Just a little x-mas story- Enjoy and happy x-mas everyone hope you all get spoiled and have a great day

Charlie groaned and rolled over catching Brax's attention as he got ready for work, he walked to the bed and sat beside her "still not feeling better?" He asked leaning over her.

"No, worse than yesterday," she groaned and opened her eyes "my head feels like it's gonna explode."

"Aw my poor baby," he replied and dropped a kiss on her forehead "why don't you stay here and I'll call in for ya."

"No," she sighed "I have to go in."

"Babe you're not well at all- look at you you're as white as a sheet, you shouldn't be going to work you need to rest."

"Brax it's two days before Christmas I have files and reports coming out of my ears and if I don't get them done I'll have to work Christmas day," she said and sat up.

Brax sighed and stood up "Charlie you're sick you need to rest and let it pass."

"So you'd rather I work Christmas day then?" She snapped.

"Fine, you win but only because I want you here on Christmas morning…I have to go now," he said and leaned down to kiss her.

"No Brax," she said and rolled away "you'll catch it off me."

A smirk crossed Brax's face and he climbed on top of her "do I look like I care?" He asked and lowered his head kissing her softly. He pulled back and gazed down on her "I love you," he said and kissed her again.

"And I love you," she giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him quickly "what time will you be home at?"

Brax shrugged "we have all the parties tonight and I've that meeting about the new restaurant I really don't know but if you need me call me and I'll be right home," he said climbing off the bed.

"I'll be fine Brax I was just wondering about dinner is all," she replied and rolled out of the bed "I'm not making something to have to throw it out."

Brax walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist "how about you come to me for dinner, I always got time for you."

Charlie giggled "and what sit on you lap while you have your meeting?"

Brax chuckled "I wouldn't mind but seriously come over whenever you want," he said and took a step back "right now I really have to go," he leaned in and kissed her quickly "don't overwork yourself today ya hear me… see ya later!" he called and hurried out of the room.

Charlie smiled and shook her head he was always worrying about her and Ruby. Her smile faded as her headache came back groaning she took the two painkillers Brax had brought her last night and went in for her shower.

Once she was done she came out sniffling "damn cold," she muttered as she grabbed a tissue. Grabbing her uniform she put it on and made her way down to the kitchen. She poured herself some coffee and leaned against the counter, looking around her eyes fell on a note that lay on the bench in the middle of the floor. Walking to it she picked it up and smiled eat some oranges and soup it's good for ya bag ready for you in the fridge- Ruby left with me if you were wondering where she was, love ya babes see ya later xx chuckling she put the note down and walked to the fridge and pulled it open "Brax," she smiled and pulled out the brown paper bag, hearing a beep outside she closed the fridge grabbing her purse she headed out the door.

"Hey," she greeted Jack and climbed into the car-she sneezed and groaned.

"Have you still got that damn cold?" Jack asked.

"Yeah it's getting worse think it might be a head cold my head was banging when I woke up."

"So go back to bed," Jack replied.

"Don't you start Brax was at me before he left I have to go to work and no one is talking me out of it," she huffed.

"You got it lil sis," Jack chuckled and started up the car "but don't blame me if you get worse."

"I won't blame you I'll just take it out on you," she replied smiling sweetly.

"Yeah I thought so," he chuckled and pulled away.

When they arrived at the station they both climbed out and walked towards the entrance "you're staying in today me and Watson will handle the call outs," Jack said as they went inside.

Charlie rolled her eyes "how about I make you do all the paperwork?" She huffed.

Jack laughed "as much as I love you no chance, I saw that pile it's enough to keep you going for the day so in you go," he said opening her door for her.

"You're too kind," Charlie said sarcastically and brushed by him.

Jack laughed again and closed her door, Charlie sighed and sat down between Brax and Jack she couldn't get any peace groaning she sat back and closed her eyes her head felt heavy she just wanted to sleep.

She opened her eyes a while later when someone knocked on the door "yeah," she called and sat forward.

Watson walked in and sat on the edge of the desk "so Jack tells me you're feeling worse today."

"No not you too," Charlie groaned and stood up "I have a cold that is all- I'm tired because I can't sleep with my stupid blocked nose so if you're here to…" she trailed off and grabbed the desk as the room spun.

