Sorry for the delay really struggled with this one...still not happy with it, so please feel free to point out what you didn't like...but enjoy it anyway :)

Charlie paced outside the child services office, looking down at her watch she sighed angrily and walked inside and up to the desk "hi I'm looking for a Cheryl Braxton, has she been in or has she called?" she asked.

The woman typed in her name "no sorry, no Cheryl Braxton or messages can I help you with something?" she asked looking up at Charlie.

"No," she sighed "she was supposed to meet me here... thanks," she smiled and walked off back outside.

Charlie sat on the hood of her car half an hour later, she didn't want to give up and just go home-she kept telling herself she'd be there-she wanted that money. She stood up open mouthed as a limbo pulled into the lot "you gotta be kidding me, please no," she said shaking her head "please let this be someone famous," she said as it pulled to a stop. She sighed heavily when Cheryl stumbled out with a bottle champagne in her hand.

"Be back soon boys!" she giggled and stumbled over to Charlie "I'm here let's get this over with."

Charlie snatched the bottle from her "you're nearly an hour late and you're drunk," she hissed.

"So what, been out partying… give it," she said and reached for the bottle.

"Oh for god sake Cheryl! Grow the fuck up!" Charlie yelled and flung the bottle into the bin. She grabbed onto her arm and started to lead her towards the doors "you'll sit down and shut up I'll do the talking."

Leading her inside she pushed her into a seat and walked back to the desk "hi…found her," she chuckled "is Olivia Jackson around?"

"Have you an appointment?" the woman asked.

"Um no but this is important…tell her it's Charlie Holden," she replied.

"She only takes appointments," the woman said.

"I know but she's been waiting on this, can you just ask her please?" she asked and smiled sweetly.

The woman sighed she'd recognised Charlie from coming and going "okay go take a seat and I'll go see if she can fit you in."

"Thank you," Charlie smiled and walked back to Cheryl.

She walked to the coffee machine and poured her a black coffee "drink this," she said and handed it to her.

….

Ten minutes later Olivia walked out "Charlie!" she called and walked over to her "I was surprised to find you were here what can I do for you?"

"Yeah sorry about just turning up," she said nervously "I uh found Daryl's mum," she said nodding behind her to Cheryl "I was afraid she was a flight risk so I thought I'd get her here as soon as I could."

Olivia nodded and looked beyond her as Cheryl wobbled in the seat "I see….where's Daryl?" she asked.

"Um he doesn't know I've found her- she already told him no when he went to track her down," Charlie replied even more nervous.

Olivia nodded again "so she's willing to sign over all her rights now?"

"Yeah," Charlie said and looked behind her as Cheryl fell to the floor "sorry she turned up wasted," she sighed "can't you see the boys are better away from her?" she asked.

"I couldn't agree more but because she's drunk I can't let her sign anything, she's not in her right mind."

"Please," Charlie begged "she wants them with Daryl she doesn't want them, please, just talk to her you'll see she doesn't care."

Olivia sighed "I really can't Charlie she's under the influence her judgment is not in the right place."

"She's a drunk she's always gonna be drunk, please, I'll do anything," she begged.

Olivia looked over and watched Cheryl "I'll speak to my boss but I'm not agreeing to anything….take her out back to one of the rooms," she said as Cheryl almost sat on another woman.

"Thanks, that's all I ask," Charlie said and walked back to Cheryl "come on you," she said and smiled apologetically at the other woman.

Once in the room Charlie turned to her "if they ask you can't look after them and you think the boys are better off with Brax and I offered you no money I just asked you to change your mind- no smart remarks just that got it?"

"Yes, come on what's the hold-up I wanna get outta here that limbo charges by the hour," Cheryl slurred.

"Well if you weren't off your face we'd be gone by now so sober up!" Charlie hissed "act it if you have to."

She turned around when the door opened and Olivia walked in with a man "Charlie this is my boss Jim, he's on the case with me, we'd like to speak to Cheryl alone would you mind waiting outside," she asked.

"Sure," Charlie nodded and looked back at Cheryl before she slipped out of the room.

…

Twenty minutes later Charlie paced the hallways she was shaking she felt sick she hoped Cheryl wouldn't mess up. Her head snapped to the door when it opened and Olivia and Jim both walked out shaking their heads followed by Cheryl "so?" she asked hurrying over.

"She signed the papers, Daryl is the boy's legal guardian from now on," Olivia smiled.

Charlie closed her eyes and sighed with relief "thank you," she said and opened her eyes again "if you're talking to Daryl I wasn't here-you didn't see me," she smiled and wrapped her arm around Cheryl "let's get you home," she said and led her away.

