Two days had passed since Charlie and Brax had spoken last- unless it was concerning the boys or Ruby- and boy was she finding it hard. He had text her last night to ask her did she want to take them for a couple of hours today and she jumped at the chance-but when she arrived it was Noah that had answered the door saying Brax was busy.
Now she was on her way to drop them back she had taken them to the swim centre for a change and to the park afterwards. Pulling up at the house Heath climbed out of the front "are you coming in?" he asked.
Charlie looked at Brax's car in the drive "um maybe that's not a good idea but I'll see you tomorrow."
"You have exams tomorrow-Brax said it to Noah," Heath replied.
"Yeah and I'll come see you after it," Charlie said hoping he didn't ask again.
"You know Charlie I get you two needs space and why you need it but can't you just talk to him- try being around each other- we've noticed it too-Case asked me why mummy isn't sleeping with Brax."
Charlie looked down at the wheel and sighed "it's not that easy Heath…we can't be around each other without fighting we badly need a few days away from each other."
Heath nodded "I understand that, but can't you come in for a few minutes, he won't say anything to you."
"I know he won't," she replied- looking at the house she sighed and pulled off her belt "fine a few minutes won't kill me," she said and climbed out.
Walking into the house she let the kids run ahead of her, walking into the living room she stopped at the brown haired girl sitting on the sofa-she noticed she wore the same uniform Brax did "uh hi," she said awkwardly.
"Hi," she smiled "I'm Holly…you must be Charlie-Brax is always going on about you, nice to finally meet you," she said and smiled again.
"Yeah you too…where is he?" she asked.
"Oh I was early so I think he was still getting ready his mate let me in," she replied.
Charlie nodded "I'll be back in a sec- you lot be good!" she called as she walked towards his room, she knocked at the door and waited for him to answer before she pushed it open "hey," she said and stuck her head in.
"Charlie hey," he smiled "didn't expect to see you before I left…everything okay?"
"Yeah," she nodded "I just need to talk to you about something," she said trying not to watch him while he pulled his shirt on.
"Have you met Holly…she's a friend from work," he said quickly "she needed a ride she lives two streets over."
"Yeah I met her," she nodded again and leaned against the door "it's Heath I'm worried about."
"Why what has he done?" Brax frowned and walked over to her he couldn't help but look her up and down she wore those shorts and shirt pretty well.
"He hasn't done anything it's more what he's said," she replied.
"Okay so what did he say?" he asked.
"He asked me could we not try to be around each other that he and the boys notice the tension too," Charlie said and stepped closer to him "so do you think we could spend the day together tomorrow let them see that we can?"
Brax stepped back and shook his head "I can't," he said and took another step back "anytime I see you I wanna kiss you, I can't stop thinking about you Charlie," he said and sat on the bed.
Charlie walked over and sat beside him "it'll be better in the long run look at us now after two days we're talking without arguing."
Brax leaned in and kissed her she went to pull back but stopped herself, running her hand along his cheek she pulled him closer.
After a minute he pulled back and stood up "that is why I can't be around you Charlie I can't control myself, we need space and the only way it's gonna work is if we keep doing what we're doing…I gotta get to work, Noah just popped down to his mum he'll be back…good luck with the exams tomorrow," he said and walked out of the room.
Charlie huffed and stood up following him she smiled at Holly and looked down at the boys "you lot can play out back for a while," she said and walked to the door "I need something from my car," she said and walked off to it.
"Is she okay?" Holly asked.
Brax nodded "yeah, she needs something from her car- Boys! I'm off I'll see ya in the morning be good for Noah!" He called.
"Daddy!" Ruby squealed and ran out of Casey's room.
Brax smiled he had missed her too "hey baby I didn't know you were here," he said and picked her up "daddy has to go to work now so you have to go home with mummy but I'll see you tomorrow."
Ruby nodded and kissed him "wuv you daddy," she said and wiggled out of his arms.
"Love you too baby," he said and chuckled as she ran away.
Holly raised an eyebrow "you kept that one quiet," she said looking after Ruby.
Brax shrugged "it's no one's business," he said and walked by her "I'll see ya later," he said as he passed Charlie.
"Bye," she smiled and walked back into the house.
"Nice to meet you Charlie!" Holly called as she followed him.
"Yeah you too!" she called after her.
….
Later that night Charlie groaned as she opened yet another book looking up at the clock she yawned it was after midnight. She looked towards the front door when someone opened and closed it "Pete?" she called a little nervous.
"Yeah it's me," he said and walked in with Watson "hey, why are you still up?"
Charlie groaned and threw down her pen "I am trying to get this lot to stick but it's not happening," she muttered.
Peter chuckled and looked down at what she was doing "why didn't you ask Jack to go over it with you he got an A in it."
"I did," she groaned "and he started messing so I kicked him out."
Peter chuckled again "get some sleep Charlz it'll all be there in the morning you just gotta give yourself a break."
Charlie closed the book "won't argue with that," she said and stood up "I'm gonna head to bed night," she said and hugged both of them.
"Night!" they both called after her.
Just as Charlie crept into her room she jumped when her phone started ringing "damn it," she said and glanced at Ruby's bed. Walking out of the room she answered "Noah do you know what time it is?"