"Charlie are you okay?" Watson asked standing up.

"Yeah, yeah just got a little dizzy," she said and stood up straight "I'll be fine once I-" she took a step and without warning dropped to the floor.

"Charlie!" Watson shrieked and jumped down beside her "Charlie! Charlie can you hear me?" she yelled frantically.

Hearing her yells Jack ran into the room he stopped momentarily seeing her on the floor "what happened?" he asked and knelt down beside her "Charlie," he said tapping her cheek "oi wake up."

"She said she was dizzy then she hit the floor…I'll call an ambulance," Watson said and jumped for the phone.

"No don't," Jack said before she got to it "she just fainted you go get Brax he's at Angelo's I'll get him to take her home," he said tapping Charlie's cheeks again.

"How can you be sure?" Watson asked.

"It happened the last time she was sick she didn't eat at all and still worked every day, she's running herself down she'll be fine you go get Brax she'll be awake by the time you get back," he said.

Watson nodded "okay I'll be back in a few minutes," she said and ran out the door.

Down a Angelo's Brax sat in front of a load of paperwork trying to organize tables for tonight, three companies had booked in for their Christmas parties and he had assured them they would all fit…he wasn't so sure now, sighing he flung the page down and looked up upon hearing footsteps "hey," he smiled when Ruby walked in "didn't I just drop you off at April's?"

"Hey yeah you did… quick favour to ask you," she said and slipped into the booth beside him.

"Shoot," he replied.

"I'm going to the city with April to get mum her present but now I can't find my card so…" she trailed off and smiled sweetly at him.

Brax chuckled "how much do you want?"

"A hundred?" She asked "I have money already to get a few other bits I just didn't take out the money for mums I know it's a lot and I promise I'll pay you back as soon as I find my card."

Brax pulled out his card and handed it over "you know the pin take as much as you need."

"Thanks," she smiled and stood up she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek "love ya dad I owe ya big," she said happily and skipped towards the exit.

"Yeah love ya too call me when you get back and be careful!" he called after her and chuckled she was so like Charlie had him wrapped around her finger. He sighed happily and sat back he loved that she called him dad something he'd never get tired of hearing, it felt so right. His attention was drawn to sound of rushed footsteps. "Watson?" He asked when she hurried to him with a look on her face.

"Sorry to just barge in Charlie she uh she kinda passed out at the station Jack told me to come get you," she said hurriedly.

"What!" He yelled "is she okay?" he asked and jumped up.

"Jack called just as I got here he said she was okay she's awake now just a bit out of it, he told her to go home she doesn't look herself at all but you know her she's too stubborn."

"Yeah I told her that too," he said and walked to the bar "Liam! Emergency I gotta go I'll be back as soon as I can!" He yelled and grabbed his keys.

"Everything okay?" Liam asked appearing at the bar.

"Charlie passed out at work I gotta get her home can you sort out those tables?" He asked nodding to the paperwork he'd been at.

"Yeah, yeah, go on I got it covered… let me know how she is!" Liam called after him.

"Yeah will do thanks mate!" Brax called back and ran down the stairs "you didn't say anything to Ruby did ya?" He asked.

"Nah I know what she gets like," Watson replied as she walked back to her car.

"Right," Brax nodded "I'll see ya at the station," he said and climbed into his own car.

...

"Jack stop fussing I'm fine!" Charlie snapped and shoved him away from her.

"Charlie you passed out you are not fine!" He yelled back.

"I'm tired is all and I haven't been eating-I've no appetite all week so I'm a lilt weak," she defended.

"Jesus Charlie will you listen to yourself!" Jack yelled and walked back to her "stop making excuses this is not normal you need to be at home in bed you're sick."

"I need to be here stop fussing!" she yelled when he put a blanket over her "I've a lot to do I'm staying here!"

"I'm calling dad!" he yelled knowing he wasn't getting through to her.

Charlie scoffed "and what's he gonna do?"

"Not half as much as what I'm gonna do," Brax said from the doorway.

