Haven spent most of the night tossing and turning Brax propped himself up on the bed, he hadn't been able to shake the events that had happened since Charlie and Ruby had returned, and then there were Casey's words. Brax couldn't explain why he did nothing to shut Heath up outside the surf club but it wasn't because he wanted her to suffer, the tears in her eyes nearly broke him but he didn't know how to discard of the wall he had firmly built. For the first time he let himself feel the pain of Ruby's words. 'How could they be dead' Brax realised he would never get to see their faces again, he would never have Elise go out of her way to make sure they were comfortable he would never have Ross give him words of wisdom when times got tough, no matter how much he longed for these things they were never to happen again. He knew Casey was right, both he and Heath had constantly shut her down regardless of the fact they still didn't know why they had left; he should have let her explain
Taking a deep breath Brax opened the drawer and removed the still unopened envelope, what if the answers he was looking for lay inside the contents of what she had written; what if all these years he already had the answers to his question and chose to blindly look away. Shutting his eyes firmly brax plucked up the courage as he slowly opened up the envelope. Taking the letter out he stopped briefly unsure if he was doing the right thing, deciding he had to put his wondering mind to rest he opened up the letter and began to read
Brax
By the time you read this letter I will most likely have already left the Bay and I am so so sorry, you have no idea how much it tears me apart to be without you.
Firstly I need you to know that this is all on me, Don't ever feel that mum and dad don't love you guys, leaving you is breaking their heart as it is mine, they are only doing this to protect me
I know me leaving like this will hurt you and for that I am sorry, but I need you to know how much I love you please don't ever doubt that, don't ever doubt how happy you have made me; I was broken before I met you but somehow you managed to fix me and I thank you for that
You won't understand why I have done this, but I can't stay here I wish there was another way I really do
I know this may be much to ask, and I have no right in asking but please don't forget me, I will never forget anything about you. I know my actions may make you doubt my words but I LOVE YOU with such immensity than I could never fully express it in words. You have made me happy in a way that I didn't think possible; I will forever be indebted to you
Please apologise to Heath and Casey for me and let them know how much I love them, I really hope you can all somehow forgive me for not being strong enough
I pray that one day I will get to see you again even if it's only for a second I will cherish it with my all
PLEASE FORGIVE ME
I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART
Charlie
Running his hands over her words his thumb lingered over the blotched words which he assumed had been caused by her tears. He had spent the last decade unsure of whether she had truly loved him or not and there it was before him, she herself had confessed her immense love for him. He clutched tightly to her letter as he reread her words over and over, his poker face had long ago disappeared leaving him exposed and vulnerable. How could she ever think he could forget her, regardless of his endless attempt the memories of her had always over powered his ego. Although her words had brought him comfort they had answered one question but raised numerous more, her words drove him to a state of confusion, worry and curiosity. 'What did she mean by they had left to protect her? What did she need protecting from that she couldn't have come to him? Brax's thoughts were now in over drive as he reread the letter trying and hoping he had missed a clue, he desperately tried to make sense of her words but to no avail. Burying is head deep within his hands, he remembered their encounter on the beach and how she had desperately tried to explain but each time he foolishly cut her off. Looking over at his phone he turned to see Ella's name flashing on the screen, sighing lightly he picked up
"Hy"
"Hy where have you been all day... been trying to get hold of you " said Ella
"Yh I'm sorry I was rushed off my feet at the restaurant today... how was your day" Brax desperately wanted to divert the conversation from himself
"It was ok I guess... can't say I didn't miss you though"
"Well I missed you too" in all honesty Brax had had too much on his mind to even think of her that day
"I just wanted to make sure you were ok... you had me worried" spoke Ella
"I'm fine there is nothing for you to worry about"
"You sure?" she asked uncertain
"Yh I'm sure"
"Ok so I'll see you tomorrow?" Ella paused hoping he wouldn't disappoint her, she didn't know what it was but she knew he hadn't been himself as of late
"Yh sure... why don't you come by the restaurant after you finish work, we can have dinner together"
"Sounds great" Ella beamed "Bye"
"Bye" Dropping the phone down Brax returned his attention to the letter; after a few more minute he admitted defeat, there were no clues in her words as to what she had been running from. Placing the letter back in the envelope he placed it back within the drawer before slouching down onto the bed hoping his mind would rest up and alone him sleep. But he knew he needed her to try one more time; he needed to know why she had left
...
