Charlie ran out to the living room where Brax and Jack stood glaring at each other and Hayley still sat where she had before she ran into the bedroom "Brax gimme your keys," she said running over to him.
"Why-what for?" he asked.
"I know this guy I've seen him round, I need to go to Angelo's," she replied.
"Pete said we've to stay here Charlie," Hayley said and walked over to them "and we're gonna stay here."
"Yeah we are," Brax said and looked back to Charlie "you're not going anywhere until he gets here, if you still think it's important then he can take you."
"It is important," she huffed "I need to go now."
"Then Pete will take you later, you know what's about to happen Charlie," Jack said and walked to the sofa.
"What's about to happen?" Brax asked walking to sit beside him.
"Charlz Rubes and Hayls and probably me will have a shadow until Pete is satisfied we're safe," Jack replied.
"So this kinda thing has happened before?" Brax asked.
"Once," Hayley replied "Pete doesn't get shook up much, it takes a lot to rattle him and from the face on him back at the house we're in for 24/7 shadows," she said and sat down.
Charlie sighed and sat down beside Brax "can I at least go get my daughter?" she asked.
"Nah, Taylor is on her and B, I'll call him to bring them over," Jack said and pulled out his phone.
Charlie looked at Brax and smiled weakly before throwing herself back onto the sofa and looking up at the ceiling.
…
Over at the house Peter stood in his room looking at the bullets lodged into his wall, if he had been a few seconds later it could have been a lot worse, why the hell did she come back to the house? He pulled his phone from his pocket as it rang "Jack?" he answered.
"Alright, Charlie is getting restless here when do you think you'll be over?" Jack asked.
"I'm wrapping up here now- about twenty minutes…has she said anything?"
"Yeah," Jack replied "she's going on about Angelo's she wants to go down there she said something about seeing the guy there before."
"She's not to go anywhere I'll be there soon."
"I know Pete chill," Jack said.
Peter shook his head "has she said anything else?"
"Nope just that and she wants Ruby here I called Taylor he's on his way over with her."
"Alright I'll be there as soon as I can," he said and hung up as Watson walked into the room.
"Are you okay?" she asked looking at him with worry.
Peter nodded and sighed heavily "if I was five seconds later," he said and shook his head.
"Well you weren't," Watson said quickly "Pete you can't think like that she's okay," she said and walked to him "I know exactly what you're thinking- am too, but you can't go there, he didn't get to her, he didn't hurt her-she's fine. I'm about to head over to her now are you coming?" she asked and walked towards the door.
"No I'll follow in a few just want to make sure they don't miss anything here," he replied and turned back to the wall.
"Alright," she nodded knowing nothing would tear him away "don't be too long she'll be looking for you."
"Hey!" Peter called- she stuck her head back in the doorway "I love ya."
"Love ya too," she smiled and walked down the stairs.
Back at the house Charlie had gone back into the bedroom to think she couldn't while they were all talking, she looked up from the bed when the door opened and Brax walked in. Shutting the door behind him he walked to the bed and lay down beside her.
"Are you okay?" he asked and rolled to face her. Charlie nodded "you sure?"
Charlie leaned forward "yeah," she mumbled and kissed him softly Brax brought his hand up to cup her cheek and gently pulled her forward deepening the kiss. After a minute Charlie pulled back and lay on his chest "um I don't want you to take this wrong way but can you not say anything about what's going on with us in front of the others?"
Brax wrapped his arm around her "somehow I don't think that's gonna be the topic of conversation."
Charlie lifted her head and looked up at him, smiling she moved so she was leaning over him "just for now, I'm still not sure what's going on."
"You're mine that's what's going on," he replied "I meant what I said, I just want you," he said seriously.
Charlie smiled again "I know you did," she said and lowered her head to kiss him again, after the kiss heated up she climbed on top of him and tangled her fingers in his hair-biting his lip when he ran his hands up her sides and under her shirt.
Brax broke away "Charlie," he panted "we can't do this now," he said and rolled her off him.
Charlie lay looking up at him breathing heavily "I know got caught up there," she said and ran her fingers though her hair.
"Yeah me too," he replied and lowered his head "we just gotta learn when to draw the line…biting my lip-seriously?"
"Hey, you ran your hand under my shirt….I liked it," she added and blushed slightly.
Brax chuckled and kissed her "I liked it too- but apart for the fact it's way too soon for that to happen I don't think you're brother or sister would like hearing or seeing it," he chuckled and lay down beside her.
Charlie giggled and scooted closer to him "you'd be dead if it were Pete."
Just as she said that someone knocked on the door and slowly opened it "hey," Peter said looking at her worry clear on his face.
"Hey," she replied and sat up she looked over at Brax who nodded.