"Charlie!" Olivia called after her "…great work," she smiled and turned on her heels.

Charlie giggled and led her outside "you held up your end," she said opening her bag and taking out the money she pulled it back as Cheryl went to grab it "you'll leave Brax and the boys alone you're not to show your face again."

"Yeah, yeah, I did what you asked now hand it over and you lot came looking for me not the other way around," she said and held out her hand.

Charlie hesitated but handed the money over "don't blow it in booze," she said and walked off to her car. She sat in her car watching Cheryl climb into the limbo sighing she started up her car and pulled away she was so excited she just wanted to go se Brax-be there when he got the call but she had to get home before Pete noticed she was missing…he was still sticking to the grounding thing-and her not to be alone over the whole John mess.

...

Pulling up at her house she waved and chuckled at the two officers that were supposed to be watching her still parked outside the house "I won't tell," she giggled and walked to the car "if Pete asks we went to child services I was there for an hour then came back here."

"You're gonna get us fired Charlie," one of them chuckled.

"Well you shouldn't have been reading the paper then," she giggled and walked off into the house. She started to creep up the stairs and cursed herself when she got caught.

"Charlie!" Peter called from the kitchen.

She sighed and walked into the kitchen "hey," she smiled.

"What part of grounded do you not understand?" he asked narrowing his eyes at her.

"Um, the whole thing," she replied and sat down beside him "I had to meet Brax's mum."

"And?" Peter asked.

"And she signed the papers and took off," Charlie replied and stood up "I'll be in my room," she said and walked to the stairs.

" two days added on and we're going to apply for your gun licence soon so don't fall asleep!" he called after her.

Over at Brax's he sat at the table with Ruby chuckling as she stuck her whole face into the bowl "hey take it easy you're gonna choke," he said and pulled her back.

"I won't daddy," she mumbled through a mouthful "it's how I get the milk," she replied and stuck her head in again.

Brax chuckled she'd need a bath after that it was dripping from her hair and all "stay here Rubes okay?" he said and stood up as his phone rang from the other room.

He ran to get it and picked it up "hello?" he said quickly seeing it was Olivia.

"Daryl hi," she replied.

"What is it, is it the boys, are they okay?" he asked worried.

"They're fine," she chuckled "it's good news," she replied.

"I'm listening," Brax said his heart hammering away at his chest.

"Your mum called in this morning she's signed the papers Daryl."

"Really?" he asked in shock "she came there all by herself…and she signed them?" he asked.

"Um yes," Olivia said slowly "anyway congrats… the boys can return home Monday morning if that suits."

"Yeah that suits…can't they come home any earlier…like today?" he asked.

"Well yeah but I was giving you time to get prepared I can arrange to have them home tonight," she said.

"Tonight is great thank you so much Olivia," he said happily.

"Seems you have someone looking out for you Daryl, Charlie's gone to a lot of trouble," she said without realising.

"Charlie?" he frowned "what did she do?"

"Um nothing forget I said anything…we will need to talk at some stage there will be follow up visits but we can arrange that another time, I'll call you later and let you know what time I'll be over…bye," she said and hung up.

"Yes!" Brax yelled happily and ran into the kitchen "guess what Rubes?" he said excitedly "the boys are coming home tonight!"

"Yay!" She squealed "I gets to see Casey!" she said clapping her hands "daddyyy!" she giggled when he lifted her off the chair and swung her around "daddy stop!" she giggled.

Brax put her on the chair and pulled out his phone again "how about we call mummy and tell her the good news?"

Ruby nodded "tell her Casey is coming home," she said seriously.

Brax chuckled and pulled up her number, as it rang he remembered what Olivia had said…what exactly did she mean? "Charlie hey," he said pushing it to the back of his mind.

"Hey everything alright?" she asked.

"Yeah yeah I got some great news I wanted to share with you," he smiled.

"Yeah?" she asked.

"Yeah…the boys are coming home tonight- for good, Olivia just called," he said happily.

"Tonight?" she shrieked "Brax this is great news I'm so happy for you!"

Brax pulled his phone away from his ear when a massive bang came from her end "where are you?" he asked.

"Gun range with Pete and Jack," Charlie replied.

"Charlie! Get off the damn phone and concentrate on what you're supposed to be doing here!" Peter yelled.

"Um I gotta go I am so happy for you Brax, really this is the best news ever….I'll be over later, gotta go before Pete kills me, bye," she said and hung up.

Brax pulled the phone back and looked at it "gun range?" He asked himself "why the hell is she at a gun range?"

"Mummy happy too?" Ruby asked.

"Yeah sweetie she's happy too, she'll be over soon so finish you're breakfast and I'll get you all cleaned up," he replied and sat beside her.

