Thankfully, Charlie and Brax had work the next day, pretty much the same time as each other. With busy days ahead for both of them, they farewelled each other with long passionate kisses. Charlie and Brax headed out in separate cars.

Charlie walked into the diner for her daily morning coffee on her way to work.

"Ahh, Sergeant Buckton. Nice to see your still working in Summer Bay."

"Yep still here, don't you worry
Colleen!"

"I hear that you have moved in with one of those River Boys. For what it's worth, I'm not sure it's the type of company you should be keeping, you could end up in trouble, if you're involved in some of the serious things, I've heard."

"Colleen to be honest, what I do in my spare time is really none of your business."

"Well Sergeant, I just hope you don't get caught up in their business. Madge Wilkins told me some of the things they've been up too. She said they have a massive drug stash. I was appalled to hear it. Not that I expected anything less."

"How dare you say that Colleen. You have no idea what your talking about. I'd appreciate it if you keep your mouth shut and stop gossiping around town." Charlie yelled as everyone stopped what they were doing and turned and looked at her.

Charlie looked around and was left feeling very embarrassed as she ran out of diner, choked up. While running down onto the pier, Bianca noticed Charlie from a distance and started walking towards her.

"Charlie, what's wrong?" Bianca asked immediately as tears streamed down Charlie's face. Hugging Bianca she stood there crying, eventually settling down, but still visibly upset."

"What's happened Charlie? Have you and Brax had a fight or something?" Bianca asked passing her a tissue.

"Colleen and all her gossip friends are talking about my relationship with Brax. She told me I shouldn't be in a relationship with Brax because I would get into trouble with the law. Not only that but they were all involved in illegal stuff. Then I yelled at her and everyone in the diner stared at me."

"Charlie listen to me okay? I know you. If you believed what Colleen was saying, you would not be with Brax. You bring out the best in each other, I can easily see that. Don't listen to her, and let her ruin your happiness. Remember the other day, how we were talking about Chinese whispers? Well that's all it is okay!" Bianca said slowly, making sure Charlie took in everything she was saying.

Charlie nodded. "Your right. I'm sorry Bee. I hate it when people say things about Brax, and there not true."

"You've got nothing to be sorry about, us Braxton girlfriends have to stick together. I'm here for you anytime Charlie, just remember that."

"Thankyou! I really needed this."

"Not a problem!" Bianca replied sweetly.

"Oh my god, I've gotta get to work. Sorry."

"You try cheer up, and enjoy your day for me okay?"

"I will." Thanks Bee." She replied walking off.

Once Charlie had jumped in her car and headed to the station, Bianca went to Angelo's to see Brax and let him know Charlie had being really upset.

Charlie spent the day receiving evil looks and the occasional verbal language from people who hated the River Boys, people who were in the diner that morning or people like Colleen who were into the town gossip.

Getting home before Brax, she got out of her police uniform and collapsed onto the lounge, in a complete mess for the second time that day.

Brax arrived home 10 minutes later and heard Charlie's cries. Running over to the lounge, he lifted Charlie's head up as he sat down then rested gently put her head down with a pillow on his thighs.

"I'm so sorry Charlie." Brax whispered as she continued crying into his stomach. From crying so much, Charlie fell asleep briefly, Brax just sat there watching her sleep, feeling terrible and responsible.

When she woke up, she looked at Brax, sat up and hugged him tightly. He pulled away and spoke again "I'm so sorry. I quit that stuff a long time ago though."

"I've being coping crap from people I don't even know all day. I hate people judging us."

"Don't worry about them. The only thing that matters is you and me. They have got no idea what their talking about."

"Yeah but this isn't just going to go away tomorrow."

"I don't hate anything about us. I want you, your the only thing I care about. Everyone else can go get stuffed."
"But tell me honestly, would it make it easier if we spent some time apart? I can go and stay a few nights with Heath and Bianca."

"N, No please don't go. Charlie yelled grabbing Brax tightly. "I love you. I just want people to stop judging me."

"You've got me Charlie. I'm not going any where I promise."

"Good." Was all she said. 5 minutes later she quietly let out: "Brax, I'm going to quit the police force."

"What? Charlie you not thinking straight."

"I am Brax. I've been a police officer now for almost 14 years. I used to love going into work each day, wondering what crime I was going to deal with. Now it's a drag. I hate it and people hate me. I want to do something fun, and try something different."

"Charlie, this isn't something you can just rush into. Think carefully."

"Brax I have. Being with you and buying this place is like a fresh start. I need quitting my job to become part of the fresh start so I can be happy."

"I guess I can't argue with that."

"I love you so much Brax. I'm sure about this." Charlie kissing Brax.

"So what are you going to do now?" Brax wondered. I'm going to go and see my boss and hand a letter of resignation in. I've got 3 weeks of holidays saved up, so I'll use them too."

"Sounds like a good plan to me." Brax answered.

"I'd better go and draft my resignation letter up."

"Is there anything you need Charlie?"

"A cuddle." Charlie said feeling slightly better because Brax was with her.

"You don't even need to ask for that. Anytime, anywhere." Brax replied, pulling Charlie closer hugging her tightly as one hand gently rubbed her back in circles.