"I'll be in the living room," he said and rolled off the bed smiling quickly at Peter as he passed him.
Peter walked to the bed and sat on the side he didn't say anything just looked at the floor. Charlie scooted and sat beside him "I know what you're thinking," she said.
Peter chuckled lightly "you too huh?"
"Yeah," she nodded " you're thinking what if you didn't make it in time, what if I hadn't been able to call you-don't, he didn't touch me he didn't get at me and you did get there."
Peter turned his body towards her and stroked her cheek "I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you," he sniffed and wiped a tear as it fell.
Charlie bit on her lip all the years she'd known him she's only ever seen him cry twice, when their parents died-although she didn't remember it she remembered finding him crying and asked him why he was sad. The second time was only a few days ago when she'd seen him at the station she was in the car but she knew he'd been crying, sighing she leaned in and wrapped her arms around him "nothing is gonna happen to me," she said "I'm sorry I went back there I should have listened to you-it was just closer than the shop."
Peter hugged her tight "I should have told you what was going on."
"Well it's done now so how about we just forget about it?" she suggested.
Peter pulled back "Jack said you wanted to go to Angelo's."
"Yeah," she nodded "when I saw him at the house I knew I'd seen him before I know his face, while I was lying here it came back to me, he's been in Angelo's every night I've been there-he's always the last to leave."
Peter nodded "so what did you want to go down for-to see was he there now?"
Charlie shrugged "thought the security footage would help."
Peter chuckled "it will only prove that it's him and that he was there, but I'll go down and get it anyway and see if there's anything else on it," he said and stood up.
"Can I come?" she asked and stood up.
"No sweetie, Ruby's here now you just stay here with everyone else," he said and walked to the door.
"Hey," she called "I wanna stay with you…in case he comes back," she mumbled and hung her head, she would never admit she was scared out of her mind about what could happen to her older brother but she knew he'd just wave her off saying he could look after himself.
Peter walked back to her "you're safe here Charlie, he won't be back he's out for me not you, I promise you'll be fine here," he said and dropped a kiss on her forehead. "I'm going to get Georgie to come with me, Taylor and another officer will be sitting on the house so don't be alarmed if you see them walking around out back," he said and walked out of the room.
Charlie sighed and followed him she watched him hug a terrified Hayley and kiss Ruby before he clapped Jack on the back and told him to look after them before he and Watson walked out the front door.
She looked down when Ruby ran by her to Casey and something dawned on her "Brax, where's Heath and Kyle?" she asked.
"Down the beach with Noah and Brodie," he replied and walked over to her "they should be back soon I only took Casey because he's still not well."
Charlie nodded and walked back into the room she still couldn't get the nagging feeling out of her mind….something was about to happen-something not good.
Later that evening Charlie sat on the sofa alone with her feet curled under her, Peter had been back and told Jack and Hayley they could stay at Hayley's house until he was sure their house was safe. She looked up as Casey padded over to her and stopped in front of her "what have you got there sweetie?" she asked and leaned forward.
"Present for mummy," he squealed and dumbed it on her lap.
"For me?" she asked.
"Mummy's birfday," Ruby giggled from the doorway.
Charlie raised an eyebrow how would a three year old remember that? She looked down at the present wrapped in fairy princess wrapping paper and smiled. She looked up as Brax walked into the living room and froze seeing what she had "this down to you?" she asked.
"Uh yeah," he said and looked down at Ruby "but it was supposed to be a surprise-and not until tomorrow," he said raising an eyebrow at Casey`.
"Mummy sad she get present now," Casey replied and looked back at her "open," he said and sat on the floor.
Brax sighed and walked over to the sofa "you may as well open it now," he said and dropped down beside her.
"I can wait until tomorrow," she said.
"Nah it's alright it's just the present from them, you can get the rest tomorrow," Brax replied.
"The rest?" Charlie asked confused.
"Yeah, you still have one from Heath and Kyle then one from me," he smiled.
"Brax you didn't have to do that, you didn't have to get me anything-I didn't even know you knew it was my birthday," she replied and smiled over at him.
Brax leaned in and kissed her quickly "yes I did now open it before those two explode," he chuckled as Ruby snuck up and tried to rip the paper.
Charlie looked down at Ruby and giggled "do you wanna open it baby?" she asked.
Ruby nodded and started to tear the paper off "here mummy," she said and handed her the box before her and Casey ran off to the bedroom.
Charlie looked down at the old fashioned jewellery box and ran her hand over it, she smiled over at Brax as she opened it-letting out a gasp "Brax," she said and looked at him wide eyed "this is too much," she said looking in the box.
Brax shrugged "it was my grandma's-the only stuff mum managed not to sell, I know you probably won't wear any of it but I-"
"It's perfect," she said cutting him off and running her hand over a chain "I love this," she said and held it up, it was a long silver chain with a rock blue diamond hanging from it.
