and her mind immediately went to Lily. She would have been 15 months old now, and she got this image of her running around the bathroom with the rubber duck from the bathtub in her hands, shouting out babbles of excitement, annoying her brother as he tried to get ready for school.

“Ready, look they are clean.” Connor appeared in front of Charlie and she knelt down to see him giving her a toothy grin.

“Good,” Charlie cupped her son’s cheek in her hand and leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. “Well have a nice time at dads house and I’ll see you when you get home from there, okay.”

“Yeah,” Connor nodded. “We are going to make a rocket ship with my legos.”

“You’re not taking your lego to school with you.” Charlie shook her head.

“No, I already have lego at daddy’s,” Connor answered. “It’s going to be super fun.”

“Ah I see,” Charlie said as she stood back up. “Well Grandma is waiting down the stairs for you so off you go.” Charlie said as she lightly hit Connor’s back as he ran from the room.

“See you mummy,” Connor shouted as she heard him thumping down the stairs. “Love you.”

“Yeah love you too.” Charlie shouted as she closed and locked the bathroom door before walking over to the cabinet to see the result of the tests.

******

Charlie and Ruby were sitting on the beach, looking out to the ocean. “It’s nice this,” Ruby smiled as she turned to face Charlie. “I know we started to just hang out like we used to when I first came back here but then everything with the baby happened and we both got boyfriends and....I guess we didn’t try hard enough to find the time and I’d like to still try with us.” Ruby exhaled.

“I would too,” Charlie answered. “Although I thought we’d made pretty good progress, don’t you think we have?” Charlie screwed her face up slightly confused by Ruby’s comment.

“Well yeah,” Ruby answered. “But then the stuff with the baby sort of got in the way,” Ruby said. “I know you didn’t want me to give Aimee up but I believe it’s best for her and now that’s not hanging over us maybe we could continue to rebuild our relationship.....you know as mother and daughter.”

Charlie smiled lightly, knowing Ruby wanted to try to accept her as her mother. “That’s great and of course it’s what I want, but sweetie just because you gave up Aimee for adoption, it doesn’t mean the baby thing isn’t hanging over us anymore,” Charlie exhaled. “Especially if you keep going the way you are. You need to face what you’ve done and learn to live with it healthily, not just carry on thinking there’s nothing more to deal with now Aimee is out of the equation.”

“But I think I am,” Ruby answered. “Being upset about Aimee isn’t going to make me feel better, is it? It’ll always just make me feel sad that she’s not with me. Thinking that Tony and Rachel are giving her a great life, going to give her all she wants and more, going to love her unconditionally.....that’s what’s important to me and as long as I know that’s happening then I am going to be happy with the choice that I made.” Charlie could see Ruby was trying to push back tears, but she understood what Ruby was saying and if right now Ruby didn’t want to let her emotions at giving the baby up out, she need to respect that.

“Well I think your very brave trying things this way,” Charlie said softly as she rubbed her daughters arm. “But I’m going to respect your wishes and not push at you to face what you’ve done in the way I think you should. You’re an adult and I need to respect that everyone is different and will deal with things differently.”

Ruby smiled at her mother. “Thank you,” Ruby exhaled as she looked out across the ocean. “Anyways, how about we go for some lunch?” Ruby questioned. “Maybe not to the diner though because I kinda got a bit mad at Irene yesterday when she wouldn’t let me come back to work.”

“Ruby.” Charlie widened her eyes as they both stood up from the sand.

“I’ll apologise soon and hopefully I still have my job,” Ruby answered. “Anyways if we go to Angelo’s Romeo will give us his discount,” Ruby grinned. “Maybe even throw in some free side dishes.”

“Well what are we waiting for then?” Charlie questioned as she linked arms with her daughter and began walking up the beach. “Let’s go get all the free pizza we can get.” Ruby gave a little laugh as she walked off the beach with her mother and headed for Angelo’s restaurant.

[Danni02]

Thank you Freakie42, Sarah, beebee, Sabrina, CharlieandBrax4Ever and Spotd1 for the comments. I hope you like this one.

Chapter 95

Charlie was sitting in the kitchen at the dining table when there was a knock on the door and Brax walked into the house. “Charlie?” Brax questioned.

“In the kitchen.” Charlie answered.

Brax walked through to the kitchen and smiled as he saw his girlfriend sitting at the table. “Hey, it’s awfully quiet in here, where’s Connor today?”

“It’s a Monday,” Charlie answered. “He’s at Angelo’s for dinner.”

“Oh of course,” Brax nodded. “Where’s everyone else? Seems like you are all alone.”

“Morag’s gone to Alf’s for dinner and Ruby and Romeo have gone for a walk.” Charlie answered. Brax noticed Charlie wasn’t herself. He exhaled as he took a seat at the table next to her.

“Is everything okay?” Brax questioned feeling slightly concerned for his girlfriend.

“I’m pregnant.” Charlie said quietly as she looked away from Brax. She couldn’t understand how this happened and wished so much that this wasn’t the case, that she wasn’t pregnant.

“You’re what?” Brax was completely shocked at what he’d just heard.

“You heard me.” Charlie exhaled as she looked back to her boyfriend.

“Are you sure?” Brax questioned. “You have the positive test?”

“I have 4.” Charlie answered.

“Oh, it’s pretty concrete then,” Brax exhaled as he rubbed his forehead. “I don’t.....you have the IUD, we always use condoms.....I.....how can you be pregnant?” Brax left his mouth open slightly when he finished talking, completely gobsmacked at Charlie’s revelation.

Charlie shrugged her shoulders. “I was hoping you could tell me that.” Charlie answered.

“I don’t know,” Brax said. “I....do you think I’ve done this on purpose?”

“No of course I don’t,” Charlie shook her head. “You knew how I felt about having more children after Lily and I know you’d never do that to me, I just.....I can’t understand this and thought that maybe you would be able to make sense of it. Figure out how this happened.”

“Well I’m sorry, I can’t,” Brax exhaled as he rubbed his forehead. “I eh....a baby eh,” Brax felt himself smiling, he wanted to be happy but he knew how Charlie felt and didn’t want to make her feel worse, so until he knew she was alright with this, he felt it best to hold back a little. “You’re okay with this right? I know it’s a shock and I know how you feel about more kids, but it’s our baby.” Brax gave a little smile as he leaned forward and tentatively put his hand onto her stomach.

“I’d rather this didn’t happen,” Charlie felt that she may as well be honest. “But there’s no way I could get an abortion. After what happened with Lily it would seem wrong to have an abortion. My daughter dies then 15 months later I get an abortion? How would that make me look?” Charlie questioned. “And Rubes is proof I’d never have an abortion too, but Brax, I’m sorry that it’s happening this way for you, I really am, because I can see that you want to be happy and you want to give a little shout of joy or whatever, but for me, I....I’m not there. And I don’t know how long it’s going to take me to feel okay about this, if ever, and I’m really sorry because....” Charlie trailed off as tears started to roll down her cheeks.

