Two days had passed since Charlie and Brax had had their date and life was slowly returning to normal, pulling up at his house she jumped out of her car and walked up the drive, she had stayed here the night after the date and had left her shirt for work he didn't even know she was stopping by. As she opened the door she walked in and opened her mouth ready to call out-stopping when she heard Heath and Natalie in the kitchen, quietly shutting the door over she walked slowly towards them and stopped before the doorway.
"What are you doing Saturday?" Heath asked nervously.
"No plans," Natalie replied.
"So you're not doing anything?" Heath asked.
Charlie bit on her lip to hold back a giggle and rolled her eyes "come on Heath," she whispered.
"No," Natalie said slowly "I'll be sitting in the room watching the tv like I do every night, I haven't exactly got anyone lining up to be in my company," she sighed.
Charlie sighed she felt bad for the way she and everyone else was treating her, then she'd remember what she had done and her anger won every time-however, since the evening she met her in the diner things hadn't been so bad, shaking her head she went back to listening in.
"I'm sorry...wasn't thinking, uh," Heath said and scratched the back of his neck "would you uh," he said and cleared is throat "would you go out with me...on like a date?" he asked slowly.
Charlie stood behind the wall smiling stepping closer she waited for Natalie's reply.
"Sure," she replied and stood up "where do you want to go?" she asked and dropped her cup into the sink.
"Hadn't thought that far ahead I wasn't sure if you'd say yes or not," Heath replied and stood up too.
Natalie giggled and leaned against the counter "how about we go see a movie then dinner back at Angelo's?" she suggested.
"Sound's like a plan," Heath smiled and leaned on the counter beside her "so we're going on a date?"
"Yes Heath we're going on a date," Natalie giggled.
Deciding to leave them to it Charlie turned and went to make her way to Brax's room and stopped at him leaning on the frame watching her "what?" she asked innocently.
"Taking up eavesdropping now have we?" he asked raising an eyebrow.
Charlie giggled and walked to him "I couldn't help it they we're both so nervous...it was funny," she said.
"So what's the verdict?" Brax asked as he pulled her closer to him.
"They're going on a date Saturday night," Charlie smiled and looked back towards them "anyway I only came to grab that shirt you washed for me, I have to be in work at midday," she said kissing him quickly and walked by him.
Brax looked down at his watch and followed her "it's only gone ten," he frowned.
"I know," she nodded and opened his wardrobe "I knew you'd distract me," she giggled and pulled out her shirt.
"Babes I can't hang around," he sighed "I have to head up to the city and meet that new supplier...you know the one you asked me to meet because you had that meeting at the station today?" he added when she frowned looking back at him.
"Ah," she nodded "I remember that," she said and walked to him "guess I'm going to work early then," she said and leaned up to kiss him on the cheek "call me when you get back, love ya," she smiled and walked out of the room.
Brax followed her "I have time for a coffee if you want, I just have to drop Carly to my Nan's first."
Charlie turned back to him "you don't have to be late for me Brax."
Brax pulled her to him and kissed her quickly "I won't be late by having a coffee with you, I'll have plenty of time…Heath I'm off!" he called "make sure those two clean the house today!" he called and walked out the front door.
"Where's Carly?" Charlie asked as they walked to the cars.
"Over with Jett, I think she's got herself a little crush," he chuckled as he crossed the lawn to John Palmer's house.
Charlie giggled and followed him "and an older boy too."
Brax chuckled "if she was a few years older she wouldn't be even going into that house at all," he said and knocked at the door.
John opened the door "Ah Brax," he said and moved out of the way "good as gold as always," he said and walked back into the house "Carly your dad's here!" he called.
"Thanks John," Brax said stepping into the house "she loves coming over to see Jett."
John chuckled "and we love having her here she's such a bright kid-good for the boy too," he added.
"Charlie!" Carly squealed and ran towards her "you're here today."
"Hey sweetie," she smiled and picked her up "I gotta go to work in a minute, you all set for your day with Nan?" she asked.
"Yes," she nodded vigorously "Nana Delores said we're making cakes today daddy bought me all the stuff," she said excitedly.
"Thanks John!" Charlie called "Wow and are you going to keep me and daddy one?" she asked as they walked to Brax's car.
Carly nodded "if Uncle Heath doesn't see them first," she giggled.