"Ruby wait up" Casey called after her as she made her way out of the school entrance
Looking over at him Ruby stopped allowing him to catch up with her, finally reaching her he smiled warmly at her
"Not seen you much today" Casey hoped Ruby wasn't avoiding him because of what had happened the day before. As if reading his mind Ruby spoke
"I wasn't avoiding you... me and April have a mock exam week after next so she's had us studying like crazy all day"
"Oh ok... where is she?" asked Casey
Ruby looked up at him sheepishly before replying "I kinda might have bribed Dex to take her off my hands... I swear she actually enjoys studying" Casey let out a little laugh at Ruby's words
"You haven't had to study with both her and Dex... trust me if they ever suggest it just make an excuse and run" Ruby laughed
"Thanks for the tip"
Noticing the slightly awkward air that had now joined them Ruby spoke
"I'm sorry for just blurting it out like that yesterday, its just..."
"No Ruby you have nothing to be sorry for, Heath shouldn't have said those things, and you had every right to be upset"
"Yh and so did he" said Ruby "How are Heath and Brax...you know after yesterday?" Ruby knew them finding out about Ross and Elise would have been hard
Casey shrugged "Heath I could tell was taking it hard, I think he's beating himself up a little about what he said but Brax" Casey noted Ruby's questioning eyes he didn't want her reading what he was saying wrong
"I don't mean he doesn't care it's just, It's like he feels he always as to be strong for all three of us"
"What do you mean?" asked Ruby
"He's got so good at always wearing this mask especially in front of me and Heath it's like he's scared to let anyone see him feel any sort of emotion"
"Maybe that's just his way of dealing with things" said Ruby
"Yesterday when he found out about Ross and Elise I watched him and for a moment he looked crushed but then his cool exterior was back on just as fast as it had slipped"
Ruby nodded as she know understood what Casey was saying
"You know he's not to different from Charlie"
"How?" Casey looked over at her
"She hides and brushed things off, she pretends certain things don't get to her but whenever she thinks no one's looking I don't know... it's like she lets herself feel a little especially since mum and dad"
"I'm sorry" Ruby looked up at him unsure of what he was apologising for
"When you told me I didn't really think about how it would have affected you and Charlie"
Ruby sent him a warm smile "Its fine"
"Where you off to now?" asked Casey
"Err I was just going to go home try and study a little" answered Ruby
"Oh ok"
"Why?" Ruby looked over at him sensing he wanted to ask her something
"I was just wondering if you wanted to come over to mine, Brax might be home and I know he would really like to see you"
"Did he say that?"Asked Ruby unsure if going to Casey's was a good idea
"Not in so many words but I know he will... he missed you guys, we all did" Casey hoped she would say yes, maybe his brothers being around Ruby will be the first few steps into to mending what had been broken
Ruby pondered for a short while before replying
"Ok yh" being honest with herself Ruby was nervous, this would be the fourth time she would be seeing brax since returning to the Bay but it may well be the first time she was going to talk to him. He had been a big part of her childhood that much she remembered but that was ten years ago, she began fiddling with her fingers as they made their way towards Brax and Casey's place.
Walking through the front door Ruby scanned her unfamiliar environment as she stood unsure of what to do
"You can sit down you know" Casey smiled cheekily at her
"Yh of course" taking a seat she continued to look around "So it's just you and Brax that live here?" asked Ruby
"Yep, moved here when Brax opened up the restaurant; do you want something to drink? Asked Casey
As Ruby was about to respond she turned at the sound of footsteps coming down the hall
"Case is that you?"