“Hey hey Charlie,” Brax got off the chair and knelt down before her, rubbing her arms in comfort. “It’s okay. I don’t want to push you into something you’re not comfortable with. I get how hard this must be for you to have another baby after what happened with Lily and if it’s something your certain isn’t going to work for you then.....maybe we do need to talk about our options.” Brax spoke the last part sadly, of course he didn’t want Charlie to abort the baby but he couldn’t force her into keeping it either.

“Like I said, I can’t have an abortion,” Charlie pushed Brax’s hands from her arms. “I’m not going to ask you to hold back on your excitement at this but I just want you to understand that right now, I’m not there and it’s probably going to be a hard first few months at least, but I love you so much and I don’t want to lose you so I’m just asking for you to be patient with me.” Charlie sniffed back and Brax could see the look of pure fear and terror in her eyes at the idea of having this baby and only hoped that with his support and the support of her friends and family she’d be able to let herself feel happy and glad to be pregnant again.

“Of course, Charlie.” Brax nodded as he rubbed her thigh.

“I eh...I have to go to the hospital.” Charlie wiped the tear from her eye as she stood up.

“What for?” Brax questioned.

“Because I have an IUD in my uterus and the baby needs to grow there,” Charlie raised her voice. “I don’t think there is going to be room for both, do you?” Charlie snapped. “It’s probably pretty dangerous having that in there when a baby is trying to grow so I’m pretty sure I’m going to need to get it removed.”

“Of course, sorry,” Brax rubbed the back of his head as he stood up. “I eh....I’ll come with you.”

“Right,” Charlie exhaled as she grabbed her car keys and house keys from the hanger. “Let’s go then.” Charlie said before she walked out of the house, with Brax following behind her.

******

Ruby and Romeo walked back into the house, confused to find the door locked. “That’s strange,” Ruby sighed. “I’m sure Charlie would have said if she was going out.”

“Maybe it was just a spur of the moment decision,” Romeo answered. “Her and Brax might have decided to go out for dinner or something.”

“Nah,” Ruby shook her head. “Because Connor is due back from Angelo’s in like 5 minutes.” Ruby answered as she glanced down at her watch.

“Well maybe she had to go pick him up for whatever reason.” Romeo suggested.

“Hmm, I don’t know,” Ruby shrugged. “Anyways, are you going home?”

“Gee I eh...I wasn’t planning on it but if you don’t want me to stay again tonight then I won’t.” Romeo seemed slightly disappointed. Although he and Ruby obviously right now weren’t able to be imitate, he still like waking up next to her, after all she was his fiancée.

“I don’t mind either way,” Ruby shrugged her shoulders. “I just thought maybe you’d like some time back at the caravan park. You’re over here a lot and it’s not like you live here.”

“Well no but you are my fiancée, Rubes,” Romeo exhaled. “Kind of natural that I want to be with you a lot.”

“Sorry, I just feel a bit...” Ruby trailed off. “The last few days have been hard despite me trying not to show it and I think I just need a little bit space to get my head sorted and know what I want to do.”

Romeo was slightly confused. Did she mean in regards to keeping Aimee or was she now unhappy in her relationship and possibly wanting to end things? “Right I get that,” Romeo exhaled sadly. “I’ll head home, leave you be for a few days.”

“Thank you,” Ruby smiled as they walked back over to the door and as Romeo opened it, Connor ran in with Angelo standing on the step. “Hey, Angelo.”

“Rubes,” Angelo smiled lightly, unsure whether or not to mention anything, and decided it would be safest just to leave it. “Eh is Charlie there?”

“No, she’s had to pop out for a while,” Ruby answered. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah yeah fine, I’ll see her about it on Thursday. Bye mate,” Angelo smiled at his son.

“Bye dad,” Connor said. “You going to Romeo?”

“Yeah, see you later bud.” Romeo said as Ruby closed the door, before turning to face her brother.

“Right mister, I think you need a bath tonight.” Ruby exhaled as they started walking up the stairs, Ruby deciding to go ahead and bath him for Charlie.

“Yeah,” Connor sighed. “Ruby you know what my daddy said?” Connor questioned as he turned to give her a grin.

“Not till you tell me.” Ruby said.

“Well I said I wanted a puppy and he said I could get one.” Connor gave a little jump of excitement as they walked into the bathroom.

“Oh really?” Ruby questioned.

“Well he said he’d need to talk to mummy first, but yeah.” Connor grinned, already feeling excited at the prospect of a puppy.

“Well that’s cool buddy,” Ruby said as she put the plug in the bath and turned on the taps. “Go get your pyjamas and its bath time.” Ruby said and Connor ran from the room doing as his sister requested.

******

Charlie and Brax were sitting the hospital; waiting for Nurse Julie to come and removed the IUD for Charlie. There test confirmed that Charlie was 3 weeks pregnant, and even Sid and Julie both seemed a little surprised that the IUD had failed. They’d told Charlie and Brax that giving that they were using both the IUD and condoms, there was only around a 1 in 10,000 chance that Charlie would have ended up pregnant. “I’ve got a good mind to sue this hospital you know.” Charlie sounded angry as she spoke to Brax, but kept her gaze out in front of her.

“Charlie,” Brax gave a little laugh. “You can’t sue the hospital.”

“Why not?” Charlie questioned. “They refused to give me the sterilisation I wanted to prevent myself getting pregnant with a child I didn’t want and now that’s happened I think I am well within my rights to sue.” Charlie of course knew she couldn’t do that, but she was just so angry that this had happened after she wanted so much to have the procedure to ensure this didn’t happen.

“Well yeah, but, you can’t,” Brax shook his head. “It’s not their fault you got pregnant; it was obviously something we did that made you get pregnant.”

“Still wouldn’t have happened if they gave me the sterilisation,” Charlie exhaled. “But anyways, I guess there’s no point saying that now because it’s happened and we can’t change that, but, after this baby is born.....” Charlie exhaled. “If they still won’t give me the sterilisation, I want you to.....will you get a vasectomy so we can ensure this doesn’t happen again?” Charlie questioned. “I’m having this baby for you but it’s only going to be the one. I hope you understand that and don’t expect me to have more after this one.”

“No I eh....I won’t expect you to have more,” Brax answered. “So you really want me to get a vasectomy?”

“I’d like you too,” Charlie answered. “Obviously I can’t force you, but if I don’t get my wish again at being sterilised then I’d like it if you did. Either that or we could become one of those couples who don’t have sex anymore.”

“Oh no,” Brax shook his head. “I love sex with you way too much to give that up,” Brax gave a little laugh. “But ehm, yeah, I think it’s only fair if you don’t get sterilisation that I....well I’ll get a vasectomy.”

“Thank you,” Charlie gave Brax a weak smile. “I eh....I’d appreciate that.” Brax smiled lightly as Julie walked down the corridor and stopped in front of Charlie.

