She gently ran her fingers over the faded scars that remained dotted about on her arms, painful memories flooding back from that night.
The sirens blaring, the air flooded with smoke and the agonising 10minute search for Charlie. Her world came crashing down when they told her in the back of the ambulance that he didn't make it.
It had been a hard 5 months, she had been receiving treatment for her addiction that Carface had infused her with, and now she had been a whole 5 months free. Aiden was completely out of the picture, being seen with a former drug addict did nothing for his reputation. And no one did anything for the broken nose Itchy gave him in return.
She was lay on the sofa when she heard Itchy put the last cardboard box down by the door.
She turned her head and walked over to him. A smile on her face. After that night Itchy decided not to take life for granted and had got back into contact with Lilly. Now engaged, they had just brought a new house on the upper west side of the city, leaving Rebecca in the apartment.
"Well. I guess this is goodbye." He said, smiling sadly. "You sure you're gonna be okay? You know you can come with"
"I'll be fine itchy. You know goodbyes aren't really forever." She replied, helping him with some boxes down the stairs.
"I know. But it's so strange. I'm really going to miss the old days"
She pulled him into a hug. "I'll miss you too Itchy. But things are going to get even better, you'll see"
He got into the car and rolled down the window.
"Call me if you need anything Rebecca. I mean it"
He held his hand out, signalling for her to do the same.
"You'll always be his girl"
With that, he drove off leaving Rebecca on the sidewalk watching him go.
She slowly opened her hand and saw that it was Charlie's dog tags. She curled her small fingers around it, trying to hold back the tears.
She knocked on the front door and looked around, feeling slightly awkward being in such a beautiful estate.
She turned her attention back to the door when she saw it opening a little girl dressed in yellow standing infront of her.
"Becky!" Squealed Ann-Marie, jumping up and hugging her.
Rebecca hugged her back, stroking her black hair.
"Hey kiddo. How are you" she said placing her back down and being dragged into the Kitchen.
Harold and Kate were waiting for her, both sat down preoccupied with a newspaper and waffle making.
"Hey Rebecca. Fancy some waffles?" Kate asked plating some up.
"I wish I could, but I'm only stopping by to give Ann-Marie her birthday present." She replied, handing Ann-Marie a small wrapped box.
The little girl squeeled in delight and looked at her new parents, for permission to open it. Kate came behind Harold and smiled, watching the little girl attack the box with excitement.
"Sophie!" She smiled wildly and held up her rabbit teddy bear she thought she had lost long ago. Jumping down from her chair, she ran up to Rebecca and hugged her tightly.
"Thank you so much Rebecca"
"It's okay kiddo. I know she missed you lots" she said making Sophie plant a small kiss on the young girls nose. She giggled with delight and hugged the animal.
"Itchy said he will come see you soon and give you your present. I've got to go now, but I promise I'll come see you soon" she said standing up.
The little girl smiled and walked to the door with her friend.
Rebecca knelt down to her height.
"You look after yourself kiddo. I'll see you real soon" she said getting up and walking off.
"Rebecca!"
She turned around to see the little girl running after her.
"You'll always be his girl"
Rebecca's heart dropped.
"What? Who told you that Ann-Marie?"
"Charlie did."
She knelt down.
"I want you to remember something."
The little girl nodded at her.
"Even though we weren't the perfect family. Me and Charlie and even Itchy loved you. And you made us a a family. So no matter what life throws at you, just know that Charlie will be looking out for you. And so will I"
"I promise" she smiled.
"Ann-Marie! Breakfast is ready!"
The little girl looked at her mother.
"Go on!" Rebecca insisted smiling. She watched the little girl run back inside, waving one final time before closing the door.
She pulled up outside her now lonely apartment and rested her head on the steering wheel. Her mind trying to register everything that just happened. She looked at her watch to see it was 9pm.
She gently rubbed her fingers across Charlie's dog tags which were around her neck.
"I miss you so much."
She sighed and wiped the tear that was on her cheek.
She unlocked her front door and walked in. The apartment in darkness. She flicked the light switch. But they didn't turn on.
She groaned.
"Itchy!" She sighed, annoyed that she would be sleeping in darkness.
She stopped in her tracks when she noticed the apartment was unusually quiet. She put her bag down and made her way towards her bedroom, knowing her gun was in there.
Suddenly she saw her window blow open, and a yellow glittering light entering through. She was frozen to the spot. She'd never seen anything so beautiful in her life.
Until she saw who had stepped through.
"Hello Babygirl. Did you miss me?" an almost forgotten voice spoke.
She sank to her knees, her eyes filled with tears.
"Charlie?"