Charlie looked surprised to see him she turned to Jack and narrowed her eyes "you called him?" she shrieked and threw her phone at him "I told you he was busy today why did you drag him over here!"

"It doesn't matter how busy I am you're coming home with me now," Brax said pulling the blanket off her.

"Brax I've so much to do," she whined and stood up "and what about your meeting?"

"Screw the meeting and whatever you have to do can wait I'm taking you home and you're gonna stay there got it?" he asked putting his hands on his hips.

Charlie sighed knowing he wouldn't move until she agreed "I hate you," she muttered and walked by him- she turned to Jack "and you," she saw Watson at the door with her purse and took it from her "and you too but not so much," she walked by them and out to Brax's car.

"Thanks mate I knew you could get her to leave," Jack said and handed him Charlie's phone.

"I told her not to come in today would she listen? She was up half the night. Give us some of her paperwork or she'll be back here as soon as I leave her alone," Brax said.

"You know Charlie and yes I know she'll be back, here- tell her I'll stop in on her later," Jack said and handed him a pile from her desk.

"Yeah will do- later mate," he called and walked out to his car, he stopped and chuckled as he spotted her, she lay back in the seat pouting with her arms folded over her chest "aww don't you look so cute," he said when she looked at him, he chuckled again when she glared at him and turned away from him.

He climbed in and dropped the papers on her lap "present for ya," he said and started up the car.

Charlie sneezed again and sunk lower in the seat "have we anymore painkillers at home?"

Brax chuckled "now you want them?"

"Hey I took the two you brought me last night."

Brax laughed "they were still there when I got up this morning."

"I took them after you left," she muttered. Brax chuckled again and didn't reply.

Pulling up at their house a few minutes later Brax climbed out and walked to her door "okay here's the deal," he said as he helped her out and they walked towards the door "you're gonna get into bed and stay there, I'm gonna make you something and you are gonna eat it, then you're gonna sleep got it?"

"I see no deal in that," Charlie grumbled "what's in it for me?"

Brax pulled her back and turned her to face him "you have me waiting on you what could be better than that?"

Charlie giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck "maybe if you were in the bed with me I might feel better."

Brax chuckled and started to walk her towards the stairs "I might think about it after you eat and get some rest- do we have a deal?" He asked.

"Deal," she sighed and pulled away from him "guess I'll be in bed then," she said and took the stairs "I still hate you by the way!" She called down.

"Now I'm definitely not getting in with ya!" He called and walked to the kitchen. After making her soup and coffee he brought it up to their room, he smiled when he saw her snuggled under the covers watching tv- walking to the bed he set the tray down on the locker and sat beside her.

She smiled and sat up "I really don't need you waiting on me I'm fine but thanks," she said and kissed him on the cheek.

"What kind of fiancé would I be if I didn't?" he stood up again and picked up the tray, placing it on her lap he sat back down "I want you to eat all of that alright."

"Yes boss," she giggled.

Brax smiled and leaned into her "funny," he said and kissed her. After pulling back he stood up "will you be okay here if I go back for my meeting?" Charlie nodded "is there anything else you need before I go?"

"Nope I'm good and I promise I'll stay right here," she said before he could say anything "now get out of here."

Brax eyed her suspiciously "call me if you need anything I love ya," he said and kissed her a few times.

"Love ya too see ya when you get home…Brax seriously go," she said when he didn't move "stop worrying about me I'm fine."

He sighed "I know I can't help but worry I'll see ya," he said and slipped out of the room.

Charlie giggled when he stuck his head back in "I'm fine," she said and turned her attention to the tray she smiled and picked up the flower in the middle smiling again she placed it beside her and dug into her soup.

Brax arrived back at Angelo's and went upstairs he walked up to the bar where Liam was "sorry mate didn't think I'd be that long," he said and sat down.

"Nah it's alright how's Charlie?" Liam asked.

"She's alright she's still sick and stubborn she's at home now moping coz I took her home from work I told her not to go in the first place, that woman drives me crazy," he chuckled.

"But you wouldn't have her any other way," Liam said and walked away from the bar.

Brax smiled "nah, nah I wouldn't," he said and stood up "anyway I better get my stuff ready for this meeting oh did you sort out the tables for tonight?"

