Road to Tears
Chapter 6
Molly was back in barracks. She had caught up with Jackie in the mess while they were having lunch. Jackie having been back from Afghan for nearly 4 months. She sat down opposite Molly
"You alright Corp" grinned Molly and Jackie rolled her eyes and looked round the hall.
"Lance Corporal" she grinned "and if no one is around its still Jackie"
"So" grinned Molly "How's it going with Dangles then?" and Jackie's face broke out into a huge smile "It's good, we've been out a lot while you've been away" she sighed "We've been getting on really well, want the same things."
"Yeah he's a goodun" nodded Molly and Jackie laughed.
"So how is it with the Captain?" she leant forward whispering. Although Molly wasn't in his chain of command anymore and back in the RAMC, they both knew it would be prudent to keep this secret for a while longer.
"Getting there" she whispered back "He's been in Headley but should be home in a few weeks."
"You seen any more of his mate?" and Molly shook her head "S'pect I will though when Charles gets back" rolling her eyes.
"Look let's book a girl day out while he's in rehab?" said Jackie "Spa in the Midlands perhaps, see if we can get Georgie down. All get together while we still can before all the Christmas do's start or we get sent somewhere again."
Molly fired off a text to Georgie to see if she was up for it and had an almost instant response of too right, just tell her when and her sister Marie would like to come too. "Leave it with me" said Jackie "I'll let you know as soon as I speak with them and see if they have a day for the 6 of us"
-OG-
True to her word, Jackie did organise a spa day, Jackie driving Molly, Lauren and Katy while Georgie and Marie drove down from Manchester. They had to book to have dinner, stay overnight, breakfast in the morning before checking out. It was one of those mid-week deals, they arrived on Thursday and left Friday. Which was perfect as Charles was due home from Headley sometime on Friday.
Molly had a manicure, pedicure and facial, and every stray hair waxed and removed, she felt positively glowing. Georgie had filled her in that she was still going out with her bloke Jamie, a doctor at the local hospital and was going to be moving in with him. It still disturbed Molly that she hadn't told him anything about Elvis, that she had been engaged before and the groom didn't turn up.
"Probably why she just wants to live with him rather than marry him" laughed Marie "Think it might be the longest engagement in history."
"Don't mean he would do that too though" shrugged Molly "and being a doctor at the hospital you could easily track him down, cut his bollocks off" Georgie laughed "True, he can't piss off to another country like someone else."
"It's been 18 months Georgie since Elvis" started Jackie "Still if you need anyone to hold him down while you cut his bollocks off, you have all of us."
"Thanks girls, but I don't think I will see him again, so there will be no cutting involved" grinning "anyway congratulations Jacs, Lance Corp."
"You too, Lance Corp" all of them raising their glasses.
"I expect you will all start going for promotion soon?" said Georgie to Molly, Lauren and Katy
"Well, my CO recommended I get some GCSE's before I start on that path" sighed Molly "I hated school and not sure about all of that, not sure I'm good enough."
"Come on Molls" encouraged Katy "You can do it and we can help, with adult learning you could probably take them next May or June."
"Yeah" added Lauren "We started basic together only fair we start promotion together" she laughed and raised her glass the Privates clinking their glasses in agreement they would go for promotion together.
"So, what is everyone up to this weekend now we have all been pampered" asked Lauren.
The girls all grinning and saying what they were up to. All except Molly who looked towards Georgie out the corner of her eye.
"Come on spit it out" grinned Georgie "I know you are probably going to come across Elvis what with him and Captain James being best mates."
"Well, we are supposed to be going to Hereford this weekend" she took a big sigh and Georgie could see that she didn't look that happy about going.
"That will be for his pre Christmas dinner he likes to do" she grinned "I have to admit he is a good cook."
"It ain't just that though George" responded Molly still looking forlorn "I won't know anyone and well they are bound to be Ruperts and I ain't really gonna fit in am I?"
Jackie and Georgie both looking at her shaking their heads.