"Okay daddy," Ruby said and dug back into her cereal.

…..

After Charlie had done her lessons with Peter and Jack she went to the station and applied for a licence before getting Peter to drop her home for her car "thanks Pete I don't know what time I'll be home, I don't know what time the boys will get there at," she said as she climbed out of his car.

"Well I did say you could go over when they got home but you're still grounded," he added.

"Yes 'dad' I know," she scoffed and climbed into her own car "bye!" she called and pulled away from the house.

A few minutes later she pulled up at Brax's and climbed out "hello!" she called letting herself in.

"Mummy!" she heard Ruby squeal followed by "hold still," from Brax, walking to the bedroom she leaned against the door and chuckled.

Brax looked over at her "is she always this difficult when putting tights on her?" he asked as he tried again.

Charlie chuckled again and walked to the bed "she doesn't like them so I avoid them if I can Rubes hold still for Brax."

"Daddy," she corrected and scowled at Charlie.

Charlie sighed she didn't wanna ruin the happy mood everyone was in but she didn't want Ruby getting confused either "just hold still," she said and sat down on the bed.

Brax finally put her tights on and lifted her off the bed he watched her run out of the room before he turned to Charlie "why were you at the gun range?" he asked.

Charlie sighed and threw herself back on the bed "because that creep was at my house again last night I want to have it in case I need it," she said looking up at the ceiling.

"What!" Brax yelled "what happened- are you okay- why didn't you call me?" he asked horrified.

Charlie looked over at him "because I needed to know my daughter was safe, nothing happened he sat a few houses down and called Pete-he said something about leaving me alone so he was obviously watching me… then they went on about something else before he said he'd be around and we'd wanna be careful."

Brax shook his head "you still should have called me and you don't need a gun Charlie."

Charlie sat up "can we not talk about it, I barely slept as it was last night, it didn't help Peter kept checking on us every five minutes Hayley slept on my back and Jack slept on the floor- Georgie was only short of getting in with us."

"He's worried Charlie it's not a nice thing to know your family is in danger and not being able to do anything about it."

Charlie shook her head "so what did Olivia say?" she asked "I thought they needed your mum."

Brax nodded "yeah and by some power of force she walked in there herself and signed the papers," he said watching her closely.

Charlie smiled slightly "that's great I wonder what changed her mind," she said looking over at him.

"That's what I asked," Brax said and stood up.

"And what did Olivia say?" Charlie asked biting on her lip.

Brax shook his head "I know there is no way in hell she walked in there all by herself and did it out of the kindness of her heart."

Charlie stood up "maybe she took in what you said when you went to see her."

Brax scoffed "I called her a drunk, a disgrace, an unfit mother- told her she was a mess, that she should be ashamed of herself and so on," he said and walked to the living room.

Charlie followed him "well maybe after hearing all that she took a look at herself and realised you were right."

Brax sighed again "what did you do Charlie?" he asked without turning to face her.

"I didn't do anything," she replied innocently.

Brax turned to face her "mum never listened to me as it was and I've called her all that before, so I'll ask again what did you do?" he asked taking a few steps to her.

Charlie hung her head she knew he wasn't going to give up-but she'd try keeping the money out of it. "I snuck out and went to the city, pretended I was a cop to get into the club, found her and talked to her for a while then left."

Brax stared at her in shock he was so not expecting that he thought she'd just sent a cop or something he stepped closer to her and tilted her chin "you did all that for me and the boys?"

Charlie nodded and dropped her eyes to the floor "I wanted you to get them back I know how miserable you are without them," she mumbled.

Brax took a step back "I can't believe you did that, Charlie you're just out of hospital you shouldn't have drove that far you shouldn't have been out In the first place."

"So you're mad at me?" she asked.

"No," he huffed "I'm not mad, you gotta look after yourself Charlie."

Charlie walked to the sofa and sat down "I didn't go on my own Dan drove, I was in and out and spent the rest of the night at home on the sofa."

Brax walked to her and sat down "so what exactly did you say to her?"

"That I'd get her benefit money cut off that she shouldn't be even still getting it," Charlie replied.

Brax chuckled "hit her where it hurts and she bought it?"

"Must have," Charlie replied.

Brax sat forward he didn't wanna make a move in case he upset her he knew Peter had spoken to her too "I can never thank you enough Charlie- and not just for this, for everything and I promise I will one way or another make it up to you," he said and slipped his hand into hers "everything is nearly back to normal."

Charlie laced her fingers with his and smiled "you know Pete said I could come over…could see you."

Brax smiled "yeah?" he asked "and what changed his mind he was pretty sure at the hospital."

