I'm sorry for being MIA for so long (I haven't been ignoring your requests for me to update a new chapter) but its been one thing after another lately. The day after posting the last chapter, my mum was taken into hospital after falling really ill. it turned out she had a really bad chest and water infection. So between work, going to visit her at the hospital and taking care of my cousins I haven't even had time to think of writing. But she's much better now and was discharged two days ago. So here is a new chapter for you guys, I hope it doesn't disappoint after you had to wait for so long
"Bianca what's going on?" asked Brax. He caught the glance she gave Heath before looking back at him
…
"I was actually just about to get Heath to call you. Charlie needs you" said Bianca. She knew Brax was going to lose it when he saw the state Charlie was in, but Charlie asked her not to tell him anything, just that she wanted him there
Without waiting for anyone to say another thing, Brax paced down the hall and was outside Charlie's door in less than four strides. He pushed the door opened gently and stepped into the dark room before closing the door behind him. Charlie lay on her side her feet curled up slightly.
"Hy" said Brax as he walked closer to the bed "What's going on?" he asked; knowing she was home and safe had relieved him to the fullest "You had me scared" he stopped beside the bed and slowly crawled in next to her. "Hy" he placed his hand under her chin but frowned as she winced slightly. "Charlie?" he questioned. He felt his eyes widened slightly as she suddenly throw herself at him, her cries now loud enough for him to hear
"Charlie?" he questioned worriedly and quickly edged to the side and turned on the bed side lamp "Charlie talk to…" his words stopped and he felt his heart beating so aggressively he could hear it. The ability to breath almost seized to exist as he eyed the bruise on the left hand side of her face. Her tears streamed down the purple sting that had formed and Brax pulled away from her a little so he could get a good look. His breath had become ragged as anger unknown to even him began brewing
"What the…" he stared at her "Charlie what the hell happened? Who did this to you?" he spoke through a tight jaw and his blazing eyes refused to leave the bruise on her face; till Charlie pushed herself back into him, her arm winding around his waist. Rage settled within Brax as he looked down at her arm only to see a large bruise had formed on her under arm. He exhaled deeply trying to catch the breath that was leaving his lungs with speed. He registered she was crying and immediately brought her closer to him till he was cradling her in his lap her head resting on his chest.
As his arms wound around her, Charlie felt herself let go completely and her cries became louder, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. She felt Brax rock her back and forth not another word spoken from him as he allowed her cry. She shut her eyes tightly trying to rid herself of the image of Angelo towering over her, the feeling of him pressing himself against her. The way she had felt, that feeling of fear, mixed with disgust and helplessness was one she had experienced before. Her whole body had felt numb and from the moment Angelo had seemingly lost it, to the moment Heath and Bianca guided her to her room; all she wanted was Brax. She somehow buried herself deeper into him careful of her cheek that now felt like it had a million electric bolts painfully running through it. Her cries died down, and she felt her breathing regulate in motion to the circles Brax was running over and over along her back. She felt his heart thudding against his chest and knew without even looking at him he had his jaw clenched; she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt he was only barley keeping it together. She kept her head to his chest, wanting nothing more than to wake up beside Brax and find the whole encounter had been nothing more than a nightmare.
"Charlie…" Brax finally called her name again, and although she knew he was trying to hide it, she could hear the anger laced in his voice "Please tell me what happened?"
At this she looked up at him and winced but not from any pain but from the look on his face. Anger couldn't begin to describe what she saw. She shook her head not wanting to tell him who was behind it just yet. He would flip, that much she knew
"Can we just stay here like this?" she locked her eyes against his and somehow she knew there was no way she was going to get him to let up about this
Brax exhaled and ignored her request "Charlie tell me what happened. I want to know who did this to you Charlie?" he gritted his teeth together, unsure how much longer he could keep up his calm composure
"Brax please…"
"If you don't tell me I'll ask Heath" said Brax, never once moving his gaze from hers
Charlie searched his face and closed her eyes briefly. She opened them and spoke "I err… I thought I would come down to the restaurant and see you. And I know you've told me to stop walking at night but I was only coming to the restaurant" she shook her head as she remembered deciding against taking her car, a decision she know regretted more than anything
Brax didn't say a thing; he just waited for her to continue
"I got to the beach, and I wasn't far from the restaurant when I…" she remembered how the first slap he gave her had shocked her to the core "Angelo was there. I err… I just walked away from him and then he just flipped " she pursed her lips trying to stop her tears from falling "I tried to get away from him I really did but that only made things worse. He was beyond drunk" She felt Brax's whole body tense up, his eyes now a deep rage of red, his body almost jumping out from under hers
"Angelo… he did this? He hurt you like this" The ability to stay calm suddenly left as he peered at her bruised cheek. He blinked rapidly. His balled up fists tightening till his knuckles turned white. His eyes trailed her face then moved down to her bruised arm.
