Thank you to everyone for all of your reviews, I started this because I have loved reading all of the other stories and just wanted to contribute something - the two of them just going about daily life and how their relationships develops as a result of doing a bit of "normal" like the rest of us. X
They had driven across London and Upton Park came into view, she directed him to some parking spaces near the flat. She let out a deep sigh as she got out of the car, he got their bags out of the boot and she was scanning his face for any negative reaction to his surroundings. He was giving nothing away and smiling he gave a flick of his head as a sign for her to lead the way whilst he carried the bags. She made her way toward a narrow alley at the end of which where some stairs she turned to look over her shoulder "hold your breath" he looked confused but as they made their way up he understood as he was met with the faint smell of urine. At the top of the stairs she turned to her left and made her way to the end of the balcony, he followed and they made their way into a narrow hallway and were met by who he guessed was Molly's mum Belinda popping her head around the kitchen door "hello love" she moved to throw her arms around Molly enveloping her in a massive hug "it's good to have you home" Molly prised herself free conscious that Charles was stood behind her "Mum this is Charles" he held out his hand "Pleased to meet you in person Mrs Dawes" Belinda blushed "Call me Belinda love, do you fancy a cuppa both of you?" Charles smiled and answered first "a coffee would be lovely, thank you" Molly moved forward into the kitchen "I could murder a cup of tea, where's Dad?" Belinda put the kettle on and started to get cups out of the cupboard "he's just nipped down the shops he should be back in a minute, your Nans due anytime an all"
Molly pulled Charles through into the lounge and they sat on one of the sofas as Belinda brought their drinks in, just then the front door opened and a familiar voice could be heard "where is she then? Nan appeared in the doorway. Molly put her coffee on the table and jumped up to give her a massive hug "we've missed you girl but it's good to see you back here safe an sound again" "it's good to be back Nan" Charles had also got up from the sofa, Molly turned to look at him and then back at her Nan Charles took the initiative and stepped forward "Hello I'm Charles Molly's boyfriend" Molly flushed instantly at him describing himself as her boyfriend she had never heard him say it before even though that's exactly what he was now. "Well,well Molls you've bagged yourself a diamond here girl, nice to meet you Charles, Captain isn't it?" Not a great deal got past Molly's Nan. "technically yes it is still Captain, I am on medical leave after I was injured on tour, your granddaughter saved my life."
Molly looked at the floor a bit embarrassed muttering "just doin my job" he grabbed hold of her hand "I owe her my life, and I now want to spend the rest of it with her" Belinda and Nan practically melted on the spot this sort of stuff only happened in films and books not in Newham. They all sat back down on the sofas and chatted away catching up on all the comings and goings of the estate, Molly's latest tour and Charles rehab, Molly couldn't help noticing how natural he was around her family like he just adapted and slotted into his surroundings, maybe it was life in the army that had taught him how to deal with any situation? The chatter was interrupted by Dave arriving back from the shops, he looked into the lounge and he looked like a different Dad that she left, tidier, with a spring in his step "Molls !" "Alright Dad?" She raised her mug to him as he took the shopping bags through to the kitchen, she got up and followed him "you alright Dad?" He turned "it's good to have you back, no need to ask who your mate is, your mum told me last night" he seemed a bit non plussed but he was always a bit like that "you gonna come and say hello at least?" He smiled and followed her back through to the lounge, Charles got up from the sofa practically standing to attention it was clear he was much less comfortable around Mr Dawes, Molly felt his awkwardness but also was secretly amused that he was behaving around her dad almost like he had around Major Beck in Afghan. "Dad this is Charles" Charles extended his hand out to Dave "good to meet you Sir, I mean Mr Dawes" Molly burst out laughing, she couldn't help it which made her mum laugh, then her nan and Dave was already sniggering. Uncharacteristically Dave took pity on Charles' embarrassment, he never normally shook hands with anyone, hadn't done for years but he took Charles' hand "Pleased to meet you too Captain, I mean Charles" immediately stepping away and giving a mock salute. At this point they all collapsed in fits of laughing, Charles included he was almost a fully fledged member of the Dawes clan, just the kids now when they got back from school.
After a while they excused themselves from the continuing banter and went up to Molly's room, she sat on the bottom bunk and he settled down on the floor beside her legs, she stroked her fingers through his soft curls "you ok" she asked him "I think you made a memorable first impression" she slid down onto the floor next to him " We'll see when you tell them you are moving out" she put her head on his shoulder "it will be fine, they'll be glad of the extra room" he kissed the top of her head
"we'll see"