Charlie raised an eyebrow "what did he say at the hospital?"

"That I had to stay away from you," he muttered.

"Well that reason is behind us," she said scooting closer to him "he looked deeper into the case, seems someone forgot to label the money and just assumed you had it…Pete traced the money back to your dad so there wasn't much missing and now I see why you did it- and I know it was just the once."

Brax chuckled and turned to face her "so we can see each other?"

Charlie nodded "if you still want to."

Brax slipped his hand onto her cheek "I want nothing more- I've never wanted anything in my life as much as I want you," he said and pulled her to him kissing her slowly just the way he knew she liked. After a minute or say he lay her back and hovered over her "I've missed you," he said and kissed her again "I hated sleeping alone, hated being here alone."

"Well technically I'm still grounded for another like… eleven days, and I have to re sit three exams after the lot is finished so you'll be sleeping alone for a while," she giggled.

Brax chuckled and kissed her again "it'll all be worth it in the end just as long as I get to see you."

Charlie smiled and stroked his cheek "I ain't going anywhere…I can sneak out if I have to," she said and leaned up to kiss him.

Brax scoffed "I think we've been apart enough, we're not risking anything, you'll stick to the rules missy," he said and kissed her.

….

A while later they lay cuddled on the sofa with Ruby nestled in between them Charlie looked over at Brax "do you have a problem with Ruby calling you daddy?" she asked.

"Nah babe I don't mind but it's your call," he replied and stroked Ruby's head "did feel kinda nice though."

Charlie smiled and rested her head back on his chest "she will never meet her dad or know anything about him so it's only fair she has someone to call dad, she's become very close to you Brax and you her I can see it….how about we stick with it-you're her dad."

Brax nodded and dropped a kiss on her forehead "I'm her dad," he said and pulled her closer "and I'll spend the rest of my life making sure she gets the love she deserves."

Charlie Ruby and Brax arrived at Charlie's so the others could spend some time with Ruby before they boys got home. While they were there Charlie decided to have a shower and get stuff together in case she decided to stay-leaving Peter and Brax alone in the kitchen.

"So Charlie tells me the boys are home for good," Peter said.

Brax nodded and smiled "they are I can't wait I can't believe it's all over that mum actually signed the papers."

"Yeah well for that's sort of money she's lucky she did or I'd be tracking her down," Peter said.

Brax frowned "what money?" he asked confused.

Peter cursed himself he looked over at Brax and shook his head "nothing never mind," he said and stood up.

Brax stood up with him "what money?" he asked again.

Peter sighed and turned back to him he couldn't backtrack now "Charlie paid her off as soon as she signed the papers, she warned her to stay away."

"How much?" Brax asked in shock.

Peter shook his head "I'm sure she'll explain why she didn't tell you."

"How much?" he asked again through gritted teeth.

"Ten grand," Peter said and walked out of the room to leave him to calm down a bit.

"Damn it Charlie!" he said and slammed his fist down on the table, hurrying to the stairs he took them up and burst into her room.

"Jesus Brax!" she yelled "you almost gave me a heart attack."

"How could you be so stupid Charlie!" he yelled.

"What?" she asked confused.

"You paid my mum off! Why Charlie, why did you do that?" he groaned.

"Because it was the only way no one was getting through to her!" Charlie yelled back.

"You shouldn't have done that!"

"Brax you need those boys they should be with you I did the right thing!"

"No you didn't!" he yelled "now you've put me in even more debt to you than I already am!"

"I don't want it back, she never would have signed them if I hadn't did what I did."

"So you're saying I wouldn't have been able to get it done?" he asked narrowing his eyes at her.

Charlie scoffed "clearly whatever you said to her didn't work!" She yelled back "I don't know why you're so angry about it I got them back for you she has no rights!"

Brax sighed "you don't know mum she'll be back the second it's gone for more and if you tell her no she's gonna use what you already gave her against you- well done Charlie!" he hissed and pulled the door open "you've just laid out the welcome mat for her anytime she wants it!" he snapped and walked out of the room.

"A thank you would have done!" she yelled after him and slammed the door.

…..

Brax arrived at his house and slammed the door almost taking it off the hinges, Noah sat up sleepily from the sofa "what's up with you?" he asked.

Brax braced himself on the back of the sofa "Charlie," he said through gritted teeth "Jesus what has she done!" he yelled and hurled the lamp across the room.

"Take it easy mate," Noah said and jumped off the sofa "what exactly did she do?"

"She paid off mum to sign the papers," he sighed and sat down "she's an idiot she's gonna be in so much trouble now."