"I know I know I' m sorry I got an emergency here," he said quickly.
"Are the boys okay?" she asked worried.
"They're fine they're all asleep it's my mum, she fell down the stairs my neighbour called me I have to go with her… can you come over and sit with the boys until Brax comes home?"
"I guess so," Charlie said and started to walk back down the stairs "I won't be long."
"Thanks Charlie I'm sorry I had to call you I know you've an exam tomorrow but you know Brax will flip if I called anyone else."
"Don't worry about it I'll see you soon," she said and hung up. Walking to the kitchen she put her shoes on.
"And where do you think you're going at this time?" Watson asked raising an eyebrow.
"Noah has to go he's minding the boys his mum fell I'll have to go over," she said and stood up "Jack and Hayls are already asleep, can you and Pete keep an eye on Ruby-Brax will be home soon then I'll be back."
"Yeah sure but let him know you're going- he's in the shower," she replied and walked into the living room.
Charlie walked up the stairs "Pete!" she called into his room.
"Yeah?" he called back.
"I have to go watch the boys for a while will you keep an eye on Ruby?"
"This late?" he asked walking out of the bathroom "I thought Noah was minding them."
"He is- his mum fell down the stairs."
"Alright," Peter nodded "be careful driving and let me know if you're not coming home," he said as they walked down the stairs.
"I'll be home as soon as Brax gets home," she said and grabbed her keys and school bag "bye!" she called and walked out the door.
Arriving at the house she jumped back when Noah ran out "thanks Charlie I owe ya," he said and kissed her on the cheek before he took off.
Charlie shook her head and walked into the kitchen sitting down she opened her bag and started to take out her books "may as well do some more study," she said and put the kettle on.
Brax arrived home and heaved himself out of his car, his cheek was still throbbing from that fight he broke up all he wanted to do was sit down with a beer then fall into bed. Yawning he let himself in "Noah!" he called expecting him to be on the computer. He frowned when the living room was empty, going to the boys' bedroom he stuck his head in and smiled they were fast asleep, closing the door over he checked on Heath and walked towards the kitchen "Noah mate!" he called again and froze in the doorway.
Charlie looked up from her books "he's not here," she said and closed her books, standing up she began to gather up her stuff "his mum fell he called me, they were asleep when I got here so they're down for the night," she said and threw her bag over her shoulder.
Brax nodded and leaned against the frame "you should have called me to come home I know you have to study."
"I can study here," she said and walked by him "I'll be over for them after my exams."
"Hey," Brax said and grabbed her wrist "don't go?" he asked.
Charlie bit her lip as a tear rolled down her cheek "I have to I have an exam first thing," she said and pulled away from him hurrying for the door, she missed him so much she hated they weren't talking.
"I miss you!" he called stopping her in her tracks.
Charlie dropped her hand from the handle and turned to face him he stood looking at the floor he looked so down-like she did "you didn't seem to miss me earlier you couldn't wait to get away from me…why can't you look at me and tell me?"
Brax looked up at her "because I'm afraid I'll see you walk out that door again and earlier I had to walk away I didn't trust myself." Charlie dropped her bag and walked over to him "I miss you so much Charlie," he said and wiped the tears on her cheeks.
She couldn't do it anymore she couldn't stop herself from being with him-people could change-they could make it work. Leaning up on her toes she kissed him and pulled back "I miss you too," she whimpered "I hate being away from you, I hate I can't come see you- hate I can't call you- hate that we can't even sit in the same room for more than five minutes…I hate everything."
Brax wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back to him "how about we start again-let me take you out when you're exams are done?"
Charlie sighed but didn't pull away she knew she should stay away-even for a bit longer but she was in love with him-he just didn't know it yet. "Where have you got in mind?" she asked wrapping her arms around his neck.
Brax pulled her closer "anywhere you want… I just wanna be with you Charlie."
"Then you got it," she replied "but for the rest of the week we keep our distance...you can pick me up Friday night," she said and moved closer to him "I gotta get home."
Brax smiled down on her and kissed her softly he pulled back and kissed her on the forehead "night babe," he said and opened the door "let me know when you're home," he said as he walked her to her car.
Charlie chuckled "you sound like Pete," she said and climbed into her car "night Brax," she smiled and went to close the door.
"Hey Charlie," he said before she closed her door "things are gonna be different this time- I won't mess it up again," he said seriously.
Charlie smiled "I know," she said and kissed him sweetly "night," she said and pulled back.
"Don't forget to call me!" he called as she pulled away.
Smiling to himself he walked back into the house thanking god she was there when he got home.
Charlie pulled up at her house with a massive smile on her face she knew he meant it and she got a vibe off him she'd never felt before…this time it would work. Letting herself into the house she dumped her bag and went straight to bed- she still had an exam tomorrow and no amount of thinking about Brax was gonna change that.
The next afternoon Charlie skipped out of the classroom pleased with herself "bye bye summer bay high," she said and walked out the doors.
Walking to her car she stopped when Jack sat on her hood "hey what are you doing here?"
"Just thought I'd take you for lunch," he said and wrapped his arm around her shoulder "so how does it feel to get that out of the way?"
