Charlie sat on the beach with her feet pulled up against her chest watching the water lap up against the shore, resting the side of her face on her knee she thought about the call she had gotten late last night. Natalie had called her in the middle of the night crying, she had told her she'd made a big mistake that she wanted to come home, that she didn't want to leave in the first place and she missed her, Ruby, their dad and her brothers. Charlie's reply had been 'too bad you made your bed now lay in it' before she hung up and turned her phone off.
Sighing she couldn't help but worry about her younger sister she did not sound happy at all, shaking her head she tried to force it to the back of her mind. Her sister had broken her heart ruined her life and took away the man she loved and the worst thing was she had betrayed her trust, that was the biggest issue for Charlie you don't have trust you don't have anything. Sighing heavily again she looked back to the water as much as she wanted to worry about Natalie she had her own life to get on with- a life she was no longer part of.
Up on the sand Brax stood watching her he watched the way her shoulders slumped or she dropped her head- even the faraway look in her eyes. When he called her this morning all he got for replies were one word answers before she said she had to go he knew something was bothering her. Looking around he saw the beach empty, walking down to her he sat down behind her and scooted so she was between his legs "what's wrong with ya babes?" he asked and slipped his hands around her waist.
Charlie smiled and leaned back into him "hey, I thought we were meeting later?"
"We are," he nodded "but I saw ya down here and I've been watching you for quite a while now…you've been here over and hour."
"I know," she replied "didn't sleep too well last night."
"Aww is my baby tired?" he chuckled and dropped a kiss on her shoulder "I can tell Nan we're gonna be an hour late if you wanna sleep before we go."
Charlie turned to face him "we're going on time, the reason I haven't slept is coz Nat called me last night," she blew out a breath "she was so upset she was crying and all she kept saying she was sorry that she missed me and that she wanted to come home," she shook her head "and I said too bad and hung up."
Brax sighed "Charlie she hurt you you've every right to be angry."
"I know I do and I was but she's still my little sister Brax and as much as I hate it I'm always gonna worry about her. I can't get the sound of her cries out of my head," she sniffed "she was calling me for help and I turned her down… wherever she is she doesn't wanna be there."
"Babes listen to me," Brax said and pulled her closer "she might not be happy with her decisions but she made them and it cost her her whole family her friends and her life here- she knew it would happen. I know she's your sister and she always will be but you gotta worry about yourself first, you've been through a lot more than they have."
Charlie nodded and leaned into him "I know," she said and rested her chin on his shoulder "but I still wonder why she called me…him too is he not happy either?"
Brax felt anger wash over him that she was worrying about Angelo too "okay," he said and stood up "your sister is one thing but I can't sit here and listen to you worry about the guy that broke your heart, I'm sorry I can't," he said and walked off "if you're that worried call him!" he called as he hurried away before he said something he'd regret…the last part cutting it close.
"Brax!" Charlie called after him and stood up "Brax come back!" she yelled confused as to what just happened, she wasn't worried about Angelo she just wondered why he called her at all. "Brax!" she called again she shook her head when he disappeared off the beach "well screw you then!" she called after him and dropped back into the sand.
…
Later that evening Charlie looked at the clock and sighed in half an hour she was due at Brax's Nan's house and still no word from him. Huffing she stood up and walked into the living room where Ruby was sprawled out on the sofa.
"Okay mum what is it?" she asked "you've been huffing and mumbling out of you for about two hours now," she said and sat up.
Charlie stopped at the stairs and looked back at her, thinking for a moment she walked back and sat beside her "I'm gonna save myself all the I'm not with him blah blah blah crap."
"That would be wise since everyone knows you're seeing Brax," Ruby chuckled "so this is about him?"
"Yes," Charlie sighed "we're supposed to be going to his Nan's for dinner and we had an argument earlier and not a word from him since."
Ruby chuckled "she's a crazy lady that one I've met her…have you tried calling him?"
Charlie didn't register the first part of what she had said "yes, I've called him twice and nothing I even text him."
"So just turn up at the house you were invited so she's expecting you," Ruby said.
Charlie scoffed "and what do you suggest I do call Casey or Kyle and ask for the address?"
Ruby shook her head "weren't you listening to me?"