"Why not?" asked Jackie
"Well, they will probably take one look at me and think that I'm Charles bit of rough and that I'm well punching."
"Molly, I've been to a few of these when Elvis and I were going out and while I think he's an absolute bastard he doesn't think like that. It will just be his team and their wives and girlfriends, not a Rupert in sight unless you count Charles" she grinned "I only met him a few times when I was with Elvis and he was really kind when he told me Elvis wasn't turning up, so I don't think he will think like that either. He wouldn't have invited you to go with him if he did."
"He always struck me as a good bloke Molls" added Jackie "Look what he did for Geraint?" raising her eyebrows.
Her eyes still downcast "I do love him and that, but can't help but think he's gonna wake up and think what the fuck?"
"Don't put yourself down Molls" interjected Georgie "He should consider himself lucky he has someone like you."
"Look girls its early days yet and I can't help thinking this will go tits up so don't want no one finding out yet and thinking we were up to stuff on tour, so can you lot not say anything about this till we are ready to tell everyone?"
"Course not Molly" said her mates.
-OG-
They were back in barracks by mid-morning. Jackie had a date with Dangles that evening. Molly was sat in her room wondering what to do with herself. Charles was due back today but he didn't know when. Even after her chat with the girls she wasn't entirely convinced she really wanted to go to Hereford. She wouldn't know anyone apart from Charles and with Elvis being a Captain as well, she would have to be on her best behaviour as they were probably all Ruperts regardless of what Georgie said.
'Are you back yet' came the text from Charles
'Yes' she replied
'See you at the gates in 10 minutes, pack what you need for tomorrow'
She raised her eyebrow, he wasn't giving her a lot of time. She packed what she needed in record time, hoped she hadn't forgotten anything, checked out through the gates and was outside waiting for him as his car drew up.
Molly thought he looked tired, he was pale "Are you alright?" she asked.
"Of course, just a bit tired, the physio takes it out of you" he sighed, he did feel tired, wiped out with the physio and training he had been doing "nothing a take-away and a night in front of the TV with my beautiful girlfriend won't cure."
So, they weren't going anywhere tonight then. They had their take-away and Charles had opened a bottle of wine, not that he drank much of it, he was still taking pain killers for his leg although not as strong and the frequency was less now. They were sat on his sofa, his feet on the coffee table and an arm around her shoulder as she leaned across his chest, her hand on his leg. Both watching Friday night TV. It wasn't long before she noticed his breathing had changed and looked up to see that his head was back against the sofa and he had fallen asleep.
She sat forward putting his hand on his lap and looking at him carefully. She couldn't even make him more comfortable with a cushion behind his head, he didn't have any. She leaned forward again to get the remote control and change channels, there was bound to be a drama on after all it was Friday night, maybe a Lewis or a Vera. She liked them, trying to work out who dunnit. She topped up her glass, curled her feet up on the sofa and settled in for the rest of the evening.
She'd wake him up later, he needed the rest.
-OG-
They had lunch at his place before setting off to Hereford and Elvis' home. Charles telling her that they would stay the night there so he could have a beer or two.
"Oh, do we have to?" she whined and he raised his eyebrow.
"Do you need to get more things from barracks?"
"Well, I ain't got nothing with me to sleep in" and he grinned "Didn't realise we wouldn't be coming back here and I ain't wandering about starkers in his house."
"Do you really not like him?"
"Got nothing to do with that, but he's not seeing me bits" and Charles threw his head back laughing.
"You can wear one of my t-shirts to bed" still laughing "But Elvis is not the type of person who is likely to bring us breakfast in bed."
"Anyway, I think it's him who don't like me" she sighed "He had a right go at me in Afghan."
Sighing he walked up to her put his hands on her shoulders before putting his hand under her chin to make her look at him "because what you did was incredibly risky. He's my best friend and I want you both to like each other and get on."
