The next evening Charlie sat alone around the back of the house on a swing playing with a beer, her and Brax had hardly spoken someone was always around, when she did finally get the house to herself Brax was asleep and he was nowhere to be seen when she woke up this morning. Sighing she kicked off but her feet didn't leave the ground she hadn't the will to make them-she was so lost right now. The more she thought about what Benji was going to do the more she thought about what could go wrong, she looked to the side when someone sat on the swing beside her.
"Just came to let you know we're going home now," Dan said.
"Bye," Charlie muttered she still hadn't spoken to him since he stormed out of her hospital room.
"Charlie," he sighed and stood up, stopping her swing he crouched down in front of her "I'm sorry for what I said at the hospital, I was angry and scared I didn't know what I was saying."
"Yes you did," Charlie snapped "and will I tell you why? You always know what you're saying Dan, you always know what you're doing, you can keep your cool through anything...why did you even go with Pete the other night?"
"I went for you...Charlie, listen to me," he said softly "you're my baby sister and I-"
"I'm not a baby," she cut in.
"I know you're not but you're still my baby sister and you always will be no matter what age you are," he said and sighed heavily "can you imagine walking into that station and seeing me like that?"
Charlie shook her head and looked away from him "I'd go off the rails," she mumbled.
"Exactly, and to know why you were like that-who caused it."
"It wasn't Brax's fault!" she yelled.
Dan shook his head he wasn't getting through to her "Charlie you are in this mess because of him, you're hiding out here because of him you're-"
"What would you do if it was Leah in Brax's shoes?" she asked cutting him off again "would you turn your back on her just like that?"
Dan shook his head "that is completely different."
"Why? Because you're with her longer?"
"No," he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose "alright to answer your question with what you want to hear no I would never turn my back on her I'd help her and stay with her."
Charlie stood up "so how is me sticking by Brax any different?"
"Because you're my sister!" he yelled "you are not supposed to be caught up in stuff like this!"
"I am a cop Dan!" she yelled "not just your sister! I deal with stuff like this every day!"
"And you can walk away from that at the end of shift Charlie! This you can't walk away from, can't you see that he's dragging you down with him?"
Charlie laughed bitterly "dragging me down?" she asked stepping closer to him "if you don't want anything to do with this-not that you were asked in the first place, if you don't want to see me 'dragged down' walk away Dan," she said "walk away and don't look back, go home and be with your family-no one is stopping you, because I am telling you now I am not walking away from him I'm with him all the way."
Dan shook his head "you are my sister and I will do everything in my power to make sure you are okay, to make sure he doesn't get you killed!"
Charlie lashed out and slapped him across the face "go home Dan I don't want you here," she said and walked by him "don't you worry about me I'm a big girl I can handle this by myself."
"Charlie!" he yelled and hurried after, grabbing her by the wrist he pulled her back, sighing he let go of her "I'm not staying away from this you know I'll be on this…for you."
"Why don't you like Brax?" she asked as her eyes filled with tears "he's been nothing but nice to you- the way he came here," she paused "he was prepared for you dad and everyone else to hate him but he still came to that house while everyone was there to meet him-to judge him, because he loves me, he wants to be with me, he'd do anything for me… why can't you be happy for me?" she whimpered.
Dan sighed again "I am happy for you Charlie and I do like him-it's not about him, really," he said and stepped closer to her " he's a great guy, it's the whole situation, I'd be saying the same thing no matter who you were with. I am happy Daryl has his dad and I'm happy you got what you wanted but this could cost you your life can you not see that?"
Charlie wiped her eyes "yeah I can," she said and looked up at him "but I am willing to risk it all to help him out of this because I love him that much, I can't bear to think about what could happen to him, I can't bear to think about my life without him!" she cried.
Dan pulled her into a hug and held her tight "is this what you really want?" he asked "to look over your shoulder every day?"
Charlie clung to the back of his shirt and rested her cheek on his chest "if it means getting to be with Brax then yes," she replied and looked up at him "he's what I want."
Dan shook his head but didn't let her go sighing he closed his eyes "then I'm with you too…anything they throw at us I'll be there," he said and pulled her closer "we're gonna figure this out and this guy is gonna wish he never messed with our family."
"Dan!" Leah called "cars all packed up!"
Charlie looked up at him "thank you," she said and stepped back wiping her eyes "you should go…I'll be home tomorrow."
Dan nodded and walked backwards "love ya kiddo remember that," he smiled and turned around.
Charlie watched him walk away "love ya too!" she called after him. As they pulled away she waved and walked back to the front porch.
…
Another hour had passed and Charlie still sat outside she smiled as Beth appeared and hugged her "we're off sweetie….we're gonna take the four younger ones back with us," she said and stepped back ready for her.
Charlie looked up at her and thought about it-her first reaction was to say no but when she thought again she knew it was the best place, Douggie had never seen Tony or Beth- he had never seen their house, the kids would be safe there "okay," she smiled "did you tell Brax?"
Beth frowned "he left this morning did Jack not tell you?"
"What!" Charlie yelled and jumped up "when did he leave?"
"About ten," Beth said "…did he not tell you he was going?"
Jack walked out dragging bags "why didn't you tell me Brax had left?" she asked shoving him.