"What?" Charlie asked.
"I told you I'd met her…I know where she lives," Ruby replied.
Charlie raised an eyebrow "and how do you know where Brax's Nan lives?"
"Casey forgot his shirt for work and asked me to drive him over- he made me come in with him," Ruby answered she stood up "call Brax and if you still don't get an answer I'll drive you over," she said and walked into the kitchen.
Charlie scoffed "I can't just turn up at someone's house!" she called and pulled out her phone she pulled up his number-sighing when it went to mail "hey it's me, look I don't know what happened earlier or why you're mad at me, if we're not going for dinner will you let me know instead of leaving me sitting here like a fool," she said and hung up.
Brax had just climbed into his car he was still mad- as his stubbornness held out for hours he decided to go alone and just tell his Nan Charlie got called away to the station. Listening to her message he shook his head and hung up, starting up his car he pulled away from his house.
Arriving at Delores's house he pulled into her drive and shut of the engine climbing out he walked to the door and let himself in "Nan!" he called and walked into the living room.
Delores appeared behind him "nice of you to join us Daryl," she said and hugged him.
Brax hugged her back and stepped away "I know I'm late sorry something came up…Nan Charlie-"
"I know Daryl Charlie already explained why you were late," she smiled went to walk out to the kitchen.
"What?" Brax asked-had he heard right?"
Delores turned back to him "Charlie arrived alone a while ago and told me you had to sort something at the restaurant…nice of you to send her alone Daryl we had a nice chat-I need to get back to her it's rude to leave guests alone," she said and walked out of the room.
Brax sighed and shook his head but couldn't help the smile that crossed his face-his mood had now returned to normal…he had some apologising to do. Shaking his head he followed her to the kitchen "hey," he said cautiously looking at Charlie.
She looked up and smiled "hey," she said shooting a look at Delores "did you sort that?" she asked.
"Uh yeah," Brax nodded and walked to sit beside her "you two having fun?" he asked.
Delores chuckled and stood up "a nice little chat I'm going to set up for dinner you two behave yourselves."
"I can help you set the table," Charlie said and stood up.
"No you won't you're a guest you'll sit back down," Delores said seriously.
"I don't mind," Charlie said.
"Well I do…Daryl speak to her," Delores said and walked into the dining room.
"She's not gonna let you help so forget it," he said looking up at her.
Charlie sat back down and looked into her cup "fine," she sighed.
Brax moved closer to her "babes I'm sorry," he said.
Charlie looked over at him "you wanna tell me what happened?" she shook her head "coz I sure as hell don't know."
"It's him Charlie even the mention of his name drives me crazy, I'm sorry, seeing you worry about him…my jealousy got the better of me," Brax sighed and sat back in the chair "I can be pretty stubborn I know I shouldn't have walked off or ignored your calls I acted like an idiot and I'm sorry."
"Yes you are an idiot," she giggled "Brax I wasn't worrying about him- I couldn't care less, I was wondering why he called me then my sister calls me that's all."
Brax looked over at her "and I should have listened…forgive me?"
"Hhm," Charlie said pretending to think "you'll have to make it up to me," she said scooting closer to him.
Brax nodded "anything you want."
Charlie leaned in closer "we'll discuss it on the way home," she said and kissed him, sliding her hand onto his cheek she deepened it.
Brax slid his arm around her waist and pulled her closer.
"Cut that out don't make me get a bucket of water," Delores said and slapped Brax on the back of the head "my old eyes can't handle that stuff anymore…Daryl grab me down the guest plates," she said stopping in front of a press.
Brax stood up "we've been through this a million times Nan they're not guest plates they're just plates," he said and lifted them down for her.
"I only take them out when people are here so they are guest plates," Delores replied.
"You live here alone there is no reason for them to be out unless you have people here," Brax said.
"Brax leave her alone, if she wants to call them her guest plates they're her guest plates," Charlie giggled.
Delores smiled at her "oh she's well able for you son," she chuckled and walked out of the room.
"Hey you're supposed to be on my side," Brax said and sat back down.
"In a stupid argument like that no thanks," she chuckled "and leave you Nan alone that was mean," she said and slapped him.
"She drives me mad half the stuff she comes out with," he groaned.
