Okay, so I know I said I wouldn't update again this weekend but I couldn't resist 8-) this chapter is kinda more like a part two of the last one! I got loads of great reviews for the last chapter so thank you very, very much and I hope you enjoy this one! :D
Chapter 11
Brax glared at Charlie, unsure if he fully understood the words that had left her mouth. He waited for her to speak again, tell him it was a cruel joke, but the fact that she didn't made his stomach flip inside and out.
"Y... you w-what?" Brax managed to speak.
Charlie looked into his eyes, both of them holding eye contact for a number of seconds before Charlie looked away and spoke the words again, "I was raped," she whispered.
Even though he'd heard the words before, they hurt him more and more each time, the person he loved, the person he would do absolutely anything for, the girl that was his and he was going to propose to, stood before him, telling him something completely unacceptable and inexcusable had happened to her. It was his job to protect her, his job to look after her, and he had failed, completely.
Brax shook his head, "No," he refused to believe the words, he didn't want to hear them, they were breaking his heart and he was hurting immensely.
"Yes." Charlie told him as she took a step closer to him. Brax looked up from the sand and into Charlie's, water-filled blue eyes, he took a step away from her, unable to grasp what she was telling him, "Brax, I need you to listen to me," Charlie pleaded with him.
"Tell me this isn't happening," he said softly, "This is some, sick, cruel joke, right?" Charlie shook her head as her tears began to fall, "No," Brax took another step away from her, "No, Charlie all this time, when we were together, before I left, this has been hanging over you, and you never told me?" Charlie looked up at him and nodded before looking away again, "Why?" He asked despondently.
"Brax, I was scared, I didn't trust you." Charlie said miserably.
"Right," Brax frowned, "So what? You trust me now?"
Charlie smiled as she looked up at Brax and he knew it was genuine, "Completely," she answered defiantly.
Brax's frown finally lifted and his lips curled into a small, reassuring smile, "Then I'm listening." He told Charlie as comfortingly as possible as he prepared to hear her story.
Charlie took a deep breath as her and Brax took a seat on the sand before she began speaking, and she knew she'd be able to get through telling her story to Brax better than anybody else she told, because she trusted him, and she knew he'd look after her.
"Well, I was eh, I was fourteen and I had this boyfriend, he eh... his name is Grant, Grant Bledcoe," Charlie took another deep breath as events from that night flooded her memory. "We went to this party one night, at a friend's house, when it was time to leave, he offered to walk me home, he behaved like the perfect gentleman." Charlie frowned, "But he wasn't a gentleman, not at all, I was only wearing a short dress, high heels, no jacket, so he said we should take the shorter route back to my place during the park, because I was cold and it was late. I was uneasy because it was dark, and I didn't often walk through the park, it wasn't really safe... but he-he sensed my agitation and took a firm grip of my hand, he told me 'Don't worry Charlie, I'm here to keep you safe', so naturally, being my boyfriend, I trusted him, I let him take me through the park."
Brax tensed as Charlie paused once again, he thought about his actions for a moment before reaching across and taking Charlie's left hand in his right, she tensed slightly before giving his hand a firm squeeze, feeling his warm, comforting touch, she was ready to continue, "We were um, about halfway through the park when he stopped walking and offered my his jacket, I accepted and he took it off but h-he threw it on the ground and then pushed me onto the ground too." Brax's grip on Charlie's hand tightened as he knew what happened next was inevitable, Charlie took a few deep breaths before she continued, Brax knew she was panicking,
"It's okay, take your time," he said softly before once again squeezing her hand.
Charlie smiled lightly at his kindness before continuing, "I was scared, and I was crying, and whimpering, and begging for him to stop, I was screaming out for help but none came, the louder I screamed, the rougher he got, and... the more it hurt." Charlie whispered before wiping her tears away with the back of her free hand.
Brax waited intently for Charlie to speak, "Afterwards I just went home, I went straight for a shower and the next morning I pretended nothing happened, I didn't go to school, I avoided Grant at all costs, I told my parents nothing but they knew something was wrong, I ended up leaving and I went to stay with my aunt in the City." Charlie smiled as she thought of her aunt, "She was the first person I ever told, she was kind and supportive, she managed to convince me to go to the hospital, and then to tell my Mum and Dad, and after I told them I felt I could finally move on, try and be happy," her smiled faded, "But it all changed." Charlie looked up at Brax briefly before looking back down at their entwined hands, "When I was in the hospital, after they ran their tests, they told me I was pregnant." Brax swallowed the forming lump in his throat as he continued to listen. "That well and truly threw me off-guard, but, I pretty much had the worst pregnancy in the world."
"That's why you were so scared about having Zoe." Brax whispered.
"Yeah," Charlie smiled lightly as she nodded, "But I wouldn't change a thing, our daughter's perfect." Brax smiled as he once again waited for Charlie to continue, "I had considered an abortion or adoption, but in the end I chose to let my parents raise it, and so, Ruby and I were to be sisters, but when she was sixteen, she became more and more curious about her Dad, and I had to tell her before she tried to find him," Charlie sniffed back more tears as she continued to stare down at her and Brax's hands, "She resented me after I told her, she left Summer Bay with a friend for a while, I was worried sick, she went to visit the same aunt that I visited all those years ago, and she finally realised how hard it was for me, so she came back and forgave me, and we've grown stronger ever since."