Molly was searching his eyes, they were pleading with her "OK I'll put me best smile on, be nice and like him for you" putting her arms around his waist, he grinned down at her "Thank you" kissing her on the forehead "He's still a fuckwit though" Charles shook his head grinning "Come on you let's get going."
-OG-
Molly was quite surprised at Elvis' home. It was detached with a large garden and she couldn't understand why he wanted somewhere so big if he lived on his own. Transpired he had a big Italian family living in Essex and he wanted somewhere big enough that they could stay if they came to visit him.
It wasn't a big party, in fact apart from her and Charles it was his team and their wives and girlfriends. Spanner, Dyno, Jackson and Peanut just like Georgie had told her it would be.
"Nice to see you again half pint" he grinned and bent down to kiss her on the cheek.
"Muppet" she whispered into his ear making him roar with laughter.
He guided them through into his living room where Spanner and his girlfriend Jenny along with Dyno and his wife Sue were already seated in various chairs. Being the perfect host, he brought through wine for Molly and a bottle of beer for Charles, introducing everyone. The men funnily enough ended up going into the kitchen with Elvis who was cooking what he had told them was the perfect Italian menu.
"What better than Prezzo?" asked Molly as that was the only Italian she had ever been to, grinning as Elvis mouth dropped open and he put his hand over his heart.
"I can't believe you said that Dawesy" Charles winked at her as he followed with Elvis, Spanner and Dyno to the kitchen leaving Molly with the two women, which she wasn't entirely happy about, she didn't know them.
"Well done Molly" grinned Sue "He could do with taking down a peg or two from time to time."
Molly just nodded, she hadn't realised that her remark would have done that.
"So how long have you and Charles been together?" asked Jenny
"Not that long."
"Well get used to spending most of your time on your own, they will always be off somewhere." said Sue bitterly. Molly looked across to Jenny who rolled her eyes at the remark.
"Even when they are home they want to spend time with their bloody mates" Sue continued and Molly had a distinct feeling that all was not well in that marriage. She slugged her wine back feeling uncomfortable, she really could clump Charles for going off and leaving her like this. What was she supposed to fucking say?
"So, what do you do Molly?" carried on Jenny, noticing that Molly looked uncomfortable after all she didn't know Sue and that she always liked a bit of a moan about Dyno.
"I'm a CMT" she replied and looked at the blank faces of the two women "Sorry, forgot it's a Combat Medical Technician."
"You're in the Army too?" said Sue in a shocked voice "Well at least you will always know where he is."
"We won't be allowed to serve together" not really knowing how to react "What do you do?" she asked politely trying to change the subject.
"Part time job in a school" replied Sue "it fits in with the kids."
"How many you got?"
"Two" Sue replied "one of each" grinning for the first time "Bit of a handful sometimes but they're good kids"
She turned to Jenny "You got kids too?" she asked and Jenny shook her head "No, we're not married. Got engaged mind, and the wedding is next year" she beamed "Got my own salon I'm a hairdresser."
"Blimey" grinned Molly "I will know where to come then after me hair has spent six months in a bloody plait."
The doorbell went attracting all their attention "That will be Jackson and Peanut, wonder who they will be bringing this time" laughed Jenny and caught Molly's look of confusion "They seem to have a different girl every time we see them, don't they Sue?"
"Yeah" replied Sue nodding and laughing "They think they are players" making the other two women snigger.
-OG-
The meal actually went quite well Molly thought. As much as she was worried about being with Charles friends, Elvis was actually a very good host. Made sure no one felt excluded, topped up wine and she had to admit put on an amazing spread. Even the Tiramisu was home made to his Gran's recipe.
Eventually everyone left leaving just her and Charles with Elvis. He brought in coffee and brandy for him and Charles but had made her a cup of tea. Maybe he wasn't all bad.
"So how is the rehab going, you got the all clear for active service yet?" asked Elvis. Charles momentarily closed his eyes, shaking his head "Will be a couple of months yet, then I have to get fit again" he sighed "That's if I want to stay in" and Molly looked across trying to read his face. He had mentioned this when he was in hospital, that he might resign his commission but he hadn't talked about it since.