"Yea" Casey sent Ruby a warm smile as he noticed her tense up
Finally reaching the living room Brax walked through
"Hy how w..." Stopping as he finally took note of the other presence in the living room
"Hi" Ruby looked over at him a little unsure of herself
"Hy" Standing for a few moments Brax studied the young girl before him. It amazed him how much she had grown but how little she had changed, just like all those years ago nearly everything about her resembled Charlie. Noticing his quiet state Ruby looked over at Casey hoping he would say something but thankfully Brax beat him to it
"How've you been?"
"Fine thanks" Ruby sent him a warm smile but still fiddled with her hands nervously, Brax laughed to himself as he noticed her fingers pulling against each other
"You nervous about something?" Ruby shock her head
"Err no why?"
Brax chuckled as he nodded towards her fiddling fingers
"It seems you picked up one of Charlie's habits, she does the exact same thing when she's nervous" Ruby instantly pulled her hands apart resting them on her lap, causing Brax to chuckle even more. Casey looked at Brax with a smile on his face, it was the first time since Charlie's return that he had mentioned her name without anger sketched all over his face.
Ruby sent Brax a sheepish smile "Yh sorry it's just..." Ruby paused unsure of how to phrase her words
"Its fine I know" Brax smiled at her warmly
"I'm sorry about yesterday, Heath and me... there is no excuse, and I'm sorry about Ross and Elise" Brax hoped his apology would be accepted
"It's fine really" Brax nodded at her words before turning to Casey
"Well aren't you a charmer, can't even offer her anything" Brax smirked over at Casey as he spoke
"Actually I did but you can in" replied Casey before turning to Ruby with a raised eyebrow
"Just water please" said Ruby
"I can't believe how big you are" said Brax as Casey gave Ruby her drink
"Wow smooth Brax" Casey shot Brax a smirk
"She knows what I mean" Brax looked at Ruby hoping she did in fact understand what he had meant.
Ruby laughed at the look on his face
"Yes I know what you mean"
...
Unknown to all three of them they had now been talking for over an hour before the rough weather caught their attention. The wind was now blowing aggressively through the Bay, and the sound of thunder rang through the air. Ruby jumped slightly before looking up at the time
"I should probably get going Charlie might be home and I don't want her worrying about me" Ruby motioned to stand to her feet before Brax spoke
"You're kidding right; you can't go out in that weather. Just give me a minute and I'll drop you off" as he finished speaking another bolt of thunder shot through the air as the back door blow open. Rushing towards it Brax quickly shut it putting the lock safely on
"Casey I told you always lock that door"
"Sorry I forgot but you guys can't be serious about going out in that" Casey looked out the window in horror
"Well how else is she going to get home? Asked Brax
Taking a look out the window Ruby sighed, it looked to dangerous being out there, she knew being out there in the storm would only worry Charlie more
"I could just give Charlie a call to let her know I'm ok" said Ruby as she looked over at Brax
"Are you sure?" asked Brax
"Yh, Charlie would freak if I was out in that"
Eventually locating her phone Ruby sighed in frustration
"No signal" she looked at both Brax and Casey unsure of what to do
Brax quickly dug for his phone hoping he would have some reception, looking down at the bars on his phone he handed it over to Ruby
"Here I have reception but you should call now not sure if it will last long in this weather"
"Thanks" Ruby took the phone from his hand as she dialled Charlie's number, unfortunately it went straight to voicemail, deciding her only option was to leave a message Ruby spoke
"Hy Charlie its Ruby, just letting you know I am fine, I'm at Casey's; gonna stay here and wait out the storm" realising her mother may still be on duty at the station Ruby continued "Please be careful... and stay inside, see you later"
Ruby hung up the phone as she passed it back to Brax who was looking at her questionable along with Casey
"It was voicemail" they both nodded in response
Looking down at his phone Brax frowned as he saw Bianca's name flashing on the screen
"Hello" Brax moved closer to the window hoping to get better reception "Bianca are you ok?"