Jack dropped the bags and turned to face her "because this is the first time I am seeing you today," he said and reached into his pocket "I would have given you this sooner but no one knew where you were," he said handing her a note.
Charlie looked down on the note it was folded with her name on it, she looked up when her dad walked out with Daryl. Scrunching the note she got down on her knees "bye baby you be a good boy for nana and granddad," she said and fixed his hair "I love you," she said and kissed him on the head.
"Why you not come?" Daryl frowned.
"Because mummy and daddy have to stay here again tonight but we'll be home tomorrow I promise," she said and hugged him. "If you're really good granddad might take you to Angelo's" she said and looked at Tony "won't you granddad?"
"Of course I will," Tony smiled "but we have to leave right now if we want to make it in time for ice-cream."
"Bye mummy!" Daryl called running to car "come on granddad!" he yelled and jumped into the back.
Tony chuckled "bye sweetie," he said and kissed her on the cheek "you look after yourself and be careful," he said and pulled her into a hug "I love ya," he sighed and stepped back.
"Bye dad, I love ya too and don't worry about me I'll be just fine," she said and gave him a watery smile "please look after my babies," she said shakily.
Tony smiled "number one granddad right here," he said pointing to himself "don't worry they'll be fine…bye guys," he said and waved behind him.
Charlie looked behind her to see Hayley and Noah with Ruby in between them "Rubes you have to go," she said.
Ruby sighed and walked to her "love ya mum," she said and hugged her.
Charlie pulled her back and frowned as Casey just walked by her "something up with you two?" she asked.
Ruby sighed "he broke up with me after I talked to Brax…said he needed to focus on him, he seems to think Brax can't look after himself."
"Ruby, why didn't you tell me?" Charlie asked surprised.
Ruby shrugged "you've got enough to deal with-gotta go be safe mum love ya!" she called and hurried to Tony's car.
Charlie looked to Jack's car and sighed as she watched Casey and Kyle climb in "where are the others?" she asked.
"B, April and Heath are gone with Pete and Georgie…they left before you got up," Hayley replied.
Charlie nodded and looked to the door as Martha walked out "I'll see ya when you guys get home," she said and hugged them "and you," she said pulling Charlie into a hug "look after yourself coz if anything else happens to you I'll have to kick your ass," she giggled.
Charlie giggled and hugged her back "I'll be fine and I'll be home in the morning."
"Okay," Martha nodded "we can all meet for breakfast."
"Not gonna be that early!" Hayley called after her.
"Why?" Charlie asked "you have plans?"
Hayley stared at her "hello!" she yelled "it's Martha she'll be ringing us at seven."
Charlie giggled "how did I forget that?" she said and turned to Martha "make it lunch."
"Deal," Martha giggled "bye!" she called and climbed into the car.
"Right I better go, love ya sis," Jack said and kissed her on the cheek "Hayls," he said and hugged her "Noah mate see ya when you get home," he said and shook his hand "look after her," he said nodding to Charlie "bye!" he called and ran to his car.
"Did they make up?" Charlie asked watching him go.
"No," Hayley giggled.
"Was it his fault?" she asked turning to Noah.
"No," he chuckled "he really did knock his drink all over her."
Charlie looked back at the car "she'll get over it…I'm gonna go asleep for a bit you guys doing anything?" she asked as they walked back into the house.
"Just going for a swim," Hayley said "are you sure you don't want to join us?"
Charlie sighed "nah I'm fine I think I got an hours sleep last night, I'm gonna take advantage of the quietness but you guys have fun," she said and walked to her room. Something dawned on her and she walked back to them "have either of you seen Benji?"
"No," they both replied "not since last night," Hayley added "why?"
"Oh no reason," Charlie said and smiled quickly "he just wanted me to look into something for him...have fun," she said and walked to her room.
Lying on her bed she let out a heavy sigh, opening her hand she looked down at the note, sitting up she unfolded it her heart rate speeding up as she did. Opening it out she stared at it "Brax you idiot," she sighed and looked back to it laughing with relief 'gone to clear my head be back later love you xxx B,' throwing herself back down again she closed her eyes finally able to get some much needed sleep.
Brax arrived back sometime later and let himself in frowning at the quietness" hello?" he called and walked towards the kitchen.
"Uh hi," Hayley said and pulled Noah's shirt down further "didn't expect you back so early," she said and looked away from him.
Brax chuckled " I wasn't far away I'll leave you guys to it…Charlie in the room?" he asked.
"Yeah," Hayley replied "she's asleep."
"Alright," Brax nodded "and put some clothes on before the kids see you!" he chuckled and opened the bedroom door.
Walking into the room he dropped the bag he had and made his way to the bed, smiling at her sleeping form he kicked off his shoes and climbed on beside her, lying down he scooted closer to her and pulled her against him, dropping a kiss on her shoulder her snuggled into her hair and closed her eyes.
"You didn't leave me then?" she asked sleepily.
"Never," he said and kissed her head "go back to sleep babe," he said and pulled her closer.
"What time is it?" she yawned.
"Just gone seven," he replied.
"Wow," Charlie said and rolled to face him "I've been asleep since one," she said and snuggled into him "did you clear your head?" she asked.