"What would you do if you left?" asked Elvis "Can't really see you doing anything else"
"Well, if I don't pass the fitness I'm not taking a desk job that's for sure" replied Charles running his hand through his hair.
"Still early days though ain't it?" said Molly seeing that perhaps he didn't really want to leave at all "Don't need to make any decisions yet do you?
"She's right" added Elvis "We can work on your fitness once the leg has healed."
"So" changing the subject "What you doing for Christmas Charlie?"
"We're going to Bath, Sam is coming Boxing Day this year."
She looked at him with narrowed eyes. When they had been in his porta cabin in Afghan after Sohail had died he had said about coming for Christmas, that it was magical but he had said nothing since, not really asked her if she wanted to come. Did he really mean that she was to come with him or was it a slip of the tongue saying 'We'?
"Well, that's me done" she said standing up "I'll leave you two to it."
Elvis had noticed the look she gave Charlie when he mentioned leaving the army and going to Bath for Christmas. He wondered if he had actually discussed any of this with Molly or had just made decisions on her behalf. He couldn't help but grin, he wondered how much longer it would be before Molly Dawes answered back.
-OG-
They were driving back to Aldershot the following morning. Molly a little worried about some of the things Charles had been saying last night to Elvis.
"You know it's too soon to make a decision about the army don't you?" she started
"I've been back seven months."
"You were shot in the stomach and your leg was a mess, its gonna take longer than that mate."
"I'm aware of that" he snapped "Sorry" he added "Just not good at sitting about."
"You're hardly sitting about, what with all the trips to Headley for Physio and the training program they set up for you" she snorted a laugh "You need to take a closer look at me Dad if you wanna see what sitting about looks like."
"I suppose I keep my trousers on" he laughed "Unless I can convince you to take them off" he grinned.
"Bit dangerous ain't it what with you driving and that?" and put her hand on his leg sniggering.
"Well, I didn't mean right this second" he looked across at her and grinned waggling his eyebrows "When we get home perhaps?"
"Charles about Christmas?" and he nodded.
"Mum really goes to town at Christmas, the whole house decorated, it really is magical and you will get to meet Sam" he suddenly thought about her family, remembered the greeting her siblings gave her when they went there "I could book us a hotel and we could go to London see your family for New Year, go and see the firework display?" he looked at her out the corner of his eye "what do you think?"
He watched her shrug her shoulders "I was gonna go up before Christmas, leave the presents for the kids and New Year I sort of said to Jackie about going down the pub for New Years Eve, with 2 section."
"Is that what you want?" he sounded horrified at the thought. He swung the car on to the drive and turned the ignition off.
"How old are you Charles?"
"27 why, does it matter" he sighed "and yes I know how old you are. Are you really saying that you want to spend the evening with 2 Section on New Year's Eve?" He opened the car door and got out, waiting for her to do the same before locking it. She could see by his face he wasn't that happy, but she wanted to go out, have a laugh with her mates.
"You're hardly ready for a pipe and a pair of slippers mate" watching him stomp to the front door and open it. She followed him, this reminded her of the way he stormed off after finding out she had been to Newport, he certainly liked a bit of a sulk. He didn't ask her if she wanted to go back to barracks or come back to his place and if he didn't drive her back tonight she would have to get up at the arse end of dawn to get back so she was on duty on time. "There's Karaoke and you like singing" she grinned behind him "the lads haven't seen you since the funeral they would like to see you."
"I'm sure they don't want to spend the evening with their Captain" he threw the keys in a bowl and walked through to the kitchen putting on his coffee machine. He's definitely got a bit of a strop on she thought.