"I think my granddad gave that to her for something," Brax replied.
Charlie leaned in and kissed him "thank you," she said and slipped it over her head.
Brax shrugged again "figured you could use it instead of it sitting in a box somewhere….you can get rid of the rest if you want."
"I will not do that," she said looking over at him "Brax these belonged to your grandmother-you gave me something special-something that means something to you," she smiled and leaned into him "I'll be keeping it all," she said and kissed him softly.
Brax wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer, a few minutes later he pulled away "I'm going to get them lot to bed then we can watch a movie if you like," he said and stood up.
"Yeah," Charlie smiled and closed the box "I'll pick since it's nearly my birthday," she giggled.
"Nearly," Brax called back "so no chick flicks!"
…..
Halfway through the movie Charlie tilted her head to look up at him "how did you know it was my birthday?" she asked-it had been bugging her.
"Ruby," he chuckled "she told me Pete told her she could have cake for mummy's birthday."
Charlie shook her head "I swear if he's planned a surprise party I'll kill him."
Brax chuckled "I think with everything that's been going on a party would have been the last thing on his mind."
"Yeah I suppose…I don't want a party I'm not in the mood," she said and looked up at him again "you're coming to the dinner aren't you?" she asked.
Brax nodded "we'll be there….but I have to have the boys back at child services at six."
Charlie nodded "dinner is at four but I'll see if we can push it to two."
"Don't," Brax said "just go at four they'll have two hours."
"But I want to spend as much time as I can with them," Charlie replied.
"Well we might have something planned for the morning," he said casually.
"Yeah?" she asked with a wide smile.
Brax kissed her quickly "watch the film," he said and turned back to the tv.
The next morning Brax opened one eye as someone poked him "what?" he muttered seeing Heath standing there.
"I need you to turn on the stove."
"What for?" Brax asked and rolled Charlie off him.
"They're up since six asking when they can make the rice crispy cakes, if you turn it on I can watch it and they'll leave me alone," he huffed.
Brax yawned "I'll be out in a sec- stay away from the stove," Heath nodded and walked out of the room.
Looking down at Charlie he smiled and dropped a kiss on her forehead "happy birthday baby," he whispered and rolled out of the bed.
Walking to the kitchen he froze in the doorway "Heath!" he yelled.
"What!" he called back.
"Get in here now!"
Heath ran to the kitchen "what?" he asked.
Brax pointed to the table while glaring at him "really?" he asked annoyed.
Heath smiled sheepishly "forgot to move it all," he said and walked to the table where Casey Ruby and Kyle had took it upon themselves to eat the chocolate.
"It's half eight and they're eating chocolate Charlie is gonna kill you," Brax said and walked to the table "this was for Charlie guys remember," he said as he wrestled a bar from Kyle.
"Baks," Ruby whimpered as her bottom lip trembled "we ruin mummy's birfday?" she asked looking up at him.
"No sweetie you didn't but now Heath has to go to the shop and get more chocolate."
"Why do I have to go?" he grumbled.
"Because you left it out where they could reach it, take your bike," Brax said and cleared the table "here," he said and handed him money "and I want the change."
"You have a car don't see why I have to go," Heath muttered as he walked out the back door.
A while later Brax had given them breakfast washed and dressed them and planted them in front of the tv. Grabbing a cup of coffee he walked into the bedroom and closed the door, walking to the bed he placed the cup on the locker and leaned over her "babe," he whispered loudly "hey," he said and shook her. He chuckled when she pulled faces and rolled away from him, climbing onto the bed he moved over to her and started to kiss her shoulder and worked his way up her neck "time to get up," he mumbled and kissed her neck again.
Charlie groaned and rolled to face him "or you could get in here with me," she said sleepily.
Brax chuckled and pulled back the covers "we got ten minutes," he said and pulled them back over them, pulling her closer he kissed her deeply.
"Could get used to this," she giggled and lay on his chest.
"Happy birthday," he said and kissed her head.
"Thanks," she replied and snuggled into him.
Leaning over to his drawer he opened it and pulled out something "I got something for ya," he said and nudged her to sit up.
"Aw Brax you didn't have to," she said and sat up.
"Just open it," he chuckled.
Charlie giggled and opened the box-her eyes filling with tears "w-where did you get this?" she asked and looked at him with watery eyes.
Brax sat forward "I wasn't expecting tears," he said alarmed.
Charlie caught a tear as it ran down her cheek "my mum had one of these she used to let me wear it all the time…we buried her with it," she sniffed and smiled down at the box "thank you so much," she said and kissed him.
"Ruby showed it to me she told me your mum had one….I didn't wanna upset you," he said and rubbed her back.