"It's a weight off my shoulders," she giggled and started to walk.
"Did B call you about her Birthday this weekend?" he asked.
"I got a message but I just glanced at it why?" Charlie asked as they walked onto the beach.
"She's booked off an area in that club Brax works in are you going?"
"Of course I'm going she's my best mate…might be going," Charlie replied "did she invite you?" she asked.
"Yeah," Jack nodded "me and Kym- we're gonna be keeping an eye on you lot," he chuckled.
Charlie scoffed "please, no bloke comes near us after the looks they get from Dan and Miles."
Jack chuckled "good and two more sets of eyes can't hurt plus there'll be Noah Sam and that Brodie bloke…and Brax."
"Brax is working," Charlie said quickly.
Jack chuckled "stalker," he sang.
"I'm not a stalker," she giggled "I just know what he's working this week so I can watch the boys."
"So you're supposed to be minding them that night?" Jack asked as they walked into the diner.
"Yeah I am but I'm sure Noah's mum would take them…if she's up to it after her fall," Charlie said and sat down.
"Ask Pete he's off," Jack suggested.
"Ruby maybe but I don't think the two younger boys will stay with him," Charlie said.
"They will they're over there with him now having a ball- he's actually playing with them," Jack chuckled.
Charlie frowned "why are they there?" she thought back for a second "Brax never called me or anything."
"I called him Rubes was crying for Casey so I said I'd take them over for a few hours Heath came too."
"Right well we better eat and get back before Pete is calling," she said and called Irene over.
….
Back at the house Kyle Ruby and Casey were glued to some cartoon while Heath sat bored in the corner. Peter stood up "Heath do you want to help me start dinner?" he asked.
"Isn't Brax making us dinner?" Heath asked and followed him to the kitchen.
"Well I figured since you were all here I'd make it and invite him to come too," Peter said as he opened the fridge.
"Do you think that's such a good idea the way him and Charlie are lately?" Heath asked.
Peter chuckled "they'll behave if everyone is around and besides they have to get used to it if they're gonna be in your lives every day…peel them," he said handing him a bag of potatoes.
"Don't you think it's a bit weird the way they're going on? I mean Charlie is nothing to us the same way Brax is nothing to Ruby why haven't they just cut contact altogether?" Heath asked as he started the potatoes.
"Because she loves you boys and Brax loves Ruby they won't walk away," Peter said.
"But I don't get it," Heath frowned "why can't they just get on?"
"Because they love each other and they don't want either to know fighting is their way of dealing with how they feel," Peter chuckled at Heath's confused face "you'll understand when you get to their age, trust me Heath everything will work itself out it- might not be today or tomorrow but it eventually will."
"Okay," Heath scoffed "I already knew Brax was in love with her and it's pretty obvious on her end too what I don't get is why they don't just tell each other, be a lot easier right?"
Peter chuckled and shook his head "it would be but that's life sometimes people act stupid," he said and walked back to the fridge leaving Heath yet again confused.
"Adults," he muttered and shook his head and dug back into the peeling.
…..
Brax looked down as his phone rang "hey," he yawned.
"Hey," Charlie replied "I just got home Pete wanted me to invite you to dinner."
"Thanks but I'm gonna make the boys something here," Brax said and sat up "are they ready to come home?"
"Um no, Pete's already told them they're staying for dinner…he already has it on."
Brax shook his head and stood up "be rude to say no then," he chuckled "I'll be over soon…how did you get on with the exams?" he asked.
"Yeah good I think- I'm pretty confident I passed two of them."
"And the third?" Brax asked.
"Hhm… may have scraped by," she giggled "anyway I better go help Pete, just come in when you get here the door will be open…bye," she said and hung up.
Brax walked into the kitchen "so much for keeping our distance," he said and grabbed his keys.
Arriving at the house he let himself in and walked to the living room, seeing all the kids still glued to the tv he walked on to the kitchen "hey," he said sticking his head in.
"Alright mate," Jack said and walked by him "grab those plates there!" he called back.
Charlie turned from her spot at the counter "hey," she smiled and went back to what she was doing.
"They being good?" Brax asked as he picked up the plates.
"Yeah," she nodded "they don't know how to be bad," she giggled.
Brax chuckled "in front of you," he said and walked in after Jack.
…..
After dinner they all sat around the table while the kids ate their ice-cream "so are you all going out for Bianca's birthday on Saturday?" Peter asked.
"I'm working so I'll be there after," Brax replied.
"Yeah me and Kym are going," Jack said.
Hayley groaned "Pete tell him he's too old to be hanging out with us."
"Oi!" Jack yelled "I'm nearly two years older than you two."
"Yeah two years," Charlie giggled "get your own mates."
"Aw yeah I was good enough for you two when you had no one else to play with," he muttered.
"Aww Jacky we're kidding," Charlie giggled "but no Pete I can't go I've to watch the boys."
Peter raised an eyebrow "but she's your best mate," he said.
"I know," Charlie nodded "but Brax is working so I have to mind the boys."
"Charlie you don't have to mind them," Brax said.
"And who is gonna mind them?" she asked "Noah is going and his mum won't be able to look after them she's on crutches."
"But you have to go," Hayley said wide eyed.