Charlie chuckled "better make sure I'm the one to pick you up then," she said and placed her in her seat "I'll see ya later sweetie," she said and dropped a kiss on her forehead before shutting the door and turning to Brax "I'll meet you there in about fifteen minutes."
Brax nodded and leaned in to kiss her "won't be long babes...if Nan doesn't start talking," he said and walked to his own side of the car.
Charlie giggled and walked to her own car, waving Carly off she smiled again and climbed into her car
...
Later that evening Charlie walked up the drive to Delores's house and opened the door, walking in she smiled as she heard them laugh in the kitchen "hello!" she called and made her way in "wow, look at this place," she chuckled looking around at the mess on all the counters.
Delores chuckled "hello love how was work?" she asked walking to the kettle.
"Yeah alright, the usual day," Charlie replied and dropped into a seat "I see you two had fun."
"We had to make some cakes for her little friend Jett too," Delores said and sat beside her "she's had me busy since Daryl dropped her off."
Charlie giggled and turned to Carly "why don't you go wash your hands and face before we change you into the clothes daddy left for you."
"I have to help Nana clean up," Carly replied and jumped down off the chair "the mess didn't look this bad a while ago," she said looking around.
Charlie chuckled and stood up "I'll clean up here you go get changed," she said ushering her out of the room.
"Leave it love I'll do it later," Delores yawned as Charlie started to clear the table sit down and I'll make you coffee."
Charlie looked down on her "I'm fine, why don't you get some rest," she suggested "I'll be done in five minutes," she said and started to clear the pots and bowls away.
Delores yawned and stood up "I'll take you up on that," she chuckled "I'm not as fit as I used to be, I can hardly keep my eyes open I guess an hour won't kill me," she said.
Charlie giggled "she's full of energy, she has us all worn out I find myself having a nap too...we'll be here when you wake up," she smiled and turned back to the dishes.
"Okay," Delores yawned and walked up the stairs "don't forget your cakes in the fridge Carly!" she called.
Carly walked back into the room flour free and in clean clothes "where's Nana gone?" she frowned.
"To have a rest you wore her out," Charlie chuckled "we'll stay here for dinner with Nan, dad should be finished by then."
Carly nodded "I love Nan's dinners she always makes me my favourite, she fell asleep earlier and got sick this morning after daddy left," she said and started to help Charlie clean.
Charlie stopped and turned to face her "did you ask her what was wrong with her?" she asked concerned.
Carly nodded " I got her water, she said it was something she ate with her friend last night and she was fine."
Charlie nodded "and did she get sick again after this morning?"
"No, but she did sit down a few times and said the room was spinning," Carly said and placed a pot in the dishwasher "...is Nan sick?" she asked.
Charlie looked down on her "I'm sure she's okay," she said and smiled quickly "why don't you go watch cartoons while I finish up here."
Carly nodded "the fairies are on now," she said and ran into the living room.
Charlie sighed and turned the dishwasher on, walking to the stairs she looked in on Carly before taking them up. Knocking on Delores's door she pushed it in and smiled as she lifted her head off the pillow "so Carly tells me you were sick this morning," she said and sat on the bed beside her.
Delores waved her off "I'm fine love it must have been that pie I had with Connie last night, I'm fine honestly don't worry about it."
Charlie sighed "she also said you had to sit down because you were dizzy."
Delores nodded "happens from time to time in old age," she smiled.
Charlie shook her head "no it doesn't...I know when someone is lying to me, what is going on Delores?" she asked "are you sick and keeping it to yourself?"
Delores chuckled "nothing gets past a copper," she said and sat up "I kept it from you all because I don't want a big deal made out of it."
"Big deal made out of what?" Charlie asked concerned.
Delores sighed "I lost my medication that controls my digestive system, when I don't take it I get pains when I eat it's not a big deal."
"Yes it is a big deal," Charlie said "Delores have you not being eating?" she asked worried.
"A little here and there...I can't handle much without the tablets."
"Delores," Charlie sighed "why didn't you say something-when did you lose the tablets?" she asked.
"The last day you and Daryl called over," she said and smiled quickly.
"That was days ago," Charlie said angrily and stood up "no wonder you're getting sick and feeling dizzy! Why didn't you call someone when you lost them!"
"Because I didn't want anyone to think I was losing my mind!" she yelled back.
