Hy guys here is the next chapter, not updated much lately but I've been really busy will try my Best to update more frequently. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter. Review and let me know what you think about how the story is developing. Constructive criticism is also welcomed (:


Reaching Mangrove River, Charlie immediately noticed how different it was to Summer Bay. Scanning her surrounding Charlie instantly knew what Brax had meant when he said he didn't live in the best area. Although they had gone past a few descent streets, most of them looked unkept and worn out. However Charlie didn't care much for materialistic things. Looking up at Brax who had his eyes firmly focus on the path ahead of them she noticed the uneasy look on his face. Charlie only hoped that he didn't think any of this made a difference to her. In all honesty she adored him and there was very little if anything at all that could change that.

"Well here we are", Brax nodded to the house that stood in front of him and Charlie.

Charlie quickly scanned the outside of the house; she didn't understand why Brax had been so hesitant to bringing her here. Compared to the other houses they had passed, Brax's looked more than decent. Looking up at him once more, she could see that the uneasiness that he harboured all the way to the house was still there. She smiled lightly...

"So are you going to invite me in... you know it's rude to leave a girl out in the cold".

Looking down at Charlie for the first time since they entered Mangrove River, Brax stood there wondering how he had gotten so lucky. Despite the obvious rough street they had passed by (not much different from his), she still looked at him the same way she did this morning. Chuckling brax replied...

"It's not even cold"

"You know what I mean", Charlie hit him lightly on the arm before pulling him along making her way towards the front door.

Turning the key in the lock Brax felt his stomach drop at the sight of the house, he soon felt a flush of embarrassment wash throw him at the sight of his mum flopped down asleep on the couch surrounded by numerous empty beer bottles. Cursing under his breath as he went to turn around to Charlie who had yet said anything since they entered the house, his attention was immediately turned to the room down the hall as his little brothers cries filled the house. Rushing into Casey's room Brax quickly picked his brother out of his play pen, noticing the tears streaming down his face. Holding him close to his chest, Brax tried to calm Casey down.

"Hy Casey, it's ok it's ok, Brax is here...shhhh it's ok", Brax gripped Casey tighter to his chest as he began to calm down, soon the tears had ceased.

"You ok now?" Brax looked down as Casey heavy breathing had stop, and his head was now nested in Brax's shoulders. Refusing to realise his grip on his younger brother Brax turned around in an effort to make his way back into the lounge only to find Charlie standing behind him by the door.

Watching Brax sprint down the hall into the room where the cries had started crying from, Charlie briefly took in the scene in front of her. She realised that Brax hesitation to bring her to his house was more to do with his family rather than where he lived. Hearing Brax's voice, Charlie walked down the hall stopping at the room that he had entered. Leaning her head against the room's doorway, Charlie watched on as Brax held onto his younger brother trying to calm him down. Charlie couldn't help but smiled to herself as she saw how good Brax was with Casey. If it was at all possible she found herself falling deeper for him. Watching as he turned around she smiled up at him...

"Hy You Ok?"

"Yh, look I'm so sorry about this, you should probably get going, I'm gonna be a little busy for a while", Brax was beyond embarrassed that Charlie had seen his mum like that. Without saying anything Charlie walked over to Brax, "I have a better idea, how about I stick around and help you out a little..."

Brax quickly interrupted Charlie, "No Charlie, you don't have to do that, I can sort this out... it's my problem". Barely able to look at Charlie, Brax diverted his attention back to Casey.

"Brax I know I don't have to, but I want to", Charlie's attention was turned to Casey who was now staring at her as he tugged on Brax Shirt.

"Bwax"

"Yh Case"

"Is that your fwiend", Casey pointed at Charlie.

"Yh Case, this is Charlie my friend".

"Hi Casey", Charlie looked at Casey who proceeded to hide his face in Brax's neck. Charlie looked up at Brax giving him a light smile... "So should we get started?", before Brax had the chance to reply her in an attempt to protest against her presence in the house at that present time, Charlie had already turned on her heels making her way back into the lounge.

Releasing his grip on Casey, Brax wiped the tears from Casey's eyes away with the back of his hand. "Hy Case, I'll be right back ok". Brax placed Casey back in his play pen placing his toys next to him, before leaving the room making his way into the lounge.

Looking up at Brax as he walked into the lounge, Charlie put the empty beer bottle down on the kitchen counter with the rest that bottles she had picked off the floor. "I was hoping you would help me", said Charlie sarcastically, smiling over at him.