"Oh," Noah said knowing exactly what Cheryl was like "you can't blame her mate she doesn't know your mum or what she's like."

"She should have asked me first," he replied.

Noah sat back beside him "she knew you'd say no-I know you'd say no, come on Brax she thought she was helping and it did help the boys are on their way home that's all that matters."

"Yeah for how long?" he muttered "once mum turns up again looking for money the whole thing will come out and they'll be taken again and she'll end up facing charges."

Noah shook his head "you don't know she will Brax, you gotta stop thinking about what could happen and start thinking about what's about to happen. The boys are home, you have Charlie and Ruby you're happier than I've seen you in a long time things aren't really that bad."

"I don't have Charlie!" he snapped and got up off the sofa "I won't have her either she's just ruined it all!" He yelled and slammed his bedroom door.

Noah shook his head and lay back on the sofa Brax was so stubborn he'd hold this against her for a while…maybe they needed a party to lighten everyone up. Pulling out his phone he started to plan things.

Inside Brax sat on his bed he was so angry but yet all he wanted was her beside him, sighing he threw himself back on the bed the boys were number one that's all that mattered.

….

Over at Charlie's she sat on the sofa with her feet curled up against her looking out the window Jack and Hayley had taken Ruby to the park to give her some time to think. After Brax walked out she didn't follow him and now it was clear to her why she didn't. She looked up and smiled weakly as Peter sat in front of her.

"I'm sorry Charlz I thought he knew what you were doing," he said and squeezed her knee.

"It's okay," she said and looked back out the window "would have come out sometime anyway I just never expected him to react like that."

Peter nodded "you know you could go over and talk to him."

"Nah," Charlie sighed "there's a reason I didn't follow him."

"And what would the reason be?" Peter asked.

Charlie looked over at him and raised an eyebrow "what do you think?"

"I don't know why don't you tell me," he said moving to sit beside her.

Charlie sighed and looked down at her hands "clearly we don't belong together…we'd never work out."

"And what makes you think that?" Peter asked.

"Because all we do is fight if it's not me it's him there's always something in the way and never get to be happy- to be normal, it's not worth it I'm sick of it all already- that shouldn't happen so soon," she sighed again and threw he head back onto the sofa. "I do care about him but if this is the way it's gonna be every day I don't wanna do it- I don't wanna be all happy one minute then not the next, I don't wanna put the kids through that either they can't see us at each other it's not fair. That's it now I've had enough of the drama, from now on I'm only gonna see Brax for the kids we're gonna be civil and I am gonna get on with my life," she said and stood up "it's better for everyone that way," she said and walked off as her eyes filled with tears she didn't want Peter to see her cry, she didn't want it to be this way but she knew no other way would work.

Over at Brax's he walked out of his room and sat beside Noah "party?" he asked.

"No," Brax muttered "the boys are coming home," he said and stood up.

Noah followed him "so are you gonna call Charlie?" he asked.

"Nope," Brax replied and went about what he was doing, he turned to the door when someone knocked "get that will you and if it's her don't let her in."

"It's not her," Noah said walking towards the door he had spoken to Hayley he knew what Charlie had said and what was going on. Opening the door a grin crossed his face "alright mates," he chuckled.

"Noah!" Casey squealed and ran at him.

"Alright little man good to see ya," he said and swung him around.

"Alright Noah," Heath said and walked by him.

Brax hurried to the door after hearing him speak "you're home," he said with a wide grin.

"No, you don't say," Heath chuckled and sat on the sofa picking up the remote he turned on the tv.

Brax chuckled it was like he never left he walked to the door and picked up Kyle "hey buddy you okay?"

"Mummy?" Kyle asked looking around for Charlie.

"Um she's not here, she went to get something she'll be back soon," Brax said and walked to the sofa with him.

"Sorry for just turning up Daryl, I called and your phone is off," Olivia said as she walked through the door.

"Don't worry about it," Brax said and sat Kyle beside him "can I get you a coffee or anything?"

"No thanks I need to shoot off still two more families to see, I'll be doing home visits for a while but we'll let them settle in for a week- first one will be next Thursday nine am bye, call the offices if you need anything!" she called and hurried out the door.

"Baks where Rwuby?" Casey asked.

"She's at Charlie's house with her," he replied and sighed he knew he had to call her.

"Mummy coming over?" Casey asked.

"Yeah buddy, she will be here soon," he replied and stood up "watch them for a sec," he asked Noah and walked into his room.

Sitting on his bed he looked down at his phone when it came on looking at the missed calls and messages he had he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed when there was none from Charlie. Blowing out a breath he dialled the number he knew off the top of his head and waited for it to ring he sighed as it rang and rang "Charlie?" he said when she answered.