"Please don't" Charlie whispered as she looked up at Brax, and he knew what she was asking but he shook his head and side stepped her request. He wasn't going to lie to her nor make a promise he had no intention of keeping. But first thing was first
"I'm calling the police" said Brax but Charlie took hold his hand
"I already told Heath and Bianca I would do that in the morning. I just want to sleep Brax"
Brax shook his head "We need to do it now Charlie. I want him…" Charlie interjected
"Please, I couldn't deal with any questions tonight" she shook her head, not wanting to have to relive what had happened and what she felt would have happened if Heath and Bianca hadn't heard her "I'm tired Brax. I just want to stay here with you" she placed her head back on his chest and felt his hand tighten around her almost taking the breath from her; but she wouldn't complain. She knew he needed this
"Ok" Brax tilted his head back onto the head rest his teeth gritting together; willing his anger to hold out till she at least fell asleep "Tomorrow then"
Charlie nodded "Tomorrow"
Brax slid down the bed, taking Charlie with him. He rolled to the other side so she wouldn't have to rest her bruised cheek or arm on him. Now lay flat on his back, Charlie placed most of her weight on top of him, as he kept his firm hold of her. Brax placed a lingering kiss on her hair line, his hand softly running circles on her back
"I love you" said Charlie. Regardless of the bruise and the pain shooting through her arm, she felt safe in Brax's embrace.
Brax sighed and lifted one hand, running it over her hair "I love you too Charlie, so much"
…
He lay, eyes open wide till he could hear her breath slow down and felt her chest begin to rise at a gentle pace. He kept her in his arms for a moment longer his eyes regrettably darting down to her quickly bruised form. He looked at the time that now read 12:18. He looked back down at her and slowly and ever so gently grazed her cheek. He exhaled as she shifted slightly in her sleep. He finally but gently moved from underneath her and placed a pillow under her head. Looking down at her he placed a kiss on her bruised cheek before slowly making his way out of her room. Shutting her door behind him, he placed his hands on his knee and bent over slightly and exhaled deeply. Every passing second only proved to worsen his anger. Unable to take it anymore he walked with large strides, aiming for the door
"How is she?" asked Bianca as Brax walked down the hall, but he didn't stop. Instead he swung the front door open and walked out with a look she couldn't describe
"Brax…" she stood to her feet and walked to the door but Brax was in his Ute and shot off down the road without even so much as a glanced back
Heath emerged from the kitchen with two cups of coffee "Was that Brax?" he cocked an eyebrow and Bianca nodded. Heath quickly placed the mugs down on the table
"I have to go find him, he'll kill him" he said as he picked up his keys.
Bianca nodded " He err… he took that road there" she pointed to the right hand side of the house and Heath nodded. She watched as he ran to his own Ute and almost found herself hoping Brax did Angelo some serious damage before Heath found him
…
He had thought of going back to the beach but given the time he was banking on Angelo having return to his caravan at the park. He stopped the car with a screech and didn't bother parking properly before jumping out. Angered blood cursed through his whole body and he only had one mission in mind. With a few strides he was surrounded by caravans and stopped to try and remember which caravan he had seen Angelo come out of a few times. Not being able to place it he resolved himself to knocking on each caravan till he found the right one but as he turned to start at the first caravan, his gaze caught sight of something. Walking closer he growled as he saw Angelo passed out in front of what he could only assume was his caravan. Almost leaping towards him, he took no notice of the bruise and cuts on Angelo's face as he yanked him off the ground his fist grabbing a ball of Angelo's shirt
"You bastard" And with that, just as Angelo's eyes opened Brax brought his head back and smacked it against Angelo's.