She stood there in the kitchen looking at his rigid back his hands on the counter not saying anything and she wasn't exactly sure what to say. She had done two tours of Afghan, watched the man she loved shot, buried her friend and spent countless hours worrying about him, sitting with him because he couldn't go out. She wanted to let her hair down, see in the New Year with him and her mates. She felt her eyes fill with tears but wasn't going to cry, wasn't going to let him know she was upset.
Sighing she walked up behind him, put her arms around his waist and pressed herself against him. She felt him relax. "I'll tell Jacs we can't go" She loved him and it didn't matter where they went really, so long as she was with him.
Charles turned round to face her, cupping her face in his hands to make her look at him. He could see she was upset, that she probably did want to go. It was only one night and she was right he did like Karaoke. Maybe it was all the rehab that was making him a bit miserable, the possible loss of his career, but that was no reason to take it out on her, she didn't go out much always coming to see him at Headley.
"No don't do that, we'll go" he smiled at her "About time I caught up with everyone" He looked as her face broke into one of her huge happy smiles. Spending an evening in a grotty pub on New Year's Eve was worth it just to see that look. He would do anything to make her happy.
-OG-
They did go to London before Christmas, Molly laden with gifts for all her siblings. Her Nan sitting next to him, patting him on the leg and asking how he was getting on was he still on the sick. If she was 20 years younger she said she would look after him properly, not like the girls these days. Which made him gulp and Molly burst out laughing and telling her try 30 years younger. "You just let me know if there is anything you need Charles" she smiled at him "Thanks but Molly and the army are helping me."
"You gonna get a bit of compo for this?" asked her father.
"Look Dad, he's getting better he won't need any compo he'll go back to what he was doing once his legs better" berated Molly.
"I'm off down the pub now Bells" shouted her father through to the kitchen "You wanna come too Charlie?"
"I'm driving Dave, got to get us back to Aldershot soon" he smiled at him "another time when I haven't got the car" and with a nod Dave left.
They chatted to Belinda and Nan for a couple more hours when Molly said they should make a move. There was lots of hugs and kisses as they got up to leave.
-OG-
A few days later they were arriving in Bath. Molly had met his parents before and thought they were lovely so she wasn't so worried about that, but this time she would be meeting his son Sam. What if he didn't like her? She knew Sam was important to Charles so if he didn't like her would that be the end of their relationship. To say she was nervous was an understatement, she had spent the whole drive chewing her nails with Charles telling her to stop it, Sam would love her just like he did.
They walked into the hall at Royal Crescent, Charles carrying their bags. Molly looked up the staircase to see it festooned with garlands and a huge tree all beautifully colour co-ordinated in reds and golds. She looked up the stairwell that went round to the different floors and it still made her shiver. Charles was grinning behind her and put his hands on her shoulders "You're not Lee Remick, you won't fall, I'll hold your hand" and kissing the top of her head. "I'll always look after you and hold your hand."
"Who?" feeling a bit dizzy looking up at the stairs and leaning back against him.
Charles chuckled near her ear "Lee Remick, from the Omen who fell down the stairs."
"Really scary film" and she shuddered.
Sylvia came out into the hall at that moment "Molly" smiled broadly and hugged her "Come through into the kitchen, I've got the kettle on, I expect your gasping?"
Charles took their things upstairs as Molly followed Sylvia into the kitchen.
There wasn't the Christmas day riot like there was in her house or the food fight they had in the FOB in Afghan last year, but Sylvia had put on a beautiful spread and Graham was the epitome of a host and constantly topping up their wine. Molly had now learnt not to keep drinking it or he kept filling her glass and she would be face down in the Christmas pud if she carried on like that.
They moved into the front room with coffee and mince pies not that Molly felt she could eat another thing.
"So how was Afghan when you went back?" asked Graham.
"Good, really enjoyed it, loved the teaching side" smiled Molly "Mind you it seems ages ago now since I got back"
"Has your CO got anything else planned for you?" he continued
"Not really, well no tours anyway, he did say I should take some GCSE's and start looking for promotion to Lance Corp."