Charlie sighed and sat down again "we wouldn't have thought that we would have helped...where did you last have them?" she asked.
"After mass on Sunday I took two when I came home for lunch," Delores said "I can't remember what I did with them after that... and Daryl would have thought I was losing my mind," she added.
"Right," Charlie said and stood up and walked to the door " Brax wouldn't think that he'd want to help you, I'm going to drop Carly home then Brax and I will come back and find them but before I go I'm making you soup," she said and walked to the door "if we don't find them we're taking you straight to hospital to get looked over and get you some more."
"Thanks love," Delores smiled knowing there was no point in arguing.
Charlie looked back at her and sighed why the hell did she keep it to herself? she asked herself Casey and Kyle stayed here last night surely the would have noticed something...Brax was gonna be so mad, sighing again she walked out and closed the door over.
Brax climbed out of his car and turned as lights came in behind him, smiling when he saw it was Charlie and Carly he walked to her car "hey babes," he said and kissed her as she got out. "Hey sweetie did you have fun with Nan today?" he asked lifting Carly into his arms.
"Yes daddy it was so cool, we made all different cakes, Nan even let me lick the spoon before they went into the oven," she said excitedly.
Brax chuckled and put her on the sofa "I bet that didn't taste nice."
"No," she giggled "Nan had to get me water."
Brax chuckled "lesson learned," he said and walked into the kitchen "coffee babes?" he called. When Charlie didn't answer her stuck his head out to find her leaning over the sofa in a daze "Charlie?" he called.
"Sorry," she and stood up straight "what did you ask me?"
Brax frowned she looked worried "I asked you did you want coffee...what's wrong you look worried about something."
Charlie sighed "Brax we need to talk."
Brax's face went blank every emotion was flying through him he didn't know what to be thinking. Carly sneezing caught his attention "sweetie why don't you go in and pick out a dvd for bed," he said without taking his eyes off Charlie.
"Are you staying here tonight Charlie?" Carly asked as she walked around the sofa.
Charlie smiled down on her "we'll see sweetie go on I'll come into you in a minute," she said and looked back at Brax.
Brax waited until Carly was gone "so what's wrong?" he asked walking to her.
"Here, sit down," Charlie said and walked around the sofa.
Brax followed her and sat down "are you having second thoughts about us?" he asked that had been the first thing that had come to his mind.
"What?" Charlie asked wide eyed "no Brax I'm not," she said scooting closer to him "I love you I'm happy with you," she said and slipped his hand into hers.
"Even with a kid that's not yours hanging around?" he asked.
Charlie pulled away from him "you know I love that little girl Brax...where is all this coming from?" she asked.
"I'm sorry," he sighed and rubbed his hands over his face "when you say we need to talk I always think you're gonna break up with me over the way she was just dumped on us."
"I'd never do that," she said and scooted back to him "Brax I'm not going anywhere-ever, so get that thought out of your head I have Ruby too don't forget."
Brax sighed and sat back into the sofa "so what do we need to talk about?" he asked pulling her back with him.
"Your Nan," Charlie replied "Carly told me she got sick and she was dizzy today so I went and asked her what was wrong and she tried to lie to me."
Brax frowned "lie about what?"
"She said she was fine and that it wasn't a big deal...she lost her meds," Charlie said and sat up "the ones for her stomach," she added.
Brax sighed and sat up "so she hasn't been eating," he said and shook his head "I told her to call me after the last time."
"This has happened before?" Charlie asked.
"Yeah," he said and stood up "she ended up in hospital dehydrated and malnourished, the doctors called in services thinking we were neglecting her...took us months to get them, off hour backs. "
"Wow," Charlie said and stood up "so they'll called again if we bring her in?"
Brax nodded "I'd say so...I better go see her," he said and walked to grab his keys "are you okay to stay here with Carly?"
"Well I wanted to go back too...I told her I'd drop Carly here then we'd come back and help her find them," Charlie replied.
Before Brax could say anything else the door opened and Heath and Natalie walked in "great you're home watch Carly we need to go to Nan's," he said and walked out before Heath had a chance to say anything.
"Your Nan's not feeling well...We'll call," she said and hurried out the door after him
...
Charlie looked over at Brax as his grip tightened on the wheel "Brax relax its not that bad, we'll find them" she said and squeezed his knee.