Angelo groaned loudly in pain as his head bounced of the door of the caravan but before he could even contemplate on composing himself, Brax had once again grabbed a hold of his shirt
"I'm going to kill you" Brax sneered at him loudly before pulling his fist back and making direct contact with Angelo's nose
The pain coursed through his nose and travelled like a jolt to his head "Fuck" Angelo shouted and his eyes widened as Brax took another stride towards him. Angelo scrambled on the floor trying to get away from Brax but soon enough Brax had pulled him back up, his green eyes now a pool of blackness. Thinking quickly Angelo yelled out
"Help" and no sooner had the words left his mouth before Brax head butted him again, sending him flying to the ground
A few lights came on in the other Caravans and people began stepping out, a few gasping as they looked at Angelo's blooded face and Brax stepping towards him
"I warned you" Brax gritted his teeth as he bent down and picked Angelo up again.
Thinking quickly Angelo brought his hand back and tried to take a swing at Brax, but combined with the fact he was still drunk and his gaze was a little hazy from Brax's beating he missed and fell to the ground as Brax's fist made contact with his face again
"Fuck, Brax" Heath ran past the crowd of people that had now formed and were begging Brax to stop. As Brax bent to pick Angelo up again Heath grabbed hold of him and hurled him back. He clenched his jaw as Brax fought against him
"Get the fuck off me Heath" Brax glared at his brother but Heath refused to budge
"Brax you need to calm down" said Heath. He took a quick look at Angelo and his eyes almost widened at the state Brax had put him in "Brax you need to stop" Heath all but shouted and turned back to Brax just as Alf, Roo and Harvey arrived
He heard Roo gasp as she looked down at Angelo, who remained unmoved on the round
"Strut, what the hell is going on here?" Alf looked down at Angelo then up at Heath. Just as Heath was about to lose grip of Brax, Harvey quickly stepped forward taking hold of Brax as well
Brax struggled, his glaring eyes on Angelo "You're dead you hear me, I'm going to make sure you never get to even so much as look at her again"
"Brax, Charlie might wake up, you have to get back" said Heath and he sighed as Brax looked at him and a few seconds later stopped struggling
All eyes were fixed on Brax as he peered down at Angelo and Roo quickly picked Angelo up with the help of Alf. His face had already began to swell and blood seeped through more than one cut on his face. He looked up at Brax and coughed
"I'm sorry"
Brax growled and stepped forward but was stopped by Harvey and Heath. He glared at Angelo "You will be, that much I am sure of" he heaved heavily before forcefully pushing Heath's and Harvey's hands away from him and turned around walking back in the direction he had parked his Ute.
Heath exhaled and looked to Angelo with pure disgust "I guarantee you the only reason I stopped him from doing any more damage wasn't for you. And take my word for it, if you so much as even come within an inch of Charlie ever again, you're gonna wish I'd just let him finish you off now" turning around he ignored the questioning looks from Harvey, Roo and Alf and jogged after Brax
"Roo, take him back to the house and get him cleaned up" said Alf
Keeping hold of Angelo, Roo guided him away as Harvey moved to stand next to Alf
"Everyone back to whatever they were doing please, it's over now" Alf rubbed the back of his head, watching people linger around for a few more minutes before they all retracted back into their caravans
"What the hell do you think that was about?" asked Harvey
Alf shrugged, he had always known Brax as a pleasant person and he knew too well of Angelo's recent drinking habits "I'm as clueless as you but given the look on young Brax's face, I'd say it's not a delicate issue" He sighed as he and Harvey walked back to the Summer Bay house
…
Heath had left his Ute at the caravan park and literally had to pry the keys off Brax's hands so he could drive. Not one word had been spoken throughout the drive. Heath wasn't going to question what Brax had done, if not for having to get Charlie home at the beach he was sure he would have done the exact same thing. Stopping outside Charlie's he turned off the engine and Brax opened the door quickly before stepping out. Heath exhaled and climbed out the car, locking it before following Brax into the house
Bianca lifted her head from the couch as the door opened up. She looked at Brax and her eyes fell on the spot of blood on his collar. Her gaze travelled down and almost widened at the redness of his slightly blooded knuckles she looked back up at him to see him looking at her
"Is she awake yet?" asked Brax and Bianca shook her head
"No, I checked on her not long ago"
Heath stepped into the house and closed the door before dropping Brax's keys onto the table, he ran his hand along his face before sitting down besides Bianca. He wrapped his arms around her as she moved towards him
"You ok?" he asked as Bianca nodded and looked up at Brax
"I take it you found Angelo?" she asked
Heath nodded and Brax spoke
"I'll see you guys in the morning" he said as he walked down the hall.