“Right, I’m ready for you now.” Julie said and Charlie took a deep breath before she stood up and followed Julie down the corridor to get the IUD removed.

[Danni02]

Thank you beebee, CharlieAndBraxLover, Zoe, Sarah, Spotd1 for the comments.

Chapter 96

Charlie and Brax walked back into Charlie’s house. “Mummy,” Connor jumped down from the couch and ran into her arms, Charlie lifting him up into a hug. “Where did you go?”

“I just had to pop out for a bit,” Charlie answered. “How was dad’s?”

“Good,” Connor smiled. “He said I could get a puppy.” Connor grinned as Charlie sat down on the couch, with Connor sitting down on her knee.

“Oh he did, did he?” Charlie questioned.

“Yeah,” Connor nodded. “Well...” Connor scratched the side of his head. “He said he needs to talk to you first about it but that I could get one maybe most probably.”

“I see, well dad and I will talk about it, okay,” Charlie exhaled as she ran her hand through his hair as he gave a little nod. “So, you look freshly bathed, did Ruby give you a bath?”

“Yeah and she said I could have 5 minutes before going to bed.” Connor answered.

“Well, I’m guessing you’ve probably had more than 5 minutes, so go on, up you go, I’ll be up soon.” Charlie said and Connor exhaled as he jumped down from Charlie’s knee.

“Night Darryl.” Connor said as he placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

“Night buddy,” Brax smiled as Connor ran off up the stairs. “So, a new baby and a puppy eh?” Brax questioned. “We’re going to be busy,” Charlie raised her eyebrows as she pursed her lips together. “Surprised at how calm you are being to be honest. I thought maybe you’d freak out a little more.”

“Yeah, well there’s no point in freaking out,” Charlie replied. “It’s not going to change anything is it? I can’t freak out and then there be no baby no matter how much I’d love that.”

Brax looked down, slightly saddened. “No, I don’t suppose you can. Still, I’m sure Connor will be excited for a new baby.”

“Yeah I’m sure he will,” Charlie answered. “But we’re not telling him or anyone else for a while, so...” Charlie trailed off as she once again raised her eyebrows.

“Why?” Brax questioned. “Not telling people isn’t going to make it go away.”

“I know that,” Charlie answered. “But I’m only 3 weeks so it’s a bit soon to start telling people anyways. And I’m sure no matter how much of a brave face Ruby is putting on that babies are going to be a sensitive subject for her right now. We have to make it as easy for her as possible.”

“Okay,” Brax nodded. “Whatever you think.”

“Charlie,” Ruby walked down the stairs and Charlie could see that she’d been crying. “Sorry I didn’t mean to leave Connor down here on his own but I just needed to be alone for 5 minutes.”

“It’s okay, he was fine.” Charlie answered before she glanced at Brax.

“I’ll go read him a story.” Brax said as he disappeared off up the stairs.

“You okay?” Charlie questioned tentatively.

“I miss her,” Ruby cried. “I know I never saw her, but I did carry her for 9 months and now she’s not around and....” Ruby trailed off as the tears started to roll down her cheeks. Charlie stood up from the couch and pulled her daughter into a hug, rubbing her back as she heard her daughter cry.

******

Bianca handed the coffee cup to Charlie as she took a seat at the table opposite her. “Thanks.”

“It’s been too long,” Bianca exhaled. “You’re just too busy with your boyfriend these days,” Bianca grinned cheekily. “And well Ruby these last few days I guess.”

“She’s been surprisingly fine about it all to be honest,” Charlie said as she wrapped her hands around the mug. “She had a little wobble last night, but in the end she still said she’d made the right choice.”

“Well she’s bound to have second thoughts.” Bianca answered.

“Yeah,” Charlie nodded. “I think once she signs the papers and Tony and Rachel move to Boston it’ll be better, in a way, for her. Aimee won’t be around. She won’t have to worry about bumping into them.”

“Yeah, maybe it will,” Bianca answered. “So anyways, how are things with you and Brax?” Bianca questioned. “Pretty great I’m guessing since you seem to be spending all your free time with him.”

Charlie gave a little laugh. “It was going great,” Charlie answered. “And he’s great with Connor and Connor is crazy for him,” Charlie smiled lightly as she thought about the bond that Brax and Connor had. “He’s so sweet and.....well as I say it was going great.”

“Why only was?” Bianca questioned as Charlie took a drink of her coffee. “What’s happened?”

“I eh.....I’m pregnant,” Charlie had already welled up with tears. “I didn’t want this.”

“Charlie,” Bianca exhaled as she walked over to Charlie and knelt down before her. “It may be a shock right now but....you are a fantastic parent and you’ll be great with this little one too.”

“But I can’t,” Charlie shook her head. “I can’t even let myself think about being a good mother to this baby. I feel so guilty that I’m pregnant. That I’m having this baby when Lily died. I feel like I am just saying its okay to forget her and I don’t want to, I don’t want to ever forget her.” Charlie cried, the tears falling fast down her cheeks.

“You’re never going to forget Lily,” Bianca shook her head as she rubbed her friend’s arms. “And just because you’re having another baby doesn’t mean that you will. This baby isn’t going to replace Lily. It’s going to be new life for you to love. Give someone some of all the love you have to give.”

“Maybe I’m just not doing as well in the grief process than I thought I was,” Charlie sniffed back as she wiped away the tears from her cheeks. “Or maybe this has just knocked me right back, but either way I am terrified. I am so scared and it’s just bringing back so many memories that are so hard to deal with and I can’t....I don’t want to do this.” Charlie shook her head as more tears fell down her cheeks.

“Does Brax know about the baby?” Bianca questioned and Charlie nodded lightly. “Have you spoke to him about how you feel?” Bianca asked and Charlie shook her head.

“He knows that I’m not excited for the baby. He said he knows it would be hard for me after what happened to Lily, but I’ve not....I haven’t said anything more to him.” Charlie spoke quietly as she looked down, away from her friend.

“Okay, well,” Bianca spoke softly as she rubbed Charlie’s arm. “You need to talk to Brax about how you feel. He’s a great guy and he’ll understand and want to help you. And maybe......maybe it’s worth talking to a counsellor.” Bianca spoke tentatively, not sure how Charlie would react.

“I have my bereavement group.” Charlie said as she looked back up at her.

“I know,” Bianca nodded. “But that’s mainly just other parents talking, right?” Bianca questioned and Charlie nodded as she pursed her lips together. “Well maybe a counsellor could help you deal with being pregnant again after your loss.”

“I don’t know, maybe.” Charlie sniffed back.

“Well you should think about it,” Bianca smiled lightly. “But you do need to talk to Brax. I know he’s not Lily’s dad but he is your partner and you need to honest with him.”

“I can’t,” Charlie shook her head. “I can’t.”