"Brax I don't know where Heath is?" normally this wouldn't bother Brax but looking out of the window Brax feared what accident could meet his brother in this weather. He knew Heaths head had been all over the day since he found out about Ross and Elise
"Bianca I'm sure he is fine" Brax tried to calm her down as he heard her crying over the phone
"No brax he said he was on his way home and that was nearly an hour ago... and now his phone is going straight to voicemail, what if something as happened to him"
"Bianca had been known to be a bit dramatic during her pregnancy but even Brax couldn't deny the growing worry that had arisen within him
"Bianca calm down, keep trying to call him I will try and find him" Before Bianca could protest to Brax leaving the house he had already hung up, Casey's and Ruby's head spun up at Brax words
"Brax you can't be serious, you can't go out there" Casey exclaimed as he walked over to his brother
"I have to, Heath is out there somewhere and Bianca is in hysterics" Brax motioned past Casey as he picked up his car keys
"Brax what if something happens to you" Casey looked on at his brother wide eyed
"Nothing is gonna happen Case, I 'm just going to go find Heath and I will be straight back here" Brax picked up his coat before turning to face Casey
"I don't want you leaving this house ok...Case you hear me?" Casey reluctantly nodded
"And that goes for you too ok; I need you guys to stay here till I get back" Ruby nodded sending him a warm smile instantly receiving one back. She may not have voiced it but she too was worried for him
Opening the front door Brax stumbled back as the harsh wind rushed through the house
"Guys lock the door behind me" fighting his way through the strength of the wind Brax managed to get the door closed with the much needed help of Casey and Ruby
Watching as Brax battled towards the car, Casey prayed that no bad would fall upon either of his brothers he couldn't possibly deal with any more loss. Ruby stood beside Casey her thoughts in line with his. She had a vision of what her life would eventually be like in Summer Bay, although she wasn't sure as to what part the Braxton boys played in that vision, she knew their parts where significant to both her and Charlie's happy ever after
...
Cursing as she looked down at her phone that had now gone flat, Charlie looked around frantically before her eyes settled on her partner
"Jack have you got any signal on your phone, I really need to check on Ruby" digging his phone out of his pocket Jack handed it over to Charlie
"Yh, here you go"
"Thank you" Charlie walked to the back of the office as she tried to get away from all the noise, there had been a million and one call outs since the storm brewed that afternoon, leaving them rushed off their feet at the station. Charlie sighed as Ruby's phone went straight to voicemail, dialling the landline she grow worried as it rang yet no one picked.
deciding to check if she was with April Charlie dialled Bianca'snumber
"Charlie"
"Bianca is Ruby with April?" Charllie hoped her fried would say yes
"No, April is here with Dex but I haven't seen Ruby" Charlie rubbed the palm f her hand against her fore head
"Charlie is everything ok"
"No I cant get a hold of her and I don't think she is at home... Bianca I have to go"
Walking over to Jack, he could see the worried look in Charlie's face
"I have to go look for Ruby, her phones dead and she isn't picking the landline" Jack looked at Charlie wide eyed
"Charlie you can't go out in that by yourself, it's not safe"
"I have no choice" Charlie picked up a rain coat as she made her way for the entrance
"Charlie I'm sure she is fine" Jack knew the dangers of Charlie being out there with no one with her but he couldn't leave the station, they were running short as it was
"But you don't know that... I have to make sure she is ok" before Jack could say another word Charlie ran out of the station as she struggled towards her car
...
Brax had searched all the usual places Heath would have normally been but yet there was still no sign of his brother, unable to fight against the storm any longer Brax made his way towards the surf club and into his restaurant thankful to have shelter. Reaching for his phone he quickly answered, he took a deep breath of relief as Heath's name flashed on the screen
"Heath you ok?"
"Yh I'm fine just got home, Bianca said she called you"
"Yh she was worried sick, where the hell were you?"
"The car broke down, I tried to wait out the storm but it didn't seemed to be getting any better so I came on foot"
"Are you crazy what if something had happened?"