"So she's old let her say what she wants….or you won't get any every again," she said seriously.
Brax scoffed "please you can't stay away from me," he chuckled.
"We'll see how wrong you are when I avoid you for a week," Charlie said and smirked at him.
Brax leaned over her "I'll have you right where I want you later and don't try think otherwise," he murmured and kissed her slowly.
"For that you're going home alone tonight," she said and stood up.
Brax chuckled "I didn't see your car out there."
Charlie narrowed her eyes at him and opened her mouth but Delores called them "maybe you should start thinking of ways to make it up to me rather than what you won't be doing later," she said and walked out of the room.
Brax chuckled and stood up following her.
….
After dinner the three sat talking "that was delicious Delores thank you," Charlie said.
"Thank you dear, I keep the best for moments like this- did you know you're the first girl of his I've met…I'm actually relieved Daryl I thought you were keeping something from me," she said seriously.
Charlie bit her lip and looked at Brax who was looking at her wide eyed "don't worry Delores I can safely say he's not keeping anything from you," she giggled.
"That's good to know I was starting to think of boys I could set you up with," she said and looked to the door as it opened "if this is Heath and another one of his hussy's I'll beat him with the brush," she said and stood up.
"Has he been bringing girls back here?" Brax asked angrily.
"Once or twice but you know I can handle him and his partying ways….Heath?" she called and walked into the hall.
Brax shook his head "I'm gonna kill him what does he think he's playing at," he said and stood up.
"Brax calm down," Charlie said and grabbed his hand "don't do anything in front of your Nan."
Brax sighed and sat back down "I'm still gonna kill him," he muttered.
Delores walked back in and sat down "just Connie from next door looking for a cake dish."
Charlie nodded and slipped her hand into Brax's "why don't you go watch tv or something while we clean up."
Delores nodded "sounds like a deal," she said and stood up "Daryl you know where everything goes," she said and walked into the living room.
"Yeah Nan," he muttered.
Charlie stood up and looked down on him "you coming?" she asked.
"In a minute," he muttered.
Charlie shook her head and leaned down to him titling his chin up kissing him hard, she leaned further into him and he responded. Pulling back she moved away from him "think about something else," she said and walked out of the room.
Sighing Brax pulled back his chair and stood up following her he pulled her back against him and started to trail kisses up her neck "I'm thinking about you," he mumbled.
Charlie giggled and pulled away from him "think about the quicker we get this done the quicker we can get home."
"Better get to it then Nan will keep us talking for a while," he replied and walked to the sink.
…
Finally two hours later it was time to say goodnight Brax walked out the front door holding Charlie's hand "night Nan," he said and kissed her on the cheek "I'll be over Sunday and lock the door as soon as we're gone."
Delores chuckled "lock your brother out you mean," she said and hugged Charlie "you come back and see me soon dear."
"I will thanks for tonight I had fun," Charlie said and stepped back "night Delores," she smiled.
"Daryl you make sure you get her home safe!" she called as they walked down the drive "and no sneaking out of her house tomorrow Daryl her daughter will be scared for life."
"Nan," he groaned.
Charlie giggled "my daughter knows about him!" she called back.
"I'd be scared!" Delores chuckled "night you two!" she said and went back inside.
Brax chuckled and climbed into the car "sometimes I wonder where we got her from."
Charlie giggled "she reminds me of Kyle he's always joking around."
"Wait till you meet Heath he's the double of her…where am I dropping you?" he asked as they pulled away.
Charlie smiled to herself "my place…where you'll be staying."
"Can't," Brax smirked "gotta meet my girlfriend."
Charlie smirked back "aww and here I was thinking you only had eyes for me…shoulda took that lawyer up on his date offer."
Brax's head shot to her "what lawyer?" he asked.
Charlie bit her lip "the one that asked me out this morning when I stopped in to check on things."
Brax scoffed "well he won't be getting through the door again."
Charlie laughed and shook her head "I'm a free agent ain't I?"
Brax looked over at her and raised an eyebrow "were you in the room when we had that conversation yesterday?"
Charlie giggled "oh that I only said that so you'd…you know."
"Oh so you're only using me to sleep with me?" he asked as he pulled up outside her house.