Brax smiled at Charlie's strength, "Can I ask you a question?" He said softly, Charlie nodded,
"Sure,"
"Where's the guy now? Grant? He went to jail for what he did, yes?"
Charlie pulled her hand free of Brax's and played with her fingers nervously as she shook her head, "By the time I told anyone, I had been washed clean of any evidence, my scars and bruises had faded, and after examination it would've just appeared that I had consenting sex."
"Consenting? Charlie the guy raped you!" Brax yelled angrily as he stood up, Charlie began to cry as she stood up and faced him,
"It's my fault, I should've come forward sooner."
"Then why didn't you?" Brax yelled, "The guy's out there, free to do it to other women, Charlie!"
"I TRIED, BRAX!" Charlie yelled back, "I really did, but I was fourteen, Brax, it wasn't even legal for me to have sex, I was scared, and I felt disgusting, and I couldn't look after myself." Brax's heart broke as e looked at Charlie, "My Dad had tried to find him, he was a police officer, he wanted to kill him, and he would've killed him if he found him, but he never did, and Grant's parents had no idea where he was, but Grant had a sister, and his Dad promised my Dad that if he ever saw him again, he'd kill him, because he'd stand for having no rapist for a son and he knew if anyone hurt his little girl like that, he'd do the same."
Brax's chest tightened as he began to take slow and steady steps backwards and away from Charlie, "What are you doing?" Charlie whispered as she took a step forward,
"I... I can't do this." Brax whispered back.
"Brax, please," Charlie begged him.
"I can't believe he got away with it, he hurt you so badly, and he's free to get away with it and live his life." Brax spat angrily.
"I know, Brax, and every day of my life I've been afraid he'd come back for me, or Ruby, but he hasn't, and I've finally move on with my life."
Brax shook his head as he took another step away from Charlie, "Brax, don't walk away from me." Charlie warned him angrily, he froze as he looked up at her, "I need you," Charlie whispered, Brax shook his head, "YOU SAID YOU'D LISTEN!" Charlie yelled at him.
"Charlie, it hurts so much, to know that this happened to you, and he's the reason Ruby was robbed of a proper father."
"I know, but how do you think I feel? Having had it happen to me and then having to relive it to so many people!"
"Charlie, this is hard alright, it's so hard for me."
"WHY?" Charlie yelled, "Why is it so hard?"
"Because, Charlie," Brax said softly.
"I SAID WHY!" Charlie yelled, instantly provoking Brax this time,
"BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!" He yelled back as he looked into her eyes, "I love you," he mumbled so quietly only he heard it.
Now it was Charlie's turn to stumble backwards with shock, she couldn't believe what she was hearing, she wasn't sure what he meant, he loved her as a friend? He loved her as more than a friend? Or he was in love with her? Right now it didn't matter, she didn't care, she just needed him, she needed to be in his arms.
The tears continued to flow down her cheeks as she looked at him intently, pleadingly. She hoped he knew what she wanted, and she hoped more than anything he'd give it to her.
Tears welled up in Brax's eyes as he looked at the devastated and broken woman before him, he had never seen Charlie like this, she was always so strong and now she was so vulnerable, "I'm sorry," Brax told her before he quickly rushed back towards her and instantly his arms were around her. Charlie smiled as she curled herself into his embrace, he had given her what she was longing for.
"I w-w-was so s-scared," Charlie trembled as her hands clasped onto Brax's shirt,
"I know baby," Brax whispered, "I know."
"I wanted him to stop, Brax." Charlie whispered, "I swear."
"I know," Brax repeated, "You don't have to explain yourself to me Charlie, I already know," he said soothingly before placing a soft kiss on her temple and holding her tightly.
x-x
Charlie smiled as Brax re-joined her at their table in the diner after having paid the bill, "You sure I can't pay anything towards that?" Charlie asked.
"You most certainly cannot." Brax grinned confidently. "So, are you okay now?" Brax asked.
Charlie smiled, "Yeah, I'm great thanks, my friend treated me to lunch and chocolate cake, what more could a girl want?"
Brax smiled, "You know what I mean, Charlie,"
"Yes I do, Brax, and thank you," Charlie smiled at him, "So, have you got anything planned for this afternoon?"
"Nuh, why? You gonna ask me out on a date?" Brax asked cheekily.
"Oh you're hilarious," Charlie laughed as she looked at Brax, she sure was glad she told him, Bianca was right, he had comforted her better than anyone after she had told him and instantly made her forget about all her worries, he simply took her out to lunch and she felt absolutely wonderful just spending time with him, "But no I'm not, unfortunately for you." Charlie winked.
"Very unfortunate." Brax winked back at her.
"I was wondering if maybe you could drop me off at Matt's to collect Zoe?" Charlie asked.
