Major apologies for the ridiculiously long wait! The past 6 months of my life have been hectic with study and I just haven't had time to add any chapters. So you'll get 3 chapters now and the Epilogue tomorrow =)
Thanks for sticking by this!

Enjoy xo

Chapter 47

2 weeks later

Charlie's Point of View

Ruby and I were on speaking terms, but she was still living with the Braxton's for the time being. I didn't expect her to call me mum and welcome me with open arms, I was just happy we were now talking. I was at work filling out paper work in my office when there was a knock at the door and Watson popped her head in. "Hayley O'Conner is here to see you" She stated.

"Um…sure, let her in" I replied confused as to why she was here.

"Sergeant Buckton" Hayley walked in and sat down with a smirk.

"Ms O'Conner…what can I help you with today?" Still utterly confused as to why she wanted to see me.

"I've come to discuss something with you; something that I think you'll be very interested to hear. I plan on taking these photos to the local press this afternoon, but of course I thought I'd give you a good warning just in case there is something you wanted to tell your colleagues before I do" She handed me a folder. I opened the folder only to find several photos of Brax and I. They looked like they had been taken out the front of Brax's house, looking over to mine. It showed me on top of Brax's lap in his car making out, and another of us getting out and walking to my front door.

"How did you get these?!" I questioned.

"I guess I was just in the right place at the right time" Hayley smirked.

"Why are you doing this Hayley?" I asked, trying to show her how upset I actually was.

"Simply because I can" She chuckled before standing up. "Now, how about I let you keep those copies so you can show your boss" She smirked as she walked out. How did I ever think I would get away with this? All the sneaking and lying and compromising! All of this was going to ruin my career and I only had myself to blame. I quickly made a appointment with the Inspector's officer for the afternoon before letting Watson know I was off to the city. The whole drive there all I could think about was how much my life was going to change in the bay and whether or not it was worth staying there. I had no idea how the small town would react to there Sergeant being mixed up with the River Boys business.

"Ah Sergeant Charlotte Buckton, your appointment was rather rushed. I assume it's urgent?" Inspector Joyner, my boss asked me as I sat down I his office in the city.

"Yes Inspector it is. Earlier today a lawyer by the name of Hayley O'Conner made me aware of these photos that she is planning on giving to the local press" I handed over the folder before he looked at the photos before looking at me. He was ashamed, just like my parents had been when they found out I was pregnant. I couldn't help but blush and bow my head.

"I can only assume these would be of you and Daryl Braxton, yes?" He stated.

"That would be correct. I would like to point out that you sent me to Summer Bay to keep an eye on the River Boys, I thought starting a relationship with Daryl Braxton would help me do that" I nodded.

"I'm disappointed in you Sergeant. Can I ask the status of the relationship with Daryl Braxton now?" He continued with the questions.

"It's over. I realise how much I have already compromised myself and I would fully understand if you wish to stand me down from my role at Yabbie Creek" I nodded.

"Despite this relationship, the crime levels in the Summer Bay area have dramatically decreased since your arrival and I can only commend you for that. You are free to make up your own mind as to what your position will be at Yabbie Creek Police Station" He nodded back. I looked at him shocked before replying.

"As much as I would love to keep my job at Yabbie Creek I feel like in such a small town, once this gets out it will tarnish my reputation and I realise I have no-one else to blame but myself. That is why I have made the decision to transfer back to the city, after taking 2 weeks annual leave starting tomorrow" I had thought this through during the car trip and it was the only logical thing to do in this situation.

"That decision is entirely up to you, I do think that is a wise choice though. I will sort out the paper work and we can go from there" Inspector Joyner replied. After the meeting and all the paper work was sorted out I drove back to the bay to reveal the news to not only Ruby, but I had to let Brax know what was going to happen. When I walked into the restaurant Brax was setting up for the night shift.

"Hey, what can I do for you?" He asked from behind the bar as I walked towards him.

"Is anyone else here?" I asked looking around.

"Just the chef, but he can't hear a thing in there" He chuckled pointing to the kitchen.

"I need to let you know that Hayley came and seen me today"

"Hayley O'Conner? What she want?" He asked confused.

"She showed me photos she had of you and I…together. She was taking them to the paper today. I'm assuming they'll be published tomorrow" I revealed to him.

"I can't fucking believe her!" Brax placed his hands through his hair before leaning back. "Why the fuck would she do that?! Does she not realise we're over! The only thing that's going to do is get me in trouble with the boys and ruin your career" Brax replied, before realising what he said.

"Yeah…I told my boss today" I said softly.

"Charlie I'm sorry" He looked at me.

"Its fine...it wasn't as bad as I thought. The only thing I have to worry about is what this town is going to say about me. But I suppose that's the risk I took when we got into this. I compromised myself and there is nothing I can do about that now" I shrugged.

"Charlie I mean it, I'm sorry" He repeated.

"Yeah, well I should go" I nodded, turning to leave.

"Yeah, I'll see ya round" He said as I walked down the stairs. Before I went home I went next door to talk to Ruby. Casey answered the door and let me in.

"Oh, Hey" Ruby stood up from the sofa and looked at me.

"Can we talk in private?" I asked. She led me into hers and Casey's bedroom before we sat on the bed.

"Tomorrow you're going to hear some things about me that probably won't be true. Someone told the paper about Brax and I and I'm sure a lot of rumours will start around the bay and I'm sorry if you get involved in any of them" I explained.

"It's ok. I know who you are and I know what's true about you and what isn't" She nodded.

"The other thing is…I'm moving back to the city. I feel that's what's best for me right now. I need to get away from this place" I revealed. Ruby went wide eyed.

"When?" She asked.

"Hopefully tomorrow so I don't have to put up with all the looks and stares from everyone in town. I put in for a transfer and I'm taking two weeks leave while I look for an apartment"

"I'll come with you" She said quickly.

"I can't let you do that Ruby! You've got a life here! You've got school and Casey and friends…I'm going to have nothing" I shook my head in dismay.

"You'll have me…Mum" Ruby looked at me with her gorgeous eyes.

"Aww Rubes" I pulled her into a hug. "I can't let you come with me. You are better off here, trust me" I chuckled, kissing her forehead.

"I can come visit when ever I want though?" Ruby asked.

"Of course…I'll make sure I get a 2 bedroom apartment." I joked around. To be honest I was scared of what would happen tomorrow, but at least I wouldn't be around to see the towns reaction.