Brax sighed "it's not that she lost them its that she didn't tell us she'd lost them."
"She told me she didn't want you to think she was losing her mind," Charlie said.
Brax frowned "why would I think that? She knows I only have her best interests at heart," he said as they pulled into her drive.
"Yeah but you have to think of it from her point of view," Charlie said as she climbed out of the car "she's old living alone very independent, she's just waiting for someone to tell her she can't do it anymore."
Brax scoffed "she's well able to look after herself old or not," he said and walked inside "Nan!" he called and walked into the kitchen. "see," he said looking around "she cleaned up all by herself," he said and opened the dishwasher "and made dinner," he added closing it again.
"Uh…I did all that," Charlie said.
Brax sighed "did she eat it?"
Charlie nodded "I just made her soup and toast….didn't think her stomach could take the bolognaise."
"Right," he nodded and walked to the stairs "Nan!" he called again.
"She must be asleep," Charlie said and walked out to him "why don't we just have a look down here first," she said and walked into the living room.
"Alright," he said and followed her "we'll start with the living room."
Half an hour later Charlie emerged from under the sofa "got them!" she called.
Brax pulled his head out from a press in the kitchen "yeah?" he called in.
"Yeah," Charlie replied and walked in to him "they must have fallen down the back of the sofa and out onto the floor behind," she said holding them up.
Brax walked to her and took them from her "thank you," he said and kissed her quickly "I better get them up to her."
Charlie nodded and stepped back "I'll straighten up down here…and Brax!" she called "go easy on her she already feels silly."
"I will!" he called back and took the rest of the stairs. Getting to her bedroom he knocked "Nan," he said quietly and pushed the door in "hey," he smiled as she sat up.
"Hi love," she said and turned on her lamp "you're here late."
"I had to find your meds," he said and sat on the bed "Nan why didn't you tell anyone?" he asked.
Delores sighed "why do you think Daryl?"
"Because we'd think you'd lost your mind?" Brax asked.
"Exactly," Delores said "I'm old Daryl doesn't mean I can't look after myself, I looked everywhere for those tablets and I couldn't find them that's all, I didn't forget where I left them."
"I never said you did," he said and scooted closer to her "Nan I know you can look after yourself, if I didn't do you think you'd be living here alone?" he asked "Charlie found them under the sofa did you look there?"
"No," Delores said "I never sit there," she chuckled "but I did when Carly was here the other morning, she was wrapped up watching her cartoons."
Brax chuckled and handed her over the box "keep a closer eye on them," he said and stood up "I'll let you get back to sleep-night Nan," he said and dropped a kiss on her forehead "I love ya," he added and walked to the door.
"Bye love," she smiled "and I love you too son…tell Charlie I said thanks."
"Will do…I'll be over tomorrow," he said and walked out of the room.
Charlie was waiting at the bottom of the stairs "everything okay?" she asked peering behind him expecting to see Delores follow.
Brax nodded and opened the front door "she's fine now she's going back asleep," he said and walked outside.
Charlie followed and closed the door "are you okay?" she asked as he locked the door.
Brax leaned in and kissed her "yep," he said and walked to his car "you staying in mine tonight?" he asked.
Charlie followed him and climbed into the car "depends what's on offer."
Brax chuckled and leaned over her "me, you, movie and maybe a bottle of wine."
Charlie leaned closer to him "throw in alone time and I'm yours," she giggled.
"Deal," he said and kissed her deeply.
Two days later Charlie yawned and sat up looking beside her she smiled at Carly and Ruby passed out beside her. Last night Brax had asked her to watch Carly so he and his brothers could go out for Heath's birthday she'd agreed and arranged a girls night.
Rolling out of the bed she pulled on a hoodie and opened her door, going down to the kitchen she walked in and smiled "hey," she greeted Jack who was sat at her counter.
"Hey," he grumbled.
"What's wrong with you?" she chuckled as she made herself a coffee.
Jack sighed "Natalie called this morning asked for a lift to the hospital because Heath wasn't home yet can you believe her?" he asked.
Charlie sipped her coffee and sat beside him "I take it you didn't drop her in."
"No," he scoffed "but Martha felt sorry for and did, I swear I could kill her at times," he said.
"You gotta let it go Jack," Charlie said "she's here for good we have to get used to it."
"You've changed your tune," he replied watching her closely.