"Yeah I called Leah she said I could borrow the tables and chairs from the diner if I need them."

Brax nodded "great and do we?"

Liam shrugged "I'm not sure but I'll have a few extra here just in case, you know how these things go Brax half of the people say they're coming and don't show at all."

"Yeah I hear ya…good work mate," Brax said and walked towards his office. He had only sat down when his phone rang "what now?" he sighed and pulled it out of his pocket "Ruby" he said when he answered "I told ya to take what you needed it doesn't matter if it went over the hundred."

"Um Brax its April," she said slowly.

"April?" He said raising an eyebrow "why are you on Ruby's phone-is everything okay?"

"Well we kinda got mugged," she said quickly.

"What!" Brax yelled and jumped out of his seat "what do you mean kinda and where's Ruby?" he yelled.

"We took a shortcut back to the car and some guy jumped out of nowhere, I was on my phone he took that our bags and the stuff we got- but when he went to take your card from Ruby she tried to fight him off he knocked her out-but she's awake now," April added quickly.

"Damn it!" Brax yelled and punched his desk "I'm on my way where exactly are you two now?"

"The police station by the mall Ruby's in giving her statement," April answered.

"Have you called Bianca or Irene?" he asked.

"I left both of them messages I'm fine I told them not to come I'm just worried about Ruby she took a nasty tumble."

"Right I won't be long," he said and hung up. He pulled up Charlie's number and his finger hovered over the call button, after this morning he didn't want to add any more stress. Sighing he cancelled it and grabbed his keys.

As he got to the bar Liam called him over to a man and a woman "these are the guys here from the city shall I send them into your office?"

"Nah mate, sorry guys my daughter has just been mugged I have to reschedule," he said as he walked away.

"Brax!" Liam called and hurried to him "is she okay?"

"I have to go, I'm really sorry for wasting your time," he said to them.

"That's fine," the man nodded "we understand we can reschedule I'll set it up with Mr Murphy here."

"Thanks and again I'm sorry," Brax said and ran down the stairs.

...

An hour later he arrived at the station and walked to the front desk "can I help you?" the officer behind it asked.

"Yeah I'm looking for a Ruby Buckton and April Scott, they came here to report a mugging," he replied.

"And you are?" she asked.

"Daryl Braxton- Ruby's dad," he said quickly.

"Right one second," the officer said and started to type away "I'm sorry we don't have any record of a Ruby Buckton," she said and looked up at him.

Brax frowned "what- that can't be her friend called and told me they were both here can you look again?" he asked.

The officer nodded and typed in her name "she's not in our files Mr Braxton are you sure you have the right-oh wait a sec," she said and started typing again "we do however have a Ruby Braxton," she said looking up again.

Brax nodded "that has to be her."

"What's her date of birth?" the officer asked.

"Twenty-fourth of May ninety-six," Brax said quickly.

"Take a seat I'll go check it out," the officer said and stood up "I won't be long," she said and disappeared behind a door.

Brax walked to the nearby seats and sat down, after a minute he looked up when the door opened and a tearful Ruby darted to him "I'm sorry dad I'm sorry I tried to hold onto it," she cried and threw herself at him.

"I don't care about the card Rubes," he said holding her tight, he looked up at April standing behind her to see her eyes welling "come here you," he said and pulled her into him "are you girls okay?"

"I'm fine just a little shaken," April said and stepped back "Bianca called me back she was freaking."

Brax nodded "I knew she would be what did you tell her?"

"That you were on your way to bring us home she said she'd wait there."

Brax nodded again and pulled Ruby back "and how are you doing?"

"Massive headache and still shaking like a leaf," she said held out her shaking hands.

"You're safe now sweetie it's all over," he said and pulled her into a hug.

"Mr Braxton can I have a word please?" A male officer asked.

"Yeah sure," he pulled his keys out and handed them to Ruby "you two go wait in the car I won't be long," he said and walked over to him "so is there any chance you'll catch this guy?"

"It's hard to tell at the moment there are always so many attacks and robberies during the Christmas season- we have pulled the footage of the area where it happened so we'll take it from there. What I wanted to talk to you about was their statements, due to them being under legal age we will have to take a formal statement with yourself or another adult present so we will interviewing your girls again tomorrow."