Charlie pulled off her belt sliding across the seat she threw her legs over him and sat back against the wheel "you got a problem with that?"
"I don't think I'm comfortable with you seeing other men," he replied trying to be serious.
Charlie lowered her head "good thing I told him I was taken then," she said and kissed him.
"So you're my girlfriend?" he asked slipping his arms around her.
Charlie sat back "you'll have to get rid of your other girlfriend before I answer that," she said and pulled the door open climbing out she turned back to him "you coming in or what?" she asked and walked to her door.
Brax chuckled and followed her, closing the door he locked it, walking into the living room he dropped onto the sofa beside her "are you gonna answer my question?" he asked pulling her against him.
Charlie looked up at him "like I said this is not a fling to me, but for now we won't label it we're still getting to know each other Brax."
Brax nodded "agreed…let's set a few ground rules."
"Shoot," Charlie said and sat up.
"Okay, you're not allowed see other men I'm not allowed see other girls," Charlie nodded "I'm allowed to kiss you- touch you whatever in public sleepovers are a must-whenever we can….and I'm allowed to knock out any guy I see flirting with you," he chuckled.
Charlie giggled "all agreed except that last one, and if I see anyone flirting with you, smiling sweetly, batting their eyelashes I will be having serious words."
"So we're agreed on the rules?" he asked Charlie nodded "good coz I wanna take you to bed now," he said and threw her over his shoulder "been a long day," he chuckled and carried her up the stairs.
Dumping her on the bed he climbed on top of her and started to kiss her "told ya I'd have ya where I wanted ya," he said and moved onto her neck.
Charlie giggled "you're just lucky you got something to offer," she said and kissed him passionately.
A few hours later Brax groaned and opened his eyes as Charlie's phone began to ring "babe," he muttered and nudged her off his chest "babe, phone," he said leaning over her.
"Turn it off," Charlie groaned and snuggled back into him.
Brax reached over and grabbed her phone seeing her sisters name flash on the screen he sighed "it's Natalie," he said.
Charlie held up her hand and took the phone from him "what?" she muttered.
"Charlie," Natalie sniffed.
"What?" Charlie asked again.
"I need you!" she cried.
"Why?" Charlie asked "why me? Haven't you any mates left to call?"
"Angelo's gone…he's heading back to the bay," Natalie said.
"What!" Charlie yelled bolting up in the bed "why is he coming back here?"
"The baby isn't his," she whimpered.
"And how did you find that out you're only a few weeks?"
Natalie sighed "I'm four months…there were complications, I was bleeding they said they needed blood from the father to injected into the baby. When Angelo gave blood they told him he wasn't a match to the baby so he couldn't be the father."
"So whose is it then?" Charlie asked trying not to hear how far along she was. "Natalie!" she yelled when she didn't answer "who is that baby's father?"
"Some guy I met in a club… I was pissed that Angelo stood me up to go out with you so I brought him home."
Charlie sighed "do you even know his name?"
"Heath something" she muttered.
Charlie looked over at Brax "Braxton?" she asked getting his attention.
"Yeah that's the one; he had tattoos on his neck and arm."
"Natalie," Charlie groaned.
"I need your help Charlie I need to find this guy… I don't know what I'm gonna do, Angelo took all the money- I have one night left in this motel."
Charlie sighed again "I'll call you in the morning," she said and hung up.
Brax stared at her "why do I get the feeling I'm not gonna like what you're about to say?"
Charlie huffed and threw herself back "do you want the bad news first or the worse news first?"
Brax lay back and rolled to face her "just get it all out."
Charlie rolled on her side "Angelo is on his way back to the bay for good-he's not the baby's dad and your brother is the guy she brought home…he's the dad."
Brax shook his head "I told that moron to be careful he's always picking up chicks or going home with them I warned him this would happen."
"What are we gonna do?" Charlie asked.
"It's not our problem Charlie I'll tell him tomorrow then he can deal with it."
Charlie scooted over and lay on his chest "he needs to go to wherever she is the baby needs blood from the father."
"I'll make sure he's there first thing," Brax said and wrapped his arm around her "and by the way... Angelo comes near you I won't be responsible for my actions."
Charlie giggled and looked up at him "I won't stop you," she said and leaned up to kiss him "night," she said and lay back down on him.