Brax smiled, "Oh, I'll do better than that, I'll drop you off, then take you back home again," Charlie laughed at him once again,
"Oh Brax, you're so generous," Charlie laughed.
"I know," he grinned cheekily, shall we get going then?"
"Sure." Charlie smiled as she stood up and left the diner with Brax.
x-x
Charlie nervously played with her hands as she waited for Matt to answer his front door, "Hi," he smiled as he opened the door,
"Hey," Charlie replied before she stepped into his house,
"Mamma!" Zoe shouted as she jumped up and ran over to Charlie. Charlie laughed before picking her daughter up and kissing her forehead,
"What on earth happened to you baby girl?"
"That was my fault," Matt admitted shyly, "She wanted to paint a picture, so I let her."
"Ah," Charlie nodded before looking down at her little girl, "You're gonna have to have a nice warm bath when you get home then." Zoe screwed her face up and shook her head,
"No mamma."
"Yes baby, until you learn to paint without getting dirty, that's how it has to be." Charlie laughed before she kissed Zoe's cheek and put her back down on the ground. "So thanks for looking after her." Charlie smiled at Matt.
"That's alright, she's a great kid." He smiled back.
"She definitely is."
"So I eh... I saw you and Brax at the beach earlier on."
Charlie waited for Matt to say something else, but he didn't. "So what?" Charlie asked, prompting a response from Matt.
"Charlie, if it's him you want, what are you doing with me?" Matt asked.
"Matt, I don't want Brax, we're just friends, and if you can't accept that then-"
"Just friends?" Matt interrupted.
"Yes, just friends." Charlie confirmed.
"Then what's he doing waiting outside?"
"After our talk on the beach, he brought me for lunch, and then here to pick up our daughter." Charlie made sure she emphasised the 'our' to show Matt that Brax would always be a huge part of her life because of Zoe, and even if Zoe never existed, he still would be.
"Right," Matt said sharply, "You better get going then, don't keep the guy waiting."
"You're right." Charlie said before walking towards Zoe, "Come on sweetie, let's go."
"Look mamma." Zoe pointed proudly at her painting.
"Baby, mamma will look at it in the car, come on now, Brax is waiting."
"Bwax?" Zoe asked as she looked up at her mother.
"Yeah," Charlie pointed towards Brax's car outside, "He's here to pick you up."
"BWAX." Zoe screamed as she ran towards the front door.
"ZOE AVA BUCKTON!" Charlie yelled. Zoe sighed before turning around and looking at her mother, "You wait for me before you go outside." Charlie told her, Zoe nodded.
As soon as Charlie turned around to pick up her drawing, Zoe ran from the house, screaming for Brax as she ran towards his car.
Brax smiled as he looked towards Matt's house to see Zoe running towards him, screaming his name with her arms open wide.
He quickly hopped out of the car and onto the pavement, Zoe excitedly ran right into his arms, "Hello gorgeous," Brax smiled before he gave her a big kiss on her cheek, "How's my little girl?" he asked as he looked down at her.
"I good." Zoe smiled before nestling herself into Brax's embrace. Brax smiled before he picked her up and began strapping her securely into her car seat. He frowned as he turned around to see the front door slam shut and Charlie angrily walking away from Matt's house.
"Everything alright?" Brax asked as Charlie climbed into the car.
"No," Charlie sighed before doing up her seatbelt, "I hate it when guys get jealous."
"He'll get over it." Brax smiled.
Charlie smiled back before showing him the picture, "I DRAWS THAT." Zoe yelled.
"Did you now?" Brax asked as he turned around, Zoe nodded, "What is it then?" Brax asked.
"Well Bwax, I draws it for you, that's you, that me, and that a big gigi." Zoe giggled as she pointed to her drawing,
"Well it's very good." Brax admitted, "I'm gonna put it up on my fridge as soon as I get home."
Zoe grinned excitedly, Brax smiled at her before placing the picture down on his dashboard as he started the engine.
x-x
Charlie sighed as Zoe crawled into her bedroom for the third time that night, carrying her toy giraffe with her, "Zo, sweetheart, you have to sleep in your own bed."
"I wif you, mamma." Charlie sighed again as she sat up and looked at her daughter, she was certainly persistent.
"Fine." Charlie nodded before she got out of bed and picked up her daughter and closed her bedroom door tightly, "But only for tonight, missy, you hear?"
Zoe nodded as Charlie placed her in the bed before yawning, "Is my baby tired?" Charlie asked as she got into bed beside Zoe and wrapped her arms around her, Zoe nodded before holding her giraffe tightly in one hand, and putting the other on Charlie's arm as she snuggled into her, "Love you baby girl." Charlie whispered as she ran her hand through Zoe's dark curls, Zoe grinned as she looked up at Charlie before puckering her lips, Charlie smiled before giving her daughter a kiss and holding her close again.
For the first in a long time, she was able to fall asleep easily, with no worries, no regrets, and nothing bothering her or hanging over her shoulders. And she had only one person to thank for that,
Brax.
x-x
There we have it, hope you enjoyed this update too, and don't forget to let me know what you thought of it and have a good Easter...again! (:
