Molly had been in hospital for sixteen days. She was going stir crazy and because of that her mood was not good.
Bad moods impacted everyone around her. Belinda and Nan had gone back to London the day before. They had been a great support but, Dave was struggling with the kids and Molly had told them to go.
His parents had stayed for three days on their first visit, they had flown in from Italy and had ensured they got him clean clothes, a hotel organised for the duration. Bill had gone to Bath on the train and driven his car back so Charles had transport. He had tried to apologise to his Mother for what had happened between them but, she had shut him down saying it was in the past and Molly was the priority now.
So it was just him today facing off with Molly as she sat in the bed demanding to go home. She had argued with the doctor, the nurses even the poor lady who had brought her lunch in. She had cried several times. She said it was worse than prison 'I highly doubt that Molly' he had replied as he stood across the room looking at her. That had won him a dirty look and silence for the remainder of the afternoon.
At around six and thinking the silence was deafening there was a knock on the door. It was pushed open and Jackie (a medic who had served with them last year) walked in. Charles thought he had never been so glad to anyone and jumped up to greet her.
'Boss, how are you? How is Molly?'
He went to hug her but she stepped back, it was awkward of course. He had been her boss a few months ago. He dropped his arms and looked over at Molly. 'See for yourself Jackie.'
Molly smiled and said 'Come on Jac, lets hear the gossip.'
Charles felt a huge wave of relief that was probably the first time she had smiled in days. He made his excuses and left them to it, thinking they would not want him around.
He went outside for some air and called Belinda. He couldn't tell her that Molly was kicking off about leaving the hospital again. The Doctors had told Molly after two weeks she would be evaluated and a decision made then. The day they had told her she was being kept in for a further two weeks Belinda had been there. So he had help softening the blow. But she had a temper on her, he hoped he did not see it too often.
It didn't seem to matter how serious her injury had been plus the loss of the baby, she just wanted out.
He called his parents and spoke to his Dad. The flat was finished and he had been in to see it. So far so good he said. He had taken some photos and would email them so he could show Molly. He was in touch with the solicitor and all was on track. They planned on coming over at the weekend to see them both and there was some discussion about bringing Sam.
Bill although mindful of Sam seeing someone else close to him in a hospital also thought it important that he see Molly so he knew she was okay. He was asking lots of questions. Rebecca had spoken to Bill that day and agreed with his suggestion. He could also spend some time with Charles. He agreed to think about it and let him know the next day.
Going back to Molly's room about an hour later he met Jackie on her way out. 'Boss, I don't envy you.' she laughed. 'She is pretty ticked off about being stuck in here.'
'I know Jackie, but it is, what it is. When she is fit she will be discharged. How did you find her otherwise?'
'Up and down Boss.'
'Jackie, call me Charles ok.'
She laughed awkwardly 'I will try.'
'She told me about the baby, I am really sorry for you both. She had a good cry. She is fragged though and its not just this that is affecting her. Its last year. It's you, Smurf, shooting Bashira's father.'
'I know but she wont talk about it. I have tried. But, every time she refuses to discuss it with me. In fact she refuses to discuss it with anyone.'
'Well I think she might be ready. I can recommend someone at Headley that she can talk to. I can make a call tomorrow and let you know.'
'That would be great Jackie, I would really appreciate it.'
Charles said his goodbyes and went back to Molly's room. She was lying back on the pillow, eyes closed. Thinking she was asleep he went to sit down in the chair beside her bed. He was trying to read a book but had probably read the same chapter three of four times that day. He picked it up and opened it once again reading that same chapter.
After a few minutes he looked over at Molly and she was watching him. 'Ah Miss Dawes you are awake.'
'Yeah I am tired though, think I will be asleep soon.'
He stood up and brushed his lips across hers. 'Okay Molly close your eyes darling.'
'Charles' He looked at her as he went to sit back in his chair 'Hmmm'
'Sorry, I know I am being a right cow. Well Jackie actually told me I was. Will try and do better tomorrow.' She smiled at him and reached for his hand.
'Molly, you never cease to amaze me. You don't need to apologise for anything. I know you are frustrated, I know you want to get out of here and I want you home. Do you know what its like not sleeping in the bed with you. I miss you elbowing me when I start snoring. My back is fucked from these chairs!'
Molly giggled and after a few minutes fell asleep.