Brax didn't respond instead he walked over to where she was stood; cupping her face in both his hands he leaned forward placing a light kiss on her lips.

"What was that for... not that I'm complaining"

Brax chuckled faintly "It's just my way of saying thank you"

Stroking the side of his face Charlie replied "There nothing to thank me for... but if you feel like thanking me regularly I promise I won't stop you".

Brax let out a small grin before kissing her again.

"Right let's get Cracking", Charlie pulled away from Brax as she returned to retrieving the beer bottles that were scattered round the lounge.

Before grabbing an empty bin bag, Brax watched Charlie attentively as she worked her way up and down the lounge. He thanked whatever force had brought her to him. For the first time in a long time he didn't have to deal with his problems on his own, he had someone there to help him out; he had someone he could count on. He had never been as thankful as he was in that moment to have someone, especially her in his life.

45 minutes later and the house was spotless, they had cleared out all the rubbish, Charlie had hovered but not before much objection from brax, who eventually gave in. Brax had managed to get his mother into her room but not before she throw up all over the bathroom floor, although she had woken for a brief moment she was still drunk and failed to notice Charlie's Presence. Brax and Charlie were now settled down on the settee with Casey sitting between them, Casey giggled basking in the joy of being the centre of attention.

"Wow you most really like her if you're introducing her to the family already", Heath walked through the front door heading straight for the kitchen.

"Hi Heath", Charlie looked over to him, before refocusing her attention back on Casey who was already pouting at the lack of attention he was now receiving.

Walking out of the kitchen with a bottle of juice, Heath looked around noticing for the first time how clean the house was. Although Brax usually cleared up it had never looked this clean before.

"Bro you putting her to work already? cause I know the state of this house is not your doing"

"Shut up Heath", Brax turned giving his brother a warning look.

Charlie just chuckled under her breathe, she was getting used to the banter that transpired between the two brothers, to be honest she found it very amusing. Looking at her phone, Charlie noticed it was 6.30 and decided it was probably best to get going, given that she had a 25 minute walk back to her house she figured if she left now she could get home before it got dark.

"Brax I should probably get going" said Charlie as she stood up from the settee

"Ok, Heath wait here with Casey", Brax stood up grabbing his shoes.

Charlie looked at Brax "What you doing?"

"You didn't think I was going to let you walk home by yourself did you?" Brax made his way towards the door... "Come on then"

"You don't have to walk me; I pretty much remember how we got here"

"I want to now come on", Brax stretched his hand out as Charlie grabbed hold of it. Turning to face Heath and Casey who where both sat on the settee, Charlie said her goodbyes.

"Bye Casey"

"Bye Chawie", Casey turned his attention to Charlie before making his way over to his toys

"Cya Heath"

"Yh cya, and next time you come over I wouldnt mind a nice cooked meal too", Heath smirked at Charlie ignoring the warning Brax was shooting him with his eyes

Walking towards the front door charlie responded "Unless you wanna end up in intensive care you wouldnt want me cooking for you", Heath let out a small laughter

Brax turned to Charlie "well in that case please please cook for him", Brax grinned as Charlie hit him lightly against the chest as they both walked out the front door

"I know I said it before but thanks for today", Brax tighten his grip on Charlie as they walked down the street of Mangrove River

"And like I said before you don't have to thank me, plus when you come over to mine you will probably end up helping me clear up Ruby's mess".

"Who's Ruby?" Brax looked over at Charlie

Cursing silently, Charlie kicked herself mentally as she had forgotten that she had not yet mentioned Ruby to Brax. Keeping her gaze firmly ahead of her she replied...

"She's my erm... sister"

"Sister", Bra repeated a little surprised that she hadn't mentioned Ruby Before

"Yh sister"

"Sorry it's just I didn't know you had a sister", Brax suddenly noticed how little he actually knew about Charlie and her family.

"So is it just you and Ruby or..."

"Yh, it's just me and ruby and my mum and dad of course". Charlie silently hoped that Brax would leave the subject there, if only she was so lucky

"How old is she" asked Brax

"She's three"

"Oh ok same age as Case"

"Yh" Charlie forced a brief smile as she looked up at Brax.

Thanking her stars, Charlie noticed they had reached summer bay and they were now only a couple of minutes away from here house.

"Brax you should probably be getting back to Casey and Heath, I promise I'm ok to walk the rest of the way alone".

