Okay so here it is, it's the newest chapter and I'm so sorry it took so long to update. I know it's well overdue. But I hope you like it. The song that I have included in this story is by Rascal Flatts called I Won't Let Go. When I heard it I though it just fit perfectly with the way Charlie's feeling and the emotions of certain other characters who may have invested strong feelings in Ruby. It's what inspired me to get writing again. It's a beautiful song and for emotional effect you should listen to the track whilst you read this chapter when the track itself is being played within the story. I'll post the link to the song at the necessary point in the story as it's hard to get a decent one on youtube. Hope you enjoy it.

Two Weeks Later

Two weeks had passed since Ruby was unexpectedly rushed to hospital. Although for those who cared about her, it felt much, much longer. Just as Ruby was beginning to feel better, she was struck down with the flu. Her already weakened immune system struggled to fight off the infection and she found herself being quarantined. But like the fighter she had become, she fought the infection and, although she was still weak, she was being discharged. Much to the relief of her mother and friends.

Charlie had arrived early that morning to collect Ruby. Romeo and Nicole had tagged along as they had promised Ruby they would hang with her that day to take her mind everything else that was going on around her. The Bledcoes were still very much making their presence known, however Ruby had long since accepted that they were not going away anytime soon. She didn't have the strength to keep fighting them and she didn't want to keep relaying the past they represented. Not when it was a past that haunted Charlie. She was fed up seeing her mother upset. Luckily, after Ruby was admitted, the Bledcoes agreed to give Charlie back full custody. Under the provision that they would be allowed visit and communicate about Ruby's health care. Eventually all agreed to Ruby getting a bone marrow transplant in Perth at the end of the month. Much to everyone's delight.

As if on cue, Charlie walked into Ruby's room, followed closely by Nicole who was carrying a gift bag, and Romeo who also came bearing gifts. Charlie walked around to the side of the bed and sat down, planting a kiss on Ruby's forehead as she greeted her daughter. Nicole and Romeo made their way to the far side of the bed and both greeted Ruby with tender hugs, careful not to hurt her still healing chest from where her new catheter had been inserted.

"Hey, how are you doing this morning?", Charlie asked as she gently stroked her daughter's arm.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Tired, but I'm good", Ruby replied, trying to look as positive as she could under the current circumstances. Charlie nodded at daughters response and then stood up, walking over to the chair that was currently being occupied by Ruby's bag which she Charlie began to finish packing. As she neatly folded away Ruby's belongings, Romeo and Nicole decided to present their friend with the gifts they had brough her to cheer her up.

"Okay, I know you're probably wondering what's in the bag right?", Nicole said with a hint of excitement in her voice. Ruby smiled at her with a look that screamed 'obviously' and proceeded to laugh as Romeo used the table at the end of the bed to create the sound of a drum roll. "Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, I present the very first, and last, one of a kind designer head scarf by Nicole Franklin Designs", as she finished off her speech, Nicole removed a gorgeous hand made purple head scarf, with fine detailing and even a long string feathered hair piece like the one Ruby used to wear in her hair.

Taking the scarf in her hands, Ruby felt the texture of the soft material and admired the detail. The scarf was beautiful and the more she looked at it, the more in awe she became of Nicole's talent for designing. Putting the scarf down Ruby looked up at her best friend and with outstretched arms, thanked her for her gift. They broke apart when they were interrupted by Romeo's faking coughing, both laughing at his playful nature.

"Okay, okay it's my turn", he said stepping in front of Nicole so that he was closer to Ruby. "Now my gift isn't as cool as Nic's, but it something we can all enjoy together or at least endure together...ta-dah", he said as he presented Ruby with a stack of Kate Hudson dvd's. "Oh and one other thing", he said. Reaching behind his back he removed the biggest bar of chocolate Ruby had ever seen. "What's a movie fest with some chockie", he smiled at her. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Charlie glaring at him disapprovingly. "In moderation with your diabetes?", he said, more as a question towards Charlie, who laughed at his attempts to please her.