"What else can they tell you- look Ruby's mum is a cop she's learned a lot from her she would have given all the information she could," Brax said.

The officer smiled quickly " it's protocol if this were to go to court their statements would be thrown out-I was wondering why the information held so much detail where's her mum from?"

"She's the sergeant at Yabbie Creek down in Summer Bay, I understand about the statements I'll have them back here tomorrow morning-can I go now, I need to get them home."

The officer nodded "thank you and hopefully by the time you come back we'll have this guy."

"Hopefully… for his sake I hope you do before I get to him!" Brax called as he walked out to the car.

Walking to the car he climbed in and turned to the girls "you have to come back in the morning to give formal statements," he said and started up the car.

"Why- didn't we just do that?" April asked.

"Sort of- because neither of you are eighteen you need an adult present, what you said in there won't hold up in court so I'll be bringing you both back tomorrow and no doubt your mum and Bianca will be with us."

"No you can't tell mum!" Ruby shrieked.

"Rubes I have to tell her I can't keep this from her."

"Please dad you can't she's sick she needs to rest you know exactly what she'll do if she finds out-please don't tell her."

Brax sighed "we'll talk about this when we get home," he said and pulled away.

...

When Brax pulled up at April's he turned off the engine "I better go in with you," he said and climbed out.

April followed quietly and pushed the door open to see Bianca pacing the living room "April!" she shrieked and ran to her "are you okay- did he hurt you?" she asked looking her over.

"I told you I was fine," April muttered.

"Did he get everything doll?" Irene asked.

"Yeah all the stuff I got, my bag, my phone," she sighed.

"They can all be replaced," Bianca said and pulled her into a hug. She looked behind her to see Brax standing there "thanks for bringing her home Brax," she said and walked over to him "how's Ruby?"

"She's still in a little shock- I have to get off now but before I do I just wanted to let you know because they're under eighteen they'll have to be re-interviewed again with an adult present, I'll be bringing Ruby if you wanna let them know and I can sit in on April's too," he offered.

Bianca sighed "I have to work the exams are on this week," she looked back to Irene "are you working?"

"Yeah doll sorry Leah's off for the morning tomorrow and Marylyn is off too."

Bianca turned back to Brax "are you sure you don't mind?"

"Not at all I'm heading there anyway they left the car behind too so one of them can drive it back after we're done- just call them and let them know they have your permission for me to do it."

Bianca nodded "thanks Brax I'll call Charlie later and get the number off her."

"No don't call her," he said quickly "uh she's still sick-passed out in work today I'll get it and call you back."

"Oh is she okay she said she felt worse last night," Bianca asked.

"She's fine she just fainted but she's in bed now she still has a bit to go."

"Right," Bianca nodded "I'll be expecting your call then…thanks for bringing her home."

"No worries night guys!" He called and walked back to the car.

When they pulled up at their house Brax saw the living room light on "I told her to stay in bed," he sighed and climbed out.

Ruby laughed as she walked behind him "you do know who you're talking too?" Brax chuckled and opened the back door "um dad," Ruby whispered and pulled him back.

"You're safe for tonight," he said and pulled her into the house. They walked into the living room to see Charlie wrapped up in a blanket fast asleep "why don't you go lie down for a bit," he said.

"Nah my head still hurts, I'm gonna go make coffee you want one?"

"Yeah go on then…Rubes," he whispered "did you get a medic to check you out?"

Ruby nodded "April called an ambulance they checked me out on scene I didn't need to go in it's just a bump," she smiled and walked into the kitchen.

Brax walked to the sofa and gently pulled the blanket off Charlie, he waited to see if she'd move before slipping his hands under her and scooping her into his arms. Carrying her up to their room he groaned at all the paperwork she had scattered across the bed, knocking some to the floor he placed her down and pulled the covers over her, dropping a kiss on her forehead he sighed and knelt down to pick up the papers. When he had gathered them all up he stood up and leaned across her to gather up the rest, he stopped when she began to move, looking down on her he smiled when she looked back at him "hey baby," he said and kissed her forehead.