Charlie shook her head "you didn't, it's just days like today I miss them so much," she sniffed "I didn't have much time with them but one of the things I do remember is they made a big deal out of birthdays…dad more than mum he used to be like a big kid," she giggled "they'd let us have rice crispy cakes after breakfast, they'd decorate the kitchen for when we got up, they came into my room and woke me up singing happy birthday with grumpy Jack and Pete being dragged out of bed-me if it were their birthdays."
Brax nodded "and you passed it on to Ruby?" he asked…it was her idea to make cakes.
Charlie giggled "yeah, every year I do it-for Pete Jack and Hayls too- for Pete's birthday last year Ruby insisted on carrying up the tray of cakes there were none left by the time I woke him."
Brax chuckled "seems this year is no different….Heath left the chocolate on the table," he said and pulled her down to him.
Charlie shook her head "did they eat it all?"
"No I managed to save one bar," he chuckled and pulled out cards from his drawer "I have these too," he said holding them out to her.
Charlie sat up again and took them opening the first one she chuckled as she read it 'to mummy/Charlie happy birfday hope you have a great day and get loads of presents lots of love Ruby Casey and Kyle' she looked over at Brax "did you forget someone…and how to spell?" she asked.
"Uh no," Brax replied "that's what they say so I wrote it," he chuckled.
"Heath's name is not on it," she said and turned it to him.
"I know," he nodded "…he wants to give you his own card," he added.
Charlie smiled and leaned down to kiss him "best birthday ever," she giggled.
"You haven't even got out of the bed yet," Brax chuckled.
"I have one more card to open," she said and opened the one from him, smiling she picked up the money that had fallen out of it "and what's this?" she asked "you already gave me present."
Brax shrugged "I wanted to get you something else but I thought it be best you pick it up yourself."
"Aw Brax this really is too much seriously," she said "just a card would have done but thank you so much."
"Gotta treat the birthday girl," he said and leaned in to kiss her "but you're welcome…we better get up there's only so long they'll sit still for," he said and rolled out of the bed.
…
Over at Charlie's house Jack Peter and Hayley stood in the drive "so what do you think?" Peter asked.
"Uh wow," Hayley said in shock.
"Don't you think this is a bit over the top Pete?" Jack asked.
Peter chuckled "nope I don't she deserves it and she's eighteen today."
"Yeah but it's an Audi…do you think she'll be able to handle it?" Jack asked.
"Better than the heap of junk she's driving around in now," he answered "and yes she'll handle it just fine."
"But it's so big-so flashy," Jack said.
Hayley giggled "aww Jacky's jealous….I think it's great, she's gonna love it."
"I am not jealous, he got me a bmw that I still have," Jack grumbled.
"Yeah and he got me the beetle for my eighteenth so let her have this, just because her car is better than yours doesn't mean you get to be a grouch," Hayley said and bumped him with her hips "quit been a baby," she said and walked into the house.
"So any more on this guy?" Jack asked as soon as she was gone.
"No," Peter sighed "no sightings at all-he's vanished, I did look at the footage from Angelo's he's been there for a few weeks just watching them."
"Charlie?" Jack asked.
Peter nodded "her and Hayls so I'll ask you to keep a closer eye on them, he could pop up anywhere."
"So this guy is just gone?" Jack asked.
"Yeah," Peter nodded "I don't think he'll come back he knows we're looking for him now-but then again you never know….let's just try to put it behind us," he said and walked into the house.
….
Charlie had showered and dressed and had now joined the others on the sofa "happy birthday mummy!" the kids yelled-including Kyle.
"Thanks guys," she giggled and sat beside them, she looked up when Heath got up and stopped in front of her. She watched him as he shot a glance at Brax to see was he watching before he pulled a card out of his shirt and handed it to her without a word "thanks," she smiled and opened it.
"Happy birthday Charlie," he said and walked back to his seat.
Charlie pulled the card out of the envelope and opened it "Heath," she said and looked over at him "you didn't have to get me anything," she said looking down at the voucher for the mall he'd gotten her.
Heath shrugged and glanced at Brax again "my way of saying thank you…it's a hundred dollars," he said quickly.
Brax looked over at him and frowned "where did you get a hundred dollars from?"
"Can't say," he muttered.
"Heath," Brax said seriously and walked over to him "you better tell me right now where you got it from….did you take it from someone?" he asked.
"No!" he said and jumped up "does it matter where I got it from?" he said and stalked off to his room slamming the door.
"Heath!" Brax yelled after him and went to move "I'll kill him if he stole it."
Charlie stood up "I'll go talk to him, I'm sure there's an explanation," she said and walked to his room. Knocking she stuck her head in "can I come in?" she asked.