"I know," she nodded "I'm trying to put it all behind me, I know she did what she did but I have to see her all the time at Brax's and I'm not sitting there day after day being mad."
Jack nodded "I see where you're coming from-makes sense," he said and stood up "I better get to work…I'll try be nice if I see her, bye!" he called on his way out.
Bye!" Charlie called after him.
Not long after Jack had left Charlie was washing her floors when her phone rang, seeing Natalie on the screen she hesitated for a moment before sighing and answering "hello," she said.
"Hey," Natalie sniffed "I uh know I shouldn't have called you but Heath's not answering. I'm at the hospital they're keeping me longer and whispering to one another…I'm scared Charlie I'm sorry I didn't know who else to call!" she cried.
Charlie bit her lip "what did the doctors say?" she asked as she walked towards he car keys.
"That there's been some irregularities with the baby's heartbeat," she sniffed.
Charlie blew out a breath "I'll be right there," she said and hung up "Ruby!" she called up the stairs.
"Mum?" she called back.
"Keep an eye on Carly I have to go out for a bit!"
"Where are you going Charlie?" Carly asked running down the stairs.
Charlie looked beyond her to see Ruby stop on the stairs "Natalie called she's in hospital she's really scared."
"She needs her big sister?" Carly asked.
"Yes," Charlie nodded and looked at Ruby "Heath's not answering they're keeping her in something's up with the baby."
Ruby nodded "alright I'll watch her…come on Carly we'll finish watching tinker bell," she said and walked up the stairs.
….
Walking into the hospital Charlie walked towards Sid "Sid!" she called "sorry to bother you Natalie called and said she was here what room is she in?" she asked.
Sid looked at the whiteboard on the wall "room six Charlie we're just waiting for the lab to get back to us with results."
Charlie nodded "is it bad?" she asked.
"Right now I can't say but don't worry we've done another scan the irregularities in the heartbeat have returned to normal," Sid replied.
Charlie nodded "thanks, I better go see her," she said and smiled quickly before walking on. Getting to the room she walked in "hey," she said and dropped into the seat beside the bed.
"Hey," Natalie replied and looked up "have you spoken to Sid?" she asked.
Charlie nodded "yeah, he said they're waiting on results from the lab."
Natalie sighed "he said not to worry."
Charlie stood up and sat on the bed beside her she could see how terrified she was "and we're gonna do just that," she said and slipped her hand into hers "everything is gonna be okay Nat."
Natalie sniffed "what if it's not?" she whimpered "what if my baby doesn't make it?" she asked and looked at Charlie "what'll I do then?"
Charlie sighed and pulled her into a hug "you can't think like that…member when I was pregnant with Ruby and I started to bleed-you remember how freaked out I was?" Natalie nodded against her "you remember what Pete said to me?"
Natalie pulled back and wiped her face "with a family like ours she wouldn't dare go anywhere," she giggled.
Charlie chuckled "that's right and I think Ruby heard that, her first words were Pete and she's so close to him, so I am gonna say to her," she said and placed her hand on Natalie's stomach. "You even think about going anywhere baby and you'll have your auntie Charlie to deal with," she gasped and jumped back when the baby kicked she smiled and looked up at Natalie.
"I think she heard you too," Natalie giggled.
Charlie giggled and rubbed her stomach "that's her telling us she's not going anywhere."
"Thanks for coming Charlie," Natalie said after a few minutes "I know you didn't want to and I know things will never be perfect between us."
Charlie waved her hand "forget about it we're moving on," she said and stood up "so a date with Heath?" she smirked.
Natalie blushed "how did you know about that?"
Charlie chuckled "I was there I heard the whole awkward conversation."
Natalie giggled "I think I was more nervous than him and he was the one asking me out."
"So you're not doing anything," Charlie giggled and sat back down "he can be really dumb at times," she said and looked up at her.
Natalie smiled "yeah he can be- but only when he's nervous."
Charlie picked up a magazine "what are you gonna go see?"
"That new horror is out…the conjuring."
Charlie chuckled "I'm going to see it with Brax tonight looks good."
"So how are things with Brax?" Natalie asked.
"Yeah good," Charlie nodded "things are going great," she said and smiled "he's so perfect."