"Yeah?" she yawned.

"Where you asleep?" he asked.

"Yeah," she replied "what is it?"

"Uh just called to let you know the boys are home and they're looking for you."

"Okay," she said and hung up.

"Nice one Brax," he sighed and walked back to the living room he didn't even know if she was going to come over.

….

Charlie rolled out of her bed and pulled on sweats and a hoodie going down to the kitchen she poured herself coffee and dropped into a seat beside Peter.

He turned from Ruby and looked at her she looked terrible already her face was pale her eyes were all red her nose was too-she'd been crying "you okay sweetie?" he asked and rubbed her head.

"Yeah them meds knocked me out," she yawned "…Brax called, the boys are looking for me."

"So what are you gonna do?" he asked as he handed Ruby back her spoon.

Charlie sighed "go over and see them…as soon as she's done," she said nodding to Ruby.

"There's dinner for you in the oven, Jack brought it up but you were already asleep," he said and stood up "eat it before you go."

"I'm fine but thanks anyway," she said and wrapped her hands around the cup.

Peter placed a plate in front of her "you'll eat it or you're not going," he said and sat back down "those meds are strong you shouldn't have taken them on and empty stomach…how is you head now?" he asked.

"Not as bad but still hurts, my neck is a bit worse than earlier but Sid said it's to be expected."

"I'll drop you over and pick you up you're not driving like that," he said and stood up again "don't worry about Brax Charlz, you just go see the boys," he dropped a kiss on her forehead and walked out of the kitchen.

"Daddy?" Ruby asked.

Charlie sighed and looked over at her "yeah baby we'll go as soon as we're finished eating," Charlie said and picked up her fork.

Half an hour later Peter pulled up outside Brax's "you sure you're okay to go in you don't look so good," he said.

"No I'm fine the meds just sucked the life out of me," without warning she jumped and opened the door and threw up on the ground.

Peter sighed and pulled a bottle of water from the door "do you want me to bring Ruby in and pick her up later?"

"I'll be fine," she said as she rinsed out the mouth.

"Charlie you're not well look at you!" Peter said.

"Mummy sick!" Ruby squealed.

"No baby mummy is fine," Charlie said looking back at her.

"Take it easy in there Charlie," Peter said worried.

"I'm fine my stomach is all over the place because I didn't eat at all before taking the tablets, I promise I'll be fine…I'll call you when I want to come home," she said and climbed out of the car.

Walking to the back she opened the door and unclipped Ruby "say bye to Uncle Pete," she said.

"Bye Pete wuv you!" she called as Charlie lifted her out.

"Love you too princess…and I mean it Charlie! Take it easy!" Peter called before he pulled away.

Walking to the door Charlie stopped as she got a little dizzy "come on mummy," Ruby said impatiently and pulled on her hand.

Charlie opened her eyes and blinked a few times before she let Ruby drag her to the door opening it she walked in and closed it behind her "hello!" she called and let Ruby run ahead of her.

"Mummy!" Kyle yelled happily and ran at her "missed you mummy," he said when she picked him up.

"Aww I missed you too," Charlie said and carried him into the room, "hey Noah," she smiled and walked towards the sofa she stopped when she locked eyes with Brax who sat on the sofa with Casey snuggled into him, she walked to the sofa and sat as far away as she could.

"Mummy?" Casey mumbled and held out his hand.

"I'm here baby," she said and scooted closer bringing Kyle with her, she slipped her hand into his and sat back and sneezed.

"Mummy sick!" Ruby suddenly blurted "she gets sick in Pete's car."

Charlie shook her head as Brax's head snapped to her "I told you I wasn't sick Ruby."

"But you got sick mummy," Ruby frowned.

"What happened Ruby?" Brax asked without taking his gaze off Charlie

"Pete ask mummy did he want to take her home because she didn't eat and got sick," Ruby said before she ran off.

"What have you had to eat today?" Brax asked her.

"My dinner and I'm fine," she said looking down at Kyle "you tired buddy?" she asked as he snuggled into her.

"Yeah," he said sleepily "can we go to bed.

"How about your bed and I'll stick on a dvd?" she asked trying to ignore Brax's burning gaze. She got up off the sofa with Kyle "do you want to come to bed too Casey?" she asked.

He nodded and sat up off Brax "carry me," he whined and held out his hands.

"Say goodnight to Brax both of you," she said and put Kyle down.

"Night guys," Brax said and pulled them both into a hug "I'll see you in the morning," he said and let them go, sighing as he watched Charlie go.

"Talk to her mate," Noah said and stood up "is it alright if I take Heath down to see my mum she can see the others tomorrow."