"You here to accuse me too?" He grumbled.
Charlie walked in and closed the door "no I'm not but Brax is just worried you got yourself into trouble," she said and walked to sit on the bed "where did you get it from?"
Heath sighed he knew what Brax was thinking "I didn't steal it," he said and looked up at her "before my room was taken apart I had fifty bucks in my sock drawer, I went through the skip and found it….Noah gave me a lend of the other fifty."
Charlie nodded "so why didn't you just say that?" she asked.
Heath shrugged "I wanted to say thank you for everything you've done…including looking after Brax but if I said that he scoff and tell me he could look after himself," he replied and turned to her "you don't know Brax as long as I do so you may not have noticed- but I have, he has changed and I think it's down to you," he said and sat on the bed.
"Changed how?" Charlie asked.
Heath shrugged "before you came along and mum was here if he wasn't working all he'd do is go out or drink or play the computer all day. Then when mum took off he drank every day- stopped going out but drank none the less….more when we got taken away but then you came along and… I don't know- there's something different about him now I can see it-like he has something to look forward to-something worth putting his time into."
Charlie nodded and stood up "there is something different about him," she agreed "he has someone to talk to now," she smiled "I'm not going anywhere Heath I'm happy right where I am."
"What will happen if we get to come home?" he asked.
"I'll still be here," she smiled "now how about you let Brax know where you got the money then we can all head over to mine," she said and walked out of the room-smiling at Brax as he raised an eyebrow at her.
A while later they pulled up outside Charlie's house in both cars, climbing out they walked to the front door. Opening it Charlie walked in "hey!" She called and closed it once they were all in.
"In here!" Peter called back.
Charlie walked into the kitchen and smiled at the banner on the wall with balloons around it.
"Happy birthday sweetie," Peter said and dropped a kiss on her forehead.
"Yeah happy birthday Charlz," Jack said and hugged her.
"Thanks guys the banner's really cool," she said and leaned against the counter.
"Hey Brax-boys," Peter greeted "and you," he chuckled and picked up Ruby.
"Hey Peter-Jack," Brax replied and sat at the table "this is Heath Casey and Kyle," he said pointing to each.
"Hello boys," Peter said and looked down on them "do you guys want a drink?"
"Please," Kyle nodded shyly.
"Yeah me too…Pease," Heath added when Brax shot him a glare.
"Policeman," Casey said and pointed to Peter's badge on his hip.
Brax chuckled "that's right buddy he's a policeman."
Jack chuckled "bright kid Ruby thinks it's a….what does she call it?"
"A shiny friangle ….present time!" Hayley called walking into the kitchen "happy birthday Charlz," she said and hugged her.
"Aww thanks Hayls," she said and took the card from her "no way!" she shrieked causing everyone bar Hayley to jump.
"Damn it Charlie," Jack muttered and dried his hand where he's spilled his coffee "what the hell was that all about?" he asked looking over at her.
"Pink!" she squealed and held up tickets "she got me tickets to see pink! I love you! Thank you thank you!" she squealed and hugged her tight.
Peter chuckled and looked at Brax "in case you didn't get that she's obsessed with Pink."
Brax chuckled "oh I got it alright my ears are still ringing."
"Next one," Jack said handing her a box and a card.
Charlie ripped the wrap off the box and looked at Jack "a new phone," she said happily.
"Not just any phone it's the new galaxy phone with all the apps downloaded already," he replied.
"Aw thanks Jacky," she said and hugged him tight.
Peter walked to her and handed her a card "this all you get from me I'm afraid…didn't know what to get you so I'll take you to town one of the days and you can pick something out."
"Don't be silly the card is fine," she smiled and opened the envelope-looking down when something clinked off the floor. Bending down she picked up a key "what's this?" she frowned and looked at him.
Jack scoffed and Hayley squealed, Charlie narrowed her eyes at Peter "what?" he asked innocently.
"What's this key for?" she asked.
"Oh I don't know," Peter smirked "maybe you should go outside and see."
"Outside?" she asked confused.
"Oh the excitement is killing me!" Hayley yelled and pulled her to the front door.
Charlie opened it and walked out to the drive "now what?" she asked looking at Hayley.
"Now you press buttons and see what makes a noise," Jack chuckled as they joined her at the door.
Charlie narrowed her eyes again at Peter "just press it," he chuckled and led her to the middle of the drive.
Charlie pressed the button on the key and looked over as the garage door opened up, when it stopped she was able to see what was inside she stood rooted to the spot her eyes popping out of her head. She stood like that for a moment before she turned to Pete "are you kidding me!" she yelled.
"Happy eighteenth birthday baby," he said and dropped a kiss another kiss on her forehead.
"Pete it's an Audi!" she yelled "a friggin' Audi!"