"Yeah," he said and ran his fingers up and down her arm "where are the kids and everyone else?"
"Gone home, my dad and Beth took the four kids, just us Hayls and Noah left," she replied.
Brax chuckled "I just ran into Hayley seems she's taking advantage of the empty house."
Charlie lifted her head "was she naked?"
"No," he chuckled "she had Noah's shirt on."
Charlie giggled "at least they're having fun….do you know the last time we had sex was at the hospital."
Brax chuckled "babe that was two days ago and in case you forgot your family were here all day yesterday and night."
"They're not here now," Charlie said and moved to sit on him "and it's finally just me and you," she said lowering her head "let's forget everything for a while," she whispered and kissed him.
Brax groaned into the kiss as she pushed herself against him "babe we can't," he said and pulled back "Noah and Hayley are out there."
"So?" she giggled "it's not like they're not doing it themselves they know what sex is Brax," she said and kissed him again.
Brax melted into her and pulled her closer again, after a heavy make out session he rolled them and looked down on her "I love you so much Charlie," he said and stroked her cheek "you are everything to me."
Charlie smiled "we're gonna be fine Brax-we're making it to that chapel if it kills me."
Brax nodded he'd forgotten about that "so you still wanna do it this way?"
Charlie leaned up on her elbows "do you?" she asked searching his face "Brax," she sighed when he hesitated.
"I do wanna marry you babe I want nothing more," he said and sat up properly.
"You just don't wanna do it now," she said and sat up.
Brax turned to her and slipped his hand onto her cheek "I'd marry you right now if you wanted me to," he said seriously "but I only plan on doing this once."
"So what are you saying?" Charlie asked.
"What I'm saying is," he said scooting closer to her "I want you to have the wedding I'm sure you've dreamed of, I want everyone there to see my beautiful bride walk down that aisle with a smile as big as mine. I want our kids to see how happy we make each other and to know true love does exist, I want your dad to know I got you for the rest of my life and that I'll protect you and look after you, I want someone there taking pictures of the most amazing day of my life and most of all," he said and smiled "I don't want you to regret it which I know you'll do if we do this now."
Charlie bit her lip as her eyes filled with tears swiping at them she looked down and nodded "I want that too I just wanted to prove how much I love you," she said and looked up at him "to prove I'm ready to start my life with you."
Brax smiled "babe you started my life the day I met you there is no way in hell anyone or anything in this world is going to get in the way, and you don't gotta prove anything to me you just being here is proof enough."
Charlie smiled again "so we're waiting?" she asked just to be sure.
"Yeah babe," were waiting he said and kissed her softly "you're gonna cost me a bomb I better start saving," he chuckled and jumped back as she swung her hand at him.
"Brax I am not that bad with money," she giggled.
Brax scoffed "you got paid last Friday where did you go first?" he asked.
"To the bank to put my cheque in," she said and lay back.
Brax leaned over her "and where is the bank?" he asked.
"In the mall," she giggled and tried to roll away from him.
Brax chuckled again and held her in place "and where did you go as soon as it was cleared?"
"That doesn't count I needed that dress…and those shoes," she said smiling sweetly up at him.
"And I suppose you needed the matching bag and jewellery too?" he asked climbing on top of her.
Charlie nodded "I did," she said "I had to look all sexy for my date," she giggled.
Brax chuckled "and yet it's still in the plastic on your wardrobe door."
"Well someone hasn't asked me out on a date yet," she said and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Well we'll have to sort that won't we," he murmured and kissed her neck.
"Yeah, but later," she said and pulled him to her kissing him hard.
Afterwards Brax rolled out of the bed "I got something for you," he said and walked to the bag he'd left by the door.
"Yeah?" Charlie smiled and sat up "what is it?" she asked eyeing the bag as he walked back to her.
Brax chuckled and sat beside her "open it and find out," he said dropping it onto her lap.
Charlie pulled the bag open and took out a box "Brax," she said and looked at him quickly. Opening it she gasped and looked over at him "it's beautiful," she said and looked down at it again "thank you," she said running her fingers over it. He had gotten her a silver T-bar bracelet with a silver heart encrusted with diamonds on one side dangling from the end.
"Do you want me to put it on you now?" he asked.
Charlie nodded and took it out of the box and handed him the bracelet and held out her wrist, she smiled watching him put it on her "what's the occasion?" she asked once he was done.
Brax leaned in and kissed her "I don't need an occasion," he said and looked down at it on her arm "there's a little something engraved on there...just so you don't forget."
Charlie looked down at the love heart, turning it over she moved it closer to her face the words were tiny and there was so many of them, she read the message out loud "you'll always have my heart, you'll always have my soul you'll even have me here to hold, when things get tough just look at us-we're gold. I love you with all I got Charlie, it's all or nothing if I have you I have it all, without you I have nothing." She didn't realize she was crying until Brax reached out and wiped her cheeks "sorry," she sniffed "it's just so touching and meaningful," she said and wiped her eyes "I can't believe you wrote this for me...you did write this right?" she asked looking over at him.
Brax chuckled "every word babe it's all from the heart and only for you...the guy behind the counter looked like he was about to puke as I said it back to him," he added and chuckled again.