"Night babe," he replied and pulled her closer. Sighing he looked up at the ceiling Heath was gonna come crying to him for help meaning he'd be left to deal with it all. Sitting up he rolled Charlie off him "I'm sorry babe I can't stay I gotta find Heath," he said and started to pull his clothes on.
Charlie sat up "Brax it's three am you can't go looking for him now…just wait until morning."
"You don't know Heath Charlie he'll leave me to deal with all this I'm not doing it it's his mess… call her back and find out where she is and call me."
"Brax," she started.
"Please babe?" he asked and sat on the bed "you have no idea what Heath is like he's gonna flip and keep saying it's not his- he's gonna want tests done and all that."
"Well explain to him this baby could die, he'll give the blood and if it's not him they'll tell him then and there," Charlie replied.
Brax leaned over and kissed her "I'll drag him there if I have to," he said and stood up.
"Wait!" Charlie yelled and jumped up "I'm coming too if you two turn up Nat will get freaked, I should be there," she said and pulled on clothes.
"Charlie do you think it's a good idea after what she did to you?"
Charlie sighed "no but she's my little sister- I promised mum I'd look after her…just like you did your mum-I'm coming."
Brax nodded he couldn't argue with that "it's not gonna be easy," he said as they walked to the door.
"I'm a cop Brax I've seen everything," she replied as they walked down the stairs.
….
A while later they pulled up at Brax's house climbing out they went inside "wait here," Brax said and walked towards the bedrooms. Charlie sighed and walked to the kitchen clicking on the kettle she sat down at the table.
In the bedroom Brax sighed in relief to find Heath actually there but not surprised to see a girl beside him. Leaning down he slapped him on the head and stepped back.
"What the hell!" Heath groaned and opened his eyes "Brax what are you doing?"
"Get up get dressed get rid of her and meet me in the kitchen…Now!" he yelled when Heath closed his eyes.
"Alright chill," Heath said and sat up.
"Two minutes Heath!" Brax snapped and walked out of the room.
Charlie looked up when Brax walked in "is he coming out?" she asked.
Brax nodded and sat beside her "some girl in there as usual," he muttered.
Charlie looked up as some unimpressed blonde opened the front door and stormed out, her eyes went to the hall when a tall guy walked out pulling a shirt over his head. She watched him walk to them and stop.
"I'm here," he said looking at Brax totally ignoring her.
"Sit down," Brax said and clutched the coffee Charlie had made for him.
Heath sat down and looked at the cup in front of him "what's going on…who' she?" he asked looking at Charlie.
"Do you remember a blonde girl named Natalie?" Brax asked "you went home with her about three/four months ago?"
Heath scratched his head and chuckled "uh there's been a lot you'll have to be a lot clearer," he looked over at Charlie as she pulled out her purse and opened it.
Taking a picture out she slapped it down in front of him "remember her now?" she asked.
Heath picked it up and looked at a photo of Charlie and Natalie "ah yeah her….she was awesome," he chuckled "what about her?" he asked handing Charlie back the photo.
Brax sighed and shook his head "congratulations you idiot you're gonna be a dad."
"What!" Heath yelled wide eye "b-bu-but that can't be right," he stuttered.
Charlie stood up "you had sex with her and obviously used nothing what did you think would happen," she said and walked towards the front door.
"Charlie, where are you going?" Brax called after her.
"I'm gonna leave you two to talk I'll be in the car," she said and walked out the front door, he was so smug she just wanted to slap him he made her cringe at the smile he gave looking at the photo. Shaking her head she climbed into the car and sighed he looked like the type of guy that wouldn't care if he had a kid or not she just hoped for Natalie's sake she was wrong.
Inside Heath was still in shock Brax sat back and watched him he couldn't help but feel sorry for him this was the last thing any single guy wants to hear, he looked back to him when he spoke.
"So what happens now?" Heath asked quietly.
Brax sighed and leaned forward "that is up to you mate but right now you gotta help this girl out."
Heath looked over at him "you want me to give her money?"
"No," Brax shook his head "there are some complications- I don't know what, all I know is the baby needs blood from the father."
Heath nodded "when do I have to do it?"