"I know what it is," he chuckled "go look at it," he chuckled again as she took off before he'd even finished his sentence.
Brax looked on watching her Jack and Hayley examine the car, he smiled when she ran to Peter and jumped into his arms "thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" she squealed and hugged him tight.
Peter chuckled "you're welcome, we better get going soon," he said and dropped her to her feet "don't wanna be late for dinner."
Charlie turned to Brax and walked over to him "can you believe this?" she squealed and jumped up and down.
Brax waited until Jack Hayley and the kids had followed Peter back inside, he stepped forwards and kissed her deeply "you're well and truly spoiled," he chuckled and kissed her again.
Charlie giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck "this is still my favourite," she said waving her arm where the bracelet he'd gotten her now sat, she leaned in and kissed him softly "and yes I am spoiled," she giggled.
"Charlie!" Peter yelled.
She jumped back and smirked at Brax "coming!" she called and grabbed his hand pulling him towards the house.
…
Arriving at Angelo's she frowned at the lack of the lunch time rush bustle, getting to the top of the stairs she frowned again the place was empty….except for all the people waiting there for her "what's going on?" she asked turning to Peter.
"Yeah I thought we were having a family dinner," Jack added.
"We are," Peter said and walked by them to Angelo at the bar.
Charlie looked around at who had shown up Peter was right- family, she smiled and walked up to everyone.
"Happy birthday doll," Irene said and hugged her "here," she said and handed her a box.
"Thanks Irene you really didn't have to," Charlie smiled and hugged her again.
"Happy birthday Charlie," Kate said and pulled her into a hug "this is from me and James," she said and handed her another box.
"Thanks Kate," Charlie smiled and looked over at Angelo who nodded his head for her to come to his office. She turned to Brax to see him trying to settle the kids, nodding at Angelo she walked over to them "hey settle down you lot," she said and sat Ruby and Casey down on their seats "Brax I need to go see Angelo will you be okay in your own?" she asked.
Brax chuckled "I'm not on my own I'm in a room full of people but yes I will be fine," he replied.
"You know what I meant," she giggled and walked after Angelo. "Hey," she said closing the door behind her.
"Hey, happy birthday," Angelo said and handed her a card.
"Thanks," she smiled and sat on the edge of the desk "is this what you called me in here for?"
"No," he chuckled and walked to his desk opening his top drawer he took out paperwork "I was waiting for today…I want you to sign this," he said and dropped it in front of her.
"What's this?" she asked and picked it up.
"Open it and see," he smirked.
Charlie opened the file cover and scanned the first few lines, further down her eyes widened and she shot her head to him "you want me to take over as manager?" she asked.
Angelo nodded and sat beside her "as you know Emma is pregnant I wanna be there for her and the baby not here late every night….not that I want you to be either but you know what I mean…so I was thinking after your exams are finished you'll start?" he asked looking down on her.
"Angelo I don't know what to say," she said looking down at the papers.
"Say yes," he chuckled "Charlie you practically run this place already."
Charlie stared at the papers if she took this she'd be the boss-she'd be making something of herself…she did always wanna own her own restaurant. Standing up she turned back to Angelo "and my pay will be increased?" Angelo nodded "and I'll be in charge even when you're here?" Angelo nodded again. She smiled and nodded "then I say yes," she giggled and hugged him "thank you so much you have no idea what this means to me."
Angelo chuckled and dropped a kiss on her forehead "oh I think I do," he said and stood up "you're like a daughter to me Charlie I've known you since you were born, I've watched you for months I know how much work you put into this pace, there was no competition it was always gonna be you….how about we get back out there," he said and walked out the door.
Charlie smiled looking down at the paperwork bringing it close to her chest she sighed happily and followed him back to the table.
Charlie walked back to the table and everyone was seated-leaving her a seat in between Brax and Ruby "what did he want?" Brax asked a soon as she sat down.
Charlie smiled excitedly "I'll tell you later," she said as the waiters began to put dinner in front of everyone.
After dinner Angelo stood up and picked up his glass "I'd like to wish Charlie a very happy birthday, we all know she hasn't had an easy life but yet she just gets on with it without complaint she does her best and she works hard she deserved to be spoiled and fussed over today. Before the cake comes out," he chuckled as Charlie groaned "I'd like you all to raise your glasses to the birthday girl and….the new manager of Angelo's!" he yelled.
Charlie blushed as everyone looked at her with a mix of surprise shock and happiness-before Bianca Hayley Leah Dan and Miles started clapping and whistling she smiled as everyone else joined in.
Brax leaned in and kissed her on the cheek "congrats babe," he whispered.
Charlie smiled at him and looked over at Peter who winked at her and stood up "oh no," Charlie groaned when she saw he was about to make a speech.