Charlie giggled and read it again "well it's perfect," she said and moved closer to him "every time I look at it I'm gonna think about you and how much I love you," she said and kissed him deeply.
…
The next morning Charlie groaned and threw her hand over her face as the sun peaked in through the blinds, rolling on her side she opened her eyes and blinked a few times. When they came into focus she smiled at Brax looking back at her "morning baby," she smiled.
"Morning beautiful," he said and leaned in to kiss her.
"What time is it?" she yawned and moved to lie on his chest.
"Eight," he replied and slipped his arm around her "is Hayley always this noisy in the mornings?" he asked.
Charlie listened and giggled as she heard her singing from the kitchen "only when she's happy about something," Charlie said and pulled back the covers "my best friend radar is telling me I need to go see what it is," she said and sat up "I'll make you breakfast," she said and kissed him quickly before rolling out of the bed.
Padding to the kitchen she stopped and leaned against the door watching Hayley dance around while she made breakfast "what's got you so happy?" she asked.
"Well if you must know," Hayley said and placed the pan down "I'm pregnant," she beamed happily.
Charlie gasped and darted her eyes to her stomach "Hayls!" she shrieked and hurried to her "oh my god! Really!" she squealed.
"Yes!" Hayley squealed happily "six weeks, did a test last night, oh Charlz I'm so excited you know how long we've been waiting for this."
Charlie smiled widely watching the look of pure happiness on her face "I do," she said and stepped closer to her "I'm so happy for you!" she squealed and pulled her into a hug "I can't believe you're having a baby," she said and hugged her tight.
"I know," Hayley whimpered "I can't believe it's finally happened."
Charlie squeezed her and stepped back "congrats mummy," she smiled and stepped around her "cravings kicked in already?" she laughed looking at all the food she had made.
Hayley giggled "I made enough for the four of us," she said and walked to pick up a plate "you take what you want," she said and threw a few things onto a plate.
"That's all you're having?" Charlie asked looking at the food on her plate.
Hayley looked down at her plate "well yeah this is what I always have."
"Yeah but you're eating for two now," Charlie said and scooped up more sausages and bacon "you gotta double up the food," she giggled.
"But I'm not hungry," Hayley said looking down at the extra food.
Charlie chuckled "you will be five minutes after you eat what you already had, trust me," she said scooping more food onto her plate "you'll eat all this."
Hayley chuckled "I'm glad I have you around to help me get fat."
Charlie giggled and picked up plates for her and Brax "you're pregnant you're allowed to eat loads, Noah loves you for who you are not what you look like."
Hayley nodded and walked back to her "in that case," she said swiping a sausage from her plate "I'll take one more," she giggled and bit into it "see ya in a while," she said and walked down to her room with two plates.
"See ya," Charlie giggled "and thanks for breakfast!" she called.
A few minutes later Charlie kicked the door in with her foot and walked in with two plates balanced on two cups, Brax leaned over and took the plates from her "what you squealing about? he asked noticing the smile on her face.
Charlie's smile widened and climbed onto the bed "Hayls is pregnant," she said and handed him a cup.
"No way," Brax smiled.
"Yeah," Charlie nodded "I'm so happy for her it took them a while to get there she was worried something was wrong with her."
"Yeah Noah was saying they were trying a while, glad it worked out for them," he said.
"Me too," Charlie smiled and turned to him "we head home after this?"
Brax nodded and took a sip of his coffee "yeah I need to check in on Angelo's and talk to Case-something is up with him."
Remembering what Ruby said Charlie turned back to Brax "he broke up with Ruby," she said.
Brax's eyes went wide "what?" he asked surprised "I thought things were going well for them."
Charlie sighed "I did too but I noticed she was spending more time with Kyle than him and he was alone a lot. I asked her and she said he'd broken up with her because she'd spoken to you about something."
Brax shook his head "she saw him arguing with Douggie on the beach last week he wouldn't tell her what he'd said so she asked me to talk to him she was worried, said he was being quiet and snappy."
Charlie sighed "Ruby also said he'd broken up with her to focus on you…what does he mean by that?"
Brax sighed again "he's probably worried or something he knows what my temper is like…it can get me into a lot of trouble…don't you worry about it I'll have a word with him, find out what's going on in that head of his," Brax said and turned to his plate "eat up we'll be driving for a while," he said and handed her a plate "I wanna see all of that gone."
Charlie giggled "I worked up an appetite last night I think I'll manage."
They ate in silence, Charlie finished and placed her plate on the dresser "Brax where did Benji go?" she asked cautiously she knew what Lydia had told him had him on guard with everyone.
Brax placed him empty plate down "Heath said he took his truck the other night to see Ruby, he was supposed to come back but I guess she let him see her," he said and rolled out of the bed.
"Yeah maybe she did," Charlie smiled and grabbed her clothes hoping today went better that the last few.
An hour later Charlie and Brax were heading home in his car, Hayley and Noah had come with Tony and Beth so they had taken Charlie's car back "what do you wanna do when we get home?" Brax asked.
Charlie looked at her watch "I've to meet the girls for lunch, then I want to spend some time with the kids…but we can do something after that," she said.
"That's okay you just call me when you're free," he said and slipped his hand into hers.