"Hey," she said sleepily "you're home early how'd the meeting go?"

Brax racked his brain trying to think of an excuse "I'm just here to check on you and something came up they had to reschedule," he said and sat beside her "how are you feeling now?"

"Aww," she said and sat up "I'm sorry I know you were looking forward to it, I'm okay I guess-same as earlier."

Brax smiled "don't worry about it I'll see them soon, I'm gonna grab a coffee before I head back do you want anything?"

Charlie smirked and leaned forward "if I said you would I get it?" she giggled.

Brax chuckled and kissed her "you already have me," he said and kissed her deeply. Charlie wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him with her so she was lying back down- Brax ran his hands along her sides and slipped his hands under her shirt.

Charlie pulled back and turned her head- she sneezed and groaned "I'm sorry," she muttered.

Brax sat up and moved to the side of the bed "we'll continue this later now food wise do you want anything?"

"Nah I'm okay I think I'm gonna just go back to sleep," she replied and snuggled deeper into the covers.

Brax dropped a kiss on her forehead "alright I'll call you in a bit I love ya," he said and stood up.

"Love ya too!" She called after him as he went down the stairs.

Walking into the kitchen he sat beside Ruby at the table "do you want to stay here or come to work with me?" he asked.

Ruby looked to the stairs then to the back door "I'll come with you."

Brax chuckled and took a sip of his coffee "thought so- she's asleep now."

"Yeah I can't hang around here anyway I told mum I'd be gone all day and it's only three now," Ruby replied and picked up her cup "I'm seriously pissed about our presents, poor April just spent the last of her money on a new I phone for Bianca."

"That sucks…what else did he get?" Brax asked curiously.

"April didn't have much thank god-she just had the phone and some comic Dex wanted she didn't have much in her purse either just enough to get something to eat on the way home. I got mum that I pad thing she wanted, and Darcy's Barbie set, and whatever I got Heath and Jack oh and my clothes for Christmas day…and your present," she muttered and sighed "I saved for months for it."

"Hey it doesn't matter alright I don't want anything as long as I have you and your mum alright," he said squeezing her hand.

She smiled weakly back at him "I know but you would have really liked it stupid jerk I hope they find him."

I hope so too," Brax drained his cup and stood up "alright let's get going so we can head off early and get back here…just out of interest how much money did you lose altogether?"

"Um," Ruby counted on her fingers "April I'd say about six hundred including her own phone and me- well….Twelve I think."

"Twelve?" Brax asked surprised.

"Uh yeah," she said slowly " i had money saved, the I pad was nearly four, the Barbie set was fifty. A hundred each for Heath and Jack my clothes were one fifty including my shoes and jewellery I got mum a few other bits and yours was two fifty."

"What!" Brax yelled "Rubes you don't need to spend that much on me seriously that's crazy."

Ruby sighed "well it doesn't matter now does it?" she said shakily "no-one will be getting anything it's all gone now," she muttered and walked out the back door.

Brax followed her and locked the door behind him "we'll get them back," he said and climbed into the car.

"How?" Ruby scoffed "are you gonna go personally hunt him down?" she looked at Brax and sat up properly "that was a joke dad alright a joke don't even think about it," she said when a smirk crossed his face.

"I never said I was gonna do anything," he said and started up the car.

"And keep it that way," she said and turned to look out the window.

A few hours later Charlie was pulled from her sleep by the sound of the house phone ringing "hello," she muttered when she answered.

"Hey babe tried your mobile were you sleeping?" Brax asked.

"Yeah," she yawned "what's up?"

"How are ya feeling?"

"Not too bad, is that what you called for to check up on me?"

"Yeah and to let you know Ruby's home she came here for something to eat."

"Okay has she many bags?" Charlie chuckled.

Brax chuckled back "I don't think I'll fit it all in my car," he joked "anyway just called to let you know that and she's staying here until I'm done okay?"

"Yeah that's fine I'll see you both when you get home."

"Won't be late promise gotta go love ya."

"Yeah love ya too see ya," she said and hung up.

She lay back in the bed and looked around she hated doing nothing- spotting the paperwork Brax had placed on her locker she leaned over and pulled them onto her lap "may as well get some of this out of the way," she said out loud and started to go through them.