"Okay Rubes, you ready to go?", Charlie asked as she placed her hand on her daughters shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. Ruby nodded yes at her mother and then watched as Romeo went outside to retrieve a wheelchair. With Charlie and Nicole's help, Ruby moved from the bed to the chair and settled herself in. Nicole gathered together Ruby's gifts and walked along side Ruby and Charlie down the corridor as Romeo trailed behind carrying the bag of belongings. Ruby enjoying the view of the outside world for the first time in two weeks.

The car ride home was full of chat. Nicole filled Ruby in on April's latest enviromental plans, Bianca's confusing love life, Xavier and Palmers blossoming relationship and even decided to share Romeo's woeful love life, much to his lack of enthusiasm. Which led Ruby to the age old question of how her own mother's love life was doing. But like every other time she asked the question she received the same awkward silence, which was further deepened by Charlie's refusal to discuss Angelo. Before Ruby could ask anymore questions they had arrived at Leah's house.

Getting out of the car, Charlie walked around to the passenger side followed by Romeo who gently placed his hand on her arm, handing her the bag as she held the door open.

"Here, you take this, I'll carry Rubes into the house", he said and waited for Charlie's approval before gently placing his arms under a sleeping Ruby, who stirred in his arms as she rested her head against his chest. Charlie closed the door and led the way to the house, removing her keys from her handbag she handed Nicole the key to open the front door and she oblidged, taking the keys from her friends mother. Nicole held the door open for Romeo who entered first. He turned towards Charlie.

"Where do you want me to put her?", he asked as he watched Charlie place the bag down. She looked up and pointed towards the couch and followed the tall blonde into the living room. Romeo walked around the dining table and over to the, gently placing Ruby upon it without waking her. He stood back and watched as Charlie removed the quilt from the back of the couch and placed it over her daughter. Nicole watched on from the doorway. A silent tear slid down her cheek as she thought about her friend. She quickly wiped it away. Not wanting anyone to notice.

As Charlie walked passed she placed a gentle hand on Nicole shoulder for comfort and smiled at the teen before heading into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. Nicole joined her a short time after. When both women had left the room Romeo bent down and gently stroked Ruby's arm. He leaned over her and gently whispered in her ear and just before he stood up, he placed a kiss on her forehead and then made his way out into the kitchen to join Nicole and Charlie.

"Hey guys, thanks for today. I know it meant a lot to Ruby having you there", Charlie said as she placed a coffee down in front each of the teenagers. They smiled gratefully at her and took a sip of their coffee.

"It was nothing. We wanted to be there for her", Nicole said playing with the handle on her cup. She looked up at Charlie as she sat down at the table with them.

"I don't know how you do it. Stay so strong when Ruby's so sick", Nicole said, a look of sympathy in her eyes.

"Yeah, it most be tough. I mean I find it hard trying to be strong for a couple of hours. You're with Ruby everyday. You've seen her at her worst. How do you do it?", Romeo asked, genuinely interested.

Charlie looked down at her hands and thought carefully about what she would say to the eager looking teenagers staring back at her. Truth be told sometimes she didn't know how she would cope. When Ruby was having a bad, at times it felt like the only thing Charlie wanted to do was fall apart. But she knew she couldn't. Because Ruby needed her and she had to be there for her daughter. She needed to be there for her.

"Honestly, I stay strong, because I have to be strong for Ruby. Because if I'm not I would fall apart. Ruby would fall apart. And I couldn't bear to see that happen", Charlie said, a mix of determination and sadness in her voice. She looked back down at her hands and then took another sip of her coffee. Nicole and Romeo nodded at what she had said. Understanding exactly what she was saying.