"I know I tried to call but my phone had no signal, where are you?" Bianca had told Heath that Brax had gone looking for him
"I'm at the restaurant, gonna wait it out"
"Sorry for dragging you out the house" said Heath
"Its fine" Brax paused as he heard a distant shout "Heath I'll talk to you later" dropping the phone he listened intensively as he heard the voice again
Walking over to the closed off balcony Brax gasped as he looked through the glass door only to see Charlie trying to fight the wind as she frantically searched her surroundings. Racing for the exit Brax darted into the wind towards Charlie
"Charlie what the hell are you doing out here" he pulled on her arm as he tried to direct her into the restaurant
"No Brax, Ruby I can't find her, s... she's not at home, April hasn't seen her...I have to find her"
"Charlie... CHARLIE calm down she's at my place with Casey" Brax used all his force as he pulled her towards the Surf club Closing the doors behind them
"She's where?"
"She's at mine, she came over with Casey after they finished school"
"Oh thank God... is she ok?" Charlie breathed a sigh of relief grateful to be finally out of the storm
"She's fine, she tried to call you" Brax walked up the steps, looking back at Charlie
"You coming?" She nodded as she followed him up into the restaurant
She stood awkwardly as she took in her surrounding, she smiled as she realised Brax had really made his dreams of owning his own business come true; she couldn't deny the beauty of the place. Looking up as Brax walked out of the kitchen she watched as he placed a cup on a table not too far from her
"Figured you would need to get something warm down ya" She smiled weakly as she walked towards the table
"Thanks" she picked up the cup unsure of what to do next
"You can take a seat you know, don't think this storm is relenting any time soon" Charlie nodded before setting herself down on the chair. She refrained from looking up at him instead choosing to focus on the cup in her hand.
"I'm sorry" She looked up at Brax surprised, in a matter of a day he had gone from running at the sight of her to standing before her and apologising
"What for?"
"For yesterday with Heath, the hospital... the beach" Brax looked over at her hoping he hadn't managed to push her away completely
"It fine, you're angry and so is Heath, I get it"
"Was" Charlie looked at Brax with a raised eyebrow hoping he would clear up what the was trying to say
"I was angry, I thought everything was going good and then you just left"
"I know but I..." As the thought occurred she looked at him hopefully "Did you not find my letter?"
"I did... I found it the day you left but..."
"You didn't read it did you?" Charlie looked on disappointed but now only realising why he had been so hostile towards her
Brax shook his head "No I didn't... till last night" the disappointment on Charlie's faced turned into that of hope
"You kept it?" she asked
"eaYh... but after reading it I'm more confused than I was before" Brax may have been hiding from her explanation before but this time he needed to know what had happened, he hoped she would explain to him
Charlie looked at his expectant face and knew what he wanted, answers; he wanted to know what had taken her away from him, she obliged as she began to speak
"The night of the beach party you were talking to someone that I used to know"
"Who?"
Charlie took a deep breath it was now or never
"Grant" Brax looked at her confused how did she know him? And what did that have to do with her leaving?
"We went to the same school before I moved to Summer Bay; we were together for a while" Brax looked surprised
"You and Grant?" Charlie nodded in response
"But I was only thirteen at the time so we hadn't taken the next step yet... I wasn't ready" Charlie could feel her heart racing against her chest but she knew she had to get these words out.
"We went to a party but I went to one of the rooms because I wasn't feeling too well, that's when Grant joined me" now looking into her coffee she closed her eyes at the recollection of that nights event
"I thought he was just checking to see if I was ok, but he wanted more... and I still wasn't ready" She couldn't see Brax face but she knew his glare was heavily laid on her
"He wouldn't stop, he just kept going, I begged and begged but he wouldn't stop" Charlie slowly looked up as her glare met Brax's, he was now sat on a stool with his hands placed firmly placed on his lap as if trying to steady himself
"W...what are you saying Charlie" Brax tried to swallow but the lump that had formed in his throat refused to budge
Unable to stop her teary eyes Charlie spoke in barely a whisper
"He raped me"
So what do you guys think? (Brax finally knows what do you think his reaction is going to be?) Really want to know what you guys thought of the last two chapters, I did consider having Charlie blurt it out during an argument but I figured since Ruby blurted out about Ross and Elise it would be more tasteful if she was able to tell him a calm manner. I really hope you guys enjoyed these two chapters. Please R+R :)