"So did she buy it?" Ruby asked as she walked into the kitchen with a load of dishes.

"Yeah she did," Brax said and turned to face her "I hate lying to her Rubes so I'll say nothing tonight but I want you to tell her before we go in the morning alright."

"But dad," she groaned.

"But dad nothing," he said before she could say anything else "she's your mum she needs to know, I'm already gonna be strung up for not telling her right away you'll tell her and that's the end of it," he said and walked by her.

"But she'll go all GI Jane on us," she groaned.

"Who would you rather find him me or mum?"

"Um for his well-being I'll go with mum," Ruby said quickly and followed him outside.

Brax began to look around "clear those two tables there take out the garbage and then we can go, I wanna be outta here before these parties start," he said and walked behind the bar.

Ruby nodded and started to walk towards them "Buckton," she looked up to see Heath walking by her "hey," she replied and kept walking.

What's up with her?" Heath asked Brax when he reached the bar.

Brax sighed and rubbed his hands over his face "where do I even start?"

"She in trouble?" He asked watching her "that's the only time I ever see her or April working in here."

"Nah I'm just tryna keep her away from Charlie," Brax said as he grabbed two beers and walked around to Heath "her and April got mugged today bastard took everything except Ruby's phone she had it in her pocket."

"No way," Heath said wide eyed "shouldn't you be telling Charlie this I mean it's her kid."

Brax sighed "I know I should tell her but she's sick Heath- she passed out in work I had to bring her home she doesn't need the extra stress, anyway I told Ruby to tell her tomorrow before we need to head back up to give formal statements and I have to be present."

"Did he get much?" Heath asked.

"They were Christmas shopping they got about twelve hundred worth of stuff from Ruby along with my credit card and her bag and about six or so from April along with her bag and phone… god help him if I get my hands on him," Brax said through gritted teeth "they were gutted."

"Did this happen around here?" Heath asked.

"Nah mate they went to the city, he must have been watching them- caught them as they walked back to the car," Brax said angrily.

"Scumbag," Heath said shaking his head "leave it with me," he said and stood up "I'll make a few calls got mates up there, text me exactly what was taken and I'll see if anyone's tried to flog them."

"Yeah that'd be great I'll ask Ruby and let you know thanks!" Brax called after him. After Heath had gone he turned to look at Ruby "you ready to head Rubes?" he called.

Ruby jumped slightly and turned to face him "sorry, day dreaming, yeah just let me get rid of these then we can go," she said and hurried to the kitchen with more dishes.

...

Half an hour later they both walked through the door "hey," Charlie greeted from the sofa.

"Hey mum!" Ruby called and hurried up the stairs.

"Hey hold on a sec show me what you got!" Charlie called after her.

"Oh I left it all in the office at Angelo's didn't want you peeking!" Ruby called back.

Charlie chuckled and turned back to the tv- Brax walked in and sat beside her "you look a bit better," he said looking at the colour coming back into her face.

"Yeah a day of lying in bed has helped," she said and scooted over to him "how was your day?"

"Yeah alright," he said slipping his hand around her waist "got out of there before the parties started."

"And you left poor Liam to deal with it?" Charlie giggled.

"Nah he got out of there too, we left Billy and Zack to deal," with he chuckled "they'll be fine… it's just eight now what do ya wanna do now?"

"Um…movie?" Charlie asked and looked up at him.

"Yeah go on then," he said and stood up "Ruby!" he called from the bottom of the stairs "we're gonna watch a movie are you coming down?"

"No thanks!" she called back "I'm just gonna get some stuff and stay at April's!"

"Right well if you hurry I can drive you!" he called back and walked to the sofa "you pick a dvd I'll be five minutes."

Charlie nodded "if you're any longer it'll be a chick flick."

Brax chuckled and walked to the door "I'll be back in four then," he said and walked out to the car.

...

When he pulled up at April's he turned to Ruby "be back at ours for nine alright both of you."

"We will and thanks dad for not telling mum," she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek "love ya bye!" she called as she ran to the house.

Brax sighed as he watched her go how the hell was he gonna explain this one?