"That's brilliant Molls" enthused Charles, that would keep her from going on tour for the foreseeable if the army wanted her to study "Maths and English would be good starters, then in your line what about Biology and then there is always Geography and what about History?"
Molly just stared at him shaking her head "I ain't really very good at Maths" Sylvia watched the changing expressions on Molly's face. She would need to have a quiet word with Charles, remind him that he was her boyfriend and not her CO.
"Right, I'd better start the washing up" grinned Graham "as my beautiful wife cooked such an amazing meal."
"I'll help" laughed Molly "It was Sylvia, smashing dinner" and the two of them walked out to the kitchen while Sylvia continued to look at her son while sipping her brandy.
"You know you're not her Captain anymore don't you Charles?"
"Of course, I do" he huffed "She could be brilliant, she's never had a good start, she's bright, keen, she could go far in the army" he had a wistful look on his face "she deserves it."
"I can see you care very deeply for her" sighed his mother "but have you asked what she wants" she giggled "I have a feeling that if you push too hard to achieve her potential you may find you wake the sleeping bear."
"What do you mean?"
"Support her if she asks for help and encourage her, but she is the one that has to want to fulfil her potential, this has to be her dream for herself not your dream for her."
"Am I controlling her?" he looked shocked "Is that what you're saying?"
"You're like your father, army to the core, used to giving orders" she took another sip of her brandy "She's young…."
"Are you saying too young for me?" he interrupted his eyes narrowing his stomach rolling at the thought that his parents didn't care for her as much as he did, that they thought he was cradle snatching.
"No Charles, that's not what I am saying at all" she sighed "She clearly adores you, you can see it every time she looks at you, but don't stifle her trying to make her a good little soldier."
"Elvis said that I had a rod up my arse" he snorted thinking back to his conversation with his friend "he thinks Molly is the one to remove it."
"He could be right if you gave her the chance."
"I do love her Mum" and she could see by his eyes he truly did "I don't want to lose her."
"Then let her decide what she wants as a career and she will ask if she wants your advice." She grinned "she has a tongue in her head and quite capable of using it"
-OG-
Molly finally got to meet Sam. They got on well, he couldn't stop laughing at everything she said, especially when she told him all about her brothers and sisters in London. He hadn't been there before but one of his friends had and told him about the Planetarium, the Zoo and Madam Tussauds so he was desperate to go. Her brothers Jack and Martin sounded just like him and they could show him all round London, they must know it all and where to go. When he found out she supported West Ham along with all her brothers and lived right next door to the ground, he changed teams and decided he would support them too. But when it came to Rugby he would have to support Bath because his Dad did.
The day after Boxing Day they drove back to Aldershot, Molly was on guard duty the following day. Charles was pleased with how Christmas had gone. He knew that Sam would like her and as he was at home on his own while Molly was at Barracks he thought long and hard about what his mother had said. He would try and put more effort into asking what she wanted and listening. He was certainly going to put more effort into New Year, he knew that she wanted to go even if he was a bit sceptical at whether the section wanted him there. He had to remember she was only 20 and had spent most of her spare time with him at Headley trying her best to jolly him along even when he felt like giving up because of the pain.
He heard his phone ringing and looked down grinning at who the caller ID was
"Hello Charlie Boy"
"Elvis and to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Just wondered what you and your cockney half-pint were up to for New Year?"
"We are down the pub for a Karaoke" and he cringed at the thought.
"Fucking hell Charlie, is she getting that rod out your arse already?" laughed Elvis "Well in that case can you put me, Spanner and Jenny up we'll come too."
"What?" he stuttered "Well I suppose, you can have Sam's bed and Spanner and Jenny can have the spare room" he continued "I don't think Molly will like it if you keep calling her half pint, especially after I asked her not to keep calling you the fuckwit."
Charles pulled the phone from his ear as his friend burst out laughing.
"I'll let Spanner and Jen know, they were unable to get back to Scotland for Christmas and were wondering what to do for New Year" he laughed again "I like her Charlie, she has balls I'll give her that, she's good for you Charlie don't mess it up this time."