"Yeah go on but only half an hour," Brax said and stood up "Heath no messing down there or Rachel will smack you and you know she will!" he called as they both left.

...

A few minutes later Charlie walked to the living room to find it empty, dropping onto the sofa she closed her eyes tight as she felt dizzy again-Brax watching her from the kitchen.

Sighing he stood up and put his beer on the table walking to the sofa he sat down and pulled her into him "you gonna tell me what's wrong with you?" he asked and rested his chin on her head.

"Just a bit dizzy since I woke up," she muttered and closed her eyes.

Without realising it he started to run his fingers up and down her arm "did you tell Pete?"

"No I'm fine it's just because I didn't eat I'm on the go all day and I took the meds on an empty stomach… it's messing me up."

"I can make you something now if you like," he offered.

"I just had my dinner before I came over…I have to go when they're asleep," she added.

Brax sighed and pulled her a little closer "I know," he said.

"We're not gonna work Brax," she said.

"I know," he replied "not now anyway."

Charlie pulled back and looked up at him "we need space…a lot of space."

Brax moved his arm off her "yeah we do and we need to stick to it this time, we can't keep going on like this it's not fair on anyone."

Charlie nodded "so unless it's concerning Ruby and the boys we don't make contact."

"Agreed," Brax sighed and stood up "I have to work Monday night will you be able to watch them?"

"Um I have an exam Tuesday morning at eight…it's the only time Gina can fit me in…but I can stay here and just go to school from here," she suggested.

"No, you won't be able to study with them running around…I'll ask Noah," he said walked into the kitchen.

Charlie followed him "what's gonna happen when I go back to work I'll be working lates too," she said.

Brax shrugged "I'll have to ask Noah or his mum they're the only two apart from you I trust with them…and maybe Sam," he added and turned to face her "don't worry about it if I can't get anyone I'll just have to stay off work."

Charlie nodded she turned her head when the door opened and Heath walked in "I thought you were in your room," she said looking over at Brax.

"Nah went to see Noah's mum she wasn't there, I'll see her tomorrow," he said and walked into his room.

"Say goodnight to Charlie she's going soon!" Brax called after him.

Heath walked back to them "are you not staying here with us?" he asked surprised.

"Um no," she said shooting a look at Brax "I have to go home."

"Why?" Heath asked.

"Because I have to," Charlie replied.

"But why?" Heath asked.

"For god sake Heath!" Brax snapped "Casey and Kyle wouldn't ask that many questions, she's been in a car accident she needs to take it easy!" he yelled.

Heath looked back horrified "and you didn't think we needed to know?" he asked.

"No Heath you didn't," Brax replied.

Heath scoffed "thought we were a family now or is that just when you want us to be!" he hissed and stormed off to his room.

Charlie sighed and went to follow him "leave him," Brax said before she could move.

"You can't leave him like that Brax," she replied.

"Yes I can he'll sulk for a while then he'll forget about it," he said and walked by her.

Charlie followed him to the sofa "the boys should be asleep now…I'm gonna call Pete to come back for me."

"Right," he nodded and turned on the tv, he didn't want her to go but he had to stick to it this time they very badly needed a few days away from each other.

Charlie walked in to the boys just to make sure they were asleep before she called Peter finding them asleep she called him "hey, I'm ready to come home now.

"Already?" he asked.

"Yeah," she sighed "the boys are asleep now-so is Ruby, there's no point me hanging around."

"Did you talk to Brax?" Peter asked.

"Yeah I did…so are you gonna pick me up?" she asked.

"Yeah I'll be there in ten minutes," he said and hung up.

Charlie walked back to the living room and sat on the side of the chair "so you're off for the weekend?"

Brax nodded "yeah, I was thinking I'd take them off for the day…if you and Ruby wanted to come."

Charlie nodded "just Ruby, I've to go back and see Sid in the morning, I'll drop her over on the way."

"You can leave her here if you want to," he offered.

"Nah, she stayed here last night I want her to stay with me," Charlie replied.

…..

They fell into silence Brax looking at the tv Charlie looking around, seeing lights pull up she stood up "Pete's here if you wanna say bye to Ruby."

Brax stood up and walked to her looking at her for a moment he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek "you go out I'll carry her out in a minute," he said and walked into the bedroom.

Walking into the bedroom he sat on the side of Casey's bed where she was sound asleep cuddled into him, sighing he lowered his head and kissed her "night baby," he said and stood up he didn't want her to go either he'd gotten attached to her…maybe a little too attached. Standing up he pulled the covers down and scooped her into his arms.

"Daddy," she groaned and snuggled into him.