Two weeks later and Molly was being discharged. She had been talking to a counsellor from Headley and although it was early days he felt relieved that she was opening up to someone about everything.
He had put her bags in the car and she was dressed waiting for the doctor to give the okay for discharging. Her eyes were bright and she was genuinely happy that she was going home that day.
He was taking her back to Bath. Belinda had wanted her in London but he had put his foot down saying she needed rest and quiet. If she was with Belinda & Dave she would not get either of those. She had eventually backed down and agreed to come and stay the first weekend. His parents had met Belinda and Nan in the first few days at the hospital, that had been interesting. His father had been fine, but his mother. Well, she had tried to cover her shock but she was not that good an actress.
Belinda, Nan and his Mother had tried their best. But, they had nothing in common except for Molly and him. It had been a relief for all when they had left to travel home. Charles had thought this bodes well for Christmas in Bath this year.
The doctor and his team arrived to check on Molly and the discharge papers were authorised. Molly was almost pushing past people to get out. She had been in hospital just over a month. Charles sometimes thought she forgot she had been shot and lost a baby. It was as though she treated this much like she would a cold.
He knew it was her way of covering her angst but, just once she needed to stop being so damn brave.
The drive back to Bath was slow. Charles refused to put his foot down and drove very carefully. For someone who didn't drive Molly seemed to be giving a lot of advice about driving a bit faster and getting her home in time for Eastenders.
Arriving back Molly had thought they would go to his parents to stay but with his parents help he had completed and exchanged on the flat. Molly had marked things in the John Lewis catalogue she liked before she went to Afghan. He had been supposed to go and sort that out. But his parents had pretty much cleaned out the local John Lewis to furnish it for them. The famous sofa had arrived the day before. His mother said the place looked fabulous.
It was a sunny afternoon as they arrived back into Bath. Charles was happy that tonight he would be able to sleep in the same bed as Molly and put her engagement ring back on her finger.
As they pulled into the road leading to the flat Molly had realised they were not going to his parents and had begun questioning what was going on. When he had said he had a surprise she had started clapping and giggling in the car. He pulled up to the gate and as it opened he saw Brian and waved to him. Brian disappeared quickly and appeared beside the car as they parked. He was holding a huge bouquet of flowers.
Charles helped Molly out of the car and Brian made a huge fuss of handing the flowers over to Molly. When she reached up to kiss him on the cheek he blushed and told her to get away inside. He insisted on carrying the bags in for them and disappeared once he had dropped them in the doorway.
Charles helped Molly thru the front door of their new home and stopped in shock. His mother had been busy. It looked amazing, it looked like a home. He looked down at Molly, she looked exhausted but, exhilarated and happy at what she saw.
She slowly walked around the living area. Picking up things, touching everything. She ran her hand along the back of the sofa and smiling looked over at him 'told you this was the one eh?'
He laughed 'you certainly did. Now Molly its bed for you, you have to rest for a while.'
Molly looked over at the stairs and he realised that she did not have the energy to climb them. He walked over and swung her gently into his arms. He carried her up the stairs to their suite. He plopped her gently onto the bed and pulled the duvet back. He had no idea where he could find any nightwear for her. But, his clever mother had thought of that as he noticed a night shirt folded up on a chair. It was big and cosy perfect for right now. He got Molly into that and then pulled the duvet over her. Sitting beside her with their hands entwined he could see she was drifting off. He glanced at the beside unit and saw the blue box. He reached over and took out the ring.
'Molly I think this is yours.' He placed it on her finger and kissed her hand. Molly smiled but she was already asleep. He sat there for an age. He suddenly felt the relief of everything. Molly was home, she was safe, she was well. A shudder ran thru him and he felt so tired himself. He got up and walked around the bed. He dropped his clothes on the floor and climbed in beside Molly. He rolled over to her and wrapped her in his arms. She sighed and snuggled into his body.
He lay in the bed for hours not sleeping just holding her. Listening to her breathing. The relief was overwhelming. The tears rolled down his face as he thought again how lucky they were to have both survived Afghan. There was only so much adventure you could have in your life. They were done he was sure of it.
Finally he closed his eyes and sleep overtook him. His body relaxed and he loosened his hold on Molly. She opened her eyes and looked at him. 'Love you Charlie James.' she whispered before closing her eyes again and falling asleep.