Another hour later Charlie arrived at the diner to find Leah hurrying around and Hayley at a table alone "hey," she said and sat beside her "where are the others?"
"Leah's waiting on Indi she's running late, Georgie is at work, and Martha and B are on their way," she replied.
Charlie nodded and looked around quickly to see where Leah was "I need you to hang back when everyone is gone," she said seriously.
"Okay," Hayley said slowly "why?"
"Because," Charlie said and stopped when Bianca and Martha walked towards them "because I need you to and not a word to them," she said quickly "hey guys," she smiled when they sat down.
"That stupid car," Bianca groaned "I'd have been quicker walking," she huffed.
"Lucky I was passing or you'd still be there," Martha chuckled.
"Yeah," Bianca sighed "Heath said he'd have a look at it but I think I'm just better off getting a new car."
"What's wrong with it now?" Georgie asked sitting beside them.
"Cutting out again," Bianca replied "but this time smoke started coming out of it."
"Sounds like you blew something," Leah said coming to join them.
"Yeah my money," Bianca muttered.
All the girls giggled and looked up when someone stopped beside Charlie "hey Benji," Bianca said.
"Hey girls," he said and looked down at Charlie "can I have a word?" he asked.
"Sure," Charlie nodded and stood up "back in a sec," she said and walked to the corner "you need to more careful Benji you can't just slip off and not come back."
"I know I know I was on my way back when Douggie appeared at my door," he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair "he wants you off the street as soon as."
"Okay," Charlie nodded "I'm ready for this," she said and looked over at the girls.
"Here," Benji said and held out a phone "put it in your bra they'll take your own, when I come for you you have to make it look real there'll be other guys with me so you can't talk to me when you get in you have to be scared and whatever."
Charlie nodded and sighed "that I can do-don't worry…I better get back," she said and walked back to the girls.
"What did he want?" Martha asked watching him leave.
Charlie glanced back at him "oh his ex won't let him see his daughter I'm helping him out."
After they had all caught up and left one by one until it was only her and Hayley Charlie reached into her bag and took out a brown envelope and slid it to Hayley "Hayls I need you to keep this for me," she said seriously.
Hayley looked down at it "what is it?" she asked.
"When the time comes open it you'll know what to do," Charlie said.
Hayley frowned "I don't understand," she said and looked at the envelope again "Charlie what is going on?"
Before Charlie could reply she heard Daryl behind her "mummy!" he squealed and ran to her.
"You'll know what to do with it," she said and turned to him "hey baby," she said and lifted him onto her lap "wanna go to the beach with mummy?" she asked.
"Yay!" he squealed.
"Hey mum," Ruby said dropping into the seat beside her.
"Hey sweetie you okay?" she asked.
"Yeah," Ruby sighed "I'm fine, are we going to the beach now?"
"If you guys want to get something to eat I can wait," Charlie said.
"Nah we've already eaten I brought him here to get out of granddads way, a pipe burst and he kept splashing it in," Ruby said.
Charlie chuckled "alright we'll go now then Hayls you coming?" she asked.
"No," she sighed and looked down at the envelope again "I'll follow in a bit," she added.
"Okay," Charlie said and stood up "I love ya," she said and walked on.
Hayley watched them go and sighed heavily "what the hell is going on?" reaching for the envelope she turned it over to open it-stopping when Leah called her. Sighing again she stood up and walked to the counter looking out at Charlie as they walked down to the beach.
Down on the beach Charlie and Ruby walked in silence while Daryl ran ahead "have you spoken to Casey?" Charlie asked.
"No," Ruby sighed "I decided to leave him be if he wants to be with me he'll come to me," she said and sat down in the sand "he's the one that ended it over something stupid he's the one that can fix it."
Charlie looked to see where Daryl was before she sat down beside her "his head is messed up sweetie this whole thing with Brax and that guy has him worried-it has us all worried."
"I know and I'm worried about him too but it's not my fault…why is he punishing me?" she asked.
Charlie sighed she hated seeing her daughter so down, scooting closer to her she wrapped her arms around her "I don't know but Brax said he would talk to him."
"Mum," she groaned.
"Not about you- about not worrying about him," she said and pulled her closer "he'll soon see what a big mistake he's made."
Ruby looked out to the water "I hope you're right it sucks without him."
Charlie stood up "I'm always right, let's go for a swim," she said and pulled her up.
…..
A while later they had come from the water and dried off "I thought Hayls was coming down," Ruby said.
"Mummy can I has a drink?" Daryl asked.
Charlie pulled on her shorts and turned away from them slipping the phone Benji gave her into the side of her bra she pulled her shirt down and turned back to them" sure buddy," she said and grabbed her purse "why don't you two go ahead and see what she's doing while I pack up here," she said and handed Ruby money "get whatever you want."
"Thanks mum," Ruby said and took Daryl's hand.
"Hey!" Charlie called waiting for them to turn back "I love you two," she smiled.
"Love ya too mum," Ruby said and smiled.
"Loves you mummy!" Daryl called as Ruby led him up the walkway.
Watching them go Charlie sighed and sunk into the sand pulling out her phone she called Brax "hey baby," she said happily.
"There's my girl," he replied "what's up?"