"What are you on about?"
"You and Rebecca were never going to last the distance were you?"
"Hardly surprising really and you didn't help keep calling her names whenever you turned up."
"Ah but that's the difference mate" laughing "Molly gives as good as she gets, Rebecca just took it personal."
"You telling me you don't mind her calling you fuckwit?"
More laughter from Elvis "Well she has a point, I lost the best thing that ever happened to me didn't I?"
"You did indeed, it was a spectacular cock up on your part"
"I'll text you with an ETA, sure Spanner will like the idea, he always liked a bit of a sing song."
"Ok, will wait to hear from you" he sighed "Oh and Elvis play nice."
"Always."
"One more thing Elvis, we haven't told 2 section about us yet so would appreciate you not filling them in."
"Right mate, and they're not going to guess are they?" bursting out laughing and hung up.
-OG-
Molly finished her guard duty and he picked her up from Barracks with her holdall with what she wanted for New Year's Eve and the following day. He told her that he had had call from Elvis who was going to be joining them along with Spanner and Jenny. Molly just sat there in the passenger seat staring at him shaking her head.
"What did you invite the fuckwit for?"
"I thought we agreed we wouldn't say that anymore?" he said grinning
"You did, I just said I wouldn't say it to him any more" and he bit his bottom lip to stop himself from laughing.
-OG-
While Molly had been on guard duty he had got the bedrooms ready, done some shopping so that they would have something for breakfast in the morning, including coco pops or Nutella depending on how Molly felt in the morning.
"Thanks for this Molly" said Jenny as Molly showed her to the spare room "We were meant to go to Scotland but the snow came in and the trains got cancelled so we couldn't get there"
"I don't live here Jen" grinned Molly "I live in barracks but I stay over weekends"
"Hasn't he asked you to move in yet?"
"Bit difficult, if it's too soon after we were on tour people might put two and two together and come up with five, plus none of Charles's unit know that we are together yet" she giggled and Jen nodded.
"Is it alright we are here?" queried Jenny "we won't know anyone."
"Don't worry" she grinned "You'll love it, Jacs is smashing and Lauren and Katy will be there, it won't just be army blokes"
"But it will be army women" grinned Jenny
Molly laughed "I promise we won't be talking army, you'll have a good time"
-OG-
Molly wasn't wrong, Jenny did have a good time. The girls that Molly introduced her too, Jackie, Katy and Lauren were a good laugh. 2 Section were a hoot as far as she was concerned, she almost wet herself with the antics from Baz and Nudenut.
Most of the lads were standing at the bar all watching the little stage as various people got up to sing. Spanner spent a lot of time up there and had turned out to be a good singer, he did a couple of duets with Jenny and Charles. Most of them had got up to do a turn. Charles was now walking back to the stage a grin on his face.
"He's not going to do that song again like we had to do all through basic and then on tour is he?" sighed Mansfield "He won't make me do the lady parts again will he?"
"DAWES" called Charles from the stage and she walked up on stage standing next to him with her Vodka and Coke in her hand grinning back at him.
"Looks like he's sticking with your replacement" laughed Brains as the opening bars of Elton John and Kiki Dee's 'Don't go Breaking my Heart' started. Brains, Mansfield and Dangles turning back to the bar to order more drinks.
"Well, well well," sniggered Fingers turning to Brains and nudging him "How did we miss that?" Brains turned to face the stage to see Molly with her hand on Captain James arm and him grinning down at her.
"Ere Dangles, Jackie is her mate has she said anything?" asked Fingers as Dangles now looked across.
"Not a word mate, you don't think nothing was going on while we were on tour do you?"
Brains and Fingers looked at each other momentarily before bursting into hysterical laughter.
"What Captain James?" said Fingers "That bloke has probably got Queens Regs tattooed on the inside of his eyeballs."
"No chance" added Brains.