“Yes, you can Charlie,” Bianca nodded her head. “I know it’s going to seem scary but you’re able to talk about it with me so you’ll be able to with him. Pretend you’re still talking with me if it’s going to make it easier, but you know that you need to talk to Brax about this.”

“I don’t know how,” Charlie shook her head. “I don’t want to take away from this for him. He excited and he deserves to be.”

“It’s only going to make it worse in the long run,” Bianca said as she once again rubbed her friends arm. “You need to tell him about this.” Charlie exhaled lightly, knowing Bianca was probably right and she did need to talk to Brax, but the thought terrified her.

“I’m not going to promise you I will, but.....I’ll try,” Charlie sniffed back. “And eh....can you not repeat this. That I am pregnant I mean. I’m only 3 weeks, so it’s still so early and it’s just not the time to be telling people.”

“Of course. I won’t say a word.” Bianca smiled lightly before she pulled her friend into a hug. A hug that Bianca knew Charlie very much needed.

[Danni02]

Thank you Sarah, beebee, Spotd1 and Zoe for the comments.

Chapter 97

It had been a couple of days since Bianca and Charlie had talked and she’d yet to talk to Brax about what she’d started opening up to Bianca about. She knew it was probably be better to talk to him, but it was hard for her, so she felt that she needed more time and also thought if she left it, her thoughts may leave and she wouldn’t need to face the conversation with Brax at all. Charlie exhaled as she was waiting in the diner to meet Angelo and Connor, Angelo wanting to meet there to talk about the puppy that their son wanted. “Mum can I get some chocolate cake?” Connor ran across to Charlie and jumped up onto the seat next to her.

“Did you eat all your dinner?” Charlie questioned as Angelo sat down at the table with them.

“Uh-huh,” Connor nodded. “Ay daddy?”

“Yeah you sure did.” Angelo nodded.

“So can I mummy?” Connor gave his mother a cheeky grin.

“Sure why not,” Charlie answered as Irene walked over with her coffee. “But you need to let mummy have a little bit okay?”

“Yeah,” Connor nodded. “I’ll share.”

“One decaf,” Irene said as she put Charlie’s coffee on the table. “Angelo, Connor what can I get for you two?”

“Chocolate cake,” Connor answered. “The biggest hugest piece you’ve got.”

“And Angelo?” Irene said as she looked to him.

“Just a coffee thanks.”

“Okay so a coffee and the smallest piece of chocolate cake possible for Connor coming right up.” Irene joked as she walked away.

“No no Irene Irene,” Connor yelled fanatically. “The biggest hugest, the biggest hugest.”

“Shhh Connor,” Charlie batted his shoulder. “She’s just joking with you; she’ll bring you a big bit.”

Well she should just say that,” Connor exhaled as shook his head in Irene’s direction. “Silly Irene.”

“So,” Angelo said as he laughed lightly at his son. “You have decaf? You, the woman who loves her coffee.”

“Well I thought considering how much cups of the stuff I have a day that I should probably reduce the caffeine intake a bit.” Charlie answered as she put a sachet of the sugar into her cup.

“I see,” Angelo raised his eyebrows. “So, the little man here would like a puppy,” Angelo said. “I’ve said I’m more than happy to get him one but feel I need to make sure it’s okay with you.”

“Well you’ve already told him you would get him one,” Charlie exhaled. “Kinda makes me out to be a bad guy if I say no now, doesn’t it?”

“Well maybe,” Angelo scratched the side of his head. “But you know it’ll teach him responsibility and stuff.”

“He’s 5,” Charlie replied. “He’s not going to be able to take him on walks, especially himself and especially at night, he won’t be able to toilet train him....where are you planning on keeping this pup?” Charlie questioned. “At your apartment where he’ll only see him a couple days a week and the fact your work long hours at the restaurant means you’re going to be leaving him long hours and you can’t do that with a young pup.”

“No, mummy, he can stay at our house,” Connor said. “He’ll be my puppy so he should be with me. He can sleep on the end of my bed.”

“He’s not going to be sleeping in your room,” Charlie shook her head. “And he won’t be staying at our house either,” Charlie exhaled. “We don’t need a puppy in the house right now.”

“But mummy -”

“Look, if you want to buy a puppy then I can’t stop you but it’s going to stay at your house.” Charlie exhaled.

“Right bud looks like we are getting a puppy,” Angelo said and Connor cheered as he clasped his hand together. “We’ll see what kinds are in the area, yeah?”

“Yeah,” Connor grinned excitedly as Irene brought over his cake and Angelo’s coffee. “Oh wow mummy look at the size, it is the biggest hugest,” Connor widened his eyes as he picked up the little fork Irene had brought him. “You will really need to help me.” Charlie laughed lightly as she pulled a little bit off in her hand before bringing it to her mouth.

******

“Darryl,” Connor ran up the driveway to his house as he saw Darryl waiting out on the porch. “I’m getting a puppy; I really am getting a puppy.” Connor jumped around in excitement.

“Wow,” Darryl smile. “That’s cool squirt; you’ll need to think of a good name for him eh.”

“Oh yeah,” Connor turned up to his mother. “Mum you’ll need to help me with that.”

“Sure, in you go and get you pyjamas on,” Charlie told her son and he opened the house door and ran inside. “So, what you doing sitting on the porch?” Charlie questioned. “You know Ruby and Morag are in, right?”

“Yeah but it was such a nice night I thought I’d wait out here for you.” Brax answered.

Charlie laughed lightly. “You’re scared of Morag aren’t you?”

“What?” Brax screwed his face up. “No, don’t be silly.” Brax gave a nervous laugh.

“You are,” Charlie said as she took a seat next to him. “She’s the big scary step-mother of the girlfriend.”

“Charlie I am not scared of Morag.” Brax exhaled.

“She can be very intimidating,” Charlie answered. “But once you get to know her she’s a big softy really. You’ve only really met her a handful of times so you just need to get to know her more.”

“I will get to know her more, but I’m not scared of her. I’m a 29 year old man.”

“Okay okay I believe you, thousands wouldn’t,” Charlie gave a little laugh as she rolled her eyes. “Can’t really say your 29 for much longer though, can you?” Charlie gave a little grin as she put her hand on her chest. “Someone is 30 on Saturday.”

“Mmm I don’t want to get any older.....I don’t want to be old like you.” Brax grinned cheekily, loving the fact that Charlie was already 33 and he was yet to turn 30.

“Oi.” Charlie slapped his chest.

“Actually I’ve been given the weekend off for some reason so thought I’d take you out for dinner on Saturday night?”

“Oh, I’m busy.” Charlie bit her lip.

“You are?” Brax sounded disappointed that she’d seemed to have made other plans on his birthday.

“Yeah, I’ve got this hot date. I mean the guy can be a bit of a loser at times but, he’s great. I really love him,” Charlie smiled as she looked deep into his eyes. “And he’s fantastic with my boy, which is really important to me.”

“Sounds like a real catch,” Brax smiled. “How can he possibly ever be a loser?”