"Alright everyone one more before the cake comes out," he chuckled he sighed and looked at Charlie "as Angelo said Charlie never had it easy- none of us did, we lost our parents-then sadly Hayley's dad passed on too. But I wouldn't change that for the world- of course I wish they were here with us today."
"Spit out Pete!" Jack yelled trying to lighten to mood that had fallen he could see both Charlie and Hayley getting a bit upset.
Peter shook his head and turned back to Charlie "Charlz, if mum and dad could see the woman you've become I'm sure they'd be as proud as I am-because I am proud of you, so proud of you. I've watched you grow up, you're an amazing mother sister and friend, I've been there for everything and I hope to be around for the rest, I know you're an adult now and you'll be moving on," he said glancing at Brax "but I just want you to know I'm still gonna be here watching you looking out for you-loving you- I love ya with everything I got….happy birthday baby!" He called and nodded for the cake to be brought out.
Charlie sat there trying to hold back her tears as everyone sang happy birthday she blew out her candles and sat for a few minutes before she excused herself and walked outside.
…..
Once outside she broke down and dropped into the sand she'd give anything to have her mum and dad back again-even for just a day. As she sobbed her heart out she missed someone come up behind her and sit beside her.
"Charlz," Hayley said softly and put her hand on her back.
Charlie knew by her voice she was upset too lifting her head she wiped her eyes and looked over at her "I miss them," she sniffed "I don't remember much but it still hurts like hell that they're not here."
"I know," Hayley said shakily "I miss my dad so much too-I'd give it all up just to see him again, I got to spend time with him that I do remember," she said and caught a tear as it fell.
Charlie leaned over and pulled her into a hug "at least we got each other," she said and buried her head in her shoulder.
"And me," they looked up to see Jack looking down on them "I knew you'd be upset but don't blame him you know him and speeches," he chuckled and sat down "he meant well."
"We know, we're not mad at him," Charlie said and moved to curl into his side, while Hayley moved round the other side of him and did the same "what were they like Jack-mum and dad?"
"Strict," he chuckled "Pete wasn't allowed out past eight, not even on weekends or summer break."
Charlie giggled "so that's why he tried it with us when we were fifteen remember?"
Jack chuckled "yeah he tried it with me too I'd go to my room and be gone out the window, he caught me one night sneaking back in- scared the crap outta me he was sitting on my bed waiting."
Hayley giggled "we'd be lost without him though."
Charlie nodded "yeah imagine if he had gone with Amanda…what would we be doing now?"
"Hayls you'd be living with no elecy, no hot water and walking everywhere after forgetting to pay your tax and insurance. Charlz you'd be shaking up with Brax looking after kids doing all the house work after dropping out of school and I'd be still living it up in Queensland," Jack said.
Charlie giggled "yeah right I'm not that stupid I'd never drop out of school I wanna make something of myself, and don't worry Hayls I would have reminded you to pay your bills," she added "and Jacky it's great to have you back and I am so glad you're not going back," she said and hugged him "I missed ya."
Jack chuckled and pulled them closer "and I missed you too it's good to be home I'd forgotten how great this place was."
Charlie looked down at her phone as it beeped and pulled away from Jack "I gotta get back up there Brax has to leave with the boys now," she said and stood up "you guys coming?"
"We'll follow," Hayley replied "I need to talk to Jack about something."
"Alright…see ya soon!" she called and hurried up the beach.
When she arrived Brax was coming down the stairs "hey didn't think you were coming back," he chuckled.
"Sorry got a little emotional after Pete's speech," she said and smiled down at the boys "you ready to head back?" she asked.
Heath grumbled something and walked by her she looked at Brax "he doesn't wanna go," he said.
Charlie nodded and picked up Kyle "how about I come with you?" she said and went to walk back down the stairs.
"Hey it's your birthday you should be here," Brax called after her.
"I'm coming they won't even miss me!" she called and walked outside
"Did you like your present mummy?" Kyle asked.
Charlie frowned he was calling her mummy too "yeah buddy it was so cool thank you," she said and opened the back door of the car "did you say bye to everyone?"
"Yeah Iwrene gave us some cake to bring with us Brax has it," Kyle replied.
"Nice you can have it before you go to bed," she smiled and strapped him in. She looked over at Heath who sat sulking "mate this isn't easy for any of us so would you please stop making your brother feel worse than he already is, this is killing him."
"I just wanna come home," he muttered.
"I know you do and I want you home too but for now we have to play by their rules they'll soon see we can look after you all," she sighed and closed the door when Heath just nodded.
Brax handed Casey off to Charlie and climbed into the drive side while she settled him into his seat, he didn't want to do this he didn't want to leave them- he was so tempted to just drive off as soon as she closed the door and never look back but he couldn't-he couldn't leave her, sighing he started up the car and waited for her to climb in beside them. Without a word he leaned in and kissed her before he pulled away.