"Oh nothing just calling to say I love you," Charlie said looking down at her bracelet.
"Aww aren't you just the cutest I love you too babe…where are you now?" he asked.
"Just finishing up on the beach," she said and looked at her watch "give me twenty minutes then we can all meet for dinner?"
"Sounds good to me we're meeting here?" he asked.
"Yeah," Charlie said and stood up, gathering their stuff she started to walk towards the diner.
"Great…I can't wait to see you," he said.
"Me too," Charlie smiled "I just wanna go home and chill out with you and my kids in my own house I am exhausted."
"How about we get a take-out and bring it home with us?" Brax suggested.
"That would be even better, Mr Braxton you are a genius," she giggled.
"Nah just trying to impress my girl," he chuckled.
Charlie giggled "job done," she said and stopped at the road beside the diner "so I'll meet you there in about twenty minutes?"
"Sure babe I'll be here just come into the office…I love ya," he said.
"Love ya too, see ya soon," she said and hung up.
Looking over she spotted Ruby and Daryl coming back with milkshakes "where's Hayls?" she asked walking toward them.
"She had to help Leah with something," Ruby said when she got to her.
"So is she coming or what?" Charlie asked picking up Daryl.
"Yeah she said give her a minute and she'll be out."
Before Charlie could say anything else a van skidded to a halt behind her, whirling around with Daryl in her arms her eyes widened as the side door opened and three guys jumped out and made a run for her "shit!" she yelled and turned around quickly. Dumping Daryl into Ruby's arms she looked back quickly "run Ruby run!" she screamed and shoved her away as one of them grabbed her.
"Mum! Mum!" Ruby screamed trying to hold onto a screaming Daryl, placing him on the ground she ran at one of them "leave her alone! Get off her!" she screamed and punched him where ever she could get.
"Mummy!" Daryl cried he was terrified "get off my mummy!" he sobbed.
"Run Ruby!" Charlie screamed as she fought them off "go! Take him away!" she screamed as they dragged her into the van.
"Mum!" Ruby cried trying to get to her "mummy!" she sobbed when she was shoved to the ground. Scrambling to her feet she grabbed Daryl and picked him up watching in horror as they pulled Charlie into the van.
Hayley walked out with her phone in her hand hearing Charlie scream followed by Ruby she looked up and her eyes went wide, dropping her bag and phone she took off "Leah call the police!" she yelled "Charlie!" she screamed and picked up her pace "Charlie!" she yelled and ran after the van as it screeched away "Charlie!" She screamed at the top of her lungs when it got too far away.
In the van Charlie gave up fighting, as they let go of her she lay back panting, looking up as a guy leaned over her she shot up and her eyes went wide "expecting someone else?" Douggie snarled before hitting her with the end of a gun- his laugh was the last thing she heard before she blacked out.
Ruby stood rooted to the spot watching the van drive away "mum," she whimpered and jumped as an arm came around her shoulder "it's me sweetie," Leah said softly and rubbed Daryl's head as he cried into Ruby's shoulder "come inside your uncles are on the way."
"No," she sniffed and wiped her face "Brax," she said "I want Brax."
"Darl you've had a shock I think you need to sit down," Irene said and tried to lead her inside.
"No what I need is Brax!" she yelled and shook them off, holding Daryl tight as Leah went to take him she took a step back "he stays with me!" she hissed.
"Sweetie I think he should come with me," Leah said softly "he's scared he doesn't understand."
"I can look after him!" Ruby yelled.
"Ruby I really th-" Leah started.
"Let her go," Hayley said.
"But Hayls," Leah started again.
"Charlie will want them together," she said and handed her Charlie's car keys "I drove her car back I was meant to give her the keys, go straight to Angelo's I'll be calling in five minutes."
Ruby took them from her and looked at Leah "he needs to be with me," she said shakily.
Leah nodded "okay sweetie," she said and rubbed her arms "you go see Brax we'll sort this out."
Ruby looked behind her as two cars skidded to a halt and her uncles plus Georgie jumped out running towards them "what happened! Where is she?" Peter asked panicked.
"She was pulled into a van…these two witnessed it-Ruby tried to help," Leah said.
"Rubes," Jack said walking to her and pulled them into a hug.
Ruby bit her lip as her eyes filled with tears "I gotta go," she said shakily and pulled away from him.
"You're not going anywhere but to granddads go wait in my car," Dan said.
Ruby turned back to him "you don't tell me what to do, I'm going to Brax" she said and started to walk again.
"You're not going anywhere near him!" Dan yelled and started to follow her.
Ruby whirled back around "I know you're blaming this whole thing on Brax but I don't care what you say mum has every faith in Brax just like I do…I'm going to him," she said and walked off ignoring them calling after her.
Ruby!" Dan yelled after her "Ruby get back her right now!"
"Leave her mate," Peter said putting his arm out to stop him "being with Brax is the best thing for them right now."
"You're kidding right?" Dan asked.
"No I'm not," Peter said watching Charlie's car pull away "they need to be with him," he said and walked over to Hayley.
Arriving at Angelo's Ruby carried Daryl inside, walking up to the bar she stopped "is Brax here?" she asked.
The barman looked down at her "yeah he is, who are you?" he asked and picked up the phone.
