Chapter 54
After Duffy informed Kate that the police had Andrew in custody and been charged, they spent several moments contemplating what that meant to them all. For one, they could rest easily and safely, knowing he wouldn't be back. But, it also dawned on them exactly how much had happened to them all in the passed week. It was overwhelming. After all, these events were a knock on effect of them actually stepping over the line with each other and starting an affair. No wonder it was taking it's toll on them both. So Kate decided it was best to leave Duffy and Charlie alone, and she retired up to her bedroom to get some sleep.
"Do you want me to get you anything?" Charlie asked her, as he looked at her from the chair he was sitting in.
"Um, um, no, no. I'm just tired." Duffy said, as she pulled the sofa throw around her more, as she sat with her legs up on the sofa.
"Ok, why don't you go up to bed? I'll um, sleep on the sofa, don't worry." Charlie suggested, as he looked at her with concern.
Duffy looked up and saw the worry in his features.
"Yeah, um, yeah I think I will." Duffy replied, as she grimaced slightly as she moved to get up.
"Here, let me help." Charlie said, as he quickly rose and was immediately at her side.
"Um, thanks Charlie." Duffy said, as she took Charlie's hand and he helped her to her feet.
They stood so close to each other, their hands still in each other's.
"You ok?" Charlie asked her.
Duffy looked up, and looked at expression on his face, tinged with concern.
"Um, yeah." She whispered.
"What about you? Just look at you." She said, as she rubbed his cheek with the back of her hand, frowning at his bruises and taped up nose.
"I'm ok. I'm more worried about you." He replied, as he squeezed her hand already in his grasp.
"Oh Charlie." Duffy replied, as she smiled shyly at him.
Charlie blushed at her, and smiled shyly back at her.
Their eyes locked, and Duffy reached up and Charlie moved down to meet her lips with his. It was a tender delicate kiss. When they parted they locked eyes once again and shyly smiled at each other.
"Will you, um, will you stay with me." Duffy whispered at him.
"If you want me to." Charlie replied.
She nodded, and took him by the hand and led him out of the living room upstairs to her bedroom.
-o-
The night had been a rough one. Louis had woken up several times, and Duffy struggled to get comfy due to her injuries. Charlie sighed as he lay in bed next to her, he gazed at her, unable to believe that Andrew, Baz and that madman Gary had hurt her so much. And yet, when she slept peacefully, her hair brushing against her face, her injuries we barely noticeable, and she just looked beautiful.
He then couldn't control his yawn, as he then heard her speak.
"I'll get a complex if you keep staring at me you know." She smirked at him.
"How did you?" Charlie replied, as he raised his hand over his mouth, stifling another yawn.
She opened her eyes, and stuck her tongue out at him.
"I just know." She replied.
"Oh, um." Charlie blushed as he answered her.
He then propped himself up on his elbow, getting a bit flustered.
"Did you sleep ok?" Charlie asked, changing the subject.
"A little, I'm still a bit sore though." Duffy replied, as she grimaced slightly, as she moved a bit.
"Yeah, I thought you were. You seemed a bit restless. I'm sorry about Louis though. He just wouldn't settle." Charlie apologized.
"That's ok. Not your fault." Duffy said, as she looked up at him.
"Would you like some tea, or are you going back to sleep?" He asked her.
"A hug would be better." She replied, as she smiled shyly at him.
"Oh, um." Charlie blushed, and he lay back down.
She then lay her head on his chest, and he draped his arm around her shoulder. She sighed, as did he.
"Better?" He asked her.
"Definitely." She smirked at him.
"Good." And he smirked back at her.
It wasn't long before they both drifted off to sleep, content, safe and happy.
-x-