"But they obviously don't want us to know" berated Fingers.
"Well hardly surprising knowing what a gossip you are" replied Brains laughing "knowing Molly they probably don't want people getting the wrong end of the stick" raising his eyebrows at Fingers.
"Well, I think a little wager is called for" sniggered Fingers "Fiver says they tell us in April when it's been a year since we got back" all the men huddled round laughing like naughty schoolboys, handing over their fiver and a date that they thought Charles and Molly would tell them.
-OG-
"Don't forget you are in Sam's bed tonight" sighed Charles to Elvis as he walked back to the bar after having his tongue down the throat of some girl he picked up. He looked across to see Molly dancing with Jen, Jackie, Lauren, Dangles and Fingers
"You can always send the lovely Molly back to barracks and I can have yours?" he smirked.
"Fuck off."
"Nice to see her enjoying herself though ain't it" continued Elvis knowing the jealous streak Charles had always had and watched as he rubbed his leg "I think I will go and join them, after all you don't want anyone knowing about you and her, it'll throw them off the scent" and sauntered on to the dance floor. He put his hands on Molly's waist knowing Charles was watching.
She grinned "Well if it ain't the fuckwit."
"Keep dancing half pint we are being watched" as Molly looked around and saw Charles scowling.
"You know he's besotted with you don't you?" smirked Elvis fully aware of Charles darkening mood from the side-lines as he danced with Molly.
"Dunno mate, can't help but think that he's too good for me."
"Stop putting yourself down half pint" he carried on "look at him, he's smitten."
"He might only think he is cos he thinks I saved him, you know on the bridge."
"Look" he sighed "stop trying to over think things, he loves you, let him in, you might regret it if you don't."
"What like you?"
"Yes, I still have to have hope though" he grinned "one day…."
"I can understand that" she laughed "I'm a West Ham supporter."
"That says it all" he threw his head back laughing as he swung her round to look at Charles black mood. "He's a good bloke, he won't let you down."
"and I should believe that from the bloke who didn't turn up to his own wedding."
"There were very good reasons for that" and she looked into his sad eyes.
"You know I think I believe you."
-OG-
The evening came to an end. Charles still a bit sulky at Elvis and Molly dancing and laughing together.
"Come on then spit it out" she said as she sidled up to him in bed. His hands behind his head staring at the ceiling. She wasn't about to let them go to sleep with things unsaid. She put her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arm around his waist and her leg moved over his. "Say what's on your mind."
"Nothing."
"Are you pissed off with me?"
"What" his arm coming instinctively down to put round her.
"Just got the impression I did something wrong."
"Not you" he sighed "Elvis…"
"What's the fuckwit done now?"
"Just trying to make me jealous."
"And are you" lifting herself onto her elbow so she could see his face looking down into his troubled dark eyes.
"Yes" he finally admitted "watching you laughing and dancing with him."
"You're a right muppet ain't you?" she sighed still looking at him "he's me mate's ex and she still has feelings for him even if she don't want to admit it, he's an absolute fuckwit for what he did and I wouldn't touch him with a barge pole."
His face broke out into one of those smiles that gave her those fluttery sensations and she matched his smile.
"It's been eight months since that tour" he started "enough time, please move in with me, move out of barracks and come here?"
"Are you pissed or something?" she giggled "Why would you want me to do that?"
"No, I'm bloody not" he huffed his hands coming up into her hair and bunching it against her neck "Why wouldn't I want you to live here, with me?" grinning again "I love you."
"Blimey, the fuckwit really pulled a number on you didn't he?" searching his eyes not sure if she really believed it "You sure it's not just cos he made you jealous?"
He pulled her head down to his, kissing her hard pulling her hair to eventually break the kiss "I loved you from the moment you crawled across that fucking minefield" he grinned his eyes dark with lust "Shall I show you how much?"
Her smile matched his and she had to bite her bottom lip she felt so happy "Go on then."
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A/N Thank you for all your reviews - it is much appreciated