“Ah, he has his times,” Charlie laughed. “But seriously though, I do have plans for your birthday weekend. Spoke to your work to make sure you had the time off, obviously; otherwise this would be a big waste of time.”

“You really have something planned?” Brax smiled, surprised as Charlie nodded. “And are you going to share that with me?”

“Nah,” Charlie shook her head. “Not right now.”

“Ah c’mon,” Brax lightly poked her side. “No fair, you need to tell me.”

“Come around tomorrow at 10am with an overnight bag,” Charlie said. “You’ll find out more then.”

“An overnight bag hmm?” Brax raised his eyebrows. “Interesting.”

“Indeed,” Charlie answered. “So, off you go, get home and dream of your time away.” Charlie grinned.

“So I don’t get invited in?” Brax pouted.

“Uh-uh,” Charlie shook her head. “I’m going to go read Connor a bed time story and then have a nice long bubble bath.”

“Well maybe you could let me join you in the bubble bath?” Brax grinned.

“No, no,” Charlie shook her head as she stood up. “You need to go home; I’ll see you tomorrow thought, okay.” Charlie smiled as she rubbed Brax’s arm as he stood up. Brax gave a gentle nod before leaning down and placing a soft kiss on her lips.

“See you,” Brax smiled. “And you too Pip,” Brax cooed as he rubbed Charlie’s stomach. “Bye.”

“Yeah bye.” Charlie exhaled as she watched Brax walk away before going into the house to put her son to bed.

[Danni02]

Thank you Zoe, beebee, Spotd1, Freakie42 and Sarah for the comments.

Chapter 98

Brax was standing in the living room of Charlie’s house, waiting on her to come down. He’d been let in by Morag, as she was leaving for the morning. He walked around the room, looking at the photos of Charlie’s kids, displayed proudly over the room, and was excited to think that soon, pictures of their child would also be out on display. He picked up a picture of Lily, and exhaled lightly, not even able to begin to think about how hard it must have been for Charlie to have lost her. He put the picture back down as he heard Charlie coming down the stairs with her overnight bag. “Hey,” Brax smiled as he walked over to her and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “You ready?”

“Yeah.” Charlie exhaled, not sounding too excited for going away.

“You alright?” Brax questioned.

“I’m just wondering if we should actually go away just now,” Charlie answered. “You know with Rubes. Aimee wasn’t supposed to be born yet, that’s why I was sure it would be fine to book this and first babies are more likely to be late so I thought it’d be fine but now she is here and with Tony and Rachel maybe I should stay for Rubes.”

Brax exhaled lightly feeling slightly disappointed. Of course he wanted to go away for this trip, although he didn’t know what it was, he was still excited. “Have you spoken to Ruby about going?”

“Yeah, she told me to go because she’ll be fine and Morag and Romeo can be here for her.” Charlie answered.

“So you should go then,” Brax said. “And she has Connor here and he’s a good lad, he’ll look after his sister and if she decides she really needs you all she has to do is call you and we can come right home.”

Charlie smiled lightly. “Yeah, okay, and it is only for one night and as you say, we can come home if need be.”

“Exactly,” Brax smiled. “So, how is Pip today?” Brax put his hand onto Charlie’s stomach as he once again thought about his child.

“Probably about the size of an apple pip right now.” Charlie muttered as she moved his hand from her stomach.

“Well then it’s a very appropriate nickname then, eh,” Brax grinned as he took Charlie’s bag from her, letting her grab the keys from the table before they walked out of the house. Charlie locked the house door before opening her car and Brax put the bags into the boot, before going into the passenger side of the car. “So do I get to know now where we are going?”

“Uh-uh.” Charlie shook her head as she pulled out of the driveway.

“But it’s my birthday surprise,” Brax shook his legs a little, desperate to know where she was taking him. “Please.” Brax pouted.

“Do you know what surprise means?” Charlie questioned.

“Of course,” Brax laughed. “But I don’t like surprises so I think you need to tell me.”

“God you’re worse than Connor.” Charlie shook her head lightly.

“Sorry, I’m just excited to know where you are taking me.” Brax answered.

“Oh okay,” Charlie sighed. “It’s not that big of a deal anyways really. It’s just a hotel in the country. I thought it would be nice to be alone for a little bit. Connor is almost always around and I thought it would be nice to spend a couple of days just the two of us.”

“Aww that’s nice,” Brax smiled. “But you know I don’t mind Connor being around. He’s a great kid.”

“I know, but it’s important we have alone time. Even more so now that this happened,” Charlie lightly hit her stomach before putting her hand back on the steering wheel. “Once it arrives its bye bye Charlie and Brax time for a long while.”

“Is it really going to be that bad?” Brax questioned.

“Babies are hard work, Brax,” Charlie exhaled. “For the first while at least they leave you exhausted.”

“Well we’ll be there to help each other out,” Brax said. “I’m going to be one of those hands on dads that gets into everything,” Brax smiled. “I’m not going to be afraid of a smelly nappy.” Brax gave a little laugh.

Charlie sniggered. “You say that now. Baby poop is...eugh.” Charlie scrunched her face up.

“Look at us,” Brax grinned. “So comfortable in our relationship we are discussing baby poop.” Brax laughed.

“We shouldn’t ever need to discuss this,” Charlie sounded almost angry. “It’s just.....well never mind.” Charlie exhaled as she signalled to the right before turning out from the junction. Brax sighed lightly. He was so happy about this baby but it was hard to let that show around Charlie for fear of upsetting her. He figured it had something to do with her losing Lily, and wanted to talk to her about it, but the problem was, he needed to find the right time and wasn’t sure that a romantic weekend away for his birthday was going to be it.

******

Morag and Connor walked into the house after she had picked him up from school. He threw his school bag down behind the couch and kicked his shoes off before jumping up onto the couch. “Grandma Morag do you know my daddy is getting me a puppy?”

“Oh no, I didn’t,” Morag shook her head. “What kind are you going to get?”

Connor gave a little shrug. “Dad said we’ll have to see what kinds are around,” Connor answered. “I think I’ll live with the puppy.”

“You do?” Morag questioned. “And where is the puppy living?”

“Ehm,” Connor scratched the side of his head. “At daddy’s I think.”

“Oh so if you lived with the puppy you’d need to move out of mummy’s house and live with daddy.”

“Oh,” Connor widened his eyes. “No, I don’t want to live with daddy all the times,” Connor shook his head. “Just the days I go now. I like to live with mum.”

“Yeah,” Morag smiled lightly at the boy. “So you won’t can live with the puppy.”

Connor frowned. “Maybe the puppy could spend some days here and some days at daddy’s like I do,” Connor sounded pleased with his suggestion. “Yeah that would be really good, ay?”

“I’m not sure mummy would agree to that one,” Morag shook her head as the door opened and Ruby walked back into the house. “Hey, Rubes, how was your afternoon?”