Charlie stood up "some things are more important than partying," she said and took a few plates to the kitchen.
Brax stood up ready to follow her "I'll go," Peter said and stood up grabbing a few more plates he followed her.
Charlie sighed heavily as she opened the dishwasher she really wanted to go she knew Bianca would be pissed. She looked over when Peter pulled her hands away and closed the dishwasher "what?" she asked.
"Charlie you're eighteen, you can't give up your life already," he said and sat down pulling her with him "there is this thing called babysitting…go out and enjoy yourself."
"And who is gonna mind four kids all night?" she asked knowing they wouldn't get home till all hours.
"I'm off me and Georgie can watch them, we assumed we'd have Ruby anyway," he replied.
Charlie sighed "I don't know if they'd stay the whole night without me or Brax around."
"They'll be fine and Heath will be here too he can help out, we'll get a few movies and goodies they'll be fine so neither you nor Brax have to hurry home."
Charlie sat back and thought for a moment "Brax!" she called after a minute.
Brax walked into the kitchen "yeah?" he asked looking between them both.
"How do you feel about Pete and Georgie taking the boys for the night?" she asked.
Brax thought for a moment "yeah that's fine by me," he said "they like them so they won't be looking for us."
"So that's settled then you two are going and the boys are staying here," Peter said and stood up "Brax you can help Charlie clean up in here," he said and walked into the dining room.
Charlie stood up and walked to the sink "I'll wash you dry…the dishwasher is already full," she said and turned on the tap.
Brax walked over beside her and put some plates down beside her "so do you wanna leave Friday then and just go with it Saturday?" he asked.
"Yeah," Charlie nodded "makes sense no point wasting money we'll need Saturday," she said as she washed a plate.
"So are you gonna stay the night with me then?" he asked moving closer to her.
"Brax," she giggled when his hand slipped onto her waist "my brother could walk in."
"So?" Brax said and moved even closer to her dropping a kiss on her shoulder.
"So," she said and shoved him away with her hip "we have to behave and we're supposed to be keeping our distance- remember?"
Brax chuckled and stepped away from her "Saturday better get here fast then," he said and picked up the towel.
Saturday did get here fast-it was now Saturday afternoon and Charlie had finally returned to work. Under orders from Angelo she only did the morning shift after she arrived with a headache. Looking at the clock to see it was two she smiled when her replacement arrived "hey Gina," she said to the girl "thanks, and sorry for dragging you in but Angelo won't let me stay any later."
"No worries Charlie I could do with a few extra shifts…are you going out for Bianca's birthday tonight?"
"Yeah I am are you coming?" she asked as she pulled on her coat.
"Yeah," Gina nodded and walked behind the bar "I'll be along after I finish here… oh nearly forgot, Brax is outside with the kids," she smiled and took Charlie's apron from her.
Charlie's smile grew "thanks Gina and I hope you have your dancing shoes ready!" she giggled as she hurried towards the stairs.
Getting outside she smiled at Brax watching the kids on the beach "hey," she said leaning on the fence beside him.
"Hey," he replied and turned his body to her "since you're heading out later I thought the boys could see you before you started getting ready."
Charlie giggled "I'm not going out until about ten and I do not take that long to get ready."
Brax chuckled "you're a girl I'm sure you take at least two hours to get ready."
Charlie scoffed "I'll have you know I am the quickest at getting ready-quicker than Miles and Dan."
Brax laughed again "we'll see."
Charlie giggled "fine… after you drop the boys off you can bring me back to yours and I'll get ready there just to prove it to you."
Brax chuckled again "alright and what do I get if I'm right?"
"Nothing," she said and started to walk off "you get to drool over me in a sexy short dress," she winked back at him and ran down to the boys and Ruby.
"Great," Brax mumbled and followed her "I'll be doing that all night," he said and caught up with them.
Charlie linked her arm with Brax's "how about I take my boys to lunch?" she asked.
"Mummy!" Ruby yelled unimpressed.
"And my favourite girl," she giggled and picked her up.
"No I daddy's princess," she said and jumped at Brax.
"You sure are baby," he chuckled and put her on his hip as they walked "and we're taking mummy for lunch."
"Can I have a burger mum?" Heath said shocking both Brax and Charlie "what?" he chuckled "everyone else is calling you mum I wanted to see what all the fuss was about," he said and ran ahead to Casey and Kyle.
Charlie stared after him "I didn't just imagine that he did just call me mum right?" she asked looking at Brax.
Brax chuckled "he did, don't worry about it it'll be Charlie again in two minutes."
"I haven't been called mum before it's always mummy that sounded weird," Charlie said after a few minutes.
"Well I can't picture Heath calling you mummy now can you?" Brax chuckled.
Charlie slapped his arm "shut up and take me to lunch I gotta get home and get my stuff together."
…..
A few hours later Charlie looked out her bedroom window and smiled as they boys ran from the car towards the front door "boys are here Rubes, look Casey and Kyle have their pyjama's on are you gonna let mummy put yours on?" she asked walking to her bed.
Ruby sighed dramatically "okay but the blue ones not the pinks ones," she said pointing to the princess pyjamas Charlie had already laid out.