Ruby argued with herself before replying "his daughter."
The barman nodded and called into the office, inside Brax threw his pen down and picked the phone up "yeah?"
"I know you're busy but there's a girl out her looking for you she said she's your daughter."
"What?" Brax frowned "who?"
"What's your name?" he asked.
"Ruby."
"Ruby," he replied.
"Alright is she okay?" Brax asked.
"No, doesn't look too good she has a kid with her," the barman replied.
Brax sighed wondering where Charlie was "alright I'll be out now," he said and hung up "stupid Case this is all I need right now," he grumbled and stood up.
Walking to the bar he stopped "Rubes?"
"Brax," she whimpered and took a step "Brax!" she cried and stumbled to him.
"Hey hey," Brax said and caught her as she fell into his arms "what is it?" he asked.
Hearing Brax's voice Daryl looked up for the first time since it had happened "mummy gone daddy," he whimpered.
"What do you mean mate?" he asked rubbing his head he could tell they were both upset.
"A van pulled up beside us while we were waiting for Hayls, I tried to stop them I really did, she was fighting and screaming I tried to help her but there was too many of them, he knocked me to the ground and took off. Hayls tried to keep up with it but she couldn't they took her Brax they took my mum!" Ruby sobbed.
Brax stared down at the two of them in shock letting go of them he took a step back "Charlie's gone?" he asked in a daze.
Ruby nodded "she told me to take Dar and run but I couldn't just leave her."
Brax stared at them and said nothing turning to the bar her rested his hands on it and hung his head "god damn it!" he finally yelled "no! No! No!" he yelled and picked up a bar stool "this isn't happening!" he yelled and hurled it across the room.
As he picked up another one the barman ran out and shoved Ruby and Daryl out of the way "come on Brax!" he yelled as he hurled the stool behind the bar.
"Brax please!" Ruby cried.
"This isn't real! This isn't happening!" he yelled and picked up another stool throwing it across the room, picking up a tray of glasses he threw them too.
By now people started to clear out except Heath who had just walked in "what the hell?" he asked as he saw Brax go nuts on the bar, looking to the side of the bar he saw the barman shoving Ruby and Daryl into the kitchen "Oi mate!" he yelled and ran to him as he picked up a stool "Brax what the hell are you doing?" he yelled and took it from him.
"Brax please," Ruby sobbed "I need you I need you to be strong for mum-for us," she whimpered.
Hearing her words Brax closed his eyes as tears ran down his face, dropping the stool he walked to Ruby and pulled them into a hug "I'm sorry I'm so sorry," he said shakily and pulled them closer.
"Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on!" Heath yelled "Brax what's happened?" he asked taking a step to him.
"Daddy you has to go save mummy she was scared, she was crying" Daryl said. Hearing those words Brax broke down and pulled them ever closer.
"I'll go put up the closed sign," the barman said and walked by Heath.
"Oi," Heath said and pulled him back "what happened?"
He shrugged "the kid came in and said her mum had been taken…I don't know anything else," he said and walked off.
Heath shook his head and walked to Brax "Brax," he sighed and placed his hand on his shoulder.
Brax sniffed and pulled away from Ruby "sweetie go into my office I'll be in soon," he said and walked to the bar "get all the boys here now…we're doing this my way," he said and picked up a bottle "Douggie is gonna wish I had killed him," he snarled and took a gulp.
"Mum wouldn't want that," Ruby said taking a step to him "she'd want you to look after your son…and me."
Brax looked over at her "you're my daughter Rubes I love you as much as I love him and mum and I am gonna be her for you but I have to do this I have to get her back."
"What are we waiting for?" came a voice behind them.
Brax looked up to see Lydia two guys and-his eyes went wide "Em?" he frowned and looked back to Lydia "what's she doing here?" he growled "she's not getting in on this."
"Yes I am," Emma said quickly "you know the hassle he put me through…he caught up with Tyler too-he's dead, my son has no daddy because of him I want in on this."
Brax sighed and looked at Ruby who was clutching Daryl closer to her looking at all the new faces "it's alright sweetie they're cops," he said and walked to her "this is my son Daryl and my daughter Ruby, you all remember Heath."
Everyone turned as hurried steps came behind them and the boys stormed in "we're getting her back whatever it takes!" Peter yelled and walked up to Ruby and Daryl "you two will not be here for any of it, Kyle is outside you're going to granddads."
"I want to stay here with Brax," Ruby said backing away from him.
Peter walked to her "sweetie I need Brax and I'd rather have someone I trust looking after you while we're all here so please?"" he asked nodding towards the door.
"Granddad is going mental back at the house we need you to keep him calm," Jack said ruffling her hair "we all know you're the only one he'll listen to."
Brax walked over to her "go with Kyle Rubes I promise I'll be right over as soon as this is over."
Ruby looked at Peter then back to Brax "fine but if you don't call me every hour I'm coming back…love ya," she said and kissed him on the cheek.
"Love you too," he said and looked down at Daryl "and I love you mate, I'll get mummy back," he said and ruffled his hair.
"Promise?" Daryl asked in a small voice.
"Brax's heart broke looking down at his watery eyes "I promise mate I promise," he said and kissed him on the head "now go on I want to know you're home safe before I do anything."