“Fine,” Ruby answered. “Met April for some lunch then we sat at the beach for a while.”

“Good,” Morag answered. “Right Connor, you go get out of those school clothes.”

“Then can we bake?” Connor questioned as he looked up to his sister. “We can make cookies. With chocolate chips in.”

“Sure we can,” Ruby smiled. “But you need to get changed first so off you go,” Connor jumped down from the couch and picked up his school bag and school shoes before running off up the stairs. “So eh....you have the papers that I am supposed to sign right?” Ruby questioned. “Isn’t it time I did that?”

“Uh.....yes,” Morag answered. “They’re in my briefcase up the stairs. I’ll just go get them,” Morag walked off as Ruby walked into the kitchen to check to see if they had everything they needed to bake the cookies. She was looking through the cupboards as Morag appeared back with them in her hand. “Do you want me to read it over with you?”

“I thought I just needed to sign them and then she’d be there’s legally.” Ruby scrunched her face up.

“Well yes, mostly that’s it,” Morag answered. “Basically there is just a part saying that you have 6 weeks to change your mind and once that six weeks is up you -”

“I won’t do that,” Ruby shook her head. “Even if I wanted to I couldn’t take her from Tony and Rachel now. They’ll love her and will have bonded with her already.”

“It’s only been a week,” Morag answered. “I’m only letting you know you are still within your rights to take your daughter back.”

“She’s their daughter,” Ruby raised her voice, taking Morag aback. “Did you ever think about changing your mind?” Ruby questioned.

“No,” Morag shook her head. “But you are maternal Ruby, you can see that with how you are with Connor, you’ve always been maternal, but me....we’ll that’s not who I am.”

“And right now it’s not who I am either,” Ruby answered. “Now where do I sign?” Morag pointed to the dotted line as she handed Ruby a pen. Ruby took a deep breath before she signed her name down on the paper. Of course she felt something for the child, but she thought she was doing the right thing by her, by giving her the sort of life that right now, she couldn’t offer her.

“Do you have everything to bake?” Connor asked excitedly as he ran into the kitchen.

“We’ll need to go out for some chocolate chips.” Ruby cleared her throat as she looked down to her little brother.

“I’ll go get them for you,” Morag answered. “Take these to Tony and Rachel and get their signatures too,” Morag exhaled as she glanced at a saddened looking Ruby. “Do you want milk or white chocolate Connor?” Morag asked as she looked down at him.

“Oh....ehm....” Connor scratched the side of his head. “Get both,” Connor grinned. “Yeah, get both and we can mix them up together and have both kinds in.”

“Both it is.” Morag picked up the papers from the table, before lifting up her purse and car keys that was already sitting there from before, before leaving the house as Ruby and Connor washed their hands and put on aprons, ready to bake some cookies.

[Danni02]

Thank you all so much for the comments.

Chapter 99

Brax was sitting looking out at the gorgeous green lake, the flowers and trees surrounding it. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky as the sun shone brightly. It looked so tranquil, so peaceful. The perfect place to have a romantic picnic with the woman you loved. He exhaled lightly as he put the brochure down on the table as he looked out the balcony door as the rain battered loudly against it, the grey clouds in sky showing no signs of clearing up anytime soon. Charlie and Brax were practically soaked through and that was just from the short distance from the car park into the hotel. “I feel so bad that is raining,” Charlie appeared out of the bathroom, in one of the hotel bathrobes, the sounds of the bath filling with water being heard in the room. “This was supposed to be a romantic day where we could go walking in the trails in the woods and take a little rowing boat out on the lake, cuddle up with a drink on the porch swings.”

“We can still make it romantic,” Brax exhaled as he wrapped his arm around Charlie as she sat down on his knee. “Some people would love to be stuck in a hotel room with their smoking hot girl all weekend. The fun we could have.” Brax raised his eyebrows as before moving Charlie’s hair to one side and softly kissing her neck.

“Why do guys constantly think about sex?” Charlie questioned. “Could you go even a minute without thinking about it?”

“It would be a challenge,” Brax answered. “Especially thinking about sex with you,” Brax grinned cheekily before one again placing a kiss on her neck. Charlie slapped his chest. “What? That’s supposed to be a compliment.”

“Well who else would you be thinking of having sex with?” Charlie questioned.

“No one,” Brax shook his head. “You’re my one and only.”

“Good,” Charlie smiled as she placed a soft kiss on his lips. “I hope it stays that way.”

“Mmm,” Brax nodded as he kissed her once again. “For life. Just me and you. And the Pip. And Connor. And Ruby. And the puppy.....gee, going to end up quite a nice little family aren’t we?”

“I guess.” Charlie exhaled as she felt Brax’s hand rubbing her stomach.

“Babe,” Brax exhaled as he tucked her hair behind her ear. “You know you need to talk to about how you’re feeling. Don’t hold it in.”

“I’m not holding anything in, I’m fine.” Charlie spoke quietly, hoping Brax couldn’t pick up on her tone.

“You’re not,” Brax shook his head. “I know that being pregnant again is something you are finding hard and I.....well I think you need to talk to me about it.”

“No,” Charlie shook her head. “We’re supposed to be on a romantic weekend for your birthday. This isn’t the time and there’s nothing to talk about anyways.”

Brax sighed lightly feeling frustrated. He knew there was probably plenty that Charlie needed to get off her chest, but he couldn’t force her. She just needed to do this in her own time. “Right, well just so you know, when you are ready to talk, I’ll be here to listen, okay?”

“Okay,” Charlie said as she stood up from his knee. “Now I’m sure the bath will be ready so are you going to come and join me in heating up?” Charlie took Brax’s hands into hers and pulled him to his feet and he gave a little nod at her question. “I think we need to do something about these clothes then.” Charlie smiled cheekily as she kissed Brax’s lips and she began to unbutton his shirt as they made their way across to the bathroom.

******

Ruby had taken Connor out to the park once they’d baked the cookies. He was sitting on one of the big swings, wanting Ruby to show him how to make it go himself, feeling he was too old to be pushed now. “Okay, so, hold on tight here,” Ruby put her hands on the chains at the side with Connor copying what she was doing. “Now, push your legs off the ground so you get a little movement going.” Ruby said and Connor looked at her like she was being stupid.

“Ruby, my legs don’t reach the ground.” Connor exhaled.

“Of course not,” Ruby stood up from her swing and went behind Connor, pushing his back softly so he moved a little. “Okay, so when your forward hold your legs out straight,” Ruby said and Connor did as he was told. “Good, now tuck your legs under,” Ruby said as Connor came backwards on the swing. He did as he was told before once again the swing moved forwards. “Now back out.” Ruby said.

“I get it Ruby, I get it,” Connor cheered as he kicked his legs, backwards and forwards as the swing moved. “Look Ruby, look at me.” Connor beamed proudly.