"But you love them baby," Charlie said and sat beside her.
"Daddy bought me the blue ones like Casey and Kyle," she replied.
"Okay, fine," Charlie said and stood up "we'll get the ones daddy got you," she said and pulled the wardrobe door open. "Now mummy is going out so Pete and Georgie will be minding you okay," she said and started to pull off her clothes.
"Okay," Ruby nodded and let her put the top over her head "is Casey sleeping here?" she asked.
"Yes baby, you Casey and Kyle are sleeping in mummy's bed and Heath is sleeping in your bed," Charlie replied.
Peter knocked at her door and stuck his head in "Brax is here he's waiting for you," he said and picked up Ruby "we're gonna take them to the movie store so you can head off…say bye to mummy princess," he said to Ruby.
Charlie leaned in and kissed her on the cheek "bye baby and you be good okay, I love you."
"Wuv you too mummy, Pete say bye to daddy," she said excitedly.
Peter chuckled and shook his head have "fun Charlz…don't call me I can handle them," he said and walked out of the room.
A few minutes later Charlie walked down the stairs with her bag on her shoulder a dress on a hanger in one hand and her blue sparkly shoes in the other "Brax?" she called when the living room was empty.
"Here!" he called from the kitchen.
Charlie walked in and frowned when he was already ready for work "why are you dressed?" she asked
Brax chuckled "I normally am."
Charlie giggled "I meant why are you ready for work?"
"Figured you'd be hogging my room," he replied and looked down at her dress "you're not wearing that?" he asked pointing to it.
Charlie looked down at her dress "I am…what's wrong with it?" she asked.
"Are you trying to kill me?" he groaned.
Charlie smirked and walked closer to him "well, all going well my plan is for you to see me take it off too," she said and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Brax settled his hands on her hips "you know we could skip the watching each other all night…no one's home," he said and lowered his head to kiss her.
"Nu-uh," she said and jumped away before he could "I'll defiantly be late then," she giggled and walked to the door "let's go!" she called.
…
An hour later she walked out of Brax's bedroom dressed and ready to go "ready... not even an hour!" she called and leaned against the frame.
Brax took a sip of his beer and turned to face her…spitting it all over the place, he opened and closed his mouth a few times as he stood slowly "wow," he finally managed to spit out. Charlie stood before him with a black one shoulder knee length dress blue shoes and matching bag, her make-up was done perfectly-not too much, she finished off her look with a long silver heart chain and silver bangles dangly earrings and a blue stone ring. Her hair had been curled and clipped to the side she truly was a vision "you look absolutely stunning," he said still gawping at her-he was surprised he hadn't drooled yet.
Charlie blushed under his stare "um thanks," she said and pulled nervously at her dress, walking to the kitchen she grabbed herself a beer and opened it. Walking back to living room she sat on the sofa and looked up at him "you can sit down you know," she giggled and took a large gulp of her beer.
Brax sat down "I think I'm in shock here," he chuckled "I can't get over how different you look."
"Good different or bad different?" she asked.
"Oh defiantly good," he nodded and looked her over again.
"Good," Charlie said and leaned in to kiss him she kissed him slowly and scooted closer to him. Brax wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer as he deepened the kiss. Charlie finally pulled back "I spent ages getting ready you're not ruining my hair," she giggled and moved back to her beer.
"We couldn't have that now," he chuckled and stood up "who's picking you up from here…I gotta leave in a few minutes."
"Leah's mum –she should be here any minute," she said and pulled out her phone as it rang "Leah?" she answered her eyes widened slightly "and you all just forgot about me?" she asked slightly annoyed "no," she sighed "don't send her back, I'll make my own way I'll see ya there," she said and hung up "idiots," she muttered.
"What's up?" Brax asked.
"I'm gonna have to get a taxi on my own, they all met at Leah's and went on- they were half way there when Bianca remembered me," she huffed and stood up "Jack's already there too."
"You're not getting a taxi on your own you're coming with me," Brax said and grabbed his keys.
"Thanks," Charlie said and followed him out to his car.
Pulling into the staff car park Brax turned off the engine and turned to her "you okay?" he asked she hadn't said a word since they left.
"Yeah I'm fine I'm just a little pissed they forgot about me, I'll be fine in a while," she smiled weakly at him and climbed out "thanks for the lift."
Brax followed her "I can bring you back to mine later if you want," he offered as they got to the door "boys," he greeted the doormen who opened it for him.
"Yeah we'll see how it goes," she said as she walked in, she stopped and looked around for them.
"Back corner," Brax said into her ear "I cornered off the biggest table for her."
Charlie turned back to him "so I'll see ya in a bit?"
Brax nodded and kissed her quickly "go have fun I'll find you on my break," he said and walked off behind the bar.
Charlie walked to where Brax had said they were and spotted them sitting there "Charlie!" Bianca shrieked and ran to her "I'm sorry I'm so so sorry, I was freaking in case they wouldn't let us in, I am so sorry!" she yelled.
"B calm down," Charlie said holding up her hand "it's fine okay I'm fine," she said and looked down at her dress "oh B that dress is gorgeous!" she said looking her pink dress up and down.
Bianca smiled proudly "April got it for me…well dad did," she added "drink?"