"Bye Daddy!" Daryl called as Ruby carried him out followed by Jack.
….
Charlie groaned and groggily opened her eyes sitting up she winced and grabbed her head "ow!" she hissed and pulled her hand away. Looking at the blood on her hand she sighed "asshole," she muttered and pulled herself up, looking around she had to squint it was dark. Making her way to a window she pulled at the bars.
"I already tried that," came a small voice behind her.
Charlie turned around and could just make out a small figure sitting in the corner "Ruby?" she asked and took a step "is that you sweetie?"
"How do you know my name?" she asked and shot up from the floor.
"It's okay," Charlie said and held up her hands "I'm a police officer, I'm a friend of your daddy," she said and took another step.
"Daddy?" Ruby said and stepped out of the corner.
"Yeah," Charlie nodded "he told me where to find you…I'm here to take you home," she said and stopped in front of her.
"Can we go now?" she asked "I miss my mummy."
Charlie smiled down at her "not right now," she said and pushed some hair behind her ear "they have to see I'm here first, but I promise we'll be out soon," she said and sat beside her.
Just as she said that the door opened, pulling Ruby closer to her she stood up. Douggie walked in and stopped in front of her "I see you two have met," he said and started to pace "you see little one you were only needed to get her here," he said and looked at Charlie "but Benji isn't as smart as he thinks he is," he said stepping closer to her.
Charlie's heart rate sped up rapidly she was sure he was about to reach for the phone "I don't know what you're talking about."
Douggie chuckled "where did playing dumb get you the last time?" he asked.
"I'm not playing dumb," Charlie said firmly "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Douggie chuckled "you knew about this-Benji told you, he even told you when it was happening," he said and sat on chair "you're here now anyway that's all that matters, I'm just warning you now," he said and stood up again "any heroics and that Braxton and those kids of yours will be taken away from you just like that," he said and clicked his fingers.
"Where's Benji?" Charlie asked gripping Ruby's hand.
Douggie walked to her and smiled, looking down at Ruby he placed his hands over her ears "he's being dealt with," he whispered.
Charlie's stomach dropped "get away from her," she said and shoved him away "don't you touch her," she said and pulled her closer.
Douggie chuckled "she has no uses for me…until Braxton shows up," he said and walked to the door "make yourselves comfortable!" he laughed.
"Brax is not coming!" she called after him.
"Oh?" Douggie said and walked back to her "and why would that be?"
"Because I told him not to," she said not breaking eye contact.
Douggie chuckled "ah yes the blonde in the diner, don't worry about that she won't make it to him to deliver that envelope," he said and walked out of the room.
"Shit," Charlie said as the door closed leaving them in darkness again. Thinking about the phone Benji had given her she reached into her bra and pulled it out "Ruby go to the door and listen out if you hear any sound at all you come tell me okay?" she said and dialled Brax's number.
Brax and the other sat around in Angelo's "we can't just barge in there we don't know where he has her!" Dan yelled.
"What else do you suggest we do?" Lydia yelled "knock and ask for her back?"
Brax sighed as they bickered looking down at his phone as it rang he sighed again as a number he didn't know flashed on the screen "what?" he said.
"Brax?" came Charlie's voice.
"Babe?" Brax said and jumped up "are you okay? Where are you?"
"I'm fine Brax listen to me," she said seriously "I have Benji's daughter here with me he took her too Benji is in trouble."
"What?" Brax asked.
"Where is she?" Peter asked.
"Just listen Brax!" she hissed "I don't have much time Hayls has a message for you but Douggie knows I gave it to her you have to find her before he does."
"Alright, alright, Jack go get Hayley," he said and turned back to the phone "where are you?"
"I don't know some warehouse," Charlie looked over as Ruby hurried to her pointing at the door "I gotta go I love you, please don't come looking for me I'll get out of this on my own… I love you look after the kids," she said and hung up.
"Of course I'm gonna find you…Charlie?" he said "Charlie!" he yelled when she didn't reply "I love you too," he sighed and put the phone down.
"Where is she?" Dan asked.
"She doesn't know," Brax muttered and stood up "she just said it was a warehouse," he said and walked into the office.
"I got it!" Heath yelled and jumped up "when we were kids Douggie's old man had a warehouse on the outskirts of town it was small and far enough away from anything you could let off a bomb there and no one would hear it."
"Can you get us there?" Peter asked.
"Yeah I think so," Heath said and stood up.
"Right someone has to stay here with Brax," Dan said.
"I'm going," Brax said in the doorway of his office "and I'm gonna kill the son of a bitch when I get there," he growled.
"That is exactly why you aren't coming," Dan said "we can't afford to screw this up."
Brax walked to and stopped inches away from him "I'm going you get Charlie and leave him to me," he said and walked by him.
"You're not gonna change his mind," Heath said and followed him "we're wasting time!" he called.
Peter and Dan looked at one another "off the record?" Dan said.
"Off the record," Peter agreed and both walked out the door "let's take this son of a bitch down," he said and climbed into his car.
A/N Okay just about to hand over the laptop so no updates until some time next week :( hope you enjoyed this chapter and are still enjoying the story the review seem to be dropping :(