"I'm really sorry for what I did Charlie, I know I hurt you so much and I can never forgive myself….I really didn't want to hurt you," she said and played with her fingers "he was just so nice and caring-he was even nicer when I told him about the baby."
Charlie stood up "I don't need to be hearing this you did me a favour- I never would have met Brax then," she said and grabbed her bag "do you want anything from the shop?"
"Charlie I-" she started.
"No? Okay then," she said and hurried out of the room. Along her way she stopped and leaned against the wall as her eyes filled with tears. The last thing she wanted to hear about was Angelo they were supposed to be getting married this day next week, sighing she pushed herself off the wall shoving Angelo and anything else to do with him to the back of her mind.
…..
Over an hour later Charlie sat by Natalie's bedside as she slept she looked up as rushed footsteps approached to see Heath and Brax hurry in "baby is fine," she said before Heath could start.
Brax walked over to her and sat on the arm of the chair "what did Sid say?"
"The medication Nat is on for her back interfered with the reading from the scan, seems there's something in it she shouldn't be taking," Charlie said and stood up "and she should have been taken off it, he's given her something to wash it out of her," she said and grabbed her bag "he did say she'd be asleep for a few hours."
"Thank god for that, How long have you been here?" Heath asked.
Charlie looked at her watch "since about eleven…I'm gonna head now that you're here."
Heath nodded "thanks Charlie," he said and hugged her "I know it wasn't easy spending half the day alone with her."
"Don't mention it," she said and walked to the door "I'll see you guys later," she said and walked out the door.
Brax placed his keys on the bedside table "you take my car home I'm gonna go with Charlie since you don't need me here," he said and hurried after Charlie.
Charlie turned back at her name being called "what are you doing?" she asked when Brax stopped in front of her.
"Coming home with you," he said and slipped his hand into hers "I didn't want to come anyway."
Charlie chuckled "has someone got a sore head?" she asked ruffling his head.
"No," he chuckled "I had three beers last night I had planned on taking Carly and Ruby to the mall before we went to the movies but Heath was too panicked," he replied as they climbed into her car.
Charlie pulled away "she's too occupied with tinker bell and ice-cream."
Brax chuckled "I know I was just there when Heath called me to come home."
Charlie pulled up at her house "are you sure you're okay with Ruby watching her tonight?" she asked as they climbed out.
"Yeah I trust her," Brax replied and walked in behind her.
"Yeah but this is overnight since you want me to stay at your place tonight," Charlie said.
"I know," Brax replied "Casey and Kyle said they'd stay here too if it's alright with you," he added.
Charlie thought for a moment she was a bit weary now Casey and Ruby were a couple "only if you warn Casey he's not to be in her room."
"Already been warned," he smiled.
"Then I'm okay with that," she said and walked into the kitchen.
Later that night Charlie giggled as Brax pulled her into his house "that was so freaky," she said and fell into the sofa.
Brax chuckled and dropped down beside her "but it was good," he said and pulled her into him "and it's a true story," he added.
Charlie pulled away from him "that's what makes it all the more freakier," she said and stood up "we're watching a comedy before we go to sleep," she added and walked into the bedroom.
Brax chuckled and stood up "you pick…do you want anything from the kitchen?"
"Ice-cream," Charlie giggled and settled back into the bed.
Brax came back with a tub of ice-cream and climbed on the bed beside her "what did you pick?" he asked.
"I got it from Kyle's room…the hangover," she said and opened the ice-cream "shoot," she giggled and looked down at her shirt.
"You're supposed to get it in your mouth dummy," Brax chuckled.
Charlie rolled off the bed and walked to his dresser "shut up," she giggled and pulled it open "if Casey didn't keep putting it back in the fridge it wouldn't be watery like that," she said and pulled out one of his shirts. She looked down as something fell out, frowning she picked up a box "Brax what's this?" she asked turning to him.
Brax looked up from the dvd case and his eyes went wide "nothing," he said quickly and jumped off the bed.
Charlie looked down at it and opened it "Brax this is an engagement ring-why do you have an engagement ring?" she asked and looked up at him.
Brax sighed and took it from her "my Nan gave it to me a few weeks ago," he said and placed it back in the dresser.
"For you to give to me?" she asked.
Brax nodded "she knows I'm so in love with you that I will marry you-someday," he added when her eyes went wide.
