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Chapter 2 - I'll be Waiting

Ruby held Charlie in her arms for what seemed like eternity. Eventually Ruby was relieved to hear the sobs lessen and she rocked her mother into a fitful sleep.
Once Ruby was sure that Charlie would not stir, she gently moved Charlie off her lap onto the floor, and covered her with a blanket. She sighed as she saw the frown on Charlie's face, and hoped that she would get some much needed sleep. Ruby couldn't understand what had happened tonight. Angelo had become a part of the family, and despite the odd argument, she really thought he was the one for Charlie. All Ruby knew was that he had hurt Charlie deeply, and for that, Ruby would not forgive him easily.

Morning came and Charlie blinked open her eyes. She groaned as she pulled herself off the floor, and for a moment wondered how she had ended up sleeping there. Then it hit her. She closed her eyes and could see the angry face of Angelo staring back at her. Charlie was broken out of her daydream when Ruby entered the room. She sat down on the bed next to her mother and looked up at her with expectant eyes.

"Are you not going to tell me what the hell happened last night?" Ruby asked after waiting patiently for Charlie to start talking.

"To be honest Rubes, I really don't know. One minute I was having a lovely evening, the next minute Angelo turns into some monster"

"What did he do to you Charles? And don't deny it, I know this wasn't just some stupid argument"

"It seems ridiculous really. He wasn't happy that I just wanted to sleep last night, he wanted, well, you can guess. He didn't get his own way so he tried forcing himself on me. It was like he was possessed or something. It made me think about Grant all over again. I just don't know what to do"

Anger flashed through Ruby's face as she listened to her mother speak.

"Charlie, I can't believe he did that to you. No wonder you were so upset. Maybe he had too much to drink or something"

"No, it was more than that. I think he's jealous of the time we have been spending together. We had an argument about it a couple of months ago. And with work being so busy, I haven't seen him as much. It's my fault really, I haven't made much effort"

"Charlie, there is no way that any of this is your fault. And if he thinks he is going to break us up by throwing his weight around, then he's got another thing coming. I thought a few months ago that I had lost you. I don't ever want to feel like that again"

"Rubes, you will never lose me, ever. I need to get up and go for a run to clear my head. Maybe we can have breakfast after that?"

"I've just had my insulin, so I'm going to have breakfast in a minute, but I'll join you for a juice"

"Sure. Thanks Ruby, I really shouldn't be talking about these things with you now I'm your mother"

"No worries Charles. And to be perfectly honest, I love our 'sisterly' chats, I hope we'll always have them"

Charlie was enjoying her jog along the beach, the sun pouring down on her, the gentle breeze of the water helping her to keep going.

'This is why I fell in love with Summer Bay' Charlie thought to herself and she slowed down ready to stop. As she came to a halt, she stopped to face the sea and felt its calming influence come over her. Suddenly, Charlie felt a presence behind her. She turned around slowly to come face to face with Angelo.

"Hey, Charlie, I've been looking everywhere for you"

"I'm not sure why you bothered in all honesty" Charlie snarled back at him, and began to walk away.

Angelo grabbed Charlies arm to pull her back but was met with a swift kick in the leg.

"OW! What was that for?"

"You lost the right to treat me as your property last night. I don't even want to be around you Angelo"

"Look, please just listen. I am so sorry about what happened last night. I had too much to drink. I know it's not an excuse, but I wasn't thinking straight"

"Damn right you weren't. Do you know how that made me feel Angelo? With all I have had to go through with Grant in the last couple of months, I thought you would be more understanding. You know, you were absolutely amazing when I told you all about Grant and Ruby. I couldn't believe that I had found somebody who could be so caring, and so understanding. That was the hardest thing I have ever had to tell anyone, and last night ruined all of that for me. I don't know if I can forgive you Angelo"

"Charlie, I am so sorry. I just feel frustrated because I have hardly seen you over the last few weeks, what with Ruby, and work. I would never intentionally hurt you Charlie"

"I never thought you would hurt me Angelo, but I can't just forget what happened. And all of this jealousy over Ruby has got to stop. I nearly lost her Angelo. I never dreamed things would be as good as they are between us. Ruby will always come first. If you can't deal with that then I can't be with you"

"Charlie please just give me another chance. I promise I will never hurt you again. I'm so sorry"

"I need some time to think Angelo. Don't think you can just walk back in like nothing has happened. I'll call you when I'm ready ok?"

"However much time you need Charlie, I'll be waiting"