….
After they had dropped the boys back Brax had spoken with Olivia for a few minutes, he died inside looking at all three faces when he said he had to go. He glanced at Charlie who was looking at the ground trying not to let them see her upset, she kissed all three and told them she'd see them soon before she slipped out of the room. Taking one last look at them as they were led away he smile weakly at Heath and walked outside to his car.
The drive back was in silence both lost in thought glancing at one another every few seconds Charlie afraid to say anything that might set him off like last time-Brax trying to hold back his temper. Pulling up at Angelo's he didn't turn off the car or make any move to get out.
"Are you coming back in?" she asked as she took off her belt.
"Nah," he sighed "I was supposed to be at work last night so I swapped with Holly, I have to go in tonight," he looked over at her "so you're probably better off staying at your own house tonight."
Charlie nodded she didn't wanna push him she was disappointed he was leaving her on her birthday but she knew he had a lot on his mind "okay," she said and opened the door "guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah have a great night," he said and pulled away.
"Yeah you too," she muttered and ,made her way upstairs to find everyone still there bar Irene Kate and Dan's mum "hey!" she called.
"Hey, boys get off okay?" Peter asked.
"No," she sighed and dropped into the seat beside him "they looked so sad."
Peter wrapped his arm around her "won't be for much longer-they'll see they belong at home."
Charlie nodded "hopefully…do you mind if I head home now?"
"No not at all, Jack is staying with Kym-he's home for the weekend and Hayley is staying at Bianca's I'm going to work from here so we'll all be leaving soon," Peter replied.
"You have the night shift?" she asked.
"Yeah," he sighed "I had to swap to get today off…why, you're staying with Brax aren't you…where is he by the way?" he asked looking around.
"He's gone to work I'll be fine at home by myself," she said and stood up.
"Damn it," Peter muttered "I thought he'd be there….I'll call and tell them I won't be in," he said and pulled out his phone.
"Don't Pete," she said seriously "go to work- he's not gonna turn up again, I'll be fine I'll just watch a film with Ruby we'll be okay."
"I don't want you in that house alone…I'm calling in," he said.
Watson walked over "hey Charlie, Ruby wants to know if it's okay if she goes to Nana Irene's with Layley?" she giggled and bounced Ruby up and down on her hip
"Nana Irene," she squealed and clapped her hands.
"I don't mind keeping her for the night!" Hayley called over.
"Yeah, Irene said it was okay!" Bianca added.
"Yeah that's fine with me," she replied now she really was alone, she stood up "I'm gonna head Pete, go to work don't worry about me you and check up on me as many times as you want," she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek "I love ya," she said and walked down the stairs to see Ruby and the others off.
Later that night she pulled her car into a space and took the route she took almost every day, stopping she lowered herself into the grass "hey mum, dad," she said and smiled at the two pictures looking back at her "so another tough day I got through," she said and smiled sadly. She brushed some leaves away from the headstone "happy birthday to me," she muttered and started to pick at the grass "it was a great day though," she added-she jumped at stones crunching behind her "geez guys shadow means not to be seen!" she yelled at the two cops not far from her.
"Detectives orders Charlie!" one of them chuckled.
"Hey I have them right?" she said to the headstone and settled back into the grass.
A while later she rolled her eyes at the stone crunching again "seriously you guys suck at your jobs," she said. She frowned when she got no reply and turned to see who was there "thought you had work," she said and turned back to the headstone.
"I did, Charlie it's after two," Brax said and sat down beside her "how long have you been out here?"
She shrugged "few hours….how did you know I was here?"
"Pete called the guys that are with you when I called in to see you at home," Brax said and scooted closer to her "told me where to go."
Charlie nodded "so he's home then?"
"He was on his way back out…he went to check on you, did you enjoy the rest of your night?" he asked.
"No," she scoffed "everyone left when I got back because they all thought I was going back to yours so I went home alone."
"You should have called me then," he said and wrapped his arms around her.
"And say what I'm all alone come home and mind me?"
"Yeah that would have done it," he said and kissed her shoulder "how about we go back to mine you're freezing," he said and stood up.
"I'm waiting for Pete to come home," she said and looked at the pictures "don't worry those two knuckleheads won't be leaving me."
"And I won't be either," he said pulling her to her feet "I'm taking you home."
"I said I wa-"
He cut her off by kissing her and pulling her closer, it took her a few seconds to respond. After she pulled back she looked at him "I have my first exam tomorrow."
"You better get some sleep then," he said and slipped his hand into hers and led her back towards the car park.
Sorry for the delay went a bit blank there.