“Wow, I see you,” Ruby smiled as she took a seat on the swing next to Connor and watched him swinging back and forth. “Not too high though.” Ruby looked concerned at the height her little brother was swinging too.

“This isn’t too high.” Connor shook his head wanting to get as high as he could.

“I think it is,” Ruby answered. “Mummy will probably have a fit if saw how high you were.”

“No,” Connor giggled. “She’d say it was cool.”

Ruby laughed a little. “Right, Connor, seriously don’t get too high.” Ruby said as she got an image in her head of Connor falling from the swing and breaking something.

“Okay,” Connor exhaled. His mother had only given him one instruction and that was to listen to what Morag and Ruby told him to do. “I want to get off now anyways,” Connor answered. “How do I stop it?” Connor questioned.

“Just stop moving your legs.” Ruby answered and Connor did as instructed and the swing slowed and with each swing it made, it didn’t go as high. Connor had already played on the slide for what felt like a lifetime to Ruby, and pretended to drive the tractor for what felt like equally as long. As much as she loved hanging out with her little brother, she hoped that their time at the park would soon come to an end. It was getting pretty chilly and there were some very grey looking clouds forming overhead. She desperately wanted to go home and curl up on the couch with the cookies they’d made and a good movie.

“Okay, Ruby, we need to go to the store.” Connor jumped down from the swing and Ruby gasped as it hadn’t quiet come to a stop yet.

“What store?” Ruby questioned. “And what do you want?”

“To buy Darryl a birthday present.” Connor answered as Ruby stood up from the swing and he took his sisters hand in his as they walked away from the park.

“You don’t need to buy Brax anything and anyways I didn’t bring any money.” Ruby said as she looked ahead and saw them in the distance. She knew it was going to happen sooner rather than later.

“I do,” Connor nodded as he pulled a $5 bill from his pocket. “See.” Connor held it out proudly for Ruby to see.

“Where did you get that?” Ruby questioned.

“My piggy bank,” Connor answered. “I want to get him something. Please take me to the store Ruby.”

“Okay, sure,” Ruby smiled lightly thinking it was pretty sweet that Connor wanted to spend his money on Brax. “Let’s go this way.” Ruby tried to pull Connor in a different direction, so they didn’t need to pass Tony, Rachel and the baby.

“Oh Ruby, look,” Connor pointed out to Tony and Rachel. “It’s the baby. I want to see her.”

“No, Connor,” Ruby shook her head. “She’s not our baby to see.”

“Oh.” Connor bowed his head down, slightly saddened, as Tony and Rachel approached them. There was no getting out of this now for her.

“Thought we’d bring her out for a little fresh air,” Tony smiled lightly at Ruby. “Do you want to see her?”

Ruby shook her head. “She’s said she’s not our baby to see.” Connor said as he closed his eyes, not wanting to take any chances at seeing the baby when he’d been told he wasn’t allowed.

“Oh.....it doesn’t have to be like that you know,” Rachel answered as she gently shook the pram as they heard the baby stirring. “You can come see her all you want.”

“Thanks, but it’s easier this way,” Rachel could see Ruby was putting on a brace face. “We have to go to the shops so, see you,” Ruby cleared her throat as she looked down to her little brother whose eyes were still scrunched tightly shut. “Open your eyes.” Ruby said as she nudged his shoulder before walking away with her brother, trying her hardest not to break down in that moment.

[Danni02]

Thank you Zoe, Sarah, beebee and Spotd1 for the comments. Can't believe I am at chapter 100 already! I have a feeling this maybe be like another Forever Yours length wise

Chapter 100

Charlie and Brax were sitting at the table in their room, eating some dinner. They’d ordered room service, Brax deciding it would be fun and meaning that they didn’t need to get re-dressed after an afternoon in bed together, and could sit and chill out in the bathrobes. “You know you could have order an alcoholic drink,” Charlie said as she put her water back down on the table. “Just because I can’t drink doesn’t mean I expect you to stop.”

“Nah, I want to support you,” Brax answered. “So no drinking for me until I get too wet the baby’s head.”

“Wetting the baby’s head, huh?” Charlie raised her eyebrows. “Maybe I’ll leave you home with it and I can be the one to go out with Bianca and get hammered.”

“You’re not supposed to get hammered,” Brax shook his head. “Just have a couple of drinks to welcome little Pip into the world.”

“I see,” Charlie exhaled. “Well I might feel like getting hammered.” Charlie mumbled.

Brax sighed lightly. He hated that Charlie would happily make little negative comments about the pregnancy, but wouldn’t talk to him about it but if she wouldn’t open up, there wasn’t much he could do, so he decided to change the subject. “So, hopefully this rain stops at some point tonight,” Brax said as he looked to the balcony door and saw it was sitting falling down heavily. “We might get to do some of the stuff you wanted to do tomorrow before we head home.”

“Yeah hopefully,” Charlie exhaled. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am.”

“You didn’t make it rain,” Brax answered. “Not your fault, eh, just the weather.”

“Yeah, I guess, I just wanted to make your first birthday with me special.” Charlie looked saddened as she put her cutlery down on her empty plate.

“As long as I am with you, it is special,” Brax smiled. “And hey, it’s not only my birthday tomorrow,” Brax said. “Something else is happening too.”

“Oh yeah?” Charlie scrunched her face up, slightly confused. “And what’s that?”

Brax looked slightly disappointed that she didn’t seem to know. “You don’t know?”

“Well that’s why I asked you what it was.” Charlie replied.

“Our six month anniversary,” Brax smiled. “You really didn’t remember?”

“Well it’s only six months,” Charlie answered. “I don’t really count anything less than a year,” Charlie sighed. “And is it really 6 months?” Charlie questioned. “We did break up for....I don’t know, what was it? 5 days?”

“Well I’m calling that an extended argument,” Brax gave a little laugh, recalling in his mind the time Charlie broke things off because of a pregnancy scare, and now, just over 4 months later, she was actually pregnant. “So yes, it’s 6 months for us tomorrow.”

“Six months and I’m already pregnant,” Charlie shook her head sadly. “Angelo and I were together 8 years and not once did we have an accident and we only used condoms. With you I had an IUD and condoms and it still bloody happened.” Charlie raised her voice.

“Look I get that it’s a shock for you because you tried so hard to prevent this, but the fact you still got pregnant....” Brax trailed off, wondering if he should keep talking or not. “Maybe....it was....a sign from above.” Brax spoke tentatively as he looked at Charlie for some kind of reaction.

“What from Lily you mean?” Charlie spat. “She was 3 months old Brax,” Charlie raised her voice. “She liked cuddles, and bath time and being fed. She wouldn’t have a clue about wanting me to be happy once she’d passed on, about giving me a sign and saying it’s okay to have this baby. So don’t give me that crap that she made this happen and that she’d be okay with this because she wouldn’t, she wouldn’t.” Charlie yelled as a tear rolled down her cheek.