"Already ahead of ya B," Jack said handing them both a beer "hey Charlz," he said and kissed her on the cheek "you look nice," he said and walked over to Kim and Dan.
"Where are Miles and Leah?" Charlie asked looking around.
"They went to the 'bathroom'" Bianca giggled.
"Gross," Charlie giggled "where's Hayls and Noah?"
"Not here yet- something about Brodie finishing work late they'll be here soon," Bianca said and led Charlie to the table.
….
A while later everyone had arrived and everyone was having fun, Charlie grabbed Bianca and Hayley up to the bar for shots "what can I get ya's?" Brax asked ignoring the queue.
"Jagar bombs!" Charlie said excitedly.
Brax chuckled she looked like she was having a great night "coming up," he said and walked off to get them. When he got back Charlie was too busy talking to hand him the money he chuckled again when she didn't move when he took it. Walking back with her change he called her "Charlie!" he called, he shook his head when she didn't answer "babe!" he yelled- chuckling when she turned to him straight away.
"Thank you baby!" she said and took it from him.
Brax leaned across the bar "hope you're behaving yourself."
Charlie giggled and leaned closer "can I kiss you?" she asked.
Brax pulled her to him "you don't gotta ask babe, go on, and take it easy on the shots!" he called after her.
"Wow man she is hot!" Sam said and nudged him "she's taken a shine to you pal only been here an hour and she's kissing you already-you my friend have got the moves like Jagger," he chuckled.
Holly scoffed beside them "that's his girlfriend dummy he has a kid with her where have you been," she said and walked off to serve people.
Sam looked at Brax in shock "what?" he asked.
"That hottie is your girlfriend?" Sam asked wide eyed.
"Yeah she is and don't call her that again," he said seriously and walked by him. She wasn't his girlfriend but yet he didn't feel the need to correct people. He walked out from behind the bar to collect glasses while it was quiet-stopping when some guy approached Charlie on the dance floor.
"Don't worry man I got my eye on him," Noah said clapping him on the shoulders.
Brax chuckled as Noah came up behind Charlie and slipped his arms around her waist and dragged her over the other side of the floor, shaking his head he picked up a few glasses and went back behind the bar as it started to pick up again.
Another while later Charlie and Leah stumbled to the bar "Holly!" Charlie called and waved her hands.
"Girls?" Holly chuckled.
"Can we get the cake we left in earlier?" Leah asked.
"Sure…do you want me to light the candles and carry it over?" she asked.
"Um…yeah," Charlie giggled.
"I'll go round everyone up!" Leah said and stumbled off.
"Oi Hol!" Brax called to Holly "no more shots!"
"Aww baby," Charlie pouted.
Brax chuckled and walked down to them "you're wasted."
"But I'm having fun… when do you get your break?" Charlie asked.
"Now," Holly answered and turned to Brax "go be with your mates for the cake," she said and walked into the back with the candles Charlie had given her.
Brax walked out from behind the bar and held out his hand, Charlie slipped hers into it and started to walk with him "what are we doing after this?" she asked.
Brax chuckled "I am getting you home to bed," he said and sat her on a stool.
"And will you be joining me?"" she asked running her hands up his chest.
Brax chuckled and spun her around as the cake came over and everyone started singing.
After that was out of the way everyone split up some dancing some chatting some at the bar- leaving Charlie and Brax alone, Brax titled Charlie's chin to him as she kept looking at someone behind him "what are you looking at?" he chuckled.
"That girl in the red dress she keeps looking at you I saw her at the bar she was so flirting with you," she huffed.
Brax chuckled and wrapped his arms around her "and who am I gonna be going home with?"
"Me," she muttered.
"Exactly- I have no interest," Brax said and pulled her off her stool "how about we get some air before I have to get back," he said and led her towards the smoking area.
Charlie stumbled out of the bathrooms with Bianca giggling they turned the wrong way and ended up at the store room- both gasping at what they saw. Charlie's eyes immediately filled with tears as the girl in the red dress from earlier had her tongue down Brax's throat "let's go," she sniffed and dragged an open mouthed Bianca away and back to the table.
"what a slut!" Bianca shrieked "Charlz you know she threw herself at him he has shown her no interest all night," she said as Charlie dragged her back to the table.
"Forget it B and don't tell anyone what we just saw," Charlie said and picked up the first drink she saw and downed it "Charlie that's vodka!" Jack yelled.
"I don't care!" she yelled and walked up to Dan and Miles at the bar "get me a vodka and red bull will ya?" she asked dropping money in front of them.
"How about no," Dan said handing back her money.
"You can't handle vodka Charlie you go off the head we all know that," Miles said.
Charlie's face turned to anger "I just saw some slut kissing Brax I want a damn vodka!" she yelled.
Miles and Dan looked at one another "I'm gonna take her outside," Dan said and handed Miles the money "come on you," he said and took her hand "we need to have a little chat."
Miles turned back to the bar when someone slammed a glass down "what's up with you?" he asked as Brax slammed around.
"Some tart stuck her tongue down my throat," he said angrily "does I have a girlfriend not mean anything to those skanks?" he shook his head "what if Charlie had have seen her?"