"How much damage did he do?" asked Bianca. Brax had not a single scratch in him so it was clear the blood wasn't his
"Let's just say it's a good thing I got there when I did" he sighed and looked down at Bianca "Have you called Ruby?" he asked
Bianca shook her head "No, she's at yours with Casey and it's late. I don't want to have her panicked and running down her. I'll call her in the morning"
…
Pushing Charlie's door open he quietly stepped into the room before gently shutting the door behind him. He looked over at her and exhaled before walking into the bathroom and washing away all of Angelo's blood from his hands, he pulled of his shirt and tossed it to the side before walking back into the room and to the side of the bed. Sitting on the edge he went to bent down to take of his shoes but his head shot back up as Charlie started steering and whimpering
"No, please don't" she trashed her legs causing to duvet to moved further down her body "Please…"
Brax quickly moved to her side and gently slid his hand along her right cheek "Charlie" he whispered "Charlie wake up"
"Please…" she murmured again
Brax ran his other hand through her hair, his left hand still caressing her right cheek "Charlie please wake up" and with that her eyes shut open.
She jumped slightly but then stilled when she saw it was Brax's face before her.
"Hy" Brax frowned down at her quickly kicking off his shoes before crawling next to her. Charlie shut her eyes trying to clear her mind of the nightmare that had happened so long ago but was now so clear in her mind "You're ok" said Brax, his thumb caressing just under her eye.
Charlie allowed herself focus on the way his skin felt against hers as she tried to regulate her breathing. No words were spoken as she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. Finally satisfied her chest had returned to rising at a normal pace she opened her eyes to see Brax's pained gaze lock against hers
"I'm so sorry he did this to you" said Brax
Charlie lifted her hand and placed I over his "You have nothing to be sorry for" she frowned as she ran her thumb over his knuckle. Pulling her hand back she took hold of his hand and brought it in line with her gaze. The back of his knuckles were red and several cuts alined it. She sighed and looked up at him knowing he would be expecting her to give him a lecture, telling him he shouldn't have gone after Angelo, but really she was grateful and in awe of how much he cared for her. She brought his knuckles up to her lips and placed a kiss on it before looking back up at him, his gaze fixed on her watching her every move
"Could you lay here with me?" she asked and Brax nodded
Slowly standing to his feet, he pealed of his black pants, tossing them to the side of the room before climbing in next to her. He gently wrapped his arms around her, as Charlie leaned into him on her right hand side, her bruised arm lay on his chest and Brax softly ran his hand over it. Even in the dark he could still make out the bruises on her face which had now swelled a little
Almost has if Charlie could read the thoughts running through his head she spoke "Just be here with me Brax"
Brax exhaled and nodded, looking down at her he placed a kiss in her hairline "I can do that" he held her as tightly as he could without hurting her, running slowly circles along her lower back till the both of them fell asleep
…
Brax had been awake for over an hour, just watching her sleep peacefully. When his eyes had opened that morning and he had caught sight of her bruised face in the light of day and her arm, he wished Heath had allowed him take a few more punches at Angelo. He lifted his hand and softly brushed her growing hair behind her ear. He sighed lightly wanting to take the pain she must have been feeling from her
"How long have you been watching me like that?" Charlie asked before her eyes opened to meet Brax's. She tried to give him a smile, but Brax shook his head seeing that it didn't so much as reach her eyes, it was tight and forced
"Not long" he replied and Charlie looked over him at the clock on her bedside table. It was only 7:02. She looked back up at Brax. She may not have known the exact time but she knew it had been late before she fell asleep in his arms for the second time.
"Did you sleep at all Brax?" she looked up at him and he nodded
"Yea, a little" he gave her the best smile he could muster and turned slightly so he was face her "You ok?" he asked as he ran his hand through her hair
"Honestly?" asked Charlie
Brax nodded "I only ever want you to be honest with me"
Charlie shook her head "No not really" she answered "I'm still expecting to wake up and find that I was just having a really bad nightmare" Charlie knew the feeling of hoping and praying that something wasn't true
Brax closed his eyes and exhaled before opening them "I'm so sorry he did this to you"
Charlie shook her head "I already told you, you have nothing to be sorry for Brax. This was all Angelo" she replied.