"Are you sure?" asked Brax

"Yh I am, its only two minutes"

"Ok, I'll call you when I get back... yh", Brax leaned in placing a lingering kiss on Charlie's lips

"Ok... bye", Charlie looked back once more as she walked towards her house catching brax eye as he winked at her before turning around and leaving.

Although he had picked up on her odd behaviour when they had been talking about her family most especially about Ruby, Brax knew that it was best to not bring it up. He knew what it felt like to not want to discuss family. However he couldn't help but feel it had something to do with why she had been crying on the beach a few days earlier and why her eyes had been so dull the first time he saw her. Picking up his pace he figured he would let it be. she would let him in when she was ready.

...

ONE MONTH LATER

Charlie was now truly settled in Summer Bay, She had found incredible friends and most of all an incredible boyfriend. Charlie felt like her life was never more perfect as it was now. She had found something good in Brax; even though she could see it was hard for him he had told her about his dad. Charlie found herself looking at her boyfriend in adoration. Regardless of the crap that life had dealt him at times, she never once saw any weakness in him. Thinking of her own situation, both her past and present she felt guilty that she didn't have the courage to do what Brax had done for her and let him in completely. Surely not telling him was for the best, for Charlie the lie was far better than the truth. This lie was now her reality, telling Brax would only complicate that. For the first time in what felt like forever she was part of something good, Summer Bay had given her a second chance at happiness and she refused to let her past take that away from her. Even if she wanted to tell Brax, there was no way she could do that now or ever, not after he had told her about his dad and how he had just upped and left. Charlie was sure that Brax would hate her if he ever found out, she couldn't let that happen he was the one thing keeping her going. Although she thought about how selfish she was being she didn't care, she couldn't risk ever losing him.

"Mum, Dad, we're here", Charlie opened her front door walking into the house hand in hand with Brax. Although she would never admit it Charlie was a little nervous. Having told her mum and dad about Brax a few weeks ago, she had sensed her father's uneasiness. Although her mum had also been worried she had meet Brax a few times since then, and seemed to like him. However Charlie knew that given her history her dad would not be so easily won over. Both Charlie and Elise had done their best to convince her dad that Brax was a good guy before having him come to dinner in hopes that Ross didn't turn what was meant to be a nice relaxed dinner into an interrogation session.

"We're in here", Charlie started following the direction her mother's voice had come from, before Ruby came running out of the kitchen. Although brax and Ruby had only met a couple of times she seemed to really like him.

"Bwax", Charlie looked down at Ruby who was now stood in front of Brax with her arms held up waiting for him to pick her up.

"Hi Ruby", Brax picked Ruby up proceeding to tickling her as she let out fits of giggle. Brax was still amazed at how similar Ruby was to Charlie. He swore he had never seen such close resembles between siblings before. Her smile, her eyes, even the way she laughed they were literally carbon copies of Charlie's.

"Well I guess I'm just not important enough to get any attention", Charlie feigned a hurt face as she lightly tugged at Ruby's dress.

"Hi Lottie", Ruby instantly directed her attention back to Brax, causing him to laugh lightly.

"What can I say it must be my undeniable charm", Brax grinned over at Charlie as he gave her a quick wink.

Hitting Brax on the arm Charlie looked up at him...

Yh well if you don't tone that charm of yours down, my dad is going to realise you have already been here before". Charlie and Elise had decided it was best not to tell Ross that Brax had been round to visit a number of times before that day. Being a cop both Charlie and Elise knew he had the ability to use the slightest bit of information against anyone.

"Hi mum, hi dad", Charlie walked into the kitchen followed by Brax who had now placed Ruby on the floor.

Although acknowledging Charlie's presence Ross had his eye firmly fixed on Brax. Noticing how intensively her dad was looking at Brax, Charlie quickly spoke up...

"Dad this is Brax".

"Hi Mr and Mrs Buckton"

"Hi Brax, how are you?" Elise looked over at Brax

"I'm fine thanks" Brax flashed a small smile.

Both Charlie and Elise looked over at Ross who was yet to say anything, looking back at each other Elise and Charlie thought the same thing; this was going to be a long night.

"Why don't you guys go and take a seat in the lounge the food will be ready in a minute" said Elise.

Before her mum had even finished talking Charlie had already started making her way out of the kitchen dragging Brax along with her.

"Sorry about my dad, he just gets a little over protective"

"That's fine, I get it". If Brax was being honest with himself, he didn't get it. Neither of his parents had ever cared enough to protect him, he admired Charlie's dad however it didn't mean the man didn't make him a little nervous. He had been taken home to meet any girl's parents before never mind a girl's parent that also happened to be a cop.