"Uh Brax," Miles said slowly "Charlie did see her…she went off on one."
"What!" Brax yelled wide eyed "where is she-what did she say?"
"She said she saw some slut kiss you, she ain't impressed, Dan took her off to cool down- and mate," he said grabbing Brax as he went to hurry away "I'd leave her to cool off Dan knows what he's doing."
"I don't care I need to talk to her… Sam take over here!" he called and hurried around the bar.
Outside Charlie paced like a mad woman "I should have slapped her- I should have knocked her out, god I could strangle him!" she yelled.
"What exactly did you see?" Dan asked.
Charlie scoffed "her with her tongue down his throat and her arms around his neck."
"And where were his hands? Did he look like he was kissing her back?"
"His hands were by his sides and I don't know I didn't hang around to see what happened next…what does it matter?" she yelled.
"Because he's a barman Charlie- it happens, girls throw themselves at you and don't take no for an answer, you know she's been throwing herself at him all night" Dan said trying to get her to calm down.
Charlie scoffed and rolled her eyes "didn't look like he was pushing her away."
"How about we head home early, you can cool down then talk to him tomorrow," Dan suggested.
"Charlie!" Brax called making his way to them.
Charlie shook her head "get him away from me!" she hissed and walked the other way.
"Charlie!" Brax yelled after her again.
Dan stepped in front of him "let her cool off mate."
"I need to explain what happened."
Charlie laughed "I saw what happened!" she yelled and walked inside.
"Charlie!" Brax yelled and went to go after her "seriously mate if you don't let go of me I'm gonna knock you out!" he yelled.
Dan stepped back and held his hands up "mate you need to let her cool off she's not going to listen to you she's pissed."
"She kissed me!" Brax yelled.
"I know I believe you but you gotta see it from her end, she's not just gonna forget it and you should know her by now…give her a few hours to calm down I'll keep an eye on her."
Brax sighed "alright, but she's not to leave until I speak to her."
"I'll bring her over before we go," Dan said.
"Right," Brax nodded "I better get back."
As they walked back inside Brax stopped and clenched his fist as he watched Charlie dance up against some guy, he clenched his jaw as Hayley tried to drag her away and she pushed her away.
"I'll talk to her Brax don't worry about it, she's mad she doesn't know what she's doing," Dan said and hurried over.
Brax walked behind the bar and rested his elbows on it watching her argue with Dan, she looked over at him and narrowed her eyes before she walked to her table and sat down. Sighing he pushed himself up and went to help Sam and Holly.
…
Closing time had come and everyone finished off their drinks "so what now?" Bianca asked "can't go back to mine," she said.
"Or ours-Pete has all the kids," Hayley added.
"Yeah my mum's up for the opening shift," Leah said.
"We could go back to mine but my mum will want booze," Noah added "I have an idea," he said and walked to Brax at the bar "mate can us lot go back to yours for a party…Just us?" he asked.
"Yeah fine," Brax said and threw him the house key.
"Thanks…are you alright mate?" he asked.
"No," he huffed "make sure Charlie gets home okay."
"I thought you we're bringing her," Noah replied raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah well she saw some chick kiss me and she wouldn't speak to me and hasn't in the last two hours so what do you think?" he snapped.
Noah shook his head "and did you not explain?"
"I tried to she won't let me near her…just make sure she gets home," he said and walked off.
Noah sighed watching him go, walking back to the table he shook his head at the guy sitting beside Charlie "we're going back to Brax's but he's not coming-just us," he said nodding to the guy.
"Deal," Bianca said and jumped up "I'll call few taxis, Dan work your magic on the tag along!" she called.
Dan downed his drink and walked over to them "come on Charlz we're going, you get lost," he said to the guy.
Charlie scoffed "don't tell me what to do- this is Ian he's coming wherever we're going."
"No he's not!" Noah said quickly "we're going to Brax's and he's not coming back," he said seriously.
Charlie raised an eyebrow "fine," she said and stood up "but I am going home alone!" she said and walked off on her own she knew she was pissing Brax off but she didn't care she was still angry.
Brax took this as his moment to get her along grabbing her wrist he pulled her into the back "Charlie you gotta listen to me."
"I don't have to do anything," she said and pushed him away "I'm going home the others are going to yours don't let them wreck the place."
"I thought you were staying with me," he replied.
"So did I," she said and walked off.
"Charlie!" he called after her.
"Save it!" she yelled and walked outside to the waiting taxi.
Brax arrived home an hour or so after the others when he walked in there was only Hayley Noah Leah Miles Bianca and Dan "where's Charlie and Jack," he asked "and Brodie?"
"Jack went off with Kym and Charlie is out back with Brodie," Hayley replied "beer?" she asked holding out one.
"In a sec," Brax said and walked to the back door he knew Brodie wouldn't try anything with her…well he hoped he wouldn't, he sighed in relief when Brodie stood alone "alright mate where's Charlie?" he asked casually.
Brodie frowned "she told me she was going back inside."
Brax nodded "she must be in the bathroom will you be joining the rest of us?"
"Yeah," Brodie chuckled "Charlie just wanted me to play footie with her even though she can't stand," he said and followed Brax back inside.