"You're still telling the police today right?"
Charlie nodded knowing there was no way se would get out of reporting it with Bianca and Brax on her back "Yea, I'll call them soon"
Brax nodded "How about a nice warm bath?"
Charlie nodded and smiled at him thankfully "I would love that" she replied
Placing a kiss on her forehead, Brax un-wrapped her from his hand and walked into the bathroom to run the bath for her.
…
Ruby and Casey came busting through the front door
"Where's Brax?" asked Casey as he saw Bianca and Heath sat on the couch. He frowned "What are you two doing here?"
Brax emerged from Charlie's room and Casey looked up at him, having forgotten what he had just asked Bianca and Heath "Brax why the hell did me and Ruby hear some guys down the beach talking about you near enough beating Angelo to death?"
Brax sighed and walked into the kitchen "Because I did" was his reply. Before Casey could say another word Bianca spoke
"Something happened last night with Charlie and Angelo" she looked at Ruby as she spoke
Ruby frowned "What happened. Is he harassing her again?" Ruby sighed
"He err… he took it a step further this time Ruby" answered Bianca
Ruby's frown deepened "What do you mean, he took it further. Where's mum?" she stepped forward but Bianca quickly spoke. She knew she needed to prepare Ruby
"Ruby's she's bruised up a little ok… just don't freak out in front of her" said Bianca.
Ruby's eyes widened along with Casey and this time it was Casey who spoke "He hit her?" he asked as both he and Ruby searched everyone's face
Bianca nodded and Ruby paced down the hall and into her mother's room. Charlie had her back turned and was stood in her towel when she heard the door open. Expecting Brax she turned but found Ruby stood at the door. She watched as Ruby's eyes widened as she trialled Charlie's face, her hand flying to her mouth
"Oh my…" Ruby felt her eyes glaze over as she took in Charlie's swollen and bruised cheek before her eyes travelled down to the dark purple blotches on her arm
Charlie tried for a smile "I promise it's not as bad as it looks"
Ruby blinked several times "Angelo did this to you" a tear fell from her eye
Charlie quickly stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her daughter "Hy I'm fine, I'm a tough cookie" she felt Ruby wrap her arms tightly around her, both of them stood like that for a moment
Ruby finally pulled back and took a closer look at Charlie's face "I can't believe he would do this to you" she shook her head
"He was drunk, completely out of it"
Ruby sneered "That isn't an excuse" and Charlie shook her head
"No I'm not making excuses for him ok, I just can't believe he would do this either"
"You've told the police right, they arrested him haven't they?" Ruby looked at Charlie expectantly
"No not yet but I will"
Ruby dug her phone from her pocket and pointed it at Charlie "Do it now" she said "He can't get away with this"
"Ruby…" Charlie went to speak but Ruby cut her off
"Mum please do it now" she pursed her lips her eyes pleading with Charlie
Charlie sighed knowing Ruby needed this just as much as she did. She nodded "Ok. But I'll do it with my phone" she walked over to the bed side table and picked up her phone before dialing. She took a deep breath as a woman answered the phone
…
Walking out of her room with Ruby, Charlie saw Heath, Casey and Bianca sat on the couch. She noticed their gazes widened slightly
"Oh my God Charlie" said Casey his eyes fixed on her bruised face as he stood to his feet. He wasn't quite sure what he had expected but it most definitely wasn't this "Are you ok?"
Charlie nodded "I'm ok, thanks Case" she glanced around for Brax, and then turned to the kitchen hoping he would be in there
Casey looked down at Ruby as Charlie walked into the kitchen "Hy" he stepped towards her and wrapped his arms around her "He won't get away with this" he whispered in her ear before placing a kiss on her temple
Brax gave a sad smile as Charlie walked into the kitchen, he stood in front of the sink, out of the view of everyone in the living room and Charlie stopped in front of him.