Charlie reached into the dresser and pulled it out again opening it she walked to the bed and sat down "it is beautiful- looks old, must be worth a lot," she said running her fingers over it.
"Yeah," Brax said and sat beside her "my granddad gave it to Nan, then she gave it to my dad to give to mum."
Charlie nodded "so it's been in the family for years?"
Brax nodded "nineteen twenty six I think she said," he said and took it from her "babe don't get freaked out, when she gave it to me I tried to give it back but she wouldn't take it. She told me to hang onto it and she'd be happy to know someone was looking after it for her," he said and stood up "and I'm gonna do just that until I feel I'm ready for it."
Charlie nodded and stood up walking around the bed she pulled off her shirt and pulled on the clean one "you might wanna find a new hiding place for it," she said and climbed onto the bed.
She knew he wasn't planning on asking her anytime soon-hoped he wasn't anyway, but she still couldn't help the panic that had now resided in her chest. Smiling at him as he lay back beside her she looked over at the tv willing her mind to forget she had ever seen it.
Brax looked over at her he could see the panic cross her face he sighed and sat up "you're freaking out," he said and leaned over her "aren't you?"
Charlie looked up at him "yes," she sighed and looked away from him "I can't help it I saw the ring I know it's there, even though I know you're not going to ask me any time soon I can't help but get a little panicked."
Brax scooted closer to her "Charlie I know you're supposed to be getting married next week I understand why you're freaked."
"It's nothing to do with next week," she muttered.
"Alright then," he said and pulled back "what would you say if I did ask you?"
"No," she mumbled.
"And why would you say no?" he asked.
"Apart from us only being together a few weeks-a lot of reasons," she said and sat up.
"Like what?" Brax asked waiting for the answer he knew was the real reason.
"Like it's too soon, we're not ready for it and we have kids to think about."
Brax sighed "Charlie it's not because of the kids and you know it…what's the real reason?"
"Because I'm scared Brax alright!" she yelled and jumped off the bed "my whole life was taken away in a second, I think about it day after day, was I not good enough? What did I do wrong to make him go to her? Was she better in bed than me-is that why he left me? Were they laughing at me? And most of all I'm scared it will happen again! Look at you Brax you can have ay woman you want! Why would you settle for me?"" she cried and ran into the bathroom.
Brax sighed and rolled off the bed walking to the bathroom door he tried the handle and sighed "babe open the door."
"No!" she yelled back.
"Charlie come on open the door," he said and tapped on it "you know you're being ridiculous."
"Really Brax am I?" she cried back "after everything I've been through with my dad, Angelo, my sister and everything else I am so screwed up…why would you wanna settle for me?"
Brax sighed "because I think you're the most beautiful woman I have ever seen-did the very first time I laid eyes on you, you're smart funny you have a huge heart… I am so in love with you Charlie all I think about is you. Every morning I wake up and thank god you even looked at me-I sometimes think it's all a dream that I'll wake up and you'll be gone. It's you that's too good for me it's you that can have any guy you want you're gorgeous. I'm not settling for you I'm with you because I want to be because I love you, I don't want to look at another woman all I want and will always want is you Charlie."
Charlie stood up and wiped her eyes walking to the door she pulled it open, biting on her lip she looked up at him "sorry, bad day" she mumbled.
Brax stepped forward and pulled her into a hug "I know babe I saw the letters in your house this morning about all the cancellations for the wedding, I was just waiting to see would you mention it."
Charlie sighed and looked up at him "and Nat tried to apologise this morning I'm sick hearing it, all I want to do is get on with my life-with you."
Brax nodded and stepped back "did it help getting it off your chest?" he asked walking them back to the bed.
Charlie nodded "yeah it feels like a weight has been lifted off my chest."
"Good because the ice-cream is melting," Brax said and climbed in beside her.
Charlie rolled on top of him "I think I'll survive without it," she said and lowered her head "I love you Brax you make me so happy-happier than I've ever been with anyone."
Brax leaned up to her "good to know," he said pulling her down and kissing her deeply.
A/N thanks for reading I know it was quite boring at the start anyway I am glad to say I have my own laptop again wahooo! (I even did a happy dance) So updates shall resume as normal, a big thank you to all of you who stuck by me I know I was a pain so thanks again and next chapter will be up Sunday- oh and I'll be ending this at 20 chapters J
Ps again the hospital scene is all made up I know nothing about it.