Finishing up their coffees, Romeo and Nicole said their goodbyes to Charlie and headed for home. Nicole and Romeo walked down the street for a bit before Romeo stopped and told Nicole he was going to the beach for a walk. Nicole nodded understandingly and then turned, heading for home Picking up the empty cups, Charlie placed them in the sink and made a mental note to wash them later. Then she turned and made her way into the living room. Noticing that Ruby was beginning to wake Charlie walked over to the couch and kneeled down beside it, reaching up and stroking Ruby's cheek when saw her eyes begin to flicker open.

"Hey sweetie", Charlie said. Ruby stretched a little then sat up to make room for her mother to sit down. Taking up the vacant spot on the couch Charlie pulled Ruby into her warm embrace and sat back. Ruby rested her head against Charlie's chest. She still felt weak, but felt better than she had in weeks at that very moment.

"I had nice dream", Ruby said as she played with Charlie's chain.

"Oh yeah", Charlie said, "What was it about?", she asked running her hand up and down Ruby's arm.

"We had a barbaque at the house. Everyone was there. You, me, Ross, Morag, Mr. Stewart, all our friends. There was music, the sun was shining brighter than I've ever seen it shine before. And everyone was happy. Like nothing bad could happen", she finished.

"Sounds beautiful Rubes", Charlie replied placing a kiss on top of her daughters head.

"Hey Charlz, could you put on some music?", Ruby asked looking her mother in the eye.

"Sure", Charlie answered, "Any preferences?", she asked standing up from the couch.

"You pick", Ruby said watching as Charlie shuffled through the iPod on the docking station. After a couple of seconds Charlie settled on a song and returned to the couch and sat down, wrapping her arms around Ruby. http:/www./audio/BaknUV70/Rascal_Flatts_-_I_Wont_Let_

"Charlz, you know this bone marrow transplant, what if I'm not strong enough, you know, what if something goes wrong?"...

...At the caravan park, Nicole flicked through her photo album from last summer. So many memories that she would treasure forever. Many of them of Ruby and her and all their adventures and misadventures. Looking at the picture of them with their arms around each other down on the beach, Nicole smiled. In Ruby she had found a true friend, a best friend, a sister. At that moment she promised that no matter what happend she would always hold on to Ruby. She would stand by her side through thick and thin. She wouldn't let her go. No matter what. Leaning back against her pillow she hugged the album close to her chest and a lone tear fell down her cheek...

...Down on the beach, Romeo sat with his arms stretched over his knees, staring out at the sea watching as the sun began to set over all the land. As he sat there he thought about Ruby. It was all he seemed to think about lately. It was what was causing problems in his relationship with Indi. For Romeo had recently discovered that the feelings he had for Ruby ran deeper than just brotherly love or friendship. He was falling for her. And the thought of not getting the chance to be able to be with her was eating him up inside. Which is why he vowed to hold on to her no matter what.

When both women had left the room Romeo bent down and gently stroked Ruby's arm. He leaned over her and gently whispered in Ruby's ear, "I love you Ruby. And I'll wait for you. No matter how long it takes", he placed a kiss on her forehead and then made his way out into the kitchen to join Nicole and Charlie.

A tear slid down Romeo's cheek and he promised himself there and then that he would always love Ruby Buckton, and he would never let her go...

...Sitting on the couch, her arms wrapped protectively around her daughter, Charlie listened to Ruby's words echo inside her head. The truth was, Charlie thought about the prospect of Ruby dying every day. The fear growing deeper the closer the transplant date came. But as strong as that fear was, it wasn't as strong as her love for Ruby. And that's what gave her the strength to stay strong and think positively.

"It's gonna work Rubes. And do you want to know why? Because I'm gonna be there holding your hand right to the very end", Charlie said gazing lovingly into her daughter's eyes. "And I promise you, no matter what...I won't let go", she said.

Ruby nodded at what Charlie had said. The tears spilling from her eyes. Charlie wiped the tears away with her thumbs and then pulled Ruby into her arms and hugged her so tight, she felt she would never let go. And as she sat there with her daughter in her arms she replayed her own words in her head...I won't let go Rubes...I won't let go...