"I'm sorry baby but you have to go with mummy," he said and carried her out towards the door.

"I wanna stay here with you," she whimpered and clung to him.

"You have to go home with mummy," Brax said softly as he reached the car.

"No!" she yelled "I wanna stay with daddy!"

Charlie took her from him "we're going home sweetie we'll be back tomorrow."

"No!" she cried and jumped out of Charlie's arms and at Brax "I'm staying with daddy and Casey!"

Brax walked around Charlie to her seat and struggled to put her in "listen to me sweetie," he said cupping her face "mummy will bring you back first thing and then we'll all go the park okay?"

Ruby looked from him to Charlie then back to him "promise?" she asked.

"I promise now give me a hug," he said and pulled her into him.

Brax stood back and closed the door "call me if she starts up again."

"She'll be fine she's just cranky coz you woke her," Charlie replied and opened her door "I'll see ya in the morning," she said and climbed into the car.

"Yeah bye," Brax said and stepped back as Peter pulled away.

He sighed heavily as the car disappeared into the darkness, turning around he walked back towards his house and stopped when an unimpressed Heath stood in the doorway "what?" he asked.

"You're a moron that's what!" Heath yelled "just get it over with," he shook his head "just tell her you love her and quit making us suffer coz you're a chicken," he said and walked into the house.

Brax sighed again he loved her oh how he loved her and so much he wanted her to know- but she didn't notice… how the hell did he?

Along the drive home some soppy song was on and Charlie couldn't help the tear that slid down her cheek. Peter looked over at her when she sniffed and wiped her face he looked back to see Ruby asleep again "why don't you just tell him Charlie," he said.

"Tell him what?" she asked and looked over at him.

Peter shook his head "that you love him-and don't even try tell me you don't I can see it-I was like that at your age with Georgie I remember it all," he chuckled.

Charlie looked out the window "what's the point he doesn't love me, why bother making an even bigger fool of myself," she muttered.

"And why do you think you're making a fool of yourself?" Peter asked.

"Because I can't seem to get it right," she said and looked over at him "you saw the way he reacted over the thing with his mum… and everything else," she added.

"Well in his defence I don't blame him, I was pissed when I found out what you had done," Peter said.

"Yeah but you talked to me you know why I did it he didn't he just took the head off me called an idiot and stormed off- he barely said two words to me tonight."

"He's still mad, he's not used to someone looking out for him…give him time to cool off and think about things," Peter said as they pulled up at the house.

Charlie scoffed and climbed out "that won't be hard since we're having some space," she said and opened the back door.

"Then don't worry about it for now," Peter said and leaned in to get Ruby "how about we watch a movie," he said as they walked up the drive.

"Yeah sure, got nothing else to do," she mumbled and walked into the house.

Peter followed her up to her room and placed Ruby in her bed "I'll be downstairs," he said and slipped out of the room.

Charlie changed Ruby into her pyjamas and changed into her own before slipping out of her room leaving the door open a crack. As she was on the first step her phone rang, pulling it from her pocket she sighed at the caller "Brax?" she answered.

"Hey…just checking up on Rubes," he said.

"Yeah she's fine, she fell back to sleep in the car," Charlie said and started to walk down the stairs.

"Okay good…and you-are you still dizzy?" he asked.

"Yeah I'm fine too, no not dizzy anymore."

"Are ya sure?" he asked.

"Yes Brax I'm sure I'm fine," she replied.

Brax sighed he wanted to keep talking to her but he knew he had to give her space "I'll let you go then…will you see the boys tomorrow?" he asked.

"Yep…I'll call you when I'm home from my check up," Charlie replied.

"See that you do…go on I'll see you tomorrow," he said and hung up.

Charlie put her phone back in her pocket and walked into the living room she stopped and looked at the table, giggling she sat down "you're an awesome brother," she giggled looking at all the stuff Peter had brought in.

"Transformers chocolate and tea- three of your favourite things," he chuckled.

Charlie giggled again "and popcorn," she said nodding to the bowl.

"That is for me but if you share I will too," he chuckled and pulled her into him, picking up the remote he pressed play and both settled back into the sofa.

A few minutes later Charlie snapped her head towards the kitchen at a bang "what was that?" she asked.

"Don't know," Peter said and stood up "stay here," he said and walked to the kitchen.

Charlie jumped when he walked back in a few seconds later "the mop fell over at the back door," he said and sat back down.

"Are you sure?" she asked a little worried.

Peter nodded and pulled her back into him "I'm sure, stop worrying, I checked the garden too the gate is locked."

Charlie settled back against him and went back to the movie she was a bit freaked but she knew as long as he was here she'd be fine.