Brax was surprised at how well he was taking this "now- she's up in the city, we're leaving as soon as you're ready."
Heath nodded again "how do you know about this anyway…that chick come find you?"
"That chick is Charlie- the one I told you I went into business with and the other girl you were with is her sister," Brax said and stood up "I'll give you a few minutes to yourself I'll be in the car," he said and walked towards the door.
"Hey Brax!" Heath called "thanks for coming with me… I don't think I can face it alone."
"What brothers are for mate…don't be too long," Brax replied and closed the door behind him.
Charlie smiled weakly when he climbed in beside her "he'll be out in a minute," Brax said. Charlie just nodded "are you okay?" he asked.
"Yeah," she sighed "just can't believe this is happening…I should hate her I shouldn't care what trouble she's in."
Brax nodded "you should, but no matter what she's done that's your niece or nephew in there and they've done nothing wrong," he said slipping his hand into hers.
Charlie turned to him "I think that's the only reason I'm going," she said and looked over as Heath approached "want me to sit in the back?" she asked.
Brax leaned over and kissed her "no he can get in the back," he replied and started up the car as soon as Heath climbed in.
Over an hour later they arrived at the motel Natalie said she was in, walking to the desk Charlie smiled at the guy behind the desk "have you got a room for the night-what's left of it?" she added.
"Sure… room eight," he said and handed her a key "sixty bucks," he said turning back to the tv.
Charlie handed over the money Brax had given her "thanks," she said and walked back to them outside. "Nat said she was in room twelve…I'm gonna go talk to her first, Brax here's the key to our room- I'll come get you Heath when I'm ready," she said and walked off.
As she got closer her heart started to beat louder and faster her palms started to get all sweaty, wringing them out she brought her hand up and knocked on the door stepping back quickly.
Natalie opened the door and couldn't even look at her, Charlie looked down at the cigarette in her hand and shook her head "get rid of that for starters," she said and took it from her, flinging it to the ground she closed the door over.
"I didn't think you'd come," Natalie said quietly.
"Believe me I didn't want to but yet here I am to sort out another one of your messes, god Natalie how could you be so stupid you didn't even know the guy!" she yelled.
"I know I'm sorry," Natalie said and hung her head.
"Tell that to your kid!" Charlie hissed "he's the one that'a gonna have two screwed up parents!" sighing she sat on the bed "Heath is here too he's gonna come up and talk to you when I go down."
Natalie nodded and sat beside her "so what do I do now?"
Charlie shook her head "you ring that hospital and tell them he's here and willing to help," she said and stood up "I'm only here to make sure that baby is okay, after this I'm done I have my own life to get on with," she said and walked to the door.
"I'm sorry Charlz!" Natalie called after her.
Charlie scoffed "no you're not, if Angelo hadn't left you wouldn't have called me at all but that's what you're good at, come crying to good old big sis she'll make it better…not this time. You went too far Nat I mean it we're done, you have Heath now he's the dad call him," she said and walked out the door.
Walking back to the room she knocked at the door and waited for one of them to let her in. As soon as the door opened she walked by Heath "she's waiting for you," she said and walked to the bathroom.
Brax frowned and looked at Heath who still stood by the door "go on mate…I'll be here when you're done." He waited for the door to close and walked to the bathroom door "Charlie?" he called and knocked. He stepped back when the door opened and she walked into his arms.
"That was so hard," she whimpered "she looks so scared and I still went on like a bitch…all I wanted to do was hug her."
Brax wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head "I'd say it was, but you're still hurt- seeing her is bound to bring it all up."
Charlie looked up at him "she has a tiny bump," she sniffed.
It dawned on Brax what this was really about "it's alright to miss your baby Charlie, seeing her that way I'm sure it hurts but it's still okay to cry," he said softly.
Charlie rested her face against his chest and sighed heavily "I've done my crying… even though I wasn't that far along and he was probably the size of a pea, I do miss him, I wanted him and he was taken away from me, I'll never stop thinking what could have been but if it was meant to happen he'd still be here," she said and looked up at him again "you never know one day it might happen for me."
Brax smiled down on her "one day," he said and lowered his head to kiss her.
A/N I don't know anything about the baby needing the fathers blood I made it all up...and that was Heath's introduction to the story :)