"I called the police" said Charlie a heavy sigh leaving her lips
Brax stepped forward and ran his hand along her right arm. He was going to insist she call them the moment she walked out of her room
Charlie clasped lightly onto the bottom of Brax's shirt, her fingers playing with it aimlessly, her eyes locked against his "They will be here soon, I err… I have to give a statement" she exhaled "An account of what happened"
Brax nodded and ran his hand up her arm, over her neck and onto her cheek. He slowly caressed below her eyes, before leaning forward and planting a delicate kiss on her forehead "I'll be right here with you" he pulled back and looked at her "That's if you want?" He didn't know all the details of what had happened the night before but he knew talking about it was something she would rather avoid. If him being there would make it harder; then stay away he would
Charlie shook her head and then pressed herself into him, her head now on his chest "I want you there" she let out a breath "I need you there"
Brax nodded but didn't speak. His arms wound around her and he held her as tightly as he could. Closing his eyes he only wished he hadn't had been at work the night before, she was coming to see him and because of that this happened. He fought the urge to curse out loud and stomp out of the house in attempt to finish off what he had started with Angelo. he buried his head into her shoulder and thanked God Heath and Bianca had found her
...
If asked neither of the two could say how long they stood in each other's embrace till Bianca walked around the corner and looked over at the two of them
"Hy" she spoke softly and both Charlie and Brax slowly looked up at her "The err… the police are here"
Brax nodded and Bianca backed out into the living room. Neither of the two had even heard a knock on the door
Charlie looked up at Brax "You're staying right?" for reasons she tried to keep out of her mind, she could feel her somewhat composed form begin to shake slightly. She didn't want it to but, what Angelo had done the night before had reminded her of a past she wanted to forget
Her eyes spoke more than her words as her blue eyes peered up at him. She was thinking, that much he knew, and whatever was coursing through her mind wasn't helping her in the least. Brax placed his hand on her cheek, keeping her gaze in line with his own "You couldn't get rid of me if you tired" He wanted her to report this, she had to, but he didn't want to put too much pressure on her "Charlie if you don't want to do this now just say the word and…"
He stopped as Charlie shook her head "No I need to" she exhaled and grasped his free hand tightly "Just stay with me"
Brax nodded "Always".
He slowly guided her out into the living room. Ruby, Casey, Heath and Bianca were all seated as two police officers one male and female stood not too far from the door
"Miss Buckton?" the male officer questioned And Charlie nodded
Charlie could see the way both their gazes trialed her bruised face in shock ""Yea, that's err that's me" she exhaled and looked to her family as they stood to their feet
"We're just going to give you guys some space" said Heath
Ruby walked over to Charlie, her brown eyes wide "Do you want me to stay?"
Charlie shook her head, she didn't want Ruby to have to hear any of it "No, you go with Case. I'll call you when we're done"
Ruby looked at her for a moment and nodded. She placed a kiss on Charlie's cheek and looked up at Brax, pleading with her eye for him to be there for her
Brax nodded at her and watched as she left the house with the rest of them
"Errr is it ok if my boyfriend stays?" Charlie looked between the two officers praying to God they wouldn't say no
Both officers looked at each other before looking back at her and giving a nod "As you wish" the male officer replied before he stepped forward "I'm Constable Jones and this is Constable Watson" he introduced his other colleague "Is it ok if we sit?" he asked
Charlie nodded and watched as they sat on the two single couches. She felt Brax hands entwine with hers as he led her to the couch, only sitting after she had sat down
"You called about pressing Charges against a Mr Rosetto for assault?" asked the male office
Charlie blinked and nodded "Yea" she spoke timidly.
"We don't want you to be nervous about anything, we're here to help and the best way for us to do that is if you could give us an account as accurate as possible of what transpired between you and Mr Rosetto leading up to your assault" this time it had been the female officer who had spoken "So we just need you to start from the very beginning… in your own time" she gave Charlie a small smile as she placed a small recording device on the coffee table
Charlie exhaled and closed her eyes for a few seconds before they opened again. She sighed gratefully as she felt Brax's hands glide into her's and squeeze her hand in encouragement
"I was on my way to the restaurant, to see Brax…" she nodded at Brax "And at night I usually just walk through the car park" she shook her head wishing she had done just that "But last night I decided to walk along the beach instead…" and so she carried on, filling them in on every little detail. At first it hadn't been so hard but then she began to recalled the way her face stung as he pinned her to the wall
"The first time he hit me I was…" she paused "Shocked, I errr I couldn't believe it but then when he did it again I just panicked". She could feel the vein on the back of Brax's hands compulsing as she progressed but yet his thumb ran a soothing pattern on the back of her hand
"He had me pinned down to the ground and that's when he…" Charlie exhaled "That's when he kissed me. I moved my head but he just grabbed my hair and held me to him"
Charlie didn't look up to Brax, but she could feel the anger coursing from him, she knew his jaw was locked tightly as she heard his teeth grind harshly together, but still he kept his soft caressing of her hand going, urging her on. She had wanted Brax there but she hadn't thought about how it would be for him to have to hear a detailed account of what had happened. But she knew she couldn't ask him to leave now and she didn't want him to, she couldn't do this if he wasn't there. She slowly carried on
"I just wanted to get away from him, so I went to knee him" Charlie shook her head as she recalled him blocking her "but it was like he expected it. He caught my leg and thats when he hit me again" she watched the two officers watching her intently. Charlie continued to explain all that had happened and then she remembered what he had been doing just as Heath pulled Angelo off her, she remembered where his hand had been. She blinked a few times and paused
"Take your time Miss Buckton" the female officer said.