Looking over at Bra x, Charlie giggled to herself she noticed the distance he had created between them as they sat on the settee. She knew him to well to know that even though he was trying to play it cool, in actual fact he was probably more nervous than she was.

"Do I smell or something?" Charlie couldn't help but tease him a little.

"What", Brax looked over at Charlie

Nodding her head to where he was sat "You sitting so far away, anyone would think I was giving off some sort of bad odour".

Chuckling nervously Brax rubbed the back of his head with the palm of his hand.

"Dinner is ready guys", Elise smiled over at the two of them as she placed the food in the dining table followed by Ross.

Sitting down at the dining table, they had been eating for about 20 minutes still Ross had not said a word. The only constant voice was that of Elise who was doing her best to make up for Ross's silence. After a few more minutes the awkward silence returned and the only voice was that of Ruby sat in her high chair playing with the rest of her food.

"So Daryl", everyone's head shot up at the sound of Ross's voice.

Brax stuttered for a few seconds before regaining the art of speech, no one apart from his mum ever called him Daryl.

"Yes Mr Buckton", Brax looked over at the man who was now burning a hole through him with his eyes.

"Tell me a little about yourself... what you like doing... any criminal records..."

Elise glared up at Ross as Charlie choked on her drink and began coughing dramatically. Never did she think her dad would ask him that. She instantly looked over at Brax apologetically, thinking at least he hadn't already done a background check on him.

A little caught off guard by Ross question Brax looked at him...

"Well, I live with my mum and two brothers in Mangrove River, I get decent grades at school, and I have two part time Jobs and no sir... I don't have a criminal record". Brax smiled as Charlie squeezed his hand lightly.

"Two Jobs", Ross raised one eyebrow

"Yes sir two jobs"

"Doesn't that interfere with your studies?" Ross ignored Charlie's glare determined to continue with his inquires.

"I manage ok... it's only a few times a week so usually use my other free days to get some study done".

"Right..." Ross paused; he wondered why a seventeen year old boy would possibly need two jobs

"How about your mum and dad don't they work?", Ross noticed the uneasy look on Charlie's face when he had answered that question, and by the look on Brax face he knew there was something more to the situation, but it was too late to take the question back, to be honest he was curious and wanted to know.

"Ermmm... my dad isn't around anymore, and my mum, she ermmm... doesn't make enough for us all to live on", Brax kept his eye fixed on the almost empty plate in front of him.

"Oh ok"... Ross noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere... "well am sorry to hear about your dad, must have been difficult for you losing your dad". Ross had made the assumption that Brax had meant that his dad had passed away, picking up on this Brax figured it was best to clear the confusion...

"Oh no, he isn't dead... he just isn't around"... noticing the confused look on Ross face he continued... "He erm, he... left us a few years ago, and just never came back".

Feeling the death stares that not only Charlie but also Elise was now passing him, for the first time since he had started talking Ross wished he had just kept his mouth shut. Looking over at Brax he felt bad as he noticed that the young boy was now beyond uncomfortable, he felt he had to try and rectify the awkward atmosphere he had single handedly created...

"Well I must say you seem like a really nice young man, I'm sure your father would be proud of you wherever he his".

Looking up brax smiled before answering "Thank you".

Needing to change the mood that her husband had perfectly managed to create Elise spoke up...

"So who would like some dessert? I made some lemon tart"

"Ruby want some, ruby want some", turning around everyone laughed as they noticed Ruby for what was probably the first time during that awkward dinner, who was now clapping her hands together excitedly at the thought of getting some dessert. The three year old girl had managed to distract everyone causing them all to relax a little.

The rest of the evening was a lot more relaxed than it had started, Ross had seemed to warm up to Brax, and Brax's nervous seemed to have disappeared. Ross had also noticed how good he was with Ruby putting it down to the fact that he had previously mentioned that he had two brothers of his own. After a while Brax decided it was time for him to leave, telling Ross and Elise that he didn't want his mum to start worrying. However he knew that Charlie knew better, he had to get home as he was soon due to pick Casey up from Mrs Kennedy's house, and heath was alone and he knew his brother couldn't handle his mother as well as he could.