“I’m sorry,” Brax got off the chair and knelt down before Charlie, rubbing her arms in comfort. “Sorry, it was a silly thing to say.”

“It’s too hard, Brax,” Charlie cried as she fell into his arms, needing the comfort. “I am dreading the first scan where I see this baby, when I hear the heartbeat for the first time, when I feel it moving inside me. It’s going to remind me too much of being pregnant with Lily and she died and I can’t ever have her back in my arms and see her grown up, but I have to do it with this other child who will never ever be Lily. I just wish I still had Lily,” Charlie’s voice broke as her tears got heavier. “It’s taken me right back to when I lost her and ever since I found this out I haven’t been able to get that night out of my mind,” Charlie buried her head further in Brax’s shoulder as he rubbed her back. “I'm so scared I’m not going to love this baby.” Charlie’s voice was muffled as her tears soaked into Brax’s bathrobe.

“Charlie,” Brax exhaled lightly, glad that she was starting to open up to him about her fears. “I’ll be right there with you every step of the way. I know this child isn’t going to be Lily and no baby is ever going to be the same as her, but I know that you will learn to love the baby just as much. This baby is going to bring us so much joy, and while you’ll never forget about Lily, having a new baby to love and care for might help you in that final process of grieving.”

Charlie pulled back from Brax as she wiped the tears from her eyes. “I’m sorry I did this here,” Charlie exhaled. “We’re supposed to be celebrating your birthday, not making it all about me not coping with this.” Charlie said as she put her hand onto her stomach.

“Like I’ve been saying babe, I just want you to open up to me,” Brax smiled lightly as he rubbed her cheek. “You don’t have to face all those feelings alone.”

“I’m trying but it’s hard.” Charlie sniffed back.

“I know,” Brax nodded. “How about I clear away these plates and put them outside for the guy to come and collect them and we’ll have a little snuggle on the bed as we watch a movie?”

“Yeah, okay.” Charlie nodded as she managed a weak smile for her boyfriend. Brax rubbed her arm as she stood up and walked over to the bed, as her cleared up their dinner dishes.

******

Charlie yawned as she got out of the bed. She gave a stretch as she looked down to her husband who was still sound asleep. She exhaled as she walked out of her bedroom and down the hallway into Lily’s room. It was time for her feed. Charlie’s favourite feed to do. It was the time she was alone with her baby girl, it was always quiet and like it was only those two in the world. “Hey, someone’s not crying for her feed today,” Charlie smiled as she walked over to the cot. Lily only ever cried if she was hungry and her night feed was usually when she was most vocal. “Well mummy is here to feed you anyways, yes,” Charlie cooed as she looked down into the cot. Instantly she knew something was wrong. Lily’s eyes were still shut, she looked so peaceful. Too peaceful. “Lily,” Charlie lightly rubbed her stomach, feeling almost sick with fear. “Lily,” Charlie started to sound worried. “Lils baby, wake up for mummy so she can feed you,” Charlie instantly felt like she’d been kicked hard in the stomach as realisation started to hit her. “Lily,” A single tear rolled down her cheek. “Angelo....ANGELO.” Charlie screamed as she continued to try to wake her baby. “Angelo.” Charlie shouted out hoping her husband would hear her as she lifted her daughter into her arms. “Baby. Please, wake up.” Charlie cried. “Lily, please, c’mon,” Charlie rubbed her daughters back. “Lily girl, you stop this now and wake up,” Charlie looked down to her daughter in her arms as the tears flowed from her eyes. “No, no, no...Lily, don’t you do this to us, Lily....”

“Lily, no, please no....Lily.” Charlie screamed out as she sat up in the bed, her heart racing as she felt all hot and sweaty.

“Hey, Charlie,” Brax shot up in the bed, Charlie’s scream waking him. “It was just a bad dream.”

“No, I lived it,” Charlie cried. “And now....I can’t stop re-living it. It’s been constantly on my mind ever since we found out about the baby and now it’s going to be in my dreams too.” Charlie sniffed back.

“Shhh,” Brax wrapped his arm around her. “Just don’t think about it.” Brax rubbed her arm comfortingly.

“I don’t know how,” Charlie cried. “I don’t know how to get it out of my mind now it’s back there.”

“It will go away Charlie, like it did the first time; I promise it will go away. You just need to stay strong and try your hardest not to think about it and this will stop.” Brax said as he continued to rub her arm.

“I don’t know how I did it the first time....one day I just.....” Charlie trailed off. “I need to put my mind on something else otherwise I’ll never fall back asleep,” Charlie wiped the tears from her face, Brax seeing how much it hurt her to talk about it. “Can I......can I give you your present now?”

“So this night away wasn’t my present?” Brax asked following whatever Charlie wanted to do to try to forget her dream.

“Uh-uh.” Charlie shook her head as she turned the side light on, bringing some lightly into the dark room before she opened the bedside table drawer and pulled out a box before handing it to him.

Brax smiled at his girlfriend before ripping the paper from it and opening the box to see a shiny silver Rolex staring back up at him. “A new watch,” Brax smiled. “This so I’m not late anymore for our dates?”

“If you want it to mean that,” Charlie replied. “I hope you like it.”

“Are you kidding me, I love it,” Brax exhaled. “Babe this must have cost you a fortune.”

“Nothing you’re not worth.” Charlie replied.

“This is the best gift I’ve ever gotten Charlie,” Brax smiled and Charlie screwed her face up, unsure if he was actually telling the truth. “Serious. My family weren’t exactly rolling in the money and well, you know what my family are like. Seriously I love this and I love you so much.” Brax smiled as he leaned forward and softly kissed her lips.

“I love you too.” Charlie smiled.

“So, I have a little something for you too,” Brax smiled as this time it was his turn to open his side drawer and pull out a little box. Charlie widened her eyes; it looked small, small like a ring box. She felt herself feeling scared. They were not ready for marriage and already had a baby to deal with, she really hoped he wasn’t about to propose. “Don’t look so worried, it’s not what you are thinking, I know we are not there yet.”

Charlie exhaled, feeling relieved as she took the box in her hand and opened it up to reveal a pair of little silver studs with diamonds set in the middle. “Brax I....why did you buy me something?” Charlie questioned. “It’s your birthday not mines.”

“But it is our six month anniversary,” Brax smiled. “So, happy anniversary.”

“They are gorgeous, thank you. I feel bad I didn’t get you anything.” Charlie exhaled.

“You paid for this hotel and you bought me a Rolex,” Brax answered. “Pretty sure that equals you getting me something.” Brax gave a little smile before one again placing a kiss on her lips.

Charlie smiled as she looked to the digital clock on Brax’s bedside table. “It’s just after 2am,” Charlie smiled. “So, it’s Saturday and you’re birthday so happy birthday.” Charlie smiled as she gave him a kiss, before they met in a hug. Charlie, liking the comfort from Brax, and although the exchange of gifts kept her occupied for a while, the night Lily died was still sitting firmly at the top of her mind.