"I'm just gonna change I'll be back in a sec!" Brax called and walked to his room. Opening the door he closed it behind him and started to unbutton his shirt, turning to the light he turned it on and let out a heavy sigh.
"That bad?" Charlie asked from the bed as she lay looking at the ceiling.
"When you won't talk to me yeah," he said and turned to face her "Charlie I'd never-"
"I don't wanna know," she said and hurried to the door "I saw what I saw."
"Charlie you need to know she-"
"I don't care!" she yelled cutting him off again "us deciding to be anything more than friends will never ever work!" she cried and opened the door.
"Damn it!" Brax yelled and dropped onto his bed "no," he said and stood up "she's not walking away," he said and hurried after her.
Brax glared at Brodie as he stood outside the room with his hand on her waist "she ran into me," he said quickly.
"Get your hands off her and get lost!" Brax hissed and grabbed her by the arm into his room. Slamming the door he pushed her against it "What the hell is your problem?" he screamed.
"You wanna know what my problem is?" Charlie screamed back "you are my problem Brax- you and that girl!" she yelled.
Brax scoffed "what about her?" he asked and took a step back "I tried to tell you what happened but no you wouldn't listen you were too busy being stubborn!" he yelled.
Outside everyone was listening "uh guys maybe we should go," Bianca suggested.
"Yeah I think that's wise," Noah said and stood up.
"Yeah let them have it out they'll be all over each other tomorrow," Dan said and stood up "we better clean the mess up first everyone get something and start cleaning."
Charlie shook her head "Seeing you with her, seeing you kiss her hurt me so bad!" she clamped her hands over her mouth- that wasn't supposed to come out. She took a step back into door and shook her head "that wasn't supposed to come out, I shouldn't have said anything I'm sorry...I gotta go," she said fiddling with the door handle. "I'm sorry," she said again and tried to flee-but not before Brax could catch her.
He pulled her back in and closed the door pinning her to it. "Brax please I wanna go home," she whimpered. She was kicking herself that was the first time she'd let out any true feeling to him.
"Why?" he asked boxing her in with both hands "why did a girl kissing me hurt you?" he knew why-same reason it hurt him seeing her with another bloke.
Charlie closed her eyes "please don't do this," she whispered.
"Why?" he yelled and slammed his hands against the door.
Charlie closed her eyes again as a tear fell she couldn't keep it to herself anymore "because I'm in love with you," she whispered.
Brax closed his eyes and sighed with relief 'about time' he said to himself. Opening them again he took a step back-as much as he wanted to hear her say it it was still a little shock. Running his hands through his hair he looked back at her before stepping closer to her, stroking her cheek he slipped his hand under her chin and tilted her head up and smiled "and she kissed me by the way if you'd stuck around you'd have seen me push her away, seeing that guy even talking to you drove me crazy...I'm in love with you too Charlie- so in love with you."
"Brax no, you don't gotta say anything I'm been stupid… I should go," she said and tried to move.
"No," he said pulling her back "Charlie what is stupid is us thinking we could be just friends- it never worked, I always ended up kissing you or you me. This is it now I don't care what you say or what happens I love you and I'm gonna spend every day showing you just how much," he said stepping closer to her "I love you," he whispered and kissed her.
Charlie wrapped her arms round his neck and deepened the kiss, after a minute Brax pulled back "I'm gonna go kill the party, you stay in here," he said and kissed her again "won't be long," he said and slipped out of the room.
He ran out to the living room to see the front door open and everyone gathered in the porch "what's going on?" he asked.
"We're heading home thanks for letting us come back here Brax, we've cleaned up," Hayley smiled and looked towards the gate when a car pulled up "here's our Taxi look after Charlz…night Brax," she called and followed the others.
"Night Brax!" they all called and climbed in.
"Night guys," he called and shut the front door, locking it he came back to the room.
Charlie walked to the bed and lay back, biting her lip she smiled he loved her she had finally said it and he had said it back, she looked up when the door opened.
Brax walked to the bed and climbed on beside her "they were leaving when I went out so it's just us now," he smiled and pulled her onto his chest.
"I'm sorry," Charlie said a few minutes later "I should have listened to you I knew she was flirting with you."
"Don't worry about it babe as long as you believe I didn't lead her on in any way."
"I don't think that I know you didn't I just got jealous and hot headed, I didn't give you a chance," she said and looked up at him "but I do love you," she smiled.
Brax smiled and lowered his head kissing her slowly "and I love you," he whispered "let's get you ready for bed," he said and rolled her off him.
"Aren't you gonna take this off me?" she smirked nodding to her dress.
Brax chuckled and kissed her "nope you're gonna do that all by yourself…when it happens I want you to remember it babe," he said and walked to his wardrobe.
"Yeah I did drink a lot," she said and sat up.
Brax scoffed "a lot? You drank half my bar," he chuckled and threw her clothes to sleep in.
Charlie changed into them and climbed into the bed "I'll be paying for that tomorrow," she groaned.
Brax chuckled and climbed in beside her "don't worry I'll look after ya," he said and pulled her against him "night babe I love ya," he said and snuggled into her.
"Love ya too," she yawned and closed her eyes, falling asleep with smile on her face.