"Bye brax, hope you come around again soon", Elise turned on her seat looking at him

"Thanks Mrs Buckton and Thank you for having me"

"Anytime", Ross smiled over at Brax as he spoke

Brax nodded "Bye Mr Buckton"

Walking towards the front door, with Charlie in tow, Brax looks down at Ruby

"Bye Ruby"

Smiling up at him Ruby waved her hands aggressively "Bye Bwax"

Walking past her he ruffled her hair before opening the door stepping outside before turning to Charlie...

"I'll see you tomorrow" he leans in and gives her a quick kiss

"Are you sure you don't want me to walk you"

"No its fine, I wanna get home as quick as possible and you would only distract me", he looked at Charlie flashing a cheeky grin.

"Ok see you tomorrow, and hy am sorry about earlier... you know my dad"

"It's ok; he's just looking out for you..." he leans in and kisses her again

"Bye"

"Bye"

Charlie watches him for a while before closing the door behind her. She was more than thankful that the night hadn't been a complete disaster. Although her dad had but his royal foot in it she couldn't be angry at him, the last time he had trusted someone with her it had blown up in all their faces. But knowing her dad Charlie knew if she didn't make her way to her room now, he would begin to interrogate her on the questions she knew he still had.

...

Having gotten a call about a drunk and disorderly Ross had been sent down to dissolve the situation. On reaching the pub in Mangrove River it wasn't hard for Ross to identify who the call had been made out for. Sitting on the pavement was a thin looking women sloughed down on her side as she poured abuse to ever passing person. Looking at the man that was trying to peel her off the pavement Ross figured it was best to talk to him instead.

"I'm guessing this is who the call was made out for", Ross looked up at the man

"Yh it is, been trying to get her to leave or even get her home but she wont budge and customers are starting to complain".

"Ok... what's her name", asked the other officer that had accompanied Ross down.

"Cheryl, Cheryl Braxton... she lives just a few blocks down from here", the man nodded his head down the street.

Ross immediately recognised the woman's surname. He remembered Elise addressing Brax as Daryl Braxton when Charlie had just told them about him. He momentarily shrugged it off telling himself there must be dozens of people in Mangrove River baring the same surname.

Ross looked up at the man "Well could you please give us her address so we can get her back to her house".

As the man proceeded to giving the other police officer her address, Ross moved closer to Cheryl in an attempt to pick her up. She may have been slim but she certainly did not lack in strength. After several tries of trying to get her on her feet Ross and the other officer held her up at either end before putting Cheryl in the police car, as she put up a struggle.

Reaching the address that the man had given them Ross and the police officer carried Cheryl out of the car as they made their way towards the front door. Ross stood in shock for a while at seeing that Brax had been the one to open the front door, holding a little boy who he guessed was one if his younger brothers in his hand.

In that moment Brax couldn't think of anything better than to have the ground open up and swallow him whole. Seeing Ross standing in front of him with his mother who was clearly wasted was enough to make him start drinking.

"Do you know this woman", Brax turned to look at the other officer who had spoke.

"Ermmm... yh she's my mum".

"Well we got a complaint of a drunk and disorderly, and thought it best if we brought her back home".

"Yh thank"... Brax placed Casey on the floor as he directed them towards the couch. Turning back to Casey Brax picked him up and took him to his room

"Hy Case can you play in your room for a while, Brax just has to sort something out ok". Casey just simply nodded as Brax entered the room and placed him in him play pen.

Ross still hadn't said a word, he couldn't believe that with no father around this is the kind of person Brax had as a mum. It all became clear to him why Brax had two jobs, and looking at the way he was with his brother, he also knew why he had been so good with Ruby the other day at dinner.

Walking back into the lounge Brax looked over at his mum then back at Ross and the officer...

"Thank you again for bringing her home and I'm really sorry for your wasted time"

"It's no trouble", Ross smiled over at Brax who just simply nodded.

"Well we'll leave you to it" said the other officer as he made his way towards the door, with Ross following behind him.

Walking out the door Ross stopped and turned around to brax, as the other officer entered the car...

"You're a really good Kid you know... and if you ever want to talk, I've been known to be a really good listener".

"Thank you Mr Buckton", Brax gave him a light smile, as Ross nodded and made his way back to the car.

For the rest for that day Ross found that he had replayed what had happened with Brax and Cheryl earlier that day a million times over in his head. He didn't understand how a boy of Brax age could have all that responsibility and still be as kept together as he was. He replayed the dinner that had happened a week ago in his head, now feeling guilty for having brought up the subject of his mum and dad, he could only imagine how Brax must have felt. He was now in admiration of the young boy, and he hoped that Charlie having someone like that in her life could not possibly hurt her but make her stronger.