Charlie nodded and squeezed Brax's hand as tightly as she could, she sighed as she felt Brax's lips on her temple before looking back at the two officers
"I just started yelling… it was all I could think to do and then he put his hand over my mouth and just kept repeating for me to let him show me that he we were meant ot be together" she swallowed hard "That's when Brax's brother Heath and Bianca turned up. Heath pulled Angelo off me but…" a shaky breath escaped her "Just as they showed up, Angelo he err- his hands they were…" her eyes glazed over "he was trying to undo the button on my jeans" she pursed her lips together and she felt Brax stiffen next to her
She didn't need to say anything else; everyone in that room knew the possibility of what could have happened if Heath and Bianca hadn't shown up. Both officers exhaled and the male officer leaned forward and switched of the recording, knowing she had nothing else to add.
…
Brax closed the front door as the two officers left, after telling them they may at some point need to talk to both Heath and Bianca and that they would be in touch soon.
Brax turned to face Charlie, her eyes looking up at him, her feet curled under her. He exhaled, desperately trying to keep his hot blood under control. Her blue eyes seemed so dull and he watched as she finally let a tear fall from her eye. He quickly moved to the couch and sat beside her, pulling her into him and no sooner had he done this that her whole body started shaking as she let out a sob. Her head buried in his chest, his arms wound tightly around her as she tears soaked his shirt. She had blocked that part of the night out till this point, she hadn't wanted to think of what Angelo was about to do to her, what he would have done if no one had heard her
"I'm so so sorry Charlie" Brax closed his eyes, the only thing in his mind was how she must have felt the night before, all alone and scared "I'm sorry" he said again and Charlie clung onto his shirt.
Finally her sobs died down, but no words were spoken. She was crying for what had happened the night before, what could have happened and what had happened all those years ago. It was a memory she had learned to lock out of her life, but now it had been pealed to the surface and it was all she could think about it. Almost nineteen years later and the memories of that night still broke her apart the same way it had done when it had just happened. They sat, Charlie in Brax's embrace for close to two hours, his hands now running a circle along her lower back, her head still buried in his chest.
Charlie could still feel Brax's heart hammering against his chest, his arms locked protectively around her. She wasn't going to accept him carrying around any sort of guilt over what Angelo had done. She spoke "Stop saying sorry. You haven't done a thing wrong" she finally pulled back and looked up at him only for Brax to reach down and wipe her tears away. His hands moving delicately over her bruised cheek
Brax shook his head "I'm meant to protect you, I'm meant to make sure no one ever hurts you"
Charlie sighed and tilted her head "And you have done, countless times. You do more for me than you know"
"Not enough" replied Brax
Charlie shook her head "No, more than enough" she looked up at him and saw the pain and anger in his emerald green eyes and she contemplated not telling him, leaving it for another time but she wanted it to be done with, she never wanted a reason to have to revisit the subject again.
"I should probably make you something to eat" said Brax his hand still on her cheek "You have to eat something… please"
Charlie nodded her head. She had to tell him now before she coward out "I will but first there's something I want to tell you"
Brax looked at her, he had seen in her eyes that she was battling with something but he hadn't wanted to push her or himself. He nodded and ran his hand through her hair, tucking strands behind her ears in the process "You can tell me anything"
Charlie pursed her lips "It's about the reason I was at the park all those years ago… the reason I ran away from home"
Sorry to leave it there guys, I'n not purposely being mean lol but I had to end it somewhere. Hope you enjoyed it :). The second chapter to